CENTCOM: “Guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) directs a merchant vessel to return to an Iranian port as it enforces the U.S. blockade, April 17. Since commencement of the blockade, 19 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran. ZERO vessels have evaded U.S. forces during the blockade.”
10 hour agoHormuz is open, but US Naval Blockade will remain in full force says US President Donald Trump
Axios: U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran, according to two U.S. officials and two additional sources briefed on the talks
Iranian Foreign Minister: In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran
Pakistan's air force escorted Iranian negotiators home from inconclusive peace talks with the U.S. last weekend, launching a major operation after the Iranians said Israel might seek to kill them, three sources told Reuters. Pakistan deployed some two dozen jets in the escort, as well as the force's Airborne Warning and Control System for aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of the delegation back from Islamabad, said two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the operation
Pakistani source to Reuters: Progress in unofficial diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington, adding that an expected meeting between Washington and Tehran could result in a memorandum of understanding followed by a comprehensive deal within 60 days
20 hour agoCENTCOM: “USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea, April 16. The ship's embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control planes, MH-60 helicopters and CMV-22B Ospreys for logistics support.”
Trump: If there is no deal, the fighting will resume
Trump: The next meeting with Iran could take place early next week.
1 day agoTrump: Iran has killed 42,000 protesters and must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons
Israeli Defense Minister: We destroyed all Iranian strategic targets, and if necessary, we will do so again.
The US forces have once again withdrawn from the Qasrak base in northern Syria, handing it over to the 60th Division of the Syrian Army. US forces have withdrawn from this base earlier and later redeployed there when hostilities escalated with Iran
2 day agoIn addition to at least one F-4E Phantom II, an Iranian MiG-29B was also pictured flying over Tehran today during the arrival of Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who arrived Wednesday in Iran prior to continued peace talks this upcoming weekend in Islamabad.
The White House says the next round of talks will likely be in Islamabad and that Pakistan is the only mediator in the negotiations
Bessent says U.S. won't be renewing waivers for Iranian and Russian oil
Israeli Chief of Staff: We will not allow Iran to achieve gains in the nuclear field, in the Strait of Hormuz, or in other issues.
2 day agoSecurity meeting in Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister meets with Pakistani Army Chief Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi received the official Pakistani delegation in Tehran today. The delegation is headed by Pakistani Army Chief Asem Munir.
Reuters, citing Iranian media: A Pakistani delegation traveled to Iran to deliver a message from the United States and plan for new talks.
President of the European Council: We hope that the anticipated global coalition will end the blockade imposed on the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump: The Strait of Hormuz is being opened, and our relationship will not be the same with any country that refused to help us when we asked for assistance.
Trump to Fox Business: Iran has received very painful and severe blows
AFP: Iran says continued US naval blockade will violate ceasefire
Chinese Foreign Ministry: We welcome all efforts aimed at reaching a peace agreement between Washington and Tehran
Israel's Shin Bet arrested an Israeli woman who photographed the oil refineries in Haifa for the Iranians and passed them information about a former member of the security establishment. Source: N12
3 day agoMore than 20 commercial ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, the Wall Street Journal reports
3 day agoThe U.S. Department of the Treasury sent a letter to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hong Kong, China, and Oman advising them of banks within their jurisdiction that have allowed, potentiated, and benefited from Iranian illicit activity and asked them to take swift action against them and cease these activities. The letter, shared by Al-Monitor’s diplomatic correspondent Elizabeth Hagedorn, is the latest in a slew of Treasury actions relating to Iran
A joint US-Lebanese-Israeli statement: Washington expressed its support for the Lebanese government's plans to regain a monopoly on weapons and end Iranian influence.
US military's CENTCOM claims no ships made it past the US blockade of Hormuz in first 24 hours
Trump tells New York Post: Talks with Iran may take place in Pakistan within the next two days
Trump: Italy's Prime Minister Meloni lacks "courage" on Iran war
