Day 51 | Iran closes Hormuz Strait again as Trump warns against “blackmail”

This live thread has ended. Follow our online coverage of day 52 of the war, as the US Navy fired on and seized Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

Read more: Day 52 | US Navy fired on and seized Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistan’s Prime Minister that the continued US naval “blockade” constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, according to the Iranian presidency.

Pezeshkian also said that the continuation of maritime pressure and US threats reflects what he described as an attempt to undermine diplomacy.

He added that Iran is determined to defend itself against any new “adventure” by the United States or 'Israel', the presidency said in a statement reported by Iranian state media.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that US forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to breach a US naval blockade.

In a statement, Trump identified the vessel as the TOUSKA, describing it as a nearly 900-foot-long cargo ship. He said the ship was stopped by the USS Spruance, a US Navy guided-missile destroyer, after warnings were issued and ignored.

Trump claimed the vessel sustained damage to its engine room after the interception and said US Marines later took custody of the ship. He added that the ship is under US Treasury sanctions for prior alleged illegal activity.

The situation has not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from Iranian authorities.

Iranian officials said there is no clear prospect for “decisive” negotiations with the United States, according to statements reported by state media.

A member of Iran’s negotiating team told the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) that Tehran does not expect any meaningful progress in talks, while Iranian sources denied any current plans to participate in a new round of negotiations.

Additionally, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) rejected reports about a second round of talks in Islamabad, describing such claims as inaccurate.

According to both reports, Iranian officials cited what they described as excessive and unrealistic US demands, repeated shifts in positions, and ongoing contradictions as key obstacles. They also pointed to the continuation of what they called a “naval blockade,” which they say violates ceasefire understandings, alongside what they described as threatening rhetoric.

IRNA further reported that US narratives around the negotiations are part of a media strategy aligned with a “blame game” aimed at increasing pressure on Iran, adding that no clear signs of productive talks are currently emerging.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing the current regional situation, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a mediating role to achieve lasting peace and regional stability during the conversation.

• 37 'Israeli' soldiers injured in past 24 hours in southern Lebanon
• Total injuries since start of operations reach 690
• Violations reported despite ceasefire understanding

The 'Israeli' army announced that 37 of its soldiers were injured in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, despite the declaration of a ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, the army said the total number of wounded troops since the start of its military operations in Lebanon has risen to 690. According to official figures, the injuries include 42 serious cases and 96 moderate cases.

The military also indicated that operations to remove threats are not subject to the ceasefire decision in Lebanon, suggesting continued activity on the ground.

These developments come amid ongoing tensions, with monitoring sources reporting continued field violations of the ceasefire understandings.

• Commercial transits through the Strait of Hormuz completely halted on Sunday following a brief, chaotic surge in traffic.
• Tehran re-shut the vital waterway after the US refused to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
• The ongoing standoff traps millions of barrels of oil and LNG, threatening to exacerbate the global energy crunch.

Observed commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has ground to a complete halt following a brief surge on Saturday. The renewed standstill comes as regional tensions escalate further, with vessels coming under gunfire and Iran issuing fresh warnings against waterway crossings.

According to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, no crossings were observed by early Sunday afternoon in London. The paralysis follows a dramatic Saturday where at least 13 oil tankers abandoned their attempts to leave the Persian Gulf, executing U-turns to head back to safety.

Screengrab from the Bloomberg report

A brief opening and a swift closure

The initial rush of vessels attempting to exit the Gulf began after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday that the strait was open.

However, Tehran swiftly reversed course and shut the waterway again following Washington's refusal to lift its own naval blockade on Iranian vessels.

This geopolitical deadlock is currently trapping millions of barrels of oil and vast quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) inside the Persian Gulf, threatening to severely prolong an energy crisis that has already roiled the global economy.

During the short window before the renewed closure, 18 commercial ships managed to complete outbound transits early Saturday.

This included four tankers, one of which was carrying two million barrels of Saudi and Qatari crude. Additionally, 10 ships made the inbound crossing into the Gulf.

Read more: Strait of Hormuz traffic grinds to a halt as waterway closes again

Navigating the US blockade

Data reveals that nearly half of the ships that managed to exit had links to Iran, with eight explicitly sanctioned by the United States.

Despite making it out of the strait, none of these sanctioned vessels appear to have successfully broken through the US naval blockade stationed further out in the open waters of the Gulf of Oman.

