Last UpdateApril 18, 2026, 5:22 AM EDT
President Donald Trump said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open and ready for business and full passage.” Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the key waterway is open through a “coordinated route.”
Covered by: Greg Norman-Diamond, Landon Mion, Efrat Lachter, Robert McGreevy, Eric Revell, Sophia Compton, Michael Sinkewicz and Elizabeth Pritchett
WHAT TO KNOW
- Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday. Trump said the deal came into effect following conversations he had with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel initially said the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran did not apply to Lebanon, and Israeli forces had continued striking Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists there since.
- The U.S. military continues to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports on Friday. U.S. Central Command said Friday that “Since commencement of the blockade, 19 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran.” Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine said “More than 10,000 sailors, marines and airmen, over a dozen ships and dozens of aircraft” are carrying out the operation.
- The U.S. is currently in a ceasefire with Iran during Operation Epic Fury, which was launched on Feb. 28.
- President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran is removing sea mines following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the key waterway is “completely open and ready for business and full passage” and Iran has agreed to “never close” it again. Oil prices also plummeted more than 10% on Friday after Iran’s foreign minister said that the Strait of Hormuz will be open to all commercial shipping traffic.
- President Donald Trump made an appeal Thursday to Pope Leo XIV in defense of the war in Iran, saying the world would be “in great danger” if the regime in Tehran obtained a nuclear weapon. Pope Leo has been critical of Trump and his administration’s actions in Iran. In a statement issued earlier Thursday, the pope said, “Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.” The pontiff did not name Trump or any other officials in that statement.
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BREAKING NEWS2 hours ago
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Iran reimposes restrictions on Strait of Hormuz, warns it will continue to block transit
Iran announced it is reimposing restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, reversing its decision to reopen the waterway after President Donald Trump said the move would not end the blockade, according to The Associated Press.
Iran’s joint military command said Saturday that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces,” adding that the restrictions will not be lifted as long as the U.S. continues to block Iranian ports.
The announcements comes a few hours after Trump said the blockade “will remain in full force” until a deal is reached between Tehran and the U.S.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted by Elizabeth Pritchett
5 hours ago
US extends pause on Russia oil sanctions to ease supply shortages
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks to members of the media outside the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday extended a one-month pause on sanctions affecting Russian oil shipments, aiming to ease supply shortages tied to the Iran conflict.
Under a general license, U.S. sanctions will not apply for 30 days to Russian oil shipments that were loaded onto vessels as of Friday.
The move extends a similar 30-day license issued in March covering Russian oil loaded by March 11.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
6 hours ago
Trump says no tolls will be imposed on ships in Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump speaks to the press aboard Air Force One before arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on April 17, 2026 after a two-day trip to Nevada and Arizona. (Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump said Friday there would be no tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Nope. No way,” Trump said when asked by a reporter aboard Air Force One whether there would be restrictions or tolls managed by Iran for ships traveling through the strait.
“No, there are not going to be tolls,” Trump added.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
7 hours ago
Trump warns Iran must abandon nuclear program or face US action
President Donald Trump waved to reporters as he walked on the South Lawn upon his arrival at the White House, Friday, April 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
President Donald Trump said Friday that any deal with Iran must eliminate its nuclear weapons program, warning the U.S. would act if an agreement is not reached.
“The main thing is that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon, and that supersedes everything else,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Regarding Iran’s remaining highly enriched uranium, Trump said the U.S. would retrieve it after an agreement is reached.
“Obviously, I’m not going to give you the time other than if we sign the agreement, then I can give you a time somewhere after the signing of the agreement,” Trump said. “We’ll go in with Iran and we will take it together, and we will bring it back — 100% of it — back to the United States.”
Trump said if a deal is not reached, the U.S. would seize the nuclear material in an “unfriendly form.”
