Amanda Castro

By Amanda Castro

Associate News Editor

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President Donald Trump says U.S. and Iranian negotiators will likely meet this weekend to finalize a deal to end the war, even as officials caution that major gaps remain. His comments come amid a fragile regional ceasefire and new uncertainty over Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Apr 17, 2026 at 07:55 PM EDT

Lebanon’s Aoun thanks UK’s Starmer for support in call

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, thanking him for the UK’s backing as Lebanon enters what he described as a “new phase” of restoring stability, according to the Lebanese presidency.

Aoun told Starmer that Beirut now has an opportunity to strengthen security and reassert state authority across all Lebanese territory, the presidency said.

Starmer offered condolences for those killed in recent Israeli strikes and reaffirmed the UK’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance. He also said Britain would continue supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces under existing cooperation agreements, according to the statement.

Apr 17, 2026 at 07:40 PM EDT

Strait of Hormuz reopening: When will gas prices go down?

President Donald Trump said Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, signaling potential relief for American consumers who have been dealing with higher gas prices amid the Iran war.

Gas prices surged to more than $4 per gallon after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February and amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for the global oil supply. Trump’s announcement on Friday quickly prompted shifts in oil markets that could signal lower prices for motorists.

Oil prices fell more than 13 percent on Friday after Trump’s announcement. Brent crude, the international standard, dropped 13.4 percent to $86.11 per barrel, though that is still higher than the $70 per barrel from before the war.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said during a discussion on the Over the Barrel podcast that there has already been a national decline in gas prices and that it may continue.

“By this weekend, the good news is that we might start to see the three-handle reemerge, at least for the national average. We're only a nickel away*,”* he said.

He said he believes national gas prices could drop below $4 per gallon by Sunday afternoon.

“The current trajectory, we could get down to 365 to 385 for gasoline in the next week or two,” he said.

Read more here.

Apr 17, 2026 at 07:26 PM EDT

WATCH: Pope Leo claims the world

Apr 17, 2026 at 07:12 PM EDT

Iran state media push back on Araghchi’s Strait of Hormuz announcement

Iran’s decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels during the ceasefire has been welcomed internationally — but inside the country, state‑aligned outlets are openly questioning the move and the way it was communicated.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s English‑language post on X, declaring the strait “completely open” for the duration of the truce with the United States, drew immediate criticism from several influential agencies. The IRGC‑affiliated Tasnim news agency called the message “flawed and incomplete,” arguing it created “unnecessary ambiguity” about the conditions and mechanisms governing transit. Publishing such a statement without fuller explanation, it said, amounted to poor communication.

Mizan News Agency, another state‑backed outlet, insisted that any reopening must occur only under “very specific conditions,” including limited, fee‑based entry coordinated with Iran’s armed forces.

The semi‑official Mehr news agency went further, citing comments from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei that the strait “should remain closed,” describing it as a decisive factor in the recent conflict.

Apr 17, 2026 at 06:57 PM EDT

Iran’s envoy says ceasefire and Strait reopening create space for wider deal

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said Friday that the ceasefire in Lebanon and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz have created conditions for a broader regional agreement.

In a post on X, Moghadam said the combination of the truce and Pakistan‑led diplomacy “pave the ground” for long‑term stability, arguing that sustained engagement could lead to “permanent peace and collective security, sustainable development, progress and prosperity for all in the region and beyond.”

He added that “reliable trust, goodwill,” and what he described as a “practical will to action,” along with stronger regional “synergy,” are essential to closing remaining gaps between countries.

Apr 17, 2026 at 06:44 PM EDT

Lebanon PM says state will assert full control over Beirut Governorate

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said his government will assume full authority over the Beirut Governorate, including the capital, and restrict the possession of weapons to official state security forces. In a post on X, Salam said the move is intended to “safeguard the safety, security, and property of citizens,” calling the decision “irrevocable” and promising strict enforcement.

Some critics argue the announcement overstates the situation, noting that the Lebanese Armed Forces already maintain control across Beirut and that Hezbollah has no visible military presence in the capital. Opponents of the government also warn that framing the decision as an effort to disarm Hezbollah could risk giving Israel justification for its recent deadly strikes on the city.

Apr 17, 2026 at 06:29 PM EDT

Air Canada halts JFK flights as jet fuel crisis deepens

Air Canada will suspend its summer service to New York’s JFK Airport as soaring jet‑fuel prices linked to the war in Iran make several routes financially unsustainable, the carrier said Friday.

Flights from Toronto and Montreal to JFK will stop on June 1 and resume October 25, though service to LaGuardia and Newark will continue. The airline said affected passengers will be offered alternate travel options.

A spokesperson said jet‑fuel prices have doubled since the conflict began, forcing cuts to “lower‑profitability routes.” According to Argus Media, the average price per gallon hit $4.32 on Thursday, up from $2.50 before the war.

Oil prices fell more than 10% Friday after Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial tankers during the ceasefire, but global supply pressures remain severe. Fuel and labor are typically airlines’ largest expenses, and carriers across North America are raising fees or trimming schedules to cope. Delta Air recently warned higher fuel costs would add $2 billion to its second‑quarter expenses.

In an interview with the Associated Press, International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol said Europe has “maybe six weeks” of jet‑fuel supply left, calling the situation the world’s “largest energy crisis.”

Apr 17, 2026 at 06:14 PM EDT

Iranian media rebuke Araghchi over ‘incomplete’ Strait of Hormuz post

A post on X by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, declaring the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” during the ceasefire, has triggered sharp pushback from several Iranian news outlets, many of which are aligned with the IRGC.

Araghchi’s English‑language message emphasized that all commercial vessels could pass through the strait using a “coordinated route” set by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization. But state TV coverage downplayed the “completely open” phrasing, instead highlighting the controlled routing system.

The Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, called the post “bad and incomplete,” arguing that any reopening would be “void” if the U.S. naval blockade remains in place. It said the Foreign Ministry should “reconsider this kind of communication.”

