Blockade

Why Iran's new push for a deal to end the war appears to be stalling - analysis

Iran proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for a seven-day ceasefire, but the US seems uninterested as it wants something more to show from six months of conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) and US Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff (L); illustrative.
An illustration of the flags of Cuba and the US, with a rift in between.

US Army weighs sending support units to Southern Command amid Cuba tensions - report

Vessels transit the Hormuz Strait off the coast of Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas on September 7, 2026.

Iran ready to reopen Strait of Hormuz if US eases military pressure, lifts blockade

A vendor pumps petrol from Iranian fuel oil tankers for resale near the Bashmagh border crossing on March 11, 2026.

Iranian Rial hits record low as economic fallout from war takes hold - report


Khamenei vows to protect nuclear program, warns US over Gulf presence in written statement

Khamenei reiterated that Iran will defend its nuclear and missile technologies, accusing the US of causing instability in the Persian Gulf and vowing to expel foreign forces.

Iranians stand on a pavement along a street next to a billboard depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran on April 24, 2026.

Iran would use a nuclear weapon if it acquired one, Trump says

Trump told Newsmax that while Iran's military is heavily damaged, only a guarantee against nuclear development will secure a lasting peace, calling for stronger global action.

US President Donald Trump pictured in the Oval Office, April 30, 2026; illustrative.

Popular protests may be inevitable, warns Iran's Supreme National Security Council - Iran Intl

Iran’s economy cannot withstand more than six to eight weeks of naval blockade, according to the report presented to the Security Council. The US blockade has now been in place for two weeks.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. The nationwide protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against the failing economic policies in late December, which spread to universities and other cities

Support for Iran war among US Jews has eroded since operations began, JPPI survey shows

A recent survey by JPPI revealed that support for the Iran war among US Jews has dropped, with opposition increasing as operations continued.

People carry pre-revolutionary Iranian flags, wave US and Israeli flags, and carry banners supporting the war in Iran during a march in New York City, March 15, 2026; illustrative.

US imposes sanctions on Chinese 'teapot' refinery for buying Iranian oil

Last year, the US imposed sanctions on teapots Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical.

An aerial view shows a petrochemical plant in operation by the Yangtze River in Nanjing, in eastern China's Jiangsu province November 26, 2025.

US will not renew Iranian, Russian oil waivers, Treasury Secretary tells Associated Press

According to the Associated Press, the waivers were originally issued to ease the strain on global energy markets caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Iran war.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent looks on as he speaks to the media after two days of meetings with a Chinese delegation, in Paris, France March 16, 2026

US blockade of Hormuz successful despite media reports suggesting otherwise, maritime expert says

The seven large container ships detected near the Chabahar Port are not a sign that Iran is considering shifting activity to the east of Hormuz, as had initially been theorized.

A satellite image shows the ship movement at the Strait of Hormuz on April 2, 2026.

Ships seized by Iran taken to Bandar Abbas as countries check on sailors' wellbeing

The IRGC seized the ships on Wednesday, with both crews reported as safe, as their home countries actively seek their return.

US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran, Hezbollah ceasefires need enforcement, not just declarations, to sustain calm - editorial

Trump’s strategy mixes ceasefire and economic pressure on Iran, as Israel confronts rising threats from Hezbollah on the northern border.

Iranians walk past an anti-USA and anti-Israel mural, in Tehran on April 21 2026, amid a ceasefire in the region.

Senator Lindsey Graham speaks to Trump, Hegseth on 'way forward' in Iran conflict

The South Carolina Republican described the discussion's focus as "the way forward regarding the Iran conflict," while also warning countries against assisting Iran's oil distribution efforts.

US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the Chairman of the Senate Budget Commission speaks during a Senate Committee on the Budget hearing to examine the President's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal in Capitol Hill on April 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.