Despite the announcement of a peace framework between the US and Iran, deep mistrust continue in Iran, even as limited shipping activity resumed through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that ships had started moving through the waterway after the two sides finalised a deal aimed at ending the 107-day conflict and reopening the strait.
"Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz. They are going along the Southern 'Highway,' which is totally safe, secure, and pristine. There are other areas of travel, also!!!," Trump wrote
Ship-tracking data cited in media reports appeared to support signs of movement. Two cargo vessels were reported to be transiting the Strait of Hormuz towards the Gulf of Oman. However, maritime traffic remains well below normal levels. According to maritime intelligence company Windward, only two to five vessels have been crossing the strait daily over the past week, compared to more than 100 ships a day before the conflict erupted on February 28.
Even as the framework agreement seeks to reduce tensions, Iran has made it clear that distrust of Washington remains strong.
"Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that Iran's deep mistrust of the United States stems from a long history of wrongdoing by American leaders. The United States still has a long way to go before it can earn the trust of the Iranian people," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said.
Baghaei described the agreement as "merely a step toward reducing tensions and ending a war" and stressed that the US must honour its commitments.
"The United States must honour its commitments. It must ensure that the Zionist regime also respects its own regarding Lebanon," he said.
Iran also indicated that while it would not impose transit tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz under the new framework, it would continue to levy charges for maritime services.
"We have always maintained that we do not seek to collect transit tolls, but fees for navigation services, environmental protection, ship insurance and other necessary services will be charged," Baghaei said.
US Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed that an interim agreement had already been electronically signed ahead of a formal signing ceremony in Switzerland.
"We already signed the deal digitally yesterday, and there's been no money released, and that won't change," Vance said.
