Tensions rise as Iran shuts the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of ceasefire violations. Attacks on vessels near Oman heighten global security concerns.

New Delhi summoned Iran's envoy after two India-flagged vessels were attacked while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, April 19 - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday his envoys would return to Pakistan for new talks with Iran, while threatening new attacks on Iran's bridges and power plants unless it accepts his terms. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Ghalibaf says ‘big distance’ remains and sides are 'far' from final discussions; confusion remains over vital waterway; Trump heaps praise on Israel as 'great ally' of US

Iran's powerful parliament speaker said there has been "progress" in talks with Washington but that "fundamental" differences remain, while US President Donald Trump rejected what he called "blackmail" by Tehran after it again closed the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran said it has opened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping traffic for the reamiiner of a 10-day cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon, and US President Donald Trump again suggested that Washington and Tehran could reach a deal to end the US-Israeli war with Iran in the near future.