This live blog follows updates for Day 49 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 48, go here.

• Donald Trump announces a 10-day Israel–Lebanon ceasefire, urging Hezbollah compliance
• United Nations, global leaders welcome truce, emphasizing need for lasting peace
• International Monetary Fund warns war may severely impact vulnerable economies beyond Middle East
• Iran supports ceasefire but doubts US intentions ahead of future negotiations
• Israel and Lebanon ceasefire begins amid tensions, uncertainty over long-term stability.

Iran says its enriched uranium 'not going to be transferred'

Published: April 17, 2026 | 20:15 GMT | By AFP

Iran's foreign ministry on Friday said the country's stockpile of enriched uranium would not be transferred "anywhere", denying an earlier claim by US President Donald Trump that the Islamic republic had agreed to hand it over.

"Iran's enriched uranium is not going to be transferred anywhere," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state TV.

"Transfer of Iran's enriched uranium to the US has never been raised in negotiations."

Lebanon president says working on 'permanent agreements' after Israel ceasefire

Published: April 17, 2026 | 18:13 GMT | By AFP

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that his country was on the verge of a "new phase" of "permanent agreements", after the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war went into force.

"Now, we all stand before a new phase," Aoun said in his first speech to the nation since the truce, adding that "it is the phase of transition from working on a ceasefire to working on permanent agreements that preserve the rights of our people, the unity of our land, and the sovereignty of our nation".

Aoun added that direct talks with Israel were "not a sign of weakness nor a concession... negotiations do not mean, and will never mean, giving up any right, conceding any principle, or compromising the sovereignty of this nation".

UN chief welcomes Hormuz reopening, urges full freedom of navigation

Published: April 17, 2026 | 17:38 GMT | By AFP

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed Iran's agreement to stop blocking the Strait of Hormuz and urged full freedom for shipping through the crucial waterway.

"The secretary-general considers this a step in the right direction. The United Nations' position remains clear: we need the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz to be respected by all parties," Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Trump says Iran agrees to 'never' close Hormuz strait again
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:51 GMT | By AFP

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran had agreed to never again shut the Strait of Hormuz, during a string of social media posts indicating a peace deal with Tehran was near.

"Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World," Trump said on his Truth Social network, after Iran earlier said the crucial sea passage would remain open during a Middle East ceasefire.

Lebanon says nearly 2,300 killed in Israel attacks
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:34 GMT | By AFP

Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed nearly 2,300 people since March 2, Lebanon's health ministry said, on the first day of the ceasefire.

In a statement, the ministry said that at least 2,294 have been killed, in a preliminary toll that included 274 women, 177 children and 100 health workers and rescuers.

"The final toll of the aggression will be made after the rubble has been cleared, the martyrs have been recovered, DNA tests have been completed, and the identities of their owners have been determined," the ministry stated.

Macron welcomes Iran announcement on Hormuz, urges 'full' reopening of Strait
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:39 GMT | By AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran declared that the key shipping route would be open as long as a ceasefire in the Middle East lasts.

"We welcome the announcement," Macron said after a meeting of heads of state and government mainly by video conference, adding the leaders urged the "full, unconditional reopening by all the parties" of the Strait of Hormuz.

France, UK to lead multinational Hormuz mission 'as soon as conditions allow': Starmer
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:29 GMT | By AFP

France and the UK will lead a multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as "soon as conditions allow", UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday after co-chairing a meeting on the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"This will be strictly peaceful and defensive as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance," said Starmer, adding that "over a dozen countries have already offered to contribute assets".

Trump says Iran removing mines from Hormuz with US help
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:23 GMT | By AFP

Trump says Iran removing mines from Hormuz with US help.

Trump rejects NATO offer to help with Hormuz, says 'stay away'
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:22 GMT | By AFP

President Donald Trump said Friday he had rejected an offer from NATO to help secure the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it had reopened, telling the US-led alliance to "STAY AWAY."

"Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

"They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!"

Military vessel transit of Hormuz passage 'remains prohibited': Iran state TV
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:22 GMT | By AFP

Iran will block military vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a military official quoted by state television said on Friday, after the country announced the crucial waterway would reopen to commercial shipping.

"The passage of military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains prohibited," a senior military official told state television, adding that civilian vessels would have to transit the waterway through designated routes and with permission of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy.

