World_geopolitics 19 Apr, 2026

The Guardian - World Read Original

Iran reopens the strait of Hormuz during ceasefire negotiations, a move the US president praised on social mediaOil and gas prices fall sharply after Iran says strait of Hormuz is openIn case you’re just joining us, here are the latest developments in the Middle East to bring you up to speed. It’s 9am in Beirut and Jerusalem, 9.30am in Tehran and 2am in Washington DC.A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect, pausing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 2,100 Lebanese people and displaced more than 2.1 million. The agreement was announced earlier by Donald Trump, who said he had spoken with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, and invited both leaders “for meaningful talks” at the White House. Both leaders welcomed the agreement.Israel and Hezbollah both maintained their right to defend themselves if the truce is broken – here’s our full report.Netanyahu called the ceasefire a “historic” opport