Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in a post on X on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for all commercial vessels and will remain so during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. He emphasized: “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.”

A 10-day ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon late on Thursday aims to reduce regional tensions, but many observers view Iran’s move as an attempt to bolster its influence in the area. Araghchi added that the passage of vessels through the strait will follow the coordinated route previously announced by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

United States President Donald Trump confirmed in a social media post that the strait was “completely open and ready for business and full passage.” However, this statement should be seen in the context of geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. regime and Iran, as the Strait of Hormuz holds strategic importance for a significant portion of global oil supplies.

The announcement by Iranian authorities is presented as a contribution to regional peace efforts, but it also serves as a means to demonstrate the state’s control over international maritime routes. The openness of the strait is crucial for global trade and oil prices, yet this situation hinges on the stability of the ceasefire, which remains uncertain due to the complexity of regional conflicts.

Source: www.aljazeera.com