15-20 vessels use new Iran‑approved Hormuz corridor
Iran reports 15‑20 ships, mainly Chinese, Pakistani, Russian and Iranian, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz via a new toll‑based corridor.
Trump warns IRGC boats will be eliminated near US blockade
President Trump said any IRGC fast‑attack boat approaching the U.S. naval blockade will be destroyed.
China warns it will not intercept Iranian energy ships
China's defence ministry reasserted its energy pact with Iran, saying Chinese vessels will not be stopped.
Iran FM warns against 'war of choice' harming global economy
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei questioned the wisdom of an illegal 'war of choice' and a retaliatory 'revenge of choice' against the global economy, suggesting such actions would be self‑defeating.
Russia transfers Mi-28 attack helicopters to Iran
Newly delivered Russian Mi-28 attack helicopters are active over Tehran, refuting U.S. claims they were destroyed.
US naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz underway
Trump says a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz may damage the American economy more than Iran.
Starmer warns Iran's Strait behavior harms economy
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will not participate in any military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that British forces and assets will not be put at risk and that the UK is working with other nations to keep the waterway open.
Iran builds oil export stockpile to China amid US blockade
Iran has increased oil shipments to China, creating a stockpile of over 160 million barrels that could last until July, allowing it to endure the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
China urges opposition to actions undermining US-Iran ceasefire
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the US‑Iran ceasefire is "very fragile" and called on the international community to unequivocally oppose any steps that could undermine the ceasefire or escalate the confrontation.
US positions 15 warships to enforce Iran export blockade
The United States has deployed 15 warships to enforce a naval blockade covering Iran’s entire coastline.
Iran ambassador pledges aid to Indian shipping in Hormuz
Iran's ambassador to India held a press conference in New Delhi, reiterating Tehran's commitment to help Indian vessels navigate the Strait of Hormuz.
UK PM Starmer warns against escalation in Strait of Hormuz
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK hopes the situation in the Strait of Hormuz does not escalate, condemning Iran's exploitation of the waterway and emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation.
Oil prices exceed $100/barrel after US blockade announcement
Oil prices on the global market exceeded $100 per barrel on Monday morning following US statements about the start of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and shipping from Iran, according to trading data. Quotes have already reached over $102.
Gulf States Mediate After US-Iran Talks Fail
Persian Gulf monarchies are attempting to establish dialogue between the US and Iran following the failure of negotiations, with a 'race for influence over Trump' reportedly underway. Gulf states are also consulting with Washington about extending the fragile two-week ceasefire. The Trump administration has indicated it does not intend to make concessions, with Vice President Vance stating Washington has delivered its 'best final offer' to Tehran and does not intend to revise it.
US-Iran second round of talks within days
The Wall Street Journal reports that a second round of US-Iran talks could be held within days, with discussions also focused on extending the current two-week ceasefire agreement.
Trump announces Strait of Hormuz blockade starting today
Trump announced on Truth Social that the US Navy will implement a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz starting today at 17:00 Moscow time, covering all traffic to and from Iranian ports. The Pentagon also announced an operation to clear mines allegedly laid by Iran. The IRGC warned that the approach of US warships would be regarded as a violation of the truce with a 'decisive response.' Oil prices surged as a result, with Brent crude jumping 7.5% to above $102 per barrel and WTI up 8%.
US Discussing Limited Military Strikes on Iran
The Wall Street Journal reports that US President Trump and his advisers are discussing launching limited, renewed military strikes on Iran, alongside the ongoing US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, in an attempt to break the stalemate in peace talks. The option of resuming comprehensive bombing of Iran is currently ruled out to avoid destabilizing the region.
Iran Parliament Speaker warns US of gasoline price hikes
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf addressed Americans in response to Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade threats, warning that gasoline prices of 4-5 dollars per gallon could soon become unattainable. He shared an image of fuel prices near the White House and presented a formula projecting oil price increases if the strait is disrupted.