Three vessels anchored off Khor Fakkan in the UAE, while two reached the Omani coast before one turned back. Another LPG tanker, the Raine, briefly appeared poised to run the blockade before retreating toward Hormuz.

In a separate maneuver, four empty European-linked cruise ships made a high-speed dash to exit the Persian Gulf on Saturday, steaming quickly to arrive the Omani coastline to avoid the riskiest waters.

Read more: Iran reinstates restrictions on Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US tensions

Tracking challenges and 'dark' fleets

The dual blockades are heavily complicating maritime tracking efforts. Analysts note that the current threat level may encourage ships to switch off their automated tracking signals to avoid detection, a tactic that makes it difficult to ascertain exactly what is moving through the region.

Signal spoofing -where electronic interference deliberately falsifies a ship's apparent position- is also a growing concern. Furthermore, Iran-linked oil tankers frequently operate as "dark fleets," sailing from the Persian Gulf without broadcasting their locations until they reach the Strait of Malacca, roughly 10 days after passing the UAE.

Consequently, transit figures may be revised higher in the coming days as vessels eventually reappear on tracking screens in safer waters.

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly stated that his country is currently "at war against Iran," accusing Tehran of actively spreading instability across the globe.

Amid the soaring regional tensions, Netanyahu also used the address to underscore the strength of his country's foremost alliance, firmly declaring that Tel Aviv has "no better friend" than the United States.

Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, stated that the country’s negotiating team is “defending national interests with courage,” calling on all parties to support its efforts.

He added that the opposing side in the talks has shown inconsistent positions, “resorting to appeals under pressure before shifting to a stubborn approach.”

The official also stressed that Iran will preserve its achievements, emphasizing that control and oversight of the Strait of Hormuz should remain under Iranian authority.

A White House official confirmed to AFP on Sunday that Vice President JD Vance will indeed travel to Islamabad to lead the US delegation in the upcoming peace negotiations with Iran.

Joined by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner, Vance's participation directly contradicts earlier statements made by President Donald Trump, who had indicated that the Vice President would not be making the trip.

The United States Central Command announced that helicopters have begun patrol missions over waters to support a US-imposed blockade on vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports.

In a statement, CENTCOM said a helicopter launched from the USS Pinckney (DDG-91) as part of ongoing maritime operations aimed at enforcing the restrictions.

A helicopter takes off from guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) to patrol regional waters in support of the U.S. blockade on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports. pic.twitter.com/WFUPKDG0zE

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 19, 2026

The US president has warned Iran that it faces a “last chance” to agree to a peace deal, according to an interview with Fox News.

The president said he would not repeat what he described as a mistake made by former President Barack Obama, referring to the 2015 nuclear agreement signed with Tehran.

“If Iran does not sign this deal, the whole country is getting blown up,” he said in the interview.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the critical need for sustained engagement to resolve ongoing regional conflicts.

According to a statement from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two top diplomats agreed to maintain close contact in the interest of promoting broader peace and stability, while also confirming that a direct phone call between the President of Iran and the Prime Minister of Pakistan is scheduled to take place later today.

The prime minister of 'Israel' has requested to cancel his scheduled testimony in a criminal trial set for Monday, citing security and political considerations, according to reports by the Israeli media outlet Haaretz.

The request was submitted ahead of his planned appearance in court, but the State Prosecutor’s Office rejected the motion.

The US president has said American negotiators will travel to Pakistan on Monday for a second round of talks with Iran, as tensions continue to rise over alleged ceasefire violations and maritime incidents in the Gulf.

The president did not specify which US officials will attend the negotiations in Pakistan, and neither the White House nor the office of Vice President JD Vance immediately responded to requests for comment.

The upcoming meeting follows an initial round of talks led by Vice President JD Vance, according to the president’s social media post.

“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz – A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!” the US president posted on his social media platform Truth Social.

He claimed Iran fired at a French ship and a UK freighter.

“Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait, which is strange, because our BLOCKADE has already closed it. They’re helping us without knowing,” said Trump.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran”, he stated.

“They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the DEAL.”

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States and 'Israel' of carrying out attacks on civilian infrastructure, describing their actions as “the height of desperation and defeat.”

In a video statement, Pezeshkian praised Iran’s armed forces, saying they have withstood pressure and threats from what he called “great powers.”

