Iran declares Strait of Hormuz “completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” on its designated route

Strait of Hormuz | MGN

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that his country would allow all ships to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

“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, on the coordinated route” announced previously by Iran’s port and maritime authorities, Araghchi said in a social media post.

Iran previously said ships that were granted explicit clearance by Iranian authorities — not linked to the U.S. or Israel — could transit the strait via a route that runs near its Larak Island, to avoid the risk of sea mines in the vital shipping lane.

The Lebanon-Israel ceasefire is to last 10 days, after taking effect at 5 p.m. Eastern on Thursday. The separate two-week ceasefire agreed between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire on Tuesday, but Araghchi appeared to peg the permission for vessels to transit the strait to the halt in fighting between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.