Iran has announced that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain “completely open” during the ongoing ceasefire period following the Lebanon truce, a move aimed at stabilizing global trade and energy flows through one of the world’s most critical waterways, though the reopening comes with strict conditions enforced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), continued coordination requirements for vessels, and lingering uncertainty over safety risks and military restrictions.
1. Civilian vessels limited to designated routes
Civilian ships are allowed to transit only through routes identified as safe by Iran, including coordinated paths near Larak Island.
Transit of military ships through the strait remains banned, even as commercial traffic resumes.
All vessels must obtain permission from the IRGC Navy and coordinate navigation to ensure safety.
Passage is allowed strictly “for the remaining period of ceasefire,” aligning with the temporary halt in hostilities tied to Lebanon.
Iran has also warned that if the US naval blockade continues, it may consider it a ceasefire violation and re-close the strait, underscoring the fragile nature of the current arrangement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed the development, stating, “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.” He added that shipping must follow a coordinated maritime route designated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.
A senior Iranian official also told Reuters that “all ships can sail through the Strait of Hormuz but this needs to be coordinated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).” The official further noted that releasing Iran’s frozen funds, estimated at $30 billion, was part of the agreement tied to reopening the strait.
While US President Donald Trump echoed the announcement, saying the strait was “fully open and ready for passage,” he also made clear that a US naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked shipping remains in place.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
