Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards say they have seized two vessels for what they describe as maritime violations, Iranian news agencies are reporting, posing a threat to the fragile ceasefire extended by Donald Trump.
The ships, identified in a statement as the MSC Francesca and the Epaminodes, were detained for "operating without the required authorisation and for manipulating navigation systems".
They have now been taken to Iranian ports, the Guards added.
The MSC Francesca is a Panama-flagged container ship that was sailing from the Dammam port in Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, according to ship tracking website Marine Traffic, which shows it located near the Iranian coast.
It brings Trump’s truce under further strain. Earlier, three container ships were hit by Iranian gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, maritime authorities said.
Trump has walked back several threats against Iran to instead announce the extension of a fragile two-week ceasefire that was due to conclude on Wednesday.
The president announced that he had ordered the US military to continue to blockade Iranian ports until Tehran’s leaders and representatives came up with “a unified proposal”.
Key Points
- Three container ships hit by IRGC gunfire in Strait of Hormuz - UKMTO
- Trump extends ceasefire and blockade of Iran's ports
- US president furiously rebukes claims he is a 'sucker for Iran'
- Iranian official dismisses ceasefire extension
- Trump insists Iran says it wants to keep Strait of Hormuz closed to 'save face'
- Israeli drone strike kills one in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley
Analysis | Trump has exposed the limits of his own power
12:15 , Alex CroftOur world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
Critics of the US president will see the latest extension of a ceasefire over Iran as yet another TACO moment because Trump Always Chickens Out.
But to criticize Donald Trump for not behaving like a madman or an idiot is a sign that his critics are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Trump has threatened genocide against Iran when he said that “tonight an entire civilization will die” on social media. Making such statements is criminal and involves his armed forces in potential violations of international law.
For now, Trump has backed away from a more recent threat that, if Iran does not open the Straits of Hormuz and agree to a peace deal, "the whole country is going to get blown up”.
Outlook for energy markets is bad even in worst case scenario - European energy commissioner
11:55 , Alex CroftThe outlook for energy markets is bad even in a best-case scenario, said the European Energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen.
The Energy markets have been badly hit as a result of the impact of the US-Israeli war on Iran since the end of February.
"This is a crisis that is probably as serious as the 1973 and the 2022 crises combined, and this means that we are looking into some very difficult months, or maybe even years - depending of course on the development in the Middle East - but even in a best case scenario, it's still bad," he said.
"If we imagine that there is a peace tomorrow, it will still take, for instance Qatar, probably two years, maybe even more to rebuild their gas production and transportation infrastructure," he added at a news conference.
Iran claims it has seized two vessels for 'maritime violations'
11:25 , Alex CroftIran's Revolutionary Guards Navy say they have seized two vessels for what it described as maritime violations, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.
The ships have now been taken to Iranian ports, the Guards said.
In a statement, the Guards said the ships, which they identified as the MSC Francesca and the Epaminodes, were detained for "operating without the required authorisation and for manipulating navigation systems".
They said that this endangered maritime activity.
Watch: Trump expects 'great deal' from Iran talks but ready to resume bombing if discussions don't go well
10:52 , Alex CroftEU proposes measures to address impact on energy markets
10:33 , Alex CroftThe European Commission has proposed several measures to address the impact on the region's energy markets of the war in the Middle East.
The Commission said the measures - announced in a package called 'AccelerateEU' - included optimising the distribution of jet fuel between EU countries, in order to avoid shortages.
"The choices we make today will shape our ability to face the challenges of today and the crises of tomorrow. Our AccelerateEU strategy will bring both immediate and more structural relief measures to European citizens and businesses," said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
"We must accelerate the shift to homegrown, clean energies. This will give us energy independence and security, and mean we are better able to weather geopolitical storms," she added.
Oil prices hold near $100 as Trump extends Iran ceasefire but keeps blockade in place
10:09 , Alex CroftOil prices held near $100 a barrel on Wednesday after US president Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran just hours before it was due to expire.
The Strait of Hormuz remained closed and it was unclear whether Iran or Israel had agreed to the new arrangement.
