Event·Diplomatic

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz "completely open" — US blockade remains in force

17 APR 2026 · 1200Z

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on social media that passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was declared completely open. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf contradicted the statement the same day: "With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open." Only a handful of vessels transited the strait in the days that followed.