After a blockade that lasted over a month—pushing global fuel prices to record highs—Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under specific conditions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway situated between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Iran lies on its northern coast, while the Musandam Peninsula sits to the south. Spanning approximately 167 km, it is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints; 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 25% of seaborne oil trade pass through the strait annually.
Following a temporary peace deal brokered by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iran announced a breakthrough. In a statement, the Iranian government noted: “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the move shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump accepted a two-week ceasefire.
Trump had previously set a deadline of midnight GMT Tuesday for Iran to end its de facto closure of the strait, warning of catastrophic military consequences if the blockade continued. However, Araghchi stated that Iran agreed to “suspend defensive operations” on the condition that attacks by the United States and Israel are halted.
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations,” Araghchi said.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council added that a permanent end to hostilities depends on the U.S. accepting a specific 10-point plan. “It is emphasized that this [ceasefire agreement] does not mean the end of the war. Iran will only accept the end of the war when the principles outlined in the 10-point plan are finalized in negotiations,” the council stated.
On social media, President Trump confirmed the de-escalation:
Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.
This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. We received a 10-point proposal from Iran and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to, but a two-week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated. On behalf of the United States of America, as President, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
As of the time of this report, Israel—which has fought alongside the United States since the conflict began on February 28—had not yet commented on the deal.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister declared that the ceasefire is effective immediately.
“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY,” Sharif stated.
Formal negotiations are scheduled to begin in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on Friday, April 10.
