Top Stories • April 20, 2026

Iran is vowing retaliation after U.S. forces seized an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, with tensions rising as a ceasefire is set to expire tomorrow evening and no agreement in place. Vice President JD Vance is preparing to travel to Pakistan for possible talks, though Iran says it has not decided whether to participate. Oil prices are surging as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, intensifying global energy concerns. Over the weekend, President Trump pushed back on warnings that gas prices could take a year to fall, calling the assessment “totally wrong.” The Israeli military is facing criticism after images circulated appearing to show soldiers holding up a depiction of Jesus during operations. In Lebanon, a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah is holding, though Israeli forces remain in the south and sporadic clashes continue, with separate talks expected this week.

Daniel Compatangelo reports.