President Trump confirmed today, Friday, April 17, 2026, that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial shipping.
This development follows an announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated that the passage would be reopened to all commercial vessels in alignment with the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that went into effect earlier today.
Key Highlights of the Announcement:
• Trump's Confirmation: In a post on Truth Social, the President welcomed the news, stating that Iran has announced the strait is "FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE" and added a "THANK YOU!"
• Context of the Opening: The reopening is tied to a broader regional de-escalation effort, specifically the current truce in Lebanon and a temporary two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
• Market Impact: The news has already had a significant impact on global energy markets, with oil prices (WTI) reportedly falling nearly 9% as the threat of a prolonged blockade eases.
• U.S. Blockade Status: While the strait is open for commercial traffic, President Trump has clarified that the U.S. naval blockade on Iran itself will "remain in full force" until a more permanent deal is reached with Tehran.
The strait had been effectively closed to major commercial traffic for several weeks following the escalation of conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran (including "Operation Epic Fury"), which had sparked a global energy crisis. For now, vessels are expected to follow a "coordinated route" established by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization for the duration of the truce.