US and Iran Warn of War Readiness as Ceasefire Talks in Pakistan Remain Uncertain
The United States and Iran have both issued warnings of their readiness for war amid uncertain ceasefire talks scheduled to take place in Pakistan.The talks, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have yet to secure Iran's confirmed participation.US Vice President JD Vance is prepared to lead the American delegation to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations.However, Iran's cleric-led government has not confirmed its attendance and has accused the US of violating the ceasefire agreement.Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf condemned the US for imposing a blockade on Iranian ports and seizing an Iranian-flagged container ship,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 Apr 2026 07:00 LONDON
Cuba Confirms Talks with US Officials, Seeks End to Energy Blockade
Cuba has confirmed that it recently held talks in Havana with officials from the United States, focusing on the ongoing US energy blockade against the island.The discussions took place amid heightened tensions and economic challenges faced by Cuba.The Cuban delegation included representatives at the level of deputy foreign minister, while the US side was composed of assistant secretaries of state.According to Cuban Foreign Ministry official Alejandro Garcia del Toro, the talks were conducted respectfully and professionally, without threats or deadlines.Cuba emphasized that ending the three-month-old US oil blockade is a top priority.The blockade has contributed to a severe economic and... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 Apr 2026 05:02 LONDON
US and Iran Warn of Readiness for War Amid Uncertain Ceasefire Talks
The United States and Iran have each issued warnings that they are prepared for war as ceasefire talks remain uncertain.US Vice President JD Vance is reportedly ready to return to Islamabad for a second round of talks aimed at ending the conflict that has engulfed the Middle East since February 2026, contingent on Iran's agreement to participate.Iran's cleric-led government has not confirmed its participation and has criticized the US for imposing a blockade on Iranian ports and seizing a ship, which it views as violations of the ceasefire.Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led previous talks in Pakistan, stated... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 Apr 2026 02:30 LONDON
US Navy Seizes Iranian Ship Amid Gulf Blockade, Iran Vows Retaliation
The US Navy intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf after it failed to respond to warnings to stop, US President Donald Trump announced on social media.This is the first ship seized since the US began its naval blockade of Iranian ports following the US-Israel conflict with Iran that started in late February.Iran condemned the seizure as a violation of the ceasefire and described it as an "act of armed piracy," promising to retaliate soon.No immediate casualties or disruptions have been reported by US authorities following the operation.The seizure marks a significant escalation in maritime enforcement in... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 21:01 LONDON
JD Vance to lead US delegation to Pakistan for Iran talks amid ceasefire deadline
A US diplomatic delegation led by JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad for talks with Iran, contingent on Tehran's agreement, as the deadline for the current ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran approaches.The delegation will include Steve Witkoff, a special envoy, and Jared Kushner, a senior advisor.Iran has expressed deep mistrust of US intentions, with officials citing contradictory signals from American representatives.The ceasefire, which began two weeks ago following US and Israeli bombing campaigns, is set to expire on Wednesday evening Washington time, with the US president extending it by 24 hours to allow for the planned... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 20:01 LONDON
U.S. Forces Disable Iranian Cargo Vessel Attempting to Enter Iranian Port, Enforce Naval Blockade
On April 19, U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Sea disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that was attempting to enter a port in Iran. The vessel was intercepted and prevented from proceeding as part of the enforcement of U.S. naval blockade measures against Iran. The blockade aims to restrict the movement of Iranian maritime traffic, particularly cargo vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports. This enforcement action demonstrates the continued operational presence and control exercised by U.S. naval forces in the region. The disabling of the vessel was conducted under the authority of ongoing sanctions and blockade policies targeting Iran's maritime... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 19:04 LONDON
US Navy Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship Touska After Warning Ignored
The US Navy has seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel ignored warnings to stop, escalating tensions in the region.US President Donald Trump announced the interception on his social media platform, stating that the ship was stopped by a US guided missile destroyer after failing to comply with orders.According to Trump, the USS Spruance fired on the Touska, hitting its engine room and disabling the vessel.US Marines have since taken custody of the ship and are inspecting its contents.The Touska is subject to US Treasury sanctions due to its prior history of illegal... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 03:00 LONDON
President Trump warns of severe military strikes on Iran after Strait of Hormuz attacks
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social at 19 April 2026 at 13:10 BST: "Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz, A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement! Many of them were aimed at a French Ship, and a Freighter from the United Kingdom." "My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan, They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations. Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait, which is strange, because our BLOCKADE has already closed it." "They're helping us without knowing, and they are the ones that lose with the closed passage, $500 Million... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 19 Apr 2026 13:30 LONDON
