Key Updates

• Trump says Iran agrees to ‘never’ close Hormuz strait again
• Donald Trump says U.S. helping Iran remove mines from Hormuz
• Trump says Israel ‘prohibited’ by U.S. from bombing Lebanon
• Trump says blockade on Iran 'in full force' until deal is reached
• Trump welcomes Iran's announcement that Hormuz open to shipping
• Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' for all commercial vessels, says Iran

• April 18, 2026 05:00

  Iran will shut Hormuz Strait if U.S. blockade continues: speaker

  Iran will close the strategic Strait of Hormuz again if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Saturday (April 18, 2026)

  “With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” Mr. Ghalibaf wrote on X, adding that passage through the waterway would depend on authorisation from Iran.

  - AFP

• April 18, 2026 04:22

  Trump says will bring Iran uranium 'back home to the USA'

  President Donald Trump said on Friday (April 17, 2026) that the United States and Iran would jointly remove uranium from Tehran’s nuclear sites with excavators under any peace deal, before the material is transferred to U.S. territory.

  Mr. Trump’s comment came despite Iran’s foreign ministry saying earlier that the Islamic Republic’s stockpile of enriched uranium would not be transferred “anywhere.”

  “Somebody said, how are we going to get the nuclear dust? We’re going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators,” Mr. Trump told a gathering of the conservative Turning Point USA movement in Phoenix, Arizona.

  “We need the biggest excavators you can imagine,” he added.

  - AFP

• April 18, 2026 01:11

  Saudi Arabia and U.S. discuss keeping Strait of Hormuz open, Saudi state news agency

  Saudi Foreign ‌Minister Prince Faisal bin ⁠Farhan and U.S. ‌Secretary of ‌State ‌Marco ⁠Rubio, during ⁠a phone call, discussed efforts ‌to ensure the continued opening ‌of the Strait of Hormuz ⁠and consolidate ‌the ceasefire in Lebanon, the Saudi ‌state news agency SPA reported ⁠on Friday (April 17, 2026).

• April 18, 2026 01:10

  Ukraine's Zelenskyy calls for joint efforts to set up Hormuz mission

  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Friday (April 17, 2026) for joint efforts for an effective mission to ensure freedom of navigation in ‌the Strait of Hormuz and said Kyiv’s wartime experience in the Black ⁠Sea could help.

  “Decisions made regarding Hormuz now will determine how other aggressive actors perceive the possibility of ‌creating problems in other straits and on other fronts,” Zelenskyy said in remarks ‌to a video conference attended ‌by ⁠50 countries and chaired by France and ⁠Britain.

  “We need to be as specific and clear as possible so that in six months we don’t find ourselves in the ‌same situation as in Gaza, where much still needs to be done.”

  - Reuters

• April 18, 2026 01:08

  U.S. Treasury sanctions Iraqi militias backed by Iran

  The U.S. imposed sanctions on seven senior commanders of Iraqi militias that are supported by Iran, including groups like Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, for allegedly planning and carrying out attacks on U.S. personnel and coalition forces in the region.

  Officials have said the move is part of a broader effort to counter Iran’s influence in Iraq and deter further violence against U.S. interests.

  The action also signifies a U.S. strategy of using economic pressure, not just military force, to target Iran’s network of allies, while warning global banks and firms to stop doing business with anyone tied to these groups.

  - AP

• April 18, 2026 01:04

  Iran says its enriched uranium 'not going to be transferred'

  Iran’s foreign ministry on Friday said the country’s stockpile of enriched uranium would not be transferred “anywhere”, denying an earlier claim by U.S. President Donald Trump that the Islamic republic had agreed to hand it over.

  “Iran’s enriched uranium is not going to be transferred anywhere,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state TV.

  Mr. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform earlier Friday that “The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B2 Bombers,” referring to nuclear material buried by U.S. strikes last year.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 23:56

  Pakistan defence expert confirms deployment of military assets to ensure safe return of Iranian delegation after talks

  A senior Pakistani defence expert confirmed on Friday that Islamabad deployed military assets to ensure the safe return of the Iranian delegation after the peace talks with the U.S.

  A delegation led by Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and comprising Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials went back on April 12 after talks with the U.S. team led by Vice President J.D. Vance in Islamabad.

  Air Commodore (retd) Khalid Chisti was asked during a talk show on Geo News TV about the reports that Pakistan Air Force escorted the delegation beyond the borders of Pakistan and right into Iran.

