Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Supreme Leader in air strikes, triggering the Middle East conflict, at the end of February. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, however, remains in force.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Friday for joint efforts for an effective mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and said Kyiv's wartime experience in the Black Sea could help.
"Decisions made regarding Hormuz now will determine how other aggressive actors perceive the possibility of creating problems in other straits and on other fronts," Zelenskyy said in remarks to a video conference attended by 50 countries and chaired by France and Britain.
"We need to be as specific and clear as possible so that in six months we don't find ourselves in the same situation as in Gaza, where much still needs to be done."
"In Hormuz, there are security challenges that cannot be addressed by political decisions alone," he added, without elaborating.
Zelenskyy, whose remarks appeared on the Telegram messaging app, said that in the course of four years of war with Russia, Ukraine had already carried out a similar mission in the Black Sea.
"Russia also attempted to blockade our sea and we have experience in escorting merchant vessels, demining, defending against air attacks and the overall coordination of such operations," he said.
Ukraine, he said, had sent specialists throughout the Middle East to help countries benefit from its experience in defending against Russian drones, many designed in Iran.
"We can also contribute to maritime security," he said.
Ukraine has clinched security cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and says it is In talks with Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
A group of around 20 ships including container ships, bulk carriers and tankers was seen moving in the Gulf towards the exit via the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening, ship tracking data showed.
Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President Donald Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz had reopened.
Significant differences between Iran and the U.S. remain to reach a deal aimed at ending the war, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Friday, adding that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is "conditional on U.S. adherence to the terms of ceasefire".
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said "no agreement has been reached on the details of the nuclear issues," and serious negotiations are required to overcome differences.
He said Tehran hoped that a preliminary agreement could be reached in the coming days with mediator Pakistan’s efforts, with the possibility of extending the ceasefire to "create space for more talks on lifting sanctions on Iran and securing compensation for war damages."
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that any future deal reached by the government would not cede any territory or undermine Lebanon's national rights, without saying whether he was referring to prospective talks with Israel.
The televised address was his first speech since the U.S. brokered a ceasefire to end fighting between Israel and armed group Hezbollah on Thursday. The text of the deal says Israel and Lebanon would hold direct talks to produce a "peace between the two countries".
Speaking to State TV, an Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson has said that Tehran will reciprocate if the U.S. continues to blockade Iranian ports.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. naval blockade would remain in place until a peace deal was reached in a post on social media website Truth Social.
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan on Friday welcomed news that Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but warned that the situation in the Middle East remained very fragile.
Al-Jadaan, who chairs the International Monetary and Financial Committee, which advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said certain countries would be able to restore their production capabilities quickly, but others would need more time, depending on the extent of the damage they suffered.
The biggest challenge was not how much production of oil and natural gas could be ramped up, but whether insurers would feel comfortable backing shipments and other logistical questions, he said at a briefing during the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has said he welcomes Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is now open for commercial vessels in a post on social media.
"This a step in the right direction," he wrote on X, and restated the need for the full restoration of free navigation in the waterway.
Danish logistics conglomerate Maersk said advice to avoid the Strait of Hormuz hadn't yet changed, despite the U.S. and Iran saying the sea passage was now open.
The company said that it had followed the guidance of security partners in the region and that the recommendation so far was to avoid the strait.
It added that any decision to transit the waterway would be based on risk assessments and close monitoring of the security situation in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington will enter Iran at a "leisurely pace" to recover its enriched uranium during a phone interview.
He added that no money would be exchanging hands as part of a peace deal with Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed never to close the Strait of Hormuz again, adding that it would no longer be used “as a weapon against the world”.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz was “over” and claimed NATO had called to ask whether help was needed. He said he told the alliance “to stay away”, adding, “unless they just want to load up their ships with oil”, and described NATO as “useless when needed, a Paper Tiger”.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social account, he thanked Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for what he called their “great bravery and help”.
In another post, Trump said Iran, “with the help of the U.S.A.”, had removed or was removing “all sea mines”.
He added that the deal was “not tied, in any way, to Lebanon”, but said the U.S. would “Make Lebanon Great Again”.
Trump also thanked Pakistan and its "Great Prime Minister and Field Marshal," whom he referred to as "two fantastic people!!!"
U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. would take possession of all nuclear “dust” generated by what he called “our great B2 Bombers”, and added that “no money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form”.
He said the arrangement was “in no way subject to Lebanon”, though he added the U.S. would work separately with Lebanon and deal with “the Hezbollah situation” in what he described as an “appropriate manner”.
