China says US Strait of Hormuz blockade ‘dangerous and irresponsible’
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. blockade of Iran’s Strait of Hormuz ports “will only exacerbate tensions, undermine the already fragile ceasefire and further impact the safety of navigation.” Guo described the blockade, which began on Monday, as “a dangerous and irresponsible act.” Beijing, he said, “believes that only a comprehensive ceasefire can fundamentally create conditions for easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.” “China urges all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement, focus on the general direction of dialogue and negotiations and take concrete actions to promote regional de-escalation and restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible,” Guo said.
– ABC News’ Karson Yiu
Xi says world cannot regress to ‘law of the jungle’
In a series of diplomatic meetings in Beijing on Tuesday with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced concern about recent Middle East developments and promoted China as a responsible, stable partner. Xi did not mention the U.S. or President Donald Trump by name. “The world today is rife with chaos and faces a contest between justice and power,” Xi said while meeting Sanchez, adding the two nations should work together to “oppose the world’s regression to the law of the jungle.” He told Sanchez, “How a country treats international law and the international order reflects its worldview, view of order, values and sense of responsibility.” In his meeting with Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, Xi highlighted China’s peace-talk efforts and proposed a four-point framework for “promoting peace and stability in the Middle East,” calling for peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to the international rule of law and coordination of development and security. The proposal echoes Xi’s 2022 Global Security Initiative.
– ABC News’ Karson Yiu
US proposes 20-year minimum suspension on Iranian uranium enrichment: Source
The U.S. proposed a 20-year minimum suspension on Iranian uranium enrichment — rather than a permanent end to enrichment — amid negotiations to end the war, a source familiar with the talks told ABC News Monday. The source said the U.S. also suggested “all kinds” of other restrictions but did not immediately elaborate. The New York Times reported Monday that the U.S. had asked for a 20-year suspension, while Iran formally responded that it would agree to suspend enrichment for up to five years; the paper said the president rejected that offer. The White House did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment on the Iranian proposal or the president’s reaction.
– ABC News’ Nicholas Kerr (Apr 13, 2026, 11:27 PM EDT)
Rubio to participate in Israel-Lebanon talks: State Department
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate in talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, a State Department official said. “This conversation will scope the ongoing dialogue about how to ensure the long-term security of Israel’s northern border and to support the Government of Lebanon’s determination to reclaim full sovereignty over its territory and political life,” the official said. “Israel is at war with Hizballah, not Lebanon, so there is no reason the two neighbors should not be talking.”
– ABC News’ Shannon K. Kingston (Apr 13, 2026, 7:48 PM EDT)