The Link Between High Protein Diet & Hair Loss

 

People who want to shed weight or gain muscle often opt for high-protein diets. On the other hand, you may ask whether this diet can cause you to lose hair and if nutrients could play a role. Hair loss is linked to high-protein diets, as this article explains.

How a High-Protein Diet Affects Hair Loss

If you're following a high-protein diet, you may have eliminated or substantially reduced the number of carbohydrates in your diet. Lack of certain meals may lead to nutritional deficiencies, leading to hair loss if left untreated. Your hair will suffer if your body isn't receiving the nutrition it needs to function correctly.

Hair loss is rare when a high-protein diet is followed. Lynne J. Goldberg, MD, a dermatologist professor at Boston University, is the head of the Hair Clinic center at Boston Medical Center. She says that getting enough protein is essential for good hair growth.

A protein-calorie deficiency may cause alterations in the hair, says Dr. Goldberg, a nutritionist. Because individuals in the States often eat adequate protein, that's not an issue for patients in our country.

However, Dr. Goldberg warns that an abrupt change in diet that leads to significant weight loss might cause hair loss. In patients who have had gastric surgery or suffer from gastrointestinal problems (Crohn's, celiac) or anorexia, she observes a degree of nutritional insufficiency.

She adds that a rigorous high-protein diet that leaves you feeling so full that you don't have room for anything else might also be a problem.

When a person's diet is already out of sync and heavy in protein, "it may be losing out on certain nutrients," adds Dr. Goldberg. It's not just the quantity of protein that's a problem; what else is missing from the diet is the problem.

How to Spot Protein Buildup in Hair

Protein is necessary for healthy hair, but too little or excess may weaken and stiffen your hair, which is the opposite of what you want. Protein excess could be the problem when your hair begins to act up, and you can't figure out why. You may have far too much protein accumulation even if you've given your hair loads of care with fresh shampoo, moisturizing masks, or treatments.

If your hair isn't feeling as healthy as it used to, but you haven't been able to discover a cure, you may have an overabundance of protein. Protein accumulation is easy to see, but it is another story to get rid of it.

 Symptoms of Protein Buildup In the Hair

The ability to identify the difference between dry hair that hasn't been adequately moisturized and hair with an excessive amount of protein will be required. It's a red flag if your moisturizing efforts have little impact (or worsen the condition, depending on whether the moisturizing product includes protein). There are a few other things to keep an eye out for:

• It's easier for your hair to fall out of your head.
• A straw-like and rigid feeling pervades your hair.
• You have exceptionally brittle, lifeless, and parched hair.
• It's lost its previous natural radiance.
• Even more "crazy" knots and strands.

How to Deal with Protein-Overload Hair

It will take time to recover from protein buildup, but you won't have to worry too long to see results with the right approach. If your protein accumulation is severe, it may take a few weeks before you begin to notice improvements. 

Taking care of your hair's moisture has to be a priority. You'll need to go through your products, get rid of moisturizing lotions that include protein, and switch to ones that don't contain it.

Proteins exist in various forms and might be challenging to get rid of. Check the ingredients of any new items you're considering purchasing to see whether they include these frequent terms for protein. 

Listed below is a series of protein-rich foods:

• Hydroxyapatite colloidal
• Soy, wheat, or quinoa proteins
• Silk
• Keratin, as well as oat flour

To get your hair back in balance, you should not use any products that boost your hair's protein during this time.

Coconut oil, for example, is known to do more damage than benefit to protein-sensitive hair. Your hair may have too much protein if it feels "crunchy" after using coconut oil.

So what next?

Cleanse

You don't need to overdo it by excessively washing your hair to remove extra protein from the surface. To make your hair softer and easier to handle, try washing it with a clarifying or cleansing shampoo to remove the protein buildup. A shampoo like HAIRFINITY Gentle Cleanse Shampoo can clean your hair and remove buildup without stripping it of its natural moisture.

 Styling

It's advisable to avoid doing extreme styles when your hair is dealing with protein excess to prevent breakage. Because your scalp is attempting to re-establish its equilibrium, it's best to use mild products or avoid using any at all for the time being. You will be able to see if your hair's texture changes if you keep up with your cleaning and moisturizing routine.

Even while protein is essential for healthy hair, an excess of a good thing is bad for hair. With time, cleansing, and protein-free moisturizing, your hair should return to its normal texture.

