April 17, Kathmandu — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open during the ceasefire period agreed upon with the United States. Through a statement, he committed to allowing all vessels to transit through the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire period. ‘‘Following the ceasefire in Lebanon, all commercial ships will be able to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, and this route will remain completely open for the rest of the ceasefire period,’’ Foreign Minister Araghchi stated. The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to continue until April 22.
Previously, Iran had maintained a firm stance that the Strait of Hormuz would not be opened until a ceasefire was established throughout the Middle East, including Lebanon. However, following Araghchi’s announcement regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude to Iran. Via social media platform Twitter, Trump extended his appreciation to Iran, writing, ‘‘Iran has recently announced it will fully open the Strait of Hormuz and prepare for maritime traffic—thank you for that.’’ Despite this, Trump clarified that the US blockade at Hormuz will remain in place. ‘‘The Strait of Hormuz is open and ready for trade and navigation, but the naval blockade, with associated power and influence, will continue,’’ he explained. He emphasized that the US blockade is targeted solely at Iran.
