Tuesday, April 14th, 2026: BACK TO THE TABLE: ROUND TWO ON THURSDAY

Today’s episode covers the major breakthrough: after the Islamabad collapse and 24 hours of blockade, the US and Iran are going back to the negotiating table with a second round of in-person talks planned for Thursday, April 16 – possibly with Turkey as mediator. The episode also covers the blockade’s first full day (tankers turning back, a Chinese sanctioned vessel “Rich Starry” breaking through as the first to exit the Gulf), Trump’s warning that Iran’s remaining fast-attack boats will be “immediately ELIMINATED,” oil futures settling around $99 while physical spot prices hit a record $150, NATO allies refusing to join the blockade, Iran calling it “piracy” and threatening Gulf neighbor ports, the historic Lebanon-Israel ambassador talks at the State Department, and Congress returning with the DHS shutdown at Day 59. Eight days remain on the ceasefire clock.