The reduction marks a gradual easing in the number of ships affected by disruptions in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors, although Japanese shipping companies remain cautious about resuming normal operations through the Strait.

A spokesperson for the association said on Monday that shipping firms would independently determine when to restart transits through the waterway after confirming safe passage conditions, including assurances that no mines are present.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on X on Friday that a vessel carrying three Japanese crew members had exited the Gulf and was heading to Japan. The vessel was not identified. Its departure means all 24 Japanese crew members who were in the Gulf when the conflict began have now left the region.

The association said Japan is advocating for international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization, to take the lead in developing fair and coordinated procedures to facilitate the orderly departure of vessels still stranded in the Gulf.

The immediate focus remains ensuring the safe movement of ships currently trapped in the area, the spokesperson said, adding that there are no plans at present for vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz to load cargo.

Shipping activity through the strategic waterway declined sharply on Sunday after Iran announced it had once again closed the Strait, citing what it described as Israeli and U.S. violations of an interim peace agreement, according to shipping data.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy exports, and disruptions to navigation through the passage are closely monitored by governments, shipping operators and energy markets worldwide.

Aditya Sharma, a cadet, Shivanand Chaurashiya, a fitter, and Patnala Suresh, a chief engineer, were killed aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello after a US aircraft fired at the tanker’s engine room last week, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US envoy in New Delhi to register a protest, but the US Department of State said Secretary of State Marco Rubio told India’s foreign minister that commercial vessels must comply with US military orders and that violations of the American blockade around the Strait of Hormuz would not be accepted.

The statement triggered criticism from Indian opposition lawmakers, who said Washington had failed to acknowledge the loss of Indian lives.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of India’s opposition, said there was no expression of regret or apology following the deaths. Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor also criticised the US response, calling the absence of condolences over the deaths of Indian sailors deeply concerning.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India said a fourth sailor, second officer Nishanth Uirthanathan, died from medical complications aboard the MT Celestial off Oman after the vessel was unable to reach medical facilities.

The union said many Indian sailors remained stranded in the region because of restrictions linked to the US blockade. Manoj Yadav, the union’s secretary-general, said some vessels faced shortages of food, drinking water and medical supplies.

The incidents occurred amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran around the Strait of Hormuz, where thousands of Indian nationals work aboard commercial ships.

US Central Command said the vessels involved had failed to comply with instructions from American forces, while the manager of MT Settebello rejected the claim, saying there had been no communication before the strike.

The union said three commercial vessels carrying Indian crew were attacked by US forces during the previous week, increasing concerns over maritime safety in the region.

Modi’s visit includes meetings in France and Slovakia before he attends the G7 summit in Evian, France, marking India’s 13th participation as a partner country at the forum. The G7 members include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Indian government said it would call for safe and unrestricted maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, while raising broader concerns linked to developments in West Asia.“We want and we have urged that there be unimpeded and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law,” Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.

The comments came after US attacks on vessels near Hormuz that killed three Indian sailors. The US Central Command said the strike was carried out because the tanker involved was “attempting to transport oil from Iran.”India’s foreign ministry said protecting the welfare and security of its seafaring community remained a priority.

More than 320,000 Indians work as mariners globally, making them one of the largest national groups in the profession, while about 20,000 are currently serving on commercial vessels in the Hormuz region, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India.The Indian Embassy in Oman said three ships staffed by Indian personnel in the Gulf had been attacked by American forces during the week.

Modi is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit, with the issue likely to feature in discussions between the two leaders.Analysts said the incidents had increased India’s focus on securing maritime movement across the wider Gulf corridor, with New Delhi seeking clarity over the protection of civilian shipping.

The summit will also provide India an opportunity to engage with Gulf countries invited by France, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt.The G7 meeting begins on Monday in France, bringing together leaders of major industrial economies to discuss global economic and security issues.

Sharif said Pakistan was preparing for an electronic signing within the next 24 hours, followed by technical-level talks expected next week.

