Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 7: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that 11 Indian ships have successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz following continued diplomatic engagement with Iran.

During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has seen positive progress in discussions with Iranian authorities and remains in constant contact to ensure the safe movement of the remaining vessels.

According to the MEA, 13 Indian ships are still located in the Persian Gulf region, and efforts are underway to facilitate their safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz toward India.

The development comes amid signs of easing tensions in the region after both the United States and Iran indicated a possible relaxation of blockades affecting one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

US President Donald Trump announced earlier this week that Washington was temporarily pausing its blockade measures to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement with Tehran.

Following the announcement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that ships would once again be allowed to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that American pressure had been effectively countered.

However, Trump later warned that the United States could resume military strikes at a much greater intensity if Iran failed to fully reopen the vital shipping corridor.

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, with nearly 20 per cent of global oil and gas shipments passing through it.

Iran had blocked the strait after military operations by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets began on February 28. In response to stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran, the United States later imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports in April.