EU eyes options as Iran conflict threatens jet fuel shortages

Donald Trump stated that the US is likely to resume bombing Iran as the 14-day ceasefire deadline approaches without a deal. He accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and indicated a readiness for military action, while also suggesting that negotiations are still possible with talks planned in Islamabad. Trump defended past military actions, claiming the obliteration of Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran insists it will not negotiate under threats and will respond decisively to renewed hostilities. The situation has created instability in global energy markets, with warnings of a potential crisis.

Amidst rising tensions and an expiring ceasefire, US-Iran talks aimed at ending their ongoing war face uncertainty. Scheduled to be held in Islamabad, the talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance, are jeopardized by Iran's refusal to confirm participation. The two-week ceasefire, set to expire on April 22nd, 2026, is threatened by recent escalations, including a US naval blockade and the seizure of an Iranian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has condemned the seizure as "piracy" and threatened retaliation, while the US has warned of further military action if a deal is not reached. The article outlines four potential scenarios for the coming days, as both sides exchange threats and the future of negotiations remains unclear.

With a ceasefire deadline looming, intense efforts are underway to bring the US and Iran together for talks in Pakistan. Donald Trump stated he's prepared to renew attacks if progress isn't made, while Iran insists it won't negotiate under threat and is preparing to respond. Disagreements exist over the ceasefire's exact expiration and the nature of negotiations. A previous round of talks in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway closed by Iran, exacerbating a global energy crisis. The US has increased pressure through port blockades and vessel seizures, escalating tensions further.

The United States and Iran both issued warnings on Monday that they were prepared for war amid uncertainty surrounding ceasefire talks. The US stated Vice-President J.D. Vance was ready to return to Islamabad, Pakistan, for a second round of negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, Iran has not confirmed its participation, accusing the US of violating the existing truce through its blockade of Iranian ports and seizure of a ship. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran will not negotiate under threats and has been preparing for renewed hostilities. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have also threatened to target vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission.

Pakistan is preparing to host a second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, even though Iran's participation is uncertain. The talks aim to de-escalate tensions following a recent attack on Iran by Israel and the U.S., which led to Iran seizing control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane. A fragile ceasefire is currently in place, set to expire on Wednesday, and its extension hinges on the resumption of negotiations. The U.S. delegation is expected to be led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran has not confirmed its representation amid internal debate following the U.S. Navy's seizure of an Iranian container ship. The U.S. seeks to end Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly impacted global oil prices.

The US and Iran's conflict is escalating after a recent incident involving a guided-missile destroyer firing on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the Touska. The USS Spruance opened fire on the vessel after its crew reportedly ignored repeated orders to halt. This marks the first known use of force against a vessel since the American naval blockade of Iran began last Friday. The incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman, a strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open sea via the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump confirmed the incident, stating that the crew's actions were disregarded. The ceasefire between the two nations is set to expire soon, raising concerns about the risks of conflict in the region.

On day 52 of the US-Israeli conflict, tensions are escalating as Iran threatens retaliation after US Marines seized an Iranian-flagged ship near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. This event jeopardizes planned US-Iran talks in Islamabad, scheduled for Monday, which aim to extend a ceasefire expiring on Wednesday. The US claims the ship was attempting to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iran accuses the US of violating the ceasefire and has reportedly turned back tankers in the Strait of Hormuz due to the blockade. Amidst these events, Pakistan is offering to mediate, and Iran executed two men for allegedly collaborating with Israeli intelligence.

On day 51 of the US-Iran conflict, tensions remain high despite ongoing talks mediated by other countries. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime trade corridor, and will keep it closed until the US lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any unauthorized passage through the strait will be considered an act of cooperation with the enemy. The current ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday unless extended. Disagreements persist over nuclear issues, with Iranian officials rejecting US claims and expressing frustration over the uncertainty of future talks. While Iran's airspace is set to reopen, in-person education remains suspended.

