Amanda CastroBrendan ColeJohn Feng

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By Amanda Castro, Brendan Cole, John Feng, and Adeola Adeosun

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President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran asked to restart negotiations just hours after the United States began blocking ships entering and leaving Iranian ports — a move that immediately tested the fragile cease-fire and deepened uncertainty around the conflict.

The U.S. Navy’s blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas is now officially in effect, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

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Apr 13, 2026 at 10:47 PM EDT

Pakistan Proposes Hosting Second U.S.-Iran Talks in Islamabad

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Islamabad in the coming days, before the ceasefire expires next week, two Pakistani officials told the Associated Press Monday.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the proposal would depend on whether either party requests a different location.

One official said the first round of talks, which ended without an agreement, was part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort.

Apr 13, 2026 at 09:30 PM EDT

White House Says Iran’s ‘Desperation’ for Deal Is Growing

The White House on Monday signaled it would not soften its position on Iran, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying the administration's red lines remain fixed even as nuclear talks in Islamabad concluded without a deal.

"President Trump, Vice President Vance and the negotiating team have made the U.S. red lines very clear," Leavitt said. "The Iranians desperation for a deal will only increase with President Trump's highly effective Naval blockade now in effect."

Apr 13, 2026 at 09:03 PM EDT

Vance Says Iran Moved in US Direction in Nuke Talks

U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Islamabad made progress but stopped short of a deal, Vice President JD Vance said Monday in an interview on Fox News Channel's Special Report, signaling negotiations remain active heading into a critical next phase.

Vance said Iranian negotiators moved toward the U.S. position on its core demands — the removal of nuclear material from Iran and a mechanism to prevent future uranium enrichment. "They moved in our direction," Vance said, adding that he believed Iranian negotiators were "unable to cut a deal" on their own and needed to seek approval from leadership in Tehran.

The vice president struck a cautiously optimistic tone on the prospects for a broader agreement. "Trump would be very happy if Iran was treated like a normal country, if it had a normal economy," Vance said, though he did not elaborate on what that would entail. "There really is, I think, a grand deal to be had here. But it's up to the Iranians, I think, to take the next step."

Apr 13, 2026 at 08:07 PM EDT

ICRC ‘deeply distressed’ after Red Cross volunteer killed in southern Lebanon

The International Committee of the Red Cross said Monday it is “deeply distressed” by the death of a Red Cross volunteer in southern Lebanon, marking the latest fatality among emergency workers operating amid ongoing cross‑border violence.

The organization said the paramedic, Hassan Badawi, “succumbed to injuries sustained in a strike while carrying out a rescue mission in the Bint Jbeil district.” According to the Lebanese Red Cross, Badawi was wounded in an Israeli drone strike on Sunday while responding to an emergency call.

Apr 13, 2026 at 07:54 PM EDT

U.S. blockade seen as high-risk but calculated move in Hormuz standoff

As the United States begins enforcing its naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz, analysts say Washington weighed several options — including deploying troops to Kharg Island, a step long viewed as too dangerous because Iranian forces could strike them easily. The blockade, by contrast, is seen as the most direct way to squeeze Iran’s oil exports and pressure Tehran back into negotiations.

But the strategy carries clear risks. If Iran chose to break the cease-fire, it could use short‑range missiles or its extensive drone fleet to target U.S. ships now operating in a confined and vulnerable waterway. While such an escalation is considered unlikely, officials caution that the situation is shifting rapidly.

The U.S. also faces a practical challenge: lack of international support. President Donald Trump has said other nations would help enforce the blockade, but the White House has not identified any partners. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already ruled out British participation, raising questions about whether the U.S. has enough naval capacity to sustain the operation alone.

Apr 13, 2026 at 07:41 PM EDT

Iran spokesperson says Trump’s remarks to Pope Leo XIV are an ‘assault on peace’

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei issued a sharp response to President Donald Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, framing the pope’s message as a vital moral counterweight to the ongoing conflict.

In a statement posted on X, Baghaei wrote that at a moment when “the thunder of bombs and the clamor of warlords and aggressors weigh heavily on the world’s conscience,” Pope Leo’s words reflect the Gospel’s call that “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

He added that insulting the pontiff was not only “unchristian” but also “a blatant assault on responsible advocacy for peace, justice and humanity.”

Baghaei is the latest Iranian official to defend the pope, who has been increasingly vocal about the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran and has urged world leaders to reject further escalation.

Apr 13, 2026 at 07:28 PM EDT

WATCH: Trump refuses to apologize to Pope Leo

Apr 13, 2026 at 07:15 PM EDT

Netanyahu saying Trump admin reports to him daily sparks backlash

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the Trump administration was providing daily updates to him about the Iran war, a statement that sparked backlash online from those calling for greater transparency with the American people.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said he had spoken with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Sunday, who had provided "in detail" the latest information on peace talks with Iran, "as this administration does every day," he said.

News of the daily briefings sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with some commentators saying this meant Israel was calling the shots.

"The Trump administration daily reports to Netanyahu on the Iranian war, but not Congress or the American people," Representative Mark Pocan, a Washington Democrat, posted on X. "Let that sink in."

Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email Monday afternoon. Netanyahu's office referred Newsweek to his earlier comments.

Read more here.

Apr 13, 2026 at 07:02 PM EDT

Oil prices surge above $100 as blockade fears roil markets

Oil prices jumped sharply on Monday, climbing more than 6% as traders reacted to escalating tensions around the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and the threat of further disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

By late morning in New York, Brent crude was up $5.76, or 6.1%, to $100.96 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose $5.69, or 5.9%, to $102.26. Earlier in the session, both benchmarks had spiked even higher, with Brent up more than $8 and WTI more than $9.

Prices for physical barrels headed to Europe surged even more dramatically, with some grades trading near $150 a barrel, setting new records as buyers scrambled for immediate supply.

Analyst Helima Croft of RBC Capital Markets said the gap between futures and physical crude could narrow quickly if President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to enforce the blockade with naval force. “A convergence between the paper and physical markets may soon come,” she said.

Apr 13, 2026 at 06:49 PM EDT

Trump says Xi wants Iran war ended as U.S. probes possible Chinese arms shipment

President Donald Trump said Monday that he has not spoken recently with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but claimed Xi “would like to see” the Iran war brought to an end — remarks that came shortly after CNN reported that U.S. intelligence believes China is preparing to send new air‑defense systems to Iran.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the U.S. maintains “a very good relationship with China,” even as Washington assesses whether Beijing is preparing to transfer weapons that could reshape the conflict.

CNN reported over the weekend that U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that China is preparing to deliver advanced air‑defense systems to Tehran within weeks, according to people familiar with the matter. Asked about the report, Trump warned that Beijing would face consequences if it proceeded, saying, “If China does that, China will have big problems, OK?”

Trump is scheduled to visit China early next month

Apr 13, 2026 at 06:36 PM EDT

Meloni condemns Trump’s ‘unacceptable’ remarks about Pope Leo XIV

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly rebuked President Donald Trump on Monday for his latest criticism of Pope Leo XIV, calling the remarks “unacceptable” and defending the pontiff’s calls for peace amid the Iran war.

Meloni — widely viewed as one of Trump’s closest European partners — said the pope’s role requires him to speak out against conflict. “The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal that he calls for peace and condemns all forms of war,” she told reporters.

Her comments followed Trump’s Sunday night attack on the pontiff, in which he labeled Pope Leo “terrible for foreign policy” and accused him of being soft on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump said he was “not a fan of Pope Leo,” escalating a weeks‑long public rift.

