Global diplomatic tensions showed signs of easing on Friday after Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, a move echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump amid a fragile 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said in a post on X that passage for all commercial vessels through the strategic waterway “is declared completely open” for the duration of the ceasefire connected to developments in Lebanon. He added that vessels would operate along coordinated maritime routes previously outlined by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.
President Trump, in a separate social media statement, said Iran had announced that the Strait “is fully open and ready for full passage”, framing the development as part of wider diplomatic momentum aimed at de-escalating weeks of conflict involving Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor, had faced significant disruption during recent hostilities, raising global concern over energy security and maritime stability. The latest announcement is being viewed by observers as a temporary easing of pressure rather than a permanent resolution to underlying tensions.
The development comes as a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to hold, offering a cautious pause in fighting that has displaced thousands and raised fears of a broader regional war.
In Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, residents responded cautiously to the announcement, with some displaced families beginning tentative movements toward their homes while authorities urged restraint pending clearer security guarantees.
United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon reported no airstrikes since midnight but noted continued concerns over airspace violations and intermittent artillery activity. The Israeli military has yet to issue a formal response to these reports.
Under the ceasefire framework, Israel retains the right to act in self-defence against imminent threats, while offensive operations in southern Lebanon are expected to be limited during the truce period.
Trump described the developments as a “historic day for Lebanon” and expressed optimism that the wider conflict involving Iran could soon be brought to an end, saying in a separate address that “the war in Iran is going along swimmingly” and “should be ending pretty soon.”