 Other Nutrients that Can Cause Hair Loss

While nutrition is essential for hair growth, poor eating habits or consuming some nutrients in excess can also lead to hair loss. Below are some nutrients that can cause hair loss when taken excessively;

• Vitamin A

According to the IHODS, fat-soluble vitamin A is necessary for vision and organ function. However, too much vitamin A in your body can cause hair loss and other problems. 

Acute and chronic vitamin A toxicity have different symptoms. Symptoms of acute poisoning include hives, nausea, and vomiting. Hair loss, dry skin, and an increased risk of bone fractures are all common symptoms of the acute form of the disease.

• Selenium

Numerous cellular and bodily functions need selenium, a trace element. Hair loss may occur if you consume enough of this substance, much like vitamin A. Selenium is notably abundant in Brazil nuts, some kinds of seafood, or organ meats. However, it may also be found at lower levels in various other foods. People who use selenium supplements are the most likely to develop selenium poisoning.

According to the National Institutes of Health, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, poor breath, discolored nails, exhaustion, and irritability are also frequent side effects.

• Eating Disorders: Overeating and Undereating

If you drastically decrease your calorie consumption, you may not be getting enough vital nutrients like protein, essential fats, and zinc. If left untreated, a condition known as telogen effluvium—or "resting hair loss"—can develop. When reversing hair loss, having a more balanced diet is the best way to proceed.

In the end, your hair might be harmed by having too much or too little of a good thing. Even though eating has been linked to hair health, registered dietitian and clinical nutrition expert Gabrielle Tafur says it's "extremely difficult to show definitive correlation and causation between factors" in nutrition. As a general rule, she says that people should eat a healthy diet "rich in anti-inflammatory, plant-based foods" to help their hair grow and keep their hair from going gray.

 How to Improve Your Hair with Proteins

Proteins, when taken moderately, play an essential role in promoting our hair rather than causing hair loss. The body uses proteins in building its cells and tissues, including that of the hair. Hence, hair loss can also be caused by an insufficient amount of protein intake.

Now, how do you ensure that your hair receives a sufficient amount of protein since it's the building component of your hair? Protein may be either orally or topically applied to the hair. Continue reading to learn more.

1. Oral (Natural diets and supplementation)

Among the best protein sources are eggs and berries, shrimp, fatty fish, tofu, lentils, almonds, and cottage cheese. Preventing hair loss and making hair seem healthier are benefits of eating these foods.

Protein supplements are also an option if you believe that your diet isn't doing enough to improve your hair health. Protein powders, as well as energy snacks, are among the possibilities.

Whey protein (found in milk) is a common ingredient in protein powders, as is soy (for those who are vegan or vegetarian) (milk-derived). Soy, whey, lentils, almonds, and other protein sources may be found in protein bars. Make sure your protein bar has no added sugar or low-calorie sweeteners. 

Whey protein's low lactose content and the most soluble type of protein make it ideal for supplementation. Consult a doctor about adding whey protein to your diet as a source of protein.

2. Packs of protein (Cosmetic Products and DIY packs)

Hydrolyzed proteins attached to hydrolyzed proteins help fill up the holes in your cuticle, providing an additional layer of protection. Shampoos, masks, and mists are all forms of protein therapies on the market. A lot of rice and silk proteins make up the bulk of these products.

If you get your hair done at a salon, you may want to ask about getting a keratin treatment. Frizzy hair may be tamed via a chemical procedure.

Your protein treatments should be free of substances such as sulfates, parabens, isopropyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and cocamide DEA. 

Several DIY protein hair packages can nourish and restore your hair. To get you started, here are a few ideas:

3. Egg-Yogurt

The protein in eggs and the probiotics in yogurt are essential for a healthy head of hair. The egg and the yogurt should be beaten together in a bowl until they create a homogeneous paste. Apply this to your hair and scalp. After 30 minutes, wash your hair with a moderate shampoo for silky, lustrous results.

4. Coconut Milk-Avocado Combo 

Avocados, which are rich in coconut milk, contain vitamins A, B, and E. Coconut milk, as well as olive oil, are added to the mashed avocado to create a creamy texture. Rinse your hair after 30 minutes of using this product. You should avoid using this pack if you have oily hair since avocado helps weigh hair down. 

