Iran announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for commercial shipping while the ceasefire with the United States and Israel remains in effect, marking a significant development in regional tensions following weeks of military escalation.
The declaration came from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated that the passage of all commercial vessels through the strait — a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil is transported — is now fully accessible during the remainder of the ceasefire period.
The move follows a temporary truce initiated on April 8 between Iran and the United States after weeks of reciprocal strikes, and aligns with a separate 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon brokered by the U.S., which Israel observed by halting attacks on Lebanese territory on Thursday.
Iran had previously kept the strait closed despite the broader de-escalation, prompting the United States to impose a naval blockade on vessels departing Iranian ports. Washington maintained that the blockade would remain in place until negotiations with Tehran are fully concluded.
In response to Iran’s announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, welcoming the development and stating that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open and ready for business.” However, he reiterated that the U.S. Naval blockade on Iranian shipping would continue until diplomatic talks reach a complete resolution.
The reopening of the strait has already influenced global markets, with Brent crude oil dropping more than 10% to $88.91 per barrel and the euro strengthening against the dollar to pre-war levels, reflecting investor relief over reduced risks to global energy supplies.
Iran emphasized that commercial vessels must follow a pre-coordinated route announced by the country’s Ports and Maritime Organization, ensuring safe and regulated transit through the waterway.
The development underscores the fragile nature of the current détente, as both nations maintain competing conditions: Iran linking the strait’s openness to the Lebanon ceasefire, and the U.S. Tying the lifting of its blockade to the completion of broader negotiations.
