US captures Iranian ship Touska amid mediation efforts: All we know

Pakistan is prepared to host a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, aimed at extending the current ceasefire and securing a longer-term peace agreement. The proposed multi-day negotiations seek to establish a memorandum of understanding that would prolong the ceasefire, potentially for up to 60 days. However, Iran has not yet confirmed its participation in the talks, creating uncertainty due to escalating tensions. US President Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire after Iranian gunboats fired on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to bomb Iranian energy facilities if a deal is not reached. The current ceasefire deadline is approaching on Wednesday.

Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz again to commercial vessels, threatening to target any ship that approaches. This action follows reports of attacks on vessels in or near the strait, with the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) citing a continuing US blockade as the reason. The IRGC Navy has warned vessels to remain at anchorage and stated that approaching the Strait will be considered cooperation with the enemy. This closure comes a day after Iran announced the strait had been temporarily reopened. The US President has stated that the US will not be blackmailed by Iran's threats regarding the waterway, which has been effectively blocked for nearly two months. A US naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue until a peace deal is agreed.

Iran warned it may close the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues a blockade, stating passage would require Iranian authorization. This announcement comes amidst accusations from Iran that Donald Trump is spreading falsehoods. Despite the warning, Iran maintains the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessels. Separately, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar concluded a Middle East trip that included visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. The purpose of their trip was to hold bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation across key areas. Oil prices have reportedly fallen in relation to these events.

On day 50 of the US-Iran conflict (April 18, 2026), tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz. Despite conflicting messages, the US insists on maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports until a complete agreement is reached. Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels under certain conditions, threatening to close it if the US blockade continues. Iran denies agreeing to transfer its enriched uranium stockpile and is drafting a law to charge ships for security while requiring prior coordination for passage through the Strait. France and Britain plan a multinational mission to safeguard navigation in the Strait, while Lebanon seeks lasting peace deals after a ceasefire.

Pakistan's Army Chief of Defense Forces, General Asim Munir, has become a key figure with close ties to both US President Donald Trump and Iran's security establishment. Munir recently visited Iran, becoming the first foreign military leader to do so since the latest escalation between the two countries. He has served as an informal back channel between Washington and Tehran, facilitating negotiations on issues such as the conflict in Yemen and Iran's nuclear program. Munir's ties to Trump are notable, with the president publicly thanking him in a Truth Social post. The Pakistani military chief's close relationship with both Trump and Iranian officials has raised questions about how he managed to establish these connections. Munir's rise to prominence has been remarkable, with few foreign figures appearing to have closer ties to both the US and Iran's military hierarchy.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded separate diplomatic trips to Turkiye and Iran, respectively, aimed at fostering further US-Iran talks. Munir's visit to Tehran involved meetings with Iranian leaders to promote a negotiated settlement between the US and Iran. Sharif's trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye sought to advance the peace process, concluding at a diplomacy forum in Antalya. These efforts follow recent US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, which ended without an agreement before the ceasefire expires on April 22. Pakistan is demonstrating its commitment to facilitating a resolution and regional stability through these diplomatic endeavors.

Following a brief reopening, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has reasserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to target any vessel attempting passage until the US lifts its naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports. This action reverses a previous decision to open the strait as part of a ceasefire agreement. The IRGC claims the US blockade violates the ceasefire. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized the US blockade as a "clumsy and ignorant decision," emphasizing Iran's control over the Strait. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

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.

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has taken effect, pausing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The agreement, announced by Donald Trump, follows a devastating conflict that resulted in over 2,100 Lebanese deaths and displaced over 2.1 million people. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the truce and expressed hope it would lead to negotiations. While Trump invited both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for talks at the White House, Netanyahu stated Israeli troops would remain in an expanded security zone in southern Lebanon. The key question remains how long the ceasefire will hold, as both sides maintain their right to defend themselves if it is broken.

Following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz has reopened to commercial vessels after being blocked, causing a spike in global fuel prices. Both Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and U.S. President Trump have confirmed the reopening. Trump stated the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports would remain in effect until a deal with Iran is reached, including on its nuclear program. France and the UK hosted a meeting with about 40 countries to discuss restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Israeli war on Iran ends. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which approximately 20 percent of the world's crude oil flows.