  “I have come to know through my sources that Pakistan deployed more than two dozen jets and related systems to prevent any attack on the plane carrying the delegation,” said Mr. Chisti, who is considered well-connected with the defence establishment.

  - PTI

• April 17, 2026 23:53

  Israel not yet 'finished' with Hezbollah: Netanyahu

  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said Israel agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon “at the request of my friend President Trump,” but the campaign against Hezbollah is not yet complete.

  Mr. Netanyahu claimed Israel had destroyed about “90%” of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket stockpiles, but added “we have not yet finished” dismantling the group.

  His statement came shortly before Mr. Trump said, in a social media post, that Israel was prohibited by the US from bombing Lebanon any longer, adding: “Enough is enough!!!” 

  - AP

• April 17, 2026 23:51

  Strikes kill three Iranian Kurds in northern Iraq: opposition group

  Drone and rocket strikes in Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region on Friday killed three Iranian Kurds, including two women fighters, an exiled opposition group said, blaming the attack on Iran.

  During the West Asia war, Iran has repeatedly struck Iranian Kurdish groups in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, which hosts camps and bases belonging to several exiled rebel groups.

  “The Islamic Republic of Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone strikes today targeting... civilian camps of the PDKI,” killing one person and wounding his father, the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) said on X.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 23:51

  Trump tells AFP 'no sticking points' for deal with Iran

  U.S. President Donald Trump told AFP on Friday (April 17, 2026) there were “no sticking points” left for a peace deal with Iran, which he said was “very close” as Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping.

  The positive signals from Washington came as a ceasefire went into effect in Lebanon, raising hopes that two of the main obstacles to a U.S.-Iran agreement could have been cleared.

  “We’re very close. Looks like it’s going to be very good for everybody. And we’re very close to having a deal,” Mr. Trump said in a brief telephone call with AFP from Las Vegas, adding there were “no sticking points at all” left with Tehran.

  “The strait’s going to be open, they already are open. And things are going very well,” he added.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 23:34

  Gulf states urge UN to condemn Iran attacks on telecoms infrastructure

  Gulf countries and Jordan want the United Nations’ telecoms agency to condemn Iran’s attacks on their infrastructure, and to monitor and report on the damage, according to the text seen on Friday (April 17, 2026).

  The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, plus Jordan, have circulated a letter at the UN’s International Telecommunications Union (ITU) agency, demanding action over the impact on telecoms infrastructure.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 23:32

  Lebanon president says future deal will not cede territory

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said ‌on Friday (April 17, 2026) that any future ⁠deal reached by the government would not ‌cede any territory or ‌undermine Lebanon’s national ‌rights, ⁠without saying ⁠whether he was referring to prospective talks with ‌Israel.

  The televised address was his first speech since ‌the U.S. brokered a ceasefire to end fighting ⁠between Israel and armed group Hezbollah ‌on Thursday (April 16, 2026). The text of the deal says Israel and Lebanon ‌would hold direct talks to produce a “peace between the ⁠two countries”. 

  - Reuters

• April 17, 2026 23:31

  Lebanon president says working on 'permanent agreements' after Israel ceasefire

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday (April 17, 2026) that his country was on the verge of a “new phase” of “permanent agreements”, after the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war went into force.

  “Now, we all stand before a new phase,” Mr. Aoun said in his first speech to the nation since the truce, adding that “it is the phase of transition from working on a ceasefire to working on permanent agreements that preserve the rights of our people, the unity of our land, and the sovereignty of our nation”.

  Mr. Aoun added that direct talks with Israel were “not a sign of weakness nor a concession... negotiations do not mean, and will never mean, giving up any right, conceding any principle, or compromising the sovereignty of this nation”.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 23:30

  Significant differences remain between Iran-U.S., including on nuclear issues, senior Iranian official says

  Significant differences between Iran and the United States remain to ‌reach a deal aimed at ending the war, ⁠a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Friday (April 17, 2026), adding that ‌keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is “conditional ‌on U.S. adherence ‌to ⁠the terms of ceasefire”.

  The ⁠official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said “no agreement has been reached on ‌the details of the nuclear issues,” and serious negotiations are required to overcome differences.

  He ‌said Tehran hoped that a preliminary agreement could be reached in ⁠the coming days with mediator Pakistan’s efforts, with the ‌possibility of extending the ceasefire to “create space for more talks on lifting sanctions on Iran and securing compensation for war damages”.