Pope Leo, who has repeatedly criticized the U.S.‑Israeli war against Iran, responded earlier by saying he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue to speak “loudly” about the Gospel’s message of peace.

Apr 13, 2026 at 06:23 PM EDT

WATCH: Trump posts on Pope Leo and Jesus, draws backlash

Apr 13, 2026 at 06:10 PM EDT

Starmer to convene UK–France summit after rejecting U.S. blockade

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Parliament on Monday that diplomacy must take precedence in resolving the Iran war, reaffirming his decision not to support the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Starmer said he “welcomes the talks in Pakistan” and announced that he will co‑host a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron later this week. The gathering will focus on securing a diplomatic path out of the conflict and coordinating military planning to “provide assurance to shipping as soon as a stable environment can be established.”

He emphasized that the goal is an “independent, coordinated, multinational plan” — a clear signal that the UK intends to pursue a separate track from Washington’s more aggressive posture.

Apr 13, 2026 at 05:57 PM EDT

Iran warns foreign military moves in Hormuz would ‘escalate the crisis’

Iran’s Defense Ministry said Monday that any foreign military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would sharply worsen the regional crisis, issuing one of Tehran’s strongest warnings since the U.S. blockade began.

According to comments reported by state-run Press TV, ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Reza Talaei‑Nik said Iran would show “no hesitation in delivering a decisive” response to any aggressor, whether in the strait or elsewhere. The statement framed outside involvement in the waterway’s security as a direct threat to Iran’s sovereignty.

The ministry also said that President Donald Trump would “fail in any attempt to interfere militarily in the Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman,” arguing such actions would bring “further defeat to the U.S. and the world.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 05:43 PM EDT

Iran accuses U.S. of ‘Revenge of choice’ as blockade takes effect

Iran’s Foreign Ministry sharply criticized the newly launched U.S. naval blockade, with spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denouncing the move as an attack on the global economy rather than a legitimate security measure.

In a post on X, Baghaei questioned Washington’s strategy, writing: “Can an illegal ‘war of choice’ be won through a ‘revenge of choice’ against the global economy?!” He added a pointed rebuke: “Is it ever worthwhile to cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face?!”

His comments came after President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian ships approaching the blockade zone would be “eliminated.” U.S. military officials confirmed Monday that the blockade on all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports is now active, following weeks of rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Apr 13, 2026 at 05:30 PM EDT

China warns cease-fire is ‘very fragile,’ urges global opposition to escalation

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has warned that the current cease-fire between the United States and Iran remains “very fragile,” calling on the international community to “unequivocally oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire or escalate the confrontation,” according to a readout from Beijing.

Wang delivered the message during a phone call with Pakistan’s foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, stressing that the immediate priority is to “preserve the hard‑won momentum of ceasefire” after weeks of regional conflict and ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

He also said China would welcome Pakistan playing a greater role in stabilizing the situation and reiterated that Beijing stands ready to contribute to diplomatic efforts to prevent a renewed spiral of violence.

Apr 13, 2026 at 05:17 PM EDT

Two Iran-linked tankers exit Hormuz hours before U.S. blockade begins

Two tankers with ties to Iran sailed out of the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, just hours before the U.S. naval blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports took effect, according to ship‑tracking firm Kpler.

The departures underscore a striking trend: while overall traffic through the strait has collapsed, Iran‑linked ships have continued moving at rates close to pre‑war levels. Kpler data shows average transits in the four weeks to Sunday at 2.2 million barrels per day, slightly above the 2 million barrels per day recorded in the four weeks before Feb. 29.

One of the vessels, the Panama‑flagged Auroura, was believed to be carrying sanctioned Iranian naphtha and has a history of transporting Iranian cargoes. The second tanker, the New Future, loaded gas oil at Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates and has conducted its last three trades with Iran.

“There’s still a trickle of trade making its way through,” said Alexis Ellender, an analyst at Kpler, noting that major shipping companies without Iranian ties now have an “incredibly low” appetite for crossing the strait.

Before the war, more than 120 vessels crossed Hormuz each day. In the past two days, only 28 ships have made the transit — most of them linked to Iran.

The blockade’s launch prompted a sharp warning from President Donald Trump, who wrote on social media that any Iranian ships approaching the restricted zone would be “immediately eliminated.”

The move drew criticism from the International Maritime Organization. Its chief, Arsenio Dominguez, said the blockade violates international law, noting that countries “don’t have the right to blockade an international strait used for international navigation.” He added that 20,000 seafarers on 1,600 vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf amid ongoing threats to maritime safety.

Dominguez warned that the disruptions are already having major global economic and food‑security consequences, with no clear path yet to restoring normal shipping flows.

Apr 13, 2026 at 05:04 PM EDT

U.S. lets Russian oil waiver expire as prices surge and debate grows

The United States has allowed a sanctions exemption on some Russian oil sales to lapse, stepping back from a controversial effort to ease global crude prices that had also delivered a significant financial boost to Moscow.

The waiver, issued last month as oil soared above $100 a barrel amid the Middle East war, expired Saturday morning. A similar temporary license for Iranian oil is set to end on April 19. Both measures were intended to increase supply after the conflict sent prices climbing more than 50% since late February.

The Biden administration—facing political pressure over rising fuel costs—has not said whether it will renew either waiver. Oil prices rose again Monday after President Donald Trump vowed to block Iranian oil exports by restricting tanker access to the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has kept a large share of global crude bottled up in the Persian Gulf.

The Russian exemption has drawn sharp criticism. Analysts estimate Moscow earned more than $100 million per day in additional revenue during the waiver period, with at least $12.8 billion in oil tax receipts so far in April—double March’s total. Much of Russia’s crude continues to move on a “shadow fleet” of unmarked tankers that already evade sanctions.

Despite the relief, the impact on global prices was limited. Shipping companies remain wary of transiting Hormuz, and supply disruptions persist even after a U.S.–Iran cease-fire briefly pushed prices below $100 late last week.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Washington to reinstate full sanctions, arguing that “oil fuels Russia’s war and emboldens it.” Senior Democratic lawmakers echoed that concern, saying the waiver “helped the Kremlin and its evasion network increase their profits” without delivering meaningful relief to American consumers.

With the Middle East conflict still constraining supply and the White House warning that prices may remain elevated for months, the administration now faces a difficult choice: whether to prioritize global market stability or restore maximum pressure on Moscow and Tehran.

Apr 13, 2026 at 04:51 PM EDT

Israel’s expanded Lebanon offensive raises fears for cultural heritage sites

Israel says it is widening its ground operations in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions in an effort to protect communities in northern Israel. But international cultural organizations are warning that the escalation is putting some of Lebanon’s most significant historical sites at risk.

Earlier this month, UNESCO announced that 39 cultural properties across Lebanon — including several in the south — have been granted the highest level of legal protection against attack or military use. The designation underscores the vulnerability of heritage sites as fighting intensifies.

Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz said the campaign aims to push out “every resident south of the Litani [River] who isn’t returning – and won’t return – until security is guaranteed” for Israelis living near the border.

Heritage groups say the consequences could be severe. The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage, which supports cultural preservation in conflict zones, warned that Lebanon’s historical sites are now “severely threatened.” The organization recently launched a dedicated fund to help safeguard monuments and archaeological areas.

Among the sites at risk is the ancient coastal city of Tyre, currently under evacuation orders. Once a major Phoenician hub that founded colonies such as Carthage and Cadiz, Tyre contains extensive Roman-era remains, according to UNESCO.

