Day 44 of Middle East War: US Military Blockades Iranian Port, Oil Prices Surpass $100 - Latest Developments at a Glance
On the 44th day of the Middle East war, the U.S. military blockaded an Iranian port, causing oil prices to surge past $100 per barrel. Iran issued a warning as the international community watches the escalating tensions. This is a critical development raising concerns about regional instability and its impact on the global economy.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 12:46
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 12:51 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 13, 2026 at 13:01 (9 min after Collected)
Key News of the US-Iran War
Central Message
(CNA Paris, 12th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) On the 44th day of the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, the US military announced it will blockade Iran's Gulf ports. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that any wrong move by the enemy would lead them into a "fatal vortex." Following the failure of peace talks and the announcement of the blockade, international oil prices soared.
Here is a summary of the latest situation in the Middle East war compiled by AFP and other foreign media.
● US-Israeli Movements
On the US side, the US Central Command announced that it will blockade all Iranian Gulf ports starting from 14:00 GMT on the 13th, effectively controlling maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade will apply to all vessels of all nations entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas but will not affect freedom of navigation for non-Iranian ports.
This statement from the US Central Command further clarifies President Trump's earlier news about an indiscriminate blockade on "all ships."
Trump stated earlier on social media that he had ordered the US Navy to intercept ships paying transit fees to Iran in international waters, emphasizing that any ship paying illegal transit fees will not have safe passage.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while inspecting troops that entered southern Lebanon, stated that the Israeli army has eliminated the threat of invasion by Hezbollah militants. According to a video released by the Prime Minister's Office, he stressed that the war is still ongoing, including within the "security zone" inside Lebanon.
● Iranian Movements
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated after peace talks with the US in Pakistan that Iran will not yield to Trump's threat to blockade the strait. He emphasized that if the US provokes, Iran will respond with force, but if they engage in rational dialogue, Iran will also respond rationally.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards stated that Iranian security forces have full control of the Strait of Hormuz, warning enemies that any wrong move will lead them into a "fatal vortex." Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani called Trump's threat "ridiculous" and said the military is monitoring US military movements.
● Oil Prices, Stocks, and Currency Dynamics
After Trump ordered the blockade of Iranian ports, the US crude benchmark rebounded past $100. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by about 8% to $104.50 per barrel, and Brent crude also rose by 7% to $102 per barrel.
● Other Countries and Organizations
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that he is trying to mediate the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the release of all prisoners. He also promised to rebuild destroyed villages and towns to ensure the safe return of the displaced.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that an Israeli tank hit a peacekeeping force vehicle twice in southern Lebanon. Israeli soldiers also blocked a road in Bayada, southern Lebanon, leading to a UNIFIL post.
Lebanese state media reported that Israel launched large-scale airstrikes in the country's south. The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that at least 5 people were killed, bringing the total death toll on that front to 2,055. Israel insists that the current Middle East ceasefire agreement does not apply to its military operations in Lebanon against the pro-Iranian organization Hezbollah. (Compiled by: Tsai Chia-min) 1150413
Central Message
(CNA Paris, 12th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) On the 44th day of the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, the US military announced it will blockade Iran's Gulf ports. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that any wrong move by the enemy would lead them into a "fatal vortex." Following the failure of peace talks and the announcement of the blockade, international oil prices soared.
Here is a summary of the latest situation in the Middle East war compiled by AFP and other foreign media.
● US-Israeli Movements
On the US side, the US Central Command announced that it will blockade all Iranian Gulf ports starting from 14:00 GMT on the 13th, effectively controlling maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade will apply to all vessels of all nations entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas but will not affect freedom of navigation for non-Iranian ports.
This statement from the US Central Command further clarifies President Trump's earlier news about an indiscriminate blockade on "all ships."
Trump stated earlier on social media that he had ordered the US Navy to intercept ships paying transit fees to Iran in international waters, emphasizing that any ship paying illegal transit fees will not have safe passage.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while inspecting troops that entered southern Lebanon, stated that the Israeli army has eliminated the threat of invasion by Hezbollah militants. According to a video released by the Prime Minister's Office, he stressed that the war is still ongoing, including within the "security zone" inside Lebanon.
● Iranian Movements
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated after peace talks with the US in Pakistan that Iran will not yield to Trump's threat to blockade the strait. He emphasized that if the US provokes, Iran will respond with force, but if they engage in rational dialogue, Iran will also respond rationally.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards stated that Iranian security forces have full control of the Strait of Hormuz, warning enemies that any wrong move will lead them into a "fatal vortex." Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani called Trump's threat "ridiculous" and said the military is monitoring US military movements.
● Oil Prices, Stocks, and Currency Dynamics
After Trump ordered the blockade of Iranian ports, the US crude benchmark rebounded past $100. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by about 8% to $104.50 per barrel, and Brent crude also rose by 7% to $102 per barrel.
● Other Countries and Organizations
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that he is trying to mediate the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the release of all prisoners. He also promised to rebuild destroyed villages and towns to ensure the safe return of the displaced.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that an Israeli tank hit a peacekeeping force vehicle twice in southern Lebanon. Israeli soldiers also blocked a road in Bayada, southern Lebanon, leading to a UNIFIL post.
Lebanese state media reported that Israel launched large-scale airstrikes in the country's south. The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that at least 5 people were killed, bringing the total death toll on that front to 2,055. Israel insists that the current Middle East ceasefire agreement does not apply to its military operations in Lebanon against the pro-Iranian organization Hezbollah. (Compiled by: Tsai Chia-min) 1150413