Shafaq News- Washington

US President ​Donald Trump said on Monday ‌that Israel didnot persuade him to attack Iran, after news reports ​that Israeli PrimeMinister Benjamin ​Netanyahu influenced his ⁠decision.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Israel ​nevertalked me into the ​war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to mylifelong ​opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER ​HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did," addingthat "the results in Iran will be amazing". 

Earlier, Trump said negotiations with Iran are progressing and could lead to an agreement soon, claiming that Iran has agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons, and indicated that Washington expects to secure control over Iranian nuclear materials under the anticipated deal.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected Trump’s statements, clarifying "Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz remains tied to developments on the ground." 

Shafaq News- Washington

On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that negotiationswith Iran are progressing and could lead to an agreement soon.

Trump told reporters that talks will continue over theweekend, adding that he does not believe there are substantive differences withIran. Once a deal is signed, he noted, the naval blockade on Iran would end.

He also claimed that Iran has agreed not to pursue nuclearweapons, and indicated that Washington expects to secure control over Iraniannuclear materials under the anticipated deal.

According to the US President, recent US military operationsaimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms, and the United States willnot hesitate to use force to protect its interests, in line with what hedescribed as a strategy to maintain US global dominance.

Meanwhile, IranianParliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected Trump’s statements. Hesaid Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz remains tied to developments onthe ground, stating that maritime passage through the strait would followdesignated routes and require Iranian authorization.

۱- رئیس جمهور آمریکا در یک ساعت هفت ادعا مطرح کرد که هر هفت ادعا کذب است. ۲- با این دروغگویی‌ها در جنگ پیروز نشدند و حتما در مذاکره هم راه به جایی نخواهند برد. ۳- با ادامهٔ محاصره، تنگهٔ هرمز باز نخواهد ماند.

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 17, 2026

Shafaq News- Washington

On Friday, the US State Department called on the Iraqigovernment to dismantle Iran-aligned armed groups, warning that thosesupporting them “would face consequences,” following sanctions imposed on sevenof their leaders.

In a statement, the department affirmed its support for “stable,sovereign, and prosperous Iraq,” while urging Baghdad to prevent its territoryfrom being used to carry out activities that destabilize the region. It added thatthe United States is taking “decisive action” to hold those groupsaccountable.

Earlier today, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign AssetsControl (OFAC) placed seven leaders of Iraqi armed groups on its sanctionslist, holding them responsible for planning, directing, and carrying outattacks against US personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Beirut/Tehran

US President Donald Trump on Fridaypledged that Israel would halt strikes on Lebanon, hours after announcing aUS-brokered ceasefire aimed at de-escalating cross-border hostilities.

“Israel will not be bombing Lebanonany longer… They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough,”Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump added that Washington would“separately…deal with the Hezbollah situation in an appropriate manner,”referring to the Iran-backed armed group operating in Lebanon.

The truce took effect on Thursday at5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (21:00 GMT), following separate calls with LebanesePresident Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Under thearrangement, Israel retains the right to act against imminent or ongoingthreats, while Lebanon is required to take steps to prevent attacks by Hezbollahand non-state armed groups. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the “Hezbollahceasefire” as temporary, confirming that Israeli forces would remain deployedinside Lebanese territory and that military operations are set to continue.

Meanwhile, the US president deniedthat any financial exchange would be part of a potential agreement with Iran,asserting that the United States would take possession of “all Nuclear Dust,” generatedby US B-2 bombers with “No money…in any way, shape, or form.”

Axios reported earlier today thatWashington is discussing a broader framework with Tehran, under which Iranwould transfer its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium in exchange for therelease of $20 billion in frozen assets.

Shafaq News-Washington

US President DonaldTrump said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under blockadedespite Iran’s announcement that it has fully reopened the waterway tocommercial shipping.

Trump noted that thenaval blockade will remain in full force only until the deal with Iran is 100%complete, adding, “This process should go very quickly in that most of thepoints are already negotiated.”

Earlier today, IranianForeign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the full reopening of the Strait ofHormuz following a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

The US President haddescribed the naval blockade on Iranian ports as effective, saying it hadsharply curtailed Iran’s economic activity.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Friday claimed that Iranhas agreed to hand over its enriched uranium, a key point in negotiations toend the war, though Tehran has not confirmed the assertion.

Speaking at an economic event in Las Vegas, Trumpindicated that both sides are “very close” to a deal and suggested that talkscould resume as early as this weekend.