Also in the danger zone is Beaufort Castle, a 12th‑century fortress overlooking the Litani River. UNESCO describes it as one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the Near East and a prime example of medieval military architecture.

As Israel’s operations expand, cultural experts warn that Lebanon’s irreplaceable heritage could become collateral damage in a conflict with no clear end in sight.

Apr 13, 2026 at 04:38 PM EDT

Petraeus backs blockade but warns confrontation in Hormuz is likely

Former CIA director and retired four‑star general David Petraeus says he supports President Donald Trump’s proposed naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, but cautions that the move will almost certainly trigger clashes in one of the world’s most sensitive waterways.

“I think there will be confrontation. The question is, can it be contained,” Petraeus told Australia’s ABC program 7.30, adding that the United States now feels compelled to act after Iran asserted control over transit rights and began charging tolls on ships.

Petraeus argued that Washington should have considered such a step earlier, saying that if Iran restricted passage for others, “then no ships can go.” He said part of the U.S. mission would involve clearing Iranian sea mines, a task he described as slow, dangerous and resource‑intensive.

The former head of U.S. Central Command said a “Coalition of the Willing” could form to escort commercial vessels, but warned it would require significant naval power — including continuous aircraft carrier coverage and multiple frigates and destroyers — to protect shipping from drones, missiles, and small‑boat attacks.

Petraeus noted that several Western and regional states had previously discussed joint escort operations, though the United Kingdom has already said it will not participate in Trump’s blockade. He said he hopes allies, including Australia, will still consider contributing, citing long‑standing military cooperation and Australia’s strong capabilities.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said no request for participation has been made and emphasized the need for continued negotiations to reduce regional suffering and economic fallout.

Petraeus also warned that Iran could emerge strategically stronger if it retains influence over the strait, despite the heavy damage it has sustained. He said any long‑term response must combine military, diplomatic, economic and informational tools.

“We cannot allow Iran to control the strait,” he said. “That’s the bottom line.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 04:25 PM EDT

US Navy-Chinese tanker blockade encounter ‘highly likely’— ex-NSA official

A former senior U.S. intelligence official says the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could reach a dangerous new phase if a Chinese tanker attempts to transit the waterway while the U.S. Navy is enforcing its blockade.

Retired Air Force colonel Cedric Leighton, who previously served as deputy director of the National Security Agency, said it is “very possible” that a confrontation could occur, given China’s heavy reliance on Gulf energy supplies.

Leighton noted that about 40% of China’s imported oil comes from the Persian Gulf, making it likely that Chinese‑flagged tankers will eventually test the limits of the U.S. restrictions. Any encounter between a Chinese vessel and U.S. forces, he said, could trigger a “major escalation” if not carefully managed.

Apr 13, 2026 at 04:12 PM EDT

Trump puts China in zugswang and forces a visible choice

President Donald Trump’s keenest supporters like to say he’s playing chess in the geopolitical realm, operating at a strategic level most of us can’t comprehend.

Whether you believe that’s true or not depends on how red your hat is.

But with his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels engaged in the Iranian oil trade, in force as of 10 a.m. ET on Monday, Trump has put China in zugzwang.

The term will be familiar to chess players, who'll know that zugzwang describes a position where every possible move makes things worse.

Trump is both blockading Iranian oil—of which China is the leading purchaser—and touting U.S.-leveraged supplies as an alternative for Beijing.

"China can send their ships to us. China can send their ships to Venezuela," Trump said on Fox Business's Sunday Morning Futures.

“We told them, ‘Buy from Venezuela.’ We have a lot of overcapacity we’d sell them, and we'll probably sell it for even less money.”

The gambit turns the blockade into a strategic forcing mechanism.

Beijing must now choose. And whichever square it steps onto will be visible to Washington, to markets, and to all nations with an interest in Chinese power.

Read more and become a member of Newsweek.

Apr 13, 2026 at 03:59 PM EDT

Iranian lawmaker warns U.S. Navy vessels will be ‘sent to the bottom of the sea’

A senior Iranian lawmaker issued a stark warning to Washington on Monday, saying any U.S. Navy ships attempting to enforce a blockade on Iran’s ports would be “sent to the bottom of the sea,” according to comments carried by state-run Press TV.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of Iran’s Foreign Policy and National Security Committee, dismissed President Donald Trump’s threat to blockade Iranian ports as empty rhetoric. He argued the United States has “no real ability” to carry out such an operation and claimed that other NATO members would refuse to support it.

Apr 13, 2026 at 03:49 PM EDT

UN food agency warns Hormuz disruption could trigger global food crisis

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned Monday that a prolonged halt to normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could spark a global food crisis, as key agricultural inputs remain trapped in the Persian Gulf due to the Middle East war.

Large portions of the world’s supply of oil, natural gas, urea, and fertilizers — all essential for modern farming — are currently unable to reach global markets because vessels cannot safely transit the strait.

“It’s essential for the ceasefire to continue, and that vessels can start to move … to avoid the problem of food inflation,” said Maximo Torero, the FAO’s chief economist. He cautioned that the “clock is ticking” to prevent the situation from escalating into a crisis comparable to the disruptions seen during the Covid‑19 pandemic.

Torero noted that global food production is tightly linked to the crop calendar. If farmers cannot access fertilizers and fuel in time for planting, yields will fall, reducing future food supplies. He also warned that any move by countries to restrict exports of energy or fertilizers would intensify the strain.

David Laborde, director of the FAO’s Agrifood Economics and Policy Division, said the impact would be felt most acutely by lower‑income and smaller nations, which are more vulnerable to price shocks and supply shortages.

Apr 13, 2026 at 03:46 PM EDT

UK urges Lebanon’s inclusion in cease-fire, condemns Israeli strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday that Lebanon must be brought “urgently” into the current cease-fire between the United States, Israel and Iran, warning that continued Israeli strikes are worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Starmer called the existing truce “highly fragile” and said broader regional steps are needed to stabilize the situation, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed by Iran.

Starmer said that while the Iran‑backed group Hezbollah “must disarm,” he is “equally clear” that Israel’s ongoing attacks in Lebanon “are wrong,” adding that the bombing is pushing the country deeper into crisis. “The bombing should stop now,” he said.

He also criticized recent rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned last week that “a whole civilization will die” if Iran refused to agree to a deal. Starmer said such language was “wrong,” noting that Iranian civilians have already endured years of suffering under their own government.

On maritime security, Starmer reiterated that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must be restored, calling it essential for de‑escalation.

Separately, the UK Ministry of Defence said it has deployed military planners to U.S. Central Command to examine options for making the strait accessible and safe once hostilities subside.

Apr 13, 2026 at 03:33 PM EDT

More than 5,000 killed in Iran and Lebanon as regional conflict deepens

More than 5,000 people have been killed in Iran and Lebanon since the conflict in the region erupted six weeks ago, according to new casualty figures released by local authorities.

In Iran, at least 3,375 people have died since the United States and Israel began strikes in February, state broadcaster IRIB reported Sunday. The toll reflects weeks of sustained attacks and ongoing clashes across multiple provinces.

Lebanon’s health ministry said Monday that 2,089 people have been killed there since Israel launched operations on March 2 against what it describes as Hezbollah targets. The ministry said 166 children are among the dead, underscoring the scale of civilian losses.

Israel has continued conducting strikes in Lebanon even after the current cease-fire between Washington and Tehran took effect, arguing that Hezbollah’s actions fall outside the truce’s scope.

