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After two weeks of calm between Israel and Lebanon caused by a ceasefire, on April 17, 2026, Iran declared that the Strait of Hormuz is undergoing total openness to merchant ships till the ceasefire extension deadline. But Iranian state media (Tasnim) and officials explained that their demand of safe passage had three stringent conditions:

On commercial only ships may pass, but no military vessels.

No associations with enemy states—The ship and the content are not associated with the US, Israel, or their allies in the war.

Compulsory coordination: This is mandatory, where all ships have to follow official routes announced by the Ports and Maritime Organization and coordinate passage with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is quoted saying that it will pass by pre-declared coordinated channels. Shipping companies are still hesitant regarding mines and insurance risks and even a US naval blockade on any Iranian-linked traffic. The intention of the move is to calm the fears of oil supply around the world without Iran losing control of the choke point.