  - Reuters

• April 17, 2026 23:29

  Lebanon president says country no longer 'arena for anyone's wars'

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday (April 17, 2026) said his country was no longer an “arena” for anyone’s wars after a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war went into force.

  “We are confident that we will save Lebanon... we have reclaimed Lebanon and Lebanon’s decision-making power for the first time in nearly half a century,” Mr. Aoun said in his first speech to the nation since the truce, adding that “today, we negotiate for ourselves... we are no longer a pawn in anyone’s game, nor an arena for anyone’s wars, and we never will be again”.

  “I hereby affirm... that there will be no agreement that infringes upon our national rights, diminishes the dignity of our steadfast people, or relinquishes an iota of this nation’s soil.”

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 23:28

  Despite ceasefire, Israel drone strike in Lebanon kills 1

  An Israeli strike in the area of Kounine hit a car and a motorcycle, killing one person and wounding three, including a Syrian citizen, Lebanon’s health ministry said on Friday.

  It was the first airstrike and first fatality reported since a 10-day truce between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah took effect overnight.

  The Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon had reported sporadic artillery shelling in some parts of the south in the hours after the ceasefire took effect.

  The Israeli army did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israel has maintained that it still has the right to strike in Lebanon in response to perceived threats despite the ceasefire. There was no immediate response from Hezbollah.

  - AP

• April 17, 2026 23:27

  Iranian soccer players in Australia thankful for 'safe haven'

  Two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were granted asylum in Australia last month, released a joint statement on Friday thanking ‌the Australian government for assistance with “the process of rebuilding our lives.”

  Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh ⁠Ramezanisadeh were the only two of seven members of the Iran traveling party who remained in Australia ‌after the group first sought asylum during the Asian Cup tournament. Four players ‌and one staff member ultimately returned to ‌Iran.

  During ⁠their time in Australia so far, ⁠both players had the chance to train with A-League team Brisbane Roar FC.

  - Reuters

• April 17, 2026 23:26

  Trump suggests second round of direct U.S.-Iran talks could happen this weekend

  President Donald Trump on Friday (April 17, 2026) indicated that the second round of direct U.S.-Iran talks could happen this weekend.

  “The Iranians want to meet,” Mr. Trump said in a brief telephone interview with the news outlet Axios.

  “They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend,” he said. 

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 20:43

  Trump says Iran agrees to ‘never’ close Hormuz strait again

  U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (April 17, 2026) that Iran had agreed to never again shut the Strait of Hormuz, during a string of social media posts indicating a peace deal with Tehran was near.

  “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World,” Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social network, after Iran earlier said the crucial sea passage would remain open during a Middle East ceasefire. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 20:11

  Donald Trump says U.S. helping Iran remove mines from Hormuz

  President Donald Trump said on Friday (April 17, 2026) that Iran was removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. assistance, after Tehran said the crucial sea passage was reopen.

  “Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines!” Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social network. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 20:06

  Lebanon says nearly 2,300 killed in Israel war

  Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed nearly 2,300 people since March 2, Lebanon’s health ministry said, on the first day of the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.

  In a statement, the ministry said that at least 2,294 have been killed, in a preliminary toll that included 274 women, 177 children and 100 health workers and rescuers.

  “The final toll of the aggression will be made after the rubble has been cleared, the martyrs have been recovered, DNA tests have been completed, and the identities of their owners have been determined,” the ministry added. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 20:02

  France, U.K. to lead multinational Hormuz mission ‘as soon as conditions allow’: Starmer

  France and the U.K. will lead a multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as “soon as conditions allow”, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday (April 17, 2026) after co-chairing a meeting on the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron.

  “This will be strictly peaceful and defensive as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance,” said Starmer, adding that “over a dozen countries have already offered to contribute assets”. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 19:59

  Trump rejects NATO offer to help with Hormuz, says 'stay away'

  President Donald Trump said on Friday (April 17, 2026) he had rejected an offer from NATO to help secure the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it had reopened, telling the US-led alliance to “STAY AWAY.”

  “Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL,” Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social network.

  “They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!” -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 19:55

  Military vessel transit of Hormuz passage 'remains prohibited'

  Iran will block military vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a military official quoted by state television said on Friday (April 17, 2026), after the Islamic republic announced the crucial waterway would reopen to commercial shipping.