Authorities across the region have also reported hundreds of additional deaths linked to the conflict in Iraq, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, the occupied West Bank, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia since February 28, highlighting the widening humanitarian toll as the crisis enters its second month.

Apr 13, 2026 at 03:20 PM EDT

Iran says it is ready for ‘any scenario’ as U.S. blockade begins

Iran’s acting defense minister warned Monday that the country is prepared to respond forcefully to any attack, saying its military is on “maximum combat alert” as tensions rise around the newly announced U.S. naval blockade. The remarks were broadcast on state-run television and echoed by other Iranian officials throughout the day.

Brigadier General Majid Ibn Reza said Iran would deliver a “harsh and decisive response” to any aggression, underscoring the government’s message that it is ready for escalation if necessary. His comments came after President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy would begin blockading Iranian ports and “interdict” ships that have paid tolls to Tehran, following the collapse of weekend peace talks.

Iran’s Defense Ministry also emphasized the country’s military preparedness. In comments carried by the semi‑official Young Journalists Club, spokesperson Sardar Talaei‑Nik said Iran’s “strategic reserves,” including missiles and drones, were fully stocked before the conflict began and remain sufficient for sustained operations.

Apr 13, 2026 at 03:07 PM EDT

WATCH: Trump’s path to Greeland ownership goes via Iran and may finish NATO

Apr 13, 2026 at 02:53 PM EDT

EU’s Kallas calls for strong maritime security coalition at UN

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told the UN Security Council on Monday that the worsening situation in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the need for a robust international coalition focused on maritime security.

Speaking in New York, Kallas said the near‑closure of one of the world’s most critical energy corridors demonstrates why coordinated global action is essential. She did not outline what such a coalition should do in operational terms but made clear that the EU opposes any arrangement that restricts “free and safe passage through the straits in accordance with international law.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 02:40 PM EDT

Hezbollah claims new rocket and drone strikes on northern Israel

Hezbollah said Monday that it carried out a fresh wave of attacks on Israeli military positions, accusing Israel of repeated violations of the cease-fire that has been under strain for days.

In a series of statements, the group said its fighters launched rockets and drones at Israeli sites near Bint Jbeil, al‑Bayyada, and the outskirts of Tyre in southern Lebanon. It also reported rocket fire toward northern Israeli communities including Hanita, Shlomi, and Nahariya.

Hezbollah further claimed responsibility for a drone strike on the Shraga base, which it described as the administrative headquarters of the Golani Brigade, one of the Israel Defense Forces’ key infantry units.

Apr 13, 2026 at 02:34 PM EDT

IRGC spokesman issues new, vague threats after U.S. blockade begins

A spokesman for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued fresh but ambiguous warnings on Monday, only hours after the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz went into effect.

Speaking on Iranian state media, Sardar Mohseni said Iran would “introduce new methods of warfare that opponents would have limited ability to counter.” He did not specify what capabilities or weapons he was referring to, leaving the nature of the threat unclear.

Apr 13, 2026 at 02:17 PM EDT

Maritime warning issued after U.S. blockade deadline passes

By early evening in Tehran on Monday—more than half an hour after the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz was scheduled to begin—a British maritime monitoring group alerted ships to new restrictions taking hold along Iran’s coastline.

The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had been informed that maritime access limits were now being enforced on any vessel engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals or coastal facilities, covering the full length of Iran’s shoreline. The advisory noted that neutral ships currently in Iranian ports would receive only a “limited grace period” to depart, urging all vessels in the region to maintain heightened awareness as conditions shift.

The alert came amid uncertainty over whether the U.S. blockade had formally begun at its planned 10 a.m. ET start time, adding to tensions around a waterway that carries a significant share of the world’s oil and has been heavily disrupted since the conflict began.

Apr 13, 2026 at 02:04 PM EDT

ECB’s Vujčić says energy prices still align with baseline outlook

European Central Bank Vice President Boris Vujčić said Monday that current energy prices remain close to the ECB’s baseline scenario and should not significantly affect the eurozone’s inflation or growth outlook, according to comments reported by N1 regional television.

Speaking at a financial forum in Croatia, Vujčić said Europe’s energy system is far more resilient to external shocks than it was in 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent gas and oil markets into turmoil. He credited the improvement to diversified supply sources and structural changes made over the past two years.

“We are not in an unfavorable, and even less so in a very unfavorable scenario, either with regards to oil or with regards to gas,” he said, calling the current environment “good news” for policymakers.

Vujčić noted that the energy shock linked to the U.S.–Iran conflict remains limited for now, helped by the two‑week cease-fire. But he cautioned that markets could face renewed volatility if the war escalates and disrupts supply routes or pricing dynamics.

Apr 13, 2026 at 01:51 PM EDT

Middle East oil output plunges as Hormuz disruption forces cuts

Oil production across the Middle East fell sharply in March as the near‑shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz throttled exports and forced major producers to scale back output, according to new data from OPEC.

The group’s monthly oil market report shows crude production among member states dropped by 7.9 million barrels, bringing total output down to 20.79 million barrels per day — a steep 27% decline. The figures underscore how the conflict‑driven disruption to the region’s most critical shipping corridor has rippled back into production itself.

The largest cuts came from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, all of which rely heavily on Hormuz to move crude to global markets. Iran also recorded a modest decline, as did Algeria, Congo, Libya and Gabon, while Nigeria posted a slight increase.

OPEC said ongoing instability in the strait has fueled “persistent concerns about regional supply flows,” with producers unable to maintain normal export volumes.

Despite the turmoil, the group kept its global demand outlook unchanged, still projecting growth of 1.4 million barrels per day this year. OPEC expects the second‑quarter slump tied to the conflict to be temporary, with stronger consumption later in the year offsetting early weakness.

Apr 13, 2026 at 01:38 PM EDT

Experts question whether economic pressure will force Iran to yield

President Donald Trump is betting that economic strain will succeed where weeks of airstrikes have not, arguing that cutting off Iran’s oil revenue will push Tehran to accept U.S. terms. But regional analysts say Washington may be underestimating Iran’s ability to absorb pressure and adapt.

The U.S. blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports began at 10 a.m. ET, following the collapse of weekend peace talks in Pakistan. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed to retaliate, and officials in Tehran have warned that the economic fallout will reverberate globally, including for American consumers.

Hasan Alhasan, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain, told CNN that Iran has multiple ways to blunt the impact. He said Tehran could increase exports through pipeline routes to Iraq, Turkey and Armenia, or shift crude through the Neka terminal on the Caspian Sea.

Alhasan noted that Iran has previously blended its oil with Iraqi crude to evade detection and could expand fuel smuggling across its long border with Pakistan. He also warned that Iran may choose a military response, including potential attacks on U.S. naval vessels or encouraging the Houthis in Yemen to threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical chokepoint for global shipping.

Apr 13, 2026 at 01:29 PM EDT

Trump uses surprise West Wing moment to tout tax policy amid Iran war questions

President Donald Trump briefly shifted from wartime messaging to domestic politics on Monday, summoning reporters to the West Wing for an unscripted appearance that quickly blended campaign‑style promotion with questions about the conflict with Iran.

Trump opened the door to greet a woman wearing a “DoorDash Grandma” T‑shirt, who arrived carrying two large bags of McDonald’s — a moment the president joked “doesn’t look staged” before taking questions for about 15 minutes. He fielded inquiries on the failed weekend negotiations with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and his criticism of Pope Leo XIV.

