Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefire, while the United States insists its naval blockade targeting Iranian ports will remain in place until a broader agreement is finalized.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that ?passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire.? He specifiedthat traffic will follow a coordinated route defined by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization. At the same time, Iranian state media reported that access remains regulated, with ships required to obtain permission from the Revolutionary Guards? naval forces, and that only commercial vessels, not military ones, are allowed to transit.
Washington struck a different tone. President Donald Trump confirmed that while the waterway is ?completely open and ready for business,? the US naval blockade ?will remain in full force? as it applies specifically to Iran. He suggested that negotiations are nearing completion, adding that ?most of the points are already negotiated? and that a deal could be reached quickly.
The reopening of the key shipping route had an immediate impact on global markets. Oil prices dropped sharply, with Brent crude falling by around 10% and slipping below 90 dollars per barrel, reflecting expectations that disrupted energy supplies may soon stabilize.
The developments come alongside a broader de-escalation in the region following a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Trump also stated that Israel has been ?prohibited? by the US from carrying out further strikes in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel announced it would lift wartime restrictions nationwide, including limits on large gatherings in northern areas.
International reactions have underscored cautious optimism. The United Kingdom called for the truce to serve as ?a pathway to a lasting peace,? while tensions remain unresolved on several fronts, including Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security arrangements.