  “The passage of military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains prohibited,” a senior military official told state television, adding that civilian vessels would have to transit the waterway through designated routes and with permission of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 19:46

  Trump says Israel ‘prohibited’ by U.S. from bombing Lebanon

  President Donald Trump said on Friday (April 17, 2026) the United States had “prohibited” Israel from bombing Lebanon following a ceasefire deal, adding that Washington would work with Lebanon to “deal with” Hezbollah.

  “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social network, a day after announcing the 10-day truce. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 19:40

  Trump says 'no money' to be involved in any Iran nuclear deal

  U.S. President Donald Trump denied on Friday (April 17, 2026) that any money would be involved in a deal with Iran over its nuclear program, after an Axios report that Washington was considering a $20 billion cash-for-uranium exchange.

  “The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B2 Bombers - No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,” Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social network. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 19:35

  Israel has 'not yet finished the job' against Hezbollah: Netanyahu

  Israel has not yet finished dealing with Hezbollah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday (April 17, 2026), vowing to press on with the Lebanese militant group’s “dismantling” just hours after a 10-day ceasefire came into effect.

  “We have not yet finished the job. There are things we plan to do to address the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat,” he said in a recorded address, saying a key objective was the “dismantling of Hezbollah”. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 19:21

  Israeli army says lifting wartime restrictions

  The Israeli army on Friday (April 17, 2026) said it was lifting all war-time restrictions across the country, just hours after a 10-day truce with Lebanon came into force.

  “The entire country will move to full activity levels, with no restrictions,” an army statement said.

  A final restriction on gatherings of more than 1,000 people on the northern frontier with Lebanon would be lifted at 1700 GMT on Saturday, it said. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 19:15

  U.S. stocks open higher as oil prices tumble

  Wall Street stocks rose early on Friday (April 17, 2026), joining European markets in rallying after Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices plunging.

  Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz will remain “completely open” as long as a ceasefire in the Middle East lasts, addressing a supply disruption that had pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel and sparked recession worries.

  About 10 minutes into trading, the broad-based S&P 500 was up 0.8% at 7,098.05. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 19:09

  Trump says blockade on Iran 'in full force' until deal is reached

  U.S. ‌President Donald Trump said on ⁠Friday (April 17, 2026) that the ‌naval blockade ‌on ‌Iran ⁠will “remain ⁠in full force” until a ‌deal with Tehran is struck.

  His ‌comments came after Iran ⁠said the Strait ‌of Hormuz was open to all ‌vessels following a ceasefire between ⁠Israel and Lebanon. -- Reuters

• April 17, 2026 18:50

  Trump welcomes Iran's announcement that Hormuz open to shipping

  U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday (April 17, 2026) welcomed Iran’s announcement that the crucial Strait of Hormuz will be open to shipping for the duration of a ceasefire.

  “THANK YOU!” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, saying that Iran had announced the narrow waterway was “FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE.”

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 18:22

  Oil prices tumble 5% on hopes for U.S.-Iran deal

  Oil prices fell sharply on Friday (April 17, 2026) as investors awaited news of a possible extension to the Iran-US ceasefire after U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal was close.

  International benchmark Brent North Sea crude dropped 5% to $94.42 a barrel, and the main U.S. oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, shed 5% to $89.95 per barrel.-- AFP

  

  Oil plunges, stocks jump as Iran declares Hormuz open

  Oil prices drop over 10% as Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz, boosting stock markets amid ceasefire hopes.

• April 17, 2026 18:20

  Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' for all commercial vessels, says Iran

  A day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran said on Friday the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for commercial vessels for the remainder of the two-week U.S.-Iran truce.

  “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 Rep. of Iran,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in a social media post on Friday (April 17, 2026).

  About 20% of the world’s crude oil supply passed through the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, before the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran on February 28. The waterway also carries a significant share of global LNG exports, mainly from Qatar. -- Stanly Johny

  

  Iran declares Strait of Hormuz open after Lebanon truce; Trump says blockade to continue

  Iran announces the Strait of Hormuz is open for commercial vessels during the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, crucial for global oil supply.

• April 17, 2026 17:32

  London insurers launch $1 bn war cover for Hormuz shipping

  London shipping insurers have agreed to provide $1 billion in extra coverage for vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route paralysed by the Middle East war, in a statement seen by AFP on Friday (April 17, 2026).

  Insurance firm Beazley said it would lead a “marine war consortium” to provide the extra coverage via Lloyd’s, the leading insurance market.

