Iran announces reopening of Strait of Hormuz during ceasefire

Iran announced on Friday (April 17) the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping for the duration of the ceasefire with the United States. The closure of the waterway had been one of the main sticking points in negotiations between the two countries.

According to the Iranian government, all vessels may once again move freely during the remainder of the truce, which expires on Wednesday (April 22).

“In accordance with the ceasefire, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, along the coordinated route already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in announcing the reopening.

Trump welcomes move but keeps naval blockade in place

The announcement marks Iran’s first major signal toward a possible agreement to end the war, as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has been one of the United States’ main demands in the talks.

President Donald Trump thanked Iran for reopening the strait, but said the U.S. naval blockade at the exit of the waterway, in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, will remain in place.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would withdraw U.S. forces from the route only after negotiations with Iran are “100% completed,” but added that the strait “is fully open and ready for business and free traffic.”

Shortly afterward, the U.S. president said Iran had committed not to close the strait again.

Background to the Hormuz dispute

Since the start of the current war in the Middle East in late February, Iran had closed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the only maritime outlet from the Persian Gulf, where major oil-producing countries are located. Vessels carrying about 20% of all the oil and gas consumed worldwide normally transit the strait.

The waterway lies between Oman and Iran and narrows to less than 35 kilometers in some stretches, making it easier for the two countries to control traffic. Iran holds most of the territory along the strait.

In retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel, Iran began threatening to strike any vessel crossing the strait and in fact fired on some of them.

Source: G1

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