Iran War: Tehran Threatens Red Sea, Gulf Trade

Iran’s military announced plans to interfere with commerce in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf if the US maintains its naval restrictions. This comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have intensified with fresh assaults in the region. DW provides an update on the latest events from Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Trump’s Claims on China’s Role

In an interview with Fox Business Network, US President Donald Trump asserted that he had instructed China’s Xi Jinping to halt weapon shipments to Iran. “I wrote him a letter asking him not to do that, and he wrote me a letter saying that, essentially, he’s not doing that,” Trump stated during the “Mornings with Maria” program. On his Truth Social platform, he reiterated that China has “agreed not to send weapons in Iran,” linking this to his decision to open the Strait of Hormuz permanently.

“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said, implying a connection between the two actions.

Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon

UNHCR chief Barham Salih visited Beirut on Wednesday, expressing concerns over the war’s impact on Lebanon’s civilians. “I call upon the international community to provide urgent support and relief to Lebanon,” Salih emphasized after meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He warned that the conflict’s consequences are severe, urging measures to protect civilians and infrastructure from harm.

“Lebanon does not deserve to be trapped in a recurring cycle of violence; it deserves support and stability,” Salih said.

The UNHCR has requested $61 million (€51.7 million) to aid 600,000 individuals with shelter and essential supplies. However, only a portion of this funding has been secured so far. Over a million people, or roughly a fifth of Lebanon’s population, have been displaced by ongoing hostilities, with 140,000 seeking refuge in government facilities.

Escalating Conflicts in Southern Lebanon

Israel and Hezbollah exchanged attacks on Wednesday, following a Washington, DC meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials. The National News Agency of Lebanon reported casualties from Israeli airstrikes and drone strikes in the south. Israel claimed “targeted ground operations” are still active in the region, while the Israeli military informed AFP of approximately 30 missile launches detected overnight.

“Hezbollah had claimed responsibility for the attacks on northern Israel,” according to the Israeli military.

Lebanese ambulance service Magen David Adom reported one man slightly injured by shelling from the north. The talks in Washington were described by Israel as efforts toward Hezbollah’s disarmament and potential normalization with the US. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, wields significant political and military influence in Lebanon and is designated a terrorist organization by the US, Germany, and others.

Iran’s Response to Blockade

Iran’s military central command, via state television, declared it would act to disrupt trade in the Red Sea and other areas if the US blockade persists. The commander, Ali Abdollahi of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, argued that the blockade “creates insecurity for Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers” and serves as “a prelude” to breaking the two-week ceasefire.

“The powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea,” Abdollahi stated.

The US naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz commenced on Monday, though some vessels reportedly navigated the area despite restrictions. Iran’s stance highlights its determination to defend sovereignty amid international pressure.