Satellite image of the Strait of Hormuz [NASA/AFP Yonhap News]

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on the 17th (local time) that the Strait of Hormuz passage restrictions would be temporarily lifted following the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Araghchi declared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "Reflecting the ceasefire situation in Lebanon, full passage will be allowed for all merchant ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire period."

It is unclear whether the ceasefire period he referred to is the US-Iran ceasefire until the 21st (US Eastern Time) or the ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that began on the same day.

Araghchi added, "(Merchant ships passing through Hormuz) must follow the 'coordinated routes' previously announced by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization."

The shipping route for the Strait of Hormuz announced by the Iranian side passes by Iran's Larak Island, not the existing route near Oman's Musandam.

A high-ranking Iranian military official confirmed the policy of opening the Strait of Hormuz only to merchant ships, but added the condition that permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is required.

The official explained to state broadcaster IRIB, "Military vessels (such as warships) are still prohibited from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Only non-military vessels, such as merchant ships, are allowed to pass, and they can only move along designated routes with the permission of the IRGC Navy."

He emphasized, "Non-military vessels granted passage permits must use only the routes designated by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization."

US President Donald Trump [AFP Yonhap News]

Immediately after Araghchi posted his message, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Iran just announced that the Strait of Iran (Strait of Hormuz) is fully open and ready for passage. THANK YOU!"

In a follow-up post, President Trump pressured Iran by stating, "The Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and passage, but the naval blockade on Iran will remain in full effect until our deal with Iran is 100% complete."

He also expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with Iran, saying, "Most of the matters (with Iran) have already been negotiated, so this process (negotiations with Iran) will proceed very quickly."

In related news, Iran's Fars News Agency, citing a source from the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), revealed the specific conditions and background for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as part of the two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

The principles mentioned in the report are: ▲ prohibition of warships and allowance only for vessels of neutral countries, ▲ adherence to routes designated by Iran, and ▲ prior coordination with the IRGC.

The source stated that the opening of the strait is conditional on the ceasefire situation in Lebanon and the perfect implementation of specific conditions. He warned, "If the maritime blockade continues, it will be considered a violation of the ceasefire, and in such a case, the passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be immediately closed again."

Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, announcing the opening of the Strait of Hormuz [Screenshot from Araghchi's X account]