Iran-US standoff keeps Strait of Hormuz closed amid stalled peace talks
The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, with Iran's parliamentary speaker confirming that a final peace deal remains distant despite some progress in negotiations.Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament and a key negotiator, stated that while there has been "progress" in talks, "many gaps and some fundamental points remain." He emphasized that the strait will not reopen until the US lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports.The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Apr 2026 07:30 LONDON
Iran re-closes Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East tensions
Iran has re-closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping less than 24 hours after briefly reopening it in response to a ceasefire declaration in Lebanon.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the strait would remain closed until the United States ends its naval blockade of Iranian ports.The IRGC controls the management of the strait and stated that the waterway has reverted to "strict management and control of the armed forces." This move came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had declared the strait open for commercial vessels.The closure has caused distress among sailors in the Persian Gulf, with... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Apr 2026 00:30 LONDON
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again amid US blockade and ship attacks
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on April 18, 2026, that it is closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels once again, warning that any ship attempting to pass through will be targeted.This decision follows attacks on vessels in or near the strait, including two Indian-flagged ships reportedly fired upon by IRGC gunboats.The IRGC stated that the closure is a response to a continuing US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which it views as a violation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in the US-Israel conflict involving Iran.The closure came less than 24 hours after Iran had briefly reopened... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 20:00 LONDON
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again Amid US Blockade Tensions
Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route, in response to the United States' ongoing blockade of its ports.This closure follows a brief reopening of the waterway after a US-mediated ceasefire in the Middle East.Tehran announced that control of the strait has "returned to its previous state," with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stating that the waterway will remain tightly controlled until the US lifts its blockade.The IRGC described the blockade as "acts of piracy and maritime theft." Reports indicate that Iranian gunboats fired on a tanker attempting to transit the strait.The... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 15:33 LONDON
Iran Warns It Will Close Strait of Hormuz if US Blockade Persists
Iran has issued a warning that it will close the Strait of Hormuz again if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports.This statement came shortly after Iran temporarily reopened the strategic waterway following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon brokered by the US.The Iranian parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that passage through the Strait of Hormuz would require Iranian authorization and that the waterway "will not remain open" if the blockade persists.Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the US naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire.Since the blockade began, US forces have directed... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 08:30 LONDON
Trump Administration Extends Sanctions Exemption on Some Russian Oil Amid High Gas Prices
The Trump administration has extended a sanctions exemption allowing the purchase of certain Russian oil and petroleum products until May 16, 2026.This announcement came shortly after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping.The exemption applies to oil loaded onto vessels between April 17 and May 16, continuing a previous waiver that expired on April 11.The US Treasury Department issued the extension despite earlier indications that the waiver would not be renewed.No immediate casualties or disruptions have been reported in connection with this policy update.The move aims to alleviate surging global energy prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.This development... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 05:00 LONDON
Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Open to Commercial Shipping Amid Lebanon Ceasefire; European Leaders Discuss Security Measures
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping following the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon.This announcement marks a significant development in the region's maritime security and international trade.The declaration was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated that the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz would be completely open for the duration of the ceasefire.However, military vessels remain banned from the waterway, according to a senior Iranian military official.The ceasefire in Lebanon, involving Israel and Hezbollah, has allowed displaced families to return to their homes in affected areas.The reopening of... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Apr 2026 18:05 LONDON
US blockade of Iranian ports to continue amid Iran war
The United States has announced that its naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue for an indefinite period amid ongoing conflict in the region.US Defense Secretary Hegseth stated that the blockade will last "as long as it takes" to achieve strategic objectives.The blockade is currently restricting Iranian maritime trade, significantly impacting the country's ability to export and import goods through its ports.This military measure is part of a broader US strategy in the ongoing Iran war.The blockade has contributed to shortages of jet fuel within Iran and has disrupted global energy markets, highlighting the wider economic consequences of the conflict.Officials... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 15:01 LONDON
Europe faces jet fuel shortages amid Iran war disruptions
