April 17, 2026

Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz for all commercial vessels

The Strait of Hormuz is open for the movement of all commercial vessels during the ceasefire in Lebanon, stated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. "In accordance with the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open for the remaining period of the ceasefire along the agreed route, already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran," Araghchi wrote. Against the backdrop of Iran's statement, the price of Brent oil on the London ICE exchange fell below $90 a barrel for the first time since March 11. The day before, Lebanon and Israel agreed on a ten-day truce, which came into effect at 00:00 Moscow time. Prior to this, Israel refused to cease its ground operation in Lebanon within the framework of the American-Iranian truce of April 8. The escalation between Lebanon and Israel began in March, after Hezbollah resumed strikes on Israel in response to the American-Israeli operation against Iran and the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.