Iran released a Greek-flagged tanker on Saturday, two days after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy seized it in the Gulf, according to an IRGC official statement.
The tanker EPAMINONDAS was freed alongside the MSC FRANCESCA, though confusion arose because the IRGC statement came days after the capture. The releases come as ceasefire negotiations between Tehran and Washington show signs of progress.
President Trump said Thursday night that Iran plans to offer something in negotiations that will meet US demands. The statement suggests a potential breakthrough after weeks of stalled talks. Iranian state media, however, reported that Iranian officials do not plan to meet with US representatives in Pakistan, contradicting earlier signals.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were traveling to Islamabad to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the White House said. Iranian state media and journalists in Islamabad reported no meeting was scheduled, describing American reports as fabrications. Araqchi was in Pakistan for bilateral talks, not US negotiations.
Hormuz Mine-laying Continues
Iran IRGC navy has laid additional mines in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, according to US officials and sources with knowledge of the issue. The development comes as the US enforces a naval blockade on Iranian ports and tensions remain high over the critical oil shipping chokepoint.
At least 43 container ships from the 10 largest global shipping companies remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, Lloyds List reported. Major carriers CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd and MSC suspended services since the war began.
Iran Defense Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik stated that a significant portion of Iran’s missile capacity remains unused. He said Iran produces over 1,000 types of weapons on domestic production lines across 9,000 companies cooperating with the military.
Parliament speaker Ghalibaf warned investors to exit American assets while they still can, claiming hidden restrictions on institutional investors.
Regional Diplomacy
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Pakistani military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Islamabad. After meetings in Pakistan, Araqchi said he will travel to Oman and Russia for coordination with partners on bilateral issues and regional developments.
Iran resumed international commercial flights from Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport for the first time in about two months, with flights to Istanbul, Muscat and Medina, AP reported.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could participate in Hormuz demining operations after a potential peace deal, calling it a humanitarian obligation that Turkey views positively.
Emirates Airlines will resume commercial flights to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport starting Monday, April 27, according to aviation and news reports.
Context
The releases and diplomatic activity follow a period of intense military posturing. On April 24, Iranian state TV broadcast a target list of eight energy facilities across four Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oil refinery, as targets if the ceasefire collapses.
A third US aircraft carrier arrived near Iran on April 24, and US military officials developed plans to attack Iranian defensive capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz if the current ceasefire collapses, CNN reported.
The US Navy separately seized the Iranian cargo ship TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman after the crew refused inspection. US Marines took custody of the ship and its crew.
The ceasefire, extended by Trump, remains fragile as both sides position military assets while negotiators seek a diplomatic resolution.
This is a developing story. Check the live coverage page for real-time updates.
