Desk Correspondent , Washington DC - The United States military, via Central Command (CENTCOM), announced a full maritime blockade of all Iranian ports effective April 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:30 p.m. IST), targeting all vessels entering or exiting Iranian facilities in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. President Trump ordered the move after Islamabad peace talks collapsed without agreement on nuclear curbs or ceasefire extension, aiming to choke Iran's oil exports 90% via sea and force concessions amid the expiring truce.
CENTCOM specified impartial enforcement against ships of all nations bound for Iran, while allowing free transit through the Strait of Hormuz for non Iranian traffic, deploying carrier strike groups and allies for inspections and potential seizures. Iran eased prior Hormuz curbs for India, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq, but the blockade threatens global oil flows, with Brent crude spiking 5% on news.
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi called it "economic warfare," vowing retaliation, as Tehran claims it was "inches from a deal" rejected over sanctions and Lebanon. Markets brace for disruptions, experts warn of 1979 style tanker war revival, urging swift diplomacy.
Iran has demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to peace with Iran if regional security interests are protected.
At least 164 people have died and 971 have been injured after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering a state of emergency and a major international relief effort.
At least 32 people have died and more than 700 have been injured after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering a state of emergency and international offers of aid.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes killed at least 32 people, causing building collapses, injuries, and widespread disruption across affected regions.
Iran has warned that ships entering the Strait of Hormuz without authorization could face action, raising concerns over shipping security and global energy supplies in the Gulf region.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin powerful earthquakes struck near its Caribbean coast, causing building collapses, widespread panic, and ongoing aftershocks.
Indian refiners are expected to remain cautious despite a temporary U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian oil, citing concerns over payments, shipping, insurance, and regulatory risks.
Iran has hailed the U.S.-Iran agreement as a victory for Tehran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tours Gulf nations to reassure allies about the fragile regional peace framework.
Iranian President Pezeshkian said Tehran’s missile and deterrence capabilities are non-negotiable, signaling that any future deal with the U.S. will not include restrictions on Iran’s defense program.
President Trump criticized Keir Starmer following his resignation announcement, linking the move to disagreements over energy, immigration, and broader policy decisions.
The U.S. Senate approved a War Powers resolution seeking to limit military action against Iran without congressional approval, marking a significant political setback for President Trump.
India is helping build Mongolia’s first oil refinery through a $1.7 billion project, a major step toward boosting Mongolia’s energy security and strengthening bilateral ties.
Iran says it will decide how to use its unfrozen assets while maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its intention to shape the terms of any long-term agreement with Washington.
Lebanon-Israel talks are set to resume as Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions. The developments come as U.S.-Iran negotiations continue under a fragile regional ceasefire framework.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions, signaling its intention to play a direct role in the future management of one of the world's most critical shipping routes.
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