On day 49 of the US-Iran conflict, a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has begun, leading to celebrations in Lebanon and potential talks for a longer-term deal. US President Trump claims an agreement to end the war with Iran is near, while Iran welcomes the truce as part of broader efforts to pause the regional conflict. Despite progress in US-Iran talks, key differences remain, and both sides are preparing for either a deal or a return to war. Trump has invited the Israeli and Lebanese leaders to the White House. An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed seven people hours before the ceasefire. While Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu sees the truce as an opportunity for peace, the disarmament of Hezbollah remains a condition, and analysts say Israel lacks the capacity to fully occupy Lebanon.

A ceasefire has been established between Israel and Lebanon, initiated by Israel as a "gesture of goodwill" to enable negotiations for a lasting peace agreement. Leaders from both Israel and Lebanon have welcomed the truce, hoping it will allow displaced people to return home. Hezbollah has signaled conditional willingness to participate, demanding a complete halt to attacks and restricted Israeli troop movement. The ceasefire follows escalating tensions, including Israeli strikes on Lebanon in response to Hezbollah attacks, which were triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. While Iran welcomes the ceasefire and expressed solidarity with Lebanon, there were initially conflicting messages regarding Lebanon's inclusion in the Iran-US ceasefire. Since March 2nd, over 2,100 people have been killed and 7,000 wounded in Israel's attacks on Lebanon.

France and Britain announced they will lead a multinational maritime mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The defensive force will only be deployed once a lasting peace agreement is reached in the region. The announcement was made during international talks in Paris, co-chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, focused on trade through the crucial shipping route. Forty-nine countries from Europe and Asia participated in the conference, though the United States and Iran did not attend. The initiative follows an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after the start of the war with the US and Israel, which caused global economic concerns. Iran's Foreign Minister later stated the Strait of Hormuz was open to commercial vessels as long as the ceasefire holds.

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.

In a phone call on April 16, 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Iran to guarantee freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions. The call with Iranian envoy Abbas Araghchi comes as a US naval blockade intensifies energy disruptions and uncertainty in the critical waterway, which Iran has effectively closed in response to US-Israeli strikes. Wang emphasized the need to respect Iran's rights while ensuring international navigation through the strait. Araghchi expressed Iran's desire for China to play an active role in promoting peace and resolving the conflict through peaceful negotiations. The call follows unsuccessful talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the conflict, with disagreements remaining over Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.

According to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, set to begin Thursday at 5 PM EST. The announcement follows communication between Trump and the leaders of both countries, Benjamin Netanyahu and Joseph Aoun. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the truce, stating it was a primary goal of recent meetings between Lebanese and Israeli officials in the U.S. Lebanon was drawn into the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The conflict has resulted in over 2,196 deaths in Lebanon, thousands of injuries, and the displacement of over one million people. Trump intends to invite both leaders to direct talks to resolve their differences.

Over 10,000 US troops are currently enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports as of April 2026. The US military has issued warnings to Iran-linked ships, stating that force, including warning shots and potential boarding, could be used if they attempt to breach the blockade. In the first three days of the operation, 14 ships turned around to avoid confrontation. Vessels approaching the blockade, which is enforced in Iranian territorial seas and international waters, receive warnings via radio broadcast. The US Central Command has stated its readiness to use necessary force to ensure compliance with the blockade.

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.

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.

The US military announced it killed three people in the Eastern Pacific, accusing them of "narco-trafficking." This is the latest in a series of strikes carried out since September, when President Trump ordered the military to target vessels allegedly used by Latin American cartels to transport drugs. US Southern Command stated the targeted vessel was operated by "Designated Terrorist Organizations" along known drug routes. This attack follows two other recent strikes in the same region that killed six people. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and the ACLU, have criticized these strikes as potentially unlawful extrajudicial killings, questioning the legality and alleging some targeted civilian fishing boats. Since September, US attacks on vessels accused of narco-trafficking have resulted in at least 178 deaths.

