Day 55 | US leaves Iran timeline open; Tehran flags blockade risk
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:
- No timeline: Donald Trump says conflict with Iran has no set timeframe Ceasefire stance: US downplays Iran’s ship seizures in Strait of Hormuz as non-violation.
- 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.
Trump envoy wants Italy to replace Iran at World Cup: report
An envoy to US President Donald Trump has asked world football's governing body FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup, according to the Financial Times.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT on Wednesday it would be a "dream" to see four-time World Cup winners Italy at the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada despite the fact they lost in a qualification playoff last month.
The suggestion was an effort to repair ties between Trump and Giorgia Meloni after the Italian prime minister fell out with the president after criticising his attack on Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, the newspaper reported.
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," Zampolli said.
Italy missed out on the World Cup for the third successive time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final.
Iran's participation in the World Cup has been thrown into doubt by the war with the US and ‘Israel’ that broke out on February 28.
The Iranian football federation (FFIRI) had said in April it was "negotiating" with FIFA to relocate the country's World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.
But Infantino told AFP last month, while attending Iran's friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey, that Iran will be at the World Cup and that they will play "where they are supposed to be, according to the draw".
The FIFA chief reiterated that stance in Washington last week.
When contacted by AFP about Zampolli's suggestion on Thursday, FIFA referred to Infantino's recent comments.
In 2022, Zampolli made a similar suggestion, proposing to FIFA that Italy should replace Iran at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar because of the Islamic Republic's crackdown on protesters at that time. His proposal fell on deaf ears.
Zampolli is an Italian-American socialite, businessman and founder of a modelling agency, who claims to have introduced Trump to his current wife Melania Trump.
VIDEO - Shoppers in Tehran's Tajrish and Grand bazaars amid US blockade
Shoppers and traders flow through Tehran's Tajrish and Grand Bazaars as Iran–US tensions persist over the Strait of Hormuz.
Clearing Hormuz Strait mines could take six months: report
- Classified briefings reportedly revealed that Iran has deployed GPS-enabled "floating mines" across a 1,400-square-kilometer "danger zone” that could take six months to remove.
- Despite the current ceasefire, the waterway remains effectively impassable; Iran refuses to clear its mines until the US lifts its naval blockade, while shipping giants like Hapag-Lloyd warned they will not risk vessels until "viable, mine-free routes" are guaranteed.
A Pentagon assessment said it could take six months to completely clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian-laid mines, which could keep oil prices high, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.
Iran has all but blocked the vital waterway since the start of a war with the United States and ‘Israel’, sharply driving up oil and gas prices and disrupting the global economy.
The strait — through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes in peacetime — has remained largely closed during a shaky ceasefire, with the US imposing its own blockade.
Even if hostilities end and the blockade lifts, it could take months to clear the waterway of mines, according to a Pentagon assessment, the Washington Post reported, citing officials close to the discussion.
The assessment added that it was unlikely such an operation would begin before the end of the war.
The six-month estimate was shared with members of the House Armed Services Committee during a classified briefing, the Post reported.
Lawmakers were told that Iran may have placed 20 or more mines in and around the strait, some of which floated remotely using GPS technology, which makes them harder to detect, according to the report.
“A six-month closure of the Strait of Hormuz is an impossibility and completely unacceptable to the Secretary,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement denying the report.
Parnell said the Post report was based on a “classified, closed briefing” but much of the information was “false.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned of a “danger zone” covering 1,400 square kilometres – 14 times the size of Paris – where mines may be present.
Iran’s parliament speaker said the Islamic republic would not reopen the strait as long as the US naval blockade remained.
A spokesman for German transportation giant Hapag-Lloyd cautioned last week that shippers needed details on viable routes as they remain fearful of mines.
When the Hormuz strait briefly reopened at the start of the ceasefire this month, only a few ships trickled through amid concerns about attacks or mines.
Earlier in April, the US Navy said its ships transited the waterway to begin removing the mines, but that claim was denied by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which threatened any military vessels attempting to cross the channel.
London hosted talks with military planners from over 30 countries starting Wednesday, as part of a UK- and France-led multinational mission to protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end.
The “defensive” coalition is set to discuss plans to reopen the strait and conduct mine clearance operations.
Iran received first revenue from Hormuz tolls: official
A senior Iranian parliament official said on Thursday that Tehran has received the first revenue from tolls it imposed on the strategic Strait of Hormuz in its war with the United States and ‘Israel’.
"The first revenue received from the Strait of Hormuz tolls was deposited into the Central Bank account," said deputy speaker of parliament Hamidreza Hajibabaei, according to Tasnim news agency.
Other Iranian media carried the same statement, without elaborating.
