Iran, US-Israel war LIVE updates: Iran rolls out new Strait of Hormuz rules, says ‘no surrender’ as Trump awaits Tehran response

Iran’s chief negotiator accused the US of preparing for a renewed war through covert actions, while Tehran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz by establishing a controlled maritime zone. The move follows a US proposal review and mediation efforts led by Pakistan, where Army Chief Asim Munir is visiting Tehran to narrow remaining gaps in negotiations. Iran’s state news agency ISNA reported that discussions focus on framework details, confidence-building measures, and ending US threats of military action. The US had previously considered a strike on Iran but delayed it after assessing the situation, according to President Donald Trump. He stated that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would follow US directives on Iran and warned that any agreement must include ‘100 percent good answers’ from Tehran. Trump also emphasized the US and Iran are ‘right on the borderline’ between peace and conflict, though he claimed to be ‘in no hurry’ for a deal. Diplomatic progress has eased market fears, leading to a 5% drop in oil prices, with Brent Crude falling to $105.02–$105.60 per barrel. Meanwhile, the US Marines boarded an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman over suspected violations of maritime rules. Iran’s demands include the release of frozen assets and easing of port restrictions, though tensions persist. In related developments, 20 Iranian sailors detained on a seized vessel were released and returned to Tehran after consultations involving Iran’s Foreign Minister and Pakistani and Singaporean counterparts. The escalation in regional tensions has also impacted neighboring Sri Lanka, where the tea sector faces strain due to rising energy costs and weakened export demand, with earnings dropping 17.3% in March. Elsewhere, violence in the occupied West Bank continues, with reports of Israeli raids, settler attacks, and property destruction disrupting daily life. Residents face heightened insecurity as clashes and arrests persist across multiple towns and villages.