“If we don’t do that, we will get it in a different form, in a much more unfriendly form,” he said. “But in any event, we’ll get it.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
7 hours ago
Trump says he may end Iran ceasefire if no deal reached by Wednesday
President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump said late Friday he may end the ceasefire with Iran unless a long-term agreement is reached by Wednesday.
“Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “So you have a blockade, and unfortunately we have to start dropping bombs again.”
Trump also said there had been some “pretty good news” regarding Iran but did not provide details.
“We had some pretty good news 20 minutes ago, but it seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Iran,” he said. “So we’re going to be knowing very shortly. I expect things to go well. Many of these things have been negotiated and agreed to.”
When asked what the news was, Trump said, “You’ll hear about it.”
“I just think it’s something that should happen. It’s something that only makes sense to happen. And I think it will. We’ll see what happens, but I think it will.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
8 hours ago
Trump says China’s Xi ‘very happy’ as Strait of Hormuz reopens
President Donald Trump said late Friday that China’s Xi Jinping is “very happy” the Strait of Hormuz is reopening.
“President Xi is very happy that the Strait of Hormuz is open and/or rapidly opening,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
“Our meeting in China will be a special one and, potentially, Historic,” he added. “I look forward to being with President Xi — Much will be accomplished!”
Trump announced earlier Friday that the strait was open and “ready for business and full passage.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
8 hours ago
Australia’s Albanese welcomes Strait reopening but warns it’s ‘very fragile’
Anthony Albanese said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was “positive news,” but warned stability is not guaranteed. (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday called the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz “positive news.”
“We hope that it certainly holds. This was positive news that we received last night,” Albanese told reporters.
“But we know that it’s very fragile and we don’t assume the best. What we do is prepare as best we can for the uncertainty which is there,” he added.
President Donald Trump announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open and ready for business and full passage”
U.S. forces, however, are continuing a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
9 hours ago
CENTCOM says ‘21 ships’ reversed course since Iran blockade began
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday shared a new image highlighting the ongoing naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea.
In a post on X, CENTCOM released a photo showing the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) patrolling the Arabian Sea as part of the operation.
“Since commencement of the blockade, 21 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran,” CENTCOM stated.
CENTCOM began enforcing the blockade on Monday, targeting all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports.
Posted by Sophia Compton
10 hours ago
US Navy, Hegseth deny food shortage claims on deployed ships: ‘Fake news’
The U.S. Navy and Secretary of War Pete Hegsethare pushing back on claims of food shortages aboard deployed ships, calling the reports false.
In a statement posted to X on Friday, the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations said both the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli have “sufficient food onboard” and are continuing to provide Sailors and Marines with “fully portioned, nutritionally balanced meals.”
“The health and wellbeing of our Sailors and Marines are my top priority,” the statement said.
The Navy also addressed concerns about delayed mail, noting that a temporary pause on packages due to combat operations has been lifted.
“Our logistical network is highly adaptable, and we remain committed to supporting our warfighters as they execute Operation Epic Fury,” the statement added. “The [US Navy] possesses an unmatched logistics capability to sustain operations at sea, and routine menu adjustments are simply how we optimize our endurance to keep our warships in the fight.”
Hegseth echoed that message, dismissing the reports as “fake news.”
“The [US Navy] is correct. More FAKE NEWS from the Pharisee Press. My team confirmed the logistics stats for the Lincoln & Tripoli. Both have 30+ days of Class I supplies (food) on board. NavCent monitors this everyday, for every ship. Our sailors deserve — and receive — the best,” Hegseth wrote.
Posted by Sophia Compton
10 hours ago
China open to taking possession of Iran’s highly enriched uranium: report
China is reportedly open to taking custody of highly enriched uranium from Iran that President Donald Trump has demanded be removed.
Beijing would consider either taking possession of — or downgrading — roughly 970 pounds of the material, a diplomat familiar with China’s thinking told The Associated Press.
Trump said Friday the U.S. “will get all of” the uranium, which he described as “nuclear dust,” believed to be buried beneath nuclear sites damaged in last June’s strikes.
