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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, directing the FDA to issue research guidance on ibogaine, a Schedule I substance prohibited in the U.S. but used abroad for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, while committing $50 million to federal studies and expanding Right to Try access for desperately ill patients. The order does not reclassify ibogaine and emphasizes treatments in advanced clinical trials. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., confirmed as Health Secretary, was present at related events.

The United States and Iran have jointly stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping, following temporary ceasefires in conflicts involving Iran, the US, Israel, and a separate Israel-Lebanon truce. France and the UK hosted a meeting of nonbelligerent states in Paris and expressed readiness to lead a multinational mission to secure navigation once peace is achieved. The US maintains its blockade of Iranian ports pending a full peace deal.

U.S. naval forces intercepted and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman after its crew refused warnings to halt amid a U.S. naval blockade near the Strait of Oman. The USS Spruance disabled the vessel by blowing a hole in its engine room, allowing U.S. Marines to take custody for inspection. President Trump commented on the incident via Truth Social, while broader context including the blockade's targets and ship history remains disputed.