The US military conducted its fifth lethal strike in a week on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, reportedly killing three people. US Southern Command stated the vessel was operated by "Designated Terrorist Organizations," but did not name the group. These strikes, part of the Trump administration's efforts against "narco-terrorists," have resulted in at least 177 deaths according to AFP. The legality of these operations is under debate, with legal experts and rights groups suggesting they may constitute extrajudicial killings of civilians. A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of families of victims, and concerns have been raised by Democratic representatives regarding the lack of transparency and potential targeting of innocent individuals.

Hopes for renewed talks between the U.S. and Iran rose on Wednesday amid a seven-week war that has disrupted global markets. The U.S. military stated its blockade of Iranian ports was in effect, while Iran threatened retaliation. U.S. President Trump indicated a second round of negotiations could occur soon in Islamabad, a sentiment echoed by the U.N. Secretary-General. Simultaneously, the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the U.S. held their first direct talks in decades, described as productive by the U.S. State Department, focusing on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, which has displaced over one million people since March. Oil prices fell and U.S. stocks surged on the prospect of de-escalation.

President Trump hinted that talks to resolve the Iran conflict could resume this week after previous negotiations stalled, leading to a US port blockade. Trump suggested renewed engagement might occur in Islamabad. The US military confirmed the blockade's enforcement, raising concerns about the viability of an upcoming ceasefire. UN Secretary General Guterres expressed optimism about the potential for resumed talks. Reports indicate that negotiating teams from Washington and Tehran may return to Pakistan this week, though no specific date has been set. News of potential diplomatic progress helped stabilize oil markets.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss geopolitical issues, including the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. Xi Jinping called for stronger strategic coordination between China and Russia, emphasizing the importance of their relationship amidst international instability. He urged both countries to protect their interests and support Global South unity. Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also discussed the Middle East conflict and the Ukraine war on Tuesday. Lavrov offered that Moscow could compensate for China's energy shortages due to the Strait of Hormuz shutdown.

The U.S. Navy has implemented a sea blockade against Iran, halting economic trade in and out of the country by sea, beginning Monday, according to U.S. Central Command. The blockade, enforced in the Gulf of Oman beyond the Strait of Hormuz, applies to all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, regardless of nationality. U.S. forces are intercepting vessels after they leave Iranian facilities and clear the Strait of Hormuz, forcing them to turn around. Shipping data indicates that Iran-linked or sanctioned vessels have altered course, stopping or turning around after leaving the Gulf. The U.S. military is using various methods beyond standard tracking beacons to identify ships originating from Iranian ports.

Under the Trump administration's blockade of Iranian ports, a U.S. destroyer interdicted two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran on Tuesday. The tankers had departed from Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman before being contacted by the U.S. warship. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that six vessels complied with orders to return to an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. military is enforcing the blockade against all nations' vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. According to CENTCOM, the blockade aims to halt Iran's maritime trade, which supports a significant portion of the country's economy.

Iranian authorities warned that the ongoing US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz threatens to end the current ceasefire, which was implemented to allow for diplomatic negotiations. Major General Ali Abdollahi stated that Iran would halt all trade in the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Red Sea if the US continues blocking Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers. This statement follows the US military's announcement that the blockade has completely stopped Iran's maritime trade. While US President Trump suggested the war is nearing its end and hinted at further talks, reports indicate additional US troops have been deployed to the Middle East. A Pakistani delegation arrived in Iran to help facilitate further negotiations between the US and Iran, aiming to fully end the war and address Iran's concerns.

A Chinese tanker, the Rich Starry, retreated twice in 48 hours from the Strait of Hormuz, where a US naval blockade is in effect. The vessel, which is sanctioned by the US and flies the flag of Malawi, initially approached the strait on Monday after departing from the UAE, but turned back shortly before entering. On Tuesday, it entered the Gulf of Oman before making a U-turn and anchoring near Iran's Larak Island by Wednesday evening. The Rich Starry is reportedly carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol acquired in the UAE. Analysts suggest that the incident reflects the risks commercial vessels face due to the blockade, with no ships receiving preferential treatment.

