- President Trump has stated the Iran war is "very close" to ending, despite recent marathon peace negotiations in Pakistan failing to yield a concrete agreement.
- Further talks are anticipated this week, with the current two-week ceasefire set to expire on 21 April.
- Negotiations are stalled over the US demand for Iran to commit to not developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies, stating its programme is for civilian use.
- US forces initiated a blockade of Iranian ports, including the Strait of Hormuz, on Monday, which has reportedly halted 90 per cent of Iran's sea trade.
- Iran has condemned the blockade as "piracy," while the IMF has warned that an extended conflict could lead to a recession and an energy crisis.
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