Here is a round-up of the latest developments from the US-Israeli war with Iran and the wider Middle East on Monday, April 20, 2026:
WATCH — The moment the US seized an Iranian-flagged ship
The US military has released footage of the moment it says it took control of, and seized, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz as part of its naval blockade.
Oil, gas prices rise after Strait of Hormuz closure
The cost of energy increased sharply on Monday after Iran once again closed the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route at the weekend.
The primary benchmark for European natural gas prices increased 6% to €41.02 ($48.26) per megawatt hour at the Amsterdam exchange.
Oil prices also rose on Monday. The US benchmark crude went up by 6% to $87.51 a barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, was up 5.4% at $95.26 a barrel.
Around one-fifth of the world's oil and LNG gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the US dollar reached its highest level in a week against major currencies as prospects for a peace deal diminished.
Iran's sudden Hormuz reversal: What it signals now
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Iran says it will respond to cargo ship seizure
Iran's military has said it would retaliate against what it called "piracy by the US military." It said a response would come after Iran had ensured the safety of the crew and their families.
Washington confirmed over the weekend that the US Navy had attacked and seized an Iranian cargo ship that attempted to break a US blockade of Iranian ports. Iran claimed the ship had been traveling from China.
Trump sends envoys to peace talks in Pakistan
US President Donald Trump said that his representatives would arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening for fresh peace talks.
The first round of negotiations a week ago were headed by Vice President JD Vance. However, Trump told ABC News on Sunday that Vance would not be attending this time, due to "security" concerns.
Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to be part of the delegation.
The previous peace talks in Pakistan ended without a deal, with Vance saying he made a "final and best offer," while Iranian state media accused Washington of excessive demands.
Peace talks between the US and Iran collapse
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Iran says it has 'no plans' to attend peace talks in Pakistan
Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Tehran is yet to decide whether to attend a second round of peace talks with the US in Pakistan.
In a press briefing, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran had "no plans" for fresh negotiations, and that "no decision" had been made."
Baqaei added that Iran would not change its demands, and described US proposals as "unrealistic."
"While claiming diplomacy and readiness for negotiations, the US is carrying out behaviours that do not in any way indicate seriousness in pursuing a diplomatic process," he said.
We'll be following the most important developments in the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran as Pakistan still prepares to host peace talks this Monday... that might not happen.
Here is a reminder of the major headlines from the weekend.
We'll keep you updated throughout the day, stay with us.
