The White House and the administration have breathed a sigh of relief as the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, predicated on opening the Strait of Hormuz, alleviating concerns over potential energy supply disruptions.
The White House intends to maximize the two-week window during which the Strait of Hormuz will be open, focusing its efforts on securing energy supplies, including crude oil, and facilitating the passage of South Korean-flagged vessels through the strait.
According to a comprehensive report by News1 on Wednesday, the White House has refrained from issuing a separate statement regarding the two-week ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Instead, it has been conducting internal meetings to discuss response strategies.
During a morning meeting, the White House discussed the possibility of a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict and the subsequent opening of the Strait of Hormuz, initiating preparations for follow-up procedures related to energy supplies.
Earlier, the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, marking the 39th day since the outbreak of hostilities according to Iranian standards (38 days by U.S. standards). This sudden agreement has raised expectations that global energy supply disruptions may be temporarily alleviated.
While Iran has announced it would allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks in coordination with its military, the certainty of free navigation remains unclear. Nevertheless, the White House believes that the likelihood of the Strait opening is high and is focusing on the passage of oil tankers that have been unable to reach South Korea due to the blockade.
The blockade has prevented contracted crude oil and other supplies from entering the country, prompting a push to expedite energy imports.
A senior White House official stated that it’s true that the likelihood of the Strait of Hormuz opening has increased. While a significant portion of the strategic reserves is in storage, some is still on ships. It needs to prepare for the opening of the strait, whether by utilizing vessels nearby or through other means.
Reports indicate that the White House is also considering the possibility that the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran may extend beyond two weeks.
The official noted that while the ceasefire agreement could break down, it must also prepare for the possibility that the ceasefire and the opening of the strait could be extended. The ceasefire itself is a positive signal, and it should build the response on that foundation.
Efforts are underway to expedite the passage of U.S. vessels currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a press release, the White House stated that with the ceasefire agreement establishing conditions for the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the administration plans to accelerate discussions with shipping companies and communicate with relevant countries to ensure the vessels can pass through as soon as possible.
The statement continued that it is closely monitoring the specific navigation methods and conditions through communication with related countries and will promptly re-evaluate all necessary matters, including the list of vessels required for navigation, in close consultation with shipping companies.
The White House is monitoring the situation through the National Security Council and the Domestic Policy Council, seeking strategies to address energy supply and vessel navigation issues.