Hormuz Strait Open During Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire, US Blockade Remains

Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced on social media site X that the Strait of Hormuz would be open for commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, starting Friday. US President Donald Trump confirmed the passage was "completely open and ready for business" but stated the US naval blockade on Iranian ships would continue until negotiations with Iran concluded.

It remains unclear how quickly shipping will resume to pre-war conditions and whether Iran will impose restrictions like tolls. Trump also stated the US and Iran would work together to remove "all sea mines," a potentially slow process. Normally, 20 percent of the world's oil supplies transit through the strait, but this had slowed, causing soaring prices.

Leaders from France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany met in Paris to coordinate an international coalition to reopen transit through the strait on the same terms as before the US and Israel's attack on Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron, after a meeting of 49 countries, stated the "simple message" was "a return to the status quo," opposing any restrictions or privatization attempts. The US did not participate in the conference.

Stock markets rose and oil prices fell following the announcement. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the ceasefire an "entry point" for negotiations, linking any deal to Israeli withdrawal and return of detainees. The Hizbullah parliamentary bloc criticized the Lebanese government for accepting direct talks with Israel.