Tehran has warned it is ready to confront the US after an Iranian-flagged tanker was seized by American forces in the Gulf of Oman.
A spokesperson for the armed forces said they will take the necessary action against the US following its act of “aggression” after it can guarantee the safety of the crew and their families on board the vessel.
Following the incident, condemned by Iran as an “act of piracy”, the foreign ministry has declared it has no plans to begin a second round of negotiations with the US for now.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters that the Trump administration is “not serious” about peace, accusing it of “aggressive acts” and ceasefire violations.
Donald Trump had earlier said the vessel was seized while it tried to get past an American blockade on Iranian ports, adding that US forces stopped the ship by blowing a hole in its engine room.
Iranian state media earlier reported that Iran would not be taking part in the talks despite the US sending a delegation to Pakistan, citing “US excessive demands and unreasonable, unrealistic requests” as preventing progress.
Key Points
- Tehran says it is ready to confront US after tanker seizure
- Iran says there are no plans for more talks - and US is 'not serious' about peace
- US military releases video of naval ship firing on Iranian cargo ship - watch
- Pakistan readies for talks amid diplomatic setback
- Iran executes two men on charges of spying for Israel
Cooper says talks between US and Iran must lead to toll-free Strait of Hormuz
12:00 , Alex CroftYvette Cooper has said that any talks between the US and Iran must result in toll-free passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The foreign secretary said that proposals have been circulating from Tehran to introduce tolls on the crucial waterway once the conflict concludes.
Cooper was travelling to Japan on the final leg of a diplomatic mission ahead of the US-Iran ceasefire expiring on Tuesday.
Cooper said: "This is a critical diplomatic moment with the end of the ceasefire looming. Further talks on a lasting settlement are welcome – they must lead to a toll-free Strait of Hormuz."
She added: "This argument is not just about the Strait of Hormuz, it is about the precedent this will set for freedom of navigation all over the world."If the wrong precedent is set, it would be deeply damaging not just for the global economy, but for global security, and that is why it is an argument we must win."
Watch: Iranian-flagged cargo ship's latest movements as Trump says US Navy fired on vessel
11:41 , Alex CroftExpert: Is the US blockade legal?
11:15 , Alex CroftNaval law expert Jennifer Parker writes:
The US is blockading Iranian ports through what’s called a distant blockade. This means US Navy ships are not sitting right off Iran’s ports to stop vessels. Rather, they are positioned further back in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Arabian Sea, with a blockade line effectively drawn between the Iranian-Pakistan border to around the Omani-UAE border.
The US Central Command has reported turning away a number of ships – at least 23 as of 18 April.
When a ship approaches the blockade line en route to or from an Iranian port, the U.S. Navy will radio the vessel and say it is not free to go through. Most ships will then turn around.
This is allowed in a lawful blockade under the law of naval warfare. Once a conflict has started, a blockade is a lawful if it complies with certain provisions:
- the blockade must be declared
- it must be impartial, meaning it needs to apply to all ships
- humanitarian goods must be permitted to go through
- it must be effective, meaning you can’t declare a blockade, start doing it, and then not actually enforce it
- it can’t close off neutral ports.
Many news reports have said the US is blockading the Strait of Hormuz. But it is actually blockading Iranian ports, not the strait. A blockade of the strait would be illegal because this would affect neutral ports in the Persian Gulf. Ships in an international strait enjoy unimpeded transit passage, which cannot be hampered or suspended by the coastal state.
Trump says he will consider advice from Pakistan's Munir on Hormuz blockade - report
10:52 , Alex CroftUS president Donald Trump told Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir that he would consider Munir's advice on the Strait of Hormuz blockade being a hurdle to peace talks with Iran when the two spoke by phone, a Pakistani security source told Reuters news agency
A US delegation is in Pakistan today in the hopes of resuming peace talks.
Tehran has said it has no plans to reopen talks, accusing the US of “aggressive” acts.
Editorial | Diplomacy with Iran is not yet over – but it’s hanging by a thread
10:34 , Alex CroftThe possible new round of US-Iran talks offers one sign that this stalemate could be broken, although it may be that current US demands will make any significant breakthrough difficult. Another – also difficult, but perhaps more promising – avenue might be through international solidarity. The meeting in Paris last week, chaired by the UK and France and involving almost 50 countries, coincided with Iran’s announcement that it was reopening the strait, which seemed to render its closing agreement – with its pledge of an international mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz “when conditions permit” – superfluous.