Brent crude slipped 0.17 per cent to $98.27 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate fell 0.42 per cent to $89.29, swinging between gains and losses as markets weighed a ceasefire extension that seemed to be unilateral against the continued closure of the waterway through which a fifth of the world's energy supply flowed before the US and Israel launched the war on Iran.
Stuti Mishra brings the latest on oil prices:
Oil prices hold near $100 as Trump extends Iran ceasefire but keeps blockade in place
Three container ships hit by gunfire in Strait of Hormuz - UKMTO
09:51 , Alex CroftAt least three container ships were hit by gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, maritime security sources and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
We earlier reported that one boat had been struck, but this number has since increased.
Iran has imposed restrictions on ships using the strait, first in retaliation for the US-Israeli bombardment of the country, and then in response to a US blockade of Iranian ports.
A Liberia-flagged container ship sustained damage to its bridge after being hit by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades northeast of Oman.
The UKMTO said the master of the vessel reported being approached by an IRGC gunboat. The vessel, it said, was subsequently fired upon. All crew members were safe and there was no fire or environmental impact due to the incident.
Maritime security sources said that three people were onboard that gunboat.
Iran war causes Diet Coke shortage in India
09:36 , Alex CroftThe Iran war has caused a shortage of Diet Coke in India, where it is sold only in aluminium cans that have run short because of delayed shipments from the Gulf caused by the Iran war.
The Gulf accounts for around 9 per cent of global aluminium production, which has been trapped since the end of February by Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
While most soft drinks are sold in India both in plastic bottles and cans, Diet Coke is only sold in cans. Two Coca-Cola distributors told the Reuters news agency that the company had notified them it was rationing supplies or not fulfilling some orders due to a can shortage caused by the war.
"We've been placing orders but have been told there is a shortage due to war," said Sanjay, one of the distributors, who declined to give his last name.
Coca-Cola declined to comment.
Trump furiously rebukes claims he is a 'sucker for Iran'
09:05 , Alex CroftIn a furious tirade on Truth Social, Donald Trump has scolded the Wall Street Journal after it published an opinion peace referring to him as a “sucker”.
"An IDIOT on The Wall Street Journal's Editorial Board, named Elliot Kaufman, just wrote an Op Ed entitled, 'The Iranians Take Trump for a Sucker’,” he wrote.
“Really? For 47 years, they have killed our people, and many others, and taken advantage of every President, except me—And what did I give to them, a Country in tatters!"
Israeli drone kills one and wounds two in Lebanon - report
08:42 , Alex CroftLebanon's National News Agency has reported an Israeli drone had killed one person and wounded two others in the Bekaa Valley area on Wednesday.
The Israeli military has said it is unaware of the strike.
The agency reported that the incident had taken place on the outskirts of al-Jbour in Lebanon's western Bekaa Valley.
We’ll bring you more as we get it.
Watch: Trump expects 'great deal' from Iran talks but ready to resume bombing if discussions don't go well
08:19 , Alex CroftReeves: 'This isn't out war, but it's pushing up bills'
08:02 , Alex CroftThe UK’s chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has reacted to the increase in prices as a result of war in the Middle East.
“This is not our war, but it is pushing up bills for families and businesses. That’s why it’s my number one priority to keep costs down,” she says.
“Our economic plan is the right one and has put us in a stronger position to support families in the face of this new crisis.”
Pointing to measures announced before the conflict she said: “We’ve taken £117 off energy bills, frozen rail fares and protected motorists with the fuel duty freeze.
“We’re acting to protect people from unfair price rises if they occur to bring down food prices at the till, and are boosting long-term energy security — building a stronger, more secure economy.”
Palestinians forced to tear down their own homes
07:46 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFour years after Israeli authorities demolished the home of Wael al-Tahan in Jerusalem, he was forced to tear down his second home. This time, however, he had to do it with his own hands. Tahan’s home has become part of a growing phenomenon in Jerusalem.
Around 150 Palestinian homes have been destroyed since the start of this year on the orders of Israeli courts – 23 of these were “self-demolitions”.
Palestinians compare having to demolish their own homes to “gouging their own eyes out”, but those who made the choice to self-demolish say they did so to avoid paying exorbitant sums to Israeli authorities to carry out the demolition.
