Donald Trump says a US military blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas has begun, while Iran responded by threatening ports belonging to American allies in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The US military has warned vessels entering east of the Strait of Hormuz that they will be subject to “interception, diversion and capture”. This will apply to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag, according to a note sent from US Central Command.
Trump said he was still willing to engage with Iran, saying he had spoken to "the other side” and they wanted to make a deal, but added he will not come to any agreement that allows Tehran to have a nuclear weapon.
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian told his French counterpart that “threatening the Strait of Hormuz will have widespread consequences for the world,” referring to Trump’s blockade.
“The US's excessive demands prevented reaching an agreement (at talks in Pakistan),” he said. "Iran will continue negotiations only within the framework of international law.”
Why the US-Iran peace talks failed after just one day – and what happens next
How a US blockade near the Strait of Hormuz could work and the impact ahead for the global economy
UK and France seek Strait of Hormuz solution as Trump’s blockade begins
Lego Iran war video creator speaks out after trolling Trump with viral AI clips
Key Points
- Trump says Iran wants to make deal as blockade begins
- Vance accuses Iran of ‘economic terrorism’ in Strait of Hormuz
- Trump: 'We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world'
- US blockade of Iranian ports begins as Trump warns any ship that comes close will be eliminated
- US blockade is 'revenge of choice' against global economy, says Iran
- Pakistan proposes second round of talks in Islamabad
How the US blockade of Strait of Hormuz could work
04:56 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPresident Donald Trump announced that the American military has begun a blockade of Iranian ports as part of his effort to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and accept a deal to end the war that has raged for more than six weeks.
Enforcing the blockade is likely to demand significant resources from the US navy and could prompt concerns about military force and international law, experts say.
At least 15 US warships will be part of the blockade, an unidentified official told The Wall Street Journal. The US currently has 16 warships in the Middle East.
According to a defence official, no warships were in the Persian Gulf — the body of water that forms most of Iran’s coastline.
A note sent by Centcom to mariners says the blockade will "encompass the entirety of the Iranian coastline to include but not limited to ports and oil terminals," and applies to all vessel traffic, BBC reported.
Neutral vessels would be granted a "grace period" to depart Iranian ports that will expire once the blockade begins, after which time "any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorisation is subject to interception, diversion, and capture".
The blockade will not be effective on humanitarian shipments including food, medical supplies and other essential goods, subject to inspection.
Second round of talks between US and Iran possibly soon - report
04:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe US and Iran are weighing new in-person negotiations in a bid to reach a deal aimed at ending their six-week war before the ceasefire expires next week, two US officials and a person familiar with the development told the Associated Press.
The three said discussions were still underway about a new round of talks, while a diplomat from one of the mediating countries went further to say Tehran and Washington have agreed to it.
It’s unclear if the same level of delegation would be expected to attend, the diplomat and US officials said.
The diplomat and US officials said Islamabad, Pakistan, was once again being discussed as the host location. The US officials also said Geneva was a possibility, and that while the venue and timing had not been decided, the talks could happen on Thursday.
Donald Trump told reporters earlier on Monday that “we’ve been called by the other side” and “they want to work a deal.”
Iran offers 5-year pause in nuclear activities
04:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran has reportedly proposed suspending uranium enrichment for up to five years, countering the Trump administration's offer, which insisted on 20 years.
The US and Iran traded proposals for a suspension of Iranian nuclear activities during weekend negotiations in Pakistan, the New York Times reported, citing US and Iranian sources.
Oil prices fall below $100 a barrel
04:16 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAsian stocks advanced while oil prices and the safe-haven dollar fell this morning as the US said it continued to engage with Tehran to make a deal, despite an American blockade of Iran's ports coming into force.
Oil prices slid as expectations for a resolution outweighed concerns over supply disruptions, leaving Brent crude futures down 2.7 per cent at $96.66 a barrel. US crude futures fell 3 per cent to $96.13 per barrel.
Pakistan proposes second round of talks in Islamabad
04:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPakistan has proposed hosting a second round of talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days, before the end of the ceasefire, two Pakistani officials told the Associated Press.
The officials said the proposal would depend on whether the parties request a different location.
One of the officials said that, despite ending without an agreement, the first talks were part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort.
Marco Rubio to attend Israel-Lebanon talks: report
04:00 , Rachel DobkinUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, according to a new report.
Israel launched a heavy bombardment on Lebanon last week as part of its ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran.
A State Department official told CNN that Rubio will join Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the US, and Nada Hamadeh, the Lebanese ambassador to the US, on Tuesday.
“This conversation will scope the ongoing dialogue about how to ensure the long-term security of Israel’s northern border and to support the Government of Lebanon’s determination to reclaim full sovereignty over its territory and political life”, the State Department official said.
“Israel is at war with Hizballah, not Lebanon, so there is no reason the two neighbors should not be talking”, the official added, using another name for Hezbollah.
Vance accuses Iran of ‘economic terrorism’ in Strait of Hormuz
03:54 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS vice president JD Vance has accused Iran of conducting "economic terrorism" in the Middle East by disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
“If the Iranians engage in economic terrorism, then we will follow the principle that no Iranian ships are getting out either,” he told Fox News.
He added that negotiators "did make some progress" in the Islamabad talks on the US insistence on the removal of nuclear material from Iran as well as a mechanism to ensure uranium cannot be enriched in the future.
"They moved in our direction," Vance said in the interview. He said he thought Iranian negotiators were "unable to cut a deal" and needed to get approval from others in Tehran.
White House says Iran's 'desperation' for deal will grow with Naval blockade
03:30 , Rachel DobkinThe White House has said Iran's “desperation” for a peace deal will grow with the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The blockade went into effect Monday after peace talks in Pakistan fell apart over the weekend. US President Donald Trump has said he won’t agree on any deal that allows Iran to have a nuclear weapon.
“President Trump, Vice President Vance and the negotiating team have made the U.S. red lines very clear”, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shared by the Associated Press.
“The Iranians desperation for a deal will only increase with President Trump’s highly effective Naval blockade now in effect”.
Iranian foreign minister told France ‘excessive’ US demands caused peace talks to crumble: report
03:00 , Rachel DobkinIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has told France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot that the United States’ “excessive” demands caused peace talks in Pakistan over the weekend to crumble, The New York Times reported, citing Iranian state media.
Araghchi did say that progress was made, which is similar to what US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News' Bret Baier Monday.
Vance said earlier that Iran refused to give assurances it would not seek a nuclear weapon, a major reason US President Donald Trump says he launched his military campaign against Iran.
“The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon,” Vance said.
Polymarket odds are slim that US and Iran will reach permanent deal by end of ceasefire
02:30 , Rachel DobkinThe odds are slim that the US and Iran will reach a permanent peace deal by the end of their two-week ceasefire, according to the prediction market, Polymarket.
