Iran's military has accused the US of “armed piracy” and vowed a swift response after the US seized an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
The military said the attack and subsequent boarding of the ship by US forces was a violation of the ceasefire, after Donald Trump said the vessel was seized while it tried to get past an American blockade on Iranian ports.
The US president said in a post on Truth Social that US forces stopped the ship by blowing a hole in its engine room. He claimed that US Marines “have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board”.It comes after Tehran reportedly rejected taking part in a second round of peace talks after Trump again threatened to strike civilian infrastructure.
Iran’s official state news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reported that Iran would not be taking part in the talks despite the US sending a delegation to Pakistan. They cited “US excessive demands and unreasonable, unrealistic requests” as preventing progress.
Key Points
- US marines have seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Donald Trump says
- Iranian media reports that Iran rejects US talks
- 'NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!': Trump accuses Iran of 'total violation' of ceasefire
- Trump tells Iran to sign deal with US or ‘the whole country is going to get blown up’
Iran vows swift response after US seizes tanker
04:17 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran's military has vowed a swift response to the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, state media reported.
The military headquarters said the attack and subsequent boarding of the ship by US forces was a violation of the ceasefire and denounced it as piracy, Iran's state-run broadcaster said.
“The aggressive America… attacked one of Iran’s commercial ships… and disabled its navigation system,” the statement said, adding, “We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military.”
The US Navy said it attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship after it allegedly attempted to evade a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
The US said it fired on the vessel and seized it because it had crossed the blockade line after ignoring multiple warnings.
Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Aragchi, told his Pakistani counterpart that Washington's demands in negotiations, along with its threats to Iranian ships and ports, were "clear signs" of America's disingenuousness.
Oil rises to $96 a barrel after Strait of Hormuz is closed again
04:14 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices rebounded more than 6 per cent this morning after tumbling more than 9 per cent on Friday on news the Strait of Hormuz is closed again.
Both the US and Iran said the other party had violated their ceasefire deal by attacking ships over the weekend.
Brent crude futures jumped $6.11, or 6.76 per cent, to $96.49 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate was at $90.38 a barrel, up $6.53, or 7.79 per cent.
The US military had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade, president Donald Trump said, while Iran said it would not participate in a second round of peace talks despite Trump's threat of renewed airstrikes.
WATCH: U.S. military releases video of naval ship firing on Iranian cargo ship
04:00 , Graig GraziosiU.S. Central Command released a video of a U.S. Navy ship firing on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship. U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship on Sunday.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 19, 2026
Iranian military threatens to retaliate over U.S. 'piracy'
03:30 , Graig GraziosiThe Iranian military warned on Sunday that it will retaliate for the cargo tanker U.S. Marines seized on Sunday.
In a social media post by IRIB, Iran’s state broadcaster, the nation’s military likened the seizure to “highway robbery.”
“The ‘aggressor United States,’ by violating the ceasefire and engaging in maritime highway robbery, attacked an Iranian commercial vessel in the waters of the Sea of Oman,” the post said.
It then threatened to retaliate against what it called “piracy.”
“We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this U.S. armed piracy,” the post said.
Oil prices increase as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz
02:45 , Graig GraziosiThe price of oil increased on Sunday in response to Iran’s announcement that it will again close the Strait of Hormuz in response to a U.S. blockade of the waterway.
The price of bent crude — the international standard for pricing oil — increased by approximately 7 percent, up to $96.88 on Sunday. On Friday the price dropped to its lowest levels since March 10 following news that Iran planned to re-open the strait.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN that gas prices might remain well over $3 a gallon until at least “next year.”
On Sunday, the national average for a gallon of gas in the U.S. was $4.05.
Pakistan readies for talks amid diplomatic setback
02:00 , Holly BancroftPakistan, which has served as the main mediator between the US and Iran, appeared to be preparing for the talks on Sunday, despite it remaining unclear whether the negotiations would go ahead.
Two giant U.S. C-17 cargo planes landed at an air base on Sunday afternoon, carrying security equipment and vehicles in preparation for the US delegation's arrival, two Pakistani security sources told Reuters.
Municipal authorities in the capital city of Islamabad halted public transport and heavy-goods traffic through the city. Barbed wire was rolled out near the Serena Hotel, where last week's talks were held. The hotel told all guests to leave.
The apparent diplomatic setback could set the stage for a renewed surge in oil prices when markets reopen after the weekend.
