New Delhi, April 8 -- The White House has demanded that Iran immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz following claims that Tehran had closed the vital maritime route amid Israel's air strikes on Lebanon.

The White House said on Wednesday that Iran has agreed to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and reported an increase in maritime traffic through the vital waterway amid efforts to stabilise tensions in the Middle East.

According to the White House, President Donald Trump expects the strait to remain open, and stressed that Tehran will be held accountable if it fails to ensure continued access for international shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's mos...