5. Snack Pack with Avocado and Mayonnaise

Egg yolks, the primary component of mayonnaise, are an excellent source of protein. Mix 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise with mashed avocado. Apply it to your hair and scalp. After 30 minutes, wash with a moderate shampoo.

How Deficiency of Other Nutrients Can Cause Hair Loss

Weight loss or nutrient deficiency may cause an acute manifestation of the disorder telogen effluvium (TE). When the hair prematurely approaches the telogen phase, resulting in thinning or losing hair, this condition is known as telogen effluvium. Dieting can cause both physical and mental stress, which can lead to more hair going into the telogen phase than normal, which is when it grows back.

Lack of the following nutrients can result in hair loss:

• Iron

This is the most prevalent dietary deficit in the world and a well-known culprit of hair loss. When it comes to hair loss, it's not known how much deficit is required, and studies are unclear. Malabsorption (such as celiac disease), use of H2 blockers, and a vegan or maybe vegetarian diet are all risk factors.

• Zinc

Zinc is essential to the development of your face and hair, along with other vital bodily processes. Despite the fact that this form of deficiency is very rare, risk factors include age as well as gastrointestinal illness, anorexia, malabsorption, and chronic liver or kidney problems.  It could also cause sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cancer, and a vegetarian eating plan.

• Vitamin D

Hair loss and even thinning may be caused by a shortage of vitamin D, which scientists say is necessary for healthy hair development. Evidence suggests that a shortage of vitamin D is linked to alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that results in hair loss in specific areas.

 Final Thoughts

Proteins nourish hair strands. Damaged hair, as well as hair loss, may occur if your hair is protein deficient. Adding protein to your hair may be accomplished via various means, including dietary protein, supplements, treatments, and even DIY protein hair masks. 

However, when there is excessive use of protein such that other nutrients like carbohydrates are lacking in your meal, such a situation could also lead to hair loss. Hence it's essential to maintain the right balance of proteins to ensure that your hair flourishes.

Foods that are worse for you than smoking, according to doctors

You probably think enjoying a bag of crisps or a takeaway is really no big deal, but is “moderation” enough?

Dr Chris van Tulleken has claimed that ultra-processed foods have overtaken tobacco as the leading cause of early death globally, and suggested they should be classified as industrially processed edible substances rather than food—and to be fair, he may have a point. A 2024 review in the British Medical Journal, covering 45 studies and 10 million participants, found that eating more ultra-processed foods is linked to higher mortality rates and increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health disorders.

That’s pretty serious stuff. And while that’s not to say you shouldn’t enjoy a little of what you fancy every now and again, here are the foods most worth reconsidering when doing your next shop.

Supermarket bread

Mass-produced bread, including wholemeal and brown varieties, tends to contain a long list of additives that have nothing to do with making bread. According to the National Library of Medicine, bread accounts for around 11 percent of the calories most people consume, which makes the quality of it worth paying attention to. Visiting a local bakery or choosing a loaf with the shortest possible ingredient list is a simple swap that makes a genuine difference to how much ultra-processed food you’re consuming without even noticing.

Energy drinks

Energy drinks combine high levels of caffeine and sugar in a way that puts real pressure on the cardiovascular system. A Consumer Reports study found caffeine levels in popular energy drinks ranging from 6 to 242 milligrams per serving, and UC Davis Health has linked regular consumption to irregular heart rhythm, elevated heart rate, and raised blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. The FDA considers 400 mg of caffeine per day safe for adults, but many people consuming energy drinks regularly are closer to that limit than they realise.

Breakfast cereals

Added sugar is the main problem with most supermarket breakfast cereals, and the amounts involved are significant enough to matter. Research published in The Conversation found that sugary cereals increase hunger and trigger greater insulin release, which over time contributes to the development of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Adults are recommended no more than 30g of sugar per day and children 24g—thresholds that some cereals approach in a single bowl. Lower-sugar options like porridge and bran flakes are genuinely better, provided you’re not adding sugar or sweetened toppings on top.

Hot dogs

The World Health Organisation classifies processed meats including hot dogs, ham, and bacon as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning there is sufficient evidence to confirm they cause cancer. The NHS links regular consumption of processed and red meat to an increased risk of bowel cancer specifically. Hot dogs and similar processed sausages tend to be high in saturated fats, sodium, and chemical preservatives including nitrates and nitrites, which are also associated with an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Vegan meat and cheese alternatives

A plant-based diet built around whole foods is genuinely healthy, but vegan meat and cheese substitutes are a different matter. These products rely heavily on additives and emulsifiers to replicate the texture and taste of animal products, and the British Heart Foundation notes that they tend to be high in added fats, salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients. Vegan cheese alternatives are also typically low in protein and calcium, meaning they don’t provide the nutritional benefits of the dairy products they’re replacing. Going vegan doesn’t automatically mean eating well.