The event was designed to highlight a GOP policy eliminating taxes on tips, a measure Republicans hope will energize voters ahead of the midterms. The delivery worker, Sharon Simmons, praised the policy, saying it “helped my family out immensely.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 01:25 PM EDT

Qatar warns against using maritime routes as leverage in call with Iran

Qatar urged Iran on Monday not to use maritime corridors as a “bargaining chip,” warning that such actions threaten global energy supplies and broader international security. The message came during a call between Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate.

The waterway, which carries roughly one‑fifth of the world’s crude oil, has been effectively closed by Tehran since the conflict began. The United States moved ahead with a blockade targeting all traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports, a measure scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Eastern on Monday, though confirmation of its enforcement remained unclear.

Qatar’s foreign ministry said both sides emphasized the need to keep maritime routes open and maintain freedom of navigation, framing it as essential to regional stability. The two officials also underscored the importance of preserving the cease-fire between Iran and the United States, which has come under strain amid rising military activity.

Sheikh Mohammed urged all parties to engage constructively with ongoing mediation efforts, calling for renewed dialogue and peaceful mechanisms to address the underlying causes of the crisis.

Apr 13, 2026 at 01:12 PM EDT

Trump renews threats against Cuba, calls it a ‘failing nation’

President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Cuba on Monday, telling reporters at the White House that he is prepared to consider military action once the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran concludes.

“We may stop by Cuba after we’re finished with this,” Trump said outside the Oval Office, again describing the island as a “failing nation.” His remarks follow a series of warnings in recent weeks suggesting that Havana could face punitive measures for its ties to Iran and other U.S. adversaries.

Apr 13, 2026 at 01:12 PM EDT

Wall Street opens lower as market volatility persists

Wall Street’s major indexes slipped at the opening bell on Monday, extending the cautious tone that has dominated trading amid geopolitical and energy‑market turmoil.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 198.4 points, or 0.41%, at the open. The S&P 500 dipped 10.4 points (0.15%), while the Nasdaq declined 53.7 points (0.23%).

Apr 13, 2026 at 01:11 PM EDT

Trump says Iran wants a deal ‘very badly’ but nuclear issues remain unresolved

President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington has been contacted by Iran, claiming Tehran “wants to make a deal very badly” as the two sides navigate a tense cease-fire and a newly imposed U.S. naval blockade.

Trump said the standoff continues to hinge on Iran’s nuclear program, insisting that Iran “will never have a nuclear weapon.” He suggested that progress had been made in recent discussions, saying, “We agreed to a lot of things,” but indicated that no final understanding on Iran’s nuclear capabilities has been reached.

Apr 13, 2026 at 12:59 PM EDT

OPEC cuts Q2 oil demand outlook as Iran war weighs on consumption

OPEC has lowered its forecast for second‑quarter global oil demand by 500,000 barrels per day, citing the economic and supply‑chain fallout from the war in Iran. The group said the conflict has curbed consumption more sharply than expected in the near term.

Despite the downgrade, OPEC’s outlook remains more optimistic than projections from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which anticipates a deeper hit to demand. OPEC left its full‑year forecast unchanged, arguing that consumption will rebound later in 2026 as markets stabilize.

For the year as a whole, the group still expects global demand to grow by 1.38 million barrels per day—a far stronger estimate than the EIA, which halved its own forecast in an April 7 report.

Apr 13, 2026 at 12:46 PM EDT

Islamabad talks end without deal as Pakistan scrambles to keep diplomacy alive

More than 12 hours of direct negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without an agreement, leaving a fragile two‑week ceasefire as the only buffer against a return to full‑scale war. Pakistan, which spent weeks arranging the meeting, now faces the challenge of keeping both sides engaged before the truce expires.

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar said the country would “continue to play its role” in facilitating dialogue, but U.S. and Iranian accounts highlighted deep divides. Washington insisted Iran commit to abandoning any pursuit of a nuclear weapon, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance saying no deal was possible without “an affirmative commitment” on the nuclear issue.

U.S. officials said the talks broke down over six core disputes, including uranium enrichment, regional security, and Iran’s support for groups Washington labels terrorist organizations. Hours later, President Donald Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling Iran’s control of the waterway an “illegal act of extortion.”

Tehran accused Washington of “maximalism” and shifting demands, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying Iran had been “inches away” from an agreement before the U.S. hardened its position. Iranian officials said some progress had been made but key issues — including frozen assets, guarantees, and the right to charge vessels transiting Hormuz — remained unresolved.

Analysts in Islamabad say Pakistan’s mediation is bruised but not broken. The channel remains open, and both sides have praised Pakistan’s role. But with only eight days left in the ceasefire and tensions rising in Hormuz and Lebanon, the diplomatic window is narrowing fast.

Apr 13, 2026 at 12:33 PM EDT

China calls for deeper energy ties with UAE in meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met in Beijing with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, urging a significant expansion of energy cooperation between China and the United Arab Emirates, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Li said China is prepared to “strengthen the foundation” of its energy partnership with the UAE and explore new areas of collaboration, including energy storage, hydrogen, and new‑energy vehicles. The meeting comes as both countries look to deepen long‑term economic ties amid global energy market volatility.

The premier also called on the UAE to take “strong measures” to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects during the ongoing U.S.–Israeli war in Iran, adding that Beijing would continue pushing for an end to the conflict.

CCTV reported that Li emphasized China’s commitment to supporting regional stability while expanding strategic cooperation with the Gulf state.

Apr 13, 2026 at 12:20 PM EDT

Two Palestinian workers injured as Israeli forces open fire near Jerusalem

Two Palestinian workers were injured southeast of Jerusalem after Israeli forces opened fire in the Wadi al‑Hummus area, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported on Monday.

In a separate incident, Israeli troops raided the Shuafat refugee camp, northeast of Jerusalem, and arrested one Palestinian man during the operation.

Further south, several students in the village of Umm al‑Khair in Masafer Yatta, near Hebron, suffered from tear‑gas inhalation after Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear‑gas canisters in the area, according to Wafa.

Apr 13, 2026 at 12:09 PM EDT

U.S. Navy blockade begins with no early incidents reported

The U.S. Navy’s blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas is now officially in effect, a U.S. military official told The New York Times on Monday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

The official confirmed the start of the operation but did not provide details on enforcement measures, the scope of interdictions, or how the Navy intends to manage traffic around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most sensitive maritime chokepoints.

In the first 90 minutes after the blockade’s scheduled launch, there were no indications of incidents or confrontations at sea

Apr 13, 2026 at 12:07 PM EDT

Qatari PM presses Iran on maritime access in call with Araghchi

Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, held a phone call Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with both sides noting that discussions focused on ongoing mediation efforts, according to statements released by their offices.

In its readout, Qatar’s foreign ministry said Al Thani underscored the urgent need to reopen maritime routes, referencing the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has been severely disrupted since the start of the war. He stressed “the necessity of opening maritime passages, ensuring freedom of navigation, and not using them as a bargaining chip or leverage,” warning of the “negative repercussions” such restrictions have on regional economies, global energy and food supplies, and broader international stability.

Apr 13, 2026 at 11:54 AM EDT

Red Cross paramedic killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon

A Lebanese Red Cross paramedic was killed in an Israeli strike on the southern town of Beit Yahoun, the organization confirmed, adding to the growing toll on emergency workers operating near the front lines.

The victim, Hassan Badawi, died on Sunday while responding to calls in the area. His death prompted a strong warning from the International Committee of the Red Cross, which said it was deeply concerned by repeated attacks on medical personnel in Lebanon.

