Iran, US say Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels

In an apparent sign that Tehran blinked first in the blockade showdown between Iran and the US, the two sides announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was open and operational after nearly seven weeks that have seen hundreds of ships blocked and sent energy prices soaring worldwide.

“IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!” US President Donald Trump said on social media, using an unofficial name for the strategic waterway.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this on social media without the all-capital lettering.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through [the] Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” Araghchi said.

The war, launched by the US and Israel in late February, has had its share of chest-thumping, threats and defiance, and it remains to be seen whether the ceasefire holds.

But as outlined, the opening of the strait would continue until April 27 when the US-brokered 10-day truce ends between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah reached between Israel and Lebanon.