US Iran news LIVE: Trump said that despite Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz, US naval blockade will remain in place
US Iran news LIVE: A new round of talks between Iranian and American negotiators is expected to be held in Islamabad on Monday, according to Iranian officials. The officials added that both sides are expected to arrive in the city on Sunday, CNN reproted. US President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial shipping. Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said the key waterway “is declared completely open” following the Lebanon ceasefire, while Trump said it is “ready for full passage.”…Read More
However, Trump added that the US naval blockade on Iranian ships and ports “will remain in full force” until Iran reaches an agreement with Washington to end the war.
Trump in a post on Truth Social said, US Navy’s blockade would continue until “UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE.”
Doubts cast on Hormuz reopening
Two semi-official Iranian news agencies on Friday questioned an announcement by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi that the Strait of Hormuz had been opened to global shipping, AP reported.
Fars News, seen as close to the Revolutionary Guard, challenged the reported move in a series of posts on X, criticising what it called a “strange silence from the Supreme National Security Council and the negotiating team.”
Mehr News also said the reported decision to reopen the strategic waterway required “clarification” and would need approval from the country’s Supreme Leader.
Iran says Strait of Hormuz open
Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday said that the Strait of Hormuz is declared « completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire. »
In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire.”
Trump says Iran war to end ‘pretty soon’
With anticipation surrounding the possible next round of talks between the Washington and Tehran, Trump has said that the war in Iran is going « swimmingly » and that it « should be ending pretty soon. » He said this while speaking at an event in Las Vegas, Navada.
Trump also said the next meeting between the US and Iran may take place over the weekend, adding to optimism that the Iran war could be nearing an end. Trump said Iran had offered not to possess nuclear weapons for more than 20 years. Tehran’s nuclear ambitions were a sticking point at talks in Islamabad last weekend.
« We’re going to see what happens. But I think we’re very close to making a deal with Iran, » he told reporters outside the White House. Reports had said that while the US proposed a 20 year pause to Iran’s nuclear programme at Islamabad talks, while Iran had counterproposed a pause of five years.
US-Iran war began on February 28 with a US -Israeli attack and thousands have been killed since then. Oil prices have also surged, creating a major political headache for the US president.
Trump hints at possible Pakistan visit
As Trump’s latest remarks are setting off hopes for an end to the Middle East war, Trump also hinted at a possibility that he might visit Pakistan to finalise the peace deal with Iran. The US President heaped praise on Pakistan when a reporter asked him if he would visit the country to seal the deal with Iran. “I would. I would go to Pakistan, yeah. Pakistan has been great. They’ve been so good. Islamabad, I’ll be—I might go. Yeah. If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go,” he said.
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire starts
A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect on Thursday after last week’s strikes on Lebanon caused massive loss of lives and widespread destruction. The attacks also threatened the fragile truce between Iran and the US as Iran termed the strikes as ceasefire violation.
If the Lebanon ceasefire clears the way for a broader peace deal with Iran, it would be a significant win for the Trump administration, which has struggled so far to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and block Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon.
Celebratory gunfire rang out across parts of Beirut as the clock struck midnight on Thursday, the time the ceasefire was set to go into effect. For around half an hour, the sound of explosions from rockets fired in celebration could also be heard, witnesses said.
Follow all the updates here:
Apr 18, 2026 4:49:35 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Australian PM says ‘stands ready’ to support Hormuz security efforts
Apr 18, 2026 4:39:45 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran says Hormuz open to shipping; US keeps blockade in force pending deal
US Iran news LIVE: Iran said on Friday it had fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, but US President Donald Trump said the American blockade on Iranian ships and ports will remain in force until Tehran reaches a deal with Washington, including on its nuclear program.
Apr 18, 2026 4:24:17 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran will close Hormuz Strait if US blockade not lifted, says speaker
US Iran news LIVE: Iran will close Hormuz Strait if US blockade not lifted, says speaker.
