US blockade of Iranian ports 'fullyimplemented' as Trump says war is near end

AP, April 15, 2026, Cairo: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that China has agreed not to provide weapons to Iran as reports circulate that Beijing has considered transferring arms. China's Foreign Ministry has repeatedly denied in recent days that the country is providing any form of military support to Iran.

In an interview that aired Wednesday, Trump said the war in Iran was “very close to over.” He has declared a US victory repeatedly since mere days after the war started — even as the reality on the ground has been far more complicated.

US Central Command said it has achieved “maritime superiority” and that the blockade on Iranian ports had been “fully implemented” within 36 hours of its launch, according to a statement on social media late Monday.

Mediators' efforts to extend a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have made progress as the warring sides are expected to return to the negotiations table, regional officials said. Mediators aim to extend the ceasefire, which is due to expire on April 22, for at least another two weeks to allow diplomacy another chance.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran is open to discussing the type and level of its uranium enrichment, but his country “based on its needs, must be able to continue enrichment,” Iran's state media reported.

A senior US official said Wednesday that the United States has not formally agreed to extend the ceasefire and that “engagement” with Iran continues.