Iran announces full reopening of Strait of Hormuz during ceasefire

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced this Friday (17) the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for the circulation of ships for the duration of the ceasefire with the United States. According to the Iranian government, all vessels can return to circulating freely during the remaining period of the truce, which lasts until next Wednesday (22).

The blockade of the sea route was one of the main obstacles in the negotiations between the two countries, as the release of the sea route was one of the main demands of the United States. After Iran authorized navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices reacted immediately, recording a drop of almost 10%.

Earlier, data from shipping monitoring website Kpler already showed that navigation through the strait had resumed. Three Iranian tankers left the Gulf of Iran, carrying 5 million barrels of crude oil, the first such shipments since the US blockade of Iranian ports on Monday (13).

“In accordance with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, on the coordinated route already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” declared Abbas Araghchi.

Repercussion

After the announcement, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, spoke through the social network Truth Social. “Iran has just announced that the Iran Strait is completely open and ready for full passage. Thank you!” However, he remained firm in maintaining the naval blockade on Iranian ports until there is an agreement.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and is considered one of the most strategic points for global trade. Ships transporting around 20% of all the oil and gas consumed in the world usually travel through the strait.