Speaking to Independent Arabia, Tahan says he demolished his home in Ras al-Amud, a Palestinian neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, himself after reaching a “dead end” with the Jerusalem municipality.
He wanted to avoid paying the fee of more than $30,000 (£22,200) that the Israeli authorities would have charged to carry out the demolition, having already paid them over $40,000 in fines in recent years for “building without a permit”.
More here.
Jerusalem’s ‘self-demolition’ crisis: Palestinians forced to tear down their homes
UK inflation rises to 3.3% as Iran war makes first impact
07:30 , Alex CroftInflation in the UK has rose to an annual rate of 3.3% in March, up from 3% in February, as the Iran war begins to take an impact on prices.
Economists had mostly expected inflation to accelerate to 3.3%, driven by a rise in petrol and other fuel costs during March, they told Reuters news agency.
Before the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, the Bank of England said Britain's inflation rate - the highest among the G7 economies for much of the last four years - was likely to be close to its 2% target in April.
But the BoE last month sharply increased its inflation forecast due to the energy price shock, predicting it would rise towards 3.5% by the middle of 2026.
The International Monetary Fund last week predicted British inflation would peak at 4% in the coming months.
Israeli soldier jailed for smashing Jesus statue
07:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsrael’s military has removed two soldiers from combat duty and placed them in military detention for 30 days after they destroyed a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon.
An investigation was launched after a picture showed an Israeli soldier taking the blunt side of an axe to a fallen sculpture of Jesus on the cross. The image drew widespread condemnation Monday from Israeli politicians, the United States and church leaders.
It was posted by Younis Tirawi, a Palestinian reporter who has also posted images of Israeli soldiers' apparent misconduct in Gaza.
More here.
IDF soldier learns his fate after smashing Jesus statue with an axe
Container ship ‘ignored the warnings’ before attack, Iranian website says
07:06 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran's Revolutionary Guard opened fire on the container ship after it had “ignored the warnings of the Iranian armed forces", claimed Nour News, a website long affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Nour News added that the ship sustained “extensive damage” in the attack.
Although the US focused much of its fire in the war on Iran’s navy, sinking and heavily damaging dozens of vessels, the Guard operates a fleet of small attack boats, some of which apparently survived the war.
Those vessels typically carry mounted machine guns and can be used for mining operations.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opens fire on ship in Strait of Hormuz
07:01 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard this morning opened fire on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging the ship and further raising the stakes as planned ceasefire talks in Pakistan failed to materialize.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said the attack happened around 7.55am in the strait and targeted a container ship.
The UKMTO said a Guard gunboat did not hail the ship before firing. It said no one was hurt and there was no environmental impact from the attack.
Iran’s semiofficial Fars and Tasnim news agencies, believed to be close to the Guard, both reported on the attack, citing the UKMTO.
Fars went further to describe Iran as “lawfully enforcing” its control over the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil and natural gas traded once passed.
The strait had long been considered an international waterway for the world’s shippers, despite being in the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman.
Oil prices hold near $100
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices held near $100 a barrel this morning after US president Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran just hours before it was due to expire.
The Strait of Hormuz remained closed and it was unclear whether Iran or Israel had agreed to the new arrangement.
Brent crude slipped 0.17 per cent to $98.27 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate fell 0.42 per cent to $89.29, swinging between gains and losses as markets weighed a ceasefire extension that seemed to be unilateral against the continued closure of the waterway through which a fifth of the world's energy supply flowed before the US and Israel launched the war on Iran.
More here.
Oil prices hold near $100 as Trump extends Iran ceasefire but keeps blockade in place
Army chief says Lebanon will recover 'every inch of land under Israeli occupation'
06:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLebanese army commander Rodolphe Haykal has said that the country will "regain every inch of its land under Israeli occupation".
Commander Haykal condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanese forces, mourning a soldier killed on Friday and wishing a swift recovery to those wounded when an army patrol came under fire during a security operation in Bab al-Tabbaneh.
Civil peace remains "the strongest weapon" to protect Lebanon, he said, according to Lebanon's official National News Agency.
He warned that any attempt to undermine or question the military institution, knowingly or not, serves "the objectives of the Israeli occupation" and risks fueling internal strife.
