Iran has announced the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping for the duration of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which came into effect on Friday.
Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the strategic waterway would remain accessible for the remainder of the truce, reports Al Jazeera
However, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh emphasised that the Islamic Republic continues to reject temporary arrangements, advocating instead for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities across the region.
The US-brokered ceasefire aims to facilitate direct negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials. While the diplomatic track has been described as a significant breakthrough, analysts warn that a permanent resolution remains unlikely in the near term.
Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, suggested that while the process might strengthen the Lebanese government and politically weaken Hezbollah through a gradual Israeli withdrawal, a sustainable agreement is still “remote.”
In Lebanon, the announcement sparked celebrations, particularly in Sidon, where residents were seen parading with images of late Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine.
Despite the public optimism, a Hezbollah official told Al Jazeera that the group remains “cautious and vigilant” regarding the truce.
The ceasefire has faced a cooler reception in Israel. Zonszein noted that many Israelis, the majority of whom support the continuation of military action, feel “defeated,” particularly those from displaced border communities.
She added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently struggling to craft a “workable narrative” as the terms of the deal – which allow Israel to maintain a presence in southern Lebanon and fire at its discretion – are viewed by some as a capitulation by the Trump administration to Iranian demands.
The lead-up to the Friday deadline was marked by intense violence. Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed that Israeli strikes on Thursday night killed three people in the Sidon district and eight others in the Zahrani area.