With the strait once again closed, the UK and France have an opportunity to capitalise on the solidarity shown in Paris, and push for freedom of navigation to be reinstated. This is not a call for military intervention – far from it. It is rather to underline that so many states with a single shared interest can, and should, use all the diplomatic means at their disposal to convince Iran to restore free passage.
If, as the US has stated on several occasions, the Strait of Hormuz is not vital to its interests, then it has nothing to lose from unblocking Iran’s ports in return for Iran allowing normal passage through the strait. The US, Israel and Iran could then move to settle their considerable differences without inflicting any more damage on the rest of the world.
Read The Independent’s editorial:
Diplomacy with Iran is not yet over – but it’s hanging by a thread
Watch: US Marines board Iranian-flagged vessel after navy disables ship
10:15 , Alex CroftPound slips as US-Iran tensions reignite
09:56 , Alex CroftThe pound slipped on Monday after tensions between the US and Iran reignited over thre weekend, amid concerns a two-week ceasefire might collapse and pushing investors towards the safer US dollar.
Market participants were also keeping an eye on UK assets as Sir Keir Starmer prepared to address parliament as he faces calls to resign after it emerged former US ambassador Peter Mandelson had failed a vetting process.
The pound was last down 0.1 per cent at $1.3503 as the dollar rose. The euro was 0.1% higher against the pound at 87.10 pence.
"Fresh worries are percolating about the fragility of the Iran ceasefire, sending oil prices higher and keeping investors on edge," said Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, told Reuters news agency.
The pound was not too far off Friday's two-month high of $1.3599, however, reflecting market optimism that the worst of the Iran conflict is over.
Tehran says it is ready to confront US after tanker seizure
09:15 , Alex CroftTehran has warned it is ready to confront the US after the seizure of an Iranian-flagged tanker by American forces.
A spokesperson for the armed forces said they will take the necessary action against the US following its act of “aggression” after it can guarantee the safety of the crew and their families on board the vessel.
The military’s delayed response to the incident, it said, was due to the families being on board.
Tehran says its defensive capabilities and missile programme not up for negotiation - report
09:06 , Alex CroftA senior Iranian source has been talking to Reuters news agency about the gaps in negotiating position between Washington and Tehran.
There are still significant differences regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, the source said.
It comes amid hopes that Iran and the US will resume peace talks after they failed in Islamabad earlier this month.
The senior Iranian source said that Tehran's "defensive capabilities", including its missile programme, are not open to negotiation with the US
"Continuation of the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz undermines the peace talks," they added.
Iran says there are no plans for more talks - and US is 'not serious' about peace
09:01 , Alex CroftWe’re hearing from Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, who is casting further doubt over the possibility that peace talks could resume between Tehran and Washington.
Baghaei says Tehran has no plans to enter a second round of negotiations with the US for now, lashing out at the Trump administration for not being “serious” about peace.
He says Washington’s “aggressive acts” and ceasefire violations demonstrate that it is not committed to the ceasefire process, after the US seized an Iranian cargo tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
China voices concern over 'forced interception' by US of Iranian ship
08:49 , Alex CroftA Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson has voiced Beijing’s concerns over the "forced interception" by the US of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship.
They urged relevant parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement in a responsible manner.
"The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is sensitive and complicated," said spokesman Guo Jiakun.
He said parties involved should avoid further escalation and "create the necessary conditions for normal transit through the Strait to resume”.
The US said earlier on Monday it had fired on and seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade of Iranian ports. Iran's military said the ship had been travelling from China and vowed retaliation against what it called "armed piracy by the US military."
Iranian president says diplomacy is critical - as is distrust of US
08:17 , Alex CroftIranian state media has been reporting quotes from Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, in which he stresses hope for a peaceful solution with the US.
Every rational and diplomatic path should be used to reduce tensions with the US, he said. while stressing that vigilance and distrust in interactions with Washington were an "undeniable necessity", according to state media IRNA.