Earlier at the White House, he stated that Iran hadcommitted to abandoning nuclear weapons and would transfer its “nuclear dust,”referring to enriched material believed to be stored underground followingprevious US-Israeli strikes.

He also characterized the broader situation asprogressing smoothly and said a resolution could come soon, while signalingthat extending the current ceasefire —set to expire in five days— may not benecessary.

Iranian officials have not commented on the remarks.

Shafaq News- Beirut

Israel and Lebanon entered a 10-day ceasefire on Thursday at 5 p.m.Eastern Time (21:00 GMT / midnight Beirut time), after US President DonaldTrump held separate telephone calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun andIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ceasefire was announced by Trump two days after Lebanonand Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington.The US State Department worked with both governments to formulate a Memorandumof Understanding governing the ceasefire's terms.

Key Terms

Under the agreement, published by the US Department ofState, the initial 10-day period may be extended by mutual consent if progressis demonstrated in negotiations and if Lebanon effectively demonstrates itsability to assert its sovereignty.

Israel retains the right to take all necessary measures inself-defense at any time against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks, butcommits not to carry out offensive military operations against Lebanesecivilian, military, or other state targets.

Lebanon, in turn, must take meaningful steps to preventHezbollah and all other non-state armed groups from carrying out attacksagainst Israeli targets.

🚨 Ten Day Cessation of Hostilities to Enable Peace Negotiations Between Israel and Lebanon https://t.co/FtH9mlnl3G

— Department of State (@StateDept) April 16, 2026

Statements and Reactions

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the ceasefireas "a central Lebanese demand we have pursued since the first day of thewar," and expressed hope that displaced Lebanese would be able to returnto their homes as soon as possible.

Netanyahu said he welcomes the pause "in order to tryto advance the agreement" discussed at the Washington talks, adding,"We have an opportunity to achieve a historic peace agreement withLebanon." He also stressed that the Israeli forces would not withdraw fromthe buffer zone in southern Lebanon, which he described as"extensive," and that he wanted Hezbollah dismantled as part of anyfuture agreement.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said that the halt in fighting in Lebanon fallswithin the framework of the ceasefire understandings reached between Tehran andWashington in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaeisaid that Iran had insisted, from the outset of its consultations with regionaland international parties —including during the Islamabad negotiations— on thenecessity of a simultaneous ceasefire across the region, Lebanon included, andon pursuing that track seriously following those talks.

Ibrahim al-Moussawi, a lawmaker affiliated with Hezbollah—the Iran-backed Shiite militant and political group that has been engaged inactive combat with Israeli forces in Lebanon— told AFP that the group wouldrespect the ceasefire if Israeli attacks on its fighters fully stopped.

Next Steps

Trump announced he has directed Vice President JD Vance,Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,Dan Caine, to work toward a lasting settlement, and invited Aoun and Netanyahuto direct peace talks at the White House.

Shafaq News- Washington

The ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel preservesIsrael’s right to take all necessary measures in self-defense,” the US StateDepartment announced, adding that the initial truce period could be extended bymutual agreement.

In a statement, the Department of State added that Israel willnot carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, “includingcivilian, military, and other state targets, in the territory of Lebanon byland, air, and sea,” noting that the Government of Lebanon will take “meaningfulsteps to prevent Hezbollah and all other rogue non-state armed group fromcarrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile activities against Israelitargets.”

It stated that all parties recognize Lebanon’s securityforces as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon’s sovereignty andnational defense, stressing, “No other country or group has claim to be theguarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty.”

Israel and Lebanon have requested that the United States“facilitate further direct negotiations” aimed at resolving outstanding issues,including “demarcation of the international land boundary,” to reach acomprehensive agreement ensuring “lasting security, stability, and peace.”

The United States said it understands that these commitments“will be accepted by Israel and Lebanon concurrently with this announcement,”adding that they are intended to create conditions for “good-faith negotiationstoward enduring peace and security.”

Washington also emphasized that it intends to “leadinternational efforts to support Lebanon” as part of broader efforts to promotestability and prosperity in the region.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire after officials from the two countries met in Washington, adding that the temporary truce will start at 5 p.m. ET. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin' Caine, “to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a Lasting PEACE.” 

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Thursday described the naval siegeon Iranian ports as effective, claiming it has significantly disrupted Iran’seconomic activity.

