Center East struggle dwell: Iran threatens to disrupt Gulf commerce in response to US naval blockade

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Issued on: 16/04/2026 - 04:16 Modified: 16/04/2026 - 04:31

A cargo ship is pictured off coast metropolis of Fujairah, within the Strait of Hormuz within the northern Emirate on February 25, 2026 © Giuseppe Cacace, AFP archives The chief of Iran’s joint navy command threatened Wednesday to halt commerce within the Gulf area if the US doesn't carry its blockade of Iranian ports. Even so, US President Donald Trump mentioned the struggle in Iran was “very near over” in an interview that aired Wednesday. Comply with our liveblog for the newest updates.

16/04/2026 - 04:31 Iran struggle brings US near web crude exporter for first time since World Struggle Two The US practically became a web crude exporter final week for the primary time since World Struggle Two as shipments surged near a report excessive to satisfy demand from Asian and European patrons scrambling to exchange Center East provides reduce by the Iran struggle.

16/04/2026 - 04:08 Iran arrests 4 alleged Israeli spies, says state media Iran arrested 4 suspected Israeli spies, state media reported on Thursday.

It got here as US officers talk about doable peace talks with Iran after US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28 engulfed the Center East in struggle.

"The 4 brokers linked to the Mossad had been apprehended in Gilan governorate" in northern Iran, IRNA reported, citing an announcement from Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

The Mossad is Israel's overseas intelligence company.

"The arrestees had offered Mossad intelligence officers with photos and places of some delicate and demanding navy and safety websites through the web", it mentioned.

16/04/2026 - 03:39 Iran taking part in World Cup, FIFA president confirms FIFA president Gianni Infantino mentioned Wednesday that Iran will "for certain" take part within the 2026 World Cup regardless of the Center East struggle.

" Iran is coming for certain. We hope that by then the scenario shall be a peaceable scenario, that might positively assist," Infantino mentioned on broadcaster CNBC.

"However Iran has to come back, they symbolize their individuals, they've certified, the gamers need to play," he mentioned of the crew's upcoming matches scheduled in america in June.

16/04/2026 - 03:39 Iran threatens to disrupt Gulf commerce in response to US naval blockade The chief of Iran’s joint navy command threatened Wednesday to halt commerce within the Gulf area if the US doesn't carry its blockade of Iranian ports. Even so, US President Donald Trump mentioned the struggle in Iran was “very near over” in an interview that aired Wednesday.

16/04/2026 - 03:38 China urges restoration of regular navigation in Strait of Hormuz China's Overseas Minister Wang Yi urged his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi to make efforts to revive regular navigation within the Strait of Hormuz in a telephone name on Wednesday, in response to a Chinese language overseas

ministry assertion.

Wang mentioned whereas Iran 's sovereignty and safety within the Strait of Hormuz must be revered and safeguarded, freedom and security of navigation by way of the waterway must also be assured.

America on Wednesday threatened to sanction patrons of Iranian oil and mentioned it believed China would pause such purchases as Washington enforces a maritime blockade on Iran. US President Donald Trump would "welcome" an finish to the battle between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, however such an settlement shouldn't be a part of peace talks with Iran, a senior US administration official mentioned. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned the nation's high precedence was to safe the "dismantling" of Hezbollah in its first direct talks with Lebanon in a long time. (FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)