U.S. Announces Blockade of Iranian Ports; Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV; Hungarian Opposition Secures Election Victory

By Marita Vlachou

*Published: 2026-04-13T09:26:48Z*

U.K. and France to Co-Host Talks on Strait of Hormuz Navigation

Britain and France are scheduled to co-host talks this week focused on restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including discussions about a potential strictly defensive naval mission, according to statements from officials.

The discussions aim to involve Britain, France, and other countries interested in participating in a multinational effort separate from the conflicting parties. French President Emmanuel Macron described the proposed mission as "strictly defensive" and intended for deployment when conditions permit, in a post on X.

Tensions in the Gulf region have increased following the U.S. announcement of a blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports. Iran has restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 20% of global oil consumption. Iranian officials have described the U.S. blockade as "piracy," according to reports from state media. Analysts have noted that the measures are part of broader ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which have included ceasefire talks in Pakistan that concluded without agreement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the Strait's continued restrictions are affecting global shipping and contributing to higher cost-of-living pressures. "This week the UK and France will co-host a summit to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping when the conflict ends," Starmer posted on X.

Britain has previously gathered representatives from more than 40 countries sharing the goal of restoring navigation in the strait. The United States did not participate in those earlier meetings.

Oil Prices Rise and Global Markets Fall Amid U.S. Preparations

Oil prices increased and major global stock markets declined on Monday as the U.S. military prepared to implement a blockade of traffic to and from Iranian ports. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has been largely halted since the start of the conflict, according to maritime tracking data.

The blockade follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement after ceasefire negotiations with Iran in Pakistan ended without resolution. The U.S. military specified that the blockade of all Iranian ports would commence at 10 a.m. EDT on Monday (5:30 p.m. local time in Iran). Early reports indicated a halt in ship traffic through the strait.

For more details, see coverage from The Associated Press.

Reports: Britney Spears Enters Treatment Facility

Reports from multiple news outlets indicate that Britney Spears has voluntarily entered a treatment facility, more than a month after her arrest on March 4 in California on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. A representative for Spears confirmed the development to those outlets but provided limited details.

At the time of the arrest, a spokesperson described the incident as "completely inexcusable" in a statement. The statement added: "Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time."

Pope Leo XIV Responds to Trump's Criticism

Pope Leo XIV stated on Monday that he intends to continue speaking against war despite recent criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. "I don't want to get into a debate with him," the pope said, according to Reuters. "I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing."

The pope added: "I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems."

Trump had posted on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, describing the pope as "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy." Trump wrote: "I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do." He further stated: "Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician."

Pope Leo XIV referenced ongoing global conflicts, noting that "too many innocent people were being killed around the world." He said: "I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way." The pope emphasized: "The message of the church, my message, the message of the Gospel: Blessed are the Peacemakers. I do not look at my role as being political, a politician."

In a subsequent interaction with reporters on Sunday, Trump reiterated aspects of his post, saying: "I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He's a very liberal person...I'm not a fan of Pope Leo."

The pope had previously criticized Trump's threats toward Iran, including a statement last week describing a threat to "destroy a whole civilization" as "truly unacceptable." Leo has also called for de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict and spoken against war in general, saying on Saturday: "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!"

Obama and Clinton Comment on Hungarian Election Results

Former U.S. President Barack Obama described the outcome of Hungary's parliamentary election on Sunday as "a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world." He wrote on X: "Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law." Obama's statement did not name Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton similarly reacted, stating that the result represented "the end of Viktor Orbán’s autocratic regime" and a "victory not just for Hungary, but for people who value democracy around the world."

U.S. Military to Enforce Blockade of Iranian Ports

The U.S. military has announced a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas, set to begin on Monday. This follows the failed ceasefire talks in Pakistan and comes after initial reports of stalled shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The action is a step short of a full closure of the strait, which Trump had previously indicated as a possibility. Iran has responded with threats against ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The measures occur amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, as noted by analysts covering the negotiations.

For additional reporting, see The Associated Press.

Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations in California Governor Race

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) has denied sexual assault allegations published on Friday by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, but his campaign for California governor continues. Swalwell stated on social media: "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign's."

The allegations involve claims by a woman that Swalwell assaulted her twice, including during her employment with him. Swalwell has denied the accusations. Some Democrats have withdrawn support amid the reports, though his campaign remains active as a contender in the race.

For more, see The Associated Press.

Hungarian Opposition Tisza Party Wins Parliamentary Majority

In Hungary's parliamentary election on Sunday, the opposition Tisza Party secured 53.6% of the vote and 138 of 199 seats in parliament, achieving a supermajority. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party received 37.8% of the vote and 55 seats. Voter turnout was 79.56%, according to official election results.

Orbán, who has led Hungary for 16 years, conceded the defeat, describing the result as "painful." The election has drawn international attention, including a recent visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Hungary.

Orbán has maintained alliances with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Tisza Party campaigned on a pro-European Union platform.

For images and further details, see Associated Press photography via Getty Images.

Lawmakers Discuss Potential Expulsion of Swalwell and Gonzales

Several House lawmakers have indicated they would support expelling Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations against both.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) stated on NBC News's "Meet the Press" that she would vote for Swalwell's expulsion and the same for Gonzales, emphasizing the need for Congress to address such cases. "This is also important for staffers across the Capitol to see that their bosses don't get to do this to them," she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) echoed this on the same program, saying: "That vote comes to the floor, I will be voting yes on both measures. As far as I'm concerned, both gentlemen need to go home."

Reports detail multiple accusations against Swalwell, which he denies. For Gonzales, a second former staffer alleged sexually explicit text messages following his reported affair with another former staffer who died by suicide. Gonzales's office did not comment to the San Antonio Express-News or NBC News.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) stated she plans to file a motion to expel Swalwell and pair it with one for Gonzales. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) wrote on social media: "Reps. Gonzales and Swalwell are not fit to serve. They must resign. If they do not, I will vote to expel them."

Spokespeople for Swalwell and Gonzales did not immediately respond to requests for comment from HuffPost. Calls for their resignations or expulsions have increased.

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