Iran says Strait of Hormuz is ‘open’ but tracking shows few ships moving

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, declared the Strait of Hormuz fully open for commercial vessels, though he emphasized that ships should follow safe, designated routes. This declaration followed the first day of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, marking a potential shift in the region’s tense dynamics. The strait, which has been effectively closed since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on February 28, remains a critical artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade.

Iranian Ceasefire and US-Iran Tensions

A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire on April 22, with the U.S. maintaining its naval blockade of Iranian ports until a peace agreement is reached. President Donald Trump highlighted this, calling it a “great and brilliant day for the world” as the blockade persists. Meanwhile, maritime organizations continue to assess the safety of transit, noting that ship activity has significantly dropped amid recent hostilities.

“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 ceasefire on the coordinated route,” Araghchi wrote on X.

Iranian state media later reported that a senior military official stated vessels would use a “designated route,” while military ships would still be barred from passing through. This route was previously outlined by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and widely shared by Iranian outlets. However, some domestic news sources challenged the declaration, with Tasnim News Agency, linked to the IRGC, calling it “bad and incomplete.” They argued the passage would be “void” if the U.S. blockade continued.

Geopolitical Context and Uranium Dispute

The situation follows Iran’s denial of transferring enriched uranium stockpiles to the U.S., contradicting Trump’s claim that the regime had agreed to do so. Trump also mentioned the U.S. and Iran would collaborate to retrieve the uranium, stating, “And then we’ll take it to the United States.” This comes after Israel’s military strikes on Lebanon on March 2, in response to Hezbollah attacks, which were retaliating against U.S. and Israeli actions targeting Iran.

About 20% of the world’s oil and LNG typically traverses the strait, but the number of ships has dropped sharply during the conflict. Iran has warned of attacks on tankers and mine-laying, disrupting global markets and causing fuel prices to spike. While oil prices fell on Friday after Araghchi’s statement, doubts linger about the strait’s stability.

Verification and Concerns

Arnoldo Arsenio Dominguez, head of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), said he needed more clarity to ensure no risks for ships. “I need further clarification for the shipping industry that there will be no risks for the ships to navigate and it will be in accordance with international law,” he told BBC World Business report. The IMO noted some vessels had begun to sail, but uncertainty remains due to ships disabling their identification systems to avoid targeting.

“I need further clarification for the shipping industry that there will be no risks for the ships to navigate and it will be in accordance with international law,” said Arsenio Dominguez of the IMO.

Cormac McGarry, director of maritime security at Control Risks, remained skeptical, stating the strait’s reopening “basically changes nothing.” He pointed to the lingering threat of mines, which could still endanger passage. “Right now, the scenarios are looking pretty bleak for shipping over the next few weeks,” he added. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his country and France would lead a multinational mission to secure commercial shipping routes in the strait, promising a “strictly peaceful and defensive” approach.