In a X post, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Three Iranian oil tankers carrying five million barrels of crude have become the first such loaded vessels to leave the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since a U.S. blockade came into force, tracking firm Kpler told AFP on Friday (April 17, 2026).
The Deep Sea, Sonia I and Diona, all under U.S. sanctions, traversed the strategic strait on Wednesday after leaving Iran’s Kharg Island, having loaded on April 2, 8 and 9 respectively, according to the maritime data company.
Israel’s Defence Minister said on Friday (April 17, 2026) that the campaign against the militant group Hezbollah was not yet complete, just hours after a 10-day ceasefire came into force in Lebanon.
“The ground manoeuver into Lebanon and the strikes on Hezbollah have achieved many gains, but they are still not complete,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a broadcast statement.
