Top Stories: April 17, 2026

President Donald Trump says the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial shipping after Iran removed sea mines with assistance from the United States, marking a significant development in Operation Epic Fury.

In posts released this morning, Trump thanked Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for supporting efforts to stabilize the waterway, while confirming that a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iran-linked activity remains in place as negotiations continue.

The president also said the United States has instructed Israel not to carry out additional strikes in Lebanon, adding that Washington intends to address the Hezbollah situation separately as part of a broader regional strategy.

At the same time, Trump said he declined offers of support from NATO, signaling that the United States plans to manage the operation independently as talks with Iran move toward what officials describe as their final stages.

Officials say Operation Epic Fury is entering a decisive phase, with diplomatic progress expected as sustained military pressure transitions toward potential agreements.