The Iran conflict entered a more complicated phase on Wednesday, with Washington pausing fresh attacks but refusing to ease pressure at sea. The ceasefire has been extended, but the US blockade remains in force, sanctions have widened, and a vessel seizure has triggered a formal protest from Tehran at the United Nations.
Developments also showed how far the crisis now stretches beyond the battlefield. India flagged its energy security concerns in Berlin, Iran accused the US of endangering commercial shipping, and reports pointed to expanding American maritime operations well beyond the Persian Gulf.
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Iran war LIVE UPDATES | April 22, 2026