Iran Reopens Strategic Strait of Hormuz to Commercial Tankers

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for international oil distribution, is now fully accessible to commercial shipping.

This reopening is contingent upon the current ceasefire in the Middle East.

Araghchi confirmed the status of the waterway via social media, though it remains ambiguous whether this policy aligns with the recent 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel or a separate agreement involving the United States from earlier this year.

Iran had previously conditioned access to the Strait on a ceasefire expansion affecting Lebanon.

A spokesperson from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps clarified that these routes are exclusively for civilian traffic and require naval authorization. Military vessels, however, continue to be barred from traversing the area.

Following the announcement, global oil prices dropped significantly, reversing a previous surge caused by supply interruptions.

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump acknowledged the development but maintained that American naval blockades of Iranian ports will persist until a comprehensive peace agreement is finalized.