Israeli forces have intensified operations across southern Lebanon, carrying out widespread demolitions, ramping up aerial surveillance and issuing evacuation warnings despite a 10-day ceasefire, state media reported.
Iran executes man accused of spying for Israel, Mizan reports
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran has executed yet another man convicted of spying for Israel’s intelligence service and passing sensitive information, the judiciary's news outlet Mizan reported this morning.
Mizan identified the man as Mehdi Farid, saying he had held a position in a civil defence unit within a sensitive organisation and had used his access to gather and transmit information to Israel's Mossad.
His death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court and carried out after legal procedures were completed, Mizan said.
Israeli drone strike kills one in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley
06:25 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOne person was killed in an Israeli drone strike overnight on the outskirts of al-Jbour in Lebanon's western Bekaa Valley, the Lebanese state news agency said this morning.
At least two other people also sustained injuries, according to the National News Agency.
Israeli forces have intensified operations across southern Lebanon, carrying out widespread demolitions, ramping up aerial surveillance and issuing evacuation warnings despite a 10-day ceasefire, it added.
London to host military planners for talks on Strait of Hormuz
06:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarMilitary planners from countries seeking to join a UK and France-led mission to keep the Strait of Hormuz open once the Iran war ends will meet in London today.
More than 30 nations are expected to send planners to the two-day conference starting today and co-hosted by the UK and France at the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, north London.
They aim to build on talks held by Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris last week with a view to setting up a joint defensive mission after a sustainable ceasefire agreement has been reached.
The talks in London will focus on military capabilities, command and control, and how military forces could deploy to the region.
Defence secretary John Healey said: "The task, today and tomorrow, is to translate the diplomatic consensus into a joint plan to safeguard freedom of navigation in the strait and support a lasting ceasefire.
"I am confident that, over the next two days, real progress can be made. International trade, energy security and the stability of the global economy depend on freedom of navigation."
By building on our common purpose, strengthening multinational co-ordination and planning for effective collective action, we can help reopen the strait, stabilise the global economy and protect our people."
UK maritime agency receives report of Iranian gunboat attack near Oman
06:14 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said this morning that it had received a report of an incident 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman, where the master of a container ship reported being approached by an IRGC gunboat.
The vessel was subsequently fired upon, sustaining heavy damage to its bridge, though no fires or environmental impact were reported and all crew members were safe.
Trump launches barrage of Truth Social attacks rump launches barrage of Truth Social attacks
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOn Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump fired off a barrage of Truth Social posts targeting an array of domestic and foreign entities long familiar with his relentless criticism.
In the span of roughly 90 minutes, he singled out the Supreme Court, The Wall Street Journal, the renewable energy industry and the Iranian regime.
The president’s online remarks capped off his day at the White House, during which he attended policy meetings, hosted college athletes in the State Dining Room and participated in a marathon Bible-reading event.
More here.
Trump attacks the Supreme Court, the WSJ and wind farms in Truth Social tirade
US blocks Iraq's dollar shipments - report
05:50 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS president Donald Trump's administration has halted US dollar shipments to Iraq and frozen security cooperation programs with its military, as it presses Baghdad to dismantle Iranian-backed militias operating in the country, the Wall Street Journal reported.
US Treasury Department officials recently blocked a delivery of nearly $500m in US banknotes – the proceeds of Iraqi oil sales - from accounts at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Journal said.
Washington has also informed Baghdad it is suspending funding for some counter-terrorism and military training programs until militia attacks end and Iraqi authorities take steps to dismantle armed groups, the report added.
The US earlier this month summoned Iraq’s ambassador after a drone struck a major US diplomatic facility in Baghdad, following a series of drone attacks that Washington has blamed on Iran-aligned “terrorist militias".
US sanctions 14 entities for supplying weapons to Iran
05:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe US has imposed new sanctions targeting 14 people and companies that help Iran obtain weapons as Tehran works to rebuild its ballistic missile inventory after US-Israeli attacks, the treasury department said.
The targets, which also include aircraft, are based in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates and were cited for their involvement in procuring or transporting weapons or components on Iran's behalf, the treasury said in a statement.
"As the United States continues to deplete Iran’s ballistic missile inventories, the regime is seeking to reconstitute its production capacity," the treasury said.