UK foreign secretary says talks between US and Iran must lead to toll-free Strait of Hormuz
01:36 , Holly BancroftUK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has said that any talks between the US and Iran must result in a toll-free passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ms Cooper said that proposals have been circulating from Tehran to introduce tolls on the crucial waterway once the conflict concludes.
Ms Cooper was travelling to Japan on Sunday on the final leg of a diplomatic mission ahead of the US-Iran ceasefire expiring on Tuesday, which she called a "critical diplomatic moment".
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil normally flows, has been closed by Iran as a response to America and Israel's strikes.
In retaliation, US President Donald Trump began his own blockade of Iran's oil ports, aimed at stemming Tehran's fossil fuel income.
Recap: Trump says US Marines have seized Iranian ship and says it tried to evade blockade
01:00 , Holly BancroftUS Marines have reportedly seized an Iranian cargo ship that was attempting to pass through the American naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, according to President Donald Trump.
Trump announced the seizure in a post on Truth Social on Sunday evening.
“Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them,” he wrote.
Trump said that the ship’s crew “refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom.”
Read the full story here:
Trump says U.S. Marines have seized Iranian ship and says it tried to evade blockade
WATCH: U.S. military releases video of naval ship firing on Iranian cargo ship
Monday 20 April 2026 00:47 , Graig GraziosiU.S. Central Command released a video of a U.S. Navy ship firing on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship. U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship on Sunday.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 19, 2026
Is he or isn’t he? Trump officials flip-flop on whether Vance is leading Iran talks - or staying home
Monday 20 April 2026 00:30 , Graig GraziosiThe Independent’s John Bowden writes:
Top administration officials, including President Donald Trump himself, appeared unclear as to whether Vice President JD Vance would lead peace talks with Iranian officials in Pakistan this week, less than 24 hours before the U.S. negotiating team are supposedly due in Islamabad.
Vance’s participation in the upcoming talks has been in question for days after the last round, helmed by the vice president, failed to reach an agreement to end the war. Tuesday is the two-week deadline for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
READ MORE:
Is he or isn’t he? Trump officials flip-flop on whether Vance is leading Iran talks
In full: US seizes Iranian cargo ship as Tehran rejects peace talks
Sunday 19 April 2026 23:43 , Holly BancroftPresident Donald Trump said on Sunday that the US military had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade, while Iran said it would not participate in a second round of peace talks despite Mr Trump's threat of renewed airstrikes.
The developments indicated that peace may not come soon to the region, and a weeks-long blockade of marine traffic that has driven global oil prices higher likewise might remain in place.
The United States has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then reimposed its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war began almost two months ago handled roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
Mr Trump said on Sunday that the US military took control of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that had tried to get past the blockade. "We have full custody of their ship, and are seeing what's on board!" he wrote on social media, adding that US forces blew a hole in the vessel's engine room.
Iran's official IRNA state news agency, meanwhile, reported that Tehran had rejected new peace talks, citing the ongoing blockade and Washington's shifting positions and "excessive demands."
Mr Trump had earlier warned Iran that the United States would destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran if Tehran rejects his terms, continuing a pattern of such threats throughout the war.
UAE begins talks with US over financial backstop - reports
Sunday 19 April 2026 23:25 , Holly BancroftThe UAE has begun talks with the US about obtaining a financial backstop in case the Iran war plunges the state into a deeper crisis, The Wall Street Journal has reported.
The Emiratis reportedly said that they had so far avoided the worst economic effects from the war but might still need a financial lifeline.
A swap line would see the UAE central bank given easy access to dollars to support its currency or shore up its foreign reserves, the newspaper reported.
If the UAE runs short of dollars, it could be forced to use Chinese yuan or other currencies for oil sales, US officials were told.
Iran's military command says ship targeted by US was heading from China to Iran
Sunday 19 April 2026 23:02 , Holly BancroftIran’s joint military command has condemned the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship as “armed robbery”.
In comments reported by news agency Reuters, Iran’s top joint military command said they would retaliate against the seizure by US marines. They said Iranian forces also attacked some US military ships with drones, and said that the cargo ship was heading from China to Iran.
Trump believed coming across as ‘unstable’ in controversial posts could ‘bring the Iranians to the table,’ report says
Sunday 19 April 2026 22:45 , Holly BancroftPresident Trump reportedly adopted a strategy of intentionally acting unstable and insulting towards Iran, in the hopes that it would push the US adversary to negotiate an end to the war, writes Josh Marcus.
