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Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 19:39 IST
How did the US-Israel attacks disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint? How Iran used it? The history of disruptions and timeline of war, News18 explains.
Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah. (Reuters)
Amid the ceasefire with the United States, Tehran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain “completely open" for the duration of the current cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.
How the US-Israel attacks impacted the critical global oil chokepoint, News18 explains.
What Iran announced, how Trump reacted
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the move, linking maritime access directly to the ongoing truce. “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran."
Despite the reopening of the vital waterway, the Foreign Minister clarified that certain maritime restrictions remain in place, noting that vessels are required to sail “on the coordinated route as already announced" by Iranian authorities.
The significance of this reopening was further validated by US President Donald Trump, who confirmed via social media that the Strait of Hormuz is “fully open." Taking to Truth Social, Trump noted, “Iran has just announced that the strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!"
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, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026
The 2026 conflict timeline
The most significant closure in history began in early 2026, triggered by direct military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.
February 28: Hostilities erupt; Iran begins retaliatory strikes on shipping after US-Israeli air campaigns.
March 1–2: Iran officially announces the closure of the strait. Merchant traffic plummets as IRGC forces strike several tankers with missiles and drones.
March 4: Iran selectively allows Chinese-owned vessels to pass while maintaining a blockade against Western-linked ships.
March 27: Movement is strictly prohibited for any vessel going to or from the US, Israel, or their allies.
April 8: A two-week ceasefire is agreed upon, theoretically reopening the strait. However, Iran immediately imposes a “pay-to-pass" toll system, charging up to $1 million per ship.
April 13: Following failed peace talks, President Trump orders a US naval blockade to clear mines and protect non-Iranian traffic.
April 17: Iran announces the strait is completely open for commercial vessels during a 10-day truce in Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump posts, “The Strait Of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the Naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process… pic.twitter.com/ydoADWHBY4— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026
The historical disruptions
Before the current crisis, the strait was often a flashpoint for threats, but physical blockades were rare.
- 1507–1622: Portugal controls the strait, imposing a “cartaza" (toll) system for a century until driven out by an English-Persian alliance.
- 1951: The British Royal Navy blockades the port of Abadan to pressure Iran over oil nationalisation, effectively choking access to the strait.
- 1984–1988 (The Tanker War): During the Iran-Iraq War, both nations attack oil tankers. The US launches Operation Praying Mantis in 1988 to cripple the Iranian navy and ensure safe passage.
- 2011–2012: Iran threatens closure in response to EU oil embargoes; the US responds with carrier deployments, and the threat is not carried out.
- 2015–2024: Frequent harassment and seizures of tankers (e.g., Maersk Tigris in 2015, Stena Impero in 2019) occur in response to international sanctions.
- June 2025: Following Israeli strikes on nuclear sites, Iran’s parliament votes to close the strait, but a quick ceasefire prevents a physical blockade.
Why Strait of Hormuz matters
Roughly 20-25% of world oil and 20% of LNG passes through the strait.
Pre-war traffic was 100 ships per day; it dropped by over 95% during the March 2026 peak of the crisis.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE can bypass the strait using pipelines, but their combined capacity (9 million barrels/day) covers less than half of the typical Hormuz volume.
KEY FAQs
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?
The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of global oil supply. Any disruption during the US-Israel-Iran conflict directly impacts global fuel prices and trade.
How did the conflict affect it?
Iran restricted/blocked shipping during the war. Oil supply tightened, which led to prices surging globally. Shipping and insurance risks increased. The chokepoint became the center of economic pressure in the conflict.
What changed on April 17?
Iran declared the strait “completely open" for commercial ships during a ceasefire. Oil prices dropped sharply (~10%) due to easing supply fears. Signals possible de-escalation, though tensions remain.
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First Published:
April 17, 2026, 19:36 IST
News explainers Strait Of Hormuz Now Fully Open: How Iran Used Global Oil Chokepoint To Pressure US
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