Iran says Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian control
Iran's Defense Ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei responded to US President Donald Trump's threat of a blockade, stating the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iran and the region's control forever. Talaei claimed Iran is stronger and more resilient today, and that its enemies failed to overthrow the regime or divide the country.
Iran Army Navy Commander mocks US blockade threats
Iranian Army Navy Commander Admiral Shahram Irani called US President Trump's threats of a naval blockade 'very ridiculous and laughable,' referencing what he termed as the 'humiliating defeat' of the US army in the third imposed war. He stated the Iranian Army Navy is monitoring enemy movements in the region.
Iran Parliament Speaker: US failed to gain trust
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf commented on the talks with the US saying 'The United States failed to gain Iran's trust in response to our initiatives.'
Trump says doesn't care if Iran returns to negotiations
President Trump stated "I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine" regarding negotiations with Iran, signaling indifference to whether Tehran agrees to talks.
Experts warn Iran blockade major military endeavor
Experts say a US naval blockade of Iran represents a major, open-ended military endeavor that could trigger fresh retaliation from Tehran.
Trump: Iran ceasefire holding, military destroyed
President Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is 'holding well' and claims Iran's military has been destroyed. This appears to be a new development indicating some form of ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.
Trump: rescued US airmen in very good shape
President Trump commented on two U.S. airmen rescued from Iran, stating they are in very good shape and that he is proud of them. This appears to be the first report of U.S. service personnel being recovered from Iranian custody.
Araghchi: US maximalism derailed Islamabad MoU
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi says Iran and the US failed to sign an agreement in Islamabad due to American actions, despite being very close to signing a memorandum. Tehran encountered 'maximalism and constant changing of conditions' from Washington, he stated.
Israel US Iran preparing for war resumption
Israeli military analysts report IDF intelligence, operational planning, logistics, Air Force, and air defense are preparing for immediate resumed war with Iran after negotiation failure. The US is continuing military buildup with the George H.W. Bush carrier strike group expected in the region in about 10 days. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Cooper is visiting Israel today. Iran is preparing missile launchers, strengthening air defense, and restoring command chains. The decision rests with Trump on whether to return to negotiations or authorize attacks.
Iran ships crude to India via Felicity tanker after 7 years
A sanctioned Iranian tanker company has shipped crude oil to India via the supertanker 'FELICITY' for the first time in seven years, according to TankersTrackers. This represents a significant development in Iran-India energy trade despite ongoing US sanctions and the newly announced US maritime blockade of Iran set to begin April 13.
Araghchi says US actions prevented Islamabad MoU signing
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran in Pakistan was not signed due to American actions, claiming they were 'just a few inches away' from the Islamabad MoU before facing 'maximalism, a shift in conditions, and a blockade.' Araghchi said 'no lessons have been learned.'
WSJ: US claims destroying Iranian fleet false
The Wall Street Journal analyzes that US claims of destroying the Iranian fleet are misleading, as Tehran still controls the Strait of Hormuz. While the regular Iranian navy lost 4 major ships by March 5 (including a Jamaran-class frigate), the real threat is the IRGC's asymmetric capabilities - over 60% of their high-speed attack boats remain combat-ready. These small vessels armed with missiles and mines are difficult to detect from satellites and operate from underground shelters along the coast, making them the actual determinant of control over the 20-mile-wide strait.
US naval blockade of Iran begins April 13 at 10am ET
CENTCOM announces the US will blockade all exports from Iranian ports starting Monday, April 13th at 10:00am ET. The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.
Iran FM Araghchi details Islamabad MoU talks breakdown
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran engaged in good faith at the highest level talks with the US in 47 years to end the war, but when just inches away from the Islamabad MoU agreement, they encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and the blockade. Araghchi stated 'zero lessons were earned.' This follows the US announcement of a maritime blockade on Iran.
Trump plans limited strikes on Iran after negotiations
Trump and his advisers are considering renewed limited military strikes on Iran in addition to the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, to break the deadlock in negotiations, according to WSJ citing 2 officials and sources familiar with the matter.
