On 15 April, Iran's IRGC threatened to forcibly halt exports through the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Red Sea if the U.S. blockade continues. This threat comes after two days of a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. U.S. CENTCOM said on 14 April that no ships had breached the blockade and that six vessels had so far complied with direction to return to Iranian ports; however, there are conflicting accounts regarding tanker traffic. During the early morning hours of 15 April, Iran's Fars news agency claimed that an Iranian VLCC tanker on the U.S. sanctions list was able to enter the Strait of Hormuz from open water and dock at an Iranian port.
Despite the ongoing blockade and Iranian threats, the ceasefire appears to be holding. There have been no attacks on Gulf states since the initial violations reported in the hours after the ceasefire was announced. Airspace has largely been reopened in the region, except for Kuwait, and multiple airlines are ending their war-related suspensions. The ceasefire is set to expire on 21 April.
Comments made by President Trump on 14 April to ABC News' Jonathan Karl indicate that the next two days will be critical with the U.S. either walking away from further conflict or reaching a deal with Iran. Trump said, "I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead," and that "...I think a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild. They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals. They’re gone, no longer with us." A second round of negotiations may take place this week in Pakistan, Egypt, or Turkey. Nuclear weapons remain the sticking point.
Situation Report
- 14 April: Bloomberg reports that the U.S. and Iran are seeking additional talks as the end of the two-week ceasefire draws closer.
- 14 April: Iran demands $300B from Gulf states due to U.S. air base usage to strike Iran.
- 14 April: Chinese foreign ministry denies supplying air defense systems to Iran and called the U.S. blockade “dangerous and irresponsible” and warned it would threaten the ceasefire.
- 14 April: The U.S. Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ended its "shelter-in-place" directive for staff.
- 13 April: China's Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun says Chinese ships will continue transiting the Strait of Hormuz through agreements with Iran and warns the U.S. not to "meddle in our affairs."
- 13 April: Pakistan announces daily two-hour power outages to offset energy costs.
Airspace Status
- Iran: airspace closed
- Kuwait: airspace effectively closed/heavily restricted
- Lebanon: airspace restricted
- Qatar: airspace restricted
- Syria: airspace restricted
- Bahrain: airspace open
- Cyprus: airspace open
- Egypt: airspace open
- Iraq: airspace open
- Israel: airspace open
- Jordan: airspace open
- Oman: airspace open
- Saudi Arabia: airspace open/reduced flights
- UAE: airspace open/reduced flights
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