The unorthodox tactics were reportedly behind a string of controversial posts the president made this month about the vital Strait of Hormuz, administration officials told The Wall Street Journal.
In one post, on April 5, the president ordered Iran to “open the F***in’ Strait, you crazy b*******, or you’ll be living in Hell,” and ended the post with “Praise be to Allah.”
In another message, this one on April 7, the president threatened that a “whole civilization will die tonight” unless Iran agreed to open the strait.
Trump thought being ‘unstable’ in posts would encourage Iran war deal: report
UK justice secretary calls Trump's insults towards Keir Starmer 'small and petty'
Sunday 19 April 2026 22:13 , Holly BancroftUK Justice secretary David Lammy has said that the US president’s insults towards Sir Keir Starmer are “small and petty” and designed to put pressure on the prime minister to change his stance on Iran.
Mr Lammy, who is also deputy prime minister, said that the US’s actions had “made things worse, not better” in the world.
Speaking to The Guardian about the impact of the war on Iran, Mr Lammy said: “The quicker it ends, the better for everybody”.
He added: “Donald Trump has tried to put pressure on the prime minister to change his position on Iran, and he isn’t going to. This is not our war, and we’re not going to get engaged”.
Seizure of Iranian-flagged ship comes amid US naval crackdown
Sunday 19 April 2026 22:06 , Holly BancroftThe seizure of an Iranian-flagged ship by US marines comes after US military pledged to expand its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East.
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration has decided to put pressure on Tehran by broadening its campaign against Iranian-linked ships.
The US will seek to take control of Iran-linked vessels around the world, including those carrying Iranian oil and those carrying arms that could support the regime, the paper reported.
Bill drawn up to manage the Strait of Hormuz - reports
Sunday 19 April 2026 21:40 , Holly BancroftA draft bill has been drawn up by the Iranian parliament’s construction committee to manage the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state-linked media.
Fars News Agency reported on Sunday that the bill would ban Israeli-linked ships, restrict states Iran deemed hostile, and impose transit fees.
Mohammad Rezaei-Kouchi, head of the Iranian parliament’s construction committee, reportedly told state TV that “hostile countries that have caused damage” to Iran will not be permitted passage until they compensate the country.
He added that states using the waterway would have to pay fees in Iranian rials, with 30 per cent of the revenue allocated to the armed forces.
Iran's ambassador to Pakistan says threats are not diplomacy
Sunday 19 April 2026 21:24 , Holly BancroftIran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has said that threats against Iran are not diplomacy amid reports that Iran will not attend a second round of peace talks in Islamabad.
Mr Moghadam posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday evening: “You cannot keep violating the international law, double down on your blockade, threaten Iran with further war crimes, insist on unreasonable demands, pace out with rethorics (sic) and pretend to be pursuing “Diplomacy”.
“As long as the naval blockade remains, faultlines remain.”
TUI Cruises says two of its ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz
Sunday 19 April 2026 20:59 , Holly BancroftTUI Cruises said on Sunday that its Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on its website, the company said it had obtained approvals from relevant authorities, under careful consideration of the security situation.
It said the ships would now proceed swiftly to the Mediterranean Sea.
The cruise operator said that all passengers had previously been brought home and both ships were operating with reduced crews. It declined to provide further detail.
US marines have seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Donald Trump says
Sunday 19 April 2026 20:45 , Holly BancroftUS president Donald Trump has said that marines have seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that tried to get through the American naval blockade.
In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump added: “The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom.”
Read the full post here:
Iran's government will restore some internet - reports
Sunday 19 April 2026 20:21 , Holly BancroftIran’s government will restore some internet access for the country’s university professors, Iranian state media have reported.
An internet blackout has been imposed by Iran due to the war with the United States and Iran, cutting access to the internet for millions of people.
Iranian authorities appear to have begun easing up some internet access in recent days, according to reports in The New York Times.
Iran’s deputy science minister Seyed Mehdi Abtahi told Iranian media on Sunday that professors and researchers would soon be granted access to international internet.
Recap: Iran rejects new peace talks, state media reports
Sunday 19 April 2026 20:00 , Holly BancroftIran has rejected new peace talks with the United States, its state news agency has reported, after US president Donald Trump said that he was sending a delegation to Pakistan.
Mr Trump has said that his envoys would arrive in Pakistan on Monday evening for negotiations ahead of the imminent end of the two-week ceasefire.
