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Apr 15, 2026

Trump Hints War on Iran Nearing End Amid US Hormuz Blockade and Fresh Diplomatic Talks

AI Summary
President Trump says the conflict with Iran is close to concluding while the US enforces a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Humanitarian aid reaches Iran, sanctions on its oil lapse, and rare US‑brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon take place in Washington. The IMF warns that further escalation could trigger a global recession, and US lawmakers prepare to curb presidential war powers.

President Donald Trump declared that the war with Iran is "very close to over," even as Washington maintains a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In Washington, D.C., Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors convened for uncommon direct talks, seeking a cease‑fire while Israel pressed for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Trump also hinted at a possible second round of negotiations with Tehran, suggesting talks could resume in Pakistan within days. The United States, however, is set to let a temporary sanctions waiver on stranded Iranian oil expire, tightening economic pressure on Tehran.

The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delivered its first shipment of medical supplies and humanitarian aid into Iran since hostilities began, offering a modest lifeline to civilians.

Inside Tehran, minor explosions caused limited damage and injuries, underscoring ongoing instability. Iran estimates its war‑related losses at $270 billion and plans to seek reparations.

On the diplomatic front, the United Nations' IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted that the duration of any uranium‑enrichment moratorium would be a political decision, reflecting the delicate balance of future negotiations.

In the United States, the Senate is poised to vote as early as Wednesday on a Democratic initiative to restrict the president’s war powers, signaling growing congressional scrutiny of the conflict.

Former defence official David Sedney warned that the Hormuz blockade is backfiring, increasing pressure on Washington as global trade routes are disrupted and domestic support wanes. Meanwhile, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper affirmed that the blockade of Iranian ports is fully operational and that U.S. forces retain maritime superiority in the region.

President Trump publicly rebuked Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for not joining U.S. actions against Iran, describing her stance as lacking courage.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that American forces will intercept Chinese tankers carrying Iranian oil through the Hormuz Strait, effectively cutting off Iran’s oil exports while allowing non‑Iranian cargo to pass.

Israel has proposed a long‑term troop presence extending up to 8 km into southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is dismantled, and continues air strikes aimed at encircling the strategic town of Bint Jbeil. Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman highlighted a growing divergence between U.S. and Israeli priorities, noting Israel’s heightened concern over Iran’s ballistic‑missile program.

In Lebanon, Israeli raids have resulted in multiple civilian casualties, with reports of villages being razed in a manner likened to Gaza. Hezbollah has rejected the ongoing Israel‑Lebanon talks, while public opinion remains split between hopes for peace and opposition to negotiations.

The International Monetary Fund warned that any further escalation could push the global economy toward recession. It cut its 2026 growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 1.1 % from 3.9 %, citing disruptions to Gulf oil and gas exports. On the markets, stock indices rose while oil prices slipped, reflecting renewed optimism for a diplomatic resolution and the reopening of the Hormuz Strait.