Map highlighting Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
Iran on Friday, April 17, said the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” to all vessels following the Lebanon ceasefire, signalling a shift towards easing regional tensions.
In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the vital waterway will remain open throughout the truce period, with ships permitted to transit via designated routes coordinated by authorities.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, had faced heightened tensions and disruptions amid recent regional escalation, raising concerns over global energy supplies.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump imposed a naval blockade targeting Iran after Tehran restricted traffic through the strait, citing what it described as violations of a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran
At the time, Trump said the move would enforce an “all or none” policy aimed at pressuring Iran to reopen the waterway, while maintaining that the blockade would remain in place until a broader agreement is reached.
Ships attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports have complied with directions from US forces to turn around, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM said 21 vessels had changed course after being instructed to return, underscoring enforcement of the blockade.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Saturday, April 18, that the development was “positive news”, but cautioned that its impact would be long-lasting.
Speaking after a virtual summit involving around 50 countries, he said, “This was positive news that we received last night. We hope that it holds, but what we know is that the impact will be long lasting.”
US President Donald Trump indicated that a second round of direct talks between Washington and Tehran could take place over the weekend, as diplomatic efforts gain momentum.
“The Iranians want to meet,” Trump said in a brief telephone interview with Axios. “They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend.”
His remarks come amid growing optimism over a potential agreement, with both sides signalling willingness to continue negotiations despite unresolved issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has not yet completed its campaign against Hezbollah, pledging to continue efforts to dismantle the group despite a recently implemented ceasefire.
“Today’s Hezbollah is a shadow of its former self compared to the heyday of (Hassan) Nasrallah,” Netanyahu said, referring to the group’s former leader who was killed in 2024.
He added that Israel still intends to address remaining threats. “But we haven’t yet finished the job. There are things we plan to do to address the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat,” he said.
Netanyahu also cautioned that the broader objective of dismantling Hezbollah would take time, requiring “a sustained effort, patience and perseverance, along with skilful diplomatic manoeuvring.”
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said 19 vessels have turned back to Iranian ports since the start of the US naval blockade.
“Since commencement of the blockade, 19 ships have complied with direction from US forces to turn around and return to Iran,” CENTCOM said in a post on X, adding that no vessels had evaded enforcement measures.
The statement was accompanied by audio and video footage from the USS Rafael Peralta, showing a US sailor instructing a vessel to reverse course. In the recording, a voice can be heard acknowledging the directive and confirming the return to Iranian waters.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is seeking clarity on Iran’s announcement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing security concerns in the region.
Despite a pause in hostilities, a significant US and Iranian military presence remains in and around the waterway, raising continued risks for commercial shipping and crew safety.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who is attending the UK–France summit in Paris, said the organisation is examining the implications of the announcement and its compliance with international maritime norms.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces are continuing a naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iranian ports and coastal areas.
In a statement, CENTCOM said more than 10,000 US sailors, marines and airmen are involved in enforcing restrictions on ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian waters.
US President Donald Trump said Washington will work with Iran to recover its enriched uranium, according to an interview with Reuters on Friday.
“We’re going to get it together. We’re going to go in with Iran, at a nice leisurely pace, and go down and start excavating with big machinery … We’ll bring it back to the United States,” Trump said during a phone interview.
He referred to the material as “nuclear dust” and added that it would be retrieved “very soon”, indicating a potential area of cooperation despite broader geopolitical tensions.
US President Donald Trump said Washington has barred Israel from carrying out further bombing in Lebanon, adopting a firm stance towards its long-time ally while maintaining that any potential US agreement with Iran is unrelated to the Lebanon conflict.
“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” Trump said in a post on social media.
Following the Israel–Lebanon ceasefire signed in the US, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has pledged to enforce full state control over the capital, Beirut, restricting the use of arms to official security forces.
In a statement posted on X, Salam said the government’s decision to tighten control over Beirut Governorate and limit weapons to legitimate forces is “irrevocable” and will be strictly implemented to ensure public safety and protect property.
The remarks came after a meeting with Beirut’s parliamentary representatives under the banner “Secure and Weapon-Free Beirut,” signalling a renewed push to stabilise the capital in the aftermath of the ceasefire.
The US has agreed to release billions in frozen Iranian funds as part of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new British- and French-led international mission in the Strait of Hormuz, according to BBC.
The initiative, described as “strictly peaceful and defensive”, will involve more than a dozen countries, with a planning conference scheduled to take place in London next week.
Foreign ministers from Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are meeting in Antalya to address the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, as part of continued diplomatic efforts following two earlier rounds of talks in March, Reuters reported.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of a regional forum, aims to advance what officials describe as “regional solutions to regional issues” under a framework of regional ownership.
Turkey is leveraging its position as a NATO member and neighbour of Iran to maintain communication with both Washington and Tehran, while coordinating closely with Pakistan in its role as a key mediator.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran does not accept a temporary ceasefire and is instead pushing for a comprehensive resolution covering all conflict zones, Al Jazeera reported.
He stressed that any agreement must extend across the region, “from Lebanon to the Red Sea”, adding that ending the cycle of conflict “once and for all” remains a key priority for Iran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its role in securing a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, according to IRNA as cited by Al Jazeera.
He specifically appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in facilitating the truce.
US President Donald Trump said Iran is removing sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz with assistance from US forces following the reopening of the key shipping route.
He described the move as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safe navigation through the strategic waterway after weeks of disruption.
US President Donald Trump thanked Pakistan and its leadership for their role in the ceasefire, praising the country’s prime minister and military leadership for their efforts in facilitating the truce.
US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed not to close the Strait of Hormuz again, suggesting the waterway would no longer be used as leverage in future conflicts.
In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open and ready for business and full passage”, but confirmed that the naval blockade against Iran remains in force.
Trump added the blockade would continue until a “100% complete” agreement is reached with Iran, noting that most points in the negotiations have already been settled and the process is expected to conclude quickly.
This post was last modified on April 18, 2026 8:33 am