Agnes Dhur, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, said the loss of responders “who dedicate their lives to saving others” has severe consequences for civilians who rely on them. She stressed that humanitarian workers must be protected and allowed to reach the wounded safely, saying, “Saving lives must never cost a life.”

The ICRC urged all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of medical teams operating in conflict‑affected areas.

Apr 13, 2026 at 11:41 AM EDT

Merz says collapse of Islamabad talks was expected, warns of long road to peace

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was not surprised that U.S.–Iran negotiations in Islamabad broke down over the weekend, arguing the talks appeared poorly prepared from the outset.

Speaking in Berlin on Monday morning, Merz said he had “low expectations” going into the discussions. “I wasn’t surprised by the decision to break off the talks in Islamabad. From the outset, I didn’t get the impression that the talks were particularly well‑prepared,” he said.

Merz cautioned that diplomacy will be slow and that the economic fallout from the conflict will continue to be felt. “This will remain a long‑term process and we will continue to feel the consequences of this war for a long time to come, even after it is over,” he added. He had already warned last week that peace remained distant.

Later in the day, his spokesperson reinforced that message, calling a negotiated settlement “the only path” to ending the crisis and stressing Germany’s “fundamental interest in diplomatic success.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 11:28 AM EDT

WATCH: Pope Leo stands firm against Trump

Apr 13, 2026 at 11:19 AM EDT

Sanctioned tanker reverses course after U.S. blockade takes effect

A sanctioned, falsely flagged tanker turned away from the Strait of Hormuz shortly after the U.S. blockade was activated, according to maritime analyst Michelle Wiese Bockmann.

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Apr 13, 2026 at 11:15 AM EDT

U.S. lets Russian oil waiver expire as prices climb again

The Trump administration has allowed a sanctions exemption for certain Russian oil sales to lapse after it expired early Saturday, choosing not to extend the one‑month waiver that had been issued to help cool global energy prices.

The temporary reprieve was granted in March as oil markets surged amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. But with prices rising again, the administration has so far declined to renew the measure, leaving traders uncertain about whether additional relief may come later.

Apr 13, 2026 at 11:02 AM EDT

Iran releases frozen assets of women’s team captain after asylum withdrawal

Iran’s judiciary says it has released the frozen assets of Zahra Ghanbari, captain of the Iranian women’s national football team, after she withdrew an asylum claim she made in Australia last month.

Ghanbari was among six players and one staff member who sought asylum following the Women’s Asian Cup, held as the U.S.–Israel war on Iran began. Five of the seven, including Ghanbari, later returned to Iran and were welcomed at a ceremony in central Tehran on March 19.

According to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency, her assets were released after a court issued “a declaration of innocence following her change in behaviour.” The announcement came just two days after Iranian media published a list of individuals labeled “traitors,” whose assets had been frozen by court order. Ghanbari’s name appeared on that list, though it remains unclear when the freeze was initially imposed.

Apr 13, 2026 at 10:49 AM EDT

Gold falls as oil surge rekindles inflation fears and dampens Fed cut outlook

Gold prices slipped on Monday as renewed fears of a widening Middle East conflict pushed oil prices higher, stoking fresh inflation concerns and further reducing expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year.

Spot gold dropped 0.8% to $4,711.51 per ounce as of 8:06 a.m. EDT, after touching its lowest level since April 7 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures for June delivery fell 1.1% to $4,732.80.

The metal has now lost more than 10% since the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. Although gold is traditionally seen as a hedge during geopolitical turmoil, persistently high interest rates continue to weigh on the non‑yielding asset.

A stronger U.S. dollar, which climbed to a near one‑week high, added additional pressure by making dollar‑denominated bullion more expensive for overseas buyers.

Apr 13, 2026 at 10:46 AM EDT

Trump says Iranian Navy destroyed, issues warning over blockade

President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States has destroyed the bulk of Iran’s navy, claiming 158 vessels had been eliminated during the conflict. In a post on social media, he said only a small number of Iran’s fast‑attack boats remain and warned they would be targeted if they approach the U.S.‑declared blockade around Iranian ports.

Trump said any such vessels would be “immediately eliminated,” describing the U.S. approach as the same method used against drug‑smuggling boats at sea. His comments came as the U.S. military moved ahead with plans to block ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, a measure Washington says is intended to cut off Tehran’s oil revenue.

Apr 13, 2026 at 10:36 AM EDT

Analyst says U.S. and Iran could still resume talks as ceasefire holds

The United States and Iran may return to the negotiating table despite failing to reach an agreement during marathon talks in Islamabad over the weekend, a Middle East analyst said Monday, noting that a fragile two‑week truce remains intact.

“The ongoing ceasefire of two weeks is still in place. We still haven’t seen a return to war, which is in everybody’s best interest,” analyst H.A. Hellyer told CNN. He added that additional rounds of negotiation “may” emerge in the coming days.

His assessment follows comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who confirmed that the Islamabad talks ended without a deal. In response, President Donald Trump ordered a blockade on Iran’s major oil ports.

Hellyer warned that the move could backfire, arguing that “Iranians have shown they would prefer to go down fighting.” He also pointed to rising risks in nearby waterways: crude shipments through the Bab‑el‑Mandeb Strait rose 21% from February, making them potential targets for Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthi rebels.

The Houthis entered the conflict on March 28, firing missiles toward Israel and threatening to close a key Red Sea corridor—raising the prospect of further disruption to global shipping and oil flows.

Apr 13, 2026 at 10:23 AM EDT

Merz says Islamabad talks were doomed from the start, warns of long-term fallout

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had low expectations for the weekend negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, telling reporters in Berlin that the collapse of the talks came as no surprise.

“I wasn’t surprised by the decision to break off the talks in Islamabad. From the outset, I didn’t get the impression that they were particularly well‑prepared,” Merz said earlier this morning. He cautioned that diplomacy will be a slow process and that the economic effects of the conflict will continue to reverberate. “This will remain a long‑term process and we will continue to feel the consequences of this war for a long time to come, even after it is over.”

Merz had already voiced skepticism last week, saying peace remained distant. His spokesperson reinforced that message this afternoon, calling a diplomatic solution “the only path” to ending the current crisis and stressing Germany’s “fundamental interest in diplomatic success.”

The spokesperson also addressed President Donald Trump’s threatened U.S. military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as an effort to increase pressure. He pointed to a CENTCOM statement clarifying that the blockade would target Iranian ports, not the entire strait.

Apr 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM EDT

UK Maritime Authority confirms new restrictions on access to Iranian ports

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued an advisory warning that maritime access restrictions are now being enforced around Iran’s ports and coastal areas, beginning at 2 p.m. UTC — the same time the U.S. military said it would launch a blockade on all traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports.

According to the advisory, the measures apply across the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, covering “the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure.” The restrictions extend to any vessel, regardless of flag, that engages with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities. Neutral ships currently docked in Iran have been given a limited grace period to depart.

UKMTO noted that transit through the Strait of Hormuz to non‑Iranian destinations is not reported to be blocked, though vessels should expect a heightened military presence, directed communications, and possible right‑of‑visit checks during passage.

Further operational guidance for commercial shipping is being developed as the situation evolves.

Apr 13, 2026 at 10:10 AM EDT

U.S. blockade of Iranian ports set to begin as ceasefire frays

The U.S. military was expected to begin blocking ships from entering or leaving Iran’s ports at 10 a.m. EDT on Monday, after weekend talks aimed at ending the war collapsed without progress.