Chicken nuggets

The meat content in chicken nuggets varies considerably by brand, but the product typically combines tendons, skin, bone, collagen, and fat alongside actual meat, resulting in something that is lower in protein and higher in fat, sugar, and salt than the name implies. They’re also typically cooked in hydrogenated oil, which is high in fat and preservatives. The occasional nugget isn’t going to cause lasting damage, but they’re a poor source of nutrition for anyone eating them regularly, particularly children.

Reformulated potato snacks

Crisps and similar potato-based snacks typically contain dehydrated processed potato, refined vegetable oils, rice and wheat flour, emulsifiers, salt, and colouring rather than anything resembling a simple fried potato. Research from the National University of Singapore links a diet high in trans-fats to obesity, heart disease, and liver disease. A separate Harvard University study published in the BMJ found that regularly eating fried potato snacks including chips increases the risk of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, with the high starch content and high glycaemic index of potatoes being significant contributing factors.

Margarine

Margarine is often presented as the healthier alternative to butter given its lower saturated fat content, but it qualifies as an ultra-processed food because of the additional ingredients required to make vegetable oils solid and stable. Emulsifiers and artificial colours are among the additives commonly found on the label. Both butter and margarine are processed to some degree, so checking labels for fat and salt content is more useful than assuming one is automatically better than the other.

Ready meals

Action on Salt found that one in five ready meals contained high levels of both salt and saturated fat, and the organisation is direct about the consequences: excess salt consumption is directly linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Regular consumption of ready meals has also been associated with weight gain and elevated cholesterol levels, both of which increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The convenience is real, but so is the cost, and cooking in batches to freeze is a practical way to get some of that convenience back without relying on products that are working against you.

Do you need to cut them out entirely?

The British Heart Foundation is clear that the evidence doesn’t yet support cutting ultra-processed foods out completely, and the NHS points out that not all processed foods are equal. Reading labels helps, and swapping the worst offenders for fruit, vegetables, fish, and meals made from whole ingredients where possible makes a meaningful difference over time without requiring a complete overhaul of how you eat.

Zelensky says Britain must rejoin the EU if Trump pulls US out of NATO

Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed the UK must rejoin the EU if the US leaves NATO, as US President Donald Trump has threatened to pull away if the pact does not support his Middle East war.

Trump, a fierce critic of the defence bloc, has been left unimpressed by fellow members and their refusal to get involved in his war with Iran.

The Ukrainian leader said that in order to bolster Europe's defence against Russia, the UK ought to reset relations with the continent.

Zelensky said on Friday: 'If the United States truly thinks about withdrawing from NATO, then European security will be based solely on the European Union.

'But not in its current form. I think that the EU is in a situation where it needs more countries. The UK, Ukraine, Türkiye, and Norway

'These are four strong countries, which are part of Europe. Together, the UK, Ukraine, and Türkiye have armies that are stronger than Russia’s army. Without Ukraine and Türkiye, Europe can’t match Russia.

'With the four countries on board you can wrest control of the seas, have secure skies and the largest land forces,' he added in a post on X.

'Security comes first, economy second. Not vice versa.'

Zelensky's comments come as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer today warned Donald Trump against punishing Britain and other NATO allies for refusing to get involved in the Iran war, saying the alliance was important to America.

The Trump administration has said it will 'audit' countries and hinted it could withdraw its military forces from those seen as being particularly unhelpful to the war effort, while rewarding those seen as helpful.

The latest move in the deepening Transatlantic rift came after Starmer aimed yet another jibe at the White House overnight.

After speaking to Trump about Iran last night the PM made a thinly veiled jibe about leaders who 'inflame' tensions and drive up bills in a Guardian article.

That followed an interview he carried out on a visit to the Gulf in which he admitted he was 'fed up' with bills going up in the UK 'because of the actions of Putin or Trump'.

This morning he said that being in NATO was 'in America's interests' as 'a defensive alliance, which for decades has kept us much safer than we would otherwise have been'.

