Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United States said on Wednesday its military had completely halted trade going in and out of Iran by sea, even though President Donald Trump said talks with Tehran on ending the war could resume this week.
The U.S.-sanctioned tanker Rich Starry made its way back to the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after exiting the Gulf the day before, shipping data showed, failing to break through a U.S. blockade on vessels calling at Iranian ports.
Iran's ports were blocked by the U.S. military on Monday (13 April), President Donald Trump confirmed. Tehran has threatened to retaliate against its Gulf neighbours' ports and a U.S. official said there was continued engagement with Iran, and forward motion on trying to get to an agreement.
The Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, said that the U.S. hegemonic approach has been the main obstacle to reaching a fair agreement, his office announced on Monday.
The U.S. military said it will begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday after weekend talks failed to reach a deal to end the war with Iran at the weekend in Pakistan, jeopardizing a fragile two-week ceasefire.
Oil tankers are steering clear of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a U.S. blockade later on Monday following failed peace talks between the U.S. and Iran over the weekend, shipping data showed.
A fragile two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran showed further strain on Friday, a day before they are to negotiate in Pakistan, as Washington accused Tehran of breaching promises on the Strait of Hormuz and Israel struck Lebanon with attacks that Iran has claimed violate the ceasefire.
Oil and gas tankers remained stranded in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday (8 April), as shipping firms sought clarity on vessel passage despite a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
Oil prices fell in choppy trading on Monday as investors awaited clarity on talks between the U.S. and Iran and remained cautious about sustained supply losses caused by shipping disruptions.
Bahrain has put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise countries to use "all necessary means" - diplomatic language for force - to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text seen by Reuters on Monday.
Fifteen Turkish-owned vessels remain stranded in the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, Türkiye’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said on Wednesday.
Several marine insurers said they are cancelling war risk cover for ships due to the conflict in Iran and the Gulf. Insurers including Gard, Skuld, NorthStandard, the London P&I Club and the American Club said their cancellations will take effect from 5 March.
Türkiye raised its security level for Turkish-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to Level 3 on Sunday (2 March). The development follows Iranian restrictions on shipping after U.S. and Israeli strikes and confirmation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death.
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the recent attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, calling the actions "unacceptable" and issuing a stern warning to all involved parties.
Norway has listed two Russian fishing companies, Norebo JSC and Murman Seafood, in line with European Union sanctions adopted on 20th May. The Norwegian government stated that the decision supports the country’s broader security policy objectives.
World shipping nations have agreed to introduce the industry’s first emissions tax to curb greenhouse gas output.
Shipping firms may soon face fees to navigate the Baltic Sea, a vital shipping route, to fund the protection of undersea cables. This follows a series of suspected sabotage incidents, with NATO deploying forces to safeguard the region’s infrastructure.
A Chinese container ship has completed its first non-stop voyage to Germany marking the launch of a "China-Europe express" shipping route.
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