INTERNACIONAL
Iran seizes ships in Hormuz as US talks falter after ceasefire extension
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Iran seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz hours after President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire, as confrontations at sea continued under the truce.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the vessels, identified as the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas, were operating without proper authorization and had tampered with navigation systems, accusations that could not be independently verified. The ships had earlier reported coming under fire near the strait, underscoring the increasingly volatile conditions in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
Both ships are managed by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
The Guard attacked a third ship, identified as the Euphoria, which had become «stranded» on the Iranian coast, Iranian media reported.
In a turn of events Tuesday, Trump announced he would extend the two-week ceasefire with Iran. For how long is unclear, but a White House official told Fox News it would be several days.
IRAN FIRES LIVE MISSILES INTO STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS TRUMP ENVOYS ARRIVE FOR NUCLEAR TALKS
Despite heavy U.S. strikes that officials say severely degraded Iran’s conventional navy, Tehran maintains maritime capability through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ fleet of fast-attack boats used for harassment and boarding operations in the narrow strait.
«We should think in the thousands,» Farzin Nadimi, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Fox News Digital. «If you include very small boats up to more capable fast-attack craft, the total could reach 3,000 to 4,000 vessels.»
Those forces have been used to harass commercial ships, force them to stop, and take them into custody. Iranian state media said similar tactics were used when Revolutionary Guard units attacked multiple vessels before escorting at least two into Iranian waters.
The Iranian made ‘Seraj’ a high-speed missile-launching assault boat on display in Tehran on August 23, 2010, as Iran kicked off mass production of two high-speed missile-launching assault boats the ‘Seraj’ (Lamp) and ‘Zolfaqar’ (named after Shiite Imam Ali’s sword) speedboats which will be manufactured at the marine industries complex of the ministry of defence. (YALDA MOAIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
The continued attacks highlight a gap between battlefield claims and reality.
In a Truth Social post April 13, Trump said, «Iran’s Navy is obliterated. It is laying at the bottom of the sea,» adding that U.S. forces did not need to target Iran’s «little fast-attack boats» because they were not a threat.
TRUMP WATCHES STRIKE ON IRAN-BACKED HOUTHIS IN YEMEN IN NEW WHITE HOUSE PICS AS LARGE-SCALE OP CONTINUES
But those smaller vessels, long a cornerstone of Iran’s asymmetric strategy, are now central to its ability to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The seizures mark the latest escalation in a widening maritime standoff between Iran and Washington.
Both sides have targeted commercial and cargo vessels as part of a broader pressure campaign tied to stalled negotiations. U.S. forces have also moved to seize at least one Iranian-linked vessel in the region, with each side accusing the other of violating the terms of a fragile ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global oil shipments, with roughly 20% of the world’s supply passing through it. Traffic has slowed dramatically as ships reroute or avoid the area amid gunfire, seizures and conflicting directives from both militaries.
In a series of Truth Social posts Tuesday night, Trump claimed Iran privately wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened despite public threats to close it.
«Iran doesn’t want the Strait of Hormuz closed, they want it open so they can make $500 Million Dollars a day (which is, therefore, what they are losing if it is closed!),» he wrote.
The Iranian-flagged Touska cargo ship pours smoke out after U.S. forces launched missiles at its control room following its violation of the U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. (U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM))
«But if we do that, there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included!»
Trump said he agreed to extend the ceasefire at the request of Pakistani officials while waiting for Iran’s leadership to present a unified position in negotiations.
«Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,» Trump wrote on Truth Social.
«I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,» he added.
Plans for renewed peace talks remain in limbo, with Iran signaling it may not participate in a second round of negotiations while the U.S. maintains its naval blockade. The blockade remains a key sticking point driving the confrontation at sea.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the naval blockade an «act of war,» accusing Washington of violating the ceasefire.
«Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire. Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation,» he wrote on X.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the naval blockade an «act of war,» accusing Washington of violating the ceasefire. (Vahid Salemi/AP)
The comments came after U.S. forces moved to seize Iran’s M/V Touska vessel on Monday, which Araghchi described as «an act of piracy.»
The seizures come as U.S.-Iran diplomacy appears increasingly uncertain, with a planned second round of talks in Islamabad thrown into doubt. Vice President JD Vance, who had been expected to lead the U.S. delegation, remained in Washington after Iran signaled it would not participate, scrapping plans for the delegation to travel to Pakistan.
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The abrupt shift followed a day of mixed signals from Trump, who said Tuesday morning he did not want to extend the ceasefire as its deadline approached, warning time for negotiations was running out. By the afternoon, however, he reversed course and announced he would extend the truce indefinitely to allow more time for diplomacy.
The reversal has further clouded fragile negotiations. No date has been set for renewed talks, and Iranian officials continue to insist they will not engage while the U.S. maintains its naval blockade. The confrontation has increasingly shifted from the negotiating table to the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, where the risk of miscalculation is rising.
Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
wars, us navy, middle east, war with iran, iran
INTERNACIONAL
Buses Alegres: estas son algunas de las opciones que ofrece El Salvador para hacer turismo en estas vacaciones de agosto
Durante las vacaciones de agosto, el Instituto Salvadoreño de Turismo (ISTU) ha puesto en marcha una serie de opciones para quienes buscan destinos turísticos accesibles desde San Salvador.
A través del programa de Buses Alegres ofrece viajes organizados hacia algunos de los parques y sitios recreativos más visitados del país, con salidas programadas y tarifas asequibles para todos los interesados.
El programa Buses Alegres está diseñado para facilitar la visita a diferentes parques administrados por el ISTU, permitiendo a las familias y visitantes disfrutar de recorridos seguros y coordinados durante el periodo vacacional.
La oferta incluye destinos variados y precios que oscilan entre los seis y los diez dólares, cubriendo únicamente el transporte de ida y vuelta, según información difundida por la institución en su sitio web.
La agenda de agosto contempla salidas diarias a partir desde el 2 hasta el 9, con destinos que incluyen parques acuáticos, playas y rutas de montaña.
Para este día, el destino fue la Playa Los Almendros con un precio de 10 dólares. Para mañana, 5 de agosto los Buses Alegres irán al Parque Recreativo Apulo por un costo de 6 dólares.
Las siguientes fechas abarcan otras atracciones gestionadas por el ISTU. El 6 de agosto los buses parten hacia Cerro Verde con un costo de 8 dólares, el 7 de agosto la excursión será a Ichanmichen por 6 dólares, mientras que el 8 de agosto el destino será fuera del circuito administrado por la institución, específicamente hacia la Ruta de Las Flores, con un costo de 8 dólares, y el 9 de agosto el viaje será hacia la Costa del Sol también por un monto de 8 dólares.
Estas tarifas incluyen el traslado de ida y regreso, aunque el precio no contempla la entrada a los parques, la cual debe ser pagada por separado al llegar.
El punto de partida para todas las excursiones está ubicado en el parqueo del Parque Infantil de Diversiones, con acceso vehicular en la intersección de Alameda Juan Pablo II y Diagonal Universitaria. La hora de salida está fijada a las 6:30 de la mañana, permitiendo aprovechar al máximo el día en el destino turístico elegido.
El parqueo tiene un costo adicional de un dólar por vehículo, facilitando la llegada de quienes utilizan transporte propio antes de abordar los buses.
El programa de Buses Alegres establece que los viajes están sujetos a posibles cambios, recomendando a los interesados reservar su asiento con antelación.
Las reservaciones pueden realizarse a través del número telefónico 7517-9169 en horario de lunes a viernes, de 7:30 de la mañana a 3:30 de la tarde. Esta medida busca garantizar la disponibilidad de cupos y evitar contratiempos el día del viaje.
Los parques recreativos forman parte de la red de espacios que administra el ISTU, institución encargada de promover el turismo interno y el acceso a zonas naturales y de esparcimiento. Entre ellos destacan destinos como Amapulapa, conocido por sus piscinas y áreas verdes; y Walter Thilo Deininger, que ofrecen senderos y contacto directo con la naturaleza.
Otros destinos incluidos en los recorridos, como Cerro Verde, permiten el contacto con zonas de montaña y vistas panorámicas de la región occidental del país. Por su parte, la Ruta de Las Flores representa una alternativa para quienes se interesan en el turismo cultural y gastronómico, recorriendo pueblos emblemáticos de la zona. Ichanmichen y Apulo complementan la oferta con infraestructuras para el descanso y actividades acuáticas.
El Instituto Salvadoreño de Turismo mantiene de este modo su apuesta por acercar a la población a los principales atractivos turísticos del país, facilitando la movilidad y promoviendo el disfrute de las vacaciones de agosto en familia o con amigos. Para quienes buscan opciones accesibles y organizadas, los Buses Alegres representan una alternativa consolidada dentro del calendario turístico salvadoreño.
corresponsal:Desde San Salvador, El Salvador
INTERNACIONAL
Is this Trump’s last ‘last chance’? Ceaseless string of broken ceasefires fuels doubt over Iran deal
Trump warns Iran talks are ‘last chance’ to reach deal
President Donald Trump declares that negotiations with Iran represent their ‘last chance’ to secure a deal before facing total surrender. Reporting from Tel Aviv, Trey Yingst details how U.S. forces are prepared to strictly enforce blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. Bipartisan lawmakers watch closely as military tensions escalate in the region.
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President Donald Trump is warning Iran that it has one last chance to make a deal, even as Tehran denies the negotiations Trump says persuaded him to hold off on a major U.S. attack.
The clash has left the status of the diplomatic effort unclear. Trump says indirect talks could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and eventually address Iran’s nuclear program, while Tehran acknowledges only limited discussions with Oman and has not publicly embraced the broader deal Trump has described.
«There’s certainly an element of posturing involved,» Ali Vaez, deputy program director for the Middle East at International Crisis Group, told Fox News Digital. «While there are no ‘talks’ in the sense of U.S. and Iranian officials sitting at the same venue exchanging proposals and counter-offers, engagement appears ongoing.»
Trump said diplomacy persuaded him to call off a planned attack on Iran that he described as the biggest since World War II. Over the weekend, he said Iran and several Middle Eastern countries had asked for more time to finalize an agreement reopening Hormuz and addressing Tehran’s nuclear program.
TRUMP WARNS IRAN FIGHTING ISN’T OVER AS HE VOWS US WILL ‘WIN’ AS TALKS FADE
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting about military families, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said, however, that Tehran was neither holding talks with the United States nor expecting an American delegation. He described the Oman discussions as a bilateral effort to establish a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait.
Trump, in response, accused Iran’s leadership of being «unbelievably duplicitous.»
«They ask for a meeting, some would say ‘beg,’ talks begin, with more scheduled in the immediate future, and they say, openly and proudly, that they’re not having any discussions,» Trump wrote Monday on Truth Social.
Later that afternoon, Trump called the talks Iran’s «last chance» to avoid an escalation in U.S. strikes. He said negotiators would first seek to reopen the Strait, then turn to Tehran’s nuclear program.
«The first phase is the opening of the straits. The second phase will be the denuclearization,» Trump said in the Oval Office. «And that will take a little while.»
Trump said reporters could learn more about the negotiations «today or tomorrow.» Iran has not publicly endorsed either phase of his plan.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies have urged Trump to hold off on the planned attack, fearing more Iranian reprisals against their territory. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said those concerns have complicated Trump’s next move.
«He’d like to be able to walk away with a win. The Iranians are not allowing him to do that,» Schanzer told Fox News Digital. «There is not a clear path ahead for him at this moment.»
US OFFICIAL SAYS JD VANCE MADE ‘GREAT PROGRESS’ IN IRAN TALKS, CALLS SNUB REPORTS ‘FOREIGN PROPAGANDA’
Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A June memorandum also opened with promises of a broader settlement. The United States and Iran signed it to halt fighting, lift the U.S. blockade and reopen the Strait.
Shipping became the first test of the June memorandum, and it quickly exposed how far apart Washington and Tehran remained. Each side had its own plan for restoring commercial traffic through the Strait. When U.S. officials accused Iran of firing on commercial vessels days later, American strikes followed. Tehran said Washington had tried to force through a new shipping arrangement without its consent.
Image shows a US strike on Iran. (US Central Command)
Negotiators never bridged that divide. Trump declared the ceasefire over in early July and expanded the U.S. air campaign. Iran answered with missile and drone attacks on American positions and regional partners.
That fighting set up another, shorter pause at the end of the month. Trump said mediators had asked the U.S. to hold fire, an arrangement Iran said it would match. Within days, Iranian missiles targeted U.S. forces in Jordan and the conflict spread again.
Brief breaks have become a feature of the conflict, which Schanzer described as a «ceasefire war.»
«It is a war that is punctuated by short bouts of calm, only to see conflict return,» Schanzer said.
Even if Oman succeeds in opening a temporary route, it would settle only the immediate question of how ships move through the Strait. Trump wants that step to lead into negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, a sequence Tehran has yet to publicly embrace. As long as Iran can still threaten traffic and Washington can maintain its blockade and prepare further strikes, each side may decide it can wait the other out rather than make the concessions needed to end the war.
«Fundamentally, both sides know that the status quo is a recipe for continued military and economic attrition without a clear endgame,» Vaez said.
war with iran, donald trump, middle east, geopolitics, iran, national security
INTERNACIONAL
Investigan suicidios en el palacio de Matignon: tres muertes y denuncias de abuso en la sede del primer ministro francés
Cuando Francia se encuentra de vacaciones, una investigación sobre suicidios se ha abierto en el palacio de Matignon, la oficina y residencia del primer ministro francés, Sébastien Lecornu.
Se ha iniciado una investigación tras registrarse tres muertes y un intento de suicidio, mientras los funcionarios denuncian «un ambiente laboral cada vez más deteriorado y tóxico», en medio de una crisis política.
Sébastien Lecornu es el quinto primer ministro de Francia desde enero de 2024. Canceló sus vacaciones a causa de los incendios.
Tres muertes y un intento de suicidio han llevado a la fiscalía a investigar presuntos casos de acoso en la administración del primer ministro francés.
La Fiscalía de París confirmó la apertura de una investigación penal por «acoso psicológico», tras la denuncia de una empleada que afirmó haber intentado quitarse la vida. Esta acción se produjo después de dos suicidios registrados este año, así como de una muerte sospechosa en un baño de las oficinas.
Unos 3.500 funcionarios integran la administración, con sede en el Hôtel de Matignon —la residencia oficial del primer ministro en la margen izquierda de París— y en otras oficinas de la capital. Dependen jerárquicamente de Sébastien Lecornu, un político de centro, exministro de las Fuerzas Armadas, nombrado por el presidente Macron en septiembre como quinto primer ministro de Francia desde enero de 2024.
El Hôtel de Matignon es la residencia oficial del primer ministro francés. Allí vive y trabaja.
«Laura», empleada del departamento de correspondencia de Matignon, declaró a los fiscales que había intentado quitarse la vida debido al estrés provocado por un entorno laboral tóxico. En primavera, un viajero logró retenerla justo cuando estaba a punto de arrojarse a las vías del tren, según explicó su abogada, Christelle Mazza.
La denuncia penal presentada por Laura, que alude a una «situación de presunto acoso psicológico institucional», se produjo tras la muerte de un compañero en una estación de las afueras y el fallecimiento de otro en su domicilio, señaló Mazza.
La funcionaria afirmó que el ambiente laboral se había deteriorado con la sucesión de nuevos equipos del primer ministro, desde que Macron perdió su mayoría de centroderecha tras convocar elecciones anticipadas en 2024.
«Las pruebas que figuran en el expediente dejan claro que los servicios del primer ministro se han visto profundamente desestabilizados, especialmente desde la disolución de la Asamblea Nacional», escribió la abogada a los fiscales.
El personal es objeto de humillaciones, comentarios denigrantes y un aislamiento creciente, que incluye el traslado a una oficina en el sótano, señaló.
Laura fue «hecha sentir invisible», excluida de reuniones y objeto de «burlas y vilipendio, como en el acoso escolar», declaró Mazza a la emisora de radio France Inter.
«Tenemos que adaptarnos a las nuevas exigencias del nuevo jefe», comentó a la cadena de radio —equivalente francés a la BBC Radio 4— un miembro del personal de Matignon.
«Estamos presenciando comportamientos inaceptables, con una competencia feroz entre empleados«, dijo Mazza. «Hay que pisotear a los demás para progresar. Los puestos son muy codiciados, sobre todo en un entorno laboral político. Para los funcionarios, esto conduce a una pérdida total de referencias».
La administración de Matignon está llevando a cabo una investigación interna sobre los fallecimientos de miembros del personal. Su directora, Laure Marion, se ha reunido con representantes sindicales para abordar las condiciones laborales. «La prevención de los riesgos psicosociales es nuestra máxima prioridad», declaró su oficina de prensa.
En su reportaje, France Inter señaló que la denuncia presentada ante la fiscalía resultaba «muy inusual, si no inédita, en un departamento donde la discreción es primordial».
En las últimas dos décadas, los gobiernos han reconocido que ciertos sectores del Estado, en particular la policía civil y la gendarmería militar, se han visto afectados por elevadas tasas de suicidio. Esta situación ha dado lugar a numerosas investigaciones parlamentarias y a la creación de planes institucionales de prevención.
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