Oil rises, Gulf stocks slide after Iran ship seizure throws truce into doubt In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, US President Trump said the US Navy fired at and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.

NEW: Oil rises, Gulf stocks slide after Iran ship seizure throws truce into doubt

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, US President Trump said the US Navy fired at and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Lebanon-Israel negotiations to continue even as Iran talks stall Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also said that Lebanon will lead the negotiations and that no other party will take part, emphasizing that this track is separate from any other talks.

NEW: Lebanon-Israel negotiations to continue even as Iran talks stall

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also said that Lebanon will lead the negotiations and that no other party will take part, emphasizing that this track is separate from any other talks. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

More than 20 vessels pass Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Kpler data shows SINGAPORE, April 20 (Reuters) - More than 20 vessels passed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, data from shipping analytics firm Kpler showed, the highest number of ships crossing the waterway since…

More than 20 vessels pass Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Kpler data shows
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Iran's president stresses importance of diplomacy while noting distrust of U.S DUBAI, April 20 (Reuters) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that every rational and diplomatic path should be used to reduce tensions with the U.S., but added that vigilance and…

Iran's president stresses importance of diplomacy while noting distrust of US
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

World weighs fate of Mideast ceasefire after US seizes Iranian cargo ship By Daphne Psaledakis and Hatem MaherWASHINGTON/CAIRO, April 20 (Reuters) - Concerns grew on Monday that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran might not hold after the U.S. said it had…

World weighs fate of Mideast ceasefire after US seizes Iranian cargo ship
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

UAE official says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable' Abdulla Balalaa, UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability, spoke to Al-Monitor about the situation in the Gulf along with the UAE's focus on promoting privatization in the...

INTERVIEW: UAE official Abdulla Balalaa says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable' www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Pakistan prime minister speaks with Iran's president April 19 (Reuters) - Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that he spoke with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian about the conflict in the Gulf.During the talk, Sharif shared…

Pakistan prime minister speaks with Iran's president www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran talks Security in Pakistan's capital Islamabad was stepped up visibly on Sunday ahead of peace talks between the United States and Iran in the coming days.President Donald Trump said US negotiators will be…

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran talks www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

NEW: Pakistan’s quiet fighter jet deployment to Saudi Arabia signals Gulf anxiety

As US-Iran talks unfold, Islamabad balances mediation with a growing military role in the kingdom. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

NEW: As Lebanon-Israel talks loom, can Syria help in curbing Hezbollah?

In the post-Assad landscape, Damascus is seeking to reshape its role as a reluctant neighbor aiming to curb Hezbollah while steering clear of deeper entanglement. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

NEW: Italy’s TB3 drone deal signals turn toward Turkey amid US-NATO tensions

Italy’s expected TB3 drone purchase highlights a rapidly deepening, interest-driven alignment with Turkey on defense and geopolitics. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Trump, Iran cite progress in talks as uncertainty hangs over Strait By Trevor Hunnicutt, Ariba Shahid and Muhammad Al GebalyWASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, April 19 - Iran's top negotiator said recent talks with the U.S. had made progress but gaps remained over nuclear issues…

Trump, Iran cite progress in talks as uncertainty hangs over Strait
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Displaced Lebanese hesitant to return home as lasting truce uncertain After the ceasefire in Lebanon took hold, Samah Hajoul headed back to her apartment in south Beirut -- but only long enough to grab fresh clothes, feeling safer in her tent as she wonders whether the…

Displaced Lebanese hesitant to return home as lasting truce uncertain
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Pope Leo downplays feud with Trump, says 'not in my interest' to debate him ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT, April 18 (Reuters) - Pope Leo sought to downplay his feud with U.S. President Donald Trumpon Saturday, saying reporting about comments he has made so far during his Africa…

Pope Leo downplays feud with Trump, says 'not in my interest' to debate him
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Trade ships hit in Hormuz as Iran recloses strait Commercial ships came under fire and threats from Iran's military as they tried to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, security monitors said, as Iran closed the crucial trade route again…

🚨 Trade ships hit in Hormuz as Iran recloses strait
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

France blames Hezbollah for French peacekeeper's death in Lebanon A French soldier was killed and three others wounded in an attack Saturday on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that appeared to have been carried out by Hezbollah, French President Emmanuel Macron said, an…

France blames Hezbollah for French peacekeeper's death in Lebanon www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Macron: French soldier was killed in Lebanon PARIS, April 18 (Reuters) - A French soldier who was part of international Forces stationed in southern Lebanon was killed, President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday, adding that evidence suggests…

🚨Macron: French soldier was killed in Lebanon www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

NEW: UAE official says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable'
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

NEW: What is Iran really willing to concede on its nuclear program?