Trump told reporters at the White House that “no ship isgoing past our navy.” He also pointed out that recent US military action forcedIran to make concessions, including agreeing not to pursue nuclear weapons andto hand over nuclear materials.

The US president suggested progress toward a potentialagreement, noting he could travel to Pakistan if a deal is reached.

Earlier today, the US House of Representatives narrowlyrejected a resolution that sought to limit the administration’s ability tolaunch further military strikes against Iran without prior congressionalapproval.

Shafaq News- Washington

The US forces in ​the Middle East are postured to ‌restartcombat operations if Iran doesn't agree to a peace deal, US War Secretary PeteHegseth stated on Thursday, urging Tehran to choose “a prosperous future.”

In a ​Pentagon briefing attended by Shafaq Newscorrespondent, Hegseth noted that the United States can see every Iranian moveand destroy it at the push of a button, adding that effective control of USnaval forces allows Washington to manage maritime traffic to and from theStrait of Hormuz with real assets and capabilities.

Meanwhile, General ⁠DanCaine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, vowed that US Forces willactively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to providematerial support ​to Iran, warning that his ships will use force if Iranian vesselsdo not comply with this blockade. “Enforcement would ⁠occur ​inside Iran's territorial seas and ​ininternational waters,” he told the briefing.

On April 13, the US military said it will intercept anyvessel entering or leaving a designated blockade zone around Iranian ports,warning that even neutral ships may be subject to inspection for suspectedsmuggling.

The commander of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper,said the United States has deployed its largest air defense network stretchingfrom northern Iraq to the Gulf, highlighting close coordination with regionalpartners.

Cooper described Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, SaudiArabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan as “exceptional teammates,” adding that airdefense systems are operated “side by side” by US forces and those countries.

He also praised coordination between US, Israeli, British,and French air forces, saying they formed a joint force that achieved its militaryobjectives.

Cooper said his recent tour in the Middle East includedvisits to 70 military sites, noting that elite pilots were able to destroyIranian missile launch platforms “in the final moments” before launch toward USand allied forces, with what he described as high precision.

He added that US forces are using advanced tactics andtechnologies, including artificial intelligence, daily to process data andsupport decision-making, alongside the deployment of US-made “kamikaze” dronesthat proved highly effective against Iranian targets.

Shafaq News- Washington

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on anetwork linked to Iranian oil exports, the US Department of the Treasury stated,claiming that the network helped to finance Iran’s activities despite existingsanctions.

In a statement, the Treasury said it is targeting a networkassociated with Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, formerSecretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, describing it as a “vastshipping empire” involved in the sale of Iranian and Russian oil.

The department added that the network has “generated tens ofbillions of dollars in profits,” vowing to “continue to target Iran’s illicitrevenue streams.” The statement added that the measures include designations ofmultiple companies, vessels, and individuals accused of facilitating oilshipments and evading sanctions.

US officials said the action is part of efforts to limitIran’s ability to use oil revenues to support destabilizing activities in theregion. 

Today, as part of Economic Fury, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned an oil smuggling network run by Iranian shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of now-deceased senior Iranian security official Ali Shamkhani. OFAC today also sanctioned…

— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) April 15, 2026

Shafaq News- Washington

The next round of negotiations with Iran regarding aceasefire is expected to be held in Islamabad, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt toldreporters on Wednesday, describing the Pakistanis as incredible mediatorsthroughout this process.

In press remarks, she expressed appreciation “for theirfriendship and their efforts to bring this deal to a close,” affirming thatIslamabad is the only mediator in this negotiation. “While there have been manycountries that want to offer their help, the president feels it’s important tocontinue to streamline this communication through the Pakistanis,” she said, pushing back on media reports claiming the USformally requested a ceasefire extension, calling them inaccurate. “At thismoment, we remain very much engaged in these negotiations,” she added.

Earlier today, the US Senate rejected a Democraticattempt to restrict President Donald Trump’s military campaign in Iran, votingagainst a resolution that would have required the withdrawal of American forcesfrom the conflict unless Congress explicitly authorized further action.

Shafaq News- Washington

The US Senate on Wednesday rejected a Democratic attempt torestrict President Donald Trump’s military campaign in Iran, voting against aresolution that would have required the withdrawal of American forces from theconflict unless Congress explicitly authorized further action.

The measure failed in a 52–47 vote, marking the fourth timethis year that the Senate has voted on efforts to reclaim congressional warpowers from the president amid the ongoing conflict, which Democrats describeas unlawful and unjustified.

