After weeks of disruption triggered by US-Israel strikes on Iran, movement through the Strait of Hormuz has resumed, offering temporary relief to global energy markets. But the reopening comes with conditions, warnings and a continuing military presence in the region.
Statements from Iran, the United States and global leaders point to a fragile pause rather than a clear breakthrough, with negotiations ongoing and both sides sticking to sharply different positions.
Live updates: April 18 developments in Middle East crisis
Trump’s Islamabad remark seen as signalling tactic
Commenting on Trump’s suggestion of a possible visit to Islamabad, Srivastava said the statement appears aimed at building momentum for negotiations rather than indicating an imminent breakthrough.
He added that any such visit would depend entirely on a finalised agreement.
China, India among countries pushing dialogue
Srivastava noted that China and other countries, including India, have played a role in encouraging diplomatic engagement.
He said these efforts have helped create the conditions for ongoing talks, including the current round expected in Islamabad.
Global energy impact widens as conflict continues
He warned that the conflict’s impact is no longer limited to the region.
“The entire world is struggling with an energy crisis because of it,” he said, pointing to disruptions in supply routes and rising uncertainty in global markets.
Deal unlikely soon; key differences remain
Srivastava said major gaps persist between Washington and Tehran, making any agreement difficult in the near term.
A resolution would require both sides to move away from “extreme positions” and arrive at a “win-win” formula, he said, adding that current stances, including Iran’s position and US-Israel alignment, remain firm.
India backs diplomacy; sees Pakistan as ‘messenger’ in talks
India continues to support dialogue between the United States and Iran, with experts stressing that Pakistan’s role in the process is limited.
Defence and foreign affairs expert Sanjeev Srivastava said New Delhi has consistently pushed for “dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation” and is closely tracking ongoing negotiations.
He described Pakistan as a “venue provider” and “messenger,” saying it lacks the credibility to influence the outcome of high-stakes talks.
Trump rejects idea of Hormuz tolls outright
US President Donald Trump has dismissed the possibility of Iran imposing any charges on ships passing through the Strait.
“No way… you can’t do the tolls,” he said, rejecting the idea during an interaction with reporters.
Iran warns of return to ‘war scenario’ if ceasefire breaks
In a sharp warning, Iranian authorities said the situation could revert to a “40-day war scenario” if the ceasefire collapses.
Under such conditions, even commercial shipping could again be halted, signalling how fragile the current reopening remains.
Iran tightens maritime rules; military vessels barred
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued fresh directives restricting movement through the Strait.
Authorities said:
- Only civilian vessels using Iranian-designated routes will be allowed
- All military ships are barred from transit
- Every vessel must seek prior Iranian authorisation
The move effectively places all maritime traffic under Tehran’s control during the ceasefire window.
Australia pushes de-escalation, moves to manage fuel shortages
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for de-escalation and a fully open Strait of Hormuz, stressing there should be “no privatisation and no tolls.”
He said a 49-country summit backed a unified approach on freedom of navigation.
At home, Australia has taken emergency steps to manage fuel supply disruptions. The government has extended relaxed fuel standards, allowing higher sulphur petrol to ease shortages triggered by the crisis.
UN welcomes move, backs Pakistan-led diplomacy
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Iran’s decision to reopen the Strait for commercial shipping.
Calling it “a step in the right direction,” the UN said the move could help build confidence between parties and support ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The organisation reiterated support for talks facilitated by Pakistan aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.
Europe signals readiness; calls for US involvement
Italy and Germany have also backed the proposed mission.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the need to ensure mine-free waters and safe passage, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin would join planning discussions and welcomed possible US participation.
France-UK push multinational mission to secure shipping
France and the United Kingdom are leading efforts to launch a neutral, independent mission to safeguard navigation through the Strait.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the initiative would be “strictly defensive,” aimed at reassuring vessels and supporting mine-clearing operations.
Around a dozen countries are expected to contribute, with planning talks scheduled in London next week.
Global leaders back Hormuz reopening, call for vigilance
French President Emmanuel Macron has said Iran’s move to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is “a step in the right direction,” while warning that the situation remains fragile.
Speaking after a leaders’ conference co-hosted with the UK, Macron said countries oppose “any restriction” or attempts to impose tolls on the strategic waterway.
Trump links Hormuz reopening to US efforts
Trump credited US actions for stabilising the Strait of Hormuz, calling its reopening “a great and brilliant day for the world.”
At the same time, he reiterated that the naval blockade on Iran would remain until a final agreement is signed.
Trump claims role in ending multiple conflicts
Speaking at an event in Arizona, Trump said he had played a key role in resolving several global conflicts.
“I am the peacemaker… I settled eight wars,” he said, adding that the number could rise to ten if Iran and Lebanon are included.
He also claimed his intervention helped prevent a large-scale India-Pakistan war, potentially saving “30 to 50 million people.”
Trump projects ‘peace president’ image amid ongoing tensions
Even as military pressure continues, US President Donald Trump amplified messaging portraying himself as a peacemaker.
A post shared on his platform Truth Social described him as “The Peace President,” while another message said, “Trust Trump. Not Panicans.”
First passenger vessel crosses Hormuz since war began
In a symbolic sign of easing tensions, a cruise ship has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the conflict began.
The Malta-flagged Celestyal Discovery sailed through the route after being docked in Dubai for nearly 47 days. It was operating without passengers and is now headed to Muscat, Oman.
Trump says Xi ‘very happy’ with Hormuz reopening
In a separate post, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping was “very happy” about the reopening of the Strait.