Posted by Sophia Compton
11 hours ago
Iranian parliament speaker accuses Trump of ‘false’ claims, threatens Strait of Hormuz access
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf on Friday criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of making seven “false” claims in one hour.
In a series of posts on X, Ghalibaf warned that if the current U.S. blockade continues, “the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open.”
“They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either,” he wrote.
Ghalibaf added that any transit through the strait would require Iranian authorization and adherence to designated routes.
“Media warfare and engineering public opinion are an important part of war, and the Iranian nation is not affected by these tricks.”
Posted by Sophia Compton
12 hours ago
Trump says Iran deal close, vows US will secure highly enriched uranium
President Donald Trump said Friday that negotiations with Iran are nearing completion, stating that “most of the points are already negotiated and agreed to.”
Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Trump pointed to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a major development, calling it “a great and brilliant day for the world” and crediting U.S. military pressure for the outcome.
“We will remain in full force in effect as it pertains to Iran, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete and fully signed,” Trump said.
Trump also said the U.S. “will get all of” what he described as “nuclear dust,” referring to highly enriched uranium.
“No money will exchange hands in any way, shape or form,” Trump said. “You know how we’re going to get the dust, right? … We’re going to take it anyway.”
He added that Iran, with U.S. assistance, “has removed or is removing all of the sea mines,” and reiterated that Iran “will never have a nuclear weapon.”
The president also took aim at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), saying the alliance offered assistance too late in the conflict.
“Now that the Hormuz strait situation is almost over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would like some help. Thank you very much, NATO. And I told them I would have liked your help two months ago, but now I really don’t want your help anymore,” Trump said. “Because they were absolutely useless when we needed them. But actually we never needed them. They needed us.”
Posted by Sophia Compton
13 hours ago
First passenger vessel transits Strait of Hormuz since start of Iran war: report
A view of vessels heading towards the Strait of Hormuz on April 8, 2026. (Credit: Shady Alassar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
A cruise ship has reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first passenger vessel to pass through since the Iran war began.
The Celestyal Discovery, registered in Malta, had been stranded in Dubai for 47 days after arriving in early March, BBC News reported, citing maritime tracking service MarineTraffic.
The vessel, which is not carrying any passengers, is now headed for Muscat, Oman, the outlet reported
Posted by Sophia Compton
13 hours ago
Trump says US naval blockade on Iran will end once ‘agreement gets signed’
U.S. President Donald Trump walks off Air Force One as he arrives at Sky Harbor International Airport April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. Navy’s sea blockade against Iran will end once a formal agreement is signed.
“As soon as the agreement gets signed, that’s when the blockade ends,” Trump told members of the press after arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
He said discussions are ongoing and “will go on over the weekend.”
“We’re having a big day. We’ll see how it all turns out. But it should be good. We’ve had some very good discussions,” Trump said.
Posted by Sophia Compton
14 hours ago
Former US Ambassador to Israel says Trump admin has ‘overwhelming’ leverage over Iran
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said Friday the Trump administration’s strategy toward Iran is working, arguing the president is now negotiating from “an overwhelming position of leverage and power.”
“Anybody who thinks that this war [began] without a plan or a strategy hasn’t been paying attention,” Friedman said on Fox News’ “America Reports,” pointing to early moves he said weakened Iran’s ability to respond.
Friedman said mounting economic pressure is leaving Tehran with few options. He said targeting Iran’s economic lifeline — oil — has pushed the country toward a breaking point.
“Iran has no choice but to concede, because otherwise it won’t be able to pay its guards, it won’t be able to pay anybody, and it’s going to lose its power, it’s going to lose its regime,” Friedman said. “So I think this has worked out brilliantly in only seven weeks. And I think the world is responding, the markets are responding appropriately.”
He added, “I think we’ll look back on this in the near future and conclude this may have been one of the greatest military operations in history.”