There’s only a 13 percent chance on Polymarket that the two countries will find an end to the conflict by April 22. It comes after peace talks in Pakistan over the weekend fell through.
ICYMI: Trump says he ‘doesn’t care’ if Iran returns to peace talks after Islamabad negotiations collapse
02:00 , Harry CockburnDonald Trump has said he "doesn't care" whether Iran returns to the negotiating table after peace talks in Pakistan broke down without an agreement, threatening to collapse a fragile ceasefire.
On Sunday evening, the US president told reporters it is "fine" if Iran doesn't return to negotiations despite concerns that a two-week ceasefire was at risk of falling apart.
"I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine", he said, adding that the ceasefire is "holding well".
Read on...
Vance says Iran having nuclear weapon would impose 'terrible costs' on world
01:30 , Rachel DobkinUS Vice President JDVance has said Iran having a nuclear weapon would impose “terrible costs” on the world.
“I 100 per cent agree with the president on the fact that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier on Monday.
MUST-WATCH: @VP JD Vance sits down with Bret Baier on @SpecialReport for the first interview since returning from Pakistan.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 13, 2026
Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. pic.twitter.com/NsjPf5W01J
The vice president led the US delegation in peace talks in Pakistan over the weekend, which ended with a deal to end the Iran war.
“I’ve seen that just in the negotiation we had in the last couple of days that these are tough negotiators, but they are fundamentally the kinds of people where them having a nuclear weapon, would impose terrible costs on the entire world,” he told Baier.
House Republicans postpone hearing with Pentagon officials: report
01:07 , Rachel DobkinHouse Republicans have postponed a meeting with Pentagon officials amid the ongoing war in Iran, according to a new report.
The House Armed Services Committee was set to hold a hearing with testimony from Admiral Brad Cooper, the leader of US Central Command, and General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, leader of the US Africa Command, on April 21, according to The New York Times.
But Republicans, who control the House, postponed the session until May 19, the NYT reported.
Representative Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington state and the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee, said that the hearing was postponed because of Cooper’s availability.
“We are six weeks into this conflict. And we still haven’t gotten a public briefing from anyone in the administration about the war,” Smith said in a statement shared by the NYT.
ANALYSIS: Trump’s blockade threatens piracy and risks outright war against China
Tuesday 14 April 2026 00:32 , Sam KileyLocked in a war that has provoked threats of genocide from the US and retaliation from Iran, Washington and Tehran are forming an accidental alliance to strangle global trade and cripple the world economy.
Donald Trump’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz to all Iranian shipping and to all vessels that have paid Tehran an illegally imposed toll for using the international sea passage, combined with Iran’s illegal blocking of the oil artery, drove the price of a physical barrel of crude oil up to $148.
Already the cause of a global economic slowdown and surge in the price of oil, gas, fertiliser, helium and dozens of other petrochemicals, the Israel-US war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation put all three nations squarely in the dock for violations of international law.
These now include America’s threat to violate the Law of the Sea by making threats against international shipping, which moves about a fifth of the world’s fuel through the Strait.
China imports about 31 per cent of the oil shipped, India about 14 per cent. In total, about 86 per cent of all the oil shipped from the Gulf region by this route goes to Asia. So China has called for “restraint” in the latest desperate efforts of both the US and Iran to take their conflict to a place where each can declare some kind of victory.
Read on...
Trump’s blockade threatens piracy and risks outright war against China
Vance: 'US made a lot of progress in Iran talks', accuses Tehran of 'economic terrorism'
Monday 13 April 2026 23:55 , Daniel HaygarthThe United States made a lot of progress in talks with Iran, vice president JD Vance said in an interview on Fox News' Special Report with Bret Baier on Monday.
Vance, asked whether more talks were coming, said the ball was in Iran's court.
He added that the US expects Iran will make progress on opening the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the negotiation would change if Tehran does not.
Vance accused the Iranian regime of engaging in “economic terrorism” by blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that if "engage in economic terrorism" the US will then work on the basis that "no Iranian ships are getting out either".
Watch: Strait of Hormuz ship traffic live
Monday 13 April 2026 23:45 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump said his Hormuz blockade had begun but Starmer refuses to back it - recap
Monday 13 April 2026 23:30 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump said that Iran wants to make a deal but he will not come to any agreement that allows Tehran to have a nuclear weapon, as his "blockade" of the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports began.
The US president said in a press conference that Iran had "called this morning" and that "they'd like to work a deal."
"Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world."
The US said it has begun a blockade of all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports. Trump warned Iranian naval ships approaching it will be “eliminated”.
He warned on that any Iranian "fast-attack" ships that go near a US maritime "blockade" on Iran would be eliminated, and he said the US would not allow Tehran to "extort the world."
Trump repeated his argument that safeguarding the strait is of greater concern to other parts of the globe than the United States.
Trump said a US blockade on vessels entering and departing Iran had gone into effect at 3pm UK time on Monday.
The effective closure of the strait since the start of the war, however, impacts global oil prices - which has led to surging prices for motorists and rising inflation on other goods.
"We don't use this strait," Trump said. "We have our own oil and gas, much more than we need."
Earlier on Monday, he posted on Truth Social: "Warning: If any of these ships (from Iran’s navy) come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.”
Meanwhile, the UK and France are leading political and military planning to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but no mission will begin until hostilities between the US and Iran end, Sir Keir Starmer said.
The prime minister was speaking after Donald Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports came into effect, with the US president threatening to sink Tehran’s fast attack vessels if they come near American warships.
Sir Keir refused to back Mr Trump’s blockade and called for unfettered access to the strait, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies from the Gulf.
In his Commons statement, Sir Keir:
– Said Mr Trump was “wrong” to threaten to wipe out Iran’s civilisation.
– Acknowledged the “significant” economic consequences of the Iran war “will last longer than the conflict itself”.
– Demanded an end to Israeli bombing of Lebanon, saying the attacks were having “devastating humanitarian consequences”.
US officials 'weighing up second meeting with Iran', source tells CNN
Monday 13 April 2026 23:22 , Dan HaygarthUS officials are discussing the prospect of a second meeting with their Iranian counterparts before the ceasefire expires next week, CNN reports.
A source familiar with the talks told the network that potential dates and locations are being weighted up, if ongoing talks with Iran progress, the source said, though they said the were preliminary.
“We need to be prepared to stand something up quickly should things head in that direction,” the source told CNN.
Peak oil price likely to come 'in next few weeks,' US energy secretary says
Monday 13 April 2026 23:15 , Dan Haygarth
Oil prices are likely to hit their peak "in the next few weeks" once ship traffic resumes through the Strait of Hormuz, US Department of Energy secretary Chris Wright said on Monday.