The Student News Network (SNN), linked to the Basij Student Organization, urged authorities to “clarify” the situation to prevent what it described as the “interpretation” of a victory for Donald Trump.

Fars News Agency, another IRGC‑aligned outlet, also pressed for clarification, saying “short, pithy statements” on X are inadequate for shaping domestic public understanding. It warned officials not to allow “hostile media” to fill the information vacuum.

Apr 17, 2026 at 05:58 PM EDT

Tehran residents point to civilian toll after strike levels homes

Standing in the wreckage of his shattered home in Tehran, a resident named Mehran questioned President Donald Trump’s claim that U.S. actions were meant to help the Iranian people. Across Mahnaz Street, the main target of the 8 April strike has been reduced to a crater, drawing crowds who come to see the destruction for themselves as a fragile ceasefire holds.

Excavators cleared debris on Friday while workers hauled away twisted metal. Several nearby homes, including Mehran’s, were torn apart by the blast. Residents insisted the neighborhood had no military presence. “I’ve been here for 25 years — there was no military activity, just people living here,” Mehran said.

Others echoed that account. Mohammad, who fled his office during the attack, said he never saw security forces in the area. Mehdi, a worker helping with cleanup, said only household items were found in the rubble.

The scene has become a symbol of the civilian cost of the conflict — and of the stakes if the ceasefire collapses. On a wall facing the ruins of Mehran’s home, someone has painted a stark message: “Trump’s help has arrived. Death to America.”

Apr 17, 2026 at 05:44 PM EDT

Iran’s ambassador praises Pakistan’s role as ceasefires open diplomatic window

Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam, welcomed the ceasefires in Lebanon and Iran on Friday, saying they have created space for renewed diplomacy and regional cooperation — particularly as the Strait of Hormuz reopens to commercial traffic.

In a message on X, Moghadam said that “giving diplomacy a chance through intense Pakistan initiatives” has helped lay the groundwork for “comprehensive, unified and united efforts” toward long‑term peace, security and development across the region.

He emphasized that “reliable trust, goodwill,” and what he called a “practical will to action,” along with stronger coordination among regional states, could help bridge longstanding divides.

Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in recent days, hosting intensive talks between the U.S. and Iran that helped secure the current ceasefire framework.

Apr 17, 2026 at 05:28 PM EDT

Trump says Iran has agreed to stop enriching uranium

President Donald Trump said in a phone interview Friday that Iran has agreed to halt uranium enrichment as part of ongoing negotiations to end the war that began in late February. Speaking with NewsNation White House correspondent Kellie Meyer, Trump said Iran had accepted all U.S. demands.

Asked directly whether Tehran agreed to stop enrichment, Trump responded: “Yes,” later adding, “They agreed to everything.” He also said he was not surprised by Iran’s reported concessions.

The comments came hours after Iran announced it would allow commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the 10‑day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon — a move seen as part of the broader diplomatic push.

Apr 17, 2026 at 05:15 PM EDT

Iranian Commentators Slam Araghchi’s “Incomplete” Tweet on Strait of Hormuz Reopening

A statement circulating in Iranian media on Friday sharply criticized Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi for what it called a poorly communicated and “incomplete” announcement about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi had posted on X that the strait would be “fully open” to commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire. But critics said the message lacked crucial details about the conditions and mechanisms governing passage, creating confusion at a sensitive moment.

According to the commentary, the tweet failed to explain that ship movements remain under full supervision by Iran’s armed forces, and that any passage would be considered invalid if the existing naval blockade continues. The lack of clarification, it said, prompted “extensive criticism” and amounted to a lapse in communication standards.

The statement argued that either the Foreign Ministry must rethink how it communicates on such matters, or the Supreme National Security Council should take a more active role in providing coherent, authoritative information on national security and maritime control policies.

Apr 17, 2026 at 04:59 PM EDT

Meloni says opening Hormuz is a core principle of international law

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Friday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not only essential to resolving the current crisis but reflects a fundamental principle of international law that applies to “every other strait or shipping channel.”

Meloni said the ceasefires in Lebanon and Iran must form part of any credible diplomatic process aimed at stabilizing the Middle East. She also argued that it is “vital” for Iran to abandon what she described as its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

She noted that the multinational maritime mission announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will now shift its focus to the ships clustered around the strait, ensuring the area is free of mines and restoring confidence among commercial operators. Meloni described the effort as a “purely defensive mission” and confirmed that Italy will contribute several naval units.

Apr 17, 2026 at 04:43 PM EDT

Security firm urges ships to avoid Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s reopening claim

A leading maritime‑security company is advising commercial vessels not to enter the Strait of Hormuz, warning that conditions remain too uncertain despite Iran’s announcement that the waterway is open during the ceasefire.

Chris Long, intelligence director at Neptune P2P Group, said two clients who were considering transiting the strait have been told to hold position until regional and maritime authorities issue clearer guidance. Long, a former British Navy officer who served in the Gulf, said Iran is still requiring ships to use a designated route — a restriction that raises additional concerns.

He warned that there is a risk Iran may have laid mines outside the approved corridor, making any deviation potentially dangerous.

Apr 17, 2026 at 04:28 PM EDT

Shippers hesitant to enter Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s claim it is ‘completely open’

Early reactions from the maritime industry suggest commercial vessels are unlikely to rush back into the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran’s foreign minister declaring the waterway “completely open” during the ceasefire period.

One oil and gas tanker operator told the BBC that the announcement “doesn’t change anything” for now, saying the company has no intention of being the first to test the route. “We don’t feel like we need to be taking unnecessary risks, and our company approach is that we won’t be the first to go through the strait,” the operator said.

Another major firm, Stena Bulk, which runs tankers in the region, said it is “monitoring developments closely.” The company stressed that crew safety remains its overriding priority: “We will not transit until we are satisfied it is safe to do so.”

