Trump says Iran war ‘close to over’; US claims all Iranian sea trade halted
US president says second round of talks could be held in Pakistan as naval blockade of Iranian ports continues.

US president says second round of talks could be held in Pakistan as naval blockade of Iranian ports continues.

![Al Jazeera’s Marah Rayan breaks down why the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz is deepening an energy crisis that is driving up costs for everyone. [Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-1776197399.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)







Israel and Lebanon hold first direct talks since 1993, but Hezbollah’s rejection threatens the US-brokered effort.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says the move aims to ‘suppress the truth about their illegal war on Iran’.
Chinese-owned tanker Rich Starry becomes the first sanctioned vessel to exit the Gulf after the US blockade.
Global agriculture is highly exposed to the blockage of waterways, risking higher commodity prices and food inflation.
The US started a blockade on Iranian ports, but Trump said there is still a chance for Tehran to reach a deal.
Signing of defence partnership follows reports that US is seeking overflight access in Indonesia for military planes.

UN Secretary-General is calling on ‘all parties’ to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping costs have increased by more than 10 percent in the past month due to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Donald Trump says Iran wants to make a peace deal “very badly” after talks in Islamabad ended without agreement.