Day 52 | US Navy fired on and seized Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman
The 2026 Iran War began on February 28, when the United States and ‘Israel’ launched a large-scale attack on Iran, unleashing nearly 900 airstrikes within 12 hours on the Islamic Republic’s missile systems, air defenses, nuclear facilities, military bases, and leadership targets.
The assault followed years of shadow conflict, including direct missile exchanges in 2024 and a limited 12-day war in 2025 that damaged Iran’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials were killed in the opening strikes. Iran responded within hours, launching waves of ballistic missiles and drones at ‘Israel’, US bases, and targets across the Gulf.
On April 8, the United States, Iran, and ‘Israel’ agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, with Iran committing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while negotiations continue toward a broader agreement.
The fragile truce has since come under strain, particularly as ‘Israel’ launched major bombardments in Lebanon and clashes with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah intensified.
Here’s the latest updates:
- 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.
- Trump Signals Imminent Deal: President Trump stated on April 16 that the US is "very close" to a deal, claiming Iran has agreed to "almost everything." He has even floated the possibility of traveling to Pakistan, the primary mediator, to sign a final agreement.
- The "$20 Billion for Uranium" Swap: Discussions have centered on a high-stakes proposal where Iran would hand over its entire enriched uranium stockpile (reportedly around 440 kg) in exchange for the release of $20 billion in frozen funds.
- Key Sticking Points: While Trump is optimistic, Iranian officials have called the total handover of uranium a "non-starter." Disagreements remain over the length of an enrichment pause, with the US demanding 20 years and Iran offering 3–5 years.
- Hormuz Closed Again: After a brief 24-hour reopening on April 17, Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 18. Tehran cited the continued US naval blockade as a violation of the spirit of the truce.
- Contradictory Sea Rules: The situation is volatile; while Iran briefly declared the Strait "open" to commercial traffic, the US naval blockade remains in "full force." Since the blockade began on April 13, CENTCOM has intercepted at least 23 vessels.
- Economic Pressure: The blockade is costing Iran an estimated $400 million per day in revenue. Experts warn that if the blockade isn't lifted by April 26, Iranian oil wells may suffer permanent damage due to overflow.
- 10-Day Ceasefire Holding: The US-brokered ceasefire between ‘Israel’ and Lebanon, which began on April 16, is largely holding despite high tension.
- Oil Price Volatility: Oil prices initially plummeted by 11% (US Crude to ~$83) on Friday following the brief reopening of the Strait. However, prices are expected to face renewed upward pressure following Iran's Saturday decision to re-close the waterway.
Hezbollah claims attack on 'Israeli' forces in south Lebanon on Sunday
Hezbollah said it carried out an attack on 'Israeli' forces in southern Lebanon on Sunday, targeting a convoy of armored vehicles with pre-planted explosive devices.
In a statement, Hezbollah said its fighters struck a convoy of eight 'Israeli' armored vehicles traveling from Taybeh toward Deir Siryan. The group said the explosives detonated in two waves between 3:40 pm and 4:40 pm local time.
Hezbollah claimed the blasts “destroyed four Merkava tanks,” referring to the Merkava tank used by 'Israel’s' military.
VIDEO - US Marines board Iranian-flagged vessel after disabling propulsion: CENTCOM
US Marines from the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) were deployed by helicopter over the Arabian Sea and rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged M/V Touska after the USS Spruance disabled the vessel’s propulsion, according to CENTCOM.
The operation followed a six-hour standoff in which the commercial ship allegedly failed to comply with repeated US warnings.
Pakistan prepares to host high-stakes US–Iran talks
Pakistan is preparing to host a new round of critical negotiations between the United States and Iran, as the country takes on a key mediating role in efforts to defuse escalating regional tensions.
According to Reuters, citing Pakistani security sources, two large U.S. C-17 transport aircraft landed in Pakistan on Sunday carrying security equipment and specialized vehicles ahead of the expected arrival of U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Monday.
Capital placed under strict security measures
Authorities have imposed tight security measures across the capital, suspending public transport and restricting the entry of heavy vehicles. The Serena Hotel, believed to be the venue for the talks, has been heavily fortified with barbed wire, while guests were reportedly asked to leave as elite security units and police were deployed around the Green Zone.
‘We are not afraid of war’: Iranians rally in support of government
Thousands rallied in Tehran backing Iran’s leadership, voicing deep distrust of the US, with one protester saying Washington has “fulfilled none of its commitments,” while others declared they are “not afraid of war” and urged officials to stand firm amid rising tensions.
Iran warns pressure on its exports could destabilize global fuel prices
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has warned that continued economic and military pressure on Iran could lead to “significant costs,” linking regional stability and global energy security to conditions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In remarks posted on social media, Aref said the security of the strategic waterway “is not free,” arguing that Iran cannot be expected to face restrictions on its oil exports while others benefit from unhindered maritime security.
“One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” he said. “The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone.”
Aref added that stability in global fuel prices depends on what he described as a “guaranteed and lasting end” to economic and military pressure against Iran and its allies.
VIDEO - US Navy intercepts, fires on vessel accused of breaching Iran blockade
US threats to Iranian ports and ships show lack of seriousness in diplomacy: Araghchi
Tasnim news agency reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Pakistani counterpart that threats to Iranian ports and ships, along with what he described as unreasonable demands from Washington, reflect a lack of seriousness in diplomacy.
Araghchi added that Iran “will use all of its capacities to protect its interests and national security,” according to the report.
Iran calls US strike on vessel in Gulf of Oman ‘maritime piracy’
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters has accused US forces of attacking a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, describing the incident as a violation of a ceasefire and an act of “maritime piracy."
The Iranian military command said US forces opened fire on an Iranian commercial ship in the Gulf of Oman, allegedly disabling its navigation system.
The statements also claimed that US forces carried out a boarding operation, deploying troops onto the vessel’s deck during the incident.
Iranian military authorities warned that the country’s armed forces would respond “soon” to the attack, escalating tensions following the reported confrontation at sea.
US warship fires on Iranian-flagged vessel in Arabian Sea interception
US forces operating in the Arabian Sea intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel on April 19 after it allegedly attempted to breach a US-enforced naval blockade, according to the US Central Command.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG-111) intercepted the vessel, identified as the M/V Touska, as it transited the northern Arabian Sea en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran.
US forces state they had issued multiple warnings over a six-hour period, informing the crew that the vessel violated the blockade, CENTCOM said. After the crew failed to comply, the Spruance directed personnel aboard the ship to evacuate the engine room before firing several rounds from its MK 45 5-inch gun, disabling the vessel’s propulsion.
Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit subsequently boarded the vessel, which remains in US custody, the statement added.
CENTCOM described the operation as “deliberate, professional, and proportional,” noting that since the blockade began, US forces have directed 25 commercial vessels to turn around or return to Iranian ports.
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Read more: Day 51 | Iran closes Hormuz Strait again as Trump warns against “blackmail”