The announcement came after weeks of negotiations involving international mediators following intensified fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel that raised fears of a wider regional conflict.

US Central Command said on Friday that it had intercepted several Iranian attack drones targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.

The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, disrupted oil and natural gas flows from the Arabian Gulf and affected global energy markets. A ceasefire has been in place since April 7.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said terms related to Iran’s nuclear program would be finalized within 60 days after the initial agreement and that the timeline could be extended if needed.

The United States and Israel have expressed concerns that Iran’s nuclear activities could lead to the development of nuclear weapons, while Tehran has maintained that its program is peaceful.

A senior US official said the emerging agreement would begin a process to remove or destroy Iran’s highly enriched uranium, with technical details to be worked out during the 60-day period.

The agreement is also expected to include steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official. Iran has sought the ability to charge ships for services while they transit the waterway, a proposal criticized by some countries as inconsistent with international law.

Regional officials said the deal could include phased sanctions relief for Iran and the release of frozen assets.

The situation in Lebanon remains unresolved, with Iran insisting that any agreement should include a ceasefire there. Fighting continued in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the May 17 strike hit an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter, causing a fire and forcing operators to rely on emergency generators.

The UAE has blamed pro-Iran militias in Iraq for the attack, which occurred during weeks of missile and drone exchanges linked to the wider Middle East conflict.

Grossi told an IAEA board meeting in Vienna that the incident could have disrupted the plant’s external power supply and undermined several of the agency’s key principles for maintaining nuclear safety during armed conflict.

While no injuries or radiation leaks were reported, Grossi warned that attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities carry the risk of a serious radioactive release and should be considered a “no-go” under international norms.

He praised the response of the UAE plant’s operators, saying their training and preparedness helped prevent a potentially more serious incident.

The Barakah facility, located in Abu Dhabi’s Al-Dhafra region, began operations in 2020 and supplies up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity demand.

The comments came as the IAEA also continued discussions with Iran, China and Russia over monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and verifying its stockpile of enriched uranium amid ongoing regional tensions.

Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Qatari Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdurrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani met in Jakarta and signed a memorandum of understanding as a precursor to a broader defense pact.

The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in military training, education and the defense industry. Indonesia’s Defense Ministry said the partnership would involve army and navy personnel from both countries.

Officials described bilateral relations as strategic and voiced support for deeper defense collaboration in the future.

Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted missiles and drones as warning sirens sounded across the country. Kuwait said the attacks violated international law and undermined efforts to reduce regional tensions.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council also condemned the strikes, expressing support for Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted an air base allegedly used in a U.S. attack on Sirik Island, without identifying the location of the facility.

The centre said the object was sighted west of the Inshore Traffic Zone in the Strait of Hormuz and urged maritime users to maintain a safe distance from any suspicious objects and immediately notify relevant authorities.

In a statement, the Maritime Security Centre described the object as a suspected sea mine and advised vessels operating in the area to remain vigilant while transiting through Omani waters.

No injuries, damage to vessels or disruptions to shipping traffic were reported by the centre. Authorities did not provide further details on the nature of the object or any ongoing assessment and recovery operations.

The warning comes as maritime security remains under close scrutiny in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway linking the Gulf with international shipping routes. Any potential navigational hazard in the area is closely monitored by regional authorities due to the strategic importance of the passage for commercial and energy shipments.

The Maritime Security Centre reiterated its call for maritime operators, fishermen and other sea users to report suspicious objects immediately and to follow safety guidance issued by authorities while operating in the vicinity of the reported sighting.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Jaipur, Rubio said discussions involving Iranian representatives were continuing in Qatar and suggested that negotiations had entered a detailed phase focused on the wording of a potential agreement.

“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio said, adding that discussions were centered on specific language in an initial draft document and could require several more days to conclude.

Rubio said President Donald Trump remained committed to securing an agreement but would only support terms acceptable to Washington.
“The president’s expressed his desire to make it. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal,” Rubio said.

