2026 Iran War: 2026-04-18

Irans Supreme National Security Council said it is reviewing new proposals from the United States conveyed by Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, who just completed a three-day visit to Iran. The council said in a statement carried by Tasnim that Iran is considering the proposals but has not yet responded. The Guardian reported that Munir served as a mediator for the US proposals. The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire April 22.

The US military is preparing to board Iran-linked vessels in coming days, according to the Wall Street Journal. Forces plan to board oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters. Over 10,000 US sailors, marines and aviators are in the region enforcing the port blockade. The US warned any ship violating the blockade will be boarded and seized. Meanwhile, Iran announced ships must pay transit tolls through Hormuz. An Iranian official told CNN that vessels paying fees will get priority passage, while non-paying ships will have passage "delayed." Irans Supreme National Security Council said full vessel data, transit permits and security fees will be required.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council released a statement describing 21-hour negotiations in Islamabad and accusing the US of raising excessive demands beyond Iran's 10-point plan. The council announced Iran will control Strait of Hormuz traffic with passage certificates and fees until the war ends, and considers the US naval blockade a ceasefire violation.

The International Energy Agency warned that Europe may face jet fuel shortages in approximately six weeks if it cannot replace at least half of its Middle Eastern imports. The crisis stems from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for jet fuel exports from the Gulf.

President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Iran got a little cute by trying to close the strait again and cannot blackmail the United States. He said the US is still talking to Iran and he will know by the end of the day whether the parties will move forward toward a deal.

Sources speaking to the Associated Press indicate that China is prepared to take delivery of highly enriched uranium from Iran. The development could present an alternative pathway for Iran's nuclear material if a transfer agreement is reached, though Iran's Foreign Ministry has publicly rejected any removal of enriched uranium from Iranian soil.

An informed Iranian source told Tasnim News Agency that Tehran has not yet agreed to participate in a second round of negotiations with the United States. The statement comes despite President Trump's optimistic claims about an imminent deal, highlighting the gap between public rhetoric and actual diplomatic progress.

Ongoing demands from the Iran conflict are causing delays in US weapons deliveries to European nations under the Foreign Military Sales program. Several countries in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions are expected to be most affected as stock levels remain strained.

The US Department of Defense is negotiating with major automakers Ford and General Motors to expand domestic production of military supplies. The initiative comes as ammunition stockpiles face strain from simultaneous conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, requiring expanded manufacturing capacity.

The International Energy Agency warns that Europe may face jet fuel shortages in approximately six weeks if it cannot replace at least half of its Middle Eastern imports. The crisis stems from the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for jet fuel exports from the Gulf region.

Russia has provided Iran with a detailed list of 55 critical energy infrastructure targets in Israel, including the Orot Rabin power station in Haifa, according to OSINTdefender. The intelligence sharing signals deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran amid the ongoing conflict.