Strait of Hormuz reopening for commercial vessels announced by Iran, as Trump maintains US naval blockade

Iran said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was fully open to commercial shipping. The statement came from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X. US President Donald Trump welcomed the move soon after. Trump also said US naval pressure on Iran continued until a wider agreement ended the war.

Representative image

The reopening was linked to a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Trump announced that ceasefire a day earlier. Iran had restricted movement through the strait during conflict with the US and Israel. The disruption hit global energy supplies and raised wider security concerns across the region.

Strait of Hormuz reopening and shipping route rules

Araghchi wrote: "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 the ceasefire,\". Araghchi added that ships must use a coordinated route. The route was earlier announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran.

Trump reposted the message on Truth Social soon after. Trump wrote: \"Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!\" Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz. The sequence of posts highlighted direct public messaging by both sides.

Strait of Hormuz reopening and US naval blockade stance

Trump said the waterway was open but US action against Iran stayed active. Trump said: \"Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated.\" Trump also said Iran, with US help, was clearing sea mines.

Trump said the Iran deal was separate from the Lebanon ceasefire. Trump added: \"But we will make Lebanon great again!\" The comments came alongside continuing talks efforts led by Pakistan. Iran’s move was presented by Pakistani sources as a step to build trust before more discussions.

Strait of Hormuz reopening amid Pakistan mediation and Tehran meetings

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iran’s top leadership in Tehran on Thursday. Munir met President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Munir also met senior Revolutionary Guards commanders, Iranian media reported. The visit followed Islamabad’s push to ease US-Iran tensions.

IRNA said Munir also visited the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. Munir met Commander Major General Ali Abdollahi there. Reports said both sides reviewed steps under a framework for ending the war. They also discussed regional conditions and prospects for peace and stability.

Strait of Hormuz reopening linked to talks planning in Islamabad

Sources in Islamabad said Munir discussed a second round of US-Iran talks in Pakistan. A Pakistani source said: \"As a confidence-building measure ahead of more talks, Iran agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz,\". US media reported Iran may address US nuclear concerns. In return, Iran sought access to USD 20 billion blocked by US restrictions.

Reports in the US suggested talks could happen as early as Sunday. Officials, however, said it was more likely next week. Pakistan began planning to host the next round in Islamabad. Earlier direct talks in Pakistan ended early Sunday without an agreement, despite rare engagement.

Pakistan officials said intense diplomacy followed the stalled talks. They said both sides still observed a temporary two-week ceasefire. That pause allowed Pakistan to renew mediation efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began a tri-nation tour on Wednesday, while Munir travelled to Tehran.

Shehbaz met Saudi and Qatari leaders before reaching Turkiye on Thursday night. In Antalya, Shehbaz met Massad Boulos on Friday. Boulos is Senior Advisor to the US President for Arab and African Affairs. The prime minister’s office said they discussed regional developments and Pakistan’s peace efforts.

The statement said Shehbaz praised Trump’s role in a past regional crisis. It said Shehbaz appreciated Trump’s leadership behind a ceasefire between Pakistan and India last year. India has said the cessation of hostilities followed direct DGMO talks. The statement also said Boulos backed deeper US-Pakistan engagement on shared priorities.

Officials in Islamabad said security planning had started in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were being brought from other provinces. Reports said transport firms were warned about sharp traffic limits. A social media message said restrictions could last until the end of next week.

Trump told reporters on Thursday that a visit to Islamabad was possible. Trump linked the trip to a final agreement with Iran signed there. Trump said Tehran accepted almost everything under negotiation. Trump also said the ceasefire could be extended, though it might be unnecessary if a deal came quickly.

The conflict began after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. The strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top commanders. A ceasefire between the US and Iran was agreed last week for two weeks. Officials said that ceasefire would expire on April 21.

With inputs from PTI