NPR News: 04-18-2026 6AM EDT

Iran's military announced that the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its prior operational state under strict armed forces control, but restrictions will persist until the US fully lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. This follows President Trump's statement that the blockade remains in place, with no extension planned and potential resumption of bombing if no deal emerges before the ceasefire expires next week. The NPR News Now update covers these tensions alongside diplomatic pushes for extended ceasefires, developments in Israel-Lebanon hostilities, energy market relief, and a blocked media merger.

Strait of Hormuz Reopens Amid US-Iran Standoff

Tehran declared the vital waterway—through which about 20% of global oil passes—open again after a period of disruption tied to the US-Iran war. Iranian forces will maintain "strict management and control," explicitly conditioning full normalization on the US ending its port blockades. President Trump, speaking on Air Force One, affirmed the blockade's continuation, noting it might not be extended post-ceasefire. He warned of returning to airstrikes if negotiations fail before next week's deadline, underscoring the fragile balance: a partial reopening eases immediate shipping but leaves escalation risks high as long as sanctions and blockades endure.