Tehran has warned it will retaliate against the ports of Gulf neighbors if its own facilities come under threat. The move places additional strain on a fragile two‑week ceasefire, which halted six weeks of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes but is now at risk with only a week remaining.

Oil markets surged when trading reopened, with no indication that the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical oil chokepoint—will reopen soon. The conflict has caused the largest disruption to global energy supplies on record.

An Iranian military spokesperson denounced any U.S. restrictions on shipping as “piracy,” warning that if Iranian ports were targeted, no port in the Gulf or Gulf of Oman would be secure. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards added that any military vessel approaching the strait would be violating the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Israel has continued its campaign against Iran‑backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Monday, Israeli forces launched an operation to seize a key town in southern Lebanon. Israel and the U.S. maintain that the anti‑Hezbollah campaign is not covered by the ceasefire, while Iran insists it is.

Apr 13, 2026 at 09:58 AM EDT

Iran’s president condemns insult toward Pope Leo XIV

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly condemned what he described as an insult directed at Pope Leo XIV, issuing a statement on social media expressing solidarity with the pontiff.

Addressing the pope directly, Pezeshkian said he denounced the offense “on behalf of the great nation of Iran,” adding that any disrespect toward Jesus, whom he called “the prophet of peace and brotherhood,” was unacceptable to “any free person.” He concluded his message by wishing the pope honor and dignity.

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Apr 13, 2026 at 09:57 AM EDT

Pope Leo reacts after Trump’s personal attack

Pope Leo XIV responded directly to a personal attack from President Donald Trump, telling reporters aboard the papal flight to Algeria that he would not temper his message despite rising tensions.

“I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do,” he said. The pope emphasized that the Vatican does not approach global crises through a political lens, contrasting its mission with the administration’s posture. “We are not politicians. We don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”

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Apr 13, 2026 at 09:44 AM EDT

Red Cross paramedic killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon

A Lebanese Red Cross paramedic was killed in an Israeli strike on the southern town of Beit Yahoun, the organization confirmed, marking the latest fatality among emergency workers operating amid escalating cross‑border fire.

The victim, Hassan Badawi, died on Sunday while responding to calls in the area. His killing prompted a sharp warning from the International Committee of the Red Cross, which said it was deeply concerned by repeated attacks on medical personnel in Lebanon.

Agnes Dhur, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, said the death of a responder “who dedicated his life to saving others” underscores the growing danger for civilians who rely on emergency services. “Saving lives must never cost a life,” she said, stressing that humanitarian and medical workers must be protected and allowed to reach the wounded safely.

The ICRC urged all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of medical teams operating in affected areas.

Apr 13, 2026 at 09:31 AM EDT

Netanyahu backs Trump’s proposed naval blockade, says U.S.–Israel alignment is intact

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supports President Donald Trump’s proposed naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf, framing the move as part of a unified strategy toward Tehran.

In a statement, Netanyahu said he spoke with Vice President JD Vance following the latest round of U.S.–Iran negotiations in Pakistan. According to Netanyahu, Vance reiterated that Washington had insisted any agreement must require Iran to remove its enriched uranium and halt enrichment activities for years.

Netanyahu also dismissed speculation of tension between the two governments. “Claims that there is any rift between us are completely false,” he said, emphasizing that Israel and the United States remain aligned on the core demands of any potential deal with Iran.

Apr 13, 2026 at 09:18 AM EDT

Tanker traffic through Strait of Hormuz drops to a trickle ahead of U.S. blockade

Ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz remained minimal on Monday as theTankers Still Moving Through Strait as Blockade Deadline Nears

A handful of vessels continued to pass through the Strait of Hormuz early Monday despite the looming U.S. blockade, which is scheduled to take effect at 10 a.m. Eastern time. But the volume of traffic remains a fraction of what it was before the war, according to Alexis Ellender, an analyst at global trade firm Kpler.

Ellender said “a trickle of trade” is still making its way through the chokepoint, but major shipping companies have little interest in testing the risks. Their appetite for sending vessels into the strait is now “incredibly low,” he noted, adding that the potential exposure simply “is just not worth it for them.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 09:05 AM EDT

Two Iran-linked tankers exit Persian Gulf ahead of U.S. blockade

Two tankers with ties to Iran sailed out of the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to data from Kpler, marking notable movement just hours before a new U.S. blockade is scheduled to take effect.

One vessel, the Auroura, is a sanctioned tanker believed to be carrying Iranian naphtha, a refined petroleum product. The second ship, the New Future, loaded gas oil at Hamriyah Port in the United Arab Emirates before departing. Shipping records show the New Future’s last three voyages were also linked to Iran.

Both tankers cleared the strait before Washington’s restrictions—targeting ships entering or leaving Iranian ports—are set to begin later this morning, a deadline that has prompted many operators to halt or delay sailings in the region.

Apr 13, 2026 at 08:45 AM EDT

Oil could soon hit $120 a barrel: expert

Ongoing concerns about the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could see the cost of a barrel of Brent crude, the global benchmark, hit $120 a barrel, according to an energy industry expert.

President Donald Trump added to jitters in the cost of energy with his threat to blockade the strait on Monday, with prices rising to over $103 a barrel.

But Russell Shor, senior market analyst at FXCM predicted that the price could soon go even higher as oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain constrained.

“If the situation escalates further, Brent could move back towards $120, adding renewed pressure on risk assets and broader equity markets,” Shor told Newsweek Monday. “For now, Brent appears to be trading in a $100-$120 range, and as long as that holds, the environment remains inflationary with continued margin pressure for companies.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 08:30 AM EDT

Netanyahu reports daily updates from Trump team on Iran talks

Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had spoken with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Sunday and had received daily updates from the Trump administration about talks with Iran.

During an Israeli cabinet meeting on Monday, Netanyahu said he had spoken with Vance when the vice president was returning from Islamabad, Pakistan, from talks that yielded no progress.

“He reported to me in detail, as the people of this administration do every day, about the development of the negotiations,” the Israeli premier said according to Axios.

Netanyahu also said on Monday that Israel backed the decision by Trump to impose a naval blockade on Iran and was coordinating with Washington on the situation.

US Central Command said it would begin a blockade of all Iranian Gulf ports and coastal areas on Monday at 10am ET seizing control of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

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Apr 13, 2026 at 08:00 AM EDT

“Makes no sense”: Countries respond to Trump’s blockade threat

Donald Trump’s threat to blockade Iranian ports within the next three hours has prompted a strong reaction from world leaders.

On a day in which UK prime minister Keir Starmer ruled out British involvement in U.S. plan, Spain's Defence Minister Margarita Robles said that the U.S. president's proposal "makes no sense".

The Asean group of Southeast Asian nations, many of which rely on the Middle East for energy has called for "full and effective implementation” of the ceasefire in the Iran War in which maritime security and freedom of navigation and overflight would be ensured.

Meanwhile, China has called for calm and restraint, adding that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open was for the global good.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday said that restoring freedom of navigation in the strait was important and that its ongoing closure was "greatly damaging.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 07:40 AM EDT

Iran’s exiled prince “disappointed” at Europe’s approach to regime

Iran’s exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi has criticized Europe’s approach toward the Islamic Republic, telling lawmakers in Sweden about what he described as appeasement of the regime in Tehran.

Pahlavi, whose name has been chanted at protests across the country before the war, made comments at Sweden’s parliament on Monday in which he said Iran’s future would be decided by its people, not by foreign forces.

“When I look at Europe I see ambivalence and a continue inability to see the reality of the streets of Iran, I am disappointed yet not surprised at thr rush to engage wit this criminal regime," he said.

