Iran declares Strait of Hormuz open

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian declared the Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' on April 17, 2026, reversing its recent closure. However, analysts cited by The New York Times say energy and shipping companies will not fully resume operations until they are certain hostilities have completely ended. If the long-term security of the strait is not guaranteed, insurance companies and shipping lines will continue to refuse to send ships through this vital waterway, meaning the reopening can only partially alleviate the ongoing global oil crisis.