Apr 17, 2026 at 04:13 PM EDT

Iran says Strait of Hormuz open, but commercial ships must use IRGC-approved route

Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all commercial traffic for the remainder of the ceasefire came with new conditions on Friday, as state media clarified that vessels will be required to follow a tightly controlled passage.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier on X that “passage for all commercial vessels” had been restored. But Iranian state TV later quoted a senior military official saying ships must transit via a “designated route” determined by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation and approved by the IRGC Navy.

According to the official, commercial vessels will need IRGC permission to move through the strait, reinforcing Iran’s assertion of authority over the waterway during the truce.

The official added that military vessels remain prohibited from entering the strait — a restriction Iran has maintained throughout the conflict.

Apr 17, 2026 at 03:58 PM EDT

Israel lifts nationwide restrictions as ceasefire with Lebanon takes hold

Israel lifted nearly all Home Front Command restrictions on Friday after the ceasefire with Lebanon went into effect, marking the first full return to normal activity since the war with Iran began in late February.

“The entire country will move to full activity levels,” the Home Front Command said. The only remaining limits apply to “frontline areas” in the north, where gatherings are capped at 1,000 people until Saturday evening.

For weeks, Israel had imposed sweeping curbs on schools, workplaces and public gatherings due to the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles and Hezbollah rockets and drones. While some regions saw partial easing during the conflict, Friday’s announcement represents the first nationwide lifting of restrictions since hostilities erupted.

Apr 17, 2026 at 03:39 PM EDT

Twin ceasefires create a rare opening — and a new set of risks

With ceasefires now in place in both Iran and Lebanon, diplomats are asking whether this moment could deliver two major breakthroughs — or simply mark a brief pause before tensions flare again.

Both truces are fragile, but they have already reshaped the regional landscape. The 10‑day halt in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah is widely viewed as a win for Tehran, which had insisted that progress in its talks with Washington required calm on the Lebanese front. Within hours of the pause taking effect, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open,” easing a global shipping crisis.

The ceasefire has sparked anger inside Israel, particularly among residents near the northern border who believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conceded to U.S. pressure. Commentators in right‑leaning Israeli media argued that the truce effectively validates Iran’s role in Lebanon and strengthens Hezbollah’s hand.

Yet every party gains something. Trump and Iranian leaders can claim credit for stopping the fighting. Netanyahu can point to Israeli troops still deployed in southern Lebanon. Beirut’s government has secured long‑sought direct talks with Israel. And Hezbollah, while agreeing to the pause, stresses it has not been disarmed and remains ready to fight.

Analysts caution that the obstacles to any lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon remain immense — from border demarcation to Hezbollah’s weapons to Israeli withdrawal from disputed areas.

Meanwhile, the U.S.–Iran diplomatic track is entering a critical phase. Washington wants limits on Iran’s regional activities and a clear commitment on nuclear restrictions. Iran, for its part, is seeking sanctions relief and a new legal framework governing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, where it has recently asserted tighter control.

Iran says the strait will remain open for the rest of the ceasefire, but vessels must use new routes closer to its coastline — a shift from pre‑war navigation patterns. How quickly this will clear the backlog of ships trapped in the Gulf remains uncertain.

Trump has said a deal with Iran is “very close,” even claiming Tehran has agreed to hand over hundreds of kilograms of highly enriched uranium — a claim Iran has not confirmed. Any agreement would need to address enrichment limits, nuclear safeguards and maritime security, all of which are deeply contentious.

Apr 17, 2026 at 03:25 PM EDT

WATCH: Kamala Harris slams fuel costs due to Iran war

Apr 17, 2026 at 03:11 PM EDT

Analysts expect around $48/MWh if flows resume

A new Montel News poll earlier Friday showed analysts expect Europe’s benchmark gas price to average about €45/MWh — roughly $48/MWh — this year if the strait reopens next month and Qatar’s LNG output recovers over the summer.

Forecasts included:

The base case assumes a late‑May reopening and a gradual production ramp‑up through August.

With the ceasefire set to expire next week, traders say the next few days will determine whether Friday’s price drop marks the start of a sustained decline or a temporary dip.

Apr 17, 2026 at 02:57 PM EDT

European gas prices sink to seven-week low after Trump says Hormuz is ‘open for business’

European gas prices slid sharply on Friday, hitting their lowest level in nearly seven weeks, after President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz fully open to commercial traffic. But analysts warned the market remains cautious until LNG tankers actually begin moving.

The benchmark Dutch TTF front‑month contract fell almost 10% to an intraday low of €38.27/MWh, roughly $41.00/MWh — the weakest level since 2 March.

Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that the strait was “completely open and ready for business” triggered the immediate drop, though shipping data still shows no movement from the roughly 14 LNG cargoes waiting inside the waterway.

Analysts told Montel News that further declines are possible once stranded LNG vessels begin sailing or QatarEnergy confirms a full restart at Ras Laffan. Early signs suggest the plant resumed operations late last week, but exports may take weeks to normalize.

Tom Marzec‑Manser of Wood Mackenzie said prices could fall further once cargoes move. Fabio Reale of Clarksons noted that even with plant restarts, exports may not resume before the ceasefire expires. Alex Froley of ICIS said the market reaction “sounds positive,” but stressed that no ships have departed yet. Yahdian Falah of Trianel called the reopening “the most waited‑for announcement,” adding that the first LNG vessel crossing will be the real turning point.

Apr 17, 2026 at 02:44 PM EDT

Trump says Iran has agreed to end enrichment and halt support for proxy groups

President Donald Trump told CBS News correspondent Weijia Jiang that Iran has agreed to sweeping concessions as part of ongoing negotiations to end the war, including ending uranium enrichment and halting support for regional proxy groups.