Over a dozen countries offering to 'contribute' to Hormuz [Strait] mission: Starmer
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:19 GMT | By AFP

Over a dozen countries offering to 'contribute' to Strait of Hormuz mission, British Prime Minister Kier Starmer said Friday. He also mentioned that the reopening of the waterway must be 'lasting' after Iranian announcement

Trump says Israel 'prohibited' by US from bombing Lebanon
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:13 GMT

President Donald Trump said Friday the United States had "prohibited" Israel from bombing Lebanon following a ceasefire deal, adding that Washington would work with Lebanon to "deal with" Hezbollah.

"Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!" Trump said on his Truth Social network, a day after announcing the 10-day truce.

Trump says 'no money' to be involved in any Iran nuclear deal
Published: April 17, 2026 | 14:08 GMT | By AFP

US President Donald Trump denied Friday that any money would be involved in a deal with Iran over its nuclear program, after an Axios report that Washington was considering a $20 billion cash-for-uranium exchange.

"The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear 'Dust,' created by our great B2 Bombers - No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

Iran says Hormuz open for shipping during ceasefire period

Published: April 17, 2026 | 13:02 GMT | By Web Desk

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open for the duration of the ceasefire, in a move aimed at stabilising global energy flows.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open… for the remaining period of ceasefire,” he said in a post on X, referring to coordinated routes already outlined by Iranian authorities.

US President Donald Trump welcomed the development, saying on Truth Social: “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!”

The reopening of the critical oil transit route comes after weeks of disruption during the conflict, and follows a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire that enabled diplomatic engagement in Islamabad. Oil markets reacted swiftly, with Brent crude and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate both falling around 5% amid optimism over easing supply concerns.

Oil prices tumble 5% on hopes for US-Iran deal

Published: April 17, 2026 | 12:45 GMT | By AFP

Oil prices fell sharply Friday as investors awaited news of a possible extension to the Iran-US ceasefire after US President Donald Trump said a deal was close.

International benchmark Brent North Sea crude dropped five percent to $94.42 a barrel, and the main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, shed five percent to $89.95 per barrel.

Lebanon president says direct talks with Israel 'crucial'

Published: April 17, 2026 | 12:12 GMT | By AFP

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that direct negotiations with Israel were crucial, a day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two countries and an upcoming meeting between their leaders.

"Direct negotiations are crucial... and a ceasefire is the gateway to proceeding with negotiations," Aoun said in a statement shared by the presidency, reiterating that Beirut's goal was to "consolidate a ceasefire, secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied southern territories, recover prisoners, and address outstanding border disputes".

Details of the truce agreement shared by the US State Department did not mention the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. 

Russia says welcomes Lebanon ceasefire, hopes for long-term deal

Published: April 17, 2026 | 11:44 GMT | By AFP

Moscow on Friday backed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and said it hoped the pause in fighting could pave the way for a longer-term agreement, as the fragile 10-day truce took hold.

"We certainly welcome the decision on a truce and hope that in these few days it will indeed be possible to reach agreements that will prevent a repeat of the military clashes," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, in response to a question by AFP.

First loaded Iranian oil tankers exit Gulf since US blockade: Kpler

Published: April 17, 2026 | 11:22 GMT | By AFP

Three Iranian oil tankers carrying five million barrels of crude have become the first such loaded vessels to leave the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since a US blockade came into force, tracking firm Kpler told AFP on Friday.

The Deep Sea, Sonia I and Diona, all under US sanctions, traversed the strategic strait on Wednesday after leaving Iran's Kharg Island, having loaded on April 2, 8 and 9 respectively, according to the maritime data company.

Israel says military operation against Hezbollah 'still not complete'

Published: April 17, 2026 | 11:01 GMT | By AFP

Israel's defence minister said on Friday that the campaign against the militant group Hezbollah was not yet complete, just hours after a 10-day ceasefire came into force in Lebanon.

He also warned that if the fighting resumed, displaced residents returning to the country's war-torn south would have to evacuate again.

"The ground manoeuver into Lebanon and the strikes on Hezbollah have achieved many gains, but they are still not complete," Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a broadcast statement.

"The area between the security zone and the Litani (River) line, which is currently under our control, has not yet been cleared of terrorists and weapons," Katz warned.

Tyre authorities say 13 killed in Israeli strike just before Lebanon truce

Published: April 17, 2026 | 10:03 GMT | By AFP

Israeli strikes on Tyre in southern Lebanon killed at least 13 people just before the 10-day ceasefire with Israel took effect at midnight, a city official said on Friday.

The official, who asked not to be identified, said another 35 people were injured, and emergency workers were still searching the rubble for another "15 missing".

