Iran declares Strait of Hormuz fully open during Middle East ceasefire
via Le Mauricien2 min read
Iran's Foreign Minister announced on Friday that the strategic Strait of Hormuz, vital for global hydrocarbon trade, is "entirely open" for the duration of the Middle East ceasefire. Abbas Araghchi stated on X that the passage of all commercial vessels through the strait is permitted, aligning with the ceasefire in Lebanon. However, a senior Iranian military official, quoted by state television Irib, clarified that military vessel movements remain prohibited. Only civilian ships can traverse designated passages with permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy. The reopening of the strait was a condition set by Iran for the truce between the Israeli army and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement, which began on Thursday at 9:00 PM GMT for ten days. The Iranian foreign minister did not specify if the opening would last until the end of the Lebanon ceasefire or the US-Iran ceasefire, which is theoretically set to end on April 22 but could be extended. Donald Trump welcomed Tehran's announcement, while cautioning that the US blockade on Iranian ports would continue until an agreement is reached. The US President posted on Truth Social that Iran had announced the strait was fully open and claimed Iran was removing all its naval mines with US support, stating it would "never again" close the strait, without providing further details. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, following a multinational meeting in Paris on securing the strat
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced that six new airlines have obtained air traffic rights to operate commercial flights to Mauritius. These include World2Fly Spain, ITA Airways Italy, IndiGo India, Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopia, Airlink South Africa, and Cobra Aviation South Africa. Ethiopian Airlines recently conducted its inaugural flight. The Prime Minister explained that before an airline can operate international services, the government must negotiate a bilateral air services agreement with the destination country. These agreements define conditions such as traffic rights, capacity, airline designation, tariffs, and provisions for competition policy, safety, and security. Mauritius currently has bilateral air services agreements with 60 countries, with 35 already signed. Additionally, Mauritius has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on air services with Dubai and three Codeshare Agreements with Canada, Chile, and Japan. Foreign airlines designated under these agreements must submit applications for regular commercial flights for the Northern Hemisphere's summer and winter seasons. The government is pursuing a policy of progressive liberalization of air access through these bilateral agreements, aiming to strengthen air connectivity while ensuring fair opportunities for the development and growth of the national carrier, Air Mauritius Ltd.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced in the National Assembly that Mauritius recorded 1,560 drug-related cases and seizures valued at Rs 1.3 billion between January and July 8, 2026. He emphasized that combating drug trafficking remains a government priority. Law enforcement has intensified operations, conducting 90 patrols in high-risk areas in June alone. The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit ADSU is receiving increased staffing and equipment, and is collaborating with the Financial Crimes Commission to dismantle trafficking networks. A new radar surveillance system for coastal areas, funded by the Japanese government, is expected to be operational by December to enhance detection of maritime trafficking. The Mauritius Revenue Authority is also strengthening controls at ports and airports with new equipment and increased surveillance. Additionally, the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026-2030 outlines a comprehensive approach involving repression, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, in partnership with various ministries and international organizations.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Sarah Troutman is visiting Mauritius this week to enhance trade relations and explore new opportunities for exchanges, investments, and business partnerships. During her visit, she will witness Mauritius's signing of the Artemis Accords, joining the US and 69 other nations in a framework for peaceful and responsible space cooperation. She will also attend the signing of an Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement to bolster logistics cooperation between the US and Mauritius in security, disaster management, and humanitarian aid. Troutman will join the President of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool, at the construction site of the future US Embassy in Bagatelle for a ceremony marking the completion of the public reception building's structure. This new embassy signifies a 100-year investment in Mauritius and reflects the enduring partnership between the two countries. Discussions during the visit will also cover preparations for the US-Africa Business Summit, which Mauritius will host from December 6 to 9 this year. The summit will bring together government officials, business leaders, and investors from the US and Africa to foster economic partnerships and promote growth. Troutman's visit underscores the US's ongoing commitment to deepening commercial cooperation with Mauritius and supporting a dynamic, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic relationship.