According to Jiang, Trump said no U.S. ground troops would be required to remove enriched uranium from Iran. He also claimed Tehran has agreed to stop backing organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

When Jiang asked whether Iran had committed to stopping uranium enrichment “forever,” Trump replied, “They’ve agreed to everything.”

Apr 17, 2026 at 02:42 PM EDT

Estonia says NATO will hold together despite Trump’s threats over Iran

Estonia’s defense minister said Thursday he does not believe NATO is at risk of collapsing, despite President Donald Trump’s recent warnings that the U.S. could withdraw from the alliance over members’ reluctance to send ships to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking during a visit to Vilnius, Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said Tallinn has “no doubts” the United States would defend its NATO allies if Russia attacked. “Yes I trust the U.S. and yes I trust all our allies,” he said.

Pevkur emphasized that maintaining unity is essential for both sides of the Atlantic. “It is our duty and the responsibility to keep NATO together, because we all will only benefit from this,” he said. “When we lose that unity, then it’s not only about Europe, it’s also about the U.S., who will lose a very big ally. So this is why, to be honest, I don’t believe that NATO will collapse.”

Trump said earlier this month he was strongly considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO over what he described as allies’ unwillingness to contribute naval assets to the Hormuz mission.

Apr 17, 2026 at 02:28 PM EDT

Hezbollah bloc backs ceasefire only if it covers all of Lebanon

Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc said Friday it would support a ceasefire only if it is comprehensive, applies to all Lebanese territory, and serves as a step toward a full Israeli withdrawal.

In a statement, the bloc credited Iran with securing the truce, saying it “was achieved primarily against the backdrop of Iranian pressures and diplomatic contacts.”

The group sharply criticized the Lebanese government for entering direct negotiations with Israel, warning that officials had placed the country on a “dangerous path of concessions” they cannot fulfill. “The government has reneged on every commitment it had previously declared as a prerequisite for entering into any negotiation process,” the bloc said.

Apr 17, 2026 at 02:14 PM EDT

Global Maritime body reviewing Iran’s claim on Strait of Hormuz reopening

The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said Friday that the agency is assessing Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened, emphasizing that any change must comply with established international navigation rules.

IMO Secretary‑General Arsenio Domínguez said the organization is “verifying” the details of Tehran’s statement, including whether commercial vessels will be guaranteed freedom of navigation and safe passage through the IMO‑approved traffic separation scheme.

Apr 17, 2026 at 01:59 PM EDT

Starmer says UK and France will lead mission to protect shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday that the UK and France will jointly lead a multinational mission to safeguard commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow, framing the effort as a key step toward stabilizing one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors.

Speaking in Paris, Starmer said the operation would be “strictly peaceful and defensive,” focused on reassuring merchant vessels and supporting mine‑clearance work after weeks of disruption tied to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

He invited additional nations to participate, noting that “roughly a dozen” countries have already committed assets to the emerging coalition.

Apr 17, 2026 at 01:46 PM EDT

Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz but forces ships into narrow coastal corridor

Iran’s foreign minister said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial traffic, but vessels must follow a specific route that analysts say funnels ships through a shallow corridor hugging the Iranian coastline near Larak Island.

Shipping through the strait had slowed to a near‑halt in recent weeks amid U.S.–Iran tensions and repeated military strikes. During that period, Iran forced the few vessels that attempted to transit to use the same coastal path, rather than the two narrow channels in Omani waters that tankers and cargo ships relied on before the conflict.

Apr 17, 2026 at 01:32 PM EDT

U.S. weighs unfreezing $20 billion in Iranian assets as negotiators push for weekend deal: Report

The Trump administration is considering unfreezing $20 billion in Iranian assets as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the war, according to two sources familiar with the talks. Officials hope a broader agreement could be finalized as early as this weekend, though key disputes remain.

The potential financial concession is expected to draw scrutiny from conservative critics. President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the 2016 arrangement under which the Obama administration transferred $400 million in cash to Iran on the same day Tehran released four American prisoners.

Pakistani mediators — including Field Marshal Asim Munir — entered a third day of discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday. U.S. officials believe that if Pakistan can secure meaningful compromises from Iran, a second round of in‑person U.S.–Iran talks could take place in Islamabad as soon as this weekend.

Negotiations have gained momentum following the 10‑day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, announced by Trump on Thursday. Iran also said Friday it would fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though Trump later insisted the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports would continue.

Sources say the most difficult issues involve how long Iran would suspend uranium enrichment and how the U.S. would retrieve nuclear materials still inside the country. One proposal under discussion would exchange sanctions relief — including the unfreezing of assets — for Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iran has reportedly sought more than $20 billion in relief.

The White House declined to discuss specifics. “Productive conversations with Iran continue, but we will not negotiate via the press,” spokeswoman Anna Kelly told CNN.

Trump, however, publicly rejected the idea of releasing funds, writing on Truth Social that the U.S. would take possession of Iran’s nuclear “dust” and that “no money will exchange hands.”

Apr 17, 2026 at 01:21 PM EDT

Israeli strike in South Lebanon after Trump said that he ‘prohibited’ attacks

A new Israeli drone strike has killed at least one person in Beit Yahoun in southern Lebanon, the country’s civil defense told Al Jazeera, marking another breach of the ceasefire only an hour after President Donald Trump declared that Israel was “prohibited” by the United States from bombing Lebanon.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the U.S. would “deal with the Hezbollah situation” separately and insisted Israeli strikes “will not” continue. But Lebanese authorities reported multiple violations even before today’s attack — including an Israeli strike on an ambulance in Kounine shortly after the ceasefire took effect, with casualties among medical workers.

Lebanon’s army said it has documented “a number of violations,” citing repeated Israeli attacks and intermittent shelling across several southern villages. Local journalists also reported that a car and motorcycle traveling between Kounine and Beit Yahoun were targeted, killing one person.

