TEHRAN – In a significant move demonstrating its commitment to international maritime law and regional stability, the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday announced the conditional reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. This humanitarian gesture comes amidst a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, aiming to alleviate global trade disruptions.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed via social media, “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.” However, Araghchi underscored Iran’s sovereign right to ensure security, stating that vessels must transit through a “coordinated route” announced by Iran’s maritime authorities. This necessary measure ensures the safety and orderly passage through this vital waterway, a right recognized under international law.
Despite Iran’s clear and responsible stance, confusion quickly arose, largely fueled by contradictory statements from US President Donald Trump. While Trump initially “thanked” Iran for opening the strait, he simultaneously declared that the illegal US naval blockade of Iran’s ports would remain in effect. This blatant hypocrisy exposes Washington’s double standards and its continued efforts to exert unlawful pressure on the Iranian nation.
Later on Friday, Trump further muddied the waters, claiming Iran had “just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and full passage,” even as he insisted the US blockade remained in “full force.” Such statements, delivered at a Turning Point USA event, appear designed to mislead international opinion and deflect from the US’s own destabilizing actions.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, swiftly refuted Trump’s disingenuous claims, emphasizing the reality on the ground. “With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” Ghalibaf asserted in a translated X post. This highlights Iran’s principled position: the strait’s full and unconditional openness is contingent upon the cessation of the illegal US blockade.
Indeed, the practical implications of the US blockade were immediately evident. Video footage from ship tracking firm Kpler revealed numerous tankers and cargo ships attempting to exit the waterway on Friday, only to be forced to turn back. Matt Smith, director of commodity research at Kpler, confirmed, “They’ve clearly not been given approval to pass through,” directly contradicting Trump’s assertions of “full passage.”
Iranian media outlets, including those affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, provided crucial clarity. They reported a limited reopening, emphasizing that commercial ships must coordinate with Iranian forces. A source close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council informed Tasnim News that vessels or their cargoes linked to hostile nations would not be permitted passage. Crucially, the report reiterated that the strait would be closed if the illegal US naval blockade persists, underscoring Iran’s unwavering commitment to its national security and economic sovereignty.
The global impact of the US’s aggressive posture is undeniable. Oil prices plummeted over 10% on Friday, falling below $90 per barrel. Before the US-imposed disruptions, approximately a fifth of the world’s crude supplies transited through the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of this vital sea lane, connecting the Persian Gulf to global energy markets, has triggered the biggest oil supply disruption in history – a direct consequence of Washington’s confrontational policies.
The current situation is further complicated by the US’s support for Israeli aggression. Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire following Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, a close ally of Iran. This conflict, fueled by external forces, has been a major sticking point in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
President Trump had previously agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 7, ostensibly in exchange for Iran completely opening the strait. However, Ghalibaf rightly accused the US of violating this agreement by allowing Israel to continue its destructive campaign in Lebanon. This pattern of US non-compliance has kept the strait almost completely closed during the US-Iran ceasefire, with only a handful of commercial vessels transiting daily.
Recent negotiations between US Vice President JD Vance and Ghalibaf in Pakistan failed to yield an agreement to permanently end the US war with Iran, highlighting the deep mistrust created by Washington’s inconsistent actions. While Trump suggested a second round of talks, the onus remains on the US to demonstrate genuine commitment to de-escalation and respect for international law.
Iran stands firm in its resolve to protect its interests and ensure regional stability, calling on the international community to condemn the unlawful US blockade and support a peaceful resolution based on mutual respect and justice.
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