European countries have capacity to clear mines in Hormuz, French Defence Minister says

On 17 April 2026, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz was open to all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire, an announcement tied to the ceasefire in Lebanon. Iran's Araghchi said Hormuz was open during the ceasefire, while an Iranian military official said vessels passing through need permission from the IRGC. Iran also said the US must end its naval blockade, and Trump said the strait was open but the blockade of Iranian ports remains. Oil dropped 10% and stocks rose after the announcement.

Trump said Iran was removing sea mines and that the US and Iran were working together to clear them. He also claimed Iran agreed to nuclear concessions, while Iran said its enriched uranium would not be transferred anywhere. France and the UK hosted talks on securing Hormuz, Macron urged a permanent reopening and warned against a 'toll system', and the French Defence Minister said European countries have the capacity to clear mines. Merz reportedly split with Macron over the plan, and shipowners and oil traders were wary.