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Iranian FM Araghchi says commercial vessels will be allowed to pass through the Strait during ongoing US-brokered 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah, agreed earlier this week between Israel and Lebanon
WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 17th, 2026) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial shipping following a ceasefire arrangement linked to developments in Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a deal to end the Iran conflict could be reached “soon,” though no final timeline has been given.
In a post on X, Araghchi said commercial vessels would be allowed to pass through the Strait during the ongoing US-brokered 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah, agreed earlier this week between Israel and Lebanon.
He added that ships must follow routes designated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route handling nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has been at the centre of heightened tensions amid the regional conflict.
Following Araghchi’s statement, global oil prices fell by around 9 percent, extending earlier losses as concerns over supply disruptions eased in international markets.
US President Donald Trump, in a social media post, said Iran had announced the Strait was open for navigation.
However, he maintained that US restrictions on vessels bound for Iranian ports would remain in force until a final agreement is reached.
He added that these measures would continue until the “transaction” with Iran is fully completed, which he suggested could happen soon as most issues had already been agreed upon.
Despite Washington’s optimism, Iranian sources indicated that major differences persist in the negotiations, particularly on nuclear-related matters and sanctions relief.
Clerics in Iran also reiterated a hardline stance during Friday sermons, signaling continued resistance to external pressure.
A Pakistani source involved in mediation efforts said backchannel diplomacy between the two sides has shown progress, with discussions potentially leading to an initial understanding followed by a broader agreement within 60 days, though key technical issues remain unresolved.
Diplomatic activity continues as both sides maintain differing public positions on the remaining sticking points in the ongoing talks.
English (US) ·