Overview
- Iran’s top military staffer warned Wednesday that, if the U.S. keeps its port blockade, Iran will stop all exports and imports across the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea.
- U.S. Central Command says it has fully implemented a blockade of Iranian ports and halted the country’s seaborne trade, though ship‑tracking reports show some vessels still transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. outlets report the Pentagon is sending about 6,000 more troops to the region, with arrivals expected before the April 22 cease-fire deadline.
- Pakistan-backed talks could restart in Islamabad, yet the core dispute is how long Iran would freeze uranium enrichment, with Washington seeking about 20 years and Tehran offering three to five.
- The IAEA’s Rafael Grossi says any pause needs strict inspection rights, which matters given reports that Iran holds about 450 kilograms enriched to 60% that Tehran proposes to dilute.