The United States military has announced a blockade of all Iranian ports, set to take effect on Monday. The decision follows an earlier declaration by President Donald Trump to impose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade will apply to all vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports, covering the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. However, CENTCOM clarified that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will not be restricted for ships bound for non-Iranian ports.

The announcement marks a partial softening of the US stance compared to Trump’s earlier threats to block the entire strait and target ships paying tolls to Iran. Following the blockade declaration, US crude oil prices rose by 8 percent to $104.24 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 7 percent to $102.29.

Since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint attacks, Iran has maintained control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy transport.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering resuming airstrikes on Iran following unsuccessful discussions held in Pakistan, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing unnamed sources. The report adds that Trump is weighing additional measures, including a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

The White House stated that all options remain open. Spokesperson Olivia Wells said the president has already ordered a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at halting Iranian tolls and is prudently considering other alternatives. She added that any claims made to The Wall Street Journal about Trump’s next steps are purely speculative.

The developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with related reports mentioning new Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon and continued disputes involving Iran and the United States.

The United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran on February 28, initially described as a preventive operation aimed at halting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and destroying its ballistic missile capabilities. Despite weeks of intense fighting, those objectives remain unfulfilled. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also hoped to trigger internal unrest in Iran, but Trump later admitted that such an outcome was too dangerous. After threatening Iran with total destruction, Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, but peace talks in Islamabad ended without agreement.

The breakdown of negotiations has renewed fears of a wider conflict. Although the US maintained military advantages, Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz gave it strategic leverage, influencing global oil prices and markets. The article compares this situation to past US military failures in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, citing repeated strategic misjudgments and overconfidence among American leaders.

As domestic inflation and fuel prices rise, Trump faces mounting political pressure ahead of midterm elections. Analysts suggest he must now choose between accepting Iran’s terms to end the war or escalating into a prolonged conflict.

Shipping expert Lars Jensen has said that U.S. President Donald Trump’s announced blockade threat will likely affect only a very small number of ships. According to Jensen, even if the United States implements such a measure, the overall impact on maritime traffic will remain limited.

Jensen, the CEO of Vespucci Maritime, explained that the U.S. threat to act against ships paying tolls to Iran would not bring major changes, as those vessels were already at risk of U.S. sanctions. He noted that few ships currently use the route in question, and even fewer pay tolls to Iran. Most shipping companies, he added, are expected to monitor the situation for any temporary agreements before resuming normal operations.

Jensen emphasized that the safety of the route ultimately depends on trust between the United States and Iran, and the durability of any potential understanding between the two nations.

US Vice President JD Vance has said that reaching a deal with Iran remains possible, even though Tehran has not agreed to abandon its nuclear program. Vance left Islamabad after presenting what was described as a final proposal to Iranian negotiators, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official stated that Vance, who led the US delegation, returned with the belief that Iranian leaders hold a mistaken perception of their leverage in negotiations with the Trump administration. Despite extended discussions, the two sides failed to reach agreement on several key issues, including halting Iran’s uranium enrichment, establishing a broader regional peace framework with allies, and finding a permanent solution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tariffs or tolls.

The talks ended without a breakthrough, leaving major questions unresolved about the future of US-Iran relations and regional stability, according to the summary provided by the US official.

US President Donald Trump issued a sharp military warning against Iran, saying the United States could destroy the country within a single day. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that US forces could target Iran’s energy infrastructure, including power plants. He also defended his proposed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Iran cannot decide which ships are allowed to pass. Trump added that all ships would have safe passage, or none would.

He compared the planned blockade to the US sanctions on Venezuela but said it would be on a much larger scale, suggesting it could increase oil shipments to the United States. The comments followed the failure of US-Iran talks in Pakistan, where disputes centered on Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s remarks have further heightened tensions in the Middle East, raising fears of potential military confrontation despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness for Russia to act as a mediator in resolving ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. According to a report published on April 12 by Roya News, Putin informed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian of Moscow’s willingness to assist in political and diplomatic solutions to regional tensions. A Kremlin statement reaffirmed Russia’s preparedness to help reduce tensions and promote dialogue among the involved parties, emphasizing support for broader international efforts toward a fair and lasting peace in the region.

The initiative comes after the failure of recent Iran–United States discussions held in Pakistan. Following the talks, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that no agreement was reached and that Tehran had rejected Washington’s proposal. In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said both sides had reached understandings on several issues but still differed on two to three key points.

Roya News noted that Putin’s phone call with Pezeshkian reflects Russia’s active engagement in Middle Eastern crises and its effort to position itself as a key mediator.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a renewed warning against Iran, declaring on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States is 'locked and loaded' and will 'finish off' Iran at an 'appropriate time.' His statement came shortly after U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without any agreement.

The failed discussions in Pakistan highlighted the ongoing diplomatic deadlock between the two countries. Trump’s remarks signaled that despite continued diplomatic efforts, Washington is keeping military options open. The timing of his statement, just hours after the talks collapsed, underscored rising tensions between the two nations.

