A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has taken effect. In line with this truce, Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to all commercial vessels. Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the opening of the crucial waterway is linked to the ceasefire, increasing the prospects for a wider peace deal.
President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran is working to remove sea mines from the strait, a process being supported by the United States. This move is expected to expand commercial shipping traffic through the vital waterway, which had remained almost completely closed as the U.S. and Iran disputed the terms of their ceasefire agreement.
Despite the opening of the strait, President Trump asserted that the American naval blockade on Iranian ships and ports will remain in full force until a deal is reached to end the war. Meanwhile, Iran specified that passage through the strait will follow a coordinated route set by Tehran.
As the truce continues, the Israeli military stated that its forces will remain in southern Lebanon. Iranian sources indicated that some gaps still remain to be resolved before a preliminary deal can be reached.