Asked whether he had raised the president's threats to quit NATO during a call last night, Sir Keir told broadcasters: 'Do I think this will be a stronger European element to NATO? Yes, and I think we should step into that space.

'We're already doing it, which is why we're coordinating strategically with our partners in NATO.'

The US has 13 bases and some 10,000 air force and other personnel in Britain, and their withdrawal would have a major security and economic impact.

A USAF analysis in 2012 suggested that they contributed $1.3billion to the economy, including almost £200million in local employment.

A wider withdrawal of 80,000 troops from Western Europe would leave the continent at greater risk from Russian aggression.

And last week, Starmer said he will pursue closer economic ties with the EU in light of the Iran war.

As part of the move, the Government's planned food deal with the EU will see new rules that would mean marmalade would have to be renamed citrus marmalade in a bid to move closer to the bloc's regulatory framework.

The move towards Europe comes as relations between the US and the UK have become increasingly strained due to Starmer's refusal to be drawn further into the Iran War.

Starmer said the conflict would affect the UK but said the government was taking steps to ease the cost of living.

'I do think that when it comes to defense and security, energy, emissions and the economy, we need a stronger relationship with Europe,' he said last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran appeared on the verge of collapse last night after Donald Trump accused Tehran of breaching their agreement - as missiles continued to rain down across the Middle East.

Just over two days since the US President announced a ceasefire in the six-week-old conflict it already seemed to be unravelling out of his control.

On Thursday there was still no sign Iran was lifting its near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, having cited Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon as a key sticking point to maintain its grip over the vital shipping route.

Only a handful of vessels have passed through the Strait since the ceasefire was announced on Tuesday night, with the Islamic Republic reportedly demanding that shipping companies pay enormous tolls for safe passage.

Trump accused Iran of breaching the terms of the ceasefire by not allowing ships to transit the waterway, further casting doubt on the effectiveness of the deal.

'Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz,' he wrote on his social media site on Thursday, adding: 'That is not the agreement we have!'

The post came after Iran's Supreme Leader released a statement demanding 'blood money' from the US and Israel after denouncing them as 'criminal aggressors'.

'We will undoubtedly demand compensation for every single damage inflicted, the blood money of the martyrs, and the diyah of the war-wounded,' Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said in a message broadcast on Iranian state TV.

US Vice President JD Vance is now set to fly out to Pakistan for crucial peace talks, as Trump has told his second-in-command to find a way out of the war against Iran.

Vance, departing today, has been one of the most reluctant defenders of the war against Iran in Trump's inner circle.

He has long been skeptical of foreign military interventions and outspoken about the prospect of sending troops into open-ended war.

Vance is joined by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who took part in three rounds of indirect talks with Iranian negotiators aimed at settling US concerns about Tehran's nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes and its support for armed proxy groups in the Middle East before Trump and Israel launched the February 28 war against Iran.

The White House has provided scant detail about the format of the talks - whether they will be direct or indirect - and has not provided specific expectations for the meeting.

Speaking shortly before his departure to Pakistan from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Vance said of Iran: 'If they're gonna try to play us they're gonna find the negotiating team is not going to be that receptive.

Russia threatens UK with 'nuclear or non-nuclear' strikes - 'We'll blow it up!'

Russian propagandists have been caught brazenly discussing the possibility of launching "nuclear or non-nuclear" strikes on the UK and any country seizing vessels part of the country's so-called shadow fleet. Kremlin propagandists on state-controlled TV threatened that if Sir Keir Starmer carries out his threat to board and arrest Moscow-linked vessels, Russia would "destroy any ship that tries to enter British ports".

On the prime-time TV show, Putin mouthpiece Vladimir Solovyov said: "Why don't we, for example, say that any country that tries to seize a ship, and we don't care which one, will be subjected to a nuclear, or non-nuclear, missile strike by us?" Fellow propagandist and historian Andrey Sidorov then endorsed the blowing up of SS Richard Montgomery in 1944, an American Liberty ship that sank, while loaded with explosives, in the Thames Estuary near Sheerness.

Sidorov said: "Do you understand what kind of wave there will be?"

Solovyov - whose scripts are dictated by the Kremlin, which pays his mega-salary - declared: "We'll blow it up well. Why be so nervous? Who's stopping you, buy equipment, go blow things up?"

"We can say that we are closing shipping around Britain. We will destroy any ship that tries to enter British ports," Solovyov also said. "We have missiles, we don't need to surround anything."

