Iran has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, with Tehran stating that the strait will remain open for the remaining five days of the ceasefire.
Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, announced on his X account that commercial ships will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period in Lebanon, provided they follow the route coordinated by Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization.
Iran has conducted operations in the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. military attacks, with the dispute rooted in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Kepler, a global shipping monitor, reported on Friday that three Iranian oil tankers carrying five million barrels of crude oil—named "Deep Sea," "Sonia 1," and "Diona"—have exited the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. maritime blockade, marking the first successful departure since the blockade's imposition.
Six Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fighters were wounded, with two in serious condition, after an explosive device detonated in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire. All wounded were evacuated for medical treatment and their families have been notified.
European airlines are facing heightened concerns over jet fuel shortages due to the Iran war, while Poland's Deputy Minister of Energy stated that the country has not yet released any of its jet fuel reserves. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, warned that Europe might only have six weeks of jet fuel on hand, potentially leading to flight cancellations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he will take "whatever measures necessary" to mitigate the impact of the Iran war on civilians and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He called for an international coalition to ensure a permanent ceasefire and the continued openness of the Strait of Hormuz.
Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, stated that restoring oil and gas production to pre-war levels between the United States and Iran will likely take two years due to damage to infrastructure and the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, causing a significant disruption in global oil supplies.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the Iranian government, stated that the country will defend its territorial integrity with dignity and adhere to its legal frameworks. He also emphasized that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, creating regional problems, or engaging in assassinations.
On April 17, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement warning against ceasefire violations on the occasion of Army Day, asserting readiness to respond to any aggression. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated on April 16 that Iran rejects temporary ceasefires and seeks a complete end to regional conflicts, as the current ceasefire, effective since April 8, is set to last for two weeks following 39 days of war by the US and Israel against Iran.
Mohammad Nabi Mousavi-Fard, the Friday prayer leader of Ahvaz, stated that the war with America is ongoing and unpredictable, emphasizing that Iran's armed forces are prepared to反击任何敌人的失误，并摧毁整个全球霸权舰队。他还表示，即使美国集结全球力量和核武部队发动战争，也无法与伊斯兰阵营匹敌。
On March 7, 2026, in Isfahan, Morteza Madi, a 31-year-old resident of Shahr-e Shahin, was killed by gunfire from forces at a Basij checkpoint; a bullet hit his heart and lungs, leading to his death. His relatives have faced pressure and threats while attempting to pursue the case and file a complaint.
During the Iranian national revolution in December (Dey month), Tehransar neighborhood was a focal point for large protests. Following the start of attacks by the United States and Israel, centers of repressive institutions such as the Basij and police force in Tehransar were targeted and destroyed.
President Trump stated that a naval blockade could be more effective than military strikes against Iran, emphasizing the superiority of economic and naval pressure tools. He also indicated that Arab countries would likely contribute financially to cover some of the costs.
Residents of northern Israel protested the establishment of a 10-day ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, describing the decision as a "betrayal" by local officials who made the agreement without consulting or notifying the communities, according to Winet News Agency. David Azulai, head of the Metula Local Council in the Upper Galilee, criticized the lack of consideration for security concerns.
Mohammad Reza Razaei Kouchi, head of the Parliament's Infrastructure Commission, stated that about 50 aircraft in Iran's air fleet were damaged during the conflict, with approximately 10 destroyed by missile strikes, but some may be repairable. He also noted that issues at airports like Mehrabad Airport are manageable and that domestic and international flights could resume if a ceasefire agreement is reached.
Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, praised Donald Trump's role in establishing a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, stating it was facilitated through "bold and wise diplomatic efforts led by" Trump. Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity during his diplomatic visits to Qatar and Saudi Arabia this week.
Hezbollah claims in a post-ceasefire statement to have conducted 2,184 attacks over 45 days, averaging 49 per day and extending up to 160 km into Israeli territory. The statement concludes with a pledge that their fighters will continue until their last breath, asserting that victory belongs only to Allah.
On April 16, 2026, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) was operating in the Arabian Sea for U.S. blockade missions, accompanied by an air wing consisting of 8 F-35C and F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G, E-2D aircraft, MH-60 helicopters, and CMV-22B Ospreys, according to CENTCOM.
In an interview with Fox News, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham defended the continuation of economic pressure on Iran, stating that the blockade is effective and has pushed Iran to the brink of financial bankruptcy. Graham also emphasized the need to ensure that the Iranian regime cannot obstruct the Strait of Hormuz in the future.
