Houthi supporters in Yemen rally round a Lebanese flag during a demonstration in Sanaa to show solidarity with Lebanon [Khaled Abdullah/Reuters]By Elizabeth Melimopoulos and AFPPublished On 18 Apr 202618 Apr 2026
Iranian officials have pushed back against claims by US President Donald Trump on the state of negotiations, highlighting deep contradictions in messaging as tensions persist around the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite this, Trump has said there are no “sticking points” left for a deal, while insisting the blockade will remain until any agreement is “100 percent complete”.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open to commercial vessels, subject to conditions, in line with the Lebanon ceasefire and previously coordinated maritime routes. Tehran threatens to close the strait if the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.
