Iran said Friday the Strait of Hormuz is once again open to commercial shipping for the duration of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, a move that eased pressure on global energy markets even as U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington’s naval blockade on Iran would remain in effect.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced the decision in a social media post, writing: “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire.” He added that ships must use a “coordinated route” set by Iran’s maritime authorities. Reuters reported it remains unclear whether Tehran will require vessels to pay a toll to pass through the strategic waterway.
The reopening came after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, which took effect at 5 p.m. EST on Thursday. The truce is seen as a key step in wider regional diplomacy, as the fighting in Lebanon, particularly Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, had complicated U.S.-Iran negotiations. Hezbollah is a close ally of Iran.
Before Friday’s announcement, commercial traffic through the strait had slowed sharply, with only a limited number of vessels moving through the route each day as Tehran and Washington argued over the terms of an earlier ceasefire arrangement. The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf to global energy markets and typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply, making any disruption there a major concern for the world economy.
Trump welcomed Iran’s move to reopen the strait, but said the U.S. blockade targeting Iranian ships and ports would stay “in full force” until a broader agreement is reached with Tehran. His position underlined Washington’s effort to keep leverage in negotiations even as shipping conditions improve for other vessels.
Markets reacted quickly. Oil prices dropped by more than 10 percent, falling below US$90 a barrel after the reopening signalled a potential easing of the largest oil supply disruption in modern history.
Diplomatic efforts are still underway. Reuters reported that talks last weekend in Pakistan between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf failed to deliver a lasting settlement. Trump said U.S. and Iranian officials may meet again in Pakistan this weekend for a second round of discussions. The next few days are likely to determine whether the Lebanon ceasefire holds and whether the temporary reopening of the strait leads to a wider agreement.