Prices are expected to continue rising until "meaningful" ship traffic resumes through the strait, Wright told the Semafor World Economy Forum in Washington, despite previous comments he made that oil prices would likely come down soon.
"We're going to see energy prices high - and maybe even rising - until we get meaningful ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz," Wright said. "That'll probably hit the peak oil price at that time. That's probably sometime in the next few weeks."
Donald Trump said on Sunday that the price of oil and gasoline may remain high until November's midterm elections, a rare admission of the potential political fallout from his decision to attack Iran six weeks ago
Trump attacks media in latest Truth Social post
Monday 13 April 2026 23:01 , Dan HaygarthThe US president wrote: “For those people that still read The Failing New York Times and, despite the fact that Iran has been totally OBLITERATED, Militarily, and otherwise, you would think that Iran is actually winning or, at the very least, doing quite well — But that’s not true, and The New York Times knows that it’s FAKE NEWS!”
EU still not clear on specifics of Trump's blockade, Kallas says
Monday 13 April 2026 22:45 , Dan Haygarth
The European Union’s foreign policy chief said it does not support any action that would impact free movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kaja Kallas told the BBC she was not still sure what sure on the specifics of the US blockade, speaking around six hours into it.
"It's not entirely clear what is the action by the US.”
She said the EU does not support blocks on a route which has previously "been open for anybody".
'No military solution', says UN general secretary, calling for resumption of talks
Monday 13 April 2026 22:30 , Dan HaygarthAntónio Guterres said on X: “After weeks of destruction & distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict in the Middle East.
“I call for resumption of talks for an agreement to be reached. The ceasefire must absolutely be preserved. All violations must cease.
“All parties to the conflict must respect the freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law.”
After weeks of destruction & distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict in the Middle East.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 13, 2026
I call for resumption of talks for an agreement to be reached.
The ceasfire must absolutely be preserved. All violations must cease.
All parties to…
Lammy discussed US blockade in Washington
Monday 13 April 2026 22:15 , Dan HaygarthDeputy prime minister David Lammy has met with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio in Washington DC where they discussed the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz as America imposed a blockade against Iranian ports.
Amid a fragile ceasefire, Mr Lammy is understood to have highlighted the role the UK is playing in the international effort to ensure shipping can pass freely through the critical waterway, the PA news agency reports.
The face-to-face talks are also said to have covered the ongoing Ukraine war and global security.
The meeting came amid increasingly strained transatlantic relations, with Donald Trump repeatedly criticising prime minister Sir Keir Starmer for his stance on the Iran war and making derogatory comments about the Royal Navy.
Watch: Starmer accuses Iran of holding world economy to 'ransom' over Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNetanyahu spokeswoman rules out a ceasefire with Hezbollah
Monday 13 April 2026 21:50 , Dan HaygarthShosh Bedrosian told reporters Monday that Israel's upcoming talks with Lebanon will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the two countries, the Associated Press reports.
"We will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which continues to carry out indiscriminate attacks against Israel and our civilians," she said.
Israel and the Lebanese army have both been unable to forcibly disarm Hezbollah.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed 2,089 people during the latest Hezbollah-Israel war
That's an increase of 34 deaths since the previous day's count, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. It said Monday that among those killed were 252 women, 166 children, and 88 medical workers.
As the Israeli military pushed ahead with its air and ground offensive in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese militant group fired more rockets and drones at northern Israel on Monday.
Sirens rang out throughout the day in dozens of Israeli communities along the Lebanese border and in the city of Haifa, some 40 kilometres south, near key energy facilities.
The exchange of fire was taking place a day before Lebanon and Israel, which do not maintain diplomatic relations, were set to begin direct negotiations in the United States for the first time in decades.
Trump gets McDonalds DoorDashed to White House and then takes Iran war questions with delivery person
Monday 13 April 2026 21:40 , Dan HaygarthWhile holding his bags of cheeseburgers, Trump kept the delivery driver at his side while she weughed in on his no-tax-on-tips measure and he addressed reporters on a wide range of issues including the Iran war. The truly bizarre stunt played out as the US began a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the president was embroiled in a simmering controversy over his posting an AI image of himself as Jesus Christ on Truth Social.
Read more below:
Trump gets McDonalds DoorDashed and takes Iran war questions with delivery person
In pictures: Protesters in New York City demonstrate against war in Iran
Monday 13 April 2026 21:20 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Red Cross calls consecutive strikes in Lebanon 'gravely concerning'
Monday 13 April 2026 20:55 , Dan HaygarthThe International Committee of the Red Cross said it was deeply concerned by attacks on medical workers in Lebanon after a deadly strike on a Red Cross centre in the country on Monday and the death of a volunteer a day earlier.
Lebanon's state news agency reported that Monday's strike, which it said was carried out by Israel, killed one person and damaged Lebanese Red Cross vehicles.
The ICRC said the Lebanese Red Cross centre in the district of Tyre, a city on Lebanon's coast, was hit by the strike. It did not comment on who was responsible or give details of the victim.
Israel's military it had carried out a targeted strike on a "Hezbollah terrorist" in Tyre on Monday and was investigating reports the strike had caused damage to a Red Cross centre. The military did not identify the individual who it said it had killed.
On Sunday, the Lebanese Red Cross said one of its volunteers, Hassan Badawi, had died from his injuries after a strike by an Israeli drone in the district of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon.
Badawi had volunteered for the Lebanese Red Cross since 2012, his friend Ahmed Qassam told Reuters during his funeral on Monday.
He was buried in a temporary grave in Choueifat, south of Beirut, as it was not possible to access Badawi's home village of Sultaniyah in Bint Jbeil district, due to intensive fighting there. Israeli troops on Monday launched an attack to seize the key border town in southern Lebanon.
"I was waiting for a phone call from him to tell me, 'Mother, I'm fine.' He didn't call me. My heart was burning," Badawi's mother, Ahlam Badawi, said.
"They (the Israeli military) attacked him directly. He was just doing humanitarian work. He was not doing anything more," Badawi's father, Ali Badawi, added.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the accusation. Earlier, it had said it had struck a "Hezbollah terrorist" in the area and that it was reviewing the incident after it received reports of injury to a Red Cross team.
Agnes Dhur, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, said in a statement on Monday: "The loss of those who dedicate their lives to saving others is gravely concerning, given the impact on the civilians who depend on their help."
"Humanitarian and medical personnel must be protected. They must be allowed to reach and help the wounded, and return unharmed," she added.
Lammy tells Vance it is 'vital' ships can pass through Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 20:39 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDeputy Prime Minister David Lammy has met with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio in Washington DC where they discussed the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz as America imposed a blockade against Iranian ports.
Amid a fragile ceasefire, Mr Lammy is understood to have highlighted the role the UK is playing in the international effort to ensure shipping can pass freely through the critical waterway.