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Apr 17, 2026 at 01:19 PM EDT

World leaders welcome Iran’s move to reopen Strait of Hormuz during ceasefire

Heads of state and senior officials across Europe and the Gulf reacted Friday to Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened to all commercial vessels for the remainder of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire, which is set to expire on Tuesday.

The United Arab Emirates said it welcomed the reopening but sharply condemned Iran’s earlier closure of the waterway, as well as its threats against vessels and warnings about laying mines in and around the strait.

Finland’s president wrote on X that the announcement was encouraging, adding that “lasting solutions require diplomacy.”

From Brussels, European Commission Vice‑President Kaja Kallas stressed that transit through the strait must remain open “and free of charge” under international law. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed that message, calling the restoration of full and permanent freedom of navigation an “urgent, shared priority.”

Von der Leyen said she reiterated the EU’s commitment to working with Gulf partners during a virtual meeting on the strait hosted earlier in the day by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. She noted that improving regional “connectivity” could help ease pressure on the waterway, which has been at the center of the conflict’s global economic fallout.

Apr 17, 2026 at 01:05 PM EDT

Trump says U.S. will take possession of Iran’s enriched uranium, rejects reports of cash transfer

President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States will take control of all of Iran’s enriched uranium as part of ongoing negotiations to end the war, insisting that no financial concessions are being offered to Tehran.

“The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B2 Bombers – No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. The phrase “Nuclear Dust” is not a recognized technical term but appeared to reference Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.

Trump’s comments followed a report from Axios stating that Washington was considering releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the material. The president’s post appeared aimed at dismissing that claim.

He also addressed the 10‑day truce between Israel and Lebanon, saying the uranium negotiations “are in no way subject to Lebanon,” and that the United States would separately handle issues involving Hezbollah. Trump added that Israel “will not be bombing Lebanon any longer,” saying they are “prohibited” from doing so by the United States.

Apr 17, 2026 at 01:01 PM EDT

IRGC Navy outlines conditions for ship passage through Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued a detailed statement outlining Iran’s terms for allowing vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz during the current ceasefire period.

According to the IRGC Navy command, all civilian ships must use a designated route established by Iranian authorities. Military vessels remain barred from crossing the strait entirely.

The statement adds that “movements will only be permitted with the permission of the IRGC Navy,” underscoring Iran’s insistence on maintaining full control over maritime traffic.

IRGC officials said the rules align with the “period of silence on the battlefield” following the Lebanese ceasefire and will remain in place for its duration.

Apr 17, 2026 at 12:55 PM EDT

CENTCOM highlights U.S. forces enforcing Iran port blockade

U.S. Central Command shared new images Friday of an F/A‑18E Super Hornet taxiing aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, sailing alongside the USS Delbert D. Black in the Gulf as American forces continue to enforce the naval blockade on Iranian ports.

CENTCOM said more than 10,000 U.S. sailors, Marines and airmen remain engaged in the mission, which targets ships attempting to enter or depart Iran’s coastal areas. The show of force underscores Washington’s commitment to maintaining pressure on Tehran even as ceasefire diplomacy advances elsewhere in the region.

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Apr 17, 2026 at 12:48 PM EDT

WATCH: Trump says Iran war is ‘going swimmingly,’ predicts imminent victory

Apr 17, 2026 at 12:33 PM EDT

Macron and Starmer welcome expected reopening of Strait of Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday welcomed Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen, calling it a positive step as they convened a 49‑nation summit in Paris focused on the crisis.

The announcement from Tehran arrived as the leaders were meeting to coordinate an international response to weeks of disruption in the vital waterway. Macron said the move was “in the right direction,” even as the United States maintains what it calls a targeted blockade. He said work would now accelerate on establishing a neutral mission to “support and secure” merchant shipping in the Gulf, with planning discussions scheduled in London next week.

Macron stressed that participating countries agreed on the need to restore the “free passage conditions that existed before the war,” warning against any system that would impose restrictions or effectively “privatize” the strait. He reiterated opposition to any form of toll or fee for transit.

Starmer said the reopening announcement was encouraging but cautioned that it must be “lasting and workable.” He said a “strictly peaceful and defensive” joint mission would help reassure shippers and support mine‑clearance operations, adding that “more than a dozen” countries have already signaled willingness to contribute.

Apr 17, 2026 at 12:18 PM EDT

Strait of Hormuz reopens under truce, leaving thousands of sailors scrambling for exit

The Strait of Hormuz has reopened for the duration of the ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel, giving shipping authorities only a narrow window to move thousands of stranded sailors out of the Persian Gulf before the truce expires next week, according to Iranian officials.

Roughly 2,000 ships and an estimated 20,000 sailors have been stuck in and around the chokepoint for weeks, carrying nearly 21 billion liters of oil. Traffic through the waterway collapsed after U.S.–Israeli airstrikes in late February and Iranian retaliation turned the region into an active conflict zone.

Iran initially imposed a partial blockade on commercial traffic, sharply restricting movement and sending global oil prices soaring. The U.S. then implemented its own blockade on Monday, prompting at least 13 vessels to reverse course, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters.

Tehran now says it will allow only non‑military vessels to pass and only along designated routes approved by Iranian naval forces, a senior military official told state media on Friday.

The International Chamber of Shipping has urged all parties to coordinate to ensure safe passage, warning earlier this month that seafarers trapped in the strait were facing “difficult circumstances.” While crews are not in immediate danger, ICS chairman‑designate John Denholm said the stress of being confined in a war zone for weeks has taken a heavy toll.

Apr 17, 2026 at 12:08 PM EDT

Trump says Iran has agreed to indefinitely suspend its nuclear program

President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely and will not receive access to any frozen U.S. funds as part of ongoing negotiations to end the war that began in late February.

In a phone interview, Trump said a deal to conclude the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran is “mostly complete,” adding that talks on a longer‑term agreement will “probably” take place this weekend. He offered no additional details on the scope of Iran’s reported nuclear commitments or how they would be verified.