Last month, it was revealed that the UK Government had authorised the Royal Navy and special forces to board and seize tankers in Russia's "shadow fleet" carrying oil through British waters to fund the war in Ukraine. Sir Keir's policy, announced in late March, aims to curb nearly 700 vessels circumventing sanctions and disrupt the funding of Russia's war machine and make the English Channel less profitable for Russia. Since the announcement, several vessels have altered course to avoid the English Channel, with some loitering near critical subsea infrastructure.

Russian ambassador to Britain Andrey Kelin had already warned Britain: "The escalation of tensions is spreading to the highly sensitive maritime region of the English Channel, where over 500 civilian and military vessels transit daily.

"Launching an exercise there using force is not only irresponsible but also explosive."

Solovyov claimed Russia could call Sir Keir's bluff, accusing him of threatening piracy in scheming to board and detain Putin's shadow fleet vessels. He also threatened to deploy Russia's untested high-speed Poseidon underwater drone - powered by its own atomic reactor - allegedly capable of triggering radioactive tidal waves which could submerge swathes of Britain.

"The main thing is to remove our embassy and [use] Poseidon," said Solovyov, whose children were educated at expensive private schools in Britain. "It's high time to create a cleansing bath over all of Britain."

He also claimed the Iran war had shown NATO's impotence, describing the bloc as a "pathetic, insignificant, cardboard cut-out" that will be "wiped out".

Iran's 'pay up or get blown up' threat: Map shows mined Strait of Hormuz as oil prices surge

Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard may have put sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz during the war, a chart published by semi-official news agencies in the country on Thursday suggested.

Tehran has also begun demanding massive cryptocurrency fees from passing ships as oil prices skyrocket during the fragile first days of a two-week ceasefire.

Charts dated from February 28 until April 9 were published by news agencies ISNA and Tasnim on Thursday, showing a large circle marked 'danger zone' in Farsi over the Traffic Separation Scheme.

This was the route ships used to take through the strait - a narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20 per cent of all oil and natural gas traded once passed.

The message may be intended to pressure the United States as uncertainty hangs over the ceasefire and further negotiations are set to begin in Pakistan on Friday.

On Wednesday, Iran warned that oil tankers will be destroyed if they try to travel along the strait without permission, as it seeks to retain control over the passage during the ceasefire.

A radio message was broadcast yesterday by the regime to all oil ships in the vital waterway, saying: 'If any vessels try to transit without permission, [they] will be destroyed.'

The Islamic Republic is now reportedly demanding that shipping companies pay enormous tolls in cryptocurrency to access the passage, which usually handles around 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas.

Meanwhile, oil prices climbed and most stocks fell Thursday on fears over the nascent US-Iran ceasefire after Tehran threatened to resume hostilities as Israel launched a major bombardment of Lebanon.

Equity markets across the globe soared and crude plunged Wednesday after US President Donald Trump announced the two-week halt in the war, and the Islamic republic said it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz as peace talks took place.

But with the deal less than a day old, cracks were already appearing as Tel Aviv said it did not include Israel's fight against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon as it continued attacks on its northern neighbour.

That view was echoed by Vice President JD Vance, who said: 'If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart... over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them, and which the United States never once said was part of the ceasefire, that's ultimately their choice.'

Iran said that broke terms of the deal as reports said the vital Hormuz waterway - through which a fifth of world oil and gas passes - was shut again.

However, that came as Tehran announced alternative routes for ships travelling through the Strait, citing the risk of sea mines.

The country's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on X that the 'workable basis on which to negotiate' had already been violated, making further talks 'unreasonable'.

He listed three alleged US violations of the truce plan: the continued attacks in Lebanon, a drone entering Iranian airspace and a denial of the country's right to enrichment.

Hezbollah said Thursday it had fired rockets towards Israel in response to its 'violation', while UN boss Antonio Guterres warned Israel's strikes on Lebanon posed a 'grave risk' to the truce.

Fears that the ceasefire could fall apart while crude remained stuck in Hormuz saw both main crude contracts rise more than 3%, following sharp losses on Wednesday.

Most equities also gave up some of their gains. Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul and Mumbai were all down, though there were gains for Sydney, Taipei, Bangkok and Wellington.

London, Paris and Frankfurt fell in the morning, with US futures also in negative territory.

