This live blog follows updates for Day 44 of the US-Israeli war on Iran. For a recap of Day 43, go here.
- US-Iran talks in Islamabad conclude after extensive discussions on multiple critical issues
- President Trump orders naval blockade of Iranian ports, heightening tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
- Iranian officials insist diplomacy continues, stressing negotiations require serious good faith and respect for rights
- Oil prices surge above $100, reflecting market reaction to Middle East hostilities and strategic uncertainty
- Iran emphasizes restoring refining and distribution facilities to 70-80% of prior capacity within two months.
US oil benchmark jumps 8%, surpasses $100 after US-Iran talks in Islamabad
Published: April 12, 2026 | 23:28GMT | By AFP
The US oil benchmark rebounded above $100 a barrel after peace talks between the United States and Iran concluded, and with US President Donald Trump ordering a blockade of Iranian ports.
Shortly after trading began, a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery rose around 8% to $104.50, while June delivery of international benchmark Brent rose 7% to $102.
Iran says was 'inches away' from deal with US in Islamabad
Published: April 12, 2026 | 22:35GMT | By AFP
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran had been just "inches away" from a deal with Washington during weekend talks with the United States in Islamabad.
"Iran engaged with US in good faith to end war," he said in a post on X.
But when "just inches away" from an agreement in Islamabad, "we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade," he added.
US military says to begin blockade of all Iran ports at 1400 GMT Monday
Published: April 12, 2026 | 21:35GMT | By AFP
The US military announced it will begin blockading all Iranian Gulf ports on Monday at 1400 GMT, and will allow ships not coming or going to Iran to pass through the critical Strait of Hormuz.
"The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X on Sunday.
"CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," it added, appearing to walk back President Donald Trump's earlier post in which he said "any and all Ships" would be blocked.
Iran navy chief calls Trump threat to block Hormuz strait 'ridiculous': state TV
Published: April 12, 2026 | 21:23GMT | By AFP
Iran's navy chief Shahram Irani on Sunday called US President Donald Trump's threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz "ridiculous," after marathon talks between Tehran and Washington in Pakistan could not deliver a deal to end the Middle East war.
"The brave men of the naval force of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran are monitoring and supervising all the movements of the aggressive American army in the region. The threats of the US president to blockade Iran at sea ... are very ridiculous and funny," he said, according to state TV.
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