On April 17, 2026, the cruise ship Celestyal Discovery became the first passenger vessel to successfully transit the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of war between Iran and the US in February. The strategic waterway, which handles 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies, had been effectively closed due to the conflict and a US naval blockade . The strait is now open to commercial traffic for the duration of the current ceasefire. While several other ships have begun departing ports in Doha and Abu Dhabi, the situation remains tense. The two-week ceasefire is scheduled to expire on April 22, though President Trump has suggested a possible extension if progress toward a resolution continues.
Difficult Words
vessela large ship or boat
strategicvery important for a long-term plan
naval blockadewhen ships are used to stop other ships from entering or leaving a place