Mr Trump also said Israel would not carry out further strikes in Lebanon, stating that Israel was “prohibited” from doing so by the U.S. He ended his message with: “Enough is enough!!! Thank you!”
A senior Iranian military official has said commercial vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but only along a designated route and with permission from the Revolutionary Guards’ naval forces, Reuters reports, citing Iranian state television.
The official further added that transit through the Strait will be through designated safe lanes, which Iran has deemed safe for maritime operations.
The report stated the official said military vessels are not allowed to pass through the strait, state television reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed Iran’s announcement in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying the Strait of Hormuz is “fully open” and “ready for full passage.”
This came after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said commercial shipping would be “completely open” for the remainder of the ceasefire period.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that, in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is now “completely open” for the remainder of the ceasefire period, Reuters reports.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global trade route. Weeks of disruption in the Strait have tightened shipping movements and raised broader concerns about energy supplies and regional stability.
The Kremlin said on Friday it welcomed the U.S.-backed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and said it hoped the truce would help prevent renewed fighting. “We welcome this decision and hope that, within the timeframe set out, it will be possible to reach agreements that will prevent a recurrence of armed clashes,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5 p.m. EST, 21:00 GMT, on Thursday, after talks brokered by Washington this week.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he believes an agreement could soon be reached to end the Iran war.
Norway is considering contingency measures to protect fuel supplies in case of shortages linked to rising tensions in the Middle East.
Officials are increasingly concerned about possible disruptions to global energy markets and their impact on domestic supply.
Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported on Friday that the government is assessing how disruptions to international oil and fuel supply chains could affect the country.
The review is focused on potential impacts if key shipping routes are disrupted or refining capacity is strained, according to comments from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Lithuania’s defence ministry said that the U.S. has notified Vilnius of possible delays to ammunition deliveries previously purchased from the U.S., citing the war in the Middle East.
Vehicles on the road as displaced people make their way to return to their homes after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, near Tyre, Lebanon, 17 April, 2026.
A child sits inside a van as displaced people pack up their belongings and prepare to return to their homes after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, in Beirut, Lebanon, 17 April, 2026.
Speaking to AnewZ, political journalist Malek Jadah said the situation in Lebanon remains uncertain despite the ceasefire, with reports of Israeli strikes continuing after the ceasefire took effect.
He warned that the ceasefire is unlikely to hold, saying, “I think that it’s just a pause because, first of all, Israel's objectives in Lebanon have not yet been reached.”
Jadah also highlighted a key obstacle, noting that Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon complicates the situation: “Israel is now eight kilometres deep into Lebanon, controlling many villages fully,” which he said is unacceptable for Hezbollah.
He added that even progress in U.S.- Iran talks may not ease tensions in Lebanon, as Israel appears determined to treat the two fronts separately.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the Lebanon ceasefire, expressing hope that it will lead to lasting peace.
In a post on X, he said the agreement was made possible through “bold” diplomatic efforts led by Trump.
The poll found 87% of respondents expect the conflict to continue for an extended period, while only 9% believe it will end in the coming weeks.
It also showed that 93% of Germans oppose any military involvement by their country in the war.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed a newly announced 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, while warning that continued military operations risk undermining the fragile ceasefire.
"I fully support the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel as announced by President Trump yesterday," he said on X.
However, the French leader voiced concern that the agreement may already be at risk.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied that the United States had sought fresh assistance from Canberra for Pentagon operations around the Strait of Hormuz.
“There’s been no new requests at all. And indeed, (U.S.) President (Donald) Trump has himself said that he has got this and he has made that position clear. There’s been no change in Australia,” Albanese told reporters.
Trump told reporters in Washington earlier: “I’m not happy with Australia because they were not there when we asked them to be there.
“They were not there, having to do with Hormuz,” he said.
International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that additional emergency stock releases are still being considered.
The recovery would vary across countries, with Iraq likely taking longer than Saudi Arabia, although the region overall could return to pre-war output in about two years, Birol said.
French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said Belgium, the Netherlands and France have mine-clearing capabilities that could help secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
"There are capabilities to provide fully supported escort services- that is to say, in no way offensive, of course for ships to ensure safe passage through the strait; that is what will be debated today in Paris," she added.
The Strait typically carries about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows, once conditions allow.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, expressing gratitude to the United States for its role in facilitating the agreement.
"I hope this will pave the way for negotiations towards a long-term solution to the conflict & contribute to ongoing efforts toward a lasting & comprehensive peace in the region," Guterres says in a statement.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon and reiterated the kingdom’s support for the Lebanese state and its sovereignty.
