West Asia War: Iran declares Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open’ for commercial ships during ceasefire

Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open for commercial vessels during the ceasefire period, aiming to ensure safe passage and ease global concerns over shipping disruptions.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 17 April 2026, 6:37 PM IST

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open’ (Img: Internet)

Tehran: Iran on Friday declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open for commercial shipping during the ongoing ceasefire period.

The announcement was made by Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who said the move is aligned with the broader ceasefire developments in the region.

Statement Highlights Safe Passage

In a statement shared on social media, Araghchi said that all commercial vessels would be allowed to pass through the Strait for the duration of the ceasefire.

BIG BREAKING: Iran declares Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' during ceasefire#IranWar‌ #straitofhormuz #usiranwar

— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) April 17, 2026

However, he clarified that ships must follow designated routes coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation to ensure safe navigation through the strategically sensitive waterway.

Link to Regional Ceasefire

The decision comes in the context of a ceasefire linked to ongoing tensions in West Asia, including developments involving Lebanon. The opening of the Strait is being seen as a confidence-building measure aimed at reducing risks to global shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.

Impact on Global Trade

Any restrictions in the Strait typically raise concerns over energy supplies and shipping costs worldwide. By keeping the route open, Iran’s move could help stabilise market sentiment and ensure continuity in trade flows during the ceasefire period.

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Global stakeholders have been closely monitoring developments in the region, given the potential impact on energy markets and maritime security.

Conditional Access Remains

While declaring the route open, Iranian authorities stressed that navigation would be subject to adherence to specified transit corridors. This condition is aimed at maintaining order and avoiding incidents in the high-traffic waterway.

The announcement signals a temporary easing of tensions, though the situation remains closely tied to the continuation of the ceasefire.