Trump said there are no negotiations or talks with Iran ongoing or scheduled; the naval blockade remains fully effective; the Strait of Hormuz is open and operating normally; all sea mines have been removed or detonated.

A large wildfire in eastern Belgium entered its fourth day on the 17th. Emergency services say the blaze has stopped spreading toward the German border but remains uncontrolled, and changing weather could trigger renewed fire activity.

The EU has submitted a proposal to member states to add Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to its sanctions list, EU foreign and security policy chief spokesperson Anita Hipper said at a Brussels press briefing on the 18th. Hipper said the EU would not comment on individual statements but reiterated calls for Israel to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and to ensure civilian protection. Foreign media reported Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, said on a podcast he favored “targeted eliminations” in Gaza of 30–40 people per night, beyond those posing direct threats, and that some “do not deserve to live.”