Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz again if the United States maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned, saying passage would be along routes determined by Tehran and require Iranian authorization. The warning came after Tehran announced ships would be allowed to transit the strait and after US President Donald Trump said the blockade would remain until a long-term peace deal with Iran is reached.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared the strait “completely open” for the remainder of the US‑Iran ceasefire, saying commercial vessels may use the coordinated route announced by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization. Tehran had effectively closed the waterway on February 28 after the US and Israel began operations against Iran; some 20% of global oil deliveries transit the strait.
Trump said a peace deal with Iran was “very close” and repeatedly posted that the strait would remain open. He also claimed the US would recover enriched uranium he said had been buried by US strikes, a claim Tehran denied. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said transfer of its enriched uranium “has never been raised” in negotiations and that recent talks are focused on ending the war rather than recovering nuclear material. Iran still possesses notable quantities of uranium enriched to 60% and 20%.
Oil markets reacted strongly: Brent crude fell more than 11% after Iran announced the reopening, with analysts viewing the move as a sign of de‑escalation. At the same time, Trump stressed the US naval blockade targeting Iran would remain in force until a full transaction is complete.
Shipping companies and international bodies urged caution despite Iran’s announcement. The International Maritime Organization said it was verifying whether reopening complied with freedom of navigation. Shipowners’ groups and BIMCO raised concerns about mine threats and sought clarification on Iranian conditions and practical implementation. A US Navy advisory noted the mine threat in parts of the strait remains not fully understood and suggested vessels consider avoidance.
European and other leaders held talks on securing shipping. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, hosting a summit attended by about 50 countries, called for the full, immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait and planned a military planning meeting for an international safeguarding mission. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the reopening but insisted it must be unconditional, comply with international maritime law, and involve no payments; he offered Germany’s reconnaissance and mine‑clearing support and said he would like US participation in a mission. Italy signaled willingness to provide naval units pending parliamentary approval.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a joint mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, offering Kyiv’s experience in escorting merchant vessels, demining and defending against drone attacks. Some European leaders and shipping firms have pushed for an international operation to secure the strait after the conflict ends.
The ceasefire context: A two‑week US‑Iran ceasefire began on April 8; Iran tied reopening to the ceasefire and to a separate ceasefire reached between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said negotiating peace with Israel would not compromise Lebanon’s sovereignty. Despite the ceasefire, Lebanese media reported an Israeli strike killed a motorcyclist in southern Lebanon; Israel said it retains the right to target Hezbollah to prevent planned or imminent attacks and to maintain a security buffer zone.
Trump posted that Israel is “PROHIBITED” from bombing Lebanon and at times said he did not want NATO assistance for operations in Hormuz, instructing NATO to “stay away” in a Truth Social post. He also claimed Iran would never again close the strait—claims that could not be independently verified.
Humanitarian note: Separate UN figures cite heavy civilian tolls elsewhere in the region; the UN said more than 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza between October 2023 and the end of 2025, with many more injured and suffering severe humanitarian impacts.
The situation remains fluid: Tehran has offered conditional reopening tied to ceasefires and diplomatic progress, Washington maintains pressure via a naval blockade and public demands, and international actors debate a coordinated mission to secure navigation and clear mines. Shipping firms, insurers and markets continue to watch for clear signals on safety, mine clearance and unimpeded passage before restoring regular transit through the Strait of Hormuz.