Negotiations between Iran and the US remain stalled over "fundamental issues," according to Iran's top negotiator. Tensions are high as Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz again after the US indicated it would not end its blockade. The closure is allegedly in effect until the US lifts its blockade. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Donald Trump's past efforts to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities, questioning the justification for depriving Iran of its nuclear rights. The ongoing impasse raises concerns about regional stability and global oil supply routes.

According to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ceases its blockade of Iranian ports. Khatibzadeh also announced that no date has been scheduled for further direct talks with the US. He criticized Washington's continued adherence to "maximalist" demands, which are hindering progress in negotiations. The statements were made on April 19, 2026, amidst ongoing tensions between Iran and the US. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, raises concerns about potential disruptions to international trade.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that Iran is not ready for face-to-face talks with the U.S., citing Washington's continued "maximalist" demands. Speaking at a diplomacy forum in Turkey, Khatibzadeh said Iran seeks a finalized "framework agreement" before any in-person meeting. He also rejected U.S. President Trump's claim that Iran would hand over its enriched uranium, calling it a "non-starter." Khatibzadeh accused the U.S. of maintaining excessive demands despite message exchanges between the two countries. The Iranian official's comments highlight the ongoing impasse in negotiations between Iran and the U.S. regarding nuclear issues.

Negotiations between Iran and the United States have made progress, but significant gaps remain, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran's parliament speaker Ghalibaf, a final agreement is still distant, raising concerns as the ceasefire deadline approaches on Wednesday. Iran's President Pezeshkian criticized former US President Trump's stance on Iran's nuclear rights. The IRGC reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, citing the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Ghalibaf condemned the blockade and warned that Iran is prepared for a potential resumption of hostilities by the US.

Iran has reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a previous reopening, due to the US maintaining its blockade on Iranian ports. This action followed reports of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) ships firing at tankers in the strait, including an Indian-flagged vessel. Iranian officials stated the strait will remain under strict control until the US ensures free navigation for Iranian vessels. The initial closure on March 4th was in response to US-Israeli airstrikes, with a brief reopening following a ceasefire agreement. The US has stated its blockade will remain until a permanent peace deal is reached with Iran, casting doubt on extending the temporary ceasefire.

Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to a continued US blockade of Iranian ports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the waterway, critical for global oil flow, is under strict control until the US ensures free navigation for Iranian vessels. Reports indicate Iranian gunboats fired on a merchant vessel attempting to cross the strait. The closure occurred shortly after the strait had been reopened following a US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The IRGC characterized the US blockade as "acts of piracy and maritime theft," demanding its end for the strait to return to normal operation. The situation casts doubt on the prospect of a peace deal to end the US-Israel war on Iran.

In April 2026, US President Trump claimed to have secured major concessions from Iran following a ceasefire. These claims included Iran agreeing to jointly dig up and transfer enriched uranium to the US, ceasing uranium enrichment, and permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, rejected Trump's statements as lies. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently announced the Strait of Hormuz was once again restricted due to continued US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The situation unfolds amid ongoing mediation efforts by Pakistan to facilitate further US-Iran talks.

In April 2026, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf refuted seven claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran. Ghalibaf warned that the Strait of Hormuz could be closed if the U.S. continues blockading Iranian ports. These statements occurred amidst ongoing peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. Trump, in an interview with AFP, stated that there were no remaining obstacles to a deal with Iran and expressed optimism about reaching agreements with Tehran. The context of these exchanges involves broader tensions, including Israeli attacks on Lebanon that have displaced tens of thousands of people.

As a ceasefire deadline with the US approaches on Wednesday, Iran is sending mixed signals regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initially announced the strait was under "strict control" due to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, calling it "piracy." This statement followed an earlier announcement that the waterway was fully open to commercial vessels, a move praised by US President Trump, who affirmed the US blockade would continue. Observers believe Iran's fluctuating stance is a strategic maneuver to gain leverage in broader negotiations with Washington as the ceasefire nears its end. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil transport.