  “The consortium is designed to support the maritime sector with additional war insurance capacity as it deals with a complex and evolving situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz,” it said.

  The facility “will be offered to vessels and their cargoes whilst transiting the Strait of Hormuz; coverage will be in line with Beazley’s risk appetite and in compliance with all global sanctions”, it added.

  The arrangement will help “in keeping global trade moving”, Beazley chief executive Adrian Cox said in the statement.

  The war has driven up payments for the insurance that underpins the world freight industry, analysts said. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 17:05

  Lebanon President says direct talks with Israel ‘crucial’

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday (April 17, 2026) that direct negotiations with Israel were crucial, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two countries and an upcoming meeting between their leaders.

  “Direct negotiations are crucial... and a ceasefire is the gateway to proceeding with negotiations,” Mr. Aoun said in a statement shared by the presidency, reiterating that Beirut’s goal was to “consolidate a ceasefire, secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied southern territories, recover prisoners, and address outstanding border disputes”.

  Details of the truce agreement shared by the U.S. State Department did not mention the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 17:04

  Russia says welcomes Lebanon ceasefire, hopes for long-term deal

  Moscow on Friday (April 17, 2026) backed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and said it hoped the pause in fighting could pave the way for a longer-term agreement, as the fragile 10-day truce took hold.

  “We certainly welcome the decision on a truce and hope that in these few days it will indeed be possible to reach agreements that will prevent a repeat of the military clashes,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, in response to a question. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 17:00

  First loaded Iranian oil tankers exit Gulf since U.S. blockade: Kpler

  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 US 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. -- AFP

  

  West Asia crisis: First loaded Iranian oil tankers exit Gulf since U.S. blockade: Kpler

  Three Iranian oil tankers exit the Gulf, marking the first since the U.S. blockade, carrying five million barrels of crude.

• April 17, 2026 16:44

  Israel says residents returning to south Lebanon will have to leave if fighting resumes

  Israel warned on Friday (April 17, 2026) that thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians returning home as a 10-day ceasefire took hold could once again face evacuation from the war-torn south if fighting resumed.

  “If the fighting resumes, those residents who return to the security zone will have to be evacuated to allow completion of the mission,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said, warning that the military had not yet completed its operations against Hezbollah. -- AFP

• April 17, 2026 16:42

  Israel says military operation against Hezbollah ‘still not complete’

  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. -- AFP

  

  West Asia crisis: Israel says military operation against Hezbollah ‘still not complete’

  Israel's Defence Minister states military operations against Hezbollah are ongoing, warning displaced residents may need to evacuate again.

• April 17, 2026 16:32

  Kenya requests World Bank funds to cushion Iran war shocks

  Kenya has requested rapid financial support from the World Bank to help it ⁠manage the economic shocks triggered by the Iran war, its central bank governor told Reuters. Like other nations that are heavily reliant on energy imports, the East African country is scrambling to stave off ‌shortages of essential commodities including petrol, while managing cost increases that could drive up inflation.

  Kenya is the first larger emerging economy to publicly confirm a formal request ‌to the World Bank, although a number of countries, such as Egypt, have ‌said ⁠they have approached multilateral lenders. IMF head Kristalina Georgieva said that at least 12 ⁠countries are seeking assistance from the Fund to cope with the crisis. The request for funds was “significant”, Kenya’s central bank governor, Kamau Thugge, told Reuters on Thursday (April 16) on the sidelines of the IMF World Bank spring meetings, without providing a figure.

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 15:58

  India welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire

  India has welcomed the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, Radhir Jaiswal, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, on Friday (April 17, 2026) said. He said that “India welcomes every step towards peace.”

  To questions on Pakistan’s role in peace process between Iran and U.S., Mr. Jaiswal said “we are closely following all developments in West Asia war”.

  On Thursday (April 16, 2026), a 10-day ceasefire deal agreed between Lebanon and Israel took effect as U.S. President Donald Trump said he was trying to set up the first-ever meeting between the two countries.

  Read the story here

  

  India welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire announced by President Trump

  India supports the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, highlighting its commitment to peace amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

• April 17, 2026 15:57

  Poland will continue capping fuel prices as long as needed, says minister

  Poland will ‌maintain measures capping fuel prices ⁠as long as needed, ‌Polish Energy Minister Milosz ‌Motyka ‌said ⁠on ⁠Friday (April 17).