Oman also welcomed the announcement, expressing appreciation for “the efforts undertaken by the United States in reaching this understanding.”
It stressed the importance of all parties complying with the terms of the ceasefire and refraining from any violations.
The UK and France are set to chair a meeting with allies later today to coordinate efforts aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Downing Street said around 40 countries are expected to take part in the meeting this afternoon.
It added that discussions will focus on supporting the fragile ceasefire in the region and ensuring shipping routes through the Strait are reopened and secured in the long term.
U.S. President Donald Trump is optimistic on the recent Middle East developments, following his announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon and his claim that a deal with Iran is “very close.”
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has welcomed the Israel- Lebanon ceasefire, describing it as “a critical and long-overdue reprieve for civilians who have endured weeks of unrelenting violence.”
It added that the ceasefire should serve as an important opportunity to protect civilians, ensure continuous humanitarian access, and build the basis for a lasting and durable peace.
Crowds in Sidon, Lebanon, cheered, honked horns and flashed victory signs as a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took effect. Israeli strikes since early March has killed more than 2,100 people and displaced over 1.2 million https://t.co/YASHUBaJSu pic.twitter.com/2Tcf0PhFrq
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 17, 2026
Asian markets opened with oil prices declining after the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement raised hopes of easing Middle East tensions and a possible end to the conflict.
Brent crude futures fell by more than 1% to $98.05 per barrel at 00:21 GMT, while U.S. crude also slipped below $94.
Oil prices had surged by around 50% in March during a record rally linked to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and only recently dropped back below $100 per barrel, though they have largely remained in the $90 range over the past week.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected slower economic growth and higher inflation for Europe in 2026 due to an energy shock stemming from the Middle East conflict.
Alfred Kammer, Director of the European Department at the IMF, said the region faces a new economic challenge that demands robust macroeconomic policies and structural reforms.
Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman welcomed a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing support for strengthening the Lebanese state and restricting weapons to its institutions.
Syria described it as a "significant step" toward preventing further escalation in the region.
South Korea has announced a 10.5 trillion won ($7.1 billion) stimulus package along with emergency measures to ease the economic impact of rising global tensions linked to the U.S.- Israeli war on Iran.
The country’s finance chief said the steps are aimed at stabilising the economy amid growing supply disruptions.
Israel has committed violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon that took effect at midnight, including intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages, the Lebanese army said early on Friday.
In a statement, the army called on citizens to hold off on returning to southern villages and towns. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.
U.S. President Donald Trump briefly addressed the war in Iran during a tax day roundtable in Nevada, saying, "I will say the war in Iran is going along swimmingly" and that it "should be ending pretty soon."
He did not provide further details but praised the U.S. military for its ability to shoot down rockets.
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Two Indian-flagged ships were shot at in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, India's Foreign Ministry said, as Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again, less than 24 hours after reopening the 167km long sea passage, which is essential for global trade.
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Global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has shown signs of partial recovery after Iran announced it was open to commercial vessels during a limited ceasefire, though uncertainty remains over security conditions and compliance rules.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of a pause in hostilities after weeks of escalating tensions.
The past 24 hours of the Russia-Ukraine war have seen a drastic escalation in both aerial bombardment and frontline losses.
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Supreme Leader in air strikes, triggering the Middle East conflict, at the end of February. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, however, remains in force.
Two Indian-flagged ships were shot at in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, India's Foreign Ministry said, as Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again, less than 24 hours after reopening the 167km long sea passage, which is essential for global trade.
Netflix shares fell sharply on Friday after the streaming group issued a weaker-than-expected outlook and said chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings will step down from the board.
Eight people have died after a helicopter crash in West Kalimantan province, Indonesia. Authorities said contact was lost five minutes after taking off from a plantation area in Melawi.
Lebanon and Israel have a “fundamentally incompatible” understanding of the ceasefire agreed on Thursday (16 April), Dr Nouran El-Bayaa has said.
Two Indian-flagged ships were shot at in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, India's Foreign Ministry said, as Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again, less than 24 hours after reopening the 167km long sea passage, which is essential for global trade.
Global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has shown signs of partial recovery after Iran announced it was open to commercial vessels during a limited ceasefire, though uncertainty remains over security conditions and compliance rules.
The Strait of Hormuz has reopened, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (17 April), although Washington warned its naval blockade on Iran would remain until a peace deal is reached.
Iran has cautiously welcomed the ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon stressing that it is an integral part of Tehran’s set of its conditions for an end to the ongoing conflict with Washington.
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