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Tensions rise at the Strait of Hormuz as Iran closes maritime passage

On April 18, 2026, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing an ongoing naval blockade by the United States. Tehran warned that any vessels moving from their anchorages would be considered hostile and targeted, while dismissing recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump as invalid. In response to the escalating situation, President Trump convened an emergency meeting at the White House with senior officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss potential military and diplomatic responses. While Iran claims to have made progress in negotiations with the U.S., it maintains that a final agreement is still distant and rejects demands to surrender its enriched uranium. Conversely, President Trump stated that talks are progressing well, describing Iran's actions as a customary tactic of "playing games." Diplomatic mediation efforts involving Pakistani military leadership have also been reported amid fears of renewed hostilities.

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