Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz with conditions and threatens to close it if the US blockade of Iranian ports continues. Published On 18 Apr 202618 Apr 2026Iranian officials have pushed back against claims by US President Donald Trump on the state of negotiations, highlighting deep contradictions in messaging as tensions persist around the Strait of Hormuz.Despite this, Trump has said there are no “sticking points” left for a deal, while insisting the blockade will remain until any agreement is “100 percent complete”.Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open to commercial vessels, subject to conditions, in line with the Lebanon ceasefire and previously coordinated maritime routes. Tehran threatens to close the strait if the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.Here is what we know:In Iran
Enriched uranium dispute: Iran’s foreign ministry says its enriched uranium stockpile will not be transferred “anywhere”, rejecting claims by Trump that Tehran had agreed to hand it over.
Hormuz fees plan: Iran said it will not impose “traditional” transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, but is drafting a law to charge ship owners for “securing the strait”, according to security committee spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei. He said vessels would only pass with prior coordination with Iranian authorities, with hostile military ships, particularly from the US and Israel, barred entirely.
War diplomacy
Lebanon-Israel ‘agreements’: President Joseph Aoun says Lebanon is nearing a “new phase” of lasting deals after the ceasefire and is no longer “an arena for others’ wars”.
France, UK Hormuz mission: France and Britain will lead a multinational effort to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as conditions allow,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
China visit hinted: Trump says Chinese President Xi Jinping supports the reopening of Hormuz and suggested a “potentially historic” visit to China.
Houthis rally in Yemen for Lebanon: Supporters in Sanaa showed solidarity with Lebanon. The Iran-aligned and armed Houthi movement, which controls northern Yemen, has warned of joining the war if needed.
Houthi supporters demonstrate in solidarity with Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Friday [Khaled Abdullah/Reuters]In the Gulf Advertisement
Fragile recovery: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan welcomes Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but says the situation remains fragile. Some countries can restart production quickly, while others will need more time, depending on damag …
