French shipping company CMA CGM reported that one of its vessels was fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz on the previous day.
An airstrike was reported in the mountainous area of Makiras district, which is under the control of Houthi forces in Yemen.
On January 12, 2026, the Iranian cargo ship Touska, approximately 270 meters long, was intercepted by the US Navy destroyer Spruance in the Persian Gulf; the ship was hit in its engine room by a missile from the Spruance and subsequently seized by US Navy personnel.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the Navy intercepted, struck, and boarded the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA as it attempted to breach the U.S. naval blockade.
An Iranian-flagged cargo ship named "Tosca," approximately 900 feet long, attempted to breach the U.S. maritime blockade in the Sea of Oman but was halted by the USS Spruance, which targeted the ship's engine room. U.S. Marines now have control of the ship, which was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for illegal activities.
The Islamic regime of Iran has officially canceled negotiations with the United States, citing unmet expectations set by the Trump administration. This decision is expected to lead to resumed hostilities, including recent U.S. Navy targeting of an Iranian container ship and anticipated IRGC Navy attacks on U.S.-linked commercial vessels in the waters south of Iran.
U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. military detained an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach the naval blockade imposed on Iran.
The United States, under President Trump, has resumed military operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, ending a previously declared ceasefire. No specific casualty or arrest numbers were provided in the article.
The Wall Street Journal reports on the growing divide within Iran's power structure, highlighting a dispute where Hossein Shariatmadari's announcement opened the Strait of Hormuz, while the IRGC declared it closed. Additionally, there is an increase in the influence of security factions over military and negotiation decisions.
On December 15, 2025, the U.S. Navy intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman; the ship was damaged after refusing to stop, and U.S. Marines took custody of the vessel.
U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on X that the economic siege on the Islamic Republic has weakened it, and he called for continued pressure including control of the Strait of Hormuz to prevent any agreements like the JCPOA during Donald Trump's term. Graham also stated that the IRGC's attacks on international shipping indicate desperation and compared the Islamic Republic to al-Qaeda in denying it the right to enrichment.
A ceasefire violation in the Strait of Hormuz has been reported following comments by former U.S. President Trump regarding Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacks on ships, amid ongoing negotiations. The strait remains blocked, and Iran's ports are under siege.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Sharif conveyed perspectives from recent discussions with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye to his Iranian counterpart Pezeshkian.
U.S. authorities arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national and resident of Los Angeles, at Los Angeles International Airport on charges of smuggling weapons, including bombs, drones, and ammunition, on behalf of the Islamic Republic to Sudan in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
On Sunday, Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, had a "warm and constructive" 45-minute conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, discussing regional peace and security. Sharif thanked Pezeshkian for sending a high-level delegation to Pakistan for talks with the United States last week, and the U.S. President announced that the second round of talks will take place on Monday evening U.S. time, Tuesday morning Iran time in Islamabad.
Britain's Maritime Operations Company announced that the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea is "critical." The company reported that on April 16, two ships; on April 17, ten ships; and on April 18, nineteen ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz, significantly below the historical average of 138 ships per day.
Former President Trump viewed the IRGC's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz as a violation of the ceasefire. Negotiations continue in Pakistan, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and siege of Iran's ports are set to persist until the ceasefire ends.
The article by Mahyar Tousi asserts that there are no moderates within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and claims that the IRGC has been enriching uranium in secret underground facilities, contrary to the perception that such activities were banned.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan announced that Shehbaz Sharif held a 45-minute telephone conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing the "current situation in the region" and expressing appreciation for a delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran visiting Islamabad. During the call, Sharif reported on his consultations with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey to build consensus on negotiations and diplomacy for sustainable peace.
President Donald Trump of the United States has stated that if the Islamic Republic of Iran rejects Washington's proposed agreement, critical infrastructure in Iran will be targeted for attack, as the temporary ceasefire between the two countries is set to expire.
