WANA – Our team is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran.

 

This report is being updated …

 


Iran Explains Araghchi’s Hormuz Remarks Under Ceasefire Framework

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has stated that the recent tweet by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the Strait of Hormuz was made in the context of implementing a ceasefire understanding and reciprocal commitments.

 

Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said on Friday evening, April 17, that the move was part of efforts to implement the ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the opposing side. He noted, however, that the agreement has not been fully honored by the other party, adding that Iran has taken appropriate reciprocal measures in response.

 


IRGC Navy: ‘New Order’ Enforced in Strait of Hormuz

 

WANA (Apr 17) – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced the establishment of a “new order” in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

According to the statement, civilian vessels are required to travel only through routes designated by Iran, while the passage of military vessels remains prohibited.

 

It added that all transit is subject to authorization by the IRGC Navy.

 

The measures are said to be part of a “period of reduced hostilities” following the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

 


Military Vessels Still Banned from Strait of Hormuz Despite Ongoing Ceasefire

Members of the Iranian Army take part in an annual drill in the coastal area of the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, in this picture obtained on December 30, 2022. Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

WANA (Apr 17) – A senior Iranian military official has confirmed that the passage of military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains prohibited, even as commercial shipping continues under the terms of the ongoing ceasefire.

 

In remarks to state media, the official stated that only non-military vessels are permitted to transit the strategic waterway, and strictly along routes designated and approved by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy. He further emphasized that all civilian maritime traffic must adhere to corridors designated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization.

 


Mottaki: Iran Controls Hormuz Strait, Pursuing Compensation

Iranian Naval Drill in Strait of Hormuz on Feb 17, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iranian Naval Drill in Strait of Hormuz on Feb 17, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

WANA (Apr 17) – Iranian MP Manouchehr Mottaki stated that control of the Strait of Hormuz lies with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

He emphasized that Iran will exercise its “inherent right to self-defense” against any act of aggression.

 

Mottaki also said Tehran is pursuing compensation for damages resulting from “recent wars involving the U.S. and Israel,” adding that vessels must pay for safe passage under Iran’s management.

 


Informed Source Reveals Conditional Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz

 

WANA (Apr 17) – An informed source has announced the limited and conditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the move has taken place under special circumstances and in full coordination with the armed forces, making it far from a routine reopening.

 

According to the report, transit through the strait will only be allowed if ceasefire conditions continue to be upheld, and even then, under strict limitations. In this regard, three main conditions have been set for vessel passage.

 


Trump: Strait of Hormuz Open, but Pressure on Iran to Continue Until “Full Deal Completion”

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of consecutive statements welcoming the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasizing that pressure on Iran would continue until a comprehensive agreement is fully finalized.

 

In a post on Friday, Trump said Iran had “just announced” that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for commercial shipping and unrestricted transit, expressing his appreciation for the move. His remarks came after Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced that maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would be open  following a temporary ceasefire.

 


Some Commercial Vessels Allowed Through Hormuz with Fees

WANA - Seyed Mahmoud Nabavian, Deputy Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission

Seyed Mahmoud Nabavian, Deputy Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission. Social media/ WANA News Agency

WANA (Apr 17) – Iranian MP Seyed Mahmoud Nabavian announced that certain commercial vessels are now permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz upon payment of fees.

 

He linked the move to what he called a “U.S. retreat and acceptance of a ceasefire in Lebanon.”

 

Nabavian also dismissed claims of a naval blockade against Iran as “failed,” citing the continued movement of Iranian oil tankers in recent days.

 


Iran Warns of Consequences for Breach of Commitments in Hormuz Strait

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s Deputy for Communications at the Presidential Office stated that any breach of commitments by opposing parties would be met with a firm response.

 

Tabatabaei criticized what he described as “baseless statements and Twitter rhetoric” by adversaries, saying they aim to undermine national pride over Iran’s recent defensive achievements.

 

He also described the “limited and conditional reopening” of parts of the Strait of Hormuz as an Iranian initiative to test the other side’s commitment to its obligations, warning that violations would have consequences.

 


Commercial Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz Resumes Following Lebanon Ceasefire

WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s Foreign Minister announced the resumption of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, stated on Friday that with the start of the Lebanon ceasefire, the passage of all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz has been fully reopened for the remaining duration of the truce. He emphasized that all transit must take place along routes pre-designated and coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization.


Azari-Jahromi Warns Against Repeating Experience of Being Attacked During Talks

WANA - Pezeshkian and Azari Jahromi

WANA – Pezeshkian and Azari Jahromi

WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s former Minister of Communications has warned against repeating past experiences of being attacked while negotiations were underway, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

 

In a social media post, Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi wrote that while war is undesirable, claims by the opposing side about progress in negotiations should not be taken at face value, and military developments must be closely monitored.

 

He added, “I hope we do not repeat for a third time that we were sitting at the negotiating table when we were bombed,” stressing that any real progress in talks depends on achieving ceasefire conditions, including reopening maritime routes and halting military operations in Lebanon.

 

Azari-Jahromi further noted that the opposing side is rebuilding its capabilities and stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening Iran’s military readiness.

 


Pezeshkian: Iran Seeks Regional Stability

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s President emphasized that country’s strategic priority is to achieve peace and stability in the region, stressing that it is the country’s adversaries who fuel insecurity through war and acts of terrorism.