“Suspicious aerial target”: Interceptor missile fired by ‘Israel’ over Southern Lebanon
The ‘Israeli’ military said Thursday that it fired an interceptor missile at a “suspicious aerial target” over an area of southern Lebanon where troops are located.
The statement said the interception is under investigation, and that the target did not cross into ‘Israel’.
Iran hangs man it says linked to ‘Israel’s’ Mossad
Iran hanged a man on Wednesday convicted of links to ‘Israel’s’ Mossad spy agency, the judiciary said, the latest in a string of executions against the backdrop of the war with ‘Israel’ and the United States.
“Mehdi Farid... was hanged this morning for extensive cooperation with the terrorist spy service Mossad after the case was examined and the final verdict was approved,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said.
Mizan said he had held a position in a civil defense unit within a sensitive organization and had used his access to gather and transmit information to ‘Israel’s’ Mossad.
Two NGOs based outside Iran said he worked for the Iranian atomic energy organization.
It was not immediately clear when he was arrested or when his trial took place, but the court found him guilty of “intelligence cooperation and espionage for the Zionist regime” under the capital offense “corruption on earth.”
Iran has in recent weeks carried out multiple executions of people linked to mass protests in January that authorities say were instigated by ‘Israel’, the United States and opposition groups, including the banned “People’s Mujahedin”.
Iran has been at war with the United States and ‘Israel’ since February 28 but a ceasefire has been in place since April 8.
CENTCOM says 31 vessels turned back in Iran port blockade
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday that the US military has directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the US blockade against Iran.
It added that the majority of the vessels have been oil tankers, according to the statement on X.
U.S. forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the U.S. blockade against Iran. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lG5ACEt7LR
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 23, 2026
Iranian army displays Shahed 136 drones in Karaj streets
Iran FM tells South Korean envoy US-'Israel' ‘aggression’ drives regional instability
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in Tehran that US and 'Israeli' actions are the “root of insecurity” in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, urging stronger international condemnation of recent attacks and defending Iran’s response as lawful under international law.
Lebanese journalist killed by 'Israel' laid to rest in hometown
Oil prices surge over 4% amid Iran–US uncertainty and Strait of Hormuz disruption
Oil prices jumped more than 4% in early Asian trading before easing, driven by uncertainty over Iran–US talks and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI both spiked sharply following renewed geopolitical tensions after recent strikes and an extended ceasefire announcement.
US forces direct 31 vessels to turn back under Iran port blockade
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of what it described as an ongoing US blockade against Iran.
In a statement shared on social media, CENTCOM said the majority of the affected ships were oil tankers and that most complied with US instructions during the operation.
U.S. forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the U.S. blockade against Iran.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 23, 2026
“The majority of vessels have complied with US directions,” the military said in its update.
CENTCOM added that the maritime enforcement effort involves a significant military presence, including more than 10,000 US troops, 17 warships, and over 100 aircraft deployed to support operations aimed at restricting Iranian maritime activity.
Iranian navy releases footage of seizing ships in Strait of Hormuz
Lebanon PM condemns killing of journalist Amal Khalil, calls it “war crime”
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has condemned the killing of journalist Amal Khalil, describing her death and the obstruction of rescue teams as a “blatant war crime.”
In a post on X, Salam said the targeting of media professionals in southern Lebanon while they were carrying out their duties was no longer an isolated pattern but a systematic practice.
“Israel’s targeting of media professionals in the South while they are performing their professional duties can no longer be viewed as a series of isolated incidents. Rather, it has become a proven pattern – one that we condemn and reject, just as it is condemned and rejected by all international laws and norms,” he said.
He added that Lebanon “will spare no effort in pursuing these crimes before the relevant international tribunals,” and pledged to follow up on the case through international legal mechanisms.
Salam also offered condolences to Khalil’s family, colleagues, and the wider Lebanese media community, and wished a swift recovery for journalist Zainab Faraj, who was also mentioned in his statement.
VIDEO - Trump offering Iran a 'bit of flexibility' regarding peace proposal timeline: White House
Trump calls Araghchi a “smart man” and expects him in future Iran talks
US President Donald Trump on Thursday described Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as a “smart man” and said he expects him to take part in future negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Trump told Fox News that there was no immediate time pressure over the ceasefire or on setting a new date for talks with Iran, rejecting claims that he was seeking a quick deal for political reasons.
Trump said: “Araghchi is a smart man and I expect him to be present in the resumption of negotiations with Iran.”
He added: “We are looking for a good deal for the American people.”
“There is no time pressure regarding a ceasefire or agreement on a new date for negotiations with Iran,” he said.
Trump also reiterated his view that economic pressure on Iran remains central to US strategy, arguing that the blockade is more impactful than military escalation.
Previous day
For coverage of the previous day, visit the link below.
Read more: Day 54 | Trump says he will extend ceasefire with Iran until negotiations conclude