Friedman also echoed Trump’s criticism of NATO, saying Western European allies “are not stepping up” and have played little role in the conflict.
Posted by Sophia Compton
15 hours ago
Bessent says Iran-backed militias ‘will not’ be allowed to threaten Americans
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. “will not allow” Iran-backed militias in Iraq to “threaten American lives or interests,” warning that those who enable their violence “will be held accountable.”
His comments came after the Treasury Department announced Friday that it had imposed sanctions on seven militia commanders as part of the “Economic Fury” initiative, which seeks to intensify economic pressure on Iran.
The department said the individuals were involved in planning and carrying out attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians in Iraq.
Tommy Pigott, the principal deputy spokesperson for the Department of State, said those who enable or support the militias’ violence “will face consequences” and called on Iraqi authorities to dismantle the groups.
“The Trump Administration remains committed to protecting Americans abroad, countering the Iranian regime’s destabilizing influence, and supporting a stable, sovereign, and prosperous Iraq,” Pigott said. “We will continue working with our partners to ensure that those who threaten regional security are held accountable.”
Posted by Sophia Compton
16 hours ago
Pakistan PM thanks Trump for ‘gracious words’ after Strait of Hormuz reopening
US President Donald Trump (C) listens to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) as he delivers a statement during a summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh on Oct. 13, 2025. (Credit: YOAN VALAT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday responded to President Trump’s recent Truth Social post, thanking the U.S. leader for his praise.
“Mr President, on behalf of the people of Pakistan, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and on my behalf, I express my deep and profound appreciation for your kind and gracious words,” Sharif wrote on X, sharing a screenshot of Trump’s message.
Earlier in the day, Trump praised Pakistan’s leadership, writing, “Thank you to Pakistan and its Great Prime Minister and Field Marshall, two fantastic people!!!”
The president also extended thanks to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, shortly after announcing that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open and ready for business and full passage.”
Posted by Sophia Compton
16 hours ago
Trump says US ‘very close’ to Iran deal, claims ‘no sticking points’ remain: report
U.S. President Donald Trump walks toward reporters before answering questions prior to boarding Air Force One on April 10, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Trump said Friday the U.S. is “very close” to reaching a deal with Iran, telling Agence France-Presse (AFP) there are “no sticking points” remaining between the two sides.
“We’re very close. Looks like it’s going to be very good for everybody. And we’re very close to having a deal,” Trump told AFP. “… The strait’s going to be open, they already are open. And things are going very well.”
In a separate interview with CBS, Trump said Iran has “agreed to everything” and will cooperate with the U.S. to remove enriched uranium from the country.
The comments come after Trump touted Iran’s promise to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following tensions that had driven up oil prices.
Posted by Sophia Compton
16 hours ago
CENTCOM video showcases ongoing US naval blockade operations
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday released a video highlighting ongoing military operations, writing, “The U.S. naval blockade continues…”
The footage shows heavily armed service members conducting maritime operations, including a team moving across a ship’s deck and several shots of helicopters.
Additional scenes show activity inside the ship and aircraft taking off over open water.
The video concludes with the words “PRESENT,” “VIGILANT,” and “READY,” followed by an image of the U.S. flag.
Posted by Sophia Compton
17 hours ago
US military has ‘eyes’ on ‘several vessels of interest’ as Iranian port blockade ongoing: CENTCOM
U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C, on Thursday, April 16, 2026. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper told reporters Friday that U.S. forces in the Middle East “have eyes” on “several vessels of interest” as an Iranian port blockade is ongoing.
“As the president announced earlier today, U.S. forces in the Middle East continue to fully enforce the maritime blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports in coastal areas. Over 10,000 service members, over 100 aircraft and more than a dozen U.S. warships are all executing this historic mission. They’re doing it with, for my assessment, great dedication, incredible commitment and professionalism,” Cooper said.
