The war in the Middle East could flare up again, and the multiple positive signals Trump released have all been dismissed, leaving little hope for the prospect of a second US-Iran dialogue.

Mars Finance News, April 20 — Over the past 24 hours, Trump has released multiple positive signals regarding the US-Iran situation, but most of the messages were “called out” by Iran after official announcements. Trump first said that US representatives would arrive at the Pakistani capital of Islamabad on the evening of April 20 (Eastern Time) to take part in US-Iran talks scheduled for April 21. However, Iran later refused to attend the second round of talks, saying that the reports about a “second US-Iran negotiation” were untrue and that the outlook for the negotiations remained unclear. This morning, US forces attacked an Iranian merchant vessel, forcing it to turn back, and Trump said that the US Marine Corps had taken control of an Iranian ship attempting to break through the US blockade. Iran, meanwhile, said it is ready for hostilities to reignite, and that once fighting resumes, it will make its enemies experience an unforgettable “hellish moment.” The latest developments in the US-Iran conflict are as follows:

Iran:

• Speaker of Iran: Has made preparations on both fronts—diplomatic and military confrontation.
• Mashhad Airport in Iran will restore international passenger flight operations.
• Iranian President: Trump has no reason to deprive Iran of its nuclear rights.
• Speaker of Iran: During the US-Iran talks, conflict nearly broke out again. War could restart at any time.
• According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency: For allegedly taking part in a “spy network,” Iran has arrested four people, including two individuals with foreign nationality.
• Iran’s vice president: The US position is “unpredictable,” reiterating that control of the strait is crucial.

United States:

• After the USS Ford aircraft carrier underwent a brief repair, it returned to the Middle East.
• Latest poll: More than 60% of Americans oppose expanding military action against Iran.
• Trump: There is ongoing conflict between moderate and hardline factions inside Iran. Iran has agreed to many terms of the deal.

Israel:

• Israel Broadcasting Authority, citing sources close to the matter, says Israel is preparing for a possible further escalation of the war with Iran.
• Al Jazeera: Israel’s defense minister stated that although a ceasefire is in place, if the troops face any threat, the Israeli military has been instructed to “do everything possible” in Lebanon.

Strait of Hormuz:

• UAE officials call for the comprehensive and unconditional restart of navigation through the strait.
• On the 19th, there were no records of ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran prevented two oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran says it and its strategic partners control the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
• German defense minister: Germany’s navy is preparing for a possible deployment in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran plans to introduce a Strait of Hormuz management law that bans ships associated with Israel from transiting.
• US forces attacked an Iranian merchant vessel, forcing it to turn back; Trump said that the US Marine Corps has taken control of the Iranian vessel attempting to break through the US blockade.
• US Central Command confirmed that it intercepted the Touska cargo ship.
• A senior member of Iran’s parliament: The US must accept the new order for the Strait of Hormuz.