A two-weeks ceasefire between Iran and the US is set to expire on Wednesday, with representatives from Washington set to reach Islamabad for Iran negotiations on Monday - while Tehran is yet to announce whether it will send a delegation to Pakistan.
Oil prices jump again
07:58 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices climbed more than 5 per cent on Monday, while Asian shares also advanced, as a standoff between Iran and the United States prevented tankers from using the Strait of Hormuz.
The Persian Gulf waterway was closed again after Iran reversed a decision to reopen the strait, and President Donald Trump said a US Navy blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.
US benchmark crude gained 5.6 per cent to $87.20 a barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, was up 5.3 per cent at $95.16 a barrel.
More here.
Hezbollah claims explosives destroyed Israeli tanks
07:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarHezbollah this morning said it detonated explosives yesterday afternoon in an attack against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
The group said in a statement that bombs planted by Hezbollah fighters exploded and destroyed four tanks in a convoy of eight tanks that was passing the village of Deir Siryan.
It was the first claim of an attack by Hezbollah since a 10-day ceasefire went into effect at midnight Thursday.
Iran resumes international flights
07:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran has resumed international flights from today, its civil aviation authority said.
The aviation body said it has approved the resumption of international flights from Mashhad International Airport in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi.
Helicopter carries US Marines from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli
07:10 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Iran ensures safe passage through Hormuz, says Iranian envoy
06:54 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran is ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz under a new legal regime, the Vedomosti newspaper quoted Iran's ambassador to Moscow as saying.
"Iran ensures safety of passage. Based on the security measures and the legal regime of the Strait of Hormuz, ships and vessels can pass through," ambassador Kazem Jalali said.
He added that US and Israeli attacks on Iran had failed in their intention to enact regime change.
Iran envoy refutes Russia supplied intelligence to Tehran
06:54 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran's ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has refuted claims that Moscow supplied intelligence to Tehran during the Middle East conflict.
He told the Vedomosti newspaper that the US and Israeli attacks on Iran "have failed". "We are more united than before and we have an iron will," he said.
Iran executes two men on charges of spying for Israel
06:49 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran executed two men convicted of cooperating with Israel’s Mossad intelligence service and planning attacks inside the country, the judiciary's news outlet Mizan reported.
Mizan said the two, identified as Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi, were accused of belonging to a spy network linked to Mossad and had received training abroad, including in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
They had been convicted on charges including “enmity against God” and cooperation with hostile groups, and their death sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court before being carried out, Mizan reported.
Trump kept out of the room during operation to find downed pilots in Iran
06:43 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarWhen President Donald Trump learned that two American pilots had gone missing in Iran on Good Friday, he “screamed at aides for hours” and was then “kept out of the room” while his team was given minute-by-minute updates, according to a report.
An F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran on April 3, prompting a high-stakes rescue mission for the missing airmen. One crew member was swiftly rescued by U.S. forces after ejecting before the aircraft went down - but the second crew member spent more than 24 hours behind enemy lines before he was safely extracted.
Back in Washington, D.C., Trump’s fears about how the war was playing out “were ramping up,” according to The Wall Street Journal.
More here.
Trump ‘screamed at aides for hours’ after US pilots went missing in Iran: report
Israeli military tells south Lebanon residents to avoid restricted areas
06:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Israeli military this morning has issued warnings to residents in southern Lebanon not to move south of a specified line of villages or approach areas near the Litani River, saying its forces remain deployed in the area during a ceasefire due to what it described as continued Hezbollah activity.
In a statement, military spokesperson Avichay Adraee also urged civilians not to return to multiple border villages until further notice, citing security risks.
Cooper says talks between US and Iran must lead to toll-free Strait of Hormuz
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarYvette Cooper has said that any talks between the US and Iran must result in toll-free passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The foreign secretary said that proposals have been circulating from Tehran to introduce tolls on the crucial waterway once the conflict concludes.
Cooper was travelling to Japan on the final leg of a diplomatic mission ahead of the US-Iran ceasefire expiring on Tuesday.
Cooper said: "This is a critical diplomatic moment with the end of the ceasefire looming. Further talks on a lasting settlement are welcome – they must lead to a toll-free Strait of Hormuz."
