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Iran opens Strait of Hormuz after ceasefire — oil prices drop, deal 'close'? | DW News
April 17, 2026
Posted 4 hours ago by
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping, following a ceasefire in Lebanon, raising hopes that a broader deal to end the US-Iran war could be within reach. The strait — which carries around 20% of global oil and gas supply — had been effectively closed since the conflict began in late February. Oil prices dropped sharply after the announcement, as markets reacted to the prospect of restored energy flows.
US President Donald Trump welcomed the move, saying a full agreement could come “soon,” but confirmed that a US blockade targeting Iranian shipping remains in place. Meanwhile, a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has allowed displaced civilians to return home — though tensions remain high and questions persist over whether the truce can hold. We speak to former US diplomat Barbara Leaf about whether this marks a turning point in the war, what obstacles remain in negotiations, and how stable the ceasefire really is. European leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer have welcomed the reopening and are discussing a possible mission to secure freedom of navigation in the region. #dwcurrentaffairs 00:00 Iran opens Strait of Hormuz 00:23 Oil prices drop after announcement 00:36 Trump: Deal “very close” 00:47 What reopening means for global trade 00:46 Interview: Barbara Leaf reacts 02:32 Is this the beginning of the end? 03:40 Can Hormuz stay open? 07:07 What could derail a US-Iran deal 10:10 Europe responds to Hormuz reopening 12:48 What an European mission could look like For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1
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