"Iran is increasingly relying on Shahed-series one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to target the United States and its allies, including energy infrastructure in the region."
US sanctions 14 entities for supplying weapons to Iran
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe US has imposed new sanctions targeting 14 people and companies that help Iran obtain weapons as Tehran works to rebuild its ballistic missile inventory after US-Israeli attacks, the treasury department said.
The targets, which also include aircraft, are based in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates and were cited for their involvement in procuring or transporting weapons or components on Iran's behalf, the treasury said in a statement.
"As the United States continues to deplete Iran’s ballistic missile inventories, the regime is seeking to reconstitute its production capacity," the treasury said."
Iran is increasingly relying on Shahed-series one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to target the United States and its allies, including energy infrastructure in the region."
Watch: Trump expects 'great deal' from Iran talks but ready to resume bombing if discussions don't go well
05:22 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices turn lower at 98% a barrel
05:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices have fallen slightly this morning after rising about $1 at the start of trade in Asia, with investors assessing the outlook for US-Iran peace talks following the US extension of a ceasefire.
Brent crude futures were down 21 cents, or 0.2 per cent, at $98.27 a barrel, after touching $99.38 earlier in the session. West Texas Intermediate futures fell 28 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to $89.39, after climbing as high as $90.71.
US crude oil inventory fell by 4.5 million barrels last week after three weeks of gains, while gasoline and distillate stock also declined, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures.
Aftermath of bombardment in Kfar Sir, Lebanon
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Trump mulls extending shipping waiver to ease US oil shipments - report
04:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS president Donald Trump is considering extending the Jones Act waiver, which allows foreign-flagged cargo ships to move fuel and other goods between domestic ports, according to Axios.
Trump waived Jones Act limitations for 60 days starting 17 March, hoping the move would help tame the surge in fuel prices caused by the Iran war by increasing shipments from the US Gulf Coast to other coastal markets in the country
Iran holds rallies including a ballistic missile launcher
04:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIranian hard-liners rallied late last night as possible talks in Islamabad with the US broke down, with members of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard apparently bringing a ballistic missile on a mobile launcher to one event.
Footage aired by Iranian state TV showed men carrying Kalashnikov-style assault rifles riding atop a missile that resembled a Qadr ballistic missile in Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Such Qadr missiles can release individual bomblets known as cluster munitions, which Iran used widely when attacking Israel during the war.
Recap: Trump extends ceasefire and blockade of Iran's ports
04:20 , Jane DaltonDonald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistan, which has been mediating in the conflict.
But the US president said the blockade of the country's ports would remain in force.
He made the announcement as the deadline loomed on the fragile truce and proposed talks in Islamabad were put on hold, amid tensions over the stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz.
Writing in post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: "Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.
"I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other”.
Analysis: Iran War heading for a frozen conflict
04:10 , Jane DaltonJessica Genauer and Benedict Moleta write:
With a shaky ceasefire in place between the US, Israel and Iran – and little progress on talks to resolve the complex issues at the heart of the war – where is this conflict going?
The most likely scenario is a frozen conflict.
A frozen conflict is not static, but is an unresolved war that continues at a low-level below the threshold of full-scale combat.
This typically occurs when a comprehensive political agreement cannot be reached, such as the fighting in eastern Ukraine from 2014 until Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. This conflict was considered frozen despite the deaths of some 14,000 military personnel and civilians and persistent cyber and information warfare.
Even if negotiations resume this week in Pakistan and an eventual agreement is reached, there are still three reasons we believe this is headed towards a frozen conflict, not a comprehensive peace agreement.
Pope Leo says God’s name should not be used to ‘justify death-dealing choices’
04:00 , Brendan RasciusPope Leo has cautioned against using religion to justify violence, delivering what appeared to be yet another thinly-veiled rebuke of the ongoing Iran war.
“Without a change of direction in the assumption of political responsibility, and without respect for institutions and international agreements, humanity's destiny risks being tragically compromised”, the leader of the Catholic church said Tuesday.
“God does not want this”, the pontiff continued. “His holy Name must not be profaned by the desire for domination, arrogance, or discrimination. Above all, it must never be invoked to justify death-dealing choices and actions”.