She added: "This argument is not just about the Strait of Hormuz, it is about the precedent this will set for freedom of navigation all over the world."If the wrong precedent is set, it would be deeply damaging not just for the global economy, but for global security, and that is why it is an argument we must win."
Iran executes two accused of spying for Israel - report
06:24 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran has executed two individuals accused of involvement in a “spy network linked to Israel”, the Mizan news outlet reported this morning.
More follows.
US Central Command shares video of a US Navy ship firing on an Iranian-flagged cargo
06:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarU.S. Marines depart amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) by helicopter and transit over the Arabian Sea to board and seize M/V Touska. The Marines rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel, April 19, after guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled Touska’s… pic.twitter.com/mFxI5RzYCS
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2026
UK police investigating if arson attacks on Jewish sites work of Iranian proxies
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe UK police are investigating whether a string of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London is the work of Iranian proxies, as the country's chief rabbi said British Jews are facing a campaign of violence and intimidation.
The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing fires at synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.
No one has been injured in the blazes, the latest of which caused minor damage to a north London synagogue on Saturday night.
Deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans said the attacks had been claimed online by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.
"We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran. As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves," she said.
"I've spoken previously about the Iranian regime's use of criminal proxies, and we're considering whether this tactic is being used here in London," she added.
Iran negotiating but ready to take ‘necessary measures’ against US
05:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has said that Tehran was continuing negotiations with the US, but remained ready to take “necessary measures” should the situation escalate.
“We do not trust the enemy. At any moment, it may escalate the war,” Qalibaf said in televised remarks, according to state media.“We are negotiating, but we are prepared for the necessary measures,” he added.
Qalibaf added that the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel began “through American deception in the middle of negotiations".
Damaged buildings in Beirut
05:35 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Israeli soldier smashes statue of Jesus in Lebanon
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Israeli military says it has verified a video on social media purporting to show an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to smash a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon.
It says the behavior of the soldier, from the northern command, is completely “inconsistent with the values expected of its troops".
The military said it has launched an investigation.
India summons Iranian envoy after tankers come under fire in Strait of Hormuz
05:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIndia summoned Iran’s ambassador after two Indian-flagged vessels were fired upon allegedly by Iranian navy while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a formal diplomatic protest from Delhi.
India’s foreign ministry summoned Mohammad Fathali after the incident and foreign secretary Vikram Misri conveyed the government’s “deep concern” over the shooting involving two merchant ships bound for India.
Misri stressed the importance India places on the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers, noting that Iran had previously enabled the safe passage of several India-bound vessels.
More here.
India summons Iranian envoy after tankers come under fire in Strait of Hormuz
Tehran says restrictions on Iranian oil come with a price
04:58 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran’s first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, has said that global fuel prices will only stabilise if economic and military pressures on Iranian oil exports end.
“One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” Aref wrote on X.
“The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone,” he said.
Iran vows swift response after US seizes tanker
04:17 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran's military has vowed a swift response to the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, state media reported.
The military headquarters said the attack and subsequent boarding of the ship by US forces was a violation of the ceasefire and denounced it as piracy, Iran's state-run broadcaster said.
“The aggressive America… attacked one of Iran’s commercial ships… and disabled its navigation system,” the statement said, adding, “We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military.”
The US Navy said it attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship after it allegedly attempted to evade a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
The US said it fired on the vessel and seized it because it had crossed the blockade line after ignoring multiple warnings.
Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Aragchi, told his Pakistani counterpart that Washington's demands in negotiations, along with its threats to Iranian ships and ports, were "clear signs" of America's disingenuousness.
Oil rises to $96 a barrel after Strait of Hormuz is closed again
04:14 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices rebounded more than 6 per cent this morning after tumbling more than 9 per cent on Friday on news the Strait of Hormuz is closed again.
Both the US and Iran said the other party had violated their ceasefire deal by attacking ships over the weekend.
Brent crude futures jumped $6.11, or 6.76 per cent, to $96.49 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate was at $90.38 a barrel, up $6.53, or 7.79 per cent.
The US military had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade, president Donald Trump said, while Iran said it would not participate in a second round of peace talks despite Trump's threat of renewed airstrikes.
