Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has been reopened for commercial traffic following a ceasefire agreement linked to developments in Lebanon. In a statement shared online, he said shipping lanes would remain accessible to all vessels during the ongoing truce, though movement must follow routes designated by Iran’s maritime authorities.
It remains unclear whether his remarks referred to the 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel or the earlier two-week pause in tensions between Iran and the United States.
US President Donald Trump welcomed the reopening but clarified that Washington’s naval restrictions targeting Iranian-bound vessels would continue until ongoing negotiations are fully resolved. He also claimed that Israel had been barred by the US from launching further strikes in Lebanon and said efforts were underway to clear sea mines in the region.
Trump thanked regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Pakistan, praising their role in de-escalation. He also stated that Iran had assured it would not block the Strait in the future.
The prolonged conflict, which severely disrupted global energy flows, had pushed oil markets into turmoil. However, prices dropped sharply after the reopening announcement, offering some relief to the global economy, even as concerns about long-term stability persist.
