Hyderabad, April 16 -- Thursday, April 16 marks the ninth day of the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, as Tehran warned it could halt trade across the Gulf if Washington does not lift its naval blockade, even as US President Donald Trump said the war is "very close to over".

The head of Iran's joint military command said the country would move to shut down Gulf trade routes if the blockade on Iranian ports continues, signalling a potential escalation in the standoff.

Israel, US goals 'identical': Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel and the US are fully aligned in their objective to contain Iran, stressing close coordination between the two allies.

"Our American friends keep us constantly updated on their contacts ...