Key developments in the Iran war:
– Pakistan is working to set up a second round of U.S.-Iran negotiations after last weekend’s marathon Islamabad session ended without a deal. The conflict has entered its seventh week and a two-week truce is due to expire in seven days.
– Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join a Washington meeting with the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors aimed at reducing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. Hezbollah has urged Lebanon to cancel the session.
– The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports entered its second day as Washington presses Tehran for control over parts of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for shipments of oil, fertilizer and other commodities. Tehran has warned of retaliation and said no Gulf ports would be safe if the blockade continues.
Latest updates (approximate):
Vance: ‘Ball in Iran’s court’
Vice President J.D. Vance told Fox News the U.S. laid out clear red lines during the Pakistan talks and that the next move is up to Tehran. He reiterated that Iran must be prevented from enriching uranium unchecked and must be blocked from acquiring nuclear weapons. On the Strait of Hormuz, Vance said traffic has increased but the waterway is not fully open and warned that stalled negotiations would alter U.S. strategy. He accused Iran of trying to ‘move the goalposts’ in Islamabad and said the U.S. now holds military and economic leverage over the strait. (CBS/AFP)
Rubio to join Israel-Lebanon talks Tuesday
The State Department confirmed Secretary Rubio will take part in Tuesday’s discussions in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese diplomatic representatives — the highest-level direct talks between the two sides since 1993 and brokered by the U.S. The meetings are expected to be led by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa along with Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. The clashes followed Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel and a new Israeli offensive in southern Lebanon. The White House and Israel say Lebanon was not included in last week’s temporary ceasefire with Iran.
Hezbollah leader urges Lebanon to cancel talks
Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem called on Lebanon on Monday to cancel the planned Washington meeting, restating the group’s long-standing opposition to direct negotiations with Israel. The Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors remain scheduled to meet on Tuesday.
Blockade deepens energy concerns
The U.S. decision to blockade Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz has intensified fears of a fresh global energy shock by threatening supplies to Asia and elsewhere. Iran had kept shipments flowing to parts of Asia using a so-called ‘dark fleet’ after the war began. About one-fifth of the world’s oil normally transits the strait; recent disruptions and the new blockade ordered Sunday by President Trump risk further tightening supplies after fighting damaged Gulf energy infrastructure. Days after the conflict began on Feb. 28, the U.S. eased some sanctions on Tehran temporarily to prevent an abrupt energy crisis, particularly for Asian economies. Analysts warn the blockade could upset that balance; one expert at the Quincy Institute questioned whether the U.S. Navy would confront Chinese, Indian or Pakistani commercial vessels, calling such enforcement ‘an act of war.’ China labeled the blockade ‘dangerous and irresponsible.’ Oil markets, already rising, are expected to climb further. (AFP)
Russia’s oil revenues spike, IEA says
The International Energy Agency reported that Russia nearly doubled its oil export revenues in March as Moscow benefited from relaxed restrictions intended to mitigate rising energy prices during the Middle East conflict. Russia earned about $19 billion in March, with crude and product exports reaching 7.1 million barrels per day — up roughly 320,000 barrels per day from February. The U.S. temporarily allowed purchases of Russian oil already at sea until April 11.
Trump on the pope
President Trump told CBS News he disagrees with Pope Leo’s public criticism of mass deportations and the Iran war, saying the pontiff is ‘wrong on the issues’ and that the pope should avoid political commentary. Trump said he watched a ’60 Minutes’ segment highlighting the criticism and does not plan to call the pontiff.
What to watch this week:
– Whether Pakistan secures a follow-up U.S.-Iran session and whether Tehran returns with concessions before the truce lapses.
– The outcome of the Washington talks between Lebanese and Israeli envoys, and whether Hezbollah’s objections influence Lebanon’s participation.
– Any Iranian response to the U.S. port blockade and the impact on global maritime traffic and energy prices.
In: Iran