  “We have the lowest prices in ‌Europe and guaranteed security of supply, ‌but we are cautious about ⁠the risks and predictions of ‌conflict in West Asia. These mechanisms ‌will remain in place as long ⁠as needed,” he ⁠said.

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 15:40

  Considerable increase in sale of LPG in Karnataka, T.N., Telangana, Bengal, Rajasthan: MoPNG

  Since March, 4.68 lakh PNG connections have been gassified, about 5.23 lakh new customers have been registered, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said on Friday (April 17, 2026). 

  Domestic production of LPG is hovering around 46 to 50 TMT per day, with demand being around 80 TMT per day following the rationalisation measures, she said. 

  -THB

• April 17, 2026 15:19

  Crude oil prices fall over 2% to ₹8,396/barrel in futures trade as Trump signals Iran deal

  Crude oil prices fell a little over 2% to ₹8,396 per barrel in futures trade on Friday (April 17) amid signs of a potential U.S.-Iran agreement and easing geopolitical tensions dampening fears of prolonged supply disruptions.

  Crude prices for May delivery decreased by ₹180, or 2.1%, to ₹8,396 per barrel on the Multi Commodity Exchange.

  Mr. Trump indicated that Tehran may accept terms, including abandoning nuclear ambitions, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and offering “free oil,” though there has been no official confirmation from Iran.

  In the international market, oil futures remained below $100 per barrel as investors turned hopeful about a near-term resolution to the conflict in West Asia.

  West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for the May contract fell 1.02% to $93.72 per barrel on NYMEX, while Brent oil for the June contract dipped nearly 1% to $98.41 per barrel in New York.

  -PTI

• April 17, 2026 15:15

  Three charged after attempted arson at Iran International office in London

  British police said on Friday (April 17) they had charged three people over an attempted arson attack on offices linked to television station ‌Iran International in northwest London earlier this week.

  The three, two men and a ⁠teenager and all British, are accused of arson with intent to endanger life after an ignited container was thrown towards ‌the premises of the parent company of Iran International, Volant Media, on Wednesday ‌evening, landing in a car park.

  The fire immediately ‌put ⁠itself out, causing no damage nor injuries.

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 14:37

  Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi to discuss ways to end Iran war, source says

  Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and ‌Saudi Arabia will meet on the margins ⁠of a diplomacy forum in the southern ‌Turkish province of Antalya on Friday (April 17) ‌to discuss regional ‌issues ⁠including the ⁠Iran war, a Turkish diplomatic source said.

  “The meeting is expected to ‌include discussions on developing regional solutions to regional issues, particularly the ‌U.S.-Israel-Iran war, within the framework of a regional ownership ⁠approach,” the source said.

  Ministers from the four ‌countries held two meetings in March as part of efforts to broker an end ‌to the Iran war. Turkey, a neighbour of Iran, has been ⁠in close touch ⁠with the U.S., Iran, and mediator ‌Pakistan.

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 14:14

  Lebanese trickle home as ceasefire with Israel mostly holds

  People uprooted by the war in Lebanon began returning home on Friday (April 17), checking whether their houses were still standing, though some did not plan to stay for ‌fear a 10-day ceasefire in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel could prove fragile.

  Hills of rubble marked the spot where buildings once stood in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, an area pummelled ⁠by Israel during more than six weeks of conflict that spiralled out of the war between the United States and Iran.

  In Qasmiyeh in south Lebanon, cars were driving across a makeshift crossing over the Litani River, hastily erected after the ceasefire came into effect at ‌midnight local time (2100 GMT). Israel destroyed all the bridges over the Litani during the war, blowing up the one at Qasmiyeh on Thursday.

  “I inspected my home and praise God the building is still standing,” said ‌Ali Hamza, who had just visited his house in the southern suburbs known as Dahiyeh.

  But he said “people are ‌scared ⁠to come and live, and it is impossible to live in these circumstances, and with these smells. A ⁠full return is difficult now, despite the hardship of displacement”.

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 13:54

  Hezbollah says 'finger on the trigger' in case Israel violates truce

  The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on Friday (April 17) that it was keeping its “finger on the trigger” in case of any Israeli violations of a ceasefire that went into effect overnight.

  In a statement, the Iran-backed movement said it had carried out “2,184 military operations” against Israel and its troops inside Lebanon, adding: “The fighters will keep their finger on the trigger because they are wary of the enemy’s treachery.”

