Strait of Hormuz Reopens for Commerce; US Keeps Iran Blockade

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted that, in line with the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, all commercial vessels may use the Strait of Hormuz “for the rest of the truce on the route already set by Iran’s ports authority.” Former President Donald Trump posted on social media that “THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE,” and added the United States will keep a naval blockade “in full force and effect” as it pertains to Iran only. He later posted that “Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines.”

The ceasefire began Thursday at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The announcement temporarily eased restrictions on a waterway that had been nearly closed for several days, with only a small number of commercial ships passing through while talks continued.

Negotiations between U.S. and Iranian representatives have been affected by Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused the United States of breaking a prior understanding by allowing Israel to continue operations in Lebanon. U.S. and Iranian officials met in Pakistan last weekend but did not reach a permanent agreement. Trump said another round of meetings could take place in Pakistan.

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest point the channel is about 33 kilometers wide and is deep enough for the largest crude oil tankers. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated that in 2025 roughly 20 million barrels of oil and oil products moved through the strait each day, representing about $600 billion in annual energy trade. Shipments include oil and liquefied natural gas from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Commercial shipping was impeded after airstrikes on Feb. 28 targeted Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure and fighting escalated. The ceasefire text does not specify whether military forces will withdraw; some Israeli officials have said troops may remain near the Lebanon border. Humanitarian and security concerns continue in southern Lebanon where towns and infrastructure were damaged.

The U.S. statement that the blockade remains “in full force and effect” indicates restrictions will continue to apply to Iranian vessels even as other commercial traffic is allowed to resume. Washington and Tehran have linked the strait’s status to ongoing diplomatic negotiations that aim to resolve remaining differences.