Republican lawmakers opposed the resolution, arguing thatthey continue to support Trump’s leadership in the war at this stage, citingconcerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the risks associated with awithdrawal from the region.

Democrats have pushed repeatedly for congressional oversightof military operations, insisting that any sustained engagement must beauthorized by Congress under the US Constitution.

The latest vote underscores continuing divisions inWashington over the scope of presidential war powers and the United States’involvement in the conflict with Iran.

Shafaq News-Washington

US PresidentDonald Trump renewed his push on Wednesday for a comprehensive deal with Iran,signaling he will not extend the temporary ceasefire signed on April 8 andinstead seeks a broader settlement before tensions escalate again.

In remarksto ABC News, Trump pointed to the scale of damage inside Iran following jointUS and Israeli airstrikes, noting that a deal could open the way forreconstruction efforts. He also portrayed Iran’s political landscape asshifting, indicating that Washington had “removed extremists” from seniorpositions in Tehran.

US VicePresident JD Vance reinforced that approach, pointing to ongoing efforts aimedat securing a wide-ranging agreement rather than a narrow arrangement. During aspeech at the University of Georgia, Vance indicated the ceasefire remainsintact as negotiations continue, describing the goal as a settlement addressingmultiple files, including Iran’s regional role.

Citing deepmistrust between Washington and Tehran, he cautioned that progress may taketime, adding that Iran’s negotiating team has shown openness to reaching anunderstanding.

Theseremarks came after the collapse of US-Iran talks in Pakistan on April 12, withWashington citing Tehran’s refusal to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions, whileIran accused the United States of shifting conditions and exerting pressurethrough a maritime blockade. Trump later imposed a blockade on Iranian ports tocurb Tehran’s oil exports. The Wall Street Journal estimated the disruptioncould cost about $435 million per day. Meanwhile, Iran warned that no port inthe Gulf or the Sea of Oman would be safe if Iranian ports were targeted.

Read more: US-Iran talks collapse; Analysts warn of high escalation risk as ceasefire deadline nears

Shafaq News- Khartoum

About 217 attacks onhealthcare facilities in Sudan since April 2023 have killed 2,052 medicalpersonnel and injured 810 others, the World Health Organization (WHO) said onTuesday as the country’s health crisis deepens after three years of war.

In a statement, WHO describedSudan as facing “the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis,”with nearly 34 million people in need of assistance, including 21 millionrequiring urgent health support. It warned that more than 4 million people areexperiencing acute malnutrition in 2026, increasing vulnerability to disease,while outbreaks of malaria, dengue, measles, polio, hepatitis E, meningitis,and diphtheria have spread across multiple states.

Three years of conflict in #Sudan have led to a devastating humanitarian crisis. While WHO continues to provide aid wherever possible, we urgently need unhindered access to reach all people in need across Sudan. WHO is calling on all parties to silence the guns. People in… pic.twitter.com/cNRdBoK7Ci

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 14, 2026

The agency indicated that 37%of health facilities across Sudan’s 18 states are no longer operational, asrepeated attacks on hospitals, ambulances, patients, and medical staff haveseverely limited access to care, particularly in conflict zones.

“The war in Sudan isdevastating lives and denying people their most basic rights, including health,water, food and safety. The health system has been crippled, leaving millionswithout essential health care,” WHODirector-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted.

Conditions remain especiallysevere in Darfur and Kordofan, where ongoing fighting has displaced communitiesand restricted humanitarian access. WHO cited a recent attack on El DaeinTeaching Hospital in East Darfur that killed at least 64 people and forced thefacility out of service, renewing calls for safe and unrestricted humanitarianaccess, protection of healthcare infrastructure, sustained funding, and an endto the conflict.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump onTuesday said a new round of negotiations with Iran could take place within two daysin Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

In an interview with the NewYork Post, Trump noted that discussions are ongoing but progressing slowly,adding that efforts to end the seven-week war may resume soon. He identifiedIslamabad as the most likely venue, citing Pakistan’s mediation role. “We’remore inclined to go there.”

A senior Iranian source had toldReuters that no fixed date has been set, leaving a window between Friday andSunday open for potential talks, while a senior official told CBS News thatPakistan has intensified efforts to bring both sides back to the table afterthe latest round collapsed, urging renewed dialogue ahead of a tentativedeadline around April 22, as disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program persist.

