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3w ago

Mediators Near Ceasefire Extension as U.S. Tightens Iran Port Blockade

Mediators report progress toward a truce extension under intensifying U.S. maritime pressure.

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Israeli army vehicles and bulldozers operate in southern Lebanon, as seen from northern Israel, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
From left, Michael Needham, counselor for the U.S. Dept. of State, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad, and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter pose for a photo before a meeting at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Overview

  • Regional officials said Wednesday there is an in‑principle plan to extend the two‑week ceasefire, with Pakistan’s army chief in Tehran to push talks, while a U.S. official said Washington has not formally agreed.
  • U.S. Central Command said the naval blockade on Iranian ports is fully in force, reporting no ships cleared it in the first 24 hours and that multiple merchant vessels turned back.
  • Iran’s joint military commander warned that, if the blockade continues, Tehran will move to halt exports and imports across the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea.
  • President Donald Trump said the war is “very close to over” as the Treasury warned buyers of Iranian oil they could face secondary sanctions and U.S. media reported plans to send thousands more troops to the region.
  • Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the channel that carries about a fifth of seaborne oil, remains far below normal, keeping fuel prices high and prompting responses such as Japan’s $10 billion fund to help Asian countries secure energy.