Overview
- Trump ruled out a ceasefire and said the waterway should be guarded by countries that rely on it, even as reports say Washington is sending roughly 2,200–2,500 additional Marines and three warships to the region.
- The U.S. Treasury authorized a short-term waiver allowing delivery of Iranian crude already loaded at sea through April 19 to ease supply strains.
- Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted as allies weigh roles; Britain approved U.S. use of its bases and Japan and several European governments signaled readiness for “appropriate efforts,” without firm commitments.
- Fresh strikes and interceptions were reported across the region, including a blast near Jerusalem’s holy sites attributed by Israel to Iranian missile fragments, drone attacks that ignited a Kuwaiti refinery fire, and Saudi Arabia’s interception of 22 drones.
- U.S. forces struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, and reports of potential plans to occupy or blockade the oil hub were not confirmed by Trump, who said he would not detail strategy.