Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz completely open on Friday, April 17. “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on social media.
Israel and Lebanon agreed Thursday to a ceasefire beginning 5 p.m. Eastern that evening and lasting for ten days. The US also offered a two-week ceasefire with Iran back on April 7 in return for opening the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, had accused America of violating that agreement by allowing Israel to continue its campaign in Lebanon.
Araghchi added that ships must transit through a “coordinated route” announced by Iran’s maritime authorities.
President Trump responded Friday on Truth Social, posting in all caps: “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!”
Shortly after the announcement, oil prices dropped more than 11%.
