WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s Foreign Minister announced the resumption of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, stated on Friday that with the start of the Lebanon ceasefire, the passage of all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz has been fully reopened for the remaining duration of the truce. He emphasized that all transit must take place along routes pre-designated and coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization.

According to reports, the ceasefire in Lebanon began last night and is set to last for a period of 10 days. In this regard, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei welcomed the ceasefire, noting that the halt in hostilities in Lebanon is part of a broader understanding between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan. He added that Iran had consistently stressed the need for a simultaneous ceasefire across the region—including Lebanon—throughout its negotiations with regional and international parties, including talks held in Islamabad.

 

Reacting to the development, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social that the Strait is now “completely open and ready for unimpeded business and transit.” However, in a subsequent message, he stated that the naval blockade related to Iran would remain in place until a final agreement between the two sides is fully completed, urging that the process move forward swiftly.

 

The ceasefire announced on April 8 between the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States, and Israel was established for a two-week period, with the aim of allowing diplomatic solutions to bring a permanent end to the war.

 

A ceasefire across all conflict zones, including Lebanon, was Iran’s precondition, while freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz was the United States’ demand. Today, coinciding with the end of the ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran also announced that navigation in the Strait of Hormuz would remain open until the end of the ceasefire period.