NewsMakers-Daily Latest Urdu Breaking News Updates We Make Better News
Web Desk
April 18, 2026
TEHRAN – Iran has announced the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels, ending a nearly seven-week closure that had disrupted global energy supplies and sent oil prices soaring.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the announcement on social media platform X on Friday, stating that in line with the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, “passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire”.
In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026
Coordinated Route Required
Araghchi clarified that all maritime traffic must follow a “coordinated route” previously established by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization. The strait had been effectively blocked since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, prompting a US-led naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The strategic waterway, through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and a significant share of global LNG exports pass, had been a major sticking point in US-Iran negotiations.
Trump Responds
US President Donald Trump welcomed Iran’s announcement, posting on his Truth Social platform: “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!”.
However, Trump clarified that the US naval blockade “will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100 percent complete”.
Oil Prices Crash
The reopening news sent shockwaves through global energy markets:
| Commodity | Price Drop | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Crude | ~11% | $88.70 per barrel |
| WTI (US Crude) | ~11% | $81.20 per barrel |
The sharp decline reflects market relief after weeks of supply disruption and fears of a prolonged conflict in the oil-rich Gulf region.
Diesel Price Cut in Pakistan
Taking advantage of the drop in global oil prices, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a reduction of Rs 32.12 per liter in the price of diesel. The new price stands at Rs 353.43, down from Rs 385.54. However, the price of petrol remains unchanged, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division.
Iranian Military Clarification
While commercial shipping has been permitted to resume, Iranian military officials have made it clear that military vessels are not allowed passage through the strait. Commercial ships must obtain permission from the IRGC Navy before transiting the designated route.
Trump Claims Tehran Agrees to Hand Over Nuclear Material
Ceasefire Deadline Approaches
The reopening is tied to the remaining period of the ceasefire between the US and Iran, which is set to expire on April 22. The separate 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, which prompted Iran’s decision, remains in effect.
Three Iranian oil tankers carrying five million barrels of crude have already become the first loaded vessels to leave the Gulf through the strait since the US blockade came into force.
Global stock markets surged on the news, with US stock futures showing significant gains as investors priced in lower energy costs and reduced geopolitical risk.
