Iran has fully lifted restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz for missile cooperation during the ongoing 10-day truce with Israel and Lebanon, officials announced on April 17, 2026.
Iran’s Strategic Move
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on social media platform X that ship operations through the strait amid the Lebanon front will return to normal. However, he emphasized that Iran intends to use this development for a decisive retaliation against adversaries.
Sources confirm Iran normalized passages by leveraging ship routes from nations that joined the boycott. Despite U.S. participation in the boycott, the waterway now operates without prior constraints.
Trump’s Sharp Response
Former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted swiftly on Truth Social, warning that shipments to Iran remain incomplete until full cooperation resumes. He noted, “Shipments to Iran won’t be 100% complete unless it’s with Iran,” adding that most governments have already engaged in the cooperation.
Trump further remarked, “The majority of governments have already cooperated on this matter, so this situation will naturally resolve soon.”
Impact on Global Shipping
In the Persian Gulf region, one nation’s 26 vessels faced blockades, affecting roughly 2,000 ships overall. Banking sector analysis indicates that even with changes, insurance costs and other factors continue to hinder full recovery for affected vessels.
International Meeting Highlights
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung attended a key ministerial conference in Paris on April 17, joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and the UK Prime Minister. The gathering, involving 49 countries and two international organizations, focused on open Hormuz cooperation.
Lee addressed attendees, stating, “Major powers account for about 70% of Iran’s Hormuz cooperation inflows.” He stressed realistic achievements that undermine the rationale for ongoing cooperation, saying, “We have made real progress threatening the justification for their actions.”
Lee plans to submit related statements soon and urges the national assembly to embrace mechanisms ensuring safe passage through national organizations.
Related Developments
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu Port authorities executed Uli Yujosen, linked to a drone hijacking attempt from central Iran two months prior. The individual targeted ship operations but failed, highlighting persistent regional tensions.