The comments came after new U.S. strikes on Iranian-linked targets raised questions about the durability of efforts to halt hostilities. The military action coincided with the arrival of senior Iranian negotiators in Doha for another round of talks intended to end the conflict that has destabilized the region and disrupted global energy markets.

A central issue in the negotiations remains the status of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors. The waterway handles a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments and has become a focal point of the crisis after Iran moved to block transit through the strait.

Rubio said reopening the route was essential for international commerce and global economic stability.
“The straits have to be open,” he said.
He described the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as unlawful and unsustainable, arguing that freedom of navigation must be restored regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.

“They’re going to be open one way or the other,” Rubio said. “What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
The latest remarks underscore Washington’s attempt to balance military pressure with diplomatic engagement as negotiators seek a framework that could end the conflict while addressing concerns over maritime security and regional stability.

The talks in Qatar are being closely watched by energy markets and regional governments, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and its role in global oil and gas supplies.

The operation, announced by the U.S. military, targeted what officials described as immediate threats to American personnel and maritime security. The strikes occurred while senior Iranian negotiators, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other officials, were in Doha for talks with Qatari mediators seeking a framework agreement to halt hostilities.

The latest military action underscored the delicate balance between diplomacy and confrontation as Washington and Tehran attempt to negotiate an end to a conflict that has centered on Iran’s nuclear program and the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the U.S. Central Command said the attacks were defensive measures intended to protect American forces from threats posed by Iranian military assets.

“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” said Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a military spokesperson.

Earlier in India, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained committed to diplomacy and believed a negotiated settlement remained achievable.

Rubio said discussions were focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching a structured, time-limited negotiation over Iran’s nuclear activities. He indicated the United States would continue to pursue diplomatic options before considering alternative measures.

President Donald Trump echoed that message in a social media post, describing negotiations as progressing positively while warning that further military action could follow if talks failed to produce results.

At the center of the negotiations is the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments typically pass. Since the conflict began in late February, commercial traffic through the waterway has fallen sharply as Iran imposed restrictions and security concerns mounted.

A source familiar with the Doha discussions said negotiators were focusing on two key issues: restoring unrestricted navigation through the strait and addressing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iranian financial officials were also participating in discussions involving the possible release of frozen Iranian assets as part of a broader settlement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said detailed nuclear negotiations would only begin after a broader framework agreement had been reached.

Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons. Washington, meanwhile, insists that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a central objective of any agreement.

In a separate development, Iranian state media reported that the country had used a newly deployed air-defense system to shoot down what officials described as a hostile stealth drone operating near the Arabian Gulf. Iranian authorities did not specify the drone’s origin.

Regional tensions were further heightened by developments in neighboring Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would intensify military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement despite a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this year. The Israeli military later reported strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in the Bekaa Valley and other areas.

Diplomatic efforts have also become intertwined with broader regional initiatives. Trump used his latest public comments to urge additional Arab and Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered framework that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries during his first term.

The proposal drew skepticism from regional observers and diplomats, some of whom argued that negotiations over Iran and broader normalization efforts should remain separate tracks.

Analysts said the administration appeared to be attempting to frame a prospective Iran agreement as part of a larger regional security architecture that could benefit Israel, Gulf states and the United States simultaneously.

Despite ongoing military exchanges, markets reacted positively to signs that diplomacy was continuing. Oil prices fell more than 4 percent on Monday, reaching their lowest levels in two weeks amid expectations that a breakthrough could restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and ease pressure on global energy supplies.

Iranian officials said 32 commercial vessels and five oil tankers transited the strait during the previous 24 hours under authorization from Iran’s naval forces, a fraction of the volume typically seen before the conflict began.

Negotiators in Doha are expected to continue discussions in the coming days as both sides seek agreement on the terms of a ceasefire, maritime security arrangements and a framework for addressing longstanding disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities.