While a ceasefire has halted fighting, diplomacy aimed at permanently ending the war has proven inconclusive. WASHINGTON: Efforts to end the Middle East war appeared at a standstill on Tuesday (Apr 28), with the US considering Tehran's latest offer to unblock the Strait of Hormuz , and Iran saying Washington could no longer dictate terms. Iran has blockaded the waterway - a vital conduit for oil and gas shipments - since the start of the US-Israeli offensive two months ago, sending shockwaves