Apr 17, 2026 at 12:08 PM EDT

Trump says Iran has agreed to halt enrichment and suspend nuclear program

President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely and will not receive access to any frozen U.S. funds, according to reporting from Bloomberg News and CNN.

Trump told both outlets that a deal to end the war — launched by the United States and Israel in late February — is “mostly complete,” adding that negotiations aimed at securing a longer‑term agreement will “probably” take place this weekend.

NewsNation correspondent Libbey Dean also spoke with Trump by phone Friday. When she asked whether Iran had agreed to stop enriching uranium, Trump replied, “Yes.” Pressed again, he said Iran had “agreed to everything.” When asked if the outcome surprised him, Trump said he was “not surprised by anything” before ending the call.

Apr 17, 2026 at 12:03 PM EDT

USS Gerald R. Ford nears 300 days at sea, raising concerns over strain on crew and fleet

The USS Gerald R. Ford will hit 300 days at sea on Monday, marking the longest U.S. aircraft carrier deployment since the Vietnam War and intensifying scrutiny over the toll on sailors, equipment and the Navy’s broader maintenance cycle.

The world’s largest carrier broke the post–Cold War deployment record on Wednesday, surpassing the USS Abraham Lincoln’s 295‑day stretch during the 2020 pandemic, according to data from USNI News. The Ford left Norfolk last June expecting a far shorter mission.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D‑Va., said the extended deployment has placed “a serious toll” on sailors’ mental health and family stability. He previously warned the Navy in a March letter that the ship’s maintenance schedule and crew retention were at risk. “They said goodbye to their families last June thinking they would be back before the holidays,” he said, criticizing President Donald Trump, whom he has accused of waging a “war of choice” against Iran.

The Ford’s deployment has stretched across multiple theaters: the Mediterranean, the Caribbean during the U.S. operation targeting former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and the Middle East at the start of the Iran war. A fire in a laundry space earlier this year forced a return to the Mediterranean for repairs, temporarily leaving 600 sailors without sleeping berths.

Analysts say the strain is showing. Retired Marine Col. Mark Cancian of CSIS told Newsweek the ship’s age and mechanical issues have compounded the burden of an already prolonged mission. The Pentagon has not given a firm return date, but Navy leaders have suggested the deployment could last roughly 11 months, stretching into late May.

The Ford remains in the eastern Mediterranean, while roughly 27 U.S. Navy vessels are operating in the Middle East as part of the Iran war effort, according to USNI News Fleet Tracker data. The U.S. is enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports while attempting to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to global shipping.

Logistical challenges are mounting. Bryan Clark, a naval expert at the Hudson Institute, said ships in the Ford and Abraham Lincoln strike groups are now months beyond their normal deployment window, increasing maintenance risks. Fueling has become more complicated as U.S. oilers can no longer access Kuwait, forcing them to seek certified fuel in ports as far away as Oman, Diego Garcia or even Singapore. Ammunition resupply is also difficult, with Gulf ports inaccessible and reloading likely required in places such as Souda Bay, Greece.

Cancian warned that prolonged extensions across multiple ships could trigger a “cascading disruption” to the Navy’s maintenance and deployment cycles. For now, the Ford’s crew continues its record‑setting mission with no clear end date.

Apr 17, 2026 at 11:49 AM EDT

Trump claims early blockade victory—but Iran leaves hidden catch

President Donald Trump will claim victory for his blockade strategy after the Iranian foreign minister confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open for commercial vessels, an announcement that sent oil prices tumbling.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X, said the new ceasefire in Lebanon was the immediate trigger for the strait’s reopening.

Tehran had claimed an end to Israeli strikes against its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire agreement with the U.S., something Washington had denied.

The continuing Israeli action in Lebanon prompted Iran to accuse the U.S. of breaking the ceasefire agreement, saying it would continue to block and disrupt the shipping that transited the strait.

That move prompted the U.S. blockade, which is in effect turning vessels around, causing Iran to threaten shipping more broadly, including in the Red Sea.

But the news of a ceasefire in Lebanon gave Tehran the space to save face and attempt to end the U.S. blockade by reopening the strait before it begins to bite hard on the Iranian economy, acutely vulnerable to long-running disruption in the vital waterway.

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Apr 17, 2026 at 11:34 AM EDT

Oil prices drop nearly 11% after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is fully open

International oil prices fell sharply on Friday after Iran’s foreign minister announced that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” to commercial shipping under the Lebanon ceasefire.

Brent crude slid almost 11 percent to around $89 a barrel, reversing part of the geopolitical premium that has dominated energy markets for weeks.

Apr 17, 2026 at 11:20 AM EDT

Trump welcomes Strait reopening but says U.S. blockade on Iran will stay until deal finalized

President Donald Trump on Friday praised Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz had reopened to commercial traffic but stressed that the U.S. naval blockade on Iran will remain in place until a full agreement is reached to end the war.

In an all‑caps post on Truth Social, Trump said the waterway was “open and ready for business,” but added that restrictions targeting Iran would stay in effect “until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.” He said most elements of a potential deal were already negotiated and suggested the process could move quickly.

Apr 17, 2026 at 11:07 AM EDT

Syria signals openness to long-term talks if Israel withdraws from newly seized territory

Syria’s president said Friday he is prepared to consider “long‑term negotiations” with Israel over the future of the Golan Heights, but only if Israel agrees to pull back from Syrian territory it occupied in recent months.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Arab‑Israeli War and later annexed the area — a move not recognized by the United Nations or most governments. Tensions escalated again in December 2024, when Israeli forces entered a UN‑patrolled buffer zone on the plateau.

Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Antalya, the Syrian president said Damascus is seeking either to revive the 1974 disengagement agreement or negotiate a new framework that would compel Israel to withdraw to those lines. He accused Israel of violating the decades‑old accord and said Syria is now working toward a security arrangement that would ensure a full pullback from territory seized after the fall of the al‑Assad government.

