Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Wednesday, including CENTCOM saying a US naval blockade has 'completely halted' Iran's maritime trade, US President Donald Trump saying that Iran talks could resume in Pakistan within the next two days, and the US, Israel and Lebanon agreeing to begin direct negotiations following a trilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington.
TOP STORIES
US forces have “completely halted” maritime trade to and from Iran, the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) said as a blockade continues.
"In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea," Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement.
His remarks came after CENTCOM began on Monday a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.
The command, which is responsible for military operations in the Middle East, said the blockade will be "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations" entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
"CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," it said.
President Donald Trump struck an upbeat tone on the prospects for the resumption of direct US-Iranian talks, saying they could restart in Pakistan within the next two days.
"You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we're more inclined to go there," Trump said during a phone interview with a New York Post reporter who is in Islamabad. "It's more likely. You know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job."
Trump was referring to Pakistani Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir, with whom he developed a strong relationship as he sought to broker an end to the 2025 Pakistan-India conflict.
"He's fantastic, and therefore it's more likely that we go back there," Trump told the Post. "Why should we go to some country that has nothing to do with it?"
The US, Israel and Lebanon agreed to begin direct negotiations following a trilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington, DC, according to a statement released following the meeting.
The meeting, hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attended by Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, included “productive discussions” on steps toward initiating direct talks, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in the statement. “All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue,” it said.
“The United States expressed its hope that talks can exceed the scope of the 2024 agreement and bring about a comprehensive peace deal,” it added.
According to the statement, Israel “expressed support” for disarming non-state armed groups and dismantling militant infrastructure in Lebanon while committing to “direct negotiations” with Lebanon to “achieve that goal to ensure security for the people of both countries.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Gold prices climbed more than 2.1% to above $4,840 per ounce as of 1745GMT, hitting a four-week high as hopes for continued US-Iran talks eased fears that the conflict would trigger a prolonged supply shock across global energy markets.
This marked the highest level since March 18, when the spot gold price was around $4,845.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East had initially driven the bullion to low levels, with spot gold falling to $4,099.52 per ounce, its lowest since last November.
Energy prices fell as hopes for continued US-Iran talks eased fears of a prolonged supply shock, although the International Energy Agency warned that the war-driven spike in fuel costs is already starting to weaken oil demand.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, was down 4% at around $95.30 per barrel as of 1612GMT, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude fell 6.8% to $92.35.
European natural gas prices also dropped 7.7%, with TTF futures dropping to around €42.80 ($50.45) per megawatt-hour as markets priced in a lower risk of deeper supply disruptions.
news_share_descriptionsubscription_contact
