Iran, US say Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels
A 10-day ceasefire deal ends a shipping crisis that sent global energy prices soaring.
In a significant de-escalation, Iran and the United States have declared the Strait of Hormuz fully operational for commercial shipping, ending a near seven-week blockade. The strategic waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes, had been choked off, stranding hundreds of vessels and sending global energy prices soaring. The announcement came from both U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi via social media, signaling a rare moment of public alignment.
The reopening is directly linked to a fragile, 10-day ceasefire brokered by the U.S. between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Iranian officials stated that passage for all commercial vessels would remain open for the duration of this truce. The conflict, which began with a U.S. and Israeli offensive in late February, has been marked by threats and defiance, and it remains uncertain whether the ceasefire will hold beyond the agreed period.
- The Strait of Hormuz is reopened after a 7-week blockade that stranded hundreds of ships.
- The opening is contingent on a 10-day U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- The blockade had previously caused a major spike in worldwide energy prices, impacting global markets.
Why It Matters
Reopening this critical chokepoint is vital for stabilizing global energy supplies and maritime trade routes.