JUST IN: Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States would move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, ramping up pressure on Iran after marathon peace talks in Pakistan ended without a breakthrough.
The announcement has cast fresh uncertainty over an already fragile ceasefire. JD Vance and Iran’s lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf held talks over the weekend, but failed to secure an agreement on reopening the key shipping route or bringing the conflict to a close.
Reacting to the move, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any “miscalculated move” would drag adversaries into the “deadly whirlpools” of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Tehran on talks with US: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the United States “failed to win the trust” of Iran’s delegation during extended negotiations held in Pakistan
- US-Iranian delegations in Pakistan: As the Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the US side by Vice President JD Vance, talks between the countries continued in Pakistan on Sunday, April 12, as well.
- Iran denies US claim of Hormuz de-mining: Iran’s Fars news agency quoted a spokesperson for the armed forces headquarters as denying that two US Navy missile destroyers “transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps,” as previously stated by CENTCOM.
- US to release Iranian frozen assets?: News agency Reuters, quoting a senior Iranian source, reported that the US had agreed to release Iranian frozen assets that were held in Qatar and other foreign banks. A senior official in the White House has denied the claim.
- Trump says many tanker ships en route to US: n a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said that many tanker ships are en route to the United States to load up with the best and “sweetest” oil and gas anywhere in the World.
- Qatar says Iranian strikes have ‘not stopped’: Qatar said that attacks against any Gulf state constitute an attack on all of them, denying that Qatar pays Iran to stop attacks against its territory.
- Lebanese and Israeli diplomats have agreed to sit down for talks in Washington on Tuesday next week to discuss a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah fighting, according to the office of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, reported BBC. The statement said that the talks would “seek an announcement on a ceasefire and a date to begin direct negotiations”. But the direct talks may only happen if a ceasefire is in place first.
- US Vice President JD Vance before leaving for Iran had made it clear that the US is expecting a constructive dialogue but it will not accept any kind of deception. Pakistan has warned of wide gaps between the two sides’ positions amid tight security in Islamabad.
- Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the peace talks a “make-or-break moment” in a televised address on Friday. He urged all to pray for the success of the talks so that “countless lives are saved”. He assured that Pakistan’s leaders would do everything possible to make the talks successful. “It is all in God’s hands,” he said.
Iraq PM offers support to Lebanon after Israeli strikes
Joseph Aoun received a phone call from Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who conveyed condolences following recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, al-Sudani condemned the attacks and reaffirmed Iraq’s support for Lebanon and its people, backing the government’s efforts to uphold security and sovereignty.
He also said Iraq would provide urgent assistance to help ease the humanitarian impact, including fuel, food supplies and other relief materials.
IRGC: Civilian passage allowed in Hormuz, military entry to face action
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the Strait of Hormuz remains open for the “harmless passage” of civilian vessels in line with international law.
However, it warned that any military vessels entering the waterway would be considered in violation of the ceasefire and would face a “firm and severe” response.
Iran says miscalculation in Hormuz will trap US in ‘deadly whirlpools’
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that any “miscalculated move” would draw adversaries into the “deadly whirlpools” of the Strait of Hormuz, following Donald Trump’s order for a US naval blockade of the key shipping route.
The warning from the IRGC Navy command came soon after Trump announced on social media that the US Navy would begin blockading “any and all ships” attempting to enter or exit the strait, in the aftermath of failed peace talks in Pakistan.
He also cautioned that any Iranian forces targeting US vessels or other civilian ships would face severe retaliation, saying they would be met with overwhelming force.
UK and allies eye joint mine-clearing mission in Hormuz, says Trump
In an interview with Fox News, Donald Trump said the United Kingdom and several other nations are expected to deploy minesweeper vessels to the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday it has begun “setting conditions for clearing mines” in the area.
According to a report by The New York Times, US officials believe Iran may be unable to remove the mines it has deployed in the strait because it cannot accurately locate them.
Trump added that Britain and a few other countries are preparing to assist with mine-clearing operations.
