Iran has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but there's a catch

Tehran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, with the exception of vessels linked to "Iran's enemies." 

This was reported by Reuters.

As Ali Musavi, Tehran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization, stated on March 22, 2026, passage through this strategically important waterway is permitted only on the condition of “coordinating security measures” with the Iranian side. The diplomat blamed the United States and Israel for the escalation in the Persian Gulf, stressing that an end to external aggression is necessary to restore full freedom of navigation.

Previously, Tehran had begun allowing commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz only for a separate fee.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Tehran, demanding that the Strait of Hormuz be fully opened within 48 hours.