Read more...
Pope Leo says God’s name should not be used to ‘justify death-dealing choices’
Iranian official dismisses ceasefire extension
03:30 , Rachel DobkinMahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed the US-Iran ceasefire extension.
“Trump's ceasefire extension means nothing. The losing side cannot dictate terms. The continuation of the siege is no different from bombardment and must be met with a military response.
“Moreover, Trump's ceasefire extension is certainly a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike. The time for Iran to take the initiative has come”, Mohammadi wrote on X Tuesday.
The US naval blockade of Iranian ports has continued amid the ceasefire extension.
UN chief welcomes ceasefire extension
03:00 , Rachel DobkinUnited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire.
“This is an important step toward de-escalation and creating critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States.
“We encourage all parties to build on this momentum, refrain from actions that could undermine the cease-fire, and engage constructively in negotiations to reach a sustainable and lasting resolution”, Guterres’ spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
Trump rails against the Wall Street Journal for its coverage of Iran war
02:30 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump has railed against the American media again for its coverage of the Iran war.
Trump claimed The Wall Street Journal has “lost its way” in a lengthy Truth Social rant about an op-ed the publication released Monday titled, “The Iranians Take Trump for a Sucker”.
Elliot Kaufman, a member of The WSJ’s editorial board, wrote in the piece, “Twice [Trump] has announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and twice he has given up U.S. leverage in exchange. Yet the strait remains closed, as Iran’s regime demands more”.
In response to the op-ed, Trump wrote Tuesday night, Washington time, “Really? For 47 years, [Iranians] have killed our people, and many others, and taken advantage of every President, except me — And what did I give to them, a Country in tatters!”
“I have a MORON on the Editorial Board of The Wall Street Journal writing about me being taken for a ‘sucker.’ Iran certainly doesn’t think so! Neither does anyone else”, the president wrote.
Trump insists Iran says it wants to keep Strait of Hormuz closed to 'save face'
02:00 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump has insisted that Iran says it wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain closed to “save face.”
After the US and Israel began launching strikes against Iran on February 28, Tehran effectively closed the vital oil passageway.
Tehran briefly reopened the Strait of Hormuz last week but closed it again after Trump said the US naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a deal to end the conflict was reached.
“Iran doesn’t want the Strait of Hormuz closed, they want it open so they can make $500 Million Dollars a day (which is, therefore, what they are losing if it is closed!)”, Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday night, Washington time.
The Independent has not verified Trump’s figure.
“They only say they want it closed because I have it totally BLOCKADED (CLOSED!), so they merely want to ‘save face.’ People approached me four days ago, saying, ‘Sir, Iran wants to open up the Strait, immediately.’ But if we do that, there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included!” the president added.
US forces board sanctioned oil tanker
01:30 , Jane DaltonAmerican forces have boarded an oil tanker previously sanctioned for smuggling Iranian crude oil in Asia, the Pentagon said.
US forces "conducted a right-of-visit maritime interdiction" of the M/T Tifani "without incident," the Pentagon wrote on social media Tuesday.
The tanker was captured in the Bay of Bengal, and it was carrying Iranian oil, a US defence official told the Associated Press. The Bay of Bengal is located in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean.
The military will decide in the coming days what to do with the tanker, such as tow it back to the US or turn it over to another country, the official said.
The AP contributed to this reporting.
UK 'plans to ease pressures on householders'
01:00 , Jane DaltonUK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has discussed the Government's work to ease pressures caused by the Iran conflict with ministers and officials at a meeting of the Middle East Response Committee.
A government spokesperson said: "The discussion focused on the Government's ongoing work to ease pressures being felt here in the UK.
"This included the diplomatic activity to promote progress on negotiations, and bring back security and stability for the region, and the military planning to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
"The Prime Minister acknowledged the impact of the war in the Middle East will be felt beyond the end of the conflict, and stressed the importance of protecting British families.
"They discussed a range of ongoing contingency planning such as our work with fuel suppliers, airlines and international counterparts to ensure people keep moving and businesses are supported”.
