Israel defense chief warns strikes on Iran could resume soon, signals campaign not over

China is publicly urging an end to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that experts suggest highlights the strain on its relationship with Iran. President Xi Jinping called for an "immediate and comprehensive ceasefire" and stressed the waterway must "remain open to normal passage" during a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince. Earlier, Chinese ambassador Fu Cong explicitly stated that China does not support Iran's actions against Gulf states or the blockade. These statements, while carefully worded, indicate China's desire for stability in the region and its discomfort with Iran's actions, despite their broader ties. The calls demonstrate the challenges Beijing faces in balancing its interests amidst the ongoing conflict.

Iran's UN envoy stated that guarantees against attacks and full respect for Iran's rights are necessary for stability in the Persian Gulf. This comes as the White House is reviewing a proposal from Iran, delivered via Pakistan, aimed at unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal outlines Iran's "red lines" on nuclear issues and the vital waterway, through which a significant portion of global oil and LNG supplies normally pass. The news follows a two-month internet blackout in Iran, which has now entered its 60th day. US President Donald Trump met with security advisors to discuss Iran's written messages.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Thursday that Israel may soon resume military strikes against Iran, indicating the campaign against Tehran is not over. Katz stated that Iran has suffered significant setbacks, being pushed "years backward," but suggested further action might be necessary to achieve long-term strategic goals. This aligns with President Trump's stance on maintaining pressure on Iran until its nuclear program and security concerns are addressed. The warning comes as Israel announced a substantial military resupply surge, with thousands of tons of equipment arriving. Israel views the confrontation as ongoing, despite current ceasefires.

In April 2026, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the US would maintain its military blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely, following failed US-Iran talks in Pakistan. Hegseth stated the US is prepared to resume attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure if necessary, while also expressing a preference for resolving the conflict, which began in late February, through diplomacy. Despite a tenuous pause in fighting, the US claims to be closely monitoring Iranian military movements and ready to respond. A Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran to facilitate further negotiations, but an Iranian military official warned that the US blockade could jeopardize the ceasefire. The US maintains it is "locked and loaded" but hopes Iran will choose a path of diplomacy.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Thursday that the US is prepared to destroy Iran's energy grid if they don't accept a nuclear deal. Speaking from the Pentagon, Hegseth announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports is underway, enforced by over 10,000 US personnel. General Dan Caine confirmed the blockade, stating that ships attempting to breach it are warned to turn around or face boarding. Hegseth asserted the US prefers a negotiated agreement, but is ready to act forcefully to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also criticized the press, comparing them to Pharisees who sought to destroy Jesus.

Amidst a ceasefire in April 2026, the US is maintaining economic pressure on Iran, including a naval blockade, to expedite negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi announced the Strait of Hormuz was open to commercial vessels following a coordinated route, a move acknowledged by US President Trump. However, the US blockade will remain until a complete agreement is reached. US Secretary of Defence Hegseth threatened attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure if diplomacy fails. Chinese analysts suggest this intensified economic pressure from the US could prolong the conflict, despite the US intention to force Iran to negotiate.

Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Pakistan's army chief is visiting Tehran to facilitate renewed negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. This follows a previous round of direct talks hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad, aimed at bridging the divide between the two nations. The U.S. continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports and plans to increase economic sanctions, while mediators seek a new round of talks before the ceasefire expires next week. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, though details remain unclear. The conflict has disrupted shipping, damaged infrastructure, and impacted the global economy, though oil prices have recently fallen, and U.S. stocks have risen.

The United States and Iran announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial vessels after a nearly seven-week blockade. The announcement follows a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Strait will remain open for the duration of the 10-day truce. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway, had been blocked due to conflict initiated by the US and Israel in late February, causing disruptions to global shipping and rising energy prices. President Trump confirmed the opening on social media, while Araghchi posted a similar message.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced that the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for all commercial vessels during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. The announcement, made on Friday via social media, assures continued passage through the strait, following a coordinated route already established by Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation. This declaration aligns with a 10-day ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday. The Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial traffic for the duration of the ceasefire. US President Donald Trump confirmed the strait's openness in a social media post.

Oil prices plummeted after Iran initially announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during a ceasefire in Lebanon, prompting optimism from President Trump about a potential deal. Brent crude fell over 9% to below $91 a barrel. However, Iran later reversed its decision, stating it would continue blocking transit through the Strait as long as the US maintained its blockade of Iranian ports. The US blockade will remain until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear program. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil supply, and its closure could significantly impact prices. Pakistani officials are reportedly attempting to facilitate further talks between the US and Iran before the ceasefire deadline.

Shipping companies are seeking clarification regarding the safety and conditions for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran's announcement that it is open to all commercial vessels. The announcement, made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, prompted market reactions, but shipping firms require assurances about potential risks like mines and details on Iranian regulations. While all commercial ships, including those from the United States, are permitted, they must coordinate with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and adhere to designated safe lanes. The International Maritime Organization is verifying the announcement's compliance with freedom of navigation. The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association emphasized the need for clarity on several factors before its members resume transit through the strait.

As the US and Iran prepare for a second round of talks aimed at ending their war in April 2026, Iran is demanding the release of its frozen assets, estimated to be over $100 billion. These assets, primarily revenues from oil sales, have been frozen in foreign banks due to sanctions imposed by the US and other nations since 1979, initially over the hostage crisis and later due to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Iran's parliament speaker stated that the release of these assets is a prerequisite for negotiations. While some reports suggested the US agreed to unfreeze some assets during initial ceasefire talks in Pakistan, the US government denied these claims. The frozen funds are crucial for Iran to rebuild its struggling economy.