April 17, 2026, 3:05 p.mApril 17, 2026, 3:22 p.m
Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz to all merchant ships. The opening should apply throughout the duration of the ceasefire. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said this on Friday on X.
He spoke of a “complete opening” of the important shipping route for the remaining period of the ceasefire. The passage takes place via coordinated routes as determined by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Authority.
The opening is related to the agreed ceasefire in Lebanon. The US had previously announced a naval blockade after Iran effectively closed the strategically important strait for weeks.
US President Donald Trump reacted immediately and wrote on his Truth Social platform: “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT … IS FULLY OPEN … THANK YOU!”
There was initially no official reaction from Washington regarding further implementation. The current ceasefire between the USA and Iran is valid until April 22nd.
More coming soon…