Iran’s current posture accepts short-term, reversible constraints while rejecting long-term limits on enrichment. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

NEW: Who are Lebanon’s main players influencing talks with Israel?

Amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, focus is now on the main political players in Lebanon and their role in shaping or derailing any deal. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

UNICEF says Israeli fire kills two Gaza water truck drivers April 17 (Reuters) - The United Nations children's agency UNICEF said on Friday it was "outraged" after two truck drivers it contracted to deliver clean water to families in the Gaza Strip were…

UNICEF says Israeli fire kills two Gaza water truck drivers www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Significant differences remain between Iran-US, including on nuclear issues, senior Iranian official says DUBAI, April 17 (Reuters) - Significant differences between Iran and the United States remain to reach a deal aimed at ending the war, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Friday, adding that…

Significant differences remain between Iran-US, including on nuclear issues, senior Iranian official says www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Turkey eyes gains as US exits Syria US troops leave Syria with little fanfare as Turkey faces a more complex neighborhood.

NEW: Turkey eyes gains as US exits Syria

US troops leave Syria with little fanfare as Turkey faces a more complex neighborhood, Amberin Zaman writes in this week's Turkey newsletter. www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...

NEW podcast: Is the Gulf relieved or cautious as Trump and Iran declare Strait of Hormuz “fully open”?

Host Adam Lucente spoke with Jack Dutton and Francesco Schiavi about how the Gulf views Iran and the US declaring the Strait of Hormuz open.
www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/gul...

'The reach is global': Pentagon vows pursuit of ships tied to Iran trade A top admiral said the US Navy will pursue any vessels "providing material support to Iran" anywhere in the world.

NEW: 'The reach is global': Pentagon vows pursuit of ships tied to Iran trade

A top admiral said the US Navy will pursue any vessels "providing material support to Iran" anywhere in the world. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Sharaa distances Syria from Iran war, says Israel talks ongoing: What to know Negotiations with Israel "have not reached a dead end, but they are progressing with great difficulty” Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

NEW: Sharaa seeks distance from Iran war, says Israel talks ongoing but 'difficult': What to know

Negotiations with Israel "have not reached a dead end, but they are progressing with great difficulty,” Syria's Sharaa said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

How long can Iran's economy weather US naval blockade? Analysts believe the blockade will choke exports for essential items coming into Iran, like food and medicines.

NEW: How long can Iran's economy weather US naval blockade?

Analysts believe the blockade will choke exports for essential items coming into Iran, like food and medicines. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Aoun says Lebanon seeks 'permanent agreements' with Israel after White House invite Aoun says Lebanon is entering a “new stage” of negotiations with Israel focused on “permanent agreements,” following a US-brokered ceasefire and a White House invitation extended to both him and…

🚨 BREAKING: Aoun says Lebanon seeks 'permanent agreements' with Israel after White House invite

Aoun says Lebanon is entering a “new stage” of negotiations with Israel focused on “permanent agreements."
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Mine threat in parts of Hormuz not fully understood, US navy advisory says LONDON, April 17 (Reuters) - The threat posed by mines in parts of the Strait of Hormuz is not fully understood and avoidance of the area by ships should be considered, a U.S. navy advisory said on…

Mine threat in parts of Hormuz not fully understood, US navy advisory says
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

Why Netanyahu caved to Trump on Lebanon and what it means for Israel Israelis express anger that the prime minister's maneuvering to stay out of jail has allowed the US to once again "hijack" foreign policy and national security decision-making.

NEW: Why Netanyahu caved to Trump on Lebanon and what it means for Israel

Israelis express anger that the prime minister's maneuvering to stay out of jail has allowed the US to once again "hijack" foreign policy and national security decision-making. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...