"We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran," he wrote on Truth Social.
Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported on Sunday afternoon that Iran rejected taking part in the second round of talks. They cited “Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions and the ongoing naval blockade” as reasons why the talks would not be going ahead.
The state news agency did not cite a particular official.
Pakistan's prime minister has 'constructive' conversation with Iran president
Sunday 19 April 2026 19:34 , Holly BancroftPakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has said he has had a “warm and constructive conversation” with Iran’s president Dr Masoud Pezeshkian this evening.
Mr Sharif thanked Iran for their engagement in the peace talks “including its high-level delegation to Islamabad for the historic talks, and recent discussions with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Tehran.”
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Sharif added: “I also shared insights from my recent engagements with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye. I assured him that, with the support of friends and partners, Pakistan remains fully committed to its role as an honest and sincere facilitator of lasting peace and regional stability.”
Recap: Trump tells Iran to sign deal with US or ‘the whole country is going to get blown up’
Sunday 19 April 2026 19:25 , Holly BancroftPresident Donald Trump has issued his latest threat to Iran and said that if officials fail to make a deal with the United States “the whole country is going to get blown up”, writes John Bowden.
A two-week ceasefire is set to expire Tuesday if a deal is not reached. The ceasefire came on the heels of Mr Trump’s threat to end Iranian “civilization” if a deal was not made. The US president’s repeated threats to Iran’s population and civil infrastructure has been seized upon by his critics as evidence that Mr Trump would support or even carry out war crimes.
Read more here:
Trump tells Iran to sign deal with US or ‘the whole country is going to get blown up’
US energy secretary says he believes gas prices have peaked
Sunday 19 April 2026 19:01 , Holly BancroftUS energy secretary Chris Wright has said that he believes gas prices have peaked but predicted that they may stay above $3 per gallon until next year.
Gas prices have risen during the US and Israeli war on Iran and Iranian attacks on nearby countries, creating political headwinds for President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections, where his Republican Party will defend slim majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Gas below $3 a gallon "could happen later this year, that might not happen until next year. But prices have likely peaked, and they'll start going down,” Wright told CNN’s "State of the Union" program. "Certainly with the resolution of this conflict, you’ll see prices go down."
The U.S. and Iran on Thursday agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, but Mr Trump on Sunday accused Iran of violating it with attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz this weekend.
Trump kept out of the room during operation to find downed pilots in Iran, report says
Sunday 19 April 2026 18:40 , Holly BancroftWhen President Donald Trump learned that two American pilots had gone missing in Iran on Good Friday, he “screamed at aides for hours” and was then “kept out of the room” while his team was given minute-by-minute updates, according to a report.
An F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran on April 3, prompting a high-stakes rescue mission for the missing airmen. One crew member was swiftly rescued by U.S. forces after ejecting before the aircraft went down - but the second crew member spent more than 24 hours behind enemy lines before he was safely extracted.
Back in Washington, D.C., Trump’s fears about how the war was playing out “were ramping up,” according to The Wall Street Journal.
Trump ‘screamed at aides for hours’ after US pilots went missing in Iran: report
Breaking: Iranian media reports that Iran rejects US talks
Sunday 19 April 2026 18:19 , Holly BancroftIranian media is reporting that Iran has rejected taking part in the second round of talks with the US in Pakistan.
Iran’s official state news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), has reported that “no clear prospect for productive talks is envisaged”.
The report says that “US excessive demands and unreasonable, unrealistic requests” have prevented progress.
In an update on social media, IRNA also said the “ongoing naval blockade” was “a breach of the ceasefire”.
Iran's official IRNA news agency cited no specific source in its report that Iran had rejected the talks.
Photos show Islamabad preparing for US-Iran talks
Sunday 19 April 2026 18:09 , Holly BancroftIslamabad is preparing to receive the US and Iranian delegations for talks on Monday. JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are travelling to Pakistan for the mediation, although Iran has not yet confirmed whether it will take part.
Police personnel were seen standing guard at a closed road leading to the Serena Hotel in the Red Zone area of Islamabad on Sunday.
Watch: Iran's policy towards Trump is 'commitment-for-commitment', says chief negotiator
Sunday 19 April 2026 17:22 , James ReynoldsKuwaiti authorities have detained journalist not seen for six weeks, says watchdog
Sunday 19 April 2026 16:46 , ReutersKuwaiti authorities have detained US-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin who has not been seen for six weeks, a media watchdog said, during a wider crackdown by Gulf nations on people for filming or posting footage during the Iran war.
