Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been fully opened to commercial shipping, in a move linked to ongoing ceasefire arrangements in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, made the announcement in a post on X, saying the decision follows terms connected to the Lebanon ceasefire.
He stated, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” he said.
The development came shortly after reports of a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, announced on Thursday.
The ceasefire was revealed by President Donald Trump, who also said that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had met in Washington earlier in the week, marking their first such engagement in 34 years.
Tensions in the region had remained high despite earlier ceasefire arrangements involving the US, Israel and Iran, with reports of continued strikes in Lebanon before the latest agreement.
Following Araghchi’s statement, global oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude futures dropping to $87.94 per barrel, while US crude slipped to $83.33.
Trump, reacting to the development on Truth Social, said the waterway had been restored for free movement, declaring: “completely open and ready for business and full passage. “It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!”
He also said the US naval blockade on Iran would continue until a broader agreement is reached.
Speaking on diplomatic efforts, Trump added: “We’re going to see what happens. But I think we’re very close to making a deal with Iran.”
With further negotiations expected in Islamabad, the US president suggested that while the ceasefire could be extended, progress would determine whether that becomes necessary.