Iran attacks US ship in Strait of Hormuz
Reports indicate Iranian forces attacked an American ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This would represent a significant military escalation in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, occurring amid the US maritime blockade of Iranian ports that began April 13.
Analysis claims 6 weeks of US-Israel strikes on Iran
Analysis claims after 6 weeks of continuous combined Israeli and American strikes on Iran conducting tens of thousands of sorties, significant damage has been done to Iranian military, particularly air defence capabilities. Note: This is an opinion/analysis piece from a single Twitter source making extraordinary claims that would represent major escalation; claims remain unverified.
Trump considering continuing limited strikes on Iran - WSJ
President Trump is considering new options for action against Iran including limited military strikes, per WSJ. A full-scale bombing campaign is being considered but is deemed unlikely as it could destabilize the region and lead to a protracted conflict. The US may also attempt to impose a temporary blockade of the Strait of Hormuz while simultaneously pushing allies to take on more responsibility.
US confirms naval assets in CENTCOM for Iran blockade
Open-source intelligence confirms US naval assets deployed in CENTCOM for the Iran blockade operation: USS Abraham Lincoln (Nimitz-class carrier), 10 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (USS Spruance, Frank E. Peterson Jr, Michael Murphy, McFaul, Milius, Delbert D. Black, Pickney, Mitscher, John Finn), USS Tripoli (America-class amphibious assault ship), and USS New Orleans (San Antonio-class transport dock). Two additional unnamed destroyers and likely USS Rushmore are also present.
Trump announces total Iran maritime blockade
President Trump in a Fox News interview announced a total blockade of Iran, stating the US will not allow anything to go to or from Iran by sea and will prevent oil smuggling. Trump compared the measure to actions taken against Venezuela, but said it would be at a higher level, describing the approach as 'all or nothing'.
Iranians protest for 43rd consecutive night
For the 43rd night in a row, Iranians are taking to the streets across the country in ongoing protests. The message claims unprecedented national unity encompassing all segments of Iranian society, including both religious and secular groups.
Iran Parliament Speaker warns US on gas prices
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted a map of gas stations near the White House while warning Americans to 'enjoy' today's gas prices, suggesting the US Hormuz blockade will cause prices to rise above current levels.
Iran FM details Islamabad MoU talks breakdown
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says in intensive talks at the highest level in 47 years, Iran engaged with the US in good faith to end the war, but when just inches away from finalizing the 'Islamabad MoU,' they encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and the blockade. Araghchi stated 'zero lessons earned.'
US to begin maritime blockade of Iran April 13
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked US gasoline prices on social media, telling Americans to 'enjoy' current prices while they can, warning that with the US blockade of Iran, prices will rise to $4-5 per liter. He referenced the 'siege' narrative in his tweet to @SepehrAzadi.
Analysis: Blockade economic impact, pipeline alternatives, escalation risks
Analysis of the economic and military implications of a US naval blockade of Iran. Gulf countries face millions in lost export revenue. Alternative pipelines (East-West and Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline) have combined capacity of 9 million bpd, far below the 20 million bpd through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran would likely attack these pipelines, triggering intensified US military response and potential expansion to control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which would face attacks from Yemen's Ansarallah.
Iran releases photos of operational F-4 Phantom after strikes
Photos have emerged showing an Iranian F-4 Phantom at an undisclosed location, reportedly deployed for cruise missile and drone hunting operations. The images appear to contradict earlier reports that Iran's Air Force was completely destroyed. A soldier from Iran's 65th NOHED Special Forces is visible guarding the hangar.
Crude oil futures spike 7-8% amid Iran tensions
Crude oil futures have spiked over 7-8 percent, likely in response to the announced US maritime blockade of Iran set to begin April 13.
Iran accuses US of maximalism, shifting goalposts at talks
Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam provided a more optimistic view of the weekend peace talks in Islamabad, describing them as "not an event but a process," contrasting with US Vice President JD Vance and other Iranian officials' more negative assessments.