Israel, Lebanon Talk Ceasefire, Pakistan Mediates
Get the Geopolitics newsletter
Daily geopolitics — wars, elections, sanctions, the diplomatic moves that move markets. Free.
- Israel's cabinet met on April 15 to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon after more than six weeks of fighting with Hezbollah.
- Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on April 15 to mediate talks and try to narrow gaps between the United States and Iran.
- US press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Pakistan‑mediated conversations were “productive and ongoing” and expressed optimism about a deal.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that China’s purchase of Iranian oil would pause under the U.S. blockade and that secondary sanctions could hit countries buying Iranian crude.
- Trump told reporters he had urged President Xi not to supply Iran with weapons and warned he could strike Iran’s bridges and power plants if the conflict resumed.
- Iran’s joint military command warned it would halt trade in the Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea if the U.S. blockade continued, while an Iranian supertanker reportedly crossed the strait despite sanctions.
Why it matters: Trump’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz will be permanently opened, together with Wall Street’s record highs and steadied crude oil prices, means oil importers could benefit from eased supply constraints, while the United States and Pakistan gain diplomatic leverage and Iran faces reduced pressure on its exports.
Ask SkimNews
