U.S. to launch blockade of Iran's ports and election shakeups from California to Hungary: Morning Rundown

Morning RundownU.S. to launch blockade of Iran's ports and election shakeups from California to Hungary: Morning RundownPlus, locals are being priced out of the Olympics and World Cup. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 13, 2026, 7:08 AM EDTBy Kayla HayempourIn today’s newsletter: The U.S. military said it would blockade all of Iran’s ports and coastal areas starting at 10 a.m. ET. Rep. Eric Swalwell suspends his gubernatorial campaign as fallout over sexual misconduct allegations grows. And a Trump ally's 16-year authoritarian rule comes to an end. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Here’s what to know today.U.S. blockade of Iran's ports to begin todayAdd NBC News to GoogleU.S. Centcom says blockade of Iranian ports begins Monday02:32The U.S. military said it would blockade all of Iran's ports and coastal areas starting at 10 a.m. ET, but would allow ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz if traveling between non-Iranian ports. President Donald Trump had said earlier the U.S. Navy would prevent ships from passing through the key waterway.Trump also said last night he isn’t pressing Iran for another round of negotiations after peace talks failed to secure a deal over the weekend. “I don’t care if they come back or not,” the president said.The lack of an agreement to end the war or defuse tensions, coupled with the blockade, scuttled short-lived optimism in markets that the conflict could end soon. The price of U.S. crude oil soared 8% last night to more than $104 per barrel, and stock futures declined sharply. The renewed jump means prices for consumers are expected to resume their rise, with gas already up to a national average of $4.12, according to AAA.The speaker of Iran’s parliament wrote yesterday on social media, “Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called ‘blockade’, Soon you’ll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas.”Follow live updates on our...