2026 Iran War: 2026-04-13

IRGC spokesperson Ibrahim Zolfaqari declared that Iran will implement a permanent mechanism to control the Strait of Hormuz, warning that if Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman are threatened, no port in the region will be safe. The statement came minutes before the US blockade took effect.

The Israeli military Chief of Staff has ordered the IDF to enter a heightened state of readiness for a potential resumption of hostilities with Iran following the collapse of US-Iran negotiations. A temporary two-week ceasefire, negotiated by Pakistan, remains in place.

President Trump claimed the Iranian Navy has been completely destroyed, stating 158 ships were sunk while IRGC speedboats were spared as they posed no threat. He warned that speedboats approaching the US naval blockade would be destroyed. Independent verification of these claims is not yet available.

President Trump reiterated that the Iranian Navy has been completely destroyed, claiming 158 vessels were sunk. He said IRGC speedboats were spared because they were not considered a significant threat, but warned they would be destroyed if they approach the US naval blockade. Iran's armed forces have called the restrictions in international waters an illegal act amounting to piracy.

The IDF Chief of Staff has ordered the military to enter a heightened state of readiness for a potential resumption of hostilities with Iran following the collapse of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad. The order includes implementing structured combat protocols for a possible military confrontation. Netanyahu confirmed that a temporary two-week ceasefire negotiated by Pakistan remains in effect.

The Israeli Defense Forces announced the completion of the encirclement of Bint Jbeil, a major Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel aims to establish a comprehensive security belt in southern Lebanon rather than holding a limited number of positions, in order to eliminate the threat of a Hezbollah invasion and push back missile launch capabilities.

The Comoros-registered tanker Elpis, partially loaded and sanctioned by the US since 2025 for participating in Iran's shadow oil fleet, successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the blockade took effect. Other vessels reacted more cautiously — the Botswana-flagged Ostria turned back 41 minutes after the deadline, while two empty tankers returned to wait outside the strait. The incident demonstrates that the blockade is not yet fully stopping all maritime traffic through one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints.

President Trump is reportedly considering limited military strikes against Iran to pressure Tehran into a nuclear deal, while simultaneously enforcing the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The approach aims to apply maximum pressure without escalating into a full-scale war, according to US officials.

A Hezbollah missile achieved a direct hit in the Israeli city of Nahariya, wounding one person, while two interceptions were reported over Kiryat Shmona. A large-scale drone attack was also launched against northern Israel amid heightened regional tensions following the collapse of Iran nuclear negotiations.

IRGC spokesperson Ibrahim Zolfaqari announced Iran will implement a permanent mechanism to control the Strait of Hormuz, stating that enemy-affiliated vessels will not be permitted to pass. He warned that security of ports in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman would be either for everyone or for no one, signaling potential escalation against Gulf states.

US crude oil prices rose 8% to over $100 a barrel after Iran labeled the American blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as piracy. The blockade is expected to significantly restrict Iranian oil shipments and worsen existing global supply disruptions.

The Israeli Defense Forces announced the completion of the encirclement of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon. The operation is part of Israel's broader campaign to establish a security belt aimed at eliminating the threat of Hezbollah incursions and pushing back missile launch positions.

Following the collapse of negotiations in Islamabad, President Trump stated the United States is ready to finish up Iran at what he called the appropriate moment. The remarks came after Vice President JD Vance briefed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on the failed talks, which collapsed over Iran’s refusal to cease fire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump stated the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will be total, with no passage allowed for any ship until Iran agrees to US demands. The statement escalates the enforcement posture beyond CENTCOM’s earlier announcement which had specified non-Iranian traffic would not be interfered with.

Australia announced it will not participate in the US-led naval blockade of Iran, stating it wishes to avoid destabilizing the region further. The UK made a similar announcement earlier the same day, leaving the US without two of its closest military allies in the enforcement of the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Iran declared that no port in the Persian Gulf or Gulf of Oman would be safe if Iranian ports come under threat following the US declaration of a naval blockade. The statement significantly raises the stakes, implying potential Iranian retaliation against shipping infrastructure across the entire Gulf region.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting that Vice President JD Vance briefed him on the Islamabad negotiations, stating the talks collapsed because Iran blatantly violated the agreement to cease fire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu said the US focus remains on removing all enriched material from Iran and ensuring no enrichment for years, possibly decades.

President Trump stated the United States is prepared to 'finish up' Iran at an 'appropriate moment' following the failure of negotiations in Islamabad. The remark came alongside his announcement of a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz.

Brigadier General Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the IRGC in Tehran Province, was seen riding a motorcycle during rallies, debunking Israeli claims of his assassination during the war. The appearance was documented in footage circulated on social media.

Diplomatic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad have ended without agreement. Pakistani and Iranian sources confirmed that the Iranian delegation has left Pakistan, while reports conflict on whether Witkoff and Kushner remained. Iran's chief negotiator blamed the US for the failure of the talks.