U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has agreed never to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz again. He made the statement in a social media post, asserting that the waterway will never again be used as a weapon against the world. According to Trump, Tehran has consented to keep the strait permanently open for all commercial navigation.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply is transported. Over the past decades, Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the route amid regional tensions. Trump’s claim, if accurate, would mark a significant shift in Iran’s stance and could ease long-standing concerns over energy security and global trade stability.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that confirmation of such an agreement could bring major stability to international energy markets. However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation from Iran regarding Trump’s statement.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed willingness to provide military assistance to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a press conference on April 17, 2026, he urged all parties to intensify diplomatic efforts to ease ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States and to promote lasting peace in the Middle East.

Merz described Iran’s recent announcement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a positive development but emphasized that the passage must remain permanent, safe, and completely free of tariffs. He also highlighted that both Hezbollah and Israel now have a historic opportunity to establish long-term peace. The chancellor noted that any German participation in such a mission would require approval from both the United Nations and the German Parliament.

Merz further stated that U.S. involvement in the proposed mission would be particularly desirable, and Germany’s assistance could include military cooperation and technical support such as mine clearance operations.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently verifying recent announcements regarding the reopening of the Hormuz Strait for commercial navigation. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated on Friday that the organization is focusing on ensuring freedom of navigation for all commercial vessels and adherence to the IMO’s Traffic Separation Scheme to guarantee safe passage. He emphasized that under international law, no country has the right to close this international waterway.

Earlier, Iran and the United States had separately declared that the Hormuz Strait would remain open to commercial ships, particularly during the ongoing ten-day ceasefire in Lebanon. Tehran confirmed that there would be no restrictions on maritime trade during this period. Dominguez added that the safe repatriation of around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor are among the IMO’s top priorities.

He called on all parties to engage in constructive diplomatic dialogue to calm the situation and restore normal maritime supply routes, stressing that reopening this vital route is essential for global stability and energy security.

Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open to all commercial vessels during the ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the decision in a post on social media platform X, stating that the move aligns with Iran’s support for the ceasefire and aims to maintain regional peace. The permission for cargo and trade ships to pass through the vital waterway will remain effective for the duration of the ceasefire.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical routes for global energy and trade, carrying nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas. The decision is being viewed internationally as a positive step toward stability. Iran had previously indicated that it would ensure safe passage through the strait if attacks against it ceased and regional stability was maintained.

Following weeks of conflict and tension that raised global concerns about maritime security, Iran’s latest announcement is expected to ease fears over energy supply and trade safety in international markets.

Thousands of displaced Lebanese have begun returning to their homes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and towns across southern Lebanon after a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect. The return started early Friday amid cautious celebrations, with heavy traffic reported on northern roads leading back to the capital’s southern districts. Many returnees expressed joy by flashing victory signs as they made their way home after being forced to flee during the conflict.

Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains tense and far from normal. People are still cautious, and the country faces significant challenges in recovering from the damage caused by the fighting. The ceasefire has temporarily halted hostilities, but rebuilding lives and restoring normalcy will take time for Lebanon’s affected communities.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has warned that its fighters will be ready to respond if Israel violates the newly declared ceasefire. The warning was issued through Hezbollah-owned Al-Manar TV, where the group stated that its fighters would keep their fingers on the trigger to counter any perceived betrayal or deception by Israel.

The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was announced earlier by US President Donald Trump, who said that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to begin a formal 10-day truce aimed at achieving peace. The statement from Hezbollah came shortly after this announcement, signaling the group’s distrust of Israel’s intentions.

The development follows months of tension along the Lebanon-Israel border, and the warning underscores Hezbollah’s readiness to resume hostilities if the ceasefire terms are breached.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Israel will not withdraw from areas it currently occupies in Lebanon, even if a formal agreement is reached between the two countries. He stated that Israeli forces will maintain their positions in those territories, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

Katz emphasized that the main objective of the Israeli military is to disarm Hezbollah, whether through military or diplomatic means. He described the direct involvement of the United States and Washington’s pressure on the Lebanese government as major diplomatic tools to achieve this goal. The minister made it clear that the territories under Israeli control will remain so, and hinted that the army will not retreat until the threat from Hezbollah is completely eliminated.

The report cited Al Jazeera as its source for the statements and developments surrounding the issue.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in a televised address that Israel was forced to declare a ceasefire through strong diplomacy. He emphasized that Israel has no right to attack Hezbollah or any other front in Lebanon. Pezeshkian credited Pakistan’s dedicated efforts in helping achieve the ceasefire while maintaining Iran’s dignity and pride.

The president reiterated that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and does not want instability or terrorism in the region. He said Tehran always follows the path of peace but remains uncompromising in defending its territorial integrity. Pezeshkian affirmed that Iran will stay firm in its policies and that other parties must understand this stance.

He also criticized the United States and Israel, accusing them of pushing Iran and the broader region toward chaos and war through the killing of military commanders, politicians, scientists, and students.