Trump warns China of 50% tariffs if it supplies arms to Iran
Donald Trump has warned that the United States could impose a 50% tariff on China if it supplies weapons to Iran.
In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Trump reiterated his earlier stance on introducing fresh levies against countries that provide military support to Tehran. However, when asked about the possibility of China supplying MANPAD anti-aircraft systems, he said he considers it unlikely.
Despite the warning, Trump emphasised that he maintains a good relationship with Xi Jinping and spoke positively about ties between the two nations.
Trump is expected to visit China in May for talks with Xi in Beijing, a trip that had earlier been delayed following the US and Israel’s military action against Iran.
Top US senator raises concerns over Trump’s Hormuz move
Top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee Mark Warner raised questions over Donald Trump’s stated plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to CNN, Warner said he did not see how such a move would compel Iran to reopen the vital shipping route. “I don’t understand how blockading the strait is somehow going to push the Iranians into opening it,” he said, adding, “I don’t see the connection there.”
He also said US intelligence assessments suggest that Iran’s current leadership is “even more radical” than those who were killed during the war.
US economy can absorb war impact as fuel prices remain stable, says Trump
Responding to questions on the economy, Donald Trump said the rise in oil and gas prices has been less severe than he had anticipated before the war began.
Trump maintained that the US economy remains strong enough to absorb the impact of the conflict, adding that he had reassured his economic advisers about the country’s resilience while pushing ahead with military action against Iran.
Asked whether fuel prices could ease ahead of the midterm elections, he said they may remain at current levels or edge slightly higher. Trump also used the interaction to criticise sections of the news media.
Oil surges up to 7% after Trump orders Hormuz blockade by US Navy
Oil futures surged sharply on April 12, 2026, as geopolitical tensions intensified, with US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumping about 7% and Brent crude rising nearly 6%.
The rally followed the United States’ decision to impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, triggering fears of a major supply disruption in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
WTI futures climbed to around $96.40 per barrel, reflecting growing market anxiety over potential constraints on global oil flows and escalating conflict risks.
How much did the war cost Israel?
Israel’s finance ministry said the ongoing war with Iran has cost the country more than $11 billion, according to preliminary estimates.
The ministry put total budgetary spending at 35 billion shekels (about $11.52 billion), of which 22 billion shekels has been allocated to defence. The expenditure has already been incorporated into Israel’s 2026 national budget, it added.
Trump accuses Iran of ‘world extortion’
Donald Trump accused Iran of engaging in “world extortion” by restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz, and said the United States Navy would move to impose its own blockade of the route.
The remarks signal a sharp escalation in naval activity around the crucial shipping corridor. Trump said US forces would begin intercepting vessels that had paid what he described as tolls to Iran for passage, while also initiating operations to clear underwater mines in the area.
He warned that any Iranian forces targeting US assets or civilian vessels would face a strong military response, declaring that they would be met with overwhelming force.
Trump threatens to block ships in Strait of Hormuz
Hours after US–Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed, Donald Trump warned that American forces would move to block maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said US forces would “begin the process of blockading any and all ships” attempting to enter or exit the key shipping route, accusing Iran of restricting free passage.
“At some point, we will reach an ‘all being allowed to go in, all being allowed to go out’ basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen,” he wrote.
He added that the US Navy had been directed to intercept vessels in international waters that had paid what he described as an “illegal toll” to Iran, warning that such ships would not be guaranteed safe passage.
Russia offers to mediate after failed peace talks in Islamabad
Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian following the collapse of recent US-Iran talks in Islamabad, signalling Moscow’s intent to stay engaged in regional diplomacy.
According to Russia’s Interfax news agency, Putin reiterated that Russia remains willing to support efforts aimed at resolving tensions in the Middle East through political and diplomatic means.
In a Kremlin readout of the call, Putin emphasised his readiness to assist in finding a negotiated settlement and to contribute to mediation efforts for achieving a “just and lasting peace” in the region.
