Donald Trump says that the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iran’s ports since yesterday, a move that Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations described as a “serious violation” of the country’s sovereignty.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Iran of “economic terrorism” for earlier blocking the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict. “As the President of the United States has shown, two can play at that game” he said. “If the Iranians are gonna try to engage in economic terrorism, we’re gonna abide by a simple principle that no Iranian ships are getting out either.” The United States is not expected to send warships into Iranian ports, but could instead “intercept” vessels in the Indian Ocean.
The U.S. military stated that it “will not impede” ships using the strait to travel to and from non-Iranian ports. Nevertheless, at least two tankers that had passed through Iranian ports have crossed since yesterday, according to BBC.
Today, the first direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in decades are expected to take place in the United States.
Today, the first direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in decades are expected to take place in the United States. Lebanese authorities aim to mediate a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.
However, Israel has ruled this out, insisting that the organization must be disarmed. Hezbollah, on the other hand, has rejected the talks, stating that it will not abide by any agreement that may result from them.
Israeli attacks in Lebanon have displaced more than one million people and killed over 2,000, including around 500 women, children, and healthcare workers.
Source: BBC [1], [2], [3]