Spanish airlines expanding routes despite fuel shortage fears and flight cancellations
Wednesday 22 April 2026 00:30 , Jane DaltonSpanish airlines are increasing seat capacity by 6 per cent for the April to October peak travel season, reaching almost 260 million seats, despite concerns over a potential fuel supply crunch linked to the Iran war.
Read more from Corina Pons...
Spanish airlines are adding flights despite concerns over jet fuel shortages
Countries join London talks on how military could keep Hormuz open
Wednesday 22 April 2026 00:01 , Jane DaltonMilitary planners from countries seeking to join a UK- and France-led mission to keep the Strait of Hormuz open once the Iran war ends will meet in London tomorrow.
A fifth of the world's oil usually passes through the strait.
More than 30 nations are expected to send planners to the two-day conference co-hosted by the UK and France at the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, north London.
They aim to build on talks by Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris last week with a view to setting up a joint defensive mission after a sustainable ceasefire agreement has been reached.
The mission is intended to protect merchant vessels, reassure commercial shipping operators and conduct mine clearance operations.
The talks in London will focus on military capabilities, command and control, and how military forces could deploy to the region.
Vance's trip to Pakistan called off
Tuesday 21 April 2026 23:05 , Alex RossMuch attention ahead of Donald Trump’s announcement on extending the ceasefire had been on peace talks in Pakistan, and the arrival of vice president JD Vance.
But as we’ve been reporting tonight, Mr Vance did not depart for the trip to Islamabad tonight.
A White House official said: “In light of President Trump’s TRUTH Social post confirming the United States is awaiting a unified proposal from the Iranians, the trip to Pakistan will not be happening today.
“Any further updates on in-person meetings will be announced by the White House.”
Oil prices rise 3%
Tuesday 21 April 2026 23:00 , Jane DaltonOil prices climbed about 3% on Tuesday after Iran said it had yet to decide whether to attend peace talks with the United States, with one day left before the ceasefire runs out in the Iran war.
Neither side says it is sending negotiators to a second round of peace talks.
Brent futures rose $3 to settle at $98.48 a barrel.
Pakistan PM thanks Trump for 'graciously accepting' request on ceasefire extension
Tuesday 21 April 2026 22:44 , Alex RossPakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump for accepting the country's request to extend the ceasefire in the US-Israeli war on Iran to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.
"I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict," Sharif said in post on X.
Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire to give negotiations more time, until Iran submits a proposal.
Trump extends ceasefire in latest example of ‘Taco’
Tuesday 21 April 2026 21:55 , Jane Dalton
Trump extends ceasefire deadline with Iran in latest example of ‘TACO’
Iranian commander threatens to destroy Middle East oil industry
Tuesday 21 April 2026 21:50 , Jane DaltonAn aerospace commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to destroy the oil industry in the Middle East if war with the US resumes.
General Majid Mousavi told an Iranian news site that "if southern neighbours allow the enemy to use their facilities to attack Iran, they should say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East region".
Trump credits pleas by Pakistani PM and defence chief for truce extension
Tuesday 21 April 2026 21:21 , Jane DaltonUS president Donald Trump says he decided to extend the ceasefire at the request of Pakistan’s prime minister and first Chief of Defence Forces.
He wrote: “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”
Trump promises to extend ceasefire but continue blockading ports
Tuesday 21 April 2026 21:17 , Jane DaltonBreaking news: Donald Trump says he will extend the ceasefire and continue the blockade of Iranian ports.
Just hours before the ceasefire was due to end he said he had agreed to a request to extend the truce “until such time as their [Iran’s] leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal”.
US imposes sanctions to stop Iran buying weapons
Tuesday 21 April 2026 20:47 , Jane DaltonThe United States has imposed new sanctions on 14 people and companies that help Iran obtain weapons as Tehran works to rebuild its ballistic missile inventories after US-Israeli attacks, the US Treasury Department said.
The targets, which also include aircraft, are based in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, and were cited for their involvement in procuring or transporting weapons or components on Iran's behalf, the Treasury said.
Today, as part of Economic Fury, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control is sanctioning 14 targets for their involvement in helping the Iranian regime obtain weapons. As the regime attempts to reconstitute its production capacity, the United States will continue to deplete…
— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) April 21, 2026
Iran 'refuses to send negotiators' to peace talks
Tuesday 21 April 2026 19:57 , Jane DaltonIran is refusing to send its negotiating team to Islamabad to continue talks until US president Donald Trump lifts the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Politico quoted two Middle East officials as saying.
