TEHRAN, Iran (FN), Iran announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” to commercial traffic, linking the move to a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The declaration comes after weeks of heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf that disrupted global oil flows and rattled energy markets.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the strait would remain open for the duration of the Lebanon truce, which was brokered with U.S. backing and has allowed displaced civilians to cautiously return to southern Lebanon. “Iran stands with peace initiatives in the region,” Araghchi said, adding that maritime stability is tied to broader regional negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, with about a quarter of global oil supplies passing through daily. Iran has historically used the strait as leverage in geopolitical disputes, threatening closures during periods of confrontation with Western powers. Earlier this year, shipping traffic was disrupted after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets escalated into a wider confrontation, sending oil prices above $100 per barrel and sparking fears of a global fuel crisis.
Similar flashpoints have occurred in recent years. In 2019, attacks on tankers near Hormuz raised fears of escalation between Iran and Gulf states. In 2023, Tehran threatened to restrict passage in response to U.S. sanctions, briefly rattling markets. Analysts note that the strait’s vulnerability has long made it a barometer of Middle East stability.
Iran’s latest announcement underscores its attempt to align maritime policy with regional diplomacy. But observers warn the ceasefire remains fragile, with Hezbollah vowing to resume fighting if Israel violates the truce. Energy analysts say the reopening eases immediate market pressure but remains contingent on the durability of Lebanon’s ceasefire and Iran’s willingness to keep the strait accessible.
