Iran announced on Friday, April 17, that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” to all commercial vessels for the duration of the Lebanon ceasefire, a move welcomed by Donald Trump. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the reopening aligns with the 10‑day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, but added that ships must follow routes designated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, had been effectively blocked by Iran during its conflict with the United States and Israel, contributing to major disruptions in global energy supplies. Tehran’s decision to reopen the waterway is being framed as a temporary confidence-building measure linked to the Lebanon truce.
Trump called the reopening a positive step and described the waterway as “ready for business,” while stressing that a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iran would remain in place until a comprehensive peace agreement is finalized. He expressed confidence that negotiations were close to completion and said most key issues had already been agreed upon.
Diplomatic efforts have intensified. Pakistan has emerged as a central mediator, sending Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on a high‑level visit to Tehran. Munir met President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to discuss steps toward ending the war, ongoing negotiations and prospects for regional stability.
Munir’s visit — the first by a foreign military leader since the temporary U.S.–Iran ceasefire began — is believed to have included delivery of messages from Washington and coordination of the next phase of talks. Islamabad is preparing to host a second round of high‑stakes negotiations between the U.S. and Iran expected in the coming week; the first round in Islamabad ended without agreement but reportedly laid groundwork for further diplomacy.
Pakistani officials say large security deployments are being readied in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with possible travel restrictions to manage incoming delegations and ensure safety. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been active diplomatically, engaging with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, and meeting U.S. official Massad Boulos in Antalya to discuss Pakistan’s mediation role.
These efforts have helped maintain the current ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which is set to expire on April 21. Trump indicated he might travel to Islamabad if a final agreement is reached there, suggesting the ceasefire could be extended if necessary but expressing hope a deal would be concluded in time.
The conflict, which began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials, has had severe regional and global consequences. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the diplomatic momentum are being viewed as critical steps toward de‑escalation, though officials warn the situation remains fragile and dependent on successful negotiations in the coming days. (AP)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/04/18/iran-declares-hormuz-strait-fully-open/
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Publish Date: 2026-04-18 00:13:00