Apr 18, 2026 3:48:03 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump says will bring Iran uranium ‘back home to the USA’
US Iran news LIVE: Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran’s enriched uranium would be transferred to the US as part of any future peace agreement, adding that Washington would assist Tehran in retrieving material from nuclear facilities struck last year.
Speaking at an event hosted by Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump said the US would work jointly with Iran to recover the uranium.
“We’re going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators,” he said, adding that the material would be brought back to the United States “very soon.”
Apr 18, 2026 3:43:57 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: No money will change hands in Iran deal, says Donald Trump
US Iran news LIVE: No money will change hands in Iran deal, says Donald Trump, Reuters reported.
Apr 18, 2026 3:31:28 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Second round of US-Iran talks set for Pakistan on Monday
US Iran news LIVE: Second round of US-Iran talks set for Pakistan on Monday, CNN reported.
Apr 18, 2026 2:45:23 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump says few key differences remain with Iran
US Iran news LIVE: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that only a few significant differences remain with Iran, adding that negotiations will continue over the weekend.
Apr 18, 2026 2:36:06 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump says Iran talks will continue over weekend
US Iran news LIVE: US President Donald Trump said, “talks will go on over the weekend,” he said.
Apr 18, 2026 12:51:51 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran foreign ministry says enriched uranium ‘not going to be transferred’
US Iran news LIVE: Iran foreign ministry says enriched uranium ‘not going to be transferred’
Apr 18, 2026 12:33:29 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Saudi FM, Marco Rubio discuss Hormuz security, Lebanon ceasefire in call
US Iran news LIVE: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Friday, discussing efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and reinforce the ceasefire in Lebanon, according to Saudi state news agency SPA.
Apr 17, 2026 11:53:01 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Gunfire in Beirut, anger in Israel as Lebanon ceasefire takes effect
US Iran news LIVE: Minutes after the Lebanon ceasefire came into force at midnight, heavy gunfire was heard across Beirut as Hezbollah supporters celebrated in the capital’s southern suburbs, areas that had endured weeks of Israeli bombardment.
In Israel, however, the mood was far more subdued. Residents in the north voiced anger after weeks of taking shelter from Hezbollah rockets, saying they felt let down by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which had promised to decisively defeat the Iran-backed group.
Apr 17, 2026 11:25:29 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran media cast doubt on Strait of Hormuz reopening, seek leadership clarity
US Iran news LIVE: Two semi-official Iranian news agencies on Friday questioned an announcement by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi that the Strait of Hormuz had been opened to global shipping.
Fars News, seen as close to the Revolutionary Guard, challenged the reported move in a series of posts on X, criticising what it called a “strange silence from the Supreme National Security Council and the negotiating team.”
The Supreme National Security Council has recently emerged as Iran’s de facto top decision-making body amid uncertainty over the status of Mojtaba Khamenei, who was reportedly injured earlier in the war.
Mehr News also said the reported decision to reopen the strategic waterway required “clarification” and would need approval from the country’s Supreme Leader.
Apr 17, 2026 11:18:11 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran opens Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels during ceasefire period
US Iran news LIVE: Iran said the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open for the duration of the ceasefire in Lebanon, with ships required to follow the coordinated route already announced by its Ports and Maritime Organisation.
Apr 17, 2026 11:15:08 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump says Iran to suspend nuclear programme, no US funds as deal nears
US Iran news LIVE: US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear programme indefinitely and will not receive any frozen funds from the United States.
Speaking in a phone interview on Friday, Trump said a deal to end the war between the US, Israel and Iran is largely complete, with most key points finalised.
He added that talks on a lasting agreement will likely take place over the weekend and are expected to move quickly.
Apr 17, 2026 11:13:24 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Lebanon enters ‘new phase’ of permanent agreements after ceasefire
US Iran news LIVE: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the country is moving into a “new phase” focused on securing permanent agreements following the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, AFP reported.
In his first address since the truce, he said the shift would aim to protect Lebanon’s rights, territorial unity, and national sovereignty.
Apr 17, 2026 11:06:50 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran ready to assure peaceful nuclear intent if demands are met, says senior official
US Iran news LIVE: Iran has said it is prepared to reassure the international community about the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme, but only if its key demands are fulfilled, according to a senior official, Reuters reported.
