Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' for all commercial vessels, says Iran
Foreign minister announces full passage for commercial vessels after Lebanon-Israel truce, as Trump signals blockade of Iran's ports remains until deal is finalised
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi made a big announcement on Friday (April 17) that the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire.
The announcement by Iranian foreign minister comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
"In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” Araghchi said in a post on X.
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He, however, said the ships must sail "on the coordinated route as already announced" by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran.
Minutes later, President Trump also shared the announcement in a post on Truth Social. "Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!" Trump said. However, moments later, he posted again that the naval blockade of Iran's ports will remain in full force until such time that their deal with Iran is 100 per cent complete.
(With agency inputs)