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NPR

The Strait of Hormuz opens for commercial ships but the U.S. blockade continues on Iran

17 April 2026 at 12:36

Displaced residents travel through the Qasmieh area as they gesture on the way back to their homes in the southern Lebanon, on Friday, after the start of a 10-day ceasefire deal struck between Lebanon and Israel. Despite the truce, the Israeli military and Hezbollah warned residents not to return to their villages for their own safety.

Iran's foreign minister declared the Strait of Hormuz is open, following the start of an Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. President Trump swiftly responded that the U.S. naval blockade on Iran will continue.

(Image credit: Ibrahim Amro)

NPR

Leaders urge for restraint as 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire takes effect

By: NPR Staff

17 April 2026 at 12:36

Displaced residents travel through the Qasmieh area as they gesture on the way back to their homes in the southern Lebanon, on April 17, 2026. A 10-day ceasefire deal struck between Lebanon and Israel took effect on April 17, sending displaced residents streaming south towards their homes, even as the Lebanese army warned of "a number of violations" in the area.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, acknowledged the ceasefire, but did not say whether it would abide by it and urged people displaced by fighting in Lebanon to refrain from heading home.

(Image credit: IBRAHIM AMRO)