Until now, Iran has said it has not decided whether to join the talks.
US vice-president JD Vance’s trip to Islamabad for peace talks has reportedly been put on hold.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Iranian minister accuses US of violating ceasefire
Tuesday 21 April 2026 19:49 , Jane DaltonIran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi says the US blockade of Iranian ports was an act of war, so a violation of the ceasefire.
"Iran knows how to neutralise restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying," he wrote.
Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 21, 2026
Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation.
Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying.
Talks could be back on 'if Tehran responds in acceptable way'
Tuesday 21 April 2026 19:23 , Jane DaltonA trip by US vice-president JD Vance to peace talks in Pakistan could be back on at a moment’s notice if Iran’s negotiators respond in a way that President Trump deems acceptable, according to The New York Times.
He had been expected to press Iranian negotiators for a nuclear deal, but his departure was put on hold after Tehran failed to respond to American negotiating positions, a source told the paper.
Without an Iranian response, the official said, the diplomatic process is in effect paused, though the trip has not been cancelled.
Vance trip to peace talks 'on hold'
Tuesday 21 April 2026 18:39 , Jane DaltonUS vice-president JD Vance’s trip to Islamabad for peace talks has been put on hold, The New York Times is reporting.
A source told the paper his trip to Pakistan for a second round of negotiations with Iran has been put on hold after Tehran failed to respond to American positions.
Iran says it has not yet decided whether to resume talks with the United States.
Uncertainty over peace talks as Iran 'undecided' on sending delegation
Tuesday 21 April 2026 17:57 , Alex RossThere is ongoing uncertainty over peace talks in Pakistan as the deadline to the ceasefire looms.
With US president Donald Trump saying the current ceasefire will end on Wednesday evening local time, and it is “unlikely” he will extend it, hopes lie with talks in Islamabad.
However, Reuters is reporting that US vice president JD Vance has still not departed Washington for the talks.
And now Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, has told the BBC that a decision has still not yet been made for an Iranian delegation to attend.
He said: ““We went to this negotiation with good faith and sense of seriousness, but you have a negotiating party that has shown its lack of seriousness, lack of good faith…They're changing their position frequently, these flip flops, threats of war crimes."
Iran executes man over burning of mosque during January protests, says Mizan news agency
Tuesday 21 April 2026 17:45 , Maira ButtA man has been executed on Tuesday after being accused of being a leader of a network linked to Israel’s intelligence service and setting fire to a mosque in Tehran during January protests earlier this year, according to Mizan news agency.
The man identified as Amirali Mirjafari was convicted of carrying out arson at the Qolhak mosque in Tehran and leading anti-security activities.
Pakistan still awaiting Iran's confirmation on second round of talks, minister says
Tuesday 21 April 2026 17:40 , Alex RossPakistan is still awaiting a formal response from Iran about confirmation of delegation to attend a second round of peace talks with the U.S. in Islamabad, the country's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a post on X.
"Decision from Iran to attend the talks before the end of two weeks ceasefire is critical," Tarar said in a post on X, adding that Pakistan has made sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of talks.
JD Vance to lead US delegation to Pakistan for talks - but only if Tehran agrees to attend
Tuesday 21 April 2026 05:10 , Maroosha MuzaffarJD Vance is expected to lead a US delegation to Islamabad for possible peace talks with Iran, but only if Tehran agrees to attend.
The talks come just as a fragile ceasefire – following weeks of US-Israel bombing – nears its deadline, with Donald Trump warning he is unlikely to extend it further.
It was unclear if Iran would attend the talks after its president warned that there remained a “deep historical mistrust” of the US. Masoud Pezeshkian said: “Iranians do not submit to force.”
Previous negotiations failed because Iran refused US demands to stop nuclear enrichment and give up its stockpile of enriched uranium, while Iran insists it won’t negotiate under pressure or threats.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high on the ground: the US has blockaded Iranian ports, Iran has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, shipping has slowed, and oil prices have risen.
