Iran-US War Ceasefire Live Updates: US warns shipping firms they could face sanctions over paying Iranian tolls in Strait of Hormuz
Iran-US-Israel War Ceasefire News Live Updates: The high-stakes standoff in the Persian Gulf has entered a volatile new phase. Washington is now threatening global shipping companies with severe sanctions if they pay “protection fees” to Tehran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This move targets what US officials describe as an Iranian “tollbooth” operation, where ships are allegedly charged via digital assets or informal swaps to bypass the ongoing naval blockade.
While a fragile three-week ceasefire remains in place, the diplomatic path to a permanent end to the war remains obstructed. President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed Iran’s latest peace proposal—which suggests reopening the Strait while delaying nuclear negotiations—calling the Iranian leadership “disjointed” and “messed up.”
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Iran-US war ceasefire: Key developments today:
Sanctions warning: The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) alerted maritime firms that any payments to Iran—including “charitable donations” or embassy transfers—risk triggering sanctions, regardless of the payment method.
The “Nuclear Shelf” proposal: Tehran’s latest offer seeks to end the US blockade and reopen the Strait immediately, while pushing thorny nuclear discussions to a later date. President Trump, however, maintains he is “not satisfied” with the terms.
Executions in Iran: Tensions spiked further as Tehran announced the hanging of two men convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad, specifically regarding information on the Natanz nuclear facility.
Economic toll: With a fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade stalled, global fuel shortages are intensifying. China has urged both sides to resume “good faith negotiations,” while placing the blame for the turmoil on US and Israeli military actions.
Naval blockade: US Central Command reports that 45 commercial ships have been turned back since the American blockade began on April 13, aimed at starving the Iranian economy of oil revenue.
Live Updates