A look at what has happened so far
- Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the United States “failed to win the trust” of Iran’s delegation during extended negotiations held in Pakistan
- JD Vance, who led the US side, said the talks ended without an agreement after Iran rejected what he described as Washington’s "final and best offer"
- Israeli strikes continued across southern Lebanon, with at least five people killed in Qana and six in Maaroub, according to the National News Agency. The Lebanese Health Ministry says 2,020 people have been killed and 6,436 injured since March 2
- Officials from Australia and the United Kingdom expressed disappointment over the stalled talks, with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong calling for a return to negotiations
- Iran aims to restore its refining and fuel distribution capacity to around 70–80% of pre-conflict levels within the next two months, according to the deputy oil minister
Iran forensic chief puts war death toll at 3,375
Abbas Masjedi Arani, head of Iran’s Forensic Medicine Organisation, has said authorities have identified the bodies of 3,375 people killed during the war involving the United States and Israel.
In remarks carried by Iranian media, Arani said the confirmed toll includes 2,875 men and 496 women, reflecting the scale of casualties from the conflict.
Emerging economies to be hit hardest by war-driven price shocks: IMF
Top finance officials from across the globe are set to gather in Washington this week, with the ongoing conflict in West Asia looming large over discussions. Leaders from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank signalled last week that they plan to revise down global growth forecasts while raising inflation projections, citing the war’s impact. They cautioned that emerging markets and developing economies are likely to bear the brunt of rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
Saudi repairs pipeline, seeks full output recovery at Khurais field
Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that its key east–west oil pipeline and associated energy facilities have been restored after recent attacks blamed on Iran disrupted infrastructure across the Gulf.
According to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the country’s energy ministry confirmed that damaged facilities have resumed operations and are now back to functional capacity, helping stabilise supply reliability.
The ministry noted that the attacks had temporarily reduced pumping capacity along the east–west pipeline by about 700,000 barrels per day. Efforts are still underway to fully restore production at the Khurais oil field, one of the kingdom’s major oil assets.
After Pakistan talks, UK and Oman push for US-Iran dialogue
UK PM Keir Starmer and Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq have discussed the stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran. Both have stressed the need to prevent any further escalation, according to a UK government spokesperson.
In a readout issued from London, spokesperson Sophie Clare said the two leaders reviewed the outcome of the recent talks held in Pakistan and urged both sides to find a path forward through dialogue.
The leaders also underscored the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, agreeing that all parties must avoid any actions that could intensify tensions.
The conversation comes as Starmer continues diplomatic outreach following his recent visit to Gulf partners, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with efforts underway to ensure safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran-US talks in Islamabad ‘overhyped', says expert
Burzine Waghmar, an Iran specialist at the SOAS University of London, has cautioned against overstating the significance of recent talks between Iran and the United States, describing the diplomatic optics as “blown way out of proportion.”
Speaking to ANI, Waghmar said he had been sceptical about the negotiations from the outset, even as they proceeded. He suggested that expectations around the dialogue had been inflated beyond their actual substance.
He also raised questions about Pakistan positioning itself as a mediator in the process, calling it “ironic” given how the country is often viewed internationally. According to Waghmar, Islamabad appeared keen to leverage the talks to project itself as a key player in global mediation.
Highlighting broader regional dynamics, he added that both Pakistan and Iran have neighbours that accuse them of contributing to instability, making the optics of their diplomatic roles more complex.
Iran cites war experience, says opposing side failed to gain trust in talks
In a series of posts on X, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said he had made it clear ahead of the negotiations that while Iran approached the dialogue with “good faith and will”, past experiences from two wars had left it wary of the opposing side.
He stated that the other side ultimately failed to earn the confidence of the Iranian delegation during this round of discussions.
Ghalibaf also acknowledged the role of Pakistan in hosting and facilitating the talks, expressing gratitude and extending his regards to the Pakistani people.
Iran says nobody expected agreement with US in one session
The Iranian foreign ministry has downplayed the stalled negotiations with the US.
“Naturally, from the beginning, we should not have expected to reach an agreement in a single session. No one had such an expectation,” state broadcaster IRIB quoted ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei as saying.
