US Blockade on Iran: Tensions Rise, Oil Prices Soar

Pentagon chief Pete Hague set says the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian

port stays in place, with threats of strikes on the country's power plants and

energy sites if no deal ends the war. The blockade started Monday, forcing 13

ships to turn back without any boarding so far. Pakistan's mediators are

pushing to extend the two-week ceasefire, set to expire April 22nd, after weekend

talks in Islamabad fell apart. No new U.S. Iran negotiations are schedule

yet, though both sides say they're open to more rounds. Oil prices climbed

over $1 to $96.00 a barrel as Middle East tensions drag on and ship traffic

through the strait of Hormuz is way. Down only 16 vessels, Tuesday versus the

usual 70 to 130. Experts warned prolonged blockades could spark global food

shortages. Hague set called out European and Asian allies for talking big but

not helping clear the strait, saying their support now would be welcome after U.S.

forces did the heavy lifting. Meanwhile, Pope Leo the 14th slammed leaders

manipulating religion for wargames amid his ongoing feud with President Trump.

U.S. forces are fully posture to restart fighting if needed, while Pakistan's

top army chief visited Tehran this week to keep ceasefire efforts. Alive signaling

more back channel pushes for a breakthrough. Local news, powered by AI, this is

El Paso News Today.