The strikes targeted six residential buildings which were destroyed, and came just minutes before midnight (2100 GMT Thursday), an AFP correspondent said.

Lebanese civilians head home as truce with Israel takes effect

Published: April 17, 2026 | 09:41 GMT | By AFP

Thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians took to the road on Friday, hoping that a 10-day ceasefire with Israel would allow them to return to their homes in southern Beirut and the country's war-torn south.

The Lebanese army had warned the residents not to go back to the areas, which have been pounded by Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah, and the Iran-backed movement said its finger remained "on the trigger" in the event of any violations.

But at the bombed Qasmiyeh bridge near the southern city of Tyre, AFP reporters found long queues of families waiting for bulldozers to restore the crossing so they could head home.

Across the border in Israel, the military's home front command had not yet removed restrictions on civilian movements in vulnerable border areas.

Hezbollah has indicated it will respect the truce unless Lebanon is attacked again.

"The fighters will keep their finger on the trigger because they are wary of the enemy's treachery," the movement said in a statement.

The ceasefire represents a key step in Washington's efforts to reach a deal to end its war with Iran, after Tehran insisted that halting the Lebanon fighting must be part of any agreement.

First South Korean tanker transits alternative Red Sea route

Published: April 17, 2026 | 08:01 GMT | By AFP

A South Korean oil tanker has transited the Red Sea for the first time since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Seoul's oceans ministry said on Friday.

Import-dependent South Korea has taken steps to mitigate the risks to its energy supplies since US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February prompted Tehran to shut off access to the strait, now under a US blockade.

Seoul has sought new sources of oil and said this month that it would send five Korean-flagged ships to the Saudi Arabian Red Sea port of Yanbu to establish alternative routes.

The ministry announced on Friday the "first case of crude oil being transported into the country via the Red Sea, a detour, since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz".

President Lee Jae Myung called it "a valuable achievement made by the relevant ministries moving as one team".

"I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who worked hard day and night despite difficult conditions, especially the sailors," he said on X.

Trump characterizes Iran war as a 'little diversion'

Published: April 17, 2026 | 08:00 GMT | By Web Desk

United States President Donald Trump said US had the “best economy” in the history of the country “despite our little diversion to the lovely country of Iran” 

“Lovely place. But we had to do that, because otherwise bad things could happen. Really bad things,” he said adding that they were “going to see some incredible results.”

"The economy is booming. Our economy is booming,” he said.

“We're going to have victory very shortly," he added.

South Korea pledges $4.1bn stimulus amid global risks from US-Iran war

Published: April 17, 2026 | 01:42GMT | By Web Desk

South Korea’s Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol has announced that his government will “proactively” respond to the impact on livelihoods and supply chains due to the US-Israel war on Iran, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reports.

“Until the end of the war becomes clear, we will firmly maintain an emergency economic response system and actively address supply chain issues and difficulties in people’s livelihoods,” he said.

US says 12 ships, 100 aircraft involved in blockade of Iranian ports

Published: April 17, 2026 | 01:42GMT | By Web Desk

The US Central Command has said that it has deployed 12 ships, 100 aircraft and more than 10,000 troops to enforce its ongoing blockade of Iranian ports.

As we reported earlier, CENTCOM claimed that 14 vessels have so far “turned around to comply with the blockade” since it took effect.

CENTCOM also said that US forces are not blocking the Strait of Hormuz but only “Iran’s ports and coastline”.

Iran war ‘should be ending pretty soon’, says Trump

Published: April 17, 2026 | 01:06GMT | By Web Desk

US President Donald Trump spoke at an event in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he said that the war in Iran is going “swimmingly” and that it “should be ending pretty soon,” Al Jazeera reported.

Trump says hopes Hezbollah 'acts nicely' during Lebanon-Israel ceasefire

Published: April 16, 2026 | 23:46GMT | By Web Desk

US President Donald Trump said he hopes the Hezbollah fighter group "acts nicely and well" during the 10-day ceasefire reached just hours earlier between Lebanon and Israel.

"I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as he arrived for a speech in Las Vegas. "It will be (a) GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!"

IMF warns of war's human impact far from Middle East

Published: April 16, 2026 | 23:17GMT | By Web Desk

IMF economists warned that the war in Iran could have “very, certainly severe” consequences far outside the region — especially for energy-importing countries.

"Oil-impacted importers, particularly non-resource-rich and fragile states, face deteriorating trade balances, rising living costs and limited buffers," warned Abebe Selassie, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director for Africa, at a press conference Thursday.

"The human consequences are almost certain to be severe," he added.