Iran is commemorating a 12-day war with Israel as US and Iranian officials near a peace deal. Despite ongoing negotiations and potential sabotage, Tehran hosts events for fallen commanders, while the government claims a stronger position after surviving recent conflicts and controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) now issues permits for passage through the Strait of Hormuz 24/7. Shipowners or captains can apply anytime, with immediate permit issuance upon approval. This follows reports of 24 ships crossing the strait with permission in the past day.
Iran's leadership is internally divided on a potential deal with the US, with hawkish voices on both sides pushing for demands that make understanding elusive. Key figures like Mojtaba Khamenei and IRGC commanders favor a strong stance, while others like President Pezeshkian seek pragmatic peace.
Iranians regain internet access after months-long shutdown, but many fear it could be cut off again as negotiators work on a permanent truce
Iran has proposed opening the Strait of Hormuz to the US in exchange for compensation, according to Al Arabiya citing diplomatic sources. Pakistan is mediating these indirect negotiations, and Iran also wants to discuss sanctions and frozen assets.
US President Donald Trump stated he expects the conflict with Iran to be resolved very soon, claiming Iran is eager for a deal and tired of the situation. He cited Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons as the reason for US involvement and vowed to prevent them from acquiring such capabilities.
Iranian authorities granted human rights activist Narges Mohammadi bail amid growing concern over her poor health in prison.
Iranian authorities granted human rights activist Narges Mohammadi bail amid growing concern over her poor health in prison.
According to the report, vessels intending to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, "after notifying the Iranian authorities, must receive an electronic message from them, containing information about the rules of movement through the strait"
Twenty-two crew members of the Iranian cargo ship MV Touska, seized by the US in the Gulf of Oman, have arrived in Pakistan for repatriation to Iran. The vessel itself is also being returned to its owners following coordination between US and Iranian authorities.
Fraudulent actors posing as Iranian authorities have sent messages to shipping companies whose vessels are stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, demanding payment in Bitcoin or USDT for safe passage. Maritime risk company Marisks issued a warning that these messages are a scam and do not originate from Iranian authorities. The alerts come as the strategic waterway remains largely closed following the Middle East conflict escalation, with the strait previously handling around one-fifth of global oil and LNG exports.
MARISKS, a Greek maritime risk management firm, has warned shipping companies that fraudsters are sending messages to vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz claiming to offer safe passage through the blocked waterway in exchange for Bitcoin or Tether payments. The scammers impersonate Iranian authorities, promising 'clearance fees' for transit. At least one vessel attempting to exit on April 18 was fired upon after likely believing it had pre-cleared passage by paying the fake fee. Approximately 20,000 seafarers and hundreds of ships are trapped on both sides of the strait, which handles 20% of global oil and gas.