Europe is facing a significant jet fuel shortage, with supplies estimated to last only about six weeks due to disruptions caused by the ongoing war involving Iran.The conflict has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil exports from the Gulf region.Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), warned that flight cancellations could occur soon if oil supplies from the Middle East are not restored in the coming weeks.He highlighted the urgency of the situation in an interview, noting the potential for immediate impacts on air travel.The shortage is expected... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 13:31 LONDON
Pakistani Army Chief Visits Tehran to Advance US-Iran Peace Talks
Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on April 15 to facilitate renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran.He carries a message from the US aimed at coordinating a second round of talks following an initial meeting in Islamabad that ended without an agreement.Munir leads a high-level Pakistani delegation focused on arranging fresh US-Iran negotiations before the current ceasefire expires on April 22.Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is also involved in the mediation efforts, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is conducting a Gulf tour to engage regional partners.The ongoing conflict has resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths in Iran... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 22:06 LONDON
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves criticizes US war on Iran as a mistake destabilizing global economy
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly criticized the United States' military conflict with Iran, describing it as a "mistake" that has destabilized the global economy.Speaking at the Invest in America forum in Washington DC, Reeves urged for de-escalation and highlighted the economic damage caused by the conflict.Reeves confirmed that the UK government will not participate in the US-led military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas exports.She emphasized that while the UK and US maintain their "special relationship," disagreements over the conflict are permissible.The conflict has led to soaring energy prices and a... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 20:03 LONDON
US-Iran ceasefire talks advance with potential truce extension
Ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran are progressing, with mediators seeking to extend the current truce amid hopes for a lasting agreement.President Donald Trump stated that the war with Iran is "very close to over," signaling optimism about the diplomatic process.US forces continue to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports, intercepting vessels attempting to leave, maintaining pressure on Iran during the negotiations.Vice President JD Vance, who led recent talks that ended without a breakthrough, expressed a positive outlook on the current state of discussions.The ceasefire, which has temporarily halted hostilities following a month-long conflict involving US, Israeli, and... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 14:00 LONDON
US Deploys Thousands of Troops to Middle East to Enforce Maritime Blockade Against Iran
The United States has deployed thousands of additional troops, including sailors and Marines, to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.This deployment aims to enforce a maritime blockade targeting the Iranian regime in Tehran.The newly deployed forces are part of a broader US strategy to pressure Iran by controlling key strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.The move reflects an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.Officials have confirmed the arrival of these troops as part of efforts to tighten restrictions on Iranian maritime activities.The deployment is expected to increase military presence and operational capabilities in... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 12:03 LONDON
US Military Blockade Fully Halts Iran's Sea Trade Amid Ongoing Conflict
The United States military has fully implemented a naval blockade on Iranian ports, completely halting economic trade by sea.This blockade, enforced by over 10,000 US armed forces personnel, warships, and aircraft, has been in effect for less than 36 hours but has already stopped all maritime trade entering and leaving Iran.US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that no ships have passed the blockade since it began on Monday, with several vessels ordered to turn back to Iranian ports.Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander, stated that the blockade targets all vessels entering or leaving Iranian coastal areas and ports, aiming to cut off... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 07:33 LONDON
US naval blockade turns back ships at Strait of Hormuz amid Iran conflict
The United States has enforced a naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, turning back six ships attempting to leave the strategic waterway.More than a dozen US warships are positioned in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea to maintain the blockade.Officials confirmed that none of the encounters with the vessels required escalation, indicating controlled enforcement of the blockade.The US naval presence acts as a "net" to restrict maritime traffic in the area.This blockade is part of the ongoing conflict involving the US and Iran, with significant implications for regional security and global energy supplies.The Strait of Hormuz is a... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 20:06 LONDON
Diplomats seek second round of US-Iran talks amid US blockade escalation
Efforts are underway to arrange a second round of talks between the United States and Iran during the first day of an American blockade.The blockade marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the US and Iran.Diplomatic sources confirm that negotiations are being pursued despite the heightened tensions caused by the blockade.These talks aim to address the broader conflict dynamics between the two nations.No casualties or direct disruptions from the blockade have been reported at this stage.Officials remain engaged in diplomatic channels to manage the situation.This development is significant as it occurs amid an escalation in hostilities, indicating attempts... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 19:36 LONDON
