Iran announced that the critical global shipping lane is “completely open” after being mostly closed since the war between the U.S. and Iran broke out earlier this year.
“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,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arahgchi wrote Friday in a post to social media.
But Araghchi said Tehran was allowing the passage of all commercial vessels on a “coordinated route” through the waterway, suggesting Iran is still exercising control over which ships pass through, undermining Trump’s claims of freedom of navigation.
The waterway remains “effectively closed” as vessel movements are confined to corridors that require approval, according to Kpler, a global trade intelligence source.
Trump reacted enthusiastically to Iran’s announcement but said the U.S. blockade remains in place.
“IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU,” Trump posted to Truth Social.
The news comes as the 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire takes hold, potentially lifting a major hurdle to a peace deal with Iran.
In another TruthSocial post, Trump claimed that Iran has agreed to hand over its “nuclear dust,” an apparent reference to its enriched uranium. Iran has rejected this claim.
“The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear “Dust,” created by our great B2 Bombers – No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form. This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah situation in an appropriate manner. Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer,” Trump wrote.
The developments come after Trump announced Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire after meeting in Washington. The development could help clear a major hurdle in talks between the U.S. and Iran.