The official added thatPakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, remain “cautiouslyoptimistic,” framing the initiative as the “Islamabad Process” to reflect asustained diplomatic track. Mediation also involves Turkiye and Egypt, withIslamabad maintaining contact with both Washington and Tehran while awaitingtheir responses.

Shafaq News- Washington

The US Central Command(CENTCOM) on Tuesday indicated that no vessels breached the maritime blockadeimposed on Iran during its first 24 hours.

On X, the command noted thatmore than 10,000 US personnel —including sailors, Marines, and air force units—are involved in the operation, supported by over a dozen warships and dozens ofaircraft. The mission targets vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, withsix commercial ships complying by turning back toward the Gulf of Oman.

More than 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen along with over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels… pic.twitter.com/dpWAAknzQp

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 14, 2026

“The blockade is beingenforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departingIranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the ArabianGulf and Gulf of Oman,” the statement noted, adding that US forces continue tosupport freedom of navigation for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to andfrom non-Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trumpearlier announced the blockade to curb Iran’s oil exports. The Wall StreetJournal estimated potential losses at around $435 million per day, while Iranwarned that ports in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman would face risks if itsfacilities were targeted.

Bloomberg, however, reportedthat a US-sanctioned tanker, Rich Starry —formerly Full Star— crossed theStrait of Hormuz despite the blockade. The vessel, sanctioned in 2023 forallegedly helping Tehran bypass energy restrictions, approached the channelnear Qeshm Island shortly after the measure took effect, turned back, thenresumed transit hours later in a second attempt.

Shafaq News- Basra

On Tuesday, the Syriac CatholicPatriarchal Vicariate in Basra and the Gulf condemned remarks by US President DonaldTrump targeting Pope Leo as “offensive and irresponsible.”

In a statement, the Vicariatedescribed the comments as a departure from “human and moral values,” stressingthat the pope represents “a global symbol of love, peace, and tolerance amongpeoples.”

It emphasized that “diplomacy andmutual respect are the only path to building sound human relations,”particularly from a country that “claims leadership in democracy and humanrights.”

The criticism followed an exchangeover the war involving Iran, in which Pope Leo urged Trump to seek a path toend the conflict and stressed that attacks on civilian infrastructure violateinternational law. Leo declared he had “no fear of the Trump administration”and would continue “speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel,” whilethe US president responded by describing the pope as “weak on crime” and“terrible for foreign policy.”

Shafaq News- London/ Berlin

The United Kingdom and Germany on Monday underlined the needto include Lebanon in the temporary ceasefire recently signed between theUnited States and Iran, warning of a regional spillover if the fighting betweenBeirut and Tel Aviv intensifies.

UK Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Falconerstressed that the strikes risk triggering a humanitarian crisis, adding,“Hezbollah must disarm and Israeli strikes stop now.”

The UK is clear that Lebanon must be included in the ceasefire. I have seen the vital work of @redcrosslebanon in Tebnine; the killing of an aid worker is tragic. Ongoing strikes risk a humanitarian crisis. Hizballah must disarm and Israeli strikes stop now.

— Hamish Falconer MP (@HFalconerMP) April 13, 2026

Der Spiegel, citing the German government, indicated thatChancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuduring a phone call to end fighting in Lebanon and open peace talks with theLebanese government.

Earlier today, Israeli airstrikes and artillery shellingstruck multiple towns across eastern and southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollahfighters confronted an Israeli ground incursion into the southern city of BintJbeil, where clashes have continued for a fifth consecutive day. Israeli forcesalso deployed bulldozers into Naqoura, demolishing homes and parts of the town,while artillery fire hit several areas, including a historic site in Tyrelisted by UNESCO.

Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed atleast 2,089 people and injured 6,588 others, including women and children, theHealth Ministry confirmed. Israel’s Health Ministry, operating under wartimerestrictions, noted 7,693 injuries since the start of the war with Iran onFebruary 28, including 104 people still receiving treatment, without disclosingan exact death toll.

Shafaq News-Washington

US President DonaldTrump said on Monday that Iran is seeking a deal, noting Washington will notaccept any agreement allowing Tehran to possess a nuclear weapon, which hebelieves Tehran will ultimately accept.

Trump told reportersduring a White House briefing that “the United States is going to get the dustback,” referring to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, adding that his countrywould recover it “either… from them, or we’ll take it.”

He also claimed that hereceived a call from “the right people” in Iran, adding that “they would liketo work a deal.”

