Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Open Amid Trump’s Optimism for Swift War Resolution

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is open for commercial vessels, following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. This declaration comes as U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about potential negotiations to end the ongoing conflict with Iran, suggesting talks could occur over the weekend.

Ceasefire Agreement and Its Implications

Araqchi made the announcement via a post on X, stating that the strait would remain open for all commercial traffic throughout the duration of the U.S.-brokered 10-day truce established on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon. This ceasefire aims to halt hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

In his post, Araqchi emphasized that the passage through the Strait of Hormuz is fully operational for the remainder of the ceasefire, as coordinated by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Shortly after Araqchi’s statement, Trump took to Truth Social to declare, “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR PASSAGE.” However, both parties’ statements have raised questions about the speed at which shipping can resume.

Ongoing Tensions and Blockades

Despite the optimistic announcements, Trump reiterated that a U.S. blockade on vessels heading to Iranian ports would continue until a complete agreement with Iran is reached. This blockade was implemented after recent negotiations with Tehran ended without a resolution.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, warned that Tehran would take “necessary reciprocal measures” if the maritime blockade persists. The ongoing tensions highlight the complexities surrounding the negotiations, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program, which remains a significant sticking point.

A senior Iranian official noted that while discussions are ongoing, “no agreement has been reached on the details of the nuclear issues,” indicating that substantial negotiations are still required to bridge the gaps between the two sides.

Nuclear Negotiations and Economic Implications

Tehran is hopeful that a preliminary agreement could be established in the coming days, facilitated by Pakistan’s mediation efforts. There is also the potential for extending the ceasefire to allow for further discussions on lifting sanctions and addressing war damages.

The conflict, which escalated following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, has resulted in thousands of casualties and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is crucial for global oil and liquefied natural gas transit, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the world’s supply, raising concerns about a significant oil shock.

Following Araqchi’s announcement, oil prices dropped by about 10%, while global stock markets reacted positively, continuing to trade near record highs.

Shipping companies have cautiously welcomed the news of the strait’s reopening but have expressed the need for further clarifications regarding potential risks, including the presence of mines in the area. The U.S. Navy has issued advisories indicating that the mine threat in parts of the waterway is not fully understood, suggesting that avoidance of the area may be prudent.

A senior Iranian official indicated that vessels could only navigate the strait with coordination from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, adding another layer of complexity to maritime operations in the region.

International Response and Future Talks

In a related development, more than a dozen countries have expressed willingness to participate in an international mission to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow. This announcement follows a video conference held on Friday.

Trump indicated that further discussions could take place this weekend, although some diplomats have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of assembling officials in Islamabad for talks.

A source involved in the mediation process reported that progress has been made in backdoor diplomacy, suggesting that an upcoming meeting could lead to a memorandum of understanding, potentially followed by a comprehensive agreement within 60 days. The source noted that both sides are in agreement in principle, with technical details to be resolved later.

Additionally, a senior Iranian official confirmed that there had been an agreement to unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets as part of the deal to reopen the strait, although no specific timeline was provided.

During recent negotiations, the U.S. proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activities, while Iran suggested a halt of three to five years. Iran has also demanded the lifting of international sanctions, while the U.S. has insisted on the removal of highly enriched uranium from Iran.

Reports from Iranian sources indicate signs of a possible compromise regarding the HEU stockpile, with Tehran considering the option of exporting part of it.

Trump mentioned that the U.S. would assist in recovering Iran’s enriched uranium, stating, “We’re going to go in with Iran, at a nice leisurely pace, and go down and start excavating with big machinery… We’ll bring it back to the United States.”

Despite the optimism expressed by Trump, Iranian sources have cautioned that “gaps remain to be resolved” before a preliminary agreement can be finalized. Senior clerics in Iran have maintained a defiant stance, with cleric Ahmad Khatami asserting that “our people do not negotiate while being humiliated.”

Current Situation in Lebanon

The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon appears to be holding, despite reports of some violations by Israeli forces. Paramedics have reported that an Israeli drone strike resulted in one fatality in southern Lebanon. The conflict reignited on March 2 when Hezbollah fired upon Israel, prompting a retaliatory offensive that has reportedly resulted in nearly 2,300 deaths.

There has been no immediate response from the Israeli military regarding the reported ceasefire violations.

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Published on 2026-04-17 17:11:00 • By the Editorial Desk