The US-Iran war, initiated by US strikes in late February, has significantly impacted China-US relations. A planned March meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi was postponed and rescheduled for May, but the conflict threatens to overshadow trade discussions. Initially, analysts predicted short-term benefits for China, including higher oil prices hurting the US more and distracting Washington from Asia-Pacific security concerns. However, China now faces potential long-term risks, primarily concerning energy security. Rising pump prices and potential shortages threaten Beijing's long-term planning, undermining China's energy security. The US has accused China of being an unreliable partner for stockpiling oil, while China accuses the US of dangerous behavior and threatens retaliation against tariffs.

US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have accused China of "hoarding" oil and limiting exports during the US-Israeli war on Iran, alleging this undermines global energy security. China denies these claims, attributing global energy market turmoil to the Middle East conflict and advocating for a ceasefire. A Chinese embassy spokesperson stated that securing energy supplies is a rational response to current circumstances. Some analysts suggest the US accusations are an attempt to divert attention from its own blockade of Iranian ports, which has halted Iran's maritime trade. The US Central Command has confirmed its maritime dominance in the Middle East and the blockade's impact on Iran's economy.

China has criticized the United States' potential blockade of Iranian ports, deeming it "irresponsible and dangerous." This statement follows US accusations of "economic terrorism" against Iran for disrupting traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman urged all parties to adhere to ceasefire arrangements, prioritize dialogue, and restore normal traffic in the strait. The spokesman also refuted reports that China was preparing to deliver air defense systems to Iran, dismissing them as fabrications. He further stated that China would take countermeasures if the US imposed tariffs based on these accusations. The US had threatened tariffs on Chinese goods if military assistance was provided to Iran.

China has criticized the United States' blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as "dangerous and irresponsible." Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated in Beijing on Tuesday that the US action risks escalating tensions, undermining the existing ceasefire, and jeopardizing navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz. China urged all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and prioritize dialogue to de-escalate the regional situation. They also called for the restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement highlights China's concern over the potential destabilizing effects of the US blockade on regional stability and maritime security.

Lebanon and Israel will hold their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., mediated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks follow a month of war between Israel and Hezbollah that has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Lebanon and displaced over one million people. The Lebanese government hopes the talks will lead to an end to the war, while Israel seeks long-term security on its northern border. Hezbollah and some critics are skeptical of Lebanon's leverage in the talks, suggesting it should align with Iran. The meetings aim to support Lebanon in gaining control of its territory and political future from Hezbollah.

China has criticized the U.S. military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, initiated on Monday after peace talks with Iran failed. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the blockade a "dangerous and irresponsible move" that will escalate tensions and undermine the ceasefire. China urges all parties to honor the ceasefire agreement and de-escalate the situation to allow normal traffic through the Strait to resume. The U.S. Central Command announced the blockade, warning that unauthorized vessels will be intercepted. Iran has condemned the blockade as "piracy" and threatened to respond with force, potentially ending the ceasefire. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil and gas transport.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Beijing on April 14, 2026, amid rising tensions due to a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade, aimed at pressuring Iran, is disrupting China's oil imports, as a third of its supply passes through the strait. Both Russia and China have criticized the US-Israel war on Iran and the US blockade, with China emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Strait's security for international trade. Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart, stressing the need to prevent further conflict and offering Russia's assistance in reaching a settlement. The US hopes that economic pressure on China will lead them to pressure Iran to return to negotiations.

On April 14, 2026, the United States implemented a naval blockade of Iran to pressure the country into accepting terms to end their ongoing war. Iran's armed forces have condemned the blockade as an illegal act. The blockade threatens Iran's oil revenue, as approximately 80% of its exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran had been controlling access to the Strait, allowing only select countries to pass, it continued to export its own energy products. In March and early April, Iran's oil exports actually increased, reaching 1.84 million barrels per day in March. The price of Iranian oil has remained above $90 per barrel in the past month.