WATCH: U.S. military releases video of naval ship firing on Iranian cargo ship
04:00 , Graig GraziosiU.S. Central Command released a video of a U.S. Navy ship firing on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship. U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship on Sunday.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 19, 2026
Iranian military threatens to retaliate over U.S. 'piracy'
03:30 , Graig GraziosiThe Iranian military warned on Sunday that it will retaliate for the cargo tanker U.S. Marines seized on Sunday.
In a social media post by IRIB, Iran’s state broadcaster, the nation’s military likened the seizure to “highway robbery.”
“The ‘aggressor United States,’ by violating the ceasefire and engaging in maritime highway robbery, attacked an Iranian commercial vessel in the waters of the Sea of Oman,” the post said.
It then threatened to retaliate against what it called “piracy.”
“We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this U.S. armed piracy,” the post said.
Oil prices increase as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz
02:45 , Graig GraziosiThe price of oil increased on Sunday in response to Iran’s announcement that it will again close the Strait of Hormuz in response to a U.S. blockade of the waterway.
The price of bent crude — the international standard for pricing oil — increased by approximately 7 percent, up to $96.88 on Sunday. On Friday the price dropped to its lowest levels since March 10 following news that Iran planned to re-open the strait.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN that gas prices might remain well over $3 a gallon until at least “next year.”
On Sunday, the national average for a gallon of gas in the U.S. was $4.05.
Pakistan readies for talks amid diplomatic setback
02:00 , Holly BancroftPakistan, which has served as the main mediator between the US and Iran, appeared to be preparing for the talks on Sunday, despite it remaining unclear whether the negotiations would go ahead.
Two giant U.S. C-17 cargo planes landed at an air base on Sunday afternoon, carrying security equipment and vehicles in preparation for the US delegation's arrival, two Pakistani security sources told Reuters.
Municipal authorities in the capital city of Islamabad halted public transport and heavy-goods traffic through the city. Barbed wire was rolled out near the Serena Hotel, where last week's talks were held. The hotel told all guests to leave.
The apparent diplomatic setback could set the stage for a renewed surge in oil prices when markets reopen after the weekend.
UK foreign secretary says talks between US and Iran must lead to toll-free Strait of Hormuz
01:36 , Holly BancroftUK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has said that any talks between the US and Iran must result in a toll-free passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ms Cooper said that proposals have been circulating from Tehran to introduce tolls on the crucial waterway once the conflict concludes.
Ms Cooper was travelling to Japan on Sunday on the final leg of a diplomatic mission ahead of the US-Iran ceasefire expiring on Tuesday, which she called a "critical diplomatic moment".
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil normally flows, has been closed by Iran as a response to America and Israel's strikes.
In retaliation, US President Donald Trump began his own blockade of Iran's oil ports, aimed at stemming Tehran's fossil fuel income.
Recap: Trump says US Marines have seized Iranian ship and says it tried to evade blockade
01:00 , Holly BancroftUS Marines have reportedly seized an Iranian cargo ship that was attempting to pass through the American naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, according to President Donald Trump.
Trump announced the seizure in a post on Truth Social on Sunday evening.
“Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them,” he wrote.
Trump said that the ship’s crew “refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom.”
Read the full story here:
Trump says U.S. Marines have seized Iranian ship and says it tried to evade blockade
WATCH: U.S. military releases video of naval ship firing on Iranian cargo ship
Monday 20 April 2026 00:47 , Graig GraziosiU.S. Central Command released a video of a U.S. Navy ship firing on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship. U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship on Sunday.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 19, 2026
Is he or isn’t he? Trump officials flip-flop on whether Vance is leading Iran talks - or staying home
Monday 20 April 2026 00:30 , Graig GraziosiThe Independent’s John Bowden writes:
Top administration officials, including President Donald Trump himself, appeared unclear as to whether Vice President JD Vance would lead peace talks with Iranian officials in Pakistan this week, less than 24 hours before the U.S. negotiating team are supposedly due in Islamabad.
Vance’s participation in the upcoming talks has been in question for days after the last round, helmed by the vice president, failed to reach an agreement to end the war. Tuesday is the two-week deadline for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
READ MORE:
Is he or isn’t he? Trump officials flip-flop on whether Vance is leading Iran talks
