Top updates: Iran says Hormuz ‘completely open’ to commercial ships during Lebanon ceasefire

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that 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 agreement.

The vessels can travel on the coordinated route published by Iran’s ports and maritime organisation.

United States President Donald Trump said that the US’ naval blockade of Iran will remain in force till a deal is reached with Tehran.

This came after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon began on Friday.

Here are more top updates from the conflict in West Asia:

• Israel-Lebanon ceasefire: Announcing the ceasefire on social media on Thursday, Trump said that he had “excellent conversations” with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is not formally part of the agreement, Trump said he hoped that it “acts nicely and well during this important period of time”.
• The Lebanese Army reported “acts of aggression” by Israel after the ceasefire came into force and urged residents in southern areas to exercise caution due to alleged violations, AFP reported. The Army has also urged displaced people not to rush back to affected areas until conditions become clearer.
• Israel has said its troops will remain in an expanded security zone in southern Lebanon during the ceasefire, with...

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