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The U.S. blockade continues despite Iran's announcement the Strait of Hormuz is open

updates in the Middle East conflict: [World leaders on ceasefire](https://www.npr.org/2026/04/17/g-s1-117788/middle-east-conflict-israel-lebanon-us-updates#One) | [Lebanon reactions](https://www.npr.org/2026/04/17/g-s1-117788/middle-east-conflict-israel-lebanon-us-updates#Two) | [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.npr.org/2026/04/17/g-s1-117788/middle-east-conflict-israel-lebanon-us-updates#Three) --- ## **World leaders urge restraint as an Israel-Lebanon ceasefire takes hold

Why and how is US blockading Iranian ports in Strait of Hormuz?

negotiators from both sides failed to reach a deal to end the war, which began on 28 February but is currently under a two-week ceasefire. Trump hopes to put pressure on Iran by targeting

Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz remains, as ceasefire nears its end

updates in the Middle East conflict: Strait of Hormuz | World leaders on ceasefire | Lebanon reactions | European leaders --- ## A flurry of announcements and reactions on Friday Iran said early Friday it was reopening the Strait

Mediators push to extend U.S.-Iran ceasefire

peace talks," Tahir Andrabi, a spokesperson for Pakistan's foreign ministry [told](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/live-blog/live-updates-iran-war-israel-lebanon-leaders-talks-ceasefire-trump-rcna332095) Reuters. Israel, however, continued operations in southern Lebanon Thursday, including an airstrike that destroyed the last bridge linking southern Lebanon