Recent developments indicate significant disagreements between the United States and Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a speech on the evening of April 15 that it is still too early to predict the direction and outcome of the Iranian situation. He warned that hostilities could "resume at any moment" and emphasized that the Israeli military is "prepared for any scenario." Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized NATO, accusing the alliance of prioritizing its own interests over those of the United States.

In early trading, gold and silver prices surged sharply, with gold once again surpassing $4,800 per ounce. In contrast, WTI crude oil opened lower and continued to decline.

Overnight, the three major U.S. stock indices closed mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15% to close at 48,463.72 points, while the S&P 500 rose 0.8% to 7,022.95 points, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.59% to 24,016.02 points. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both reached new closing highs, with the Nasdaq extending its winning streak to eleven consecutive sessions.

Most Chinese stocks listed in the U.S. advanced, with the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index rising 0.75%. Among notable gainers, Pony.ai increased by nearly 8%, Zai Lab rose close to 6%, Kanzhun Limited gained over 5%, and Hesai Group climbed more than 3%.

In related news, the U.S. Central Command announced on social media on April 15 that a U.S. naval vessel had intercepted an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach the U.S. blockade, forcing it to turn back toward Iran. The Iranian-flagged vessel had departed from Bandar Abbas port in southern Iran, transited the Strait of Hormuz, and sailed along the Iranian coastline in an effort to evade the blockade. The USS Spruance successfully compelled the ship to alter its course, and it is now returning to Iran. Since the blockade began on April 13, ten vessels have been ordered to turn back, with none successfully breaking through.

On the diplomatic front, a U.S. negotiating team led by Vice President Vance proposed on April 15 that Iran agree to suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years as part of a potential agreement to end the conflict. According to sources familiar with the matter, Iran rejected the proposal and counter-offered to reduce the suspension period to five years, which was subsequently rejected by the White House. Significant differences remain on key nuclear issues, and negotiations are ongoing.

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated on April 15 that the U.S. had presented a package of demands expecting Iran to accept them entirely—an approach Iran described as unrealistic and contrary to the logic of dialogue. Both sides also denied agreeing to extend the current ceasefire. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that reports of a formal U.S. request to extend the truce were inaccurate, noting that discussions about possible face-to-face talks are continuing. The U.S. expressed optimism about the prospects of reaching an agreement.

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that speculation about an extension of the ceasefire could not be confirmed and emphasized the need to observe whether the U.S. demonstrates genuine sincerity in its stated diplomatic stance.

In an interview, former President Trump commented on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, describing her attitude as negative. He stated that any country refusing to assist the U.S. regarding Iran would see its relationship with Washington permanently altered. He further accused NATO of focusing only on itself and expressed doubt that the alliance would support the U.S. in future conflicts involving Iran.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced new sanctions on April 15, increasing pressure on Iran’s petroleum transportation infrastructure. More than 20 entities, individuals, and vessels were added to the sanctions list, primarily targeting an oil shipping network linked to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of the late Iranian Defense Committee secretary Ali Shamkhani. The sanctions also affect entities in the UAE, the Marshall Islands, and India. The measures are aimed at Iran’s oil sales and its regional proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, as part of the U.S. strategy to exert maximum economic pressure on Iran and its allies.