US and Iran Reach Ceasefire After Strait of Hormuz Blockade

The United States and Iran reached a framework ceasefire agreement in late April 2026, ending a conflict that began with a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign on February 28 targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. The war severely damaged Iran's air force and navy, though the regime remained in power.

Maritime tensions peaked on April 19 when Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, deploying a mosquito fleet of fast attack boats and drones. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired on tankers from India, Botswana, and Angola, claiming the move was retaliation for a US blockade of Iranian ports. In response, the US Navy deployed autonomous surface and submarine drones to clear naval mines and restore commercial shipping. President Donald Trump maintained the port blockade to pressure Tehran into surrendering 450 kilograms of highly enriched uranium and ending its nuclear program.

Diplomatic progress led to a ceasefire, with Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy proposing the lifting of sanctions to facilitate the reopening of the strait. These nations also committed to a defensive mine-clearance mission using advanced underwater drones. Despite the agreement, Israel signaled readiness for further strikes on critical Iranian sites pending US approval, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that continued aggression would make the aggressor regret his actions.