He also confirmed that his delayed China visit has been rescheduled for mid-May, with both leaders expected to meet in Beijing.
Trump dismisses NATO role, calls alliance ‘useless’
Trump again criticised NATO allies over their role during the crisis, saying they failed to act when needed.
“They were absolutely useless when we needed them… a paper tiger,” he said, adding that the US did not require their support now that the situation is stabilising.
UK backs multinational mission to secure Hormuz
The United Kingdom has said it will make a “wide-ranging military contribution” to a France-UK-led effort aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials said the mission is designed to ensure safe passage for ships and prevent future restrictions, with broad international backing following a leaders’ summit.
Trump hints ceasefire may not be extended, warns of renewed strikes
US President Donald Trump indicated uncertainty over extending the ceasefire, while making clear that military pressure will remain.
“Maybe I won't extend it. But the blockade is going to remain… we'll have to start dropping bombs again,” he said when asked about the next steps.
Iran warns: Hormuz could close if blockade continues
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that the Strait could be shut again if US restrictions persist.
“With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” he said, adding that all movement will be governed by Iranian rules on the ground, not “social media claims.”
He also accused Trump of making “seven claims in one hour,” calling them all false.
Iran outlines stricter control: Routes, approvals, possible security fees
Tehran has made it clear that reopening the Strait does not mean unrestricted passage.
Officials said vessels will only be allowed through designated routes and with prior Iranian approval. A proposal is also being considered to introduce fees linked to “securing the strait,” rather than traditional transit charges.
Military vessels from the US and Israel remain barred, while “friendly” ships may pass after coordination.
US enforces blockade; 21 vessels turn back
The United States said its naval blockade remains active, with Central Command confirming that 21 vessels attempting to access Iranian ports were turned back.
A US destroyer is currently patrolling the Arabian Sea as part of the operation, as Washington maintains pressure during ongoing negotiations.
Markets rally, oil drops as ceasefire eases immediate fears
Global markets reacted positively to the ceasefire window, with oil prices falling sharply and equities rising.
Brent crude dropped over 7 per cent to around USD 91.87, while WTI fell nearly 10 per cent. US indices surged, with the Dow gaining over 800 points, as investors priced in reduced short-term supply risk.
Iran sees public mobilisation amid ceasefire window
In Tehran, large rallies were held with participants voicing support for the leadership and opposition to the US and Israel.
The demonstrations come as pro-government mobilisation continues following the February 28 strikes that killed senior Iranian leadership figures.
Trump hits out at NATO, praises regional partners
Trump criticised NATO allies, calling them “useless” during earlier tensions and saying the US did not need their help.
At the same time, he thanked countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar for their role in easing tensions.
Australia warns of economic fallout despite reopening
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the reopening but cautioned that the crisis could still hit global markets.
“The longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be,” he said after a leaders’ summit on the issue.
He added that rising fuel costs are already affecting households.
UAE backs global condemnation of Hormuz disruption
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed a decision by the International Maritime Organization condemning Iran’s earlier actions in the Strait.
The body warned that threats to shipping and possible mining of the waterway pose serious risks to global trade and maritime safety.
It also called on Iran to ensure “unimpeded passage” through the route under international law.
Global push for diplomacy intensifies; talks expected in Islamabad
Fresh diplomatic efforts are underway, with a new round of US-Iran talks expected in Islamabad early next week.
Officials said delegations could arrive soon, as Pakistan, Qatar and Turkey step up efforts to push de-escalation.
The talks follow earlier negotiations that ended without a breakthrough.
Iran warns of ‘countermeasures’ if blockade continues
Iran has warned it will respond if US restrictions on its ports persist.
“If the maritime blockade… continues, Iran will take reciprocal measures,” officials said, signalling that the current calm could quickly unravel.
US military says blockade holding, no attacks on vessels
The US military said its blockade operations have faced no direct attacks so far.
Officials noted that several vessels had attempted to cross but turned back after warnings, while surveillance over Iranian ports remains active.
Demining operations in the Strait are also underway, according to US Central Command.
Trump claims ‘very close’ to deal, talks to continue
Trump struck an optimistic note on negotiations, saying discussions with Iran will continue through the weekend.
“We’ve had some very good discussions… we’re very close,” he said, adding that most issues have been resolved and a deal could come soon.
He also claimed Iran had agreed to reopen the Strait and cooperate on nuclear-related steps, even as Tehran denied key parts of that assertion.
Iran rejects US claims on uranium transfer
Tehran has pushed back strongly against US assertions that it has agreed to transfer enriched uranium.
“Enriched uranium is as sacred to us as Iranian soil and will not be transferred anywhere under any circumstances,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said.
He also dismissed US statements as “contradictions and lies,” adding that decisions on Hormuz are made “on the ground, not on social media.”
US confirms reopening, keeps naval blockade intact
US President Donald Trump confirmed that the waterway is now “fully open and ready for business and full passage,” but made it clear that pressure on Iran will continue.
“The naval blockade… will remain in full force and effect… until our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” he said.
US Central Command also said forces remain “present, vigilant and ready,” adding that the blockade can be sustained for an extended period.
Iran says Hormuz open during ceasefire, but under its control
Iran has said commercial vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing ceasefire period, but only along designated routes and with its approval.
Officials stressed that “shipping… will be allowed along a pre-determined route,” adding that Iran remains the “guardian of the Strait of Hormuz.”
Military-linked authorities said all vessels would require permission, with civilian ships restricted to Iranian-designated corridors while military vessels remain barred.