Iran has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, easing tensions in global energy markets following recent disruptions.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the crucial oil transit route would remain “completely open” for commercial vessels for the duration of the ongoing ceasefire.
“The passage for all commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” he said in a statement shared on X.
It remains unclear whether the statement refers to the 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon or the earlier two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States that began on April 8.
The move follows weeks of heightened tensions during which Iran effectively restricted access to the vital shipping lane one of the world’s most important routes for oil transport.
Tehran had previously tied the reopening of the strait to the extension of a ceasefire to Lebanon.
According to Iranian state media, only civilian vessels will be allowed safe passage through designated routes, and even then, they must obtain clearance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy. Military vessels, however, remain barred from using the waterway.
US President Donald Trump welcomed the development but maintained that Washington’s naval blockade targeting Iranian ports would stay in place until a broader agreement is reached.
“The blockade will remain in effect as it pertains to Iran until our deal is fully completed,” Trump said, suggesting that negotiations could be concluded quickly.
The reopening of the strait is expected to stabilise oil markets after recent spikes triggered by fears of supply disruptions.
