Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Open Amid Ongoing US-Iran Tensions

Iran's Announcement on Strait of Hormuz

Tehran/Washington, April 18: Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully accessible to all commercial shipping, a decision that has been positively received by US President Donald Trump.

“In accordance with the ceasefire in Lebanon, we announce that the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is now completely open for the duration of the ceasefire,” stated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a social media update on Friday.

This announcement followed President Trump's declaration of a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

However, Araghchi emphasized that vessels must navigate “on the coordinated route as previously outlined” by Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation.

Shortly after, President Trump echoed this announcement on Truth Social, stating, “Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!” referring to the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, Iran had effectively restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz due to its ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, which had significant implications for global energy supplies.

Despite the announcement, Trump reiterated that the naval blockade against Iran would remain “in full force” until a comprehensive agreement is reached with the US to conclude the conflict.

He clarified that while the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open and ready for business,” the naval blockade will continue to apply solely to Iran until the negotiations are finalized. He expressed confidence that this process would proceed swiftly as most points have already been negotiated.

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Talks

This development follows a meeting between Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and senior Iranian officials in Tehran, aimed at mediating the tensions between the US and Iran.

Munir, leading a high-level political-security delegation, met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and key commanders of the Revolutionary Guards on Thursday.

Ghalibaf, who had recently led an Iranian delegation to Pakistan for discussions with the US, urged the US to adhere to any peace agreements regarding Lebanon.

As the first foreign military leader to visit Tehran since the recent ceasefire was established, Munir also toured the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards, where he engaged with its commander about the ongoing efforts to conclude the war and the recent discussions in Tehran.

Reports indicate that the Pakistani delegation's visit aimed to convey a message from the US to Iranian leaders and to strategize for the next round of negotiations.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is preparing to host the second round of crucial talks between the US and Iran next week.

Direct discussions between the US and Iran took place in Pakistan over the weekend but concluded without an agreement.

Following these talks, there has been a surge in diplomatic activity aimed at bringing both parties back to the negotiating table, which has seen some success as both sides continue to respect the temporary ceasefire, allowing Pakistan to renew its mediatory efforts.

Preparations for the upcoming talks are underway in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel being deployed from other regions.

During the initial round of discussions, over 10,000 security personnel were stationed. Additionally, transport companies have been notified of potential traffic restrictions in and out of the twin cities, which may persist until the end of next week. Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period or to plan accordingly.

Prospects for a peace agreement have been bolstered by President Trump's comments on Thursday, suggesting he might travel to Islamabad if a final deal with Iran is reached there, claiming that Tehran has accepted “almost everything” currently under negotiation.

“If a deal is signed in Islamabad, I may go...They want me,” he remarked to reporters on the White House lawn before departing for Nevada and Arizona.

Trump expressed optimism regarding Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives to resolve the conflict and secure a settlement before the ceasefire expires, indicating he would consider extending it, although he suggested that such an extension might not be necessary if an agreement is finalized in time.

The conflict escalated after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking commanders.

The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to conclude on April 21.