French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom (UK) will jointly lead a multinational initiative aimed at restoring free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainties over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the United States (US) and Iran, news agency ANI reported. In a post on X, Macron said the move is part of broader diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions in the Middle East and ensure long-term regional stability. He emphasised that the mission would be "strictly defensive" and separate from any parties involved in ongoing hostilities. Macron stated that France and the UK will convene a conference in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a "peaceful multinational mission" to safeguard maritime traffic through the vital chokepoint, which is crucial for global energy shipments. "Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we will organise with the United Kingdom, in the coming days, a conference with countries ready to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This strictly defensive mission, distinct from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows," Macron said in his post. He also linked the initiative to wider regional concerns, including Iran's nuclear and ballistic activities and what he described as destabilising actions in the region, despite a two-week ceasefire in place between the US-Israel coalition forces and Iran after over a month of conflict in the region. The French President further said the effort is part of a broader push for diplomatic resolution of conflicts in West Asia, including restoring stability in Lebanon while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. West Asia conflict: 'Solid and lasting resolution in Middle East must be achieved through diplomacy' "No effort must be spared to swiftly achieve a solid and lasting resolution to the conflict in the Middle East through diplomatic means. A resolution that would enable the region to be endowed with a robust framework allowing each party to live in peace and security. To achieve this, all substantive issues must be addressed with lasting solutions, whether concerning Iran's nuclear and ballistic activities or its destabilising actions in the region, but also to enable the resumption, as quickly as possible, of free and unhindered navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to ensure that Lebanon returns to the path of peace in full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity," the post added. Macron reiterated that France is ready to play a "full part" in the initiative, adding that the mission would be deployed once conditions allow. This remark by the French President comes amid escalating geopolitical friction after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) is set to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports. According to CENTCOM, the measures are being implemented under a directive from US President Donald Trump and will apply uniformly to vessels of all nationalities operating in and out of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM clarified that while the measures target port activity associated with Iran, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels transiting between non-Iranian ports would remain unaffected. In response, Iranian authorities strongly criticised the US move, warning that maritime security across the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman would be jeopardised if Iran's security interests were threatened. A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, quoted by state media IRIB, said that Tehran considers safeguarding national sovereignty in its territorial waters a "natural and legal duty", adding that maritime security must be ensured collectively by all regional actors. Iran also reiterated that it would continue to enforce control over access through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted passage, while others would be allowed transit under regulations set by Iranian authorities. (With ANI inputs)
13 April,2026 04:35 PM IST | Paris | mid-day online correspondentChina on Sunday called for unobstructed navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as US President Donald Trump threatened of a total blockade. "Safeguarding the security, stability, and unimpeded passage in the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday, as reported by Xinhua. When asked about Trump's tariff threats if China is found supplying arms aid to Iran, Guo said that tariffs have no winners. "China's position is very clear: tariff wars have no winners," he said, as cited by Global Times. The threats come at a critical time as Trump is anticipated to visit Beijing in mid-May for a high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping. The diplomatic mission was initially planned for early April, but was delayed by the US President, who stated at the time that his presence was required in Washington "to oversee the Iran war." Earlier on April 8, the Chinese government reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability following acknowledgements of its role in facilitating diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East, as reported by China Daily. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Beijing remains dedicated to fostering a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions in the region. The spokesperson's comments came as a direct response to international developments involving the United States and Iran. According to the report, Mao Ning addressed the media after US President Donald Trump credited Beijing with influencing the diplomatic shift, specifically noting that "China had helped bring Iran to the negotiating table." Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit China to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. #Announcement🇷🇺🇨🇳 On April 14-15, FM Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to China & hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.They are expected to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, along with pressing international & regional matters.#RussiaChina pic.twitter.com/ZfYLGmkEe1 — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) April 13, 2026 In a post on X, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, "On April 14-15, FM Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to China & hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They are expected to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, along with pressing international & regional matters." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 03:20 PM IST | Beijing (China) | ANIIran has criticised reported plans by the United States to impose a blockade on its ports, warning that such a move could destabilise maritime security across the region, reported the ANI. Officials said that if Iran’s port security is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf region would remain safe. According to Iranian state media, the armed forces stated that security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be maintained collectively. They stressed that defending Iran’s sovereignty in its territorial waters is both a “natural and legal duty”, adding that any threat to its ports would have wider consequences for all countries in the region. Legal rights According to the Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be upheld collectively, adding that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic consider safeguarding the country's rights and sovereignty in its territorial waters a "natural and legal duty", according to the ANI. "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consider defending the legal rights of our country a natural and legal duty, and accordingly, exercising the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the territorial waters of our country is the natural right of the Iranian nation," the statement read, as quoted by IRIB, the news agency reported. Strait of Hormuz in focus Iran reiterated that it would continue to control access through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. It warned that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be allowed passage, while others could transit under Iranian regulations. The country also indicated plans to establish a long-term mechanism to maintain control over the waterway, as per the ANI. Iran described the proposed blockade as illegal and likened restrictions on ship movement in international waters to “piracy”. The warning follows an announcement by the United States Central Command that it would begin enforcing restrictions on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports. The proposed blockade According to CENTCOM, the blockade would apply to vessels of all nations operating in and out of Iranian ports in the Gulf region. However, it clarified that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for ships travelling to non-Iranian ports would not be affected. Mariners have been advised to follow official updates and maintain communication with US naval forces, the news agency reported. (with ANI inputs)
13 April,2026 03:12 PM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentThe Iran Embassy in Ghana on Monday criticised US President Donald Trump for calling Pope Leo XIV "weak"" after he prayed for peace. In a post on X, the embassy mentioned that Trump paid hush money to a porn star while his wife was pregnant and got convicted for it. "The Pope prayed for peace. Trump tonight called him 'WEAK' and said: 'I don't want a Pope who criticises me!'. Let the record show who this man is: He went to Epstein's island consistently FOR YEARS! He paid hush money to a porn star while his wife was pregnant and got convicted for it. 34 felonies. His missile hit a school full of innocent children in Minab. 168 dead," the Iran Embassy in Ghana posted on X. The Pope prayed for peace. Trump tonight called him "WEAK" and said: "I don't want a Pope who criticizes me!".Let the record show who this man is:He went to Epstein's island consistently FOR YEARS! He paid hush money to a porn star while his wife was pregnant — and got… — Iran in Ghana (@IRAN_GHANA) April 13, 2026 "Six months ago, he said with his own mouth: "I'M NOT HEAVEN-BOUND" (the only honest sentence he's ever said). The Pope lit a candle for your DARK soul. But there are 168 little girls at heaven's gate who got there before you. BECAUSE OF YOU! They'll be the jury. And they remember your name. THE HELL AWAITS YOU, DON," it added. The embassy's statement came after Trump launched a sharp attack on Pope Leo XIV in a lengthy social media post, accusing the pontiff of being “weak on crime” and criticising his stance on foreign policy, Iran, and US domestic issues. “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, setting off a fresh escalation in tensions between the White House and the Vatican. “He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church… had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding Church Services,” Trump wrote. The President also targeted the Pope’s position on Iran, asserting disagreement with what he characterised as leniency. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” he said. Trump further defended US actions abroad, including Venezuela, linking them to concerns over drugs and crime entering the United States. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States,” he wrote, adding that the country was “emptying their prisons… into our Country.” The post also turned personal, with Trump comparing the Pope unfavourably to his brother. “I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!” he said. Trump went on to defend his own presidency, citing electoral victory, crime reduction, and economic performance. “I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History,” he wrote. In a striking claim, Trump suggested the Pope’s election was linked to his own presidency.“ Leo should be thankful because… he was a shocking surprise… If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he said. He also criticised the Pope’s interactions with political figures, singling out former adviser David Axelrod. “Leo should get his act together as Pope… stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician,” Trump added. Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has in recent weeks spoken out against war and called for restraint and dialogue in global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 01:59 PM IST | Accra | IANSUS President Donald Trump said that the rescued airmen from Iran are in a good shape. He said, "They are in very good shape, and we're very proud of them." Trump had said on April 5 that the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations. He said, "WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Office Members, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is SAFE and SOUND!" 🚨“WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Office Members, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I… pic.twitter.com/FNPWV6MPvA — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 5, 2026 The two crew members of the F-15E Strike Eagle, the first lost to enemy fire in the monthlong war, had both ejected from the cockpit on April 3 after Iran's military struck their plane. The jet's pilot was quickly rescued, but its weapons systems officer could not be found, setting off an urgent search with major consequences for Mr. Trump and the war that the United States and Israel launched on February 28, as per New York Times. Trump on April 6 said US authorities are actively searching for a suspected "leaker" who disclosed sensitive information about a second stranded American airman in Iran, warning of legal action against the media outlet involved. Speaking at the White House briefing, Trump said the leak had complicated an ongoing rescue effort. According to him, Iranian authorities were previously unaware of the second pilot's situation. Trump stated that US officials are attempting to identify the source of the disclosure. "We're looking very hard to find that leaker," he said. He further warned that the administration may take legal steps to compel cooperation from the media organisation that published the report. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 01:15 PM IST | Washington DC [US] | ANIHezbollah's Islamic Resistance claimed responsibility for carrying out 43 military operations against Israeli positions and troop concentrations on Sunday, saying the strikes were in response to alleged ceasefire violations and continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon, Iranian State Media Press TV reported. According to Press TV, citing a statement from the militant group, the operations targeted Israeli military sites along the border as well as deeper inside occupied territories, including the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and northern Israel. The attacks included a drone strike on a communications facility at the Al-Alika barracks in the Golan Heights, which it said resulted in a "direct hit". The group also claimed a drone strike on an Israeli Merkava tank near a hospital in Mays al-Jabal in Lebanon. The group further said it launched coordinated drone attacks on Israeli troop gatherings in areas including Al-Bayyada, Yaroun, and Kfar Yuval, along with rocket fire targeting Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya, and the headquarters of Israel's 146th Division, as reported by Press TV. Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for shelling newly established Israeli positions in southern Lebanon and striking additional military sites, including surveillance and command facilities such as the Meron air surveillance base and the Filon base near Rosh Pina. The group said the operations continued from Sunday morning into late night, targeting troop movements and military gatherings in multiple border towns, including Khiam, Bint Jbeil, Taybeh, and Aita al-Shaab, Press TV reported. Hezbollah described the attacks as part of its "duty to defend Lebanon and its people", alleging repeated Israeli violations of ceasefire arrangements. It warned that its operations would continue if what it called Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon persists. "The Islamic Resistance is committed to defending its land and people," the statement said, as quoted by Press TV, adding that the strikes aim to counter what it described as Israel's continued military escalation. According to Al Jazeera, since the beginning of the Israeli offensive on March 2, a total of 2,055 people have been reportedly killed in Lebanon, according to the country's Ministry of Health. The ministry further added that at least 6,588 others have been injured during the same period. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 01:06 PM IST | Beirut [Lebanon] | ANIChina has set up a new county in its volatile Xinjiang province near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border in an apparent move to beef up security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor to curb infiltration of Uyghur separatist militants. The county, named Cenling, is located near the Karakoram mountain range and close to the borders with PoK and Afghanistan, underscoring its strategic significance. It is the third new county established by China in Xinjiang Chinese autonomous region, a predominantly Muslim Uyghur region, in over a year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 April,2026 12:13 PM IST | Beijing | AgenciesThe US and Iran failed to reach a peace deal at their historic 21-hour talks in Pakistan, leaving the fate of a tenuous two-week ceasefire in doubt, with both sides attempting to hold each other responsible for the collapse of the negotiations. Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation at the negotiations in Islamabad, said the Iranian side did not accept Washington’s terms for ending the war even as the US presented its “final and best offer”. He indicated that Tehran’s reluctance to abandon its nuclear programme was one of the key sticking points. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of the Iranian team, said it is for the US to decide whether it can “earn our trust or not”. The Iranian foreign ministry said the US side resorted to “excessive” and “illegal demands”. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 April,2026 11:57 AM IST | Islamabad | AgenciesIsrael's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (local time) visited southern Lebanon alongside senior military and defence leadership, asserting that the war is far from over and stating that Israel's enemies are now "fighting for survival." According to the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu was accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Head of Northern Command Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo during the visit. Following the visit, the Prime Minister went to an IDF outpost near the border, where Galilee Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Yuval Gez briefed him on the division's operations. The release stated that during the visit, Netanyahu said, "The war continues. Our enemies are now fighting for survival." "I am here with the Defense Minister, the Chief-of-Staff, the Head of Northern Command, the Division Commander, and our reserve soldiers. There is a magnificent spirit here and a readiness to fight, and they are fighting well. The war continues, including inside the security zone in Lebanon, where I was just a short while ago," Netanyahu added. Highlighting strategic objectives, Netanyahu stated that Israel has successfully prevented a potential cross-border invasion from Lebanon through the establishment of a security zone. "What we are seeing is that we have thwarted the threat of an invasion from Lebanon thanks to this security zone. We are pushing away the danger of anti-tank fire and addressing the high-trajectory rockets, but there is still work to be done. We have done enormous work, achieved tremendous accomplishments, and there is more to do, and we are doing it," he said. Netanyahu further stated, "One of the things we see here is that we have essentially changed the face of the Middle East. Our enemies - Iran and the Axis of Evil - came to destroy us, and now they are fighting simply for their own survival. We see this in every single arena. This is a massive achievement for the State of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces, our regular troops and our wonderful reservists. The people of Israel salute you." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 11:20 AM IST | Tel Aviv [Israel] | ANIExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday shared glimpses of his engagements with the top leadership of the United Arab Emirates, underlining the strength of bilateral ties between the two nations. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Sharing some moments of my call on President HH Mohamed Bin Zayed of the UAE and meeting with HH Hamdan Mohammed." Sharing some moments of my call on President HH @MohamedBinZayed of UAE and meeting with HH @HamdanMohammed. pic.twitter.com/2VDoxXK8sA — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 12, 2026 Echoing this, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi also shared moments from the meetings, highlighting the Minister's engagements with the UAE leadership during his visit. لحظات من لقاء وزير الشؤون الخارجية @DrSJaishankar مع صاحب السمو الشيخ @MohamedBinZayed رئيس دولة الإمارات ولقائه مع سمو الشيخ @HamdanMohammed. https://t.co/VUE82MalJV — India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) April 12, 2026 "Moments from the meeting of the Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates, and his meeting with His Highness Sheikh HamdanMohammed," he said. Jaishankar also pointed out the robustness of the India-UAE strategic partnership, noting that the ongoing dialogue between the two nations remains strong and transparent despite a complex regional environment. The Minister highlighted that his visit occurred at a vital time, facilitating a thorough review of various bilateral initiatives spanning energy and trade. Jaishankar is currently in Abu Dhabi, marking the final stage of his four-day, two-nation diplomatic mission to Mauritius and the UAE, spanning April 9 to 12. Following his participation in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, EAM arrived in the UAE on Saturday, April 11. Speaking on the primary focus of his high-level discussions, the External Affairs Minister told ANI, "I arrived in the UAE yesterday. So this morning, I met with Sheikh Mohammed, the President of the UAE. I brought with me a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and our conversation focused on our strategic relationship and its various initiatives, such as energy, economic trade, and the energy and trade relationship. The UAE is a major partner for us, so we discussed that." Beyond the core economic pillars, the deliberations addressed the broader geopolitical challenges currently impacting the Gulf region. "We've had a very intense conflict in this region. Obviously, India has very major stakes and a big interest in the stability and security of this region. I'm very pleased to have an opportunity to come here, sit down directly, express our interests, and, incidentally, also share the feedback of the Indian community," Jaishankar observed. The welfare of the Indian diaspora remained a central priority throughout the diplomatic exchange, particularly following the recent regional hostilities. The minister stated, "I conveyed to him Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message and our appreciation for the manner in which the Indian community in the UAE was looked after during this very difficult period. Now, while the Indian community was first and foremost in our concern and therefore in my discussions as well, obviously, we discussed other aspects of our relationship." Jaishankar further explained that he acted as a bridge between the expatriate community and the UAE leadership to ensure their voices were heard at the highest levels. "As soon as I arrived yesterday, I met with representatives of the community. I shared their experiences and feelings with the President of the UAE. He also wanted me to share the feedback I received. I did that as well," he said, noting that "the community was very appreciative of the manner in which they were looked after." The diplomatic outreach extended to other key members of the leadership to reinforce the collective gratitude of the Indian government. "Today, when I called on the President, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, he was there, so I took the opportunity to also convey to him the gratitude of the Indian community, their sentiments, and their feedback as well," Jaishankar noted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 11:12 AM IST | Dubai | ANIIn a significant escalation of regional tensions, the United States military has announced that it will enforce a maritime blockade on Iran beginning April 13, acting on directives issued by US President Donald Trump. According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the measure will apply uniformly to ships of all nationalities operating in and around Iranian ports and coastal regions. In a post on X, CENTCOM wrote, "Will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the President's proclamation." It further added that the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. "The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," CENTCOM added. The US Central Command said additional operational details would be shared with commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to implementation. "All mariners have been advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and maintain communication with US naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 while operating in the Gulf of Oman and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz," it added. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared a report suggesting that maritime pressure could be a viable strategic option following recent diplomatic stalemates in Pakistan. The report cited national security experts who noted that the US Navy could "out-blockade" Iran, pointing to the presence of the USS Gerald Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf as assets capable of exerting complete control over the waterway. https://t.co/YAFhMBm7hA — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 12, 2026 In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning to Western forces following the recent US naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The elite military wing cautioned that any aggression would be met with overwhelming force in the maritime corridor. The Revolutionary Guards warned that "any miscalculated move will trap the enemy in the deadly whirlpools in the Strait." This statement comes as a direct response to the heightened American military presence ordered by President Donald Trump along the vital global shipping route. Asserting their dominance over the waterway, the Guards' naval command confirmed through a post on X that Iranian security forces had the Strait of Hormuz "under full control." This defiance follows a major policy shift from Washington, where President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the American Navy will henceforth block all maritime traffic entering the Strait.
13 April,2026 08:41 AM IST | Washington | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1776073639089_d.png "Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. File Pic")
-1776068776271_d.png "Pope Leo XIV. PIC/AFP")
