Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz for ‘Commercial Shipping’ Amid Ceasefire Agreement
Iran has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial oil tankers, stating that the strategic waterway will remain open as long as the prevailing ceasefire in the Middle East is upheld.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, made the announcement on Friday via a post on X, declaring that passage through the Strait remains fully accessible to commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire period.
“The passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” Araghchi stated.
However, it was not immediately clear whether the minister was referring to a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel, which reportedly took effect at midnight, or an earlier two-week ceasefire agreement involving Iran and the United States that began on April 8.
State media reports indicated that Iran had previously linked the reopening of the vital shipping route to the extension of ceasefire arrangements in Lebanon, underscoring the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the waterway.
A senior Iranian military official, speaking to state broadcaster, clarified that while civilian vessels would be permitted passage through designated corridors, all movements would require approval from the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He further stated that military vessels would not be allowed access through the Strait during the period.
“The passage of military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains prohibited,” the official said.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions that have disrupted global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for international oil shipments, had previously experienced restrictions that sent shockwaves through global supply chains.
United States President Donald Trump welcomed Iran’s decision to reopen the waterway but maintained that existing naval restrictions targeting Iran would remain in place until a broader agreement is reached.
“The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform, adding that negotiations could be concluded swiftly.
Following the announcement, global oil prices, which had surged during the disruption, recorded a sharp decline as markets responded to easing supply concerns.
The development marks a potential de-escalation in tensions affecting one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, though uncertainties remain over the durability of the ceasefire arrangements.
By TimesNG