  -AFP

• April 17, 2026 13:44

  First South Korean tanker transits alternative Red Sea route

  A South Korean oil tanker has transited the Red Sea for the first time since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Seoul’s oceans ministry said on Friday (April 17).

  Import-dependent South Korea has taken steps to mitigate the risks to its energy supplies since U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February prompted Tehran to shut off access to the strait, now under a U.S. blockade.

  Seoul has sought new sources of oil and said this month that it would send five Korean-flagged ships to the Saudi Arabian Red Sea port of Yanbu to establish alternative routes.

  The Ministry announced on Friday (April 17) the “first case of crude oil being transported into the country via the Red Sea, a detour, since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz”.

  President Lee Jae Myung called it “a valuable achievement made by the relevant ministries moving as one team”.

  -AFP

• April 17, 2026 13:26

  South African rand steady as markets watch for U.S.-Iran peace deal

  The South African rand held steady in early trade on Friday (April 17) as investors waited to see ‌whether there will be a U.S.-Iran peace deal that ⁠could ease concerns over rising inflation and high interest rates.

  Investors are ‌watching ⁠for progress in U.S.-Iran ⁠talks, as any breakthrough or extension of the fragile ceasefire could ease oil and inflation fears and support further ‌gains in gold.

  Gold, a major South African export, also held steady on Friday, staying on track ‌for a fourth straight weekly gain.

  South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond was slightly weaker in early deals, as the yield rose ‌4 basis points to 8.51%.

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 13:03

  Oil falls on prospects for talks to end Iran war

  Oil prices fell in early trade on Friday (April 17) on optimism the West Asian war could be nearing an end after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took ⁠effect and President Donald Trump said the U.S. and Iran may meet for talks on the weekend.

  Brent crude ‌futures declined by 61 cents, or 0.61%, to $98.78 a barrel at 0707 GMT. U.S. ‌West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 89 cents, ‌or ⁠0.94%, to $93.8 a barrel, trimming gains from ⁠the previous session.

  Addressing a key sticking point in talks to end the Iran war, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz for ‌seven weeks and choked off roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, Mr. Trump said Tehran had offered not to possess nuclear weapons for more than ‌20 years.

  “We’re going to see what happens. But I think we’re very close to making a deal with Iran,” ⁠Mr. Trump told reporters outside the White House on Thursday (April 16).

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 12:02

  European countries have capacity to clear mines in Hormuz, French Defence Minister says

  European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and France ‌have mine clearance capacity which could help secure ⁠passage through the Strait of Hormuz, French Defence Minister Catherine ‌Vautrin told French TV station TF1 on ‌Friday.

  “There are capabilities ‌to ⁠provide fully supported ⁠escort services – that is to say, in no way offensive, of course – ‌for ships to ensure safe passage through the strait; that is what will be ‌debated today in Paris,” she added.

  France and Britain are ⁠set to chair on Friday a meeting of around ‌40 countries aimed at signalling to the United States that some of its closest allies are ready to ‌play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.-- Reuters

• April 17, 2026 11:59

  NATO will not collapse and U.S. will defend its allies, Estonian minister says

  NATO member Estonia has no doubt that the United States would help defend it if Russia attacks, its defence minister told Reuters, while warning that Europe is ‌not ready to stand up to Moscow on its own.

  Estonian intelligence warned in February its ⁠neighbour Russia is already stockpiling ammunition for future wars after the conflict in Ukraine ends. Russia has described allegations by European leaders that it could ‌attack NATO as nonsense.

  U.S. President Donald Trump this month threatened to pull the U.S. out of the ‌alliance over European members’ refusal to send ships to ‌unblock ⁠the Strait of Hormuz near Iran. The alliance was ⁠already rattled by his plans to take over Greenland from Denmark, a NATO ally.-- Reuters

• April 17, 2026 11:22

  IMF warns EU not to offset the energy price spike too much

  European governments should not excessively shield businesses and consumers from more expensive energy because that distorts the price signal to cut consumption and could ‌be fiscally very expensive, the International Monetary Fund said.

  Europe’s heavy reliance on oil and gas ⁠imports has left it exposed to spiralling prices since the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and gas shipping route, ‌was closed as a result of the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran attacking energy infrastructure ‌in West Asia. The European Commission wants to ‌let ⁠countries spend more public money to help businesses ⁠with fuel and fertiliser bills as governments race to offset the economic shock from soaring prices.