The face-to-face talks are also said to have covered the ongoing Ukraine war and global security.
"It is vital that shipping flows freely again through the Straits of Hormuz," Mr Lammy’s office said in a statement.
The meeting came amid increasingly strained transatlantic relations, with Donald Trump repeatedly criticising Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his stance on the Iran war and making derogatory comments about the Royal Navy.
Israeli military says incident 'under review' after reports Red Cross volunteer killed
Monday 13 April 2026 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Israeli military has said it is reviewing a strike in Lebanon following reports a Red Cross volunteer was killed.
In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it struck a Hezbollah target in the Bint Jbeil area of southern Lebanon on Monday, and reports were received "regarding a Red Cross team injured in the strike", reports the BBC.
Trump said Iran wants to make deal
Monday 13 April 2026 20:25 , Daniel HaygarthIran wants to reach an agreement, Donald Trump has said following the imposition of a US blockade against the country’s ports.
Speaking at an impromptu news conference at the White House, the US president said: “We’ve been called this morning by the right people, the appropriate people, and they want to work a deal.”
On Tehran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Mr Trump said: “We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world because that’s what they’re doing.”
Iran conflict a 'war of choice', says Finland
Monday 13 April 2026 20:10 , Daniel Haygarth
The Iran conflict was “very much a war of choice” which has left countries “trying to figure a way out”, according to the president of Finland, which is a Nato member and a close ally of the UK.
Speaking in Washington DC, Alexander Stubb also said he did not see a quick resolution to the stand-off and raised concerns over the US blockade putting America at “loggerheads” with China.
He told an event at the Brookings Institution think tank: “This was very much a war of choice, and all of us are now trying to figure out a way out.”
He added: “I think we’ve all learned that the ramifications of this war are broader than we expected. The Strait of Hormuz has basically become a de facto nuclear weapon, which has ramifications on not only energy prices and oil, but also fertilisers and food and trade.”
Mr Stubb went on: “The good news is that the negotiations are still ongoing, albeit now on a lower level. So that’s always a good sign that there’s willingness to have a dialogue and conversation between the Iranians and the Americans.”
However “the bad news” was that a previous nuclear deal with Iran took two years to hammer out.
Mr Stubb said: “So in that sense, I don’t, you know, see a very quick respite in this situation. The blockade, from an American perspective, I would say, makes sense, if it works out in the sense that they now have a strangle (hold) but I just wonder what will happen if they will be at loggerheads with China on this.
“So there are just so many different complicated aspects to this, and we’re all trying to find an off ramp right now, which is not going to be easy, but at the end of the day, usually is doable. But Iran holds a lot of the cards right now. I’m afraid that is the reality.”
Analysis: Trump deleted AI Jesus then ordered McNuggets in probably his weirdest move yet
Monday 13 April 2026 19:58 , Dan HaygarthAs the president starts a feud with the Pope and then tries to make it better with a bizarre DoorDash event, JD Vance is presumably crying with embarrassment in the corner, writes Holly Baxter.
Read more:
Trump deleted AI Jesus then ordered McNuggets in probably his weirdest move yet
David Lammy meets with JD Vance - 'vital we get shipping flowing freely again through the Straits of Hormuz'
Monday 13 April 2026 19:50 , Dan HaygarthGreat to catch up with my friend @JDVance today in DC following his talks in Pakistan.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 13, 2026
It is vital that the ceasefire continues and we get shipping flowing freely again through the Straits of Hormuz.
We continue to work together towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/SZtISkltfn
The UK’s deputy prime minister wrote on X: “Great to catch up with my friend JD Vance today in DC following his talks in Pakistan.
“It is vital that the ceasefire continues and we get shipping flowing freely again through the Straits of Hormuz.
“We continue to work together towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Trump says the Pope is wrong and doesn't deserve an apology
Monday 13 April 2026 19:50 , Dan HaygarthStarmer asked if Trump was to blame for economic hit caused by the war
Monday 13 April 2026 19:35 , Dan HaygarthThe rising cost of oil has already pushed up forecourt prices for motorists and added expenses to businesses, while households face a nervous wait to see what impact the turbulence will have on domestic electricity and gas bills when the price cap expires at the end of June.
The Resolution Foundation think tank has suggested the average working-age household in the UK could be £480 worse off this year as a result of the war.
Sir Keir said: “I’m very concerned about the impact that this war is having on people back in the United Kingdom who’ve obviously played no part in the war, but I don’t want them paying the price.
“So that’s my primary focus.”
Asked if Mr Trump was to blame for the economic hit caused by the war, Sir Keir said: “In terms of where the blame lies, it’s Iran that has caused the restriction on traffic and vessels through the Gulf, and they’re doing that in breach of international law.”
Watch: Trump says Iran is blackmailing the world over Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 19:20 , Daniel HaygarthTrump says he won't apologize to Pope Leo over Iran war criticisms
Monday 13 April 2026 19:19 , Dan HaygarthTrump has refused to apologise for sharply criticising Pope Leo, saying that the pontiff "went public" in his criticisms of the war in Iran, and "I'm just responding."
In comments to reporters outside the Oval Office, Trump added, "There's nothing to apologise for" and said of Leo, "He's wrong."
Trump was also asked about posting an image of himself as a saint-like healer, which seemed to draw comparisons between himself and Jesus Christ.
The image was posted Sunday night and drew widespread condemnation from Evangelical Christian leaders and has since been taken down.
Trump said, "I did post it." But he suggested it had something to do with the Red Cross and insisted: "It's supposed to be me as a doctor making people better."
Recap: Trump and Starmer speak out on Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 19:06 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump said that Iran wants to make a deal but he will not come to any agreement that allows Tehran to have a nuclear weapon, as his "blockade" of the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports began.
The US president said in a press conference that Iran had "called this morning" and that "they'd like to work a deal."
"Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world."
The US has begun a blockade of all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports and Trump warned Iranian naval ships approaching it will be “eliminated”.
He warned on that any Iranian "fast-attack" ships that go near a US maritime "blockade" on Iran would be eliminated, and he said the US would not allow Tehran to "extort the world."
Trump repeated his argument that safeguarding the strait is of greater concern to other parts of the globe than the United States.
Trump said a US blockade on vessels entering and departing Iran had gone into effect at 3pm UK time on Monday.
The effective closure of the strait since the start of the war, however, impacts global oil prices - which has led to surging prices for motorists and rising inflation on other goods.
"We don't use this strait," Trump said. "We have our own oil and gas, much more than we need."
Earlier on Monday, he posted on Truth Social: "Warning: If any of these ships (from Iran’s navy) come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.”
Meanwhile, the UK and France are leading political and military planning to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but no mission will begin until hostilities between the US and Iran end, Sir Keir Starmer said.