Apr 17, 2026 10:56:42 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: If US blockade continues, Iran will reciprocate, Tehran spokesperson says
US Iran news LIVE: An Iranian ministry spokesperson told the state TV on Friday that if US continues the blockade in Strait of Hormuz, Iran will reciprocate.
This came after US President Donald Trump on Friday said that despite Iran opening the Hormuz, US will maintain its naval blockade in “full force”
Apr 17, 2026 10:39:25 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: What was in Trump’s series of posts after Iran’s Hormuz announcement
US Iran news LIVE: In his series of posts after Iran announced the opening of Hormuz, Trump went from claiming to keep the naval blockade to thanking Pakistan leaders.
Donald Trump said Iran has made the Strait of Hormuz “fully open and ready for full passage” in a Truth Social post.Trump later siad the Strait of Hormuz is open but the US naval blockade will remain in force against Iran until a deal is finalised.He added that the agreement with Iran is “mostly negotiated” and should be completed very quickly.Trump said no funds will be exchanged with Iran and the US will secure all nuclear material from the country.He claimed Washington has prohibited Israel from striking Lebanon and will handle the Hezbollah situation separately.Trump thanked Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, calling them “fantastic people” for their role.
Apr 17, 2026 10:31:08 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: ‘Enough is enough’: Trump says Israel barred from bombing Lebanon
US Iran news LIVE: President Donald Trump said the United States has barred Israel from further bombing in Lebanon, striking an unusually harsh tone with the longtime U.S. ally while stressing that any U.S. deal with Iran is not linked to the Lebanon conflict.
« Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!! » Trump said in a social media post.
Apr 17, 2026 10:12:39 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: ‘No sticking points’ for Iran deal, claims Trump
US Iran news LIVE: US President Donald Trump told AFP on Friday there were « no sticking points » left for a peace deal with Iran, adding that an agreement was « very close. »
« We’re very close to having a deal, » Trump said in a brief telephone interview. Asked what unresolved issues were left, Trump said: « No sticking points. »
Apr 17, 2026 10:02:14 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump says Iran to suspend nuclear program, won’t get funds
US Iran news LIVE: President Donald Trump said Iran agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely, and will not receive any frozen funds from the US.
Trump said in a phone interview on Friday that a deal to end the war, which the US and Israel began with Iran in late February, is mostly complete. Talks over a lasting agreement will “probably” be held this weekend, the president said. “Most of the main points are finalized. It’ll go pretty quickly,” Trump said.
Apr 17, 2026 9:51:24 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: US to recover uranium from Iran at a ‘leisurely pace’, Trump tells Reuters
US Iran news LIVE: President Donald Trump told Reuters on Friday that the U.S. will work with Iran to recover its enriched uranium and bring it back to the United States.
« We’re going to get it together. We’re going to go in with Iran, at a nice leisurely pace, and go down and start excavating with big machinery… We’ll bring it back to the United States, » Trump said during a phone interview.
He referred to « nuclear dust » and added that it would be retrieved “very soon.”
Apr 17, 2026 9:31:04 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump says Iran deal ‘mostly complete’
US Iran news LIVE: US President Donald Trump on Friday said a deal to end the war with Iran is “mostly complete,” adding that Tehran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely and will not receive any frozen US funds as part of the agreement, Bloomberg reported.
Earlier in the day, Iran announced that it would open the Strait of Hormuz for all commercial vessels.
Apr 17, 2026 9:23:24 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: ‘Might go to Islamabad once deal is reached,’ says Trump
US Iran news LIVE: Donald Trump on Friday in an interview said that he might go to Islamabad “once a deal is reached.”
Earlier, in a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump said that the process of deal with Iran “should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated.”
Apr 17, 2026 9:19:51 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump says will recover uranium from Iran and bring it back to US
US Iran news LIVE: President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US will enter Iran at a « leisurely pace » to recover its enriched uranium and bring it back to the US, he said during a phone interview with Reuters.
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