“The performance of the country’s armed forces in the face of pressures and threats has surprised many analysts,” he said, adding that Iran had been able to “stand up to great powers and their widespread support” despite internal challenges.

Pezeshkian claimed that the opposing side had targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, universities, and public spaces, which he said constituted violations of international law.

He described these actions as evidence of “desperation” after what he said was their failure to achieve military objectives.

“The enemies – who have failed to achieve their goals – are attacking civilian infrastructure,” he said.

He also criticised contradictory statements attributed to the opposing side, alleging they spoke of progress for Iranians while simultaneously threatening to destroy the country’s civilisation.

Pope Leo has renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East, calling on political and military leaders to pursue a diplomatic solution to ongoing conflicts in the region.

The remarks were delivered at the end of a mass during his visit to Angola, part of his broader tour of Africa.

The pope described the recent ceasefire in Lebanon as “cause for hope,” saying it offers relief for people across Lebanon and the wider Levant region.

“It represents a glimmer of relief for the Lebanese people and for the Levant,” he said.

Pope Leo urged continued negotiations aimed at ending hostilities across the region and achieving a permanent cessation of violence.

“I encourage those who are working toward a diplomatic solution to continue peace talks, so that the cessation of hostilities throughout the Middle East may become permanent,” he said.

Spain will propose next Tuesday that the European Union suspend its association agreement with 'Israel', according to official statements.

The planned proposal targets the EU–'Israel' Association Agreement, a key framework governing political dialogue and economic cooperation between the bloc and 'Israel'.

Spanish officials said the initiative will be formally presented during upcoming EU discussions, amid increasing calls from some member states to reassess ties.

Authorities in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province have arrested two foreign nationals in the border city of Jolfa on allegations of attempting to smuggle equipment linked to Starlink satellite internet systems into Iran.

The announcement was made by the provincial prosecutor, who said the suspects were detained during an operation targeting the alleged transport of restricted satellite communication devices.

Officials stated that the equipment is associated with Starlink systems, which are not authorized in Iran. No further details were released regarding the identities or nationalities of those arrested.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said talks between the United States and Iran have been largely completed, despite some remaining disagreements.

Fidan said both Washington and Tehran show genuine political will to reach an agreement, adding that Ankara is ready to support efforts to advance a deal.

He stressed that the ceasefire must be extended to maintain stability, warning that any breakdown could reverse diplomatic progress.

‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that without military action against Iran, Tehran would have obtained a nuclear bomb.

“Had we not acted against Iran, they would have had the nuclear bomb, and it would have been the beginning of the end of the Jewish people,” he said.

A commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said missile and drone launch platforms are now being renewed faster than before the war.

The commander of the IRGC’s aerospace force said the speed of restoring and replacing launch systems has increased significantly compared to the pre-war period.

Two gas tankers have turned back into Gulf waters after attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from Marine Traffic.

Tracking information showed the vessels altering their routes shortly after approaching the strategic waterway, which has seen rising tensions and recent security incidents.

A US military official said efforts are underway to remove mines in the Strait of Hormuz using both manned and unmanned systems, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The official said the operation is part of broader efforts to ensure safe passage through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

Yemen’s Houthi movement said its forces are on high alert to respond to any potential attacks against Yemen, according to a statement by Major-General Mohammed al-Atifi, defence minister in the Houthi-led administration.

Al-Atifi said the group was prepared to confront what he described as external aggression, framing recent regional developments as part of a wider confrontation involving the United States and 'Israel'.

In his remarks, Al-Atifi said recent rounds of conflict demonstrated what he called the “unity of fronts” across allied armed groups in the region.

He also described ongoing military activity as part of a broader “axis of resistance,” saying it had shown increased effectiveness in confronting adversaries across multiple theatres.

The ‘Israeli’ army said it will continue what it described as “clearing operations” in the geographic areas under its control in southern Lebanon.

A ‘Israeli’ military official said ‘Israel’ and the United States are maintaining close coordination and are prepared for the possibility that the ceasefire with Iran could collapse suddenly.

The remarks were published by Maariv, which cited the official as saying that military planning has been adjusted in anticipation of renewed conflict.

The official added that target lists inside Iran have been updated and are being continuously reviewed in case hostilities resume.

The 'Israeli' military said it killed Hezbollah commander Ali Reza Abbas in an airstrike in southern Lebanon, in an operation it described as part of its response to alleged security threats near the border.

