TEHRAN: Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz fully open for commercial shipping following a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, while the United States signalled it would maintain pressure on Tehran despite the move.

In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the key global oil route had been reopened after being blocked in retaliation to joint US-Israeli strikes.

“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,” he said, adding that vessels would follow coordinated routes outlined by Iran’s maritime authorities.

The reopening of the waterway comes as part of broader de-escalation efforts in the region after the United States confirmed a temporary truce between Israel and Lebanon.

Responding to the development, Donald Trump thanked Iran for reopening the route but made it clear that Washington’s naval blockade targeting Iranian ports would remain in place until a formal agreement is reached between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure a broader ceasefire in the region. Shehbaz Sharif is currently on a multi-nation tour, visiting key regional allies including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye to build support for peace initiatives.

At the same time, Asim Munir has visited Tehran for high-level talks with Iranian officials, as Islamabad continues to play a central mediating role between Washington and Tehran.

Trump has also hinted at the possibility of personally attending future negotiations in Islamabad, saying he would “come to Islamabad” if Iran is ready to finalise a deal, adding that an agreement appears to be “very close.”

The developments mark a cautious easing of tensions, though uncertainties remain as military and diplomatic efforts continue in parallel across the region.