Following the breakdown of negotiations, international observers are closely watching how the situation evolves, as the growing strain between Washington and Tehran could have significant regional and global implications.

U.S. President Donald Trump has again taken a firm stance on Iran’s nuclear program, declaring that Iran will never possess nuclear weapons. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran remains unwilling to abandon its nuclear ambitions. He acknowledged some progress in discussions but suggested that continued military readiness could serve as an alternative to diplomacy.

Trump emphasized that his main concern is the potential for an unstable and unpredictable nation to gain nuclear capability. His remarks come at a time when diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran continue, yet both sides remain far apart on key nuclear issues.

The statement underscores persistent tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Trump reaffirming his uncompromising approach to Iran’s nuclear aspirations despite ongoing negotiations.

US President Donald Trump has announced a blockade on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, hours after talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad collapsed, according to Al Jazeera. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said US forces would take swift action to control vessels passing through the strait. He added that ships paying tolls to Iran in international waters would be intercepted by the US Navy, warning that those making such payments would not be guaranteed safe passage.

Tensions in the region have been rising since a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route through which about 20 percent of the world’s energy supply passes. Disruptions in its operation have already created uncertainty in global energy markets.

The announcement marks a new escalation in US-Iran tensions, with both sides signaling firm stances over control of the strategic waterway.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced in Pakistan on Saturday evening that no agreement had been reached to end the Iran war. At the same time, President Donald Trump was attending a mixed martial arts (UFC) event, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, several of his children, UFC officials, and other guests. While Vance told reporters that the talks had failed, Trump was seen watching a highlight video of a victorious fighter and giving a thumbs-up.

During his trip to Florida, Trump told journalists that he did not care whether a deal with Iran was reached, asserting that the U.S. had already won militarily. However, the situation at home appeared difficult, with rising inflation and fuel prices affecting Americans, outcomes linked to the war initiated under Trump’s orders. Democrats were reportedly discussing impeachment and questioning his mental fitness, while some longtime supporters protested after his threats to destroy Iran’s civilization.

Ivanka, Tiffany, and Donald Trump Jr. were present at the event, but Jared Kushner remained in Pakistan for the ongoing discussions with Vance and Witkoff.

US Vice President JD Vance described the collapse of talks with Iran as both good and bad news, following failed negotiations held in Islamabad. BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reported that while the duration of the session was notable, the absence of any agreement was not surprising. Vance said Iran refused to accept US conditions, signaling a breakdown in efforts to reach a compromise.

According to Doucet, Iran entered the talks believing it still held leverage despite suffering major military losses, particularly due to its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. She noted that Iran has its own limits on what concessions it can make. The situation echoes the long and difficult process that preceded the last nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington a decade ago.

Doucet added that former President Donald Trump now faces a tough decision—either escalate the situation further or return to negotiations for a reassessment of the diplomatic path.

U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet made an official statement regarding the collapse of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad. However, he shared a link on his social media platform, Truth Social, to an article suggesting a potential naval blockade as a strategic option against Iran.

The article, written by veteran American journalist John Solomon and published on his conservative website 'Just the News,' argues that if Iran refuses to relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump could respond with a major naval blockade to corner the country. The piece cites experts who believe such a move could significantly pressure Tehran.

The report, originally sourced from The Guardian, comes amid heightened uncertainty over U.S.-Iran diplomatic progress and growing regional tensions following the failed peace efforts in Islamabad.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that two guided-missile destroyers have begun clearing sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said the operation is part of a broader mission to fully remove mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy have crossed the strait and are operating in the Arabian Gulf as part of the effort.

In a post on social media platform X, CENTCOM stated that the mission aims to ensure the free flow of commerce through the vital waterway. Admiral Cooper added that a new safe passage will soon be opened to secure maritime trade routes. Despite the mine-clearing efforts, the report noted that Iran retains missile-launching capabilities.

US President Donald Trump also commented on the operation via Truth Social, saying the United States is beginning the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of nations worldwide.

Inter Miami’s search for a home victory continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw by the New York Red Bulls in a Major League Soccer match on April 12, 2026. The defending champions drew for the second consecutive time at their new stadium, with Lionel Messi at the center of attention for missed chances and a disallowed goal. Miami started aggressively but fell behind in the 14th minute to a Jorge Ruvalcaba strike before Mateo Silvetti equalized just before halftime.

In the second half, Miami took control and went ahead through German Barterame in the 54th minute, assisted indirectly by Messi. However, New York leveled again in the 76th minute through Adrie Mehmeti. Late in the game, Messi’s goal was ruled offside, and his stoppage-time free kick was saved by goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. The result left Miami still unbeaten in six matches but without a home win.

After seven matches, Inter Miami stand third in the league table with three wins, three draws, and 12 points, maintaining their unbeaten streak despite back-to-back home draws.