Shihab-Eldin, a 41-year-old journalist who was visiting family in Kuwait, has not posted online or been seen in public since March 2, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said on Monday.
CPJ said he had been charged with spreading false information, harming national security and misusing his mobile phone.
Kuwait enacted a law on March 15 including a provision carrying prison terms of up to 10 years for spreading false rumours related to military entities with the intent of undermining confidence in them.
Watch: Trump warns ‘no more Mr Nice Guy’ and threatens new strikes on Iran if deal not agreed
Sunday 19 April 2026 16:30 , James ReynoldsIslamabad cuts back security as uncertainty hangs over Vance attendance
Sunday 19 April 2026 16:15 , James ReynoldsTalks in Islamabad ended with no agreement last week but security measures were still being taken in the Pakistani capital this weekend for potential further meetings.
City authorities halted public transport and heavy goods traffic through the city and rolls of barbed wire were rolled out near the Serena Hotel where last week's talks were held. The hotel told guests on Sunday to leave.
In central Islamabad, there was a heavy police and army presence but the security protocols did not appear to be at the same level as they were before the first round, when Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. delegation.
Earlier, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said a framework of understanding would have to be agreed for further talks.
Recap: European allies fear US is rushing into flawed Iran peace deal
Sunday 19 April 2026 16:00 , James ReynoldsEuropean allies are concerned by the US approach to negotiations with Iran, worrying that an inexperienced team is prioritising a rapid, high-profile agreement that could exacerbate underlying issues rather than resolve them.
Diplomats with extensive experience in Tehran believe Washington's eagerness to secure a diplomatic victory for President Donald Trump might result in a superficial accord on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief.
Read the full report, sharing insight from eight senior European diplomats:
European allies fear US is rushing into flawed Iran peace deal
Vance to attend talks in Pakistan, says WH official
Sunday 19 April 2026 15:38 , James ReynoldsA White House official confirms to The Independent that vice president JD Vance will head to Pakistan for talks.
Donald Trump earlier told ABC News he would not, citing security concerns.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also to attend.
Recap: Trump floats more talks in latest threat to Iran
Sunday 19 April 2026 15:25 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump accused Iran of a "total violation" of their ceasefire agreement for firing on ships, and renewed a threat to wipe out Iran's bridges and power plants unless it accepted his terms.
Wrapped up in the latest outburst, the president also said his envoys would arrive in Pakistan on Monday evening, prepared to hold more talks.
"We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran," he posted on social media. "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!"
Breaking: Iran currently has no plans to send negotiators to Pakistan
Sunday 19 April 2026 15:20 , James ReynoldsIran currently has not made a decision on whether to send a negotiating delegation to Pakistan, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim reports.
Confusion over whether Vance is heading for talks
Sunday 19 April 2026 15:08 , James ReynoldsAs we hear more about the upcoming talks in Islamabad, some details remain unclear.
Reuters has heard from a White House official that JD Vance will travel to Pakistan for talks along with Trump’s usual envoys for peace talks - Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
ABC News, citing the US ambassador to the UN, reported earlier that Vance is expected to lead the talks with Iran.
But Trump has since told the outlet that Vance will not be going, due to security concerns.
“It's only because of security. JD's great,” Trump told ABC in a bit of a put down for Islamabad, which has been bolstering its security measures in anticipation of the next round of talks.
Iran partially reopens airspace to commercial traffic - with two days left of ceasefire
Sunday 19 April 2026 14:45 , James ReynoldsInternational flights to and from Iran will resume on Monday, the country’s civil aviation department says.
The Civil Aviation Organisation said they have received permission to run passenger flights in and out of Mashhad Airport - which serves jointly as a civilian and military airbase.
Travellers can now buy tickets for international routes to and from Mashhad Airport, according to a statement aired on state TV.
'NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!': Trump accuses Iran of 'total violation' of ceasefire
Sunday 19 April 2026 14:19 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump accused Iran on Sunday of a "total violation" of the two countries' ceasefire for firing on ships near the Strait of Hormuz, and renewed a threat to wipe out Iran's bridges and power plants unless it accepted his terms.
With shipping still stuck in the strait two days after Trump and Iran announced it would open, Trump said his envoys would arrive in Pakistan on Monday evening, prepared to hold more talks.
