First Cruise Ship Transits Strait of Hormuz Since Conflict Began

The cruise ship Celestyal Discovery has transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first passage of a passenger vessel through the strategic waterway since the onset of the Middle East conflict.

The Malta-flagged vessel departed Dubai on April 17 after being docked there for 47 days. It was sailing without passengers and is expected to arrive in Oman.

The transit follows statements from Iran and the United States that the strait, which had been effectively closed since the war began, would be fully reopened for commercial traffic. However, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the American blockade of Iranian ports would continue until an agreement is reached with Tehran. Following these announcements, oil prices fell significantly.

According to Iranian sources, vessels will now be able to navigate along agreed routes under the supervision of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with about 20 percent of the world's oil passing through it. Its reopening alleviates a major threat to a deepening global energy crisis.