According to 'Israeli' claims, Abbas was a senior field figure linked to Hezbollah’s Radwan Force and was targeted in the Bent Jbeil area.

The claim comes shortly after a ceasefire arrangement took effect, with the strike reported as one of the first significant violations since the truce began.

'Israel' said its forces acted after detecting what it described as hostile movements near its positions south of the border line.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stopped after two vessels came under attack on Saturday, prompting widespread disruption in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Tracking data from Marine Traffic showed most vessels in the area shifting deeper into the Persian Gulf or moving toward the Gulf of Oman to avoid the affected zone.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, Iranian gunboats fired on a tanker transiting the strait, while a second vessel was struck by an “unknown projectile.”

India said two Indian-flagged ships were involved in incidents in the area and summoned Iran’s ambassador to address the situation.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that it would block the strait, stating that approaching the waterway would be treated as cooperation with hostile actors and that any offending vessel could be targeted.

Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian said the country does not seek to expand the scope of war, reaffirming what he described as a core position centered on preserving peace, stability, and security in the region.

“Our fundamental stance is based on maintaining peace and stability,” the president said, adding that Iran has not started any wars or conflicts and has not attacked any country.

Sources cited by Channel 12 said the ‘Israeli’ army now controls roughly one-third of the area stretching between the border and the Litani River in southern Lebanon.

‘Israel’s’ military has updated its target bank in Iran, according to remarks reported by Maariv citing an 'Israeli' military official.

The official said both ‘Israel’ and the United States are preparing for the possibility that the ceasefire with Iran could collapse unexpectedly.

“We and the Americans are ready for a sudden breakdown,” the official said, adding that the military’s intelligence division is closely monitoring developments inside Iran.

Iran has announced a gradual reopening of its airspace in four phases, according to the country’s Civil Aviation Organization.

The process will begin with the resumption of transit flights crossing Iranian airspace, followed by incoming flights from an airport in the east of the country.

In the next stage, operations will expand to include flights to and from Mehrabad Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport, two key aviation hubs serving the capital.

The final phase will see the reopening of an airport in western Iran, completing the nationwide restoration of air traffic.

The ‘Israeli’ military announced Sunday morning that another one of its soldiers was killed in the fighting in southern Lebanon.

He is identified as Sgt. First Class (res.) Lidor Porat, 31 years old.

The ‘Israeli’ military said that 9 other soldiers were injured in the incident Porat was killed in; one was severely wounded, four were moderately wounded, and four were lightly wounded.

The statement does not specify where and when he was killed.

Earlier today, another soldier was killed by a Hezbollah explosive device, according to the ‘Israeli’ military, making it the first death since the truce in Lebanon went into effect.

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to wage war against Iran during a speech at the Michigan Democratic Party Women’s Caucus Legacy Luncheon at Huntington Place in Detroit.

Addressing approximately 300 attendees at the women’s event on Saturday, Harris asserted that ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had influenced Trump to enter the conflict, which she described as unwanted by the American public.

Harris explicitly stated that Trump “entered a war — and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let’s be clear about that — that the American people didn’t want.”

She emphasized that the involvement placed American service members at risk and contributed to broader economic repercussions, including a rise in national gasoline prices to an average of $4.06 per gallon.

The former vice president further characterized the military strikes as a diversionary tactic, labeling them Trump’s “feeble attempt to distract from the Epstein files.”

She portrayed the president as “an insecure man” who sought to project strength by deploying American military force selectively.

Harris extended her critique to the current administration, declaring, “We are dealing with the most corrupt, callous and incompetent presidential administration in the history of the United States.”

She accused Trump of behaving like a “mob boss,” mimicking his purported approach to international relations by suggesting he would divide global influence among major powers while claiming the Western Hemisphere for himself.

The luncheon, which also featured US Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) denouncing the conflict, occurred amid ongoing Democratic planning for the 2026 midterms and speculation regarding future presidential contests.

‘Israel’ is a “GREAT ally” of the United States, US President Donald Trump says in a post on Truth Social.

“They are Courageous, Bold, Loyal, and Smart and, unlike others that have shown their true colors in a moment of conflict and stress, Israel fights hard, and knows how to WIN!” Trump says.

The statement does not seem to be tied to a particular event or incident.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, discusses the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz with the US.

