Iran FM announces Hormuz's opening for all commercial vessels till ceasefire's remaining duration

The Iranian foreign minister on Friday announced the opening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz for the passage of all commercial ships for the remainder ​of the US-brokered 10-day truce between Israeli forces and Hezbollah agreed between Israel and Lebanon. In a post on X, FM Abbas Araghchi said: "In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran." In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran. — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026 US President Donald Trump also shared the announcement in a post on Truth Social. "Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!" pic.twitter.com/fQNIFBEteN — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 17, 2026 Despite a two-week US-Iran ceasefire that expires on Tuesday, Iran had so far not lifted its blockade of the waterway. Tehran had said there would be no deal as long as Israel was striking Lebanon. Oil prices plunged by about 9%, extending previous losses, after Araghchi's announcement. Brent crude futures LCOc1 dropped by $8.46, or 8.5%, to $90.93 a barrel at 1300 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures CLc1 fell $8.87, or 9.4%, to $85.82 a barrel. ------------ More to follow.