Pakistan is mediating peace talks between the United States and Iran, with Field Marshal Asim Munir at the center of the effort. Both Washington and Tehran reportedly view Munir as a trusted intermediary as they consider extending a two-week ceasefire set to expire next week. US President Donald Trump said he might visit Pakistan to sign a potential peace deal with Iran, praising Munir and Pakistan’s leadership for their role.

According to Iranian media, Munir met in Tehran with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He also hosted Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad during earlier talks that ended without an agreement but paved the way for further discussions. Munir’s growing influence has been reinforced by Pakistan’s strengthened ties with both the US and Iran, as well as with Saudi Arabia and China.

Analysts note that Munir’s personal rapport with Trump and his expanded authority within Pakistan’s military have elevated his status domestically and internationally. Islamabad is reportedly preparing to host another round of negotiations soon.

Iran has welcomed the recently declared ceasefire in Lebanon, though significant disagreements with the United States remain. During a meeting with a Pakistani delegation, Iran’s president said that despite past experiences of distrust and broken agreements with Washington, Tehran is willing to continue discussions, emphasizing that national interests remain its top priority. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson also described the ceasefire as a positive step and linked it to previous understandings between Iran and the United States.

Analysts cited in the report noted that while these statements signal a positive tone, major differences persist between the two countries. Key areas of contention include Iran’s nuclear program, uranium stockpiles, the Strait of Hormuz, ballistic missile development, and regional relations. Despite signs of progress, the overall picture shows that the rift between Tehran and Washington remains evident.

The report suggests that further detailed discussions will be necessary to address these unresolved issues before any substantial improvement in relations can occur.

Pakistan has indicated positive signals surrounding a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran. Islamabad is actively working to bring both sides to face-to-face discussions, while security measures in the Pakistani capital have been strengthened amid heightened diplomatic activity.

According to related sources, the dialogue process remains fragile but is being tightly managed. Pakistan continues to facilitate message exchanges between Tehran and Washington and maintains an optimistic stance about advancing the second round of negotiations.

Officials in Pakistan stated that they have communicated with both parties and are receiving encouraging indications from each side. They expressed hope that the ongoing discussions could eventually lead to a significant agreement.

An Israeli analyst has suggested that Turkey and Pakistan may emerge as Israel’s primary rivals in the future, replacing Iran. Writing in the Israeli daily Maariv, analyst Boaz Golani argued that Iran’s prolonged economic crisis and the toll of ongoing conflicts have weakened its military capacity, potentially shifting the regional balance of power. He described this as part of a broader transformation in the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.

Golani noted that both Turkey and Pakistan are large, Sunni-majority nations with strong militaries and established ties with the United States, factors that make them significant players from Israel’s perspective. Recent tensions between Israel and Turkey have intensified over the Gaza war and influence in Syria, with leaders from both sides exchanging sharp remarks. Pakistan, meanwhile, has maintained a critical stance toward Israel, with its defense minister recently labeling Israel as a threat to humanity before deleting the statement.

Golani cautioned that once Israel’s conflict with Iran subsides, it must prepare for potential direct confrontations with new adversaries, warning that either alternative would pose serious challenges.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that no date has been set for the second round of talks between the United States and Iran. Speaking at a weekly briefing on Thursday, he said discussions between the two countries are ongoing on nuclear and other issues. Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan would not comment on the positions of Tehran or other parties involved and that maintaining confidentiality about the talks is essential.

He urged the media to refrain from speculation about the discussions. Andrabi added that decisions regarding participants and the size of delegations for the next round would be made by the parties themselves, and the schedule would be announced once finalized.

The statement comes as a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which began on April 8 following more than a month of conflict, is set to expire on April 22.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the recently declared ceasefire in Lebanon, expressing hope that it will contribute to lasting peace in the region. In a post on social media platform X, he described the ceasefire as the result of ‘courageous’ diplomatic efforts led by Donald Trump.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that Islamabad will continue to back all initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the region. The statement came as Sharif is on a regional tour, having arrived in Qatar on Thursday for meetings with regional leaders. He previously visited Saudi Arabia and plans to travel to Turkey next.

According to the report, Pakistan has already hosted the first round of talks between the United States and Iran as part of a potential new phase of dialogue, with a second round expected in the coming days.

US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran are close to reaching an agreement, claiming that Iran has agreed to hand over its uranium. This development addresses one of the main obstacles in the ongoing negotiations between the two countries. Earlier, the United States had warned of renewed airstrikes and maintained naval blockades on Iranian ports if no agreement was reached.

At the same time, a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect. The Israeli military reported retaliatory strikes following rocket fire from Lebanon just before the truce began. Both countries’ prime ministers welcomed the ceasefire. Separately, the United States and Iran had also agreed to a different ceasefire arrangement.

Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. On Thursday, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir met Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, who led Iran’s delegation in the first round of talks last week that ended without agreement.