 

In a televised interview, Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the government’s efforts to stabilize the market and maintain economic balance. He noted that, unlike previous years, there were no significant shortages or sharp price increases during the end-of-year period or the holy month of Ramadan, describing this as a sign that the country’s administrative system is functioning effectively.

 


Graham Claims Trump Held Direct Phone Call with Iranian Officials

WANA (Apr 17) – A Republican U.S. senator has claimed that the American president has been in direct contact with Iranian officials.

 

Lindsey Graham said in an interview with Fox News that Donald Trump is personally negotiating with Iran and even spoke directly with Iranian counterparts by phone a few days ago. According to Graham, the conversation became tense, with Trump raising his voice and warning Iran about potential consequences.

 

No official reports have confirmed such direct contact so far, and Iranian authorities have not acknowledged the claim.

 


238 Iranian Sailors Return from Sri Lanka After “Dena” Incident

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Sri Lankan authorities announced that 238 Iranian sailors, including 32 survivors of the attack on the destroyer “Dena,” have been returned to Iran.

 

According to a spokesperson for Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense, the majority of the crew were repatriated earlier this week, while a small number of sailors from a second accompanying vessel— which docked in the country later—were transferred in subsequent stages.

 


Mokhber: Unity of the Resistance Axis a Key Achievement of the “Third Sacred Defense”

WANA (Apr 17) – A senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader described the unity of the Resistance Axis as one of the most significant outcomes of the recent period referred to as the “Third Sacred Defense,” stressing that this achievement has no foreign equivalent and must not be used as a bargaining chip.

 

Mohammad Mokhber also highlighted internal social cohesion, unity among officials, and stronger ties between the public and the government as other valuable outcomes of this period of resistance, calling them “precious assets.”

 

He added that these combined achievements will help secure a resilient, independent, and proud future for the coming generations.

 


Ghalibaf: Ceasefire Result of Hezbollah’s Resilience and Unity of Resistance Axis

WANA (Apr 17) – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, said the recent ceasefire was the result of what he described as “Hezbollah’s resilience and the unity of the resistance axis,” adding that this unity will continue until what he called “full victory” is achieved.

 

In a post on the social media platform X, Ghalibaf wrote: “As I said last night, the ceasefire was solely the result of Hezbollah’s resilience and the unity of the resistance axis.”

 


Iran Rejects Temporary Ceasefire, Calls for Full End to Regional Conflict

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister said Tehran opposes any temporary ceasefire and insists on a comprehensive end to hostilities across the region.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters that any ceasefire must cover all conflict zones “from Lebanon to the Red Sea,” describing this as a “red line” for Iran.


No One Dares Attack Iran

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Tehran’s interim Friday prayer leader said in this week’s sermon that, in his view, “no one dares to attack Iran anymore,” adding that even if such an attack were to occur, it would “lead nowhere.”

 


Ahmadian: Lebanon Ceasefire Result of Resistance; Front Stronger Than Ever

WANA (Apr 17) – Ali Akbar Ahmadian, the Supreme Leader’s representative to the Supreme National Defense Council, said recent developments in Lebanon demonstrate that resistance by the Lebanese people and Hezbollah forces forced Israel to retreat and accept a ceasefire.

 

He reiterated that Iran has consistently regarded support for the “resistance front” as a key strategic and defensive principle.

 

Ahmadian added that, in his view, the unified resistance front is now stronger and more resilient than ever, attributing this to what he described as the legacy of fallen fighters and leadership within the movement.

 


Iran Army Chief: Forces on High Alert, Ready to Confront Any Threat

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Ahead of April 18, marked as Iran’s National Army Day, Major General Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, issued a statement emphasizing that the country’s armed forces remain fully prepared to respond to any potential threat or act of aggression.

 

In his message, Hatami stressed that the army stands “with firm determination, vigilant eyes, and an iron will,” maintaining a constant state of readiness and reaffirming its commitment to defend Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “until the very last breath.”

 


Iran’s President Questions Global Leaders Over Double Standards

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has raised a critical question directed at some world leaders, revisiting the remarks he delivered during last year’s United Nations General Assembly.

 

In a post shared on the social media platform X, he recalled that during his address, he had called for a return to a principle shared by major religions and human conscience: “Do not do unto others what you would not want done to yourself.”

 


Four Pillars of Iran’s Power: Official Stresses Synergy Between Diplomacy and the Field

 

WANA (Apr 17) – Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, Deputy for Communications and Information at the Presidential Office, stated that “diplomacy, the field, the people, and the government” constitute the four main pillars of Iran’s power today.

 

He emphasized that unity, cohesion, and alignment among these elements create a positive and promising outlook for the country’s future.

 

Tabatabaei also underlined the importance of coordination with the leadership, describing such alignment as a “harmonious symphony,” suggesting that when all components act in unison, the overall performance becomes commendable.

 


Hezbollah: Lebanon Ceasefire Result of Iranian Pressure and Israeli Setbacks

 

WANA (Apr 17) – As a 10-day ceasefire came into force in Lebanon at midnight Thursday, senior Hezbollah figures offered a revealing account of the behind-the-scenes dynamics, highlighting Iran’s role, regional diplomatic contacts, and what they describe as Israel’s failure to achieve its objectives.

 

Hussein al-Hajj Hassan, a member of Hezbollah’s “Loyalty to the Resistance” bloc in the Lebanese parliament, told Al Mayadeen that the ceasefire was reached “as a result of clear Iranian pressure.” He stated that Donald Trump ultimately yielded to this pressure, which in turn compelled Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the agreement.

 

 

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.