Iran declares Strait of Hormuz open for all commercial vessels during ceasefire

Iran on Friday announced that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain open during the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X that “the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” in line with coordinated routes announced by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

The announcement comes as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect on Friday, raising hopes of halting weeks of intense fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, and potentially paving the way for another round of negotiations involving Iran and the United States.

US President Donald Trump said he held “excellent conversations” with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the ceasefire, which he said came into force at 5 pm EST.

Trump said the agreement followed a rare meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington earlier this week, mediated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

He added that Vice President JD Vance, Rubio and senior US military officials have been tasked with working towards a “lasting peace” between the two sides.

Trump also said he plans to invite Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House for what he described as the first “meaningful talks” between Israel and Lebanon since 1983, while expressing hope that Hezbollah would adhere to the ceasefire.

Netanyahu said Israel agreed to the truce to “advance” peace efforts with Lebanon, but made clear that Israeli troops would not withdraw from their positions.

Hezbollah, however, maintained that Israel’s continued presence on Lebanese territory gives Lebanon “the right to resist,” adding that its response would depend on developments on the ground.

According to the US State Department, the ceasefire terms allow Israel to act in self-defence against “planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks,” while barring offensive operations against Lebanese civilian and state infrastructure.

The developments come amid wider diplomatic efforts following weeks of escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which had disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US had earlier enforced a blockade on maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from April 13 after prolonged talks between US and Iranian delegations failed to yield a breakthrough.

A separate 14-day ceasefire involving Iran is set to expire on April 22, although Trump indicated that Washington may extend the deadline if negotiations show progress toward a deal.