Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire in Lebanon, linking the maritime development directly to the recent de-escalation between Israel and Lebanon.
The statement, shared via Araghchi’s official X account, emphasized that the decision aligns with Iran’s broader goal of reducing regional tensions and ensuring uninterrupted global trade flows through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. According to the announcement, the move follows a previously declared coordinated route by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization, under which all commercial ships may transit the strait without restriction during the ceasefire period.
The development comes after days of heightened maritime disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, where vessel traffic had been significantly curtailed due to regional military tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. The announcement was immediately reflected in global energy markets, with Brent crude oil prices falling by 10.65% to $88.80 per barrel following the news, down from earlier highs near $99.80.
Araghchi reiterated that no restrictions would be applied to commercial shipping under the Iranian-declared coordinated route, and that the measure is intended to contribute to regional de-escalation. He noted that the decision was made in direct response to the Gaza-linked ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which had entered its tenth day at the time of the announcement.
The move has been welcomed by international shipping observers as a pragmatic step toward stabilizing global supply chains, particularly for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments that rely heavily on the strait. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making its operational status a key indicator of global energy security.
While the opening is framed as temporary and tied to the Lebanon ceasefire, analysts note that it could set a precedent for future confidence-building measures in the region. No official end date for the measures has been specified beyond the duration of the existing ceasefire arrangement.
As of the latest updates, no further statements have been issued by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization or the United Nations regarding extensions or modifications to the current transit arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.
Readers are encouraged to follow official channels for updates on regional developments and maritime safety advisories.
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