The prime minister was speaking after Donald Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports came into effect, with the US president threatening to sink Tehran’s fast attack vessels if they come near American warships.
Sir Keir refused to back Mr Trump’s blockade and called for unfettered access to the strait, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies from the Gulf.
In his Commons statement, Sir Keir:
– Said Mr Trump was “wrong” to threaten to wipe out Iran’s civilisation.
– Acknowledged the “significant” economic consequences of the Iran war “will last longer than the conflict itself”.
– Demanded an end to Israeli bombing of Lebanon, saying the attacks were having “devastating humanitarian consequences”.
What is the ‘Gate of Tears’? Key shipping route that could be attacked by Houthis and disrupt global economy
Monday 13 April 2026 18:45 , Daniel Haygarth
What is the ‘Gate of Tears’? Key shipping route that could be attacked by Houthis
Tankers race to leave Hormuz ahead of blockade as US warns ships face ‘diversion and capture’
Monday 13 April 2026 18:30 , Dan HaygarthIEA is ready to further tap global oil reserves if needed, chief says
Monday 13 April 2026 18:29 , Dan HaygarthThe head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said on Monday he hopes another oil stockpile release is not needed but "we stand ready to act" if the energy shock resulting from the war with Iran requires it.
The 32-member IEA agreed last month to release 400 million barrels of oil from reserves, the largest coordinated release ever, in a bid to calm oil markets.
The US, the world's largest oil and gas producer, agreed to release 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
"I hope, very much hope, we don't need to do it but if it is needed we are ready to act," Birol said. Birol reiterated at an Atlantic Council event that the war has resulted in the worst global energy disruption ever and said that more than 80 oil and gas facilities including production, terminals and refineries across the Middle East have been damaged by war with Iran.
Benchmark oil prices are trading near $100 a barrel. Due to the vast extent of the production shut-ins and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the oil releases are "not a solution," Birol said, "it's just reducing the pain."
Trump’s blockade threatens piracy and risks outright war against China
Monday 13 April 2026 18:14 , Dan HaygarthTrump’s threats to the Strait of Hormuz will make America a pirate nation and risk conflict with China, making Beijing seem like the grown-ups, explains world affairs editor Sam Kiley.
Trump’s blockade threatens piracy and risks outright war against China
Trump claims offensive Jesus meme was him 'as a doctor' healing the sick
Monday 13 April 2026 18:05 , Dan HaygarthTrump: 'We may stop by Cuba after we're finished with Iran'
Monday 13 April 2026 18:02 , Dan Haygarth
Donald Trump that the US may "stop by" Cuba after its current focus on tensions with Iran concludes.
Trump doubles down on criticism of Pope
Monday 13 April 2026 18:01 , Daniel HaygarthDonald Trump said on Monday that Pope Leo XIV was wrong on issues of law and order, continuing his criticism with the pontiff over crime, policing and views on US war with Iran.
He earlier branded Pope Leo XIV as “weak” on crime and “terrible” on foreign policy, in a late-night Truth Social blitz which also saw him uploading an AI-generated image of himself dressed as Jesus, which has now been deleted.
Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus Christ
Monday 13 April 2026 17:56 , Dan HaygarthA picture depicting Donald Trump as Jesus Christ has been deleted from the president’s Truth Social account after a wave of backlash from religious right figures accusing him of blasphemy.
The image, posted to his account after he delivered a screed against Pope Leo XIV, depicts the president dressed in a white robe with a glowing hand on the forehead of a man in a hospital bed.
Read more:
Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus Christ as MAGA base calls out ‘blasphemy’
Trump claims 34 ships went through Strait of Hormuz yesterday
Monday 13 April 2026 17:48 , Daniel HaygarthIn another post on Truth Social, the US president said: “34 Ships went through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, which is by far the highest number since this foolish closure began.”
Trump: 'We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world'
Monday 13 April 2026 17:47 , Daniel HaygarthThe US president is holding a press conference at the moment.
He says that Iran wants to make a deal and that he will not come to any agreement that allows Tehran to have a nuclear weapon.
"[The sticking point] was over nuclear, [...]Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.
“And we agreed to a lot of things but they didn't agree to that. And I think they will agree to it, I'm almost sure of it. In fact I am sure of it, if they don't agree there's no deal, there will never be a deal.
“Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. And we'll get the dust back. We'll get it back either way; we'll get it back from them, or we'll take it."
He adds that he believes Iran is "really blackmailing the world".
"Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," Trump tells reporters at the White House. "We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world."
Starmer defends King's US visit as Ed Davey calls Trump a 'dangerous and corrupt gangster'
Monday 13 April 2026 17:45 , Dan HaygarthUS blockade is 'revenge of choice' against global economy, says Iran
Monday 13 April 2026 17:43 , Daniel HaygarthEsmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, posted the short below statement on X.
Can an illegal “war of choice” be won through a “revenge of choice” against the global economy?!
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) April 13, 2026
Is it ever worthwhile to cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face?!
Protracted Hormuz crisis could trigger agrifood catastrophe, UN food agency says
Monday 13 April 2026 17:25 , Daniel HaygarthA prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global agrifood catastrophe by disrupting fertiliser and energy exports, driving up food prices and squeezing crop yields, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation said on Monday.
Chief economist Maximo Torero said poorer countries were most exposed because planting calendars meant delays in access to key inputs could quickly translate into lower output, higher inflation and slower global growth
Full story: US blockade of Iranian ports begins as Trump warns any ship that comes close will be eliminated
Monday 13 April 2026 17:15 , Dan HaygarthThe US has begun a blockade of all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports after warning “all vessels” were at risk of diversion and capture.
Shortly after the blockade began at 2pm UTC, US president Donald Trump said on Truth Social: “If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.”
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said earlier on Monday it would enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz that would apply to all vessels, regardless of flag.
In a note to seafarers, they said that any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorisation would be “subject to interception, diversion and capture”.
"The blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations,” it said.
US blockade of Iranian ports begins after failed peace talks
Full story: Starmer demands Trump ends his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 17:06 , Daniel Haygarth
Starmer demands Trump ends his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
Britain should offer to demine Oman's parts of the Strait, former head of the Royal Navy has said
Monday 13 April 2026 17:00 , Dan HaygarthBritain should offer to demine parts of the Strait of Hormuz that fall within Oman’s territory, the former head of the Royal Navy has said.
Crossbench peer Lord West of Spithead asked the Government if it could use its mine hunting expertise within the Royal Navy to help clear the Gulf waterway.
Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord West said: “We must not let this war end with the Strait of Hormuz, a very important international waterway, being closed. It is in global interest, in our interest that that does not happen. We are very good at mine hunting, our very badly funded at the moment Navy is actually an expert at mine hunting and that is very important.
