Strait of Hormuz declared open after Israel–Lebanon ceasefire as Donald Trump signals Iran deal ‘soon’
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial transit, as backchannel diplomacy points to a potential deal within weeks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says the Strait of Hormuz is open following the agreement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump says he believes a deal to end the Iran war will come “soon”.
Araqchi said in a post on X the strait was open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the US-brokered 10-day truce between Israeli forces and Iran-aligned Hezbollah agreed on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that transit would be through designated lanes that Iran deemed safe for navigation and would exclude naval vessels.
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He said that the blockade would remain in full force until “our transaction with Iran is 100 per cent complete,” which he said should happen very quickly, given that most points were already negotiated.
A Pakistani source involved in mediating between the US and Iran said on Friday there was progress in backdoor diplomacy and that an upcoming meeting between the two sides could result in the signing of a memorandum of understanding, followed by a comprehensive deal within 60 days.
“Both sides are agreeing in principle. And technical bits come later,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the announced reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but said it must become permanent.
The two said they will keep planning an international mission to restore maritime security, with a meeting of military planners in London next week.
Speaking after a gathering of 50 countries, Mr Macron said, “We all demand the full, immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by all parties”.
The US-backed ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to be largely holding on Friday despite some Lebanese army reports of violations by Israel.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the reported ceasefire violations on Friday.
Mr Trump said on Friday that the United States has banned Israel from further bombing in Lebanon.
“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” Mr Trump said in a social media post.
with AP