“If we reach an agreement, we could enter into long‑term negotiations to resolve the issue of the occupied Golan,” he said, framing withdrawal as a prerequisite for any broader talks.

Apr 17, 2026 at 10:53 AM EDT

Congressman probes possible insider trading ahead of Trump’s Iran announcements

Rep. Sam Liccardo, D‑Calif., is seeking answers from the nation’s top financial regulators after a series of unusually timed trades were placed just before major U.S. announcements on the Iran war. In a letter sent Friday to SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Chair Michael Selig, Liccardo said recent reporting suggests that large positions in crude oil and S&P 500 E‑mini futures were executed moments before President Donald Trump disclosed key decisions on military action.

Liccardo wrote that the timing “strongly suggests illicit trading on insider information,” citing potential violations of the Securities Exchange Act, the Commodity Exchange Act and the STOCK Act. A Reuters report earlier this month detailed a major oil trade placed hours before the U.S.–Iran ceasefire that produced a substantial profit.

The California Democrat, who serves on the House Financial Services Committee, said the episode fits a broader pattern. On March 23, a spike in E‑mini futures and oil contracts occurred roughly 15 minutes before Trump posted that the U.S. and Iran had held talks and that expected strikes were being delayed — a message that sent stocks higher and oil lower.

Regulators are reportedly examining the trades, with the CFTC leading the inquiry. Liccardo urged the SEC to open its own investigation and pressed both agencies on how they plan to address potential insider activity in prediction markets, which he said have also seen “astoundingly well‑timed” wartime bets.

He criticized a recent White House memo reminding officials not to engage in insider trading, saying such guidance “provides little comfort” and that no federal employee should need to be told that exploiting confidential information for personal gain is illegal.

Apr 17, 2026 at 10:50 AM EDT

Trump says Iran has agreed not to close Strait of Hormuz again

President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has committed to never again shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the center of weeks of global tension and disrupted shipping.

“Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform.

Apr 17, 2026 at 10:39 AM EDT

Markets brace for winners and losers as possible U.S.–Iran deal nears

Global markets are positioning for sharp shifts this weekend as investors weigh the possibility of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, according to Nigel Green, CEO of the deVere Group. His comments come as a 10‑day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon holds, oil prices retreat from recent highs, and equities strengthen on expectations that diplomacy may accelerate.

Green said investors are already adjusting portfolios in anticipation of easing tensions, stabilizing energy flows and improving global growth prospects. If a deal is reached, he said, sector rotation “will be swift and decisive.”

Equities have remained resilient throughout the conflict. The S&P 500 continues to notch record closes, the FTSE 100 is nearing its all‑time high, and major Asian indexes are on track for a second week of gains. Oil, meanwhile, has slipped back below $100 a barrel following the Lebanon ceasefire, though prices remain far above levels seen earlier in the year due to months of supply disruption.

Green said energy markets would feel the immediate impact of a peace deal, with crude prices likely to fall as the geopolitical premium evaporates. That shift, he noted, could pressure oil producers that have benefited from tight supply and elevated margins.

Lower energy costs, he argued, would boost sectors such as industrials, transportation, and consumer‑focused companies, while financial stocks could gain from a more stable macro environment. Technology and growth names, already leading U.S. markets, may extend their momentum under clearer global conditions.

He also pointed to geographic divides: energy‑importing emerging markets could see strong inflows, while commodity‑linked economies may face headwinds if prices drop.

Green said the coming days mark a pivotal moment for investors. A U.S.–Iran agreement, he noted, “would mark a clear inflection point,” with market winners and losers emerging quickly.

Apr 17, 2026 at 10:28 AM EDT

Trump says Iran is removing sea mines with U.S. assistance

President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran, with U.S. support, is in the process of clearing sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping corridor that has been heavily disrupted throughout the conflict.

“Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines! Thank you!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform.

Apr 17, 2026 at 10:25 AM EDT

Markets surge as Iran says Strait of Hormuz open during ceasefire

Global markets rallied on Friday after Iran’s foreign minister said commercial shipping would have full access to the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire, a development that immediately eased fears over supply disruptions and regional escalation.

Oil prices plunged as much as 10 percent, briefly falling below $90 a barrel, as traders reacted to the prospect of uninterrupted tanker traffic through one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Government bond yields also dropped sharply, with short‑dated European debt leading the move as investors scaled back expectations of near‑term interest‑rate hikes.

Stocks jumped across major indexes, including Europe’s STOXX benchmark, as risk appetite returned following weeks of volatility tied to the conflict.

The U.S. dollar, which has served as a safe‑haven since the war began in late February, weakened significantly against the euro, pound and yen as investors unwound defensive positions.

Apr 17, 2026 at 10:13 AM EDT

Trump says Lebanon, Hezbollah issue will be handled separately from Iran

President Donald Trump said Friday that the situation in Lebanon — including the presence of Hezbollah — will be addressed independently from ongoing negotiations with Iran, signaling that Washington views the two tracks as distinct despite their overlapping regional impact.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Israel would no longer carry out strikes in Lebanon, writing that Israeli forces are “PROHIBITED” from doing so by the United States. “Enough is enough!!!” he added.

Apr 17, 2026 at 10:11 AM EDT

WATCH: Israel announces 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:58 AM EDT

Israeli Defense Minister says Lebanon campaign ‘not yet completed’

Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz said Friday that the country’s military campaign in Lebanon remains unfinished, even as a 10‑day ceasefire pauses fighting with Hezbollah. In a statement, Katz said the Israel Defense Forces would continue to hold all territory they have captured and that the ground operation had achieved “many accomplishments” but was still incomplete.

Katz reiterated that Israel’s central objective — the disarmament of Hezbollah through diplomatic or military means — remains unchanged. He said the ceasefire had created new diplomatic leverage, citing direct U.S. involvement and pressure on the Lebanese government to address Hezbollah’s arsenal.

