SHOTLIST: TEHRAN, IRAN (APRIL 12, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF LARGE BANNER BEING DISPLAYED AT VANAK SQUARE IN TEHRANTEHRAN, IRAN - APRIL 12: A large banner carrying a message about the Strait of Hormuz was displayed in Tehran on Sunday, April 12. The banner, installed at Vanak Square in the Iranian capital, read that the Strait of Hormuz would remain in Iran’s control indefinitely. The display came after Iranian media reported that talks between Tehran and Washington in Islamabad ended without result due to what were described as excessive US demands. Iranian and US delegations concluded their latest round of talks in Islamabad early Sunday without reaching an agreement. The negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, ended following multiple rounds of discussions and exchanges of proposals but failed to produce a breakthrough. The two sides left Islamabad with key differences unresolved, signaling that further diplomatic efforts would be needed. The talks were part of broader efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran that killed more than 3,300 people since Feb. 28, before a fragile two-week ceasefire was brokered earlier this week. Since the outbreak of the war, Iran has also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit for oil and gas shipments.
After U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks ended without an agreement, President Donald Trump said Sunday the U.S. Navy will immediately begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.Â
