Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz ‘Completely Open’; Trump Thanks Tehran But says Naval Blockade Stays Until Deal is Done
The Iranian government on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz completely open for all commercial vessels for the duration of the ongoing ceasefire, marking a significant easing of maritime restrictions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced the development in a post on X. “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 the ceasefire,” he wrote.
The announcement follows US President Donald Trump’s declaration of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Trump had previously imposed a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, covering all Iranian ports, with the US Navy already having begun enforcement.
Trump thanks Iran, but keeps blockade in place
Responding to Araghchi’s post, Trump acknowledged the development on Truth Social. “Iran has just announced that the strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you,” he wrote.
In a subsequent post, however, Trump made clear the blockade would not be lifted yet. “The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he wrote.
Oil prices drop sharply
Global oil prices fell by approximately 9%, extending earlier losses, following Araghchi’s announcement.
The International Monetary Fund this week had already lowered its global growth forecasts, warning that a prolonged conflict risked tipping the world economy into recession.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most consequential maritime chokepoints, carrying a substantial share of global oil and gas shipments. Any shift in access to the waterway carries immediate and far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and shipping security.