"We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran," he posted on social media. "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!"
Global oil prices fell and stock markets surged on Friday when Iran first announced it would reopen the strait, which it had effectively closed to all shipping apart from its own since Trump and Israel launched the war on 28 February.
But after Trump said he would continue a blockade of Iranian shipping, Tehran said on Saturday it was keeping the strait closed. At least two ships reported they had been fired upon approaching the strait on Saturday.
"Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!" Trump wrote in Sunday’s post. "That wasn’t nice, was it?"
Watch: Iranian general threatens to shut down global oil supply claiming 'upper hand' on Trump
Sunday 19 April 2026 14:15 , James ReynoldsFull story: Trump tells Iran to sign deal with US or ‘the whole country is going to get blown up’
Sunday 19 April 2026 14:03 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump has issued a threat to Iran’s government, writing on Truth Social that it would be his “honor” to direct the US military to target Iranian bridges and power plants if the country did not reach a deal with US negotiators around the Strait of Hormuz.
He also told a Fox News reporter that “the whole country is getting blown up” if Iran declines the US’s latest offer.
Read more: Trump tells Iran to sign deal with US or ‘the whole country is going to get blown up’
Trump: 'The whole country is going to get blown up if they don't sign a deal'
Sunday 19 April 2026 13:56 , James ReynoldsOn the back of his explosive comments online, Trump tells Fox News: “If they don't sign this deal, the whole country is going to get blown up.”
Iran is understood to have received another US proposal, which they are yet to respond to. Iranian officials have called the terms ‘maximalist’.
Trump tells Fox that his usual envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan for talks.
Iran and Pakistan discuss developments as Trump floats talks
Sunday 19 April 2026 13:45 , James ReynoldsIran’s Tasnim news agency is now reporting that the foreign ministers of Pakistan and Iran have discussed the war in a call - a sign, perhaps, that talks may be on the horizon.
In full: Trump's threat to Iran to negotiate or else
Sunday 19 April 2026 13:38 , James Reynolds
Trump optimistic about peace deal despite Iranian 'violation' of ceasefire
Sunday 19 April 2026 13:07 , James ReynoldsPresident Trump tells ABC’s Jonathan Karl that Iran has committed a “serious violation” of the ceasefire - but he remains optimistic that he can get a peace deal.
“It will happen. One way or another. The nice way or the hard way. It’s going to happen.”
Iran replenishing launchers faster than before war, says IRGC
Sunday 19 April 2026 11:30 , James ReynoldsMajid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Force, says that Iran is replenishing launchers faster now, during the ceasefire in effect, than it was before the war, according to Iran’s Nour News.
Will Iran and the US agree to terms this weekend?
Sunday 19 April 2026 11:05 , James ReynoldsPakistan is preparing to host Iranian and US delegations in the capital this weekend.
But neither side has confirmed a time or place for a second round of talks yet, after last week’s talks ended without a breakthrough.
A ceasefire agreement in Lebanon was well received in Iran, which briefly reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.
But the continued US presence in the area saw Tehran shut the strait hours later, on Saturday.
Since then, talk of progress has been scarce. Donald Trump has been the main voice of optimism, saying on Saturday that the US was still having “very good conversations” on the matter.
Iran’s top negotiator has attacked the US over its “stupid” blockade, and notes there is “still a big distance between us” on some issues.
"There are some issues on which we insist ... They also have red lines. But these issues could be just one or two.”
IDF claims hits on 150 Hezbollah militants just before ceasefire
Sunday 19 April 2026 10:00 , James ReynoldsIsrael says it killed more than 150 Hezbollah militants in the 24 hours before the ceasefire took effect on Thursday.
The IDF claimed to have killed Hezbollah commander Ali Rida Abbas, the commander of the Bint Jbeil area, in those strikes.
Some 300 military infrastructure sites were also said to have been targeted.
Recap: US prepares to board Iranian ships as Iran shuts strait
Sunday 19 April 2026 04:00 , James Reynolds- Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again on Saturday, citing the continued US blockade.
- The Revolutionary Guards said the strait would remain shut until the blockade ends.
- The WSJ reported that the US was preparing to board Iran-linked tankers in international waters, widening the conflict.
- There was no sign weekend talks were expected to go ahead on Sunday, with just days left until the ceasefire ends.
- Trump reportedly called a meeting on Saturday to discuss the lingering issues with Hormuz and the stalled talks.
