IRIA News

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Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for commercial vessels during the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, signaling a temporary easing of one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: “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.”

The ceasefire, agreed between Israel and Lebanon on April 16, 2026, is set to last 10 days. However, uncertainty remains over whether Hezbollah or Israel will fully adhere to the agreement, raising questions about how stable the situation will be.

Araghchi added that vessels must follow a “coordinated route” set by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization, indicating that access to the strait may still be controlled rather than fully unrestricted.

"IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!" – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xDQpCj8APe

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 17, 2026

US Welcomes Move

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Iran’s announcement, confirming that the strait was “completely open and ready for business and full passage.” He added, “It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!”

However, Trump also made clear that U.S. pressure on Iran will continue. He said the U.S. naval blockade of Iran’s ports will remain “in full force” until a broader agreement is reached to end the war.

Trump later stated that a deal with Iran was “very close” and claimed there were “no sticking points” left in negotiations. He also said the U.S. intends to recover Iran’s enriched uranium as part of any agreement.

“The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B2 Bombers. No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,” he wrote.

Iran quickly rejected claims of any such negotiations. State media said: “No negotiation regarding the transfer of Iran’s highly enriched uranium to America had ever taken place, and naturally, there is no agreement on this matter, either.”

Oil Prices Drop Sharply

Global oil markets reacted immediately to the announcement. Prices fell sharply as traders responded to the possibility of renewed supply flows through the strait.

Brent crude dropped to around $88 per barrel, falling more than 10 percent on the day. U.S. crude also declined to roughly $83 per barrel.

Before the conflict, oil prices were below $70 per barrel. They surged above $100 and peaked at more than $119 during the height of the disruption, driven by the near-total shutdown of the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes. Its closure earlier in the conflict caused one of the largest supply disruptions in modern energy markets.

Global Markets Respond Positively

Financial markets also responded positively to the news. Major U.S. stock indices moved higher in early trading, with the S&P 500 rising by 0.8 percent, while the Nasdaq and Dow Jones Industrial Average both gained more than 1 percent.

European markets followed a similar trend. Key indices in Paris and Frankfurt rose by more than 2 percent, while London’s FTSE 100 recorded a smaller gain.

The reopening of the strait has raised hopes that supply chains, including energy and key industrial materials, may begin to stabilize.

Despite the announcement, shipping companies and international organizations remain cautious about the safety of the waterway.

A senior Iranian military official said only non-military vessels would be allowed to pass, and only with approval from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.

Reports also suggest that ships linked to countries considered hostile by Iran may not be permitted to transit the strait. There are also concerns that the route could be closed again if tensions escalate or if the U.S. blockade continues.

The international shipping body BIMCO warned that risks remain high. Its chief safety officer said the status of mine threats in the area is still unclear and advised companies to consider avoiding the strait.

“The Traffic Separation Scheme is not declared safe for transit at this point,” he said. The International Maritime Organization also said it is still verifying Iran’s announcement and assessing whether safe navigation can be guaranteed.

Several shipping companies echoed this cautious approach. One operator said the announcement “doesn’t change anything” immediately, adding that they would not take unnecessary risks.

Another tanker company said it is “monitoring developments closely” and will not resume operations until it is confident the route is safe.

Limited Window for Recovery

Experts say the ceasefire provides only a short window for oil tankers to resume operations. Analysts noted that while some vessels may use the opportunity to exit the region, traffic levels are unlikely to return to normal in the near term.

“The ceasefire offers only a narrow window of opportunity for oil tankers to navigate the Strait, load up, and exit,” one economist said.

Even if a longer-term agreement is reached, supply chains are expected to take months to fully recover. Disruptions to fuel, aviation, and fertilizer supplies have already had global effects.

The strait is also a key route for fertilizer chemicals, with about a third of the global supply passing through it. Rising costs in this sector have raised concerns about future food prices.

Conflict and Broader Implications

The U.S.-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28, has killed more than 3,000 people and triggered widespread regional instability.

The conflict led Iran to effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports after failed negotiations in Pakistan.

At the same time, Trump announced that Israel would no longer carry out bombing operations in Lebanon. “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” he said.

However, UN peacekeepers reported continued military activity, including airspace violations and artillery fire in southern Lebanon, highlighting ongoing tensions despite the ceasefire.

Under the current agreement, Israel is allowed to act in self-defense but is not permitted to conduct offensive operations.

Uncertainty remains despite reopening

While Iran’s announcement marks a significant development, the situation remains highly uncertain.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is conditional, limited to the duration of the ceasefire, and subject to strict coordination with Iranian authorities.

At the same time, the continued U.S. naval blockade and unresolved negotiations between Washington and Tehran suggest that tensions could quickly escalate again.

For now, the global economy has responded with cautious optimism, but shipping companies, governments, and markets are all watching closely to see whether this fragile opening leads to a more lasting resolution.