He added that areas between the Litani River and Israel’s self‑declared security zone “have not yet been cleared of militants and weapons,” saying the issue would need to be resolved either through negotiations or renewed military action once the truce ends.

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:54 AM EDT

Trump says naval blockade on Iran will stay in place until deal reached

President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. naval blockade on Iran will remain in effect until a formal agreement with Tehran is completed, even as commercial traffic resumes through the Strait of Hormuz under the current ceasefire.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the strait is “completely open and ready for business and full passage,” but emphasized that restrictions targeting Iran would stay in force “until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.”

His comments came shortly after Iran announced that all commercial vessels could use a coordinated route through the strait for the duration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, easing weeks of uncertainty over one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:53 AM EDT

Fact check: Did ope Leo say Iran can have a nuclear weapon?

President Donald Trump defended his recent criticism of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, saying he has a “right to disagree” with the pontiff over whether Iran should be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.

“The pope made a statement. He says Iran can have a nuclear weapon,” Trump falsely claimed while speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House, before departing to board Marine One. “I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

Pope Leo, however, never made a statement in support of Iran developing or owning a nuclear weapon.

Read more here.

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:47 AM EDT

Israeli Defense Minister says key war goals unmet before ceasefire

Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz said Friday that the country had not achieved its objectives against Hezbollah before the ceasefire took effect, signaling that military action could resume if diplomatic efforts fall short. In a statement, Katz said an area of southern Lebanon “has not been demilitarized,” describing it as a central requirement for long‑term security.

He said the issue would need to be resolved either through negotiations or by restarting Israeli operations once the truce expires. Katz also indicated that Israeli forces would continue demolishing structures in Lebanese villages that remain under Israeli military control, underscoring the limited scope of the pause in fighting.

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:43 AM EDT

Erdogan urges protection of Gulf shipping, calls ceasefire a chance for lasting peace

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan used his address at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday to warn that the region must not squander the opening created by the ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Speaking before Iran later declared the Strait of Hormuz fully open, Erdogan said the pause in fighting should be used to push for a durable settlement.

He described Israel’s war in Gaza as a humanitarian catastrophe and argued it reflected the failures of the current global order. Erdogan said Gulf states’ access to open waters must not be restricted and stressed that freedom of navigation must be upheld under established international rules.

The Turkish leader also highlighted the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping, calling it a priority for regional stability. He urged all sides to avoid allowing military escalation to replace diplomacy, saying that even deep disputes must be addressed through dialogue rather than force.

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:38 AM EDT

Aid group calls Lebanon ceasefire a ‘moment of hope,’ urges lasting peace

The Norwegian Refugee Council said Friday that the ceasefire in Lebanon has given civilians “a chance to breathe” after more than six weeks of fighting, but warned that the pause must lead to a permanent end to hostilities.

Secretary General Jan Egeland described the 10‑day truce as “a moment of hope” for communities that have endured 46 days of violence and mass displacement. He cautioned, however, that reports of Israeli violations and warnings against residents returning to areas south of the Litani River show how fragile the situation remains.

Egeland said civilians need more than a temporary lull in fighting. “For this ceasefire to be meaningful for civilians, it must lead to a real and durable halt in hostilities,” he said, adding that people in Lebanon “do not need another fragile pause” but a lasting ceasefire that ensures their safety.

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:34 AM EDT

UK police probe claimed drone threat near Israeli Embassy in London

British counterterrorism officers cordoned off an area near the Israeli Embassy in London on Friday after an unnamed group claimed it had targeted the building with drones carrying hazardous material. Some officers were seen wearing protective clothing while examining items found near the site.

The Metropolitan Police said investigators are assessing whether the objects found nearby are connected to a video circulating online. The footage shows two drones being handled by an unidentified person in protective gear and asserts that the embassy was the intended target, though it does not depict any attack.

Authorities stressed that the embassy itself had not been struck. “We are carrying out urgent enquiries to determine the authenticity of the video and to identify any potential link between it and the items discarded in Kensington Gardens,” police said.

Kensington Gardens, operated by the Royal Parks charity, has been closed while the investigation continues.

The development comes as the Counter Terrorism Policing unit is already examining three recent arson incidents in London: an attack on Jewish community ambulances last month, an attempted arson at a synagogue on Wednesday, and a separate arson attack targeting the offices of a Persian‑language media outlet the same day.

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:30 AM EDT

See announcement from Iran FM about opening of Strait of Hormuz

A senior Iranian official said Friday that commercial shipping now has full access to the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire, marking one of the clearest public assurances from Tehran since the conflict began. The announcement came from Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who said vessels can use a coordinated route established by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization.

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Apr 17, 2026 at 09:26 AM EDT

Lebanese President presses for Israeli withdrawal ahead of talks

President Joseph Aoun said Friday that Lebanon will push for an Israeli withdrawal from the country’s south when negotiations with Israel begin, framing the demand as a core element of Beirut’s position. It remains unclear what leverage his government can bring to the talks, given Israel’s stated intention to keep its forces in place during the ceasefire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the truce was announced that Israeli ground troops would remain in southern Lebanon and that the disarmament of Hezbollah was “fundamental” for any diplomatic progress. Aoun, in a statement, reaffirmed his commitment to “ending armed manifestations,” a phrase widely interpreted as a reference to Hezbollah’s military presence, though he did not name the group directly.

Apr 17, 2026 at 09:22 AM EDT

Trump thanks Iran after claim it fully reopened key shipping strait

President Donald Trump praised Iran on Friday after Tehran announced that the Strait of Hormuz was fully open to commercial traffic through a coordinated route established during the ceasefire. The statement marked a notable shift after months of disruption in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

“Iran has just announced that the strait is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, amplifying the declaration.

Reopening the waterway had been one of Trump’s conditions for agreeing to the current ceasefire. The administration had insisted that commercial shipping must be able to move safely through the strait before any broader deal with Tehran could advance.

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