The US was expected to begin a naval blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, impacting ships entering or leaving Iranian coastal areas in the Gulf. This action follows a six-week conflict between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran, initiated by a US-Israeli attack on February 28th. While US Central Command made no formal announcement, the blockade was scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM Iranian time. President Trump claimed 34 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, and that Iran was seeking a deal, claims that lack evidence. Iran warned of retaliatory measures and potential consequences for Americans, while Trump threatened to eliminate any Iranian attack boats approaching US vessels. The blockade's enforcement east of the Strait of Hormuz remains unclear, raising concerns about potential environmental disasters or vessel seizures.

The U.S. military announced it will begin a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas starting Monday, following unsuccessful ceasefire talks with Iran in Pakistan. U.S. Central Command stated the blockade will be enforced against all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, but ships traveling between non-Iranian ports will still be allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement halted the limited ship traffic that had resumed in the strait since the ceasefire. The blockade is intended to pressure Iran, which has continued to export oil despite sanctions. President Trump also criticized Pope Leo XIV after the Pope denounced the war and called for peace negotiations.

Following the collapse of talks in Pakistan, the US military announced a blockade of Iranian ports starting Monday. Iran's military responded by condemning the blockade as illegal and an act of piracy, warning that the security of all Gulf ports would be jeopardized if Iran's ports were threatened. The US is also reportedly blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade route, demanding its full reopening. Iran has heavily restricted traffic through the Strait since the start of the war, only allowing vessels serving friendly countries. The Iranian military stated that restrictions on maritime navigation in international waters are illegal.

In April 2026, analysts warned that a planned US naval blockade of Iran, announced by President Trump, would worsen the global energy crisis. While Central Command stated the blockade would only affect ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, experts believe it could still cripple international shipping. The blockade, intended to prevent Iran from profiting from "illegal extortion," could drive oil prices above $150 a barrel if it provokes retaliation, such as the Houthis shutting down the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This action marks a policy reversal, as the US had recently waived some Iranian oil export sanctions to ease the energy crunch. Since the start of the US-Israeli war in February, Iran has already restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, causing thousands of vessels to become stranded.

Following the collapse of ceasefire talks, US President Trump announced a naval blockade of Iran, causing oil prices to surge. Brent crude rose over 8% to above $103 a barrel, surpassing the $100 threshold for the first time since Tuesday. US Central Command clarified the blockade, set to begin Monday, will only target vessels traveling to and from Iran. This action follows previous US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which led to a de facto Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. Despite a fragile truce in place until April 22, vessel traffic through the Strait has drastically decreased.

Oil prices surged on Sunday after the U.S. announced it would begin blockading Iranian ports on Monday. U.S. crude rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel, and Brent crude increased 7% to $102.29. The blockade, enforced by U.S. Central Command, aims to restrict access to all Iranian ports on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman but will allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships traveling between non-Iranian ports. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global oil shipping, with approximately a fifth of the world's traded oil passing through it daily. Analysts suggest the blockade could further tighten oil markets and potentially influence ongoing negotiations with Iran, though concerns exist about the potential for increased economic strain worldwide.

The article discusses the possibility of a US blockade of Iran, focusing on its feasibility and potential advantages over other military actions. According to retired US Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, a blockade of vessels entering and exiting the Gulf is achievable and less risky than directly confronting Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. A blockade would allow US warships to operate safely offshore, tracking and intercepting vessels. The US Navy possesses the necessary assets, including special forces, helicopters, and fast boats, to conduct such an operation, as demonstrated by previous blockades of Venezuela and Cuba, and the seizure of the Russian oil tanker Marinera. The article highlights that while the US has the capability, the ultimate goal and effectiveness of a blockade remain open questions.

The US Central Command announced a partial blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, set to begin Monday at 10 am US Eastern Time. While the US will not impede vessels traveling to and from non-Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz, this action marks a step back from President Trump's earlier claim of a full blockade. Analysts suggest the blockade could give the US a strategic advantage over Iran. However, they also caution that increased pressure on Iran could jeopardize the existing ceasefire and potentially worsen the global energy crisis. The blockade targets ships entering or departing Iranian ports.