  “Prices help reduce demand and bring supply and demand back into balance. ‌Many measures under discussion weaken that signal,” the head of the IMF’s European Department, Alfred Kammer, told Reuters.

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 11:00

  Loss of energy output in West Asia will take about two years to recover, IEA says

  It will take about ‌two years to recover the energy ⁠output lost in West Asia from the conflict there, ‌Fatih Birol, ‌the ⁠head of ⁠the International Energy Agency, was quoted as saying on ‌Friday (April 17) in an interview with the Neue Zuercher ‌Zeitung newspaper.

  “That will vary from country to ⁠country. In Iraq, for example, it ‌will take much longer than in Saudi Arabia. However, we estimate ‌it will take approximately two years overall to reach ⁠pre-war levels again,” ⁠Mr. Birol told the Swiss ‌newspaper. 

  -Reuters

• April 17, 2026 10:08

  Pakistani-flagged tanker exits Gulf via Hormuz with UAE crude, data shows

  Pakistani-flagged tanker Shalamar has exited the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz carrying crude loaded ‌from the United Arab Emirates, shipping data from Kpler and LSEG ⁠showed.

  The Aframax tanker exited the waterway on Thursday laden with about 440,000 barrels of ‌Abu Dhabi’s Das Blend crude loaded earlier this week, Kpler data ‌showed. The vessel is ‌heading ⁠to the port of Karachi to ⁠discharge its cargo on April 19, according to the data.

  The Shalamar was one of two Pakistani tankers that ‌entered the strait on Sunday to load crude and oil products. Pakistan’s petroleum minister said on Wednesday that the ‌Shalamar loaded crude from the UAE at an ADNOC terminal.

  - Reuters

• April 17, 2026 09:05

  Strongly urge early restoration of freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz: India

  India termed the targeting of commercial shipping during the West Asia conflict as deplorable, strongly urging that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz be restored at the earliest.

  “An aspect of particular concern for India for its energy and economic security relates to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni said in the UN General Assembly on Thursday.

  “India has deplored the fact that commercial shipping was made a target of military attacks in this conflict,” Mr. Parvathaneni said.

  - PTI

• April 17, 2026 08:16

  Australia says no request from U.S. on Hormuz after Trump criticism

  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the United States has made “no new requests” to help in Iran after President Donald Trump said he was “not happy with Australia”.

  U.S. security ally Australia has said it is not involved in the Iran conflict but has an interest in the Strait of Hormuz reopening to fuel shipments.

  Mr. Trump has repeatedly criticised Australia for not helping in the Iran war.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 07:27

  Trump characterizes Iran war as a 'little diversion'

  President Donald Trump said the U.S. war with Iran was a “little diversion” during his second term in power, as recent polling shows the conflict’s unpopularity with the American public.

  At an event in Las Vegas, Nevada touting his “no tax on tips” measure from the major tax reform bill passed last year, the 79-year-old president boasted about his economic record since returning to office in 2025.

  “We had the best economy in the history of our country in my first term. And we’re blowing it out now...And despite our little diversion to the lovely country of Iran, lovely place,” Trump told the crowd of supporters.

  “But we had to do that, because otherwise, bad things could happen, the really bad thing,” he continued, referencing Iran’s apparent nuclear potential.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 06:56

  Iran to hand over enriched uranium?

  U.S. President Trump said Iran has agreed to hand over its store of enriched uranium and that the two sides were “close” to a peace deal ending six weeks of conflict.

  “They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust,” Trump told reporters at the White House, using his name for the enriched uranium stockpile that the United States says could be used to build nuclear weapons.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 06:55

  Iranian FM 'welcomed' Israel-Lebanon ceasefire

  Iran’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the Israel-Lebanon truce, calling it part of the earlier two-week ceasefire deal struck between the Islamic republic and the United States to pause the Middle East war, state media reported.

  Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei “welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon and noted that the cessation of the war in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire understanding between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan”, state news agency IRNA posted on Telegram.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 06:55

  Trump hopes Hezbollah 'acts nicely'

  U.S. President Donald Trump said he hopes Hezbollah “acts nicely and well” during the 10-day ceasefire reached hours earlier between Lebanon and Israel.

  “I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time,” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as he arrived for a speech in Las Vegas, saying it would be a “GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!”

  - AFP