Pentagon chief Hegseth warns Iran blockade to last ‘as long as takes’
US urges resolution through talks, but says Washington ‘locked and loaded’ to resume attacks.

US urges resolution through talks, but says Washington ‘locked and loaded’ to resume attacks.





![A Havana local smokes a cigar on the Malecón - the city’s waterfront area. Both domestically and abroad, Cuban cigars are becoming an increasingly rare luxury. [Euan Wallace/ Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC02741-1775944580.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)



In a Fox Business interview, Trump says he will fire Powell if he does not vacate his board seat when his term ends.
Iran wants the US to release its frozen assets as part of talks. The money could help it rebuild its battered economy.
US President Donald Trump has signalled a possible second round of talks with Iran in the coming days.
US Central Command say more than 10,000 armed forces members, as well as warships and planes, are involved in blockade.
Roelf Meyer will replace the South African ambassador who was expelled from the US by President Donald Trump in 2025.
The killings mark the fourth US deadly strike in the past four days on vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Venezuelan president says limited sanctions relief has not been enough to stabilise the country’s turbulent economy.
The Trump administration had faced a contempt probe over its decision to proceed with two deportation flights in 2025.

With the US military blockade of Iranian ports now in force, global energy markets are already reacting.
The Athletic reports FIFA chief Gianni Infantino is receptive to a proposal to ask Trump for a moratorium on ICE raids.