“The bulk of the deep water routes into and out of the Gulf actually go through Omani, not Iranian, waters. We are very close friends and allies with Oman, can we not go ahead with actually talking to the Omanis, and saying would they be happy for us to start making sure that the routes within their waters are clear? This is a step forward in the right direction, and we can start moving and using the mine hunting forces that the minister has mentioned.”
Defence minister Lord Coaker replied that the Government will co-host a summit with the French to work on a co-ordinated plan. He said: “No doubt that some of the points that my noble friend has made will be considered at that summit.”
Starmer criticises Trump's threats to Iranian civilians
Monday 13 April 2026 16:48 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer said Donald Trump’s words that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” were “wrong” and that threatening Iranian civilians is “wrong”.
Speaking in the House of Commons Commons on Monday, Sir Keir said: “In relation to the language about destroying a civilisation, could I really be clear with this House: that was wrong.
“A threat to Iranian civilians in that way is wrong.
“These are civilians, let’s remember, who’ve suffered immeasurable harm by the regime in Iran for many, many, long years. And that’s why they’re words and phrases that I would never use on behalf of this Government, which is guided by our principles and our values throughout all this.”
Recap: Trump's latest threat
Monday 13 April 2026 16:30 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump warned on Monday that any Iranian "fast-attack" ships that go near a US maritime blockade on Iran would be eliminated.
Trump made the threat shortly after the U.S. blockade on vessels entering and departing Iran had been due to come into effect at 3pm UK time on Monday.
Describing Iran's navy as "completely obliterated" during the six-week-long war, Trump posted on Truth Social: "What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, 'fast attack ships,' because we did not consider them much of a threat."
"Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea. It is quick and brutal," Trump wrote.
Trump was referring to the dozens of U.S. strikes carried out against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since September in a campaign that has killed at least 110 people.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off a vital waterway that normally carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Iran's conventional navy has largely been destroyed but Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps still have plenty of options including fast-attack craft, mini submarines, mines and even jet skis packed with explosives, said Tom Sharpe, a retired Royal Navy commander, last month.
Starmer calls for ceasefire to include Lebanon
Monday 13 April 2026 16:15 , Dan Haygarth
The prime minister has called for the ceasefire in the Middle East to include Lebanon as he branded Israel’s strikes “wrong”.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Whilst the ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran is undeniably welcome, it is also highly fragile.
“The region remains on edge, and a lot of work is required to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, to de-escalate the situation, leading to a sustainable ceasefire.
“In pursuit of that goal, we call for Lebanon to be included urgently in the ceasefire.
“Diplomacy is the right path, and I welcome the talks taking place this week. Hezbollah must disarm, but I’m equally clear Israel’s strikes are wrong. They are having devastating humanitarian consequences and pushing Lebanon into a crisis.”
Sir Keir also told MPs that he met with leaders and senior military representatives of allies in the Gulf, where he agreed “to deepen our engagement on both defence and economic resilience, because they all made it abundantly clear that the solidarity and strength of our partnership with them has been a comfort in these challenging times”.
UK will stay out of war, Starmer tsays
Monday 13 April 2026 16:06 , Daniel HaygarthSir Keir Starmer told MPs that the UK will “continue to stay out of the war” with Iran, because it is in the national interest.
He said: “My guide from the start of this conflict has always been our national interest.
“That’s why we stayed out of the war, and why we continue to stay out of the war.
“And that is why we are working now to restore freedom of navigation in the Middle East, because that is squarely in our national interest.”
Watch: Starmer accuses Iran of holding world economy to ransom over Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 16:02 , Dan HaygarthStarmer and Macron to hold summit to end conflict and help shipping through Strait
Monday 13 April 2026 15:56 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer will host a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, focused on diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East and military planning to help shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK prime minister told the House of Commons: “I’ve met UK businesses in energy, shipping, insurance and finance, and they are clear that vessels will not be put through the strait until they are confident that it’s safe to do so.
“And that’s why we’re working around the clock on a credible plan to reopen the strait.
“And I can confirm today that, together with President Macron, I will convene a summit of leaders this week to drive forward the international effort we have built in recent weeks, bringing together dozens of countries to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The summit will be focused on two things. First, diplomatic efforts to bring pressure to bear for a negotiated end to the conflict and for the strait to be opened.
“Second, military planning to provide assurance to shipping as soon as a stable environment could be established.”
Live: Starmer makes statement on Iran as US warns of ship seizures in Gulf
Monday 13 April 2026 15:39 , Dan HaygarthTrump: Any ships coming near to the blockade will be 'immediately eliminated'
Monday 13 April 2026 15:38 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump has warned Iranian naval ships approaching the US blockade of the country’s ports will be “eliminated” using the same “quick and brutal” method to destroy drug dealers’ boats.
He wrote on Truth Social: “Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated - 158 ships.
“What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, “fast attack ships,” because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea.
“It is quick and brutal. P.S. 98.2% of Drugs coming into the U.S. by Ocean or Sea have STOPPED! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT”
Live: Vessel tracker shows traffic in Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 15:35 , Dan HaygarthBreaking: US blockade of Iranian ports begins after warning ‘all vessels’ at risk of capture
Monday 13 April 2026 15:23 , Maira ButtThe US has begun a blockade of all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports after warning “all vessels” were at risk of diversion and capture.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday it would enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz that would apply to all vessels, regardless of flag.
In a note to seafarers, they said that any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorisation would be “subject to interception, diversion and capture”.
US blockade of Iranian ports begins after warning ‘all vessels’ at risk of capture
Neutral vessels within Iranian ports granted grace period, says UKMTO
Monday 13 April 2026 15:00 , Maira ButtThe United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency has said that neutral vessels currently within Iranian ports have been granted a limited grace period to depart in a statement on Monday.
It said that transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations but is not reported to be impeded by these measures but vessels may encounter a military presence.
UKMTO says it was informed of maritime access restrictions being enforced on Iranian ports
Monday 13 April 2026 14:50 , Maira ButtThe United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said on Monday it has been informed that effective from 1400 UTC today, maritime access restrictions are being enforced affecting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including locations along the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz.
“Access restrictions apply without distinction to vessels of any flag engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities,” it added.
Aid groups condemn Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Monday 13 April 2026 14:25 , Maira ButtMedical Aid for Palestinians has condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon in a statement to The Independent on Monday.
It comes after the International Committee of the Red Cross said it was deeply concerned about attacks on medical workers in Lebanon following a strike on a Lebanese Red Cross centre on Monday and the killing of a Lebanese Red Cross volunteer on Sunday.
“In Lebanon, the Israeli military is mirroring the playbook it has deployed in Gaza, from forced displacement to mass bombardment of civilian areas,” said Steve Cutts, CEO of MAP.
“More than 87 healthcare workers have already been reported killed, in a disturbing echo of the 1,700 Palestinian medical workers killed by Israeli forces in Gaza since October 2023.
