Trump says US ‘locked and loaded’, warns it may “finish up” Iran at appropriate moment
19:05 12 Apr 2026
US President Donald Trump said Washington remains “locked and loaded” amid ongoing tensions in the Iran war. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned that the US military could “finish up” Iran at an “appropriate moment”, signaling potential escalation if negotiations fail. The remarks come as talks over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional conflict remain unresolved.
Trump orders immediate blockade of ships in Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran fail
19:06 12 Apr 2026
US President Donald Trump has ordered an immediate naval blockade of ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz, hours after US-Iran talks in Islamabad failed. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US Navy will interdict vessels that have paid tolls to Iran, calling such payments illegal. He added that normal passage may resume only when Iran allows free movement through the strategic waterway.
World leaders urge renewed negotiations after US-Iran talks fail
19:07 12 Apr 2026
Global leaders have called for continued dialogue after US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without agreement. UK Health Minister Wes Streeting said it was “disappointing” that no breakthrough had been achieved to end the war in Iran sustainably. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and returning to negotiations.
Trump claims Iran unwilling to give up nuclear ambitions
19:20 12 Apr 2026
US President Donald Trump said Iran is “unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions” in a post on Truth Social. He stated that while some negotiation points were preferable to continued military operations, allowing nuclear capability in the hands of “volatile and unpredictable” leadership was unacceptable. Trump reiterated his long-standing stance, declaring that Iran will never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Iran discusses Pakistan talks with Russia’s Putin after US negotiations fail
19:21 12 Apr 2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin following the failure of US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan. According to a post on X by the Iranian presidency, the two leaders reviewed recent regional and international developments, including the status of the ceasefire. Russia, which has long maintained defence cooperation with Iran, has so far avoided direct involvement in the conflict.
US CENTCOM says Hormuz blockade will apply to vessels of all nations
05:32 13 Apr 2026
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the planned blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports and coastal areas. The order applies to shipping linked to all Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, as tensions escalate following failed negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Trump considers limited strikes on Iran after talks collapse: report
06:07 13 Apr 2026
US President Donald Trump and his advisers are considering resuming limited military strikes on Iran alongside the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Reuters. The potential move is seen as an effort to break the current stalemate in peace negotiations. Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report.
China rejects Trump claim of arming Iran, criticises 50% tariff threat
14:29 13 Apr 2026
China has rejected claims by US President Donald Trump that it is supplying weapons to Iran, criticising Washington’s warning of a possible 50% tariff on countries allegedly assisting Tehran militarily. Trump had warned of “big problems” for China if it provides military support to Iran amid the ongoing conflict and stalled negotiations. Beijing denied the allegations, stating it does not supply weapons to parties involved in the conflict and opposes the use of tariffs as political pressure.
Turkey says Iran and US remain ‘sincere’ about ceasefire despite failed talks
14:41 13 Apr 2026
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said both Iran and the United States remain “sincere” about reaching a ceasefire despite the failure of Pakistan-mediated talks over the weekend. Speaking to Anadolu news agency, Fidan said he has been in contact with parties involved in the negotiations and warned that disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme, particularly uranium enrichment, could create serious obstacles. Turkey has been part of diplomatic efforts alongside Egypt and Pakistan to help secure a ceasefire.
Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss US-Iran talks in Jeddah
06:48 16 Apr 2026
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed regional and international developments during a meeting in Jeddah, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The talks included the ongoing US-Iran negotiations hosted by Pakistan. The crown prince emphasised the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to ensure regional stability and commended the role played by Prime Minister Sharif and Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir in facilitating the dialogue process.
The Chenab Times News Desk