“The Europe I believe in is supposed to stand for human rights democracy and equality,” he said as he listed European efforts historically to fight against apartheid in South Africa and communism in eastern Europe. “Why should Iran be any different?” he added.

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Apr 13, 2026 at 07:10 AM EDT

China responds to reports it may arm Iran

China has denied reports that it is considering arming Iran’s military with air defense systems that could threaten American aircraft.

The New York Times, CNN and others reported last week that Chinese officials were considering selling shoulder-fired anti-air missiles to Iran, whose own air defenses—including systems previously purchased from China—have been destroyed by weeks of heavy U.S. and Israeli strikes.

However, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a press conference in Beijing on Monday that reports of its possible intensions were “baseless smears.”

“China has always adopted a cautious and responsible attitude toward the export of military material items and implements strict controls in accordance with its own export control laws and regulations and its international obligations,” Guo said.
The official said Beijing opposed “malicious” attempts to link China to the Middle East war, now in its seventh week.

The capability, if transferred, could put at risk any U.S. or Israeli aircraft taking part in low-level bombing runs over Iran, a practice seen later in the conflict after American warplanes gained air superiority.

President Donald Trump, who is due to visit China in mid-May, appeared to be skeptical about the reports when interviewed by Fox’s Maria Bartiromo on Sunday. “I doubt they would do that because I have a relationship and I think they wouldn’t,” he said.

He added: “If we catch them doing that, they get a 50 percent tariff.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 06:50 AM EDT

Israel announces ground operations in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has said it started targeted ground operations in the Bint Jbeil area in southern Lebanon.

Monday’s announcement comes a day after nine people were killed and 13 wounded in an Israeli attack on the town of Tefahta on Sunday, according to the state-run National News Agency.

It comes as the offices of the Lebanese Red Cross in Tyre were hit by a drone strike on Monday, state media reported. At least 2,055 people have been killed and 6,588 wounded in the conflict, according to the Lebanese government.

Apr 13, 2026 at 06:30 AM EDT

France will meet with UK to discuss restoring Hormuz Strait navigation

France’s president Emmanuel Macron has said that his country will organize a meeting with the U.K. about how to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Macron said on Monday that the meeting would involve other countries who want to join a peaceful multinational mission aimed at securing the waterway.

“This strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit,” Macron’s post said, distancing itself from the belligerents in the Iran War.

The post follows UK prime minister Keir Starmer saying that his country would not take part in the U.S. blockade of the strait announced by President Donald Trump although he has said that he was committed to reopening the critical waterway.

“No effort must be spared to swiftly reach, through diplomatic means, a strong and lasting settlement to the conflict in the Middle East,” the post added.

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Apr 13, 2026 at 06:10 AM EDT

Pope Leo says he has “no intention to debate” Trump

Pope Leo XIV has said that he would not debate with President Donald Trump following the latter’s criticism of him in a social media post.

The head of the Catholic Church had said on Saturday that a prayer for peace is “a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive.”

While his comments did not directly mention Trump, the U.S. president took aim at the pontiff in a Truth Social post Sunday which accused him of catering to the “Radical Left” and being “terrible” for foreign policy.

En route for a visit to Africa, the pope addressed the spat with Trump, telling reporters Monday “I have no intention to debate with (Trump),” as he added, “the message is the same—to promote peace.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 05:40 AM EDT

Trump taunted by Iran lawmaker over gas prices

A post has gone viral in which Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked President Donald Trump on X in a post which taunted the prospect of high gas prices.

Oil prices spiked following Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would blockade the Strait of Hormuz from Monday, sparking fears of a prolonged energy crisis which would impact the prices at the pump for drivers in the U.S. and around the world.

“Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called 'blockade', Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas,” Ghalibaf said in the post which as of Monday had received 2.9 million views.

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Apr 13, 2026 at 04:56 AM EDT

UK will not help U.S. blockade Strait of Hormuz: Starmer

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that his government would not help the U.S. blockade the Strait of Hormuz, following President Donald Trump's pledge to do so from Monday.

In an interview on BBC’s Radio 5, Starmer said that any British action in the conflict will remain purely defensive and in protection of British lives and interest.

Starmer said that “whatever the pressure...we are not getting dragged into the war. adding that such a move would not be “in our national interest.”

“I’m not going to act unless there’s a clear lawful basis and a clear thought-through plan,” said Starmer in what appears to be a swipe at the Trump administration’s prosecution of the war.

However, Starmer told the BBC that Iran was to blame for the restriction on traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and vessels through the Gulf which was “in breach of international law."

Trump has repeatedly criticized the UK for its actions during the conflict and on Sunday repeated a jibe that appeared to compare the British prime minister with Neville Chamberlain who was condemned for a policy of appeasement toward Adolf Hitler.

Apr 13, 2026 at 04:30 AM EDT

“I’m not a fan of Pope Leo” says Trump

President Donald Trump has condemned Pope Leo XIV following comments by the pontiff which appeared to criticize the U.S.-Israel War in Iran.

Pope Leo suggested over the weekend that a “delusion of omnipotence” was fueling the war in an unusual rebuke by the leader of the Catholic Church of the U.S. president.

Leo made the comment during an evening prayer service in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday without mentioning the U.S. or Trump by name.

In response, Trump posted on Truth Social that the pope was “weak on crime, and terrible for foreign policy,” adding: “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”

“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump wrote, adding: “Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.”

Pope Leo XIV presides over the Prayer Vigil for Peace at St Peter's Basilica on April 11, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

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Apr 13, 2026 at 04:05 AM EDT

Trump announcement sends jolt of pessimism to markets and oil prices

The price of Brent crude, the international benchmark, shot up by 8 percent to $103 in early trading Monday following President Donald Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, with one expert warning of an energy crisis becoming more acute.

Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist, at the Wealth Club told Newsweek in a statement on Monday that Trump’s "high stakes gamble” has “sent a fresh jolt of pessimism through financial markets” with the FTSE 100 opening lower Monday.

Trump does have a track record of pulling back from the brink, especially when markets react negatively, Streeter said but, in the meantime, investors should be prepared for more turbulence.

Iran’s oil had been flowing, and sanctions had been temporarily lifted to keep a lid on prices to limit financial and political fallout.

“There’s more than a hint of desperation in this drastic action. It seems the U.S. has been cornered by Iran’s defiance, with hopes of an offramp replaced by fears of a dangerous escalation,” said Streeter.

“Trump is willing to send the prices of oil, gas and other commodities sky-high, in the hope it’ll force concessions from Iran. China is Iran’s key customer, and this appears to be a ruse to provoke Beijing into piling pressure on Tehran.

“The backlash back home if this strategy doesn’t work is likely to be severe and there’s already deep unease spreading.”

Apr 13, 2026 at 03:43 AM EDT

Iran says Trump’s naval blockade pledge is “piracy”

Any American attempt to control the Strait of Hormuz would amount to an act of piracy, Iran's military has said.

Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the Islamic Republic’s military command, responded to President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post warning the U.S. would blockade ships entering or exiting Iranian ports from 10 a.m. ET Monday.

Iran’s military said that such a move would “amount to piracy,” and that if the security of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman was threatened, “no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will remain safe.”

The statement added that Iran would enforce a lasting mechanism for controlling the Strait of Hormuz, after the war.

Meanwhile, Vahid Ahmadi, a member of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee said Monday that the U.S. plan for a naval blockade of Iran’s ports shows “confusion and a lack of a proper and workable strategy.”

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