“These widespread attacks are the grim result of continuing impunity for Israel’s military aggression and the global failure to enforce and uphold international humanitarian law.
“The international community, including the UK government, must not allow these atrocities to become normalised. Failure to act now and ensure accountability will have even more devastating consequences.”
Israel denies it is acting in breach of international law and has insisted it is aiming its attacks at Hezbollah and not civilians.
US warns ships could be captured near Strait of Hormuz as blockade imminent
Monday 13 April 2026 14:05 , Maira ButtThe US military has warned vessels entering east of the Strait of Hormuz that they will be subject to “interception, diversion and capture” as an imminent blockade of the area looms.
This will apply to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag, according to a note sent from US Central Command, reported by Reuters on Monday.
All Iranian ports are to be blockaded by the US beginning Monday at 10am EDT, or 3pm in the UK and 5.30pm in Iran, after Islamabad negotiations collapsed over the weekend.
“The blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations,” the note added.
In pictures: Exiled Iranian prince Reza Pahlavi visits Sweden
Monday 13 April 2026 13:45 , Maira ButtReza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, visits the Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen), following an official invitation from the parliamentary groups of the Sweden Democrats (SD) and the Christian Democrats (KD), in Stockholm on Monday 13 April.
Germany says US blockade of Hormuz is pressure tactic, not end of talks
Monday 13 April 2026 13:25 , Maira ButtThe German government expects negotiations over a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to continue, a spokesperson said on Monday.
Iran and the US had indicated that a deadlocked had been reached with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi saying “zero lessons” were learned and JD Vance confirming that a deal had not been reached.
“The supposed blockade ... does not mark the end of this diplomatic process,” the spokesperson said, referring to an announcement by President Donald Trump.
“We see it as a move to ramp up the pressure.”
The spokesperson also cited a statement from U.S. Central Command, which he said “does not mention a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, but rather a blockade of Iranian ports - that is a different approach.”
Pope Leo criticises 'neocolonial' powers hours after Trump attack
Monday 13 April 2026 13:21 , James ReynoldsPope Leo criticised violations of international law by 'neocolonial' world powers in a forceful speech on Monday, after Donald Trump attacked him in a cutting post on social media.
The first U.S. pope urged leaders in Algeria on the first day of a four-nation tour to build a society based on principles of justice and solidarity.
"Today, this is more urgent than ever in the face of continuous violations of international law and neocolonial tendencies," Leo said.
- Context: Donald Trump erupted to condemn the Pope as “weak” after Leo criticised the war in the Middle East.
Israel will have full control of southern Lebanon within days, says official
Monday 13 April 2026 13:05 , Maira ButtFull operational control of the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil will be achieved within dayss, an Israeli military official said on Monday.
“Only a small number of terrorists remains in the area of Bint Jbeil,” the official said, adding that the military “eliminated terrorists as they were exiting the hospital in Bint Jbeil, as well as located numerous launchers and weapons.”
US military to enforce blockade from 2pm
Monday 13 April 2026 13:00 , James ReynoldsThe US military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, from 2pm GMT on Monday, according to a note to seafarers.
The blockade will apply to all vessel traffic regardless of flag, the US Central Command said in the note seen by Reuters on Monday.
“Any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture,” it read.
“The blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations.”
Physical oil in Europe hits record near $150 a barrel
Monday 13 April 2026 12:45 , Maira ButtEuropean crude oil prices have climbed to a record high, near $150 a barrel as the US threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz reverberated on Monday.
The outright price of North Sea Forties crude FOT-E reached $148.87 a barrel on Monday, LSEG data showed, exceeding its 2008 peak of $147 a barrel.
Mediators say 'door is not closed' despite US and Iran rhetoric on 'failed' peace talks
Monday 13 April 2026 12:25 , Maira ButtSources involved in high-stakes negotiations between the US and Iran have suggested that discussions remain ongoing despite the US and Iran complaining that the historic talks in Islamabad had essentially failed.
“We are not in a complete deadlock,” a source told Axios. “The door is not closed yet. Both sides are bargaining. It's a bazaar.”
Mediators are reportedly hoping to gain ground before the 14-day ceasefire expires on 21 April.
'Zero lessons learned': Iranian foreign minister hits out after failed Islamabad talks
Monday 13 April 2026 12:05 , Maira ButtIranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a statement in the aftermath of collapsed negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan over the weekend.
“In intensive talks at highest level in 47 years, Iran engaged with US in good faith to end war,” he wrote in a post on X late on Sunday.
“But when just inches away from ;Islamabad MoU’, we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade.
“Zero lessons earned Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity.”
Watch: Pope Leo hits back at Donald Trump over Iran
Monday 13 April 2026 11:45 , Maira ButtKeir Starmer says Strait of Hormuz blockade 'deeply damaging' as European nations to meet
Monday 13 April 2026 11:25 , Maira ButtAfter insisting that the UK will not intervene in the Strait of Hormuz, prime minister Keir Starmer has called the chaos around the vital shipping route “deeply damaging” and has vowed to work to resolve the issue with European partners.
“The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is deeply damaging,” he wrote in a post on X on Monday.
“Getting global shipping moving is vital to ease cost of living pressures. The UK has convened more than 40 nations who share our aim to restore freedom of navigation.”
He added: “This week the UK and France will co-host a summit to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping when the conflict ends.”
Why is the US threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz - and how could it work?
Monday 13 April 2026 11:05 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after negotiations with Iran collapsed over the weekend and oil prices surged.
“We’re sweeping the strait,” he added in reference to the shipping route, and called negotiations “very deep”.
While the United States later backtracked and said it would “not impede” vessels sailing through the vital waterway, it said a blockade of Iran’s ports would continue to go ahead on Monday.
Why is the US threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz – and how could it work?
Nearly two-thirds of Israelis oppose ceasefire, according to new poll
Monday 13 April 2026 10:45 , Maira ButtNearly two-thirds of Israelis are against a ceasefire with Iran and Lebanon according to a new poll conducted by Hebrew University’s Agam Labs.
More than 61 per cent of Israelis surveyed believe that a truce should not extend to fighting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, a core demand by Iran.
The public were divided on whether Israel should respect a 14-day truce agreed between Israel and Iran, with 41 per cent saying that their country should respect the ceasefire and 19 per cent saying they weren’t sure.
Based on a sample of 1,312 Israelis, the poll was conducted between 9 and 10 April.
Oil prices jump back above $100 a barrel after Trump orders blockade of Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 10:25 , Maira ButtThe price of oil has jumped again to above $100 a barrel after President Trump said the US would blockade the Strait of Hormuz from Monday.
The US president threatened to stop tankers from entering or leaving the key oil and gas shipping lane in response to the failure of talks with Iran.