A blockade affectingships transiting the Strait of Hormuz has begun, the US president pointed out,adding that 34 ships passed through the strait on April 12, the highest numbersince the “foolish closure.”

The remarks followsthe collapse of US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 12, after prolongednegotiations failed over disagreements on Tehran’s nuclear program. The USCentral Command (CENTCOM) then announced it would begin enforcing a maritimeblockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, while maintainingtransit through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations.

Shafaq News- Moscow

The Kremlin on Monday cautioned that a potential US blockade ofIranian ports could destabilize global markets, with the measures set to takeeffect in the coming hours.

In a statement, the Russian presidency said details of US PresidentDonald Trump’s plan remain “unclear,” citing reports of possible limits onshipping linked to Iran, including a broader blockade scenario involving theStrait of Hormuz.

It also confirmed that Russia’s proposal to receive Iran’s enricheduranium remains available, noting that no formal request has been submitted,and urged caution against steps that could escalate regional tensions.

On Sunday, US-Iran talks in Pakistan collapsed after marathonnegotiations, with Washington pointing to Tehran’s refusal to abandon nuclearweapons ambitions, while Iran accused the United States of shifting conditionsand imposing pressure through a maritime blockade. The US Central Command(CENTCOM) said measures targeting maritime traffic to and from Iranian portswould take effect on April 13 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, prompting Iran’sKhatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters to warn that no port in the Gulf or the Sea of Oman wouldbe safe if Iranian ports were targeted.

Shafaq News- Washington

The United States started implementing a plan B approachtoward Iran through a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, following the collapseof negotiations, a former US official told Shafaq News on Sunday.

Former US Assistant Secretary of Defense forPolitical-Military Affairs, Mark Kimmitt, said the alternative strategy is nolonger theoretical, noting that it has entered an operational phase.

CENTCOM announced today that US forces will enforce a maritime blockade on all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, which willapply to ships of all nationalities operating in Iranian ports and coastalareas, starting April 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET (2:00 p.m. GMT). Earlier, Iran’sIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval command had warned that it wouldtarget any movement in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that all transit activityin the strait is under the “full control” of its armed forces.

For Shafaq News,Mustafa Hashem, Washington, D.C.

Shafaq News- London

On Sunday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and FrenchPresident Emmanuel Macron discussed Middle East tensions, stressing the needfor de-escalation and a lasting ceasefire that includes Lebanon.

In a statement, the UK government said the both sides notedthe “strategic importance” of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade and energysupplies. They also pointed to the need to work with international partners toensure freedom of navigation.

Earlier today, the British government said it would not participate in theUS-led naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that it is working withFrance and other countries to form a separate coalition to protect freedom ofnavigation, after US President Donald Trump announced the blockade and warnedthat the American military would eliminate what he described as Iran’sremaining military capabilities.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Sunday raised the prospect of amaritime blockade on Iran following the collapse of talks between Washingtonand Tehran, reiterating that he did not care whether a deal is reached withIran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump framed the idea as part ofa broader effort to tighten economic pressure on Iran and curb its oilrevenues, particularly by restricting exports to major buyers such as China andIndia. He pointed to a similar approach previously used against Venezuela underPresident Nicolás Maduro, where maritime restrictions were deployed to limitthe country’s oil income.

Earlier today, US Vice President JD Vance noted that talkswith Iran ended without agreement after marathon negotiations, pointing toTehran’s refusal to commit to abandoning nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iranstated that despite partial progress, both sides remain far from reaching anagreement, adding that differences persisted over three central issues.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he does not care whether a deal is reached with Iran, although Washington is currently in “deep talks” with Tehran in Islamabad.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump claimed that the United States would come out ahead regardless of the outcome, adding, “maybe they make a deal, maybe they don’t.”

US forces, he said, are deploying minesweepers in the Strait of Hormuz after Washington destroyed Iran’s naval capabilities without NATO assistance. He also warned China it would face “big problems” if it shipped weapons to Tehran following reports that Beijing would send air defense systems to Tehran.

A third round of US-Iran talks is underway under Pakistani mediation, with Iranian media describing the negotiations as a “final chance” to reach a framework. Earlier rounds ended without a breakthrough, with disputes centered on control of the Strait of Hormuz; Tehran has rejected joint management proposals, insisting on full sovereignty and transit fees, while Washington demands unrestricted navigation and guarantees against nuclear weapons.

A two-week ceasefire was agreed on April 8 to allow negotiations, but progress remains limited, with Iran linking any deal to an end to Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.