“No ships have evaded U.S. forces. I think it’s a great credit to the men and women who are executing a highly complex mission. There are several vessels of interest we continue to closely monitor both within and outside the blockade boundary,” he added. “We have eyes on every single one of them. Again, no ships have or will evade U.S. forces.”
“U.S. forces have eyes on every Iranian port. We are watching every Iranian ship in every port, period, full stop,” Cooper also said. “We’re able to sustain this as long as necessary. We’re well provisioned. We’re well manned. We have all the forces necessary to sustain this, for as long as necessary.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
17 hours ago
Danish shipping titan Maersk avoids transiting Strait of Hormuz, ‘closely monitoring’ situation
Danish shipping company Maersk said it is “closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East” Friday following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
It said the “safety of our crew, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our priority,” following Iran’s announcement of the waterway’s reopening.
“Since the outbreak of the conflict, we have followed the guidance of our security partners in the region, and the recommendation so far has been to avoid transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” Maersk said.
“Any decision to transit the strait will be based on risk assessments and close monitoring of the security situation, with the latest developments also included in the ongoing assessments,” it added.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
18 hours ago
Israel will give chance for political, military solution with Lebanon at Trump’s request: Netanyahu
President Donald Trump points his finger towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they shake hands during a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 29, 2025. (Reuters/Jonathan Ernst/File)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that his country will provide an opportunity for a political and military solution with Lebanon – where the IDF has been fighting the Iran-aligned terrorist group Hezbollah – at the request of President Donald Trump.
“At the request of my friend, President Trump, with whom we have changed the Middle East and achieved tremendous accomplishments, we have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said.
“At his request, we will provide an opportunity to advance an integrated diplomatic and military solution with the Lebanese government,” he added.
“For the first time, we created a deep security buffer zone along the entire northern border. Not just in Lebanon; along the entire Lebanese border up to Mount Hermon, through the Golan Heights, and down to the Yarmouk. They wanted to surround us with a ring of fire; we created a ring of security,” Netanyahu also said. “This buffer zone completely removes the near threat of invasion and anti-tank fire. The IDF is stationed there, at the ‘Yellow Line’, to continue defending against the near threat.”
Netanyahu described Hezbollah as a “shadow of its former self” compared to its days of rule under former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2024.
“But I say honestly: We have not yet finished the job. There are things we plan to do regarding the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat, which I will not detail here,” Netanyahu said. “However, we have an additional goal, and that is the dismantling of Hezbollah. Therefore, I tell you again in all honesty: This will not be achieved tomorrow. It requires sustained effort, patience, and endurance, and it requires wise navigation of the diplomatic field.”
Fox News’ Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
18 hours ago
Trump says he expects US-Iran deal ‘in the next day or two’
President Donald Trump waves to the media after walking off of Air Force One at Miami International Airport on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump told Axios on Friday that he believes the U.S. and Iran will strike a deal “in the next day or two.”
“The Iranians want to meet. They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend,” Trump told Axios. “I think we will get a deal in the next day or two.”
A U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance met with an Iranian delegation in Pakistan last weekend, but no deal was made.
Trump’s remarks come on the same day Trump and Iran announced the reopening of the Strait or Hormuz.
A U.S. military blockade on Iranian ports remains in effect, according to Trump.
A senior U.S. official told Fox News on Friday that future U.S.-Iran talks are being considered but nothing has been scheduled at this time.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
19 hours ago
‘Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer,’ Trump says
President Donald Trump said Friday in the middle of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer.”
Trump wrote on Truth Social that “the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezbollah situation in an appropriate manner.”
“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer,” Trump added. “They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!”
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz had said earlier Friday that the IDF’s mission against Hezbollah in Lebanon has “not yet been completed,” despite the ongoing ceasefire.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
19 hours ago
Trump praises Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar as Strait of Hormuz reopens
President Donald Trump offered praise Friday for countries in the Middle East following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Thank you to Pakistan and its Great Prime Minister and Field Marshall, two fantastic people!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Thank you to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar for your great bravery and help!” the president said in another post.