He added that Tehran was “confident that contacts between us and Pakistan, as well as our other friends in the region, will continue”.
Iran arrests 50 for sharing locations, information with ‘enemy’
According to the state-linked SNN news agency, Iranian authorities have arrested at least 50 people for alleged “mercenary” activities. They were accused of collaborating with the US and Israel by sharing sensitive locations, including service facilities and infrastructure. Authorities also seized electronics, satellite equipment and weapons.
Israeli strike kills 6 people in southern Lebanese town
The strike came without warning on Sunday morning and hit a home of seven people in the Lebanese town of Maaroub, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.
Israel did not immediately comment on the strike.
Israel’s government has said its strikes target operatives or infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah militant group.
Israel’s strikes over Beirut have decreased in recent days, but its attacks on southern Lebanon have intensified alongside a ground invasion.
Iran working to restore damaged refinery
According to Iranian media reports, the Deputy Minister of Oil has said that damaged refinery and distribution facilities can regain 70-80% of their previous capacity within one or two months. The SNN agency quoted officials as saying that part of the Lavan refinery would be relaunched within 10 days.
‘Campaign not over’: Benjamin Netanyahu details Israel’s action against Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Saturday night that the operation against Iran is "ongoing". He declared in a recorded video statement that while Israel has made major achievements, “the campaign is not over.”
“They wanted to strangle us, and we are strangling them...We hit them and we still have more to do," Netanyahu said while pointing to a map highlighting Iran and its regional allies.
He also said that Lebanon had reached out several times in recent weeks to begin direct peace talks, saying he approved the idea on the condition that Hezbollah be disarmed and that any deal result in a “real peace agreement that will last for generations.”
'Diplomacy never ends': Iran spokesperson hints at fresh talks
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year.
Baqaei, who heads the Center for Public Diplomacy of Iran, noted in his interview to local media that on a number of issues, both parties reached understandings some key issues, however, their positions remained apart and ultimately they didn't reach an agreement.
"I believe this round of negotiations was indeed the longest we've had this past year. Twenty-four or twenty-five hours--starting yesterday morning when indirect talks began with messages exchanged between the two sides through the Pakistani mediator. It continued non-stop until now," he said.
Iranian delegation leaves Islamabad under heavy security cover
Iran's state-run TV said the delegation left Pakistan's capital after talks with the US failed to reach a deal. Unverified reports suggested that Pakistan had been on high alert as the team led by Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf departed.
Speculation had been rampant on social media that they could face an attack.
Why is Israel lashing out at Turkish authorities?
Turkish authorities indicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday --- seeking up to 4,596 years in prison. Charges were also filed against 35 Israeli officials for the naval interception of the October 2025 “Sumud” Gaza flotilla. Turkish media reported that Istanbul’s chief prosecutor have accused Israeli authorities of being involved in a military operation against civilians in international waters. They sought a minimum sentence of 1,102 years. The list of those charged also includes Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Both sides had 'mood swings' during talks: Pakistani sources report
"There were mood swings from the two sides and the temperature went up and down during the meeting," a Pakistani source told Reuters in reference to an early round of talks.
Before the talks began, a senior Iranian source told Reuters the U.S. had agreed to release frozen assets in Qatar and other foreign banks. A U.S. official denied agreeing to release the money.
Saudi Arabia restores full capacity on East-West oil pipeline after strikes
Saudi Arabia has restored full oil pumping capacity through the East-West pipeline, amounting to approximately seven million barrels per day, it said in a statement on Sunday.
The ministry said energy facilities and the pipeline affected by attacks during the Iran conflict have recovered and restored operational capacity.
Over 2,000 children wounded in US-Israeli attacks on Iran
According to the Mehr news agency, some 2,115 people under the age of 18 were wounded in the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The details were shared by Jafar Miadfar, the head of Iran’s emergency department. He told the publication that 124 of those victims are under five years old and 24 are under the age of two.
Another 5,000 people wounded are women, with most attacks occurring in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Ilam.