Highlights:

Donald Trump announced on Friday that Iran has reopened a major global shipping route, stating on social media that the strait is now “fully open” and ready for normal maritime traffic.
In a follow-up statement, Trump clarified that while the waterway is accessible, a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iran will remain in place until ongoing negotiations between the two sides are fully concluded. He suggested that the process could move quickly, noting that many key points have already been agreed upon.
Shortly after Trump’s remarks, Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that commercial vessels are currently permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during a temporary ceasefire linked to the conflict in Lebanon.
Iran officially declared the waterway open to commercial traffic as part of a pause in hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. The ceasefire, which began at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, is expected to remain in effect for 10 days.
Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that Iran remains committed to keeping the strait operational, although he indicated that adjustments to current arrangements could be introduced in response to evolving regional conditions. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he emphasized that any decisions would prioritize security, safe navigation, and environmental considerations. He also noted that despite being within Iran’s territorial waters, the strait has historically remained open.
Khatibzadeh further stressed that Iran would not support a limited or temporary ceasefire, arguing that any agreement must extend across multiple conflict zones, including areas from Lebanon to the Red Sea. He described a broader regional resolution as essential and indicated that Tehran views such an outcome as a critical condition.
He also accused the United States and Israel of contributing to instability that has disrupted global trade, adding that a lasting agreement—along with a shift in policy approaches—would help ensure long-term stability in the region.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Asim Munir has been in Tehran since Wednesday, holding talks with senior Iranian leaders, including Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as part of mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions.
Pakistan has previously played a role in facilitating negotiations, including hosting talks that led to a 14-day ceasefire agreement earlier this month following the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes, and any disruption to traffic through the passage has immediate consequences for global energy markets.
Following the announcement of its reopening, oil prices dropped by more than 11%, reflecting expectations that supply conditions may stabilize.
The broader conflict, including Israel’s military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah—an Iran-backed group—continues to influence regional dynamics and international negotiations.
While the reopening of the strait marks a significant development, vessel movement in the area is still subject to certain controls under Iranian oversight, highlighting the fragile nature of the current ceasefire.
Latest News