Iran US War LIVE: Hormuz Strait reopens but blockade remains in force — Trump says ‘Iranians want to meet’

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Iran US War LIVE: In the ongoing Iran war, mediators are working to bridge differences on three key issues: Iran’s nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for damages caused during the conflict, according to a regional official involved in the talks, AP reported.

 US President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church, Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)Iran US War LIVE: US President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church, Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)(AP)

Iran US War LIVE: Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after a ceasefire in Lebanon, boosting hopes for wider peace negotiations, but warned it may shut the vital shipping route again unless the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Iran US War LIVE: What happened in the last few hours?

  1. In a post on social media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strategic waterway would remain open to all commercial traffic during the 10-day truce brokered by the U.S. between Israel and Lebanon. The ceasefire follows Israel’s invasion of Lebanon after the Iran-backed Hezbollah entered the conflict.
  2. Trump suggested a second round of talks could happen this weekend. The Iranians want to meet,” he said in a brief telephone interview with the news outlet Axios.
  3. “They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend,” Trump added.
  4. Oil prices fell Friday on hopes the U.S. and Iran were drawing closer to an agreement . The head of the International Energy Agency had warned that the energy crisis could get worse if the strait did not reopen.
  5. Trump on Friday suggested Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium. “The USA will get all the nuclear dust,” Trump said in a speech in Arizona. “We’re going to get it by going in with Iran with lots of excavators.”

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Key Events

18 Apr 2026, 05:53 AM IST

18 Apr 2026, 05:55:07 AM IST

Iran US LIVE: Trump says ‘Iranian wants to meet’

Trump suggested a second round of talks could happen this weekend. The Iranians want to meet,” he said in a brief telephone interview with the news outlet Axios.

“They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend,” Trump added.

18 Apr 2026, 05:53:59 AM IST

Iran US LIVE: Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, but Trump says blockade on Iranian ships and ports will stay in force

Iran said Friday it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, but U.S. President Donald Trump said the American blockade on Iranian ships and ports “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the U.S., including on its nuclear program.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that the crucial waterway, through which about 20% of the world's oil is shipped, was now fully open to commercial vessels, as a 10-day truce between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon appeared to hold. (AP)

About the Author

Mausam Jha

Mausam Jha is a journalist who focuses on world affairs and politics. She provides clear, informative reporting with a good understanding of both global events and their local impact. <br><br> Her clear, accessible reporting on political and international issues makes her a trusted source of news and analysis. <br><br> For the past three years, Mausam has worked with Mint, covering national politics, IR—including elections—and global affairs.<br> Before joining her current role, she gained experience working with The Statesman, ANI, and Financial Express, where she honed her skills in political and international news. <br><br> She has consistently tracked key electoral battles, including US elections, Japan elections, policy debates, and strategic affairs, explaining how global currents, from great power competition to regional conflicts <br><br> Beyond journalism, Mausam has a deep engagement with international relations, diplomacy, war studies, terrorism, political history, and political theory. She is particularly interested in the intersection of statecraft and society on how governance, ideology, and institutions shape lived realities, and how politics shape today's world order. <br><br> An avid reader of classical literature and political thought, she constantly explores the connections between historical ideas and contemporary policy challenges.

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