Live updates: Iran war, Trump to pause ‘Operation Freedom’ in Strait of Hormuz as oil prices drop

Key Points:

• Since the ceasefire agreed over four weeks ago, US-Iran talks have seen multiple rounds of negotiations, including a lengthy 21-hour meeting in Islamabad on April 11, but no final agreement has been reached due to disagreements over Iran's nuclear program and mutual distrust.
• The US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on April 13, leading to Iran repeatedly closing and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite ongoing negotiations.
• Iran has submitted several proposals, including a 14-point response and a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but US President Donald Trump has rejected these, demanding guarantees on curbing Iran’s nuclear activities.
• Despite intermittent clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and threats from Iran against foreign military presence, both sides have maintained dialogue, with Trump announcing a pause in the US mission to guide ships through the strait, citing "great progress" in talks.
• US officials continue to assert that the ceasefire remains in effect, while diplomatic efforts persist amid uncertainty about extending the ceasefire and reaching a comprehensive deal to end the conflict.