IEA chief calls for unconditional reopening of Strait of Hormuz

International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol has stated that while the interim agreement to end the US-Iran war is a positive development, the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened unconditionally, and the negotiations should be finalised within 60 days.

Speaking in Istanbul on June 18, Birol described the deal as broadly welcome, saying it “made me and everyone happy,” but cautioned that uncertainty remains as several countries reassess their energy strategies following the earlier closure of Hormuz and the risk of it being shut again in the future, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iran International.

The memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States was finalized on June 14, following months of intensive negotiations mediated by Pakistan, with support from other regional countries.

Under the agreement, the war and all military operations, including in Lebanon, have ended immediately, and the US naval blockade against Iran has been lifted.

The MoU also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov