INTERNATIONAL — April 17, 2026
Iran Announces Strait of Hormuz Open to Shipping During Lebanon Ceasefire
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A National Security Council source warned that continued U.S. maritime blockade could prompt re-closure of the strait, viewing it as a violation of the truce.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — corroborated by RTA and Khaama Press — 2 min read
Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open to commercial shipping during the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that all vessels can transit safely through designated routes in the strait. The announcement is intended to support the truce and help ease tensions in the region while promoting diplomatic initiatives.
The statement follows the temporary reopening of the strategic waterway for commercial ships.
However, a source from Iran's National Security Council has warned that if the United States continues its maritime blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed again. The source described the blockade as a violation of the recent ceasefire, according to Amu TV.
The ceasefire was mediated by Donald Trump, and the United States is not lifting its port blockades until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached, the report added.
Global prices for Brent oil and gas have fallen in response to the developments, Amu TV reported.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for energy shipments from the Middle East. The reports highlight both Iran's willingness to facilitate shipping during the truce and its readiness to take action if it believes the terms of the ceasefire are not being met by other parties.
Khaama Press reported the opening as a positive step for reducing tensions and advancing diplomacy in the region.
Read the original reporting at Amu TV →
Reliability assessment
Multiple independent outlets (Amu TV, RTA, Khaama Press) report on an on-record statement by named Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping during the ceasefire. Per guidelines, 'X said Y' from a named public official is concrete, attributable, and reliable regardless of topic sensitivity; the anonymous NSC source is secondary and does not undermine the primary attribution.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
"If the aggressive and terrorist America continues its unlawful actions of maritime blockade in the region and creates insecurity for Iranian commercial ships and oil tankers, this action will be considered a prelude to violating the ceasefire, and ...
Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s foreign minister said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” for all commercial ships, but uncertainty remained after hard-line news outlets in Iran said there would still be some restrictions on marine traffic, and Mr. Trump declared the U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports would remain in place.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz open (or temporarily freed) to commercial shipping during the ceasefire in Lebanon
- The Iranian statement is attributed to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi/Araqchi
- There is an active ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon involving Hezbollah
- The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy transit route whose status has economic and security implications
Where reports differ
- Amu TV reports a conditional Iranian threat to re-close the Strait if the US maritime blockade continues and frames it as a ceasefire violation; Khaama Press makes no mention of any threat, blockade, or potential closure
- Amu TV states the ceasefire was mediated by Donald Trump and that the US will not lift its blockade until a full peace agreement; Khaama Press does not mention Trump, mediation details, or any US blockade
- Amu TV reports a significant drop in Brent oil and gas prices in reaction to the developments; Khaama Press does not reference market reactions
- Khaama Press emphasizes the opening as a positive signal for easing tensions and broader diplomacy; Amu TV frames the situation with warnings and potential violations
Filed by 3 outlets
Amu TV
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
RTA
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon ceasefire, Abbas Araghchi, Israel-Hezbollah
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