The US military seized an Iranian-flagged ship attempting to bypass a blockade near the strait of Hormuz, marking the first interception since the blockade began. Iran has condemned the action as piracy and indicated a potential response, jeopardizing upcoming negotiations.
Key points
US military seized an Iranian-flagged ship
First interception since blockade began
Iran condemned the action as piracy
US-Iran negotiations now in doubt
Ceasefire set to expire by Wednesday
Mentioned in this story
US militaryIranstrait of Hormuz
Good morning.
The US military has attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged container ship that tried to evade its blockade near the strait of Hormuz. It is the first such interception since the US began blocking Iranian ports last week.
Iran’s joint military command said Tehran would respond soon and called the US seizure an act of piracy that violated the fragile truce that has been in place since 8 April.
The move threw negotiations, which the US had said would take place on Monday in Pakistan, into doubt. Iran state media reported on Sunday evening that Tehran is not currently planning to take part in new talks with the US.
When does the ceasefire end? It is set to expire by Wednesday.
Where does the US public stand on the war? An NBC poll on Sunday estimated 67% and 68% of adults “somewhat” or “strongly” disapproved of the way Trump was handling the Iran war (as well as inflation and the cost of living domestically).
Mass shooting rampage in Louisiana leaves eight children dead and others wounded
Louisiana police speaking to media
Police said the Louisiana shooter was the father of seven out of the eight victims. Photograph: Jill Pickett/AP
A man killed eight children and wounded two adults in a mass shooting in the Louisiana city of Shreveport, in what police called a “domestic violence incident”.
Q&A
What triggered the US military to seize the Iranian-flagged ship?
The US military seized the ship as it attempted to evade a blockade near the strait of Hormuz, which was implemented to restrict Iranian shipping.
How has Iran responded to the seizure of its ship by the US?
Iran's military command condemned the seizure as an act of piracy and stated that it would respond soon.
What impact does the ship seizure have on US-Iran negotiations?
The seizure has thrown the planned negotiations in Pakistan into doubt, with Iran indicating it is not currently planning to participate.
When does the ceasefire between the US and Iran expire?
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Chris Bordelon, the Shreveport police department spokesperson, said on Sunday evening that the suspect, Shamar Elkins, killed seven of his own children and wounded their mother, as well as killing another child.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 12 years old. The mother and another woman are in critical condition. Elkins died after a police pursuit.
Was the suspect known to the authorities? Police said he had been arrested in 2019 in a firearms case.
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