Thursday, April 16 marks the ninth day of the fragile US–Iran ceasefire, as Tehran warned it could halt trade across the Gulf if Washington does not lift its naval blockade, even as US President Donald Trump said the war is “very close to over”.
The head of Iran’s joint military command said the country would move to shut down Gulf trade routes if the blockade on Iranian ports continues, signalling a potential escalation in the standoff.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel and the US are fully aligned in their objective to contain Iran, stressing close coordination between the two allies.
“Our American friends keep us constantly updated on their contacts with Iran. The objectives of the United States and our own are identical,” he said in a televised address.
Netanyahu added that both countries seek the removal of enriched material from Iran, the elimination of its enrichment capability, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan has stepped up its diplomatic role as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran.
Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran carrying messages after earlier talks in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough. Iranian officials confirmed multiple exchanges have taken place through Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has begun a regional tour covering Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey to revive negotiations.
In Jeddah, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Sharif to discuss regional tensions and ongoing US–Iran talks.
The Saudi leadership emphasised the need for sustained diplomatic efforts and welcomed Pakistan’s facilitation role.
Washington has increased economic pressure alongside military measures.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US has sought the freezing of assets linked to Iran’s leadership, while new sanctions target individuals, companies and vessels tied to oil transportation networks.
The US also warned Chinese banks of possible sanctions linked to Iranian funds, amid signs of a pause in oil purchases.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported the arrest of four individuals in Gilan province accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad.
Authorities said the suspects were gathering intelligence on sensitive sites, while additional militant cells were dismantled in the southeast.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains committed to regional peace and stability following talks with Munir.
Former Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida urged Iran to remain within the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, warning against further nuclear escalation.
Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held a rare high-level phone call between UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Both sides discussed ways to reduce tensions despite recent regional strains.
The UAE summoned Iraq’s chargé d’affaires and issued a formal protest over attacks it said were launched from Iraqi territory, signalling growing regional concerns.
Fighting persists in southern Lebanon, where five Israeli soldiers were wounded in rocket fire in Bint Jbeil.
Hezbollah said it carried out 39 strikes against Israeli targets over the past 24 hours, including attacks on border positions and settlements.
Ghalibaf said any comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon would depend on Hezbollah’s “steadfastness”.
US Central Command said the destroyer USS Spruance forced an Iranian-linked cargo vessel to turn back in the Strait of Hormuz.
The military said this marks the 10th vessel redirected since the blockade began, with no ships successfully passing through.
CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper also concluded a regional visit to coordinate with partners.
In Washington, Senate Republicans voted 51–47 to block a resolution seeking to limit the president’s authority to continue military operations against Iran.
The vote effectively supports the administration’s current strategy.
The Trump administration is urging countries to support a new “trade over aid” initiative aimed at prioritising trade and investment over humanitarian assistance.
The proposal is expected to be presented at the United Nations later this month.
Amnesty International said Israel continues to violate international law across Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, citing ongoing military actions and displacement.
Gianni Infantino said Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite the conflict, expressing hope for stability before the tournament.