Pakistan played a key role in peace negotiations between U.S. and Iran, hosting talks between Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation in its capital, Islamabad, last weekend.
During Operation Epic Fury, Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the Gulf, including against Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Although activity has decreased under the current U.S.–Iran ceasefire, intermittent strikes and interceptions have been reported.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
20 hours ago
Trump says Iran ‘agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again’
A map showing the location of the Strait of Hormuz. (Fox News)
President Donald Trump said Friday that the Iranian regime “has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again.”
“It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!” the president said on Truth Social, adding that Friday is turning out to be a “great and brilliant day for the world.”
Trump also said “This deal is not tied, in any way, to Lebanon, but we will, MAKE LEBANON GREAT AGAIN!”
Israel and Lebanon are currently in the midst of a 10-day ceasefire.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
20 hours ago
Iran removing sea mines, US will get ‘nuclear dust,’ Trump announces
President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran is removing sea mines following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also said in another post that “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,” in reference to the aftermath of U.S. strikeson Iranian nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
20 hours ago
Oil prices plunge after Iran says Strait of Hormuz open for commercial shipping traffic
Oil prices plummeted more than 10% on Friday after Iran’s foreign minister said that the Strait of Hormuz will be open to all commercial shipping traffic for the duration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Prices for West Texas Intermediate crude fell over 10% to under $85 a barrel, while Brent crude oil prices dropped more than 10% to around $89 a barrel.
The plunge in oil prices comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz was open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The ceasefire began on Thursday, and President Donald Trump told reporters the ceasefire would include Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that the Strait of Hormuz is “COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE.”
Oil prices surged over $100 a barrel since the Iran war began a month and a half ago, with WTI prices peaking at nearly $113 a barrel on April 6 and Brent crude prices reaching more than $119 a barrel on March 30.
Posted by Eric Revell
20 hours ago
Trump rips ‘useless’ NATO after Strait of Hormuz reopening
President Donald Trump slammed NATO as being “useless” on Friday following the announced reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
A short while ago, Trump said “the Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
21 hours ago
Israel says mission against Hezbollah has ‘not yet been completed’ despite ceasefire
French President Emmanuel Macron, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres have been reacting to the announcement of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by President Donald Trump. (Fox News)
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Friday that the IDF’s mission against Hezbollah in Lebanon has “not yet been completed,” despite the announcement of a ceasefire.
World leaders have been praising the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on Thursday. However, Katz said Friday that the ceasefire is “temporary” and Israeli troops will not withdraw from territory they occupy in Lebanon, according to The Times of Israel.
“The IDF holds and will continue to hold all the areas it has cleared and captured,” Katz reportedly said. “The ground maneuver into Lebanon and the strikes against Hezbollah throughout Lebanon have achieved many accomplishments, but they have not yet been completed.”
“We are inside Lebanon in the midst of a war against Hezbollah, with a temporary freeze and a 10-day ceasefire,” Katz added.
“The goal we defined — dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons through military or diplomatic means — was and remains the objective of the campaign,” he also said, according to the Times of Israel. “At present, a significant diplomatic lever has also been created through the direct involvement of the U.S. president and a commitment to this goal, while applying pressure on the Lebanese government.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
21 hours ago
SEE IT: US military orders ship to turn to Iranian port during blockade
U.S. Central Command released a video Friday showing personnel onboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta directing a merchant vessel back to an Iranian port as part of the ongoing blockade.
“Since commencement of the blockade, 19 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran. ZERO vessels have evaded U.S. forces during the blockade,” CENTCOM wrote on X.
“This is U.S. Navy warship 115, request you return to original port of call in Iran,” a sailor is heard saying in the video.
