Iran's Formal Announcement: Strait of Hormuz Open In Line With the Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon

Udaipur, Apr 17, 2026: In line with the developments after the Israel - Lebanon ceasefire was announced, the Iranian government has formally declared the Strait of Hormuz to be opened for commercial vessels. This was stated by Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, in his Tweet on X (Twitter).

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, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026

Open for the Period of the Ceasefire

The Strait, says Araghchi, will be completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, on the coordinate route as already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran, said the Tweet. The confirmation of the opening of Hormuz came as the US and France undertake a conference on the reopening of Strait of Hormuz - named 'Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative'. The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India said that India has also been invited for the joint conference. The conference is expected to be attended by representatives of 30 countries, including some from West Asia. Though the list is not disclosed, the German Chancellor and Italian Prime Minister are also expected to attend in person. Many will join the conference remotely. The US will not be a part of this conference.

Israel Lebanon Ceasefire

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was met with joy in Beirut. As per various media reports, over 2000 people have been killed in Lebanon after the 6-week aggression by Israel. Authorities say that 1 in 5 have been displaced. As per the terms of the ceasefire, Israel will keep its troops in a 10-km deep "security zone" in Lebanon.

Oil Price

This resulted in the immediate fall in prices of Oil. Stock markets across the US and Europe also witnessed a rise after the statement by the Iran Minister. The price of Brent crude fell to below USD 90 after reaching USD 98 earlier in the day.

US Naval Blockade

The US President, in his social media post, also confirmed that the Strait has been opened for commercial transit. He, however added that despite the strait being open, the naval blockade by the US will continue in full force till the "transaction with Iran is complete".