The move caused global prices to spike on Monday morning, with the price of oil jumping around 7 per cent back up to $102, settling back just slightly lower by 9am BST.
The Independent’s business and money editor Karl Matchett reports:
Oil prices jump back above $100 a barrel after Trump orders Strait of Hormuz blockade
Watch: Iran navy warns US destroyer to turn back from Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 10:05 , Maira ButtIran accuses US of 'piracy' and 'illegal' port blockade threats
Monday 13 April 2026 09:45 , Maira ButtIran has accused the United States of piracy after it has threatened to impose a blockade on Iranian ports within hours.
The warnings came after Islamabad negotiations collapsed over the weekend.
Ebrahim Zolfagheri, the most visible spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces said on Monday that US restriction on vessels in international waters “amounts to piracy”.
“The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and constitute an example of piracy,” he said in a statement on state media.
UK will not back blockade of Strait of Hormuz
Monday 13 April 2026 09:30 , Maira ButtUK prime minister Keir Starmer has said that Britain will not back a blockade of the Strait.
"It is, in my view, vital that we get the Strait open and fully open, and that's where we've put all of our efforts in the last few and we'll continue to do so," Starmer told BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday.
US will 'not impede' ships passing through Strait of Hormuz after
Monday 13 April 2026 08:59 , Maira ButtThe United States has backtracked from threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and said it will “not impede” the passage of vessels through the vital shipping route.
US Central Command announced that a blockade of Iranian ports would continue to go ahead on Monday starting from 10am EDT (3pm BST).
While Iranian ports will be cut off from transit, the US said it would not restrict the movement of vessels departing from non-Iranian ports.
Watch: The Independent's Millie Cooke analyses Iran war latest as Trump vows Strait of Hormuz blockade
Monday 13 April 2026 08:32 , Maira ButtWarnings of UK fuel protests as Iran war sends price of diesel to £2 a litre
Monday 13 April 2026 08:00 , Mike BediganFarmers are planning fuel protests in England after the Iran war sent fuel prices soaring to £2 per litre, it has been reported.
Ireland has already faced nationwide fuel protests from farming organisations this week over soaring petrol and diesel prices, which have caused significant disruption and threats to critical supplies throughout the country.
Read more here:
Warnings of UK fuel protests as Iran war sends price of diesel to £2 a litre
Opinion: Trump’s genocidal rant marked the end of the American century
Monday 13 April 2026 07:30 , Mike BediganPresident Truman and JFK expressed that the US cared for the world’s poor, says Peter Frankopan, while the current administration seems only to care about the supposed glory of America, and destroying their enemies.
Read more here:
Trump’s genocidal rant marked the end of the American century
Oil jumps and Asian markets slide as US readies for Strait of Hormuz blockade
Monday 13 April 2026 07:15 , Shweta SharmaOil prices resumed their climb and Asian markets mostly declined on Monday as the US military prepared to blockade ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, where most shipping has been stalled by Iran since the start of the war.
Oil prices have been rising as shipping through the strait has essentially stalled since late February. Brent crude oil, the international standard, has gone from roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February to more than $119 at times.
On Monday, benchmark US crude jumped 8.7 per cent to $104.95 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, rose $7.00, or 7.4 per cent, to $102.23 a barrel.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 lost 1.0 per cent in morning trading to 56,357.40. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.5 per cent to 8,913.50.
South Korea's Kospi dipped 1.1 per cent to 5,795.15. Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped nearly 1.5 per cent to 25,513.42, while the Shanghai Composite fell 0.2 per cent to 3,976.57.
Catholic cardinal calls Trump's social media posts 'sickening'
Monday 13 April 2026 07:00 , Mike BediganA U.S. Catholic Cardinal Blase Cupich has described the Trump administration’s social media posting around the Iran way as “sickening”
“We’re dehumanizing the victims of war by turning the suffering of people and the killing of children and our own soldiers into entertainment,” Cupich said, speaking during a 60 Minutes interview Sunday on CBS.
The official White House account has posted numerous clips interspersing action films and video games along with real footage from Operation Epic Fury.
“It is sickening. To splice together movie cuts with actual bombing and targeting of people for the purposes of entertainment is sickening,” Cupich added.
“This is not who we are. We’re better than this.”
UN says US war on Iran plunged more than 32 million people into poverty
Monday 13 April 2026 06:47 , Shweta SharmaMore than 32 million people could be pushed into poverty as the economic fallout from the Iran war ripples across the global economy, with developing countries expected to bear the brunt.
In a new report, the United Nations Development Programme warned of a “triple shock” driven by rising energy costs, food insecurity, and slowing economic growth, even as a fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance.
The agency said the conflict is already reversing years of development progress, with poorer nations likely to suffer the most severe and lasting damage.
“This is development in reverse,” said Alexander De Croo, head of the UNDP.
“Even if the war stops, and a ceasefire is obviously very welcome, the impact is already there. You will see an enduring impact, especially in poorer countries, where people are pushed back into poverty.”
Energy prices have surged since the initial US–Israeli strikes on Tehran, while Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil and gas flows.
The knock-on effects on fertilisers and shipping have raised fears of a looming “food security timebomb” for the developing world.
Trump tells Fox he could take out Iran 'in one day'
Monday 13 April 2026 06:45 , Mike BediganDonald Trump told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo that he could “take Iran out in one day,” hours after his vice president emerged from talks in Islamabad without an agreement to end the war with Iran.
“I could take out Iran in one day... in one hour. I could have their entire energy, everything, every one of their power-generating plants, which is a big deal. I hate to do it, because if you do it, it takes ten years to build... they’ll never be able to rebuild it,” Trump added.
The president also said that he took out a bridge in Iran “just to how them because they came out with a statement.
Trump called into Fox from his resort in the Miami suburb of Doral, in Florida, where he reportedly played golf and discussed the talks with advisers.
Why the US-Iran peace talks failed after just one day – and what happens next
Monday 13 April 2026 06:30 , Shweta SharmaHigh-stakes peace talks between the US and Iran have crumbled after just one day, as JD Vance blamed Tehran for being unwilling to accept American terms.
US and Iranian officials travelled to Pakistan on Saturday for what were hailed as “make or break” peace talks aimed at bringing an end to the bloody six-week war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. But less than 24 hours later, the teams departed Islamabad empty-handed.
An Iranian analyst close to the government told The New York Times the talks fell apart due to US demands for zero enrichment and the removal of nearly 900 pounds of stockpile uranium, as well as the Hormuz issue.
A foreign ministry spokesperson said the negotiations took place in an “atmosphere of mistrust”, adding it was unrealistic to expect a deal in a single round. They confirmed there are currently no plans in place for a resumption of talks.
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Why the US-Iran peace talks failed after just one day – and what happens next