“Copy sir, thank you very much. Copy, copy sir. We are returning to Iran. We are returning to Iran, thank you,” a person from the vessel responded.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
21 hours ago
Iranian foreign minister says Strait of Hormuz open through Iran-approved route, Trump responds
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is open through Iran’s “coordinated route.”
President Donald Trump appeared to respond on Truth Social, writing, “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!”
“THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE. THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED,” he added.
In a post on X, Araghchi said, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
22 hours ago
Air Force is ‘smallest,’ ‘least ready’ in history, National Guard leaders warn Congress
Two F/A-18 Super Hornets launch from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran from an undisclosed location on March 3, 2026. (U.S. Navy/Reuters)
Leaders of the Air National Guard argued that the Air Force’s readiness was woefully inadequate in a recent letter to Congress requesting more funding.
“The United States Air Force is the oldest, the smallest, and the least ready in its 78-year history,” the letter, which was obtained by Air and Space Forces Magazine, read.
To rectify the historic deficiency, military leaders are requesting between 72 and 100 new fighter jets across the Air Force’s active duty, reserve and guard corps.
The letter also states a desired goal of procuring 72 new F-35s and 36 new F-15EXs every year.
It was signed by all 22 adjutant generals that lead Air National Guards in the states that have them, something Idaho’s assistant adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Shannon Smith, called “a pretty big deal.”
“What we’re trying to do with this is send a strong message from the two-star generals that command the National Guards in these states,” he told Air and Space Forces.
Smith pointed to Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.’s sprawling military campaign in Iran, as showcasing the need for more jets and resources.
“We are burning these jets and the Airmen over time to support the joint force to accomplish the president’s goals with Epic Fury in this conflict with Iran,” he told the magazine.
Posted by Robert McGreevy
23 hours ago
US forces complete withdrawal from Syria, CENTCOM says
A U.S. military vehicle is transported on a truck as part of a convoy withdrawing from Qasrak base in northeastern Hasakah province toward the Jordanian border near Daraa, Syria, on Thursday, April 16, 2026. (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)
American forces completed their withdrawal from Syria on Friday, a U.S. Central Command spokesperson told Fox News.
The roughly 2,000 troops – who were there to fight the Islamic State terrorist group and prevent their resurgence in an effort named Operation Inherent Resolve — started to withdraw in February. The last convoy of soldiers and equipment departed Qasrak air base on Thursday.
“U.S. forces have completed turning over all of our major bases in Syria, as part of a deliberate and conditions-based transition by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve,” CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins told Fox News. “U.S. forces continue to support partner-led counterterrorism efforts, which are essential to ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS and strengthening regional security.”
Earlier this year, more than 5,700 ISIS fighters were transferred from detention facilities in Syria to Iraqi custody.
This transfer was completed just two weeks before the U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28.
Fox News’ Liz Friden contributed to this report.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
23 hours ago
Starmer and Macron accused of ‘playing at being relevant’ with Strait of Hormuz plan
French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer walk during their meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace, in Paris, France, on April 17, 2026. (Tom Nicholson/Pool Photo via AP)
As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron convene a summit Friday on the future of the Strait of Hormuz, the two leaders are pushing a European-led plan to reopen the vital shipping lane after the war, without U.S. leadership.
The proposal envisions a post-conflict naval mission made up of Britain, France and other “non-belligerent” countries that would deploy only after fighting ends. Unlike President Donald Trump’s current strategy of blockading Iranian ports with U.S. naval power, the Anglo-French initiative is intended to be separate from the warring parties and focused on restoring commercial shipping.
A senior European official insisted the initiative is not meant to go around Washington, telling Fox News Digital that Paris began discussing a future maritime mission “from day one” of the conflict and is now formalizing those plans jointly with London.
Macron and Starmer are expected to host a summit to advance what both governments describe as a “coordinated, independent, multinational plan” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once the fighting ends.
The European senior official said the proposed force would be “strictly defensive” and would only deploy after active fighting and bombardment have ended, with the goal of restoring normal shipping rather than enforcing a wartime corridor.