Ghalibaf describes the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as a "foolish, ignorant, and unprofessional" decision.

He asserts that the Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian control. He warns that if Iran is prevented from using the waterway due to the blockade, Tehran will not allow other nations to pass freely either.

Progress had been made in negotiations with the United States to end the war, Iran's parliamentary speaker said on Saturday night, but added the sides were still far from an agreement.

"We are still far from the final discussion," Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is also one of Iran's negotiators, said in a national televised address, adding "we made progress in the negotiations, but there are many gaps and some fundamental points remain".

Iran said Sunday it has exchanged messages with the United States, but that the US’ demands remained “excessive”.

In statements by the Islamic Republic’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, cited by state TV, he added that negotiations have not yet reached a stage that allows moving to an actual meeting.

New instructions regarding the Strait of Hormuz will be issued as part of the negotiations,” Khatibzadeh also said.

“We will not send any enriched materials to the United States, and this issue is non-negotiable,” he also said, rebuffing again Trump’s claims that Iran agreed to this proposal.

Video shows a series of large-scale, controlled demolitions carried out by the ‘Israeli’ military in the town of Bint Jbeil, located in southern Lebanon.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf issued a series of defiant warnings on Sunday, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to international traffic as long as the United States maintains its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Speaking following high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad, Ghalibaf, who has emerged as Iran’s lead negotiator, detailed the "diplomacy of authority" guiding Tehran’s response to the most significant military conflict in the region in decades.

“The Americans have been declaring a blockade for several days, this is a clumsy and ignorant decision. It is not possible that others can pass through the Strait of Hormuz but we cannot,” he said. 

“If the US does not lift the blockade, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will definitely be limited”.

Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz

The conflict, which escalated sharply following US and ‘Israeli’ strikes on February 28, 2026, has seen the heart of Iran’s leadership targeted.

Ghalibaf highlighted that despite the killing of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Commander of the IRGC, and the Chief of General Staff, Iran's military response was "immediate."

He contrasted this with the "12-day war" in June 2025, where he admitted to a 14-hour delay in Iran’s reaction.

"In the third imposed war... you saw that our response began immediately," Ghalibaf stated, framing the swift retaliation as a sign of their resilience.

The Speaker confirmed that Iran has engaged in direct "points of conflict" with US naval assets attempting to clear mines in the Strait.

"In Islamabad, I told the American delegation that if their minesweeper moves even a little further from its location, we will definitely shoot at it," Ghalibaf said.

"They asked for 15 minutes to give the order to turn back, and they did."

Demands for a "Public" Ceasefire

Addressing the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Ghalibaf rejected private assurances from the Trump administration.

He demanded that any ceasefire request be made publicly by the US President to signify American concessions.

Ghalibaf insisted that Trump must announce a ceasefire request via social media (X/Twitter) so that "everyone knows the request came from them."

The 36-Day Silence

He revealed that Tehran ignored all US ultimatums and messages for the first 35 days of the war, only beginning to examine them on the 36th day once Iran had established its "diplomatic authority."

Iran’s ten conditions for a lasting peace include a regional ceasefire that specifically encompasses Hezbollah. Ghalibaf said that Hezbollah "fought the recent war for the Islamic Republic," making their security a non-negotiable term for Tehran.

"Ready to Drink Blood"

Ghalibaf addressed US Vice President J.D. Vance directly regarding the lack of trust between the two nations. He accused the US government of prioritizing ‘Israeli’ interests based on "false information" and attempting to "Venezuelanize" Iran to seize its oil wealth.

"In Islamabad, I told Vance; We have no trust in you".

"I am ready to sacrifice both my life and my honor," Ghalibaf declared.

"We are ready to give blood and we are ready to drink blood. The important thing is that the rights of the nation and the pride of Iran are protected."

As the April 22 ceasefire deadline approaches, Ghalibaf’s latest statements suggest that unless the naval blockade is lifted and the Strait of Hormuz is recognized under Iranian "authorization," the region remains on the brink of further escalation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned on Saturday an attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon that left a French soldier dead and three wounded.

France blamed the attack on Hezbollah and Guterres said, in a statement issued by his spokesman, that an initial assessment by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was that it was carried out by the Iranian-backed group.

For coverage of the previous day, visit the link below.

Read more: Day 50 | Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again, citing US ‘breaches of trust’