“What we want in the end is no blockade, no toll, no nothing that blocks the fluidity of what is going through the Strait of Hormuz,” the official told Fox News Digital, while stressing that Iran remains “the first problem.”
Posted by Efrat Lachter
23 hours ago
Photo shows US aircraft carrier conducting blockade of Iranian ports
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is seen carrying out U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea on Thursday, April 16. (CENTCOM)
U.S. Central Command released a photo showing the USS Abraham Lincoln carrying out blockade operations on Thursday in the Arabian Sea.
“The ship’s embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control planes, MH-60 helicopters and CMV-22B Ospreys for logistics support,” CENTCOM wrote on X.
The U.S. military blockade of Iranian ports went into effect on Monday.
U.S. Central Command said Thursday that after the first 72 hours of the blockade, 14 ships turned around to comply with it at the direction of American forces.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
April 17
World leaders meet in Paris for ‘critical discussions’ on reopening Strait of Hormuz
French President Emmanuel Macron, left, greets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace, in Paris, France, on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Tom Nicholson/Pool Photo via AP)
World leaders are coming together in Paris, France, on Friday for “critical discussions” about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said this week that France and the U.K. will be “bringing together by videoconference non-belligerent countries ready to contribute, alongside us, to a multilateral and purely defensive mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait when security conditions allow.”
Around 40 countries are expected to join the meeting of what is being called the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative.
The U.S. is not among that group, according to The Associated Press.
“The leaders will focus on supporting the fragile ceasefire in the region and ensure shipping routes are reopened and secured through the Strait for the long term, complementing ongoing diplomatic efforts to reinforce peace,” Starmer’s office said.
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
April 17
Joe Rogan continues to criticize Trump over war on Iran: ‘How is this still going on?’
Podcast host Joe Rogan. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Podcast host Joe Rogan on Thursday again criticized the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, describing the military campaign in the Middle East as “f—ing terrifying.”
“It’s f—ing terrifying. All of it’s terrifying. Any time you’re involved with — you’re shooting missiles into towns and blowing things up, blowing up infrastructure, blowing up bridges — you know, and Israel’s blowing up Lebanon now,” Rogan told actor David Cross on the “Joe Rogan Experience.”
“It’s like, what the f— are we doing? Like, how is this still going on?” he continued.
Rogan and Cross both said that Iran’s regime was “terrible,” citing its treatment of protesters, but argued that military intervention in the Middle East diverts from President Donald Trump’s campaign promises in 2024, when he vowed not to start wars.
“Most people that voted for Trump or wanted Trump to be in office, one of the things that was attractive was this, ‘no more wars.’ Now we’re in one of the craziest ones,” said Rogan, who endorsed Trump in the last election.
Rogan has repeatedly spoken out against the Trump administration’s decision to attack Iran since the war began in late February, previously warning that it risked putting the U.S. into a wider conflict.
“I’m confused. I can’t believe we went to this war. When we started bombing Iran, I was like, ‘This can’t be true,’” Rogan said earlier this month.
Posted by Landon Mion
April 17
Sharif, Macron praise Israel-Lebanon ceasefire announced by Trump
President Donald Trump gestures after a roundtable event on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Alex Brandon/AP)
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a key role in brokering a U.S.-Iran ceasefire last week, said Friday that he welcomes the “announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon,facilitated through bold and sagacious diplomatic efforts led by President Donald Trump” and he expresses “the hope that it will pave the way for sustainable peace.”
“Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and will continue to support all efforts aimed at lasting peace in the region,” Sharif added in a post on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron also said Friday, “I fully support the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel as announced by President Trump yesterday.”
“I also express my concern that it may already be undermined by the continuation of military operations,” he added. “I call for the safety of civilian populations on both sides of the border between Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah must renounce its weapons. Israel must respect Lebanese sovereignty and stop the war.”
Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond
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