Brent North Sea Crude: UP 3.3 percent at $97.87 a barrel

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.7 percent at 55,895.32 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.5 percent at 25,752.40 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.7 percent at 3,966.17 (close)

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.2 percent at 10,591.02

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1660 from $1.1667 on Wednesday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3393 from $1.3405

Dollar/yen: UP at 158.92 yen from 158.35 yen

Euro/pound: DOWN at 87.07 pence from 87.22 pence

The future of the strait is a major sticking point between Washington and Tehran, with US President Donald Trump calling for the free flow of maritime traffic to be restored.

'Iran needs to monitor what goes in and out of the strait to ensure these two weeks aren't used for transferring weapons,' Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for Iran's Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters' Union, told the Financial Times.

'Everything can pass through, but the procedure will take time for each vessel, and Iran is not in a rush,' he added.

Each vessel will have to first email the authorities about its cargo, after which Iran's Supreme National Security Council will alert them about the toll to be paid in digital currencies.

Hosseini said the toll would be $1 per barrel of oil, adding that empty tankers can pass freely.

His statements imply that Tehran will demand that vessels use the northerly route close to its coastline, raising concerns over whether western or Gulf state-linked tankers will be willing to risk transit.

'Once the email arrives and Iran completes its assessment, vessels are given a few seconds to pay in bitcoin, ensuring they can't be traced or confiscated due to sanctions,' Hosseini told the newspaper.

Western ship owners announced yesterday they were adopting a cautious approach, while waiting for updates on how and whether the waterway might reopen.

And ship-tracking data from Kpler showed that only four vessels with their automatic identification system (AIS) trackers on passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, the first day of the ceasefire.

However, that does not include so-called dark fleet vessels, which travel with their AIS trackers turned off.

Many of those dark fleet ships carry sanctioned Iranian crude oil out to the open market.

The White House rejected the toll payment idea, only for Donald Trump to later tell reporters it could be done as a 'beautiful' joint venture with America.

In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday night, the US President made it abundantly clear that the two-week ceasefire was dependent on 'the Islamic republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz'.

In contrast, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said traffic will flow 'via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces and with due considerations to technical limitations', raising concerns about the future of not just for oil and gas - but also jet fuel, sulphur, urea, and diesel.

Trump posted a statement insisting that his surge of warships and troops will remain around Iran 'until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with'.

'If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the 'Shootin' Starts,' bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,' Trump wrote.

Can the Iran war really end in weeks? Trump thinks so

Is a ceasefire in sight?

The arrival of April seems to have changed the US narrative in the war against Iran that began on February 28.

From military parade to global conflict

What was supposed to be a quick and easy war for the United States and Israel has turned into a real military, economic, and image nightmare for the Trump Administration.

Will the United States leave Iran?

So much so, that Donald Trump announced, in statements to CBS News, that the United States will withdraw from Iran "in two or three weeks".

Non-negotiable condition of the United States

The US president has conditioned this decision on being certain that the Iranian regime will not be able to manufacture a nuclear weapon for years.

Wanting to reach an agreement?

In true Donald Trump style, the president asserted that "Iran is eager to reach an agreement, whether or not it materializes is irrelevant to the United States' timeline."

Pointing to other countries

In his speech, Donald Trump expressed his frustration that other countries had not sent military resources to support his war.

The troop withdrawal will come

However, he cautioned that he has no plans to withdraw his forces from the conflict yet. "At some point I will, but not yet," the US president stated.

Blaming the 'allies'

"Countries have to intervene and solve the problem. Iran has been devastated, but they will have to intervene and do their own job," said Donald Trump, referring to the countries that have denied him support in this war.

Resentful of the refusals

"If they're having trouble getting oil, let them come and get it, as is their right. They didn't want to help anyone. NATO is terrible, and everyone in it is terrible. It's time they did something for themselves," he insisted.

When will Operation 'Epic Fury' be complete?

To top off her remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also told CBS News that "when Operation 'Epic Fury' is complete, gas prices will fall back to multi-year lows."

Iranian predisposition

For this to happen, the two sides must reach an agreement, and although it seems impossible, Tehran has shown a willingness to do so.

A desire for peace in Tehran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Tehran has "the necessary will" to end the war.

European intervention

These statements followed Masoud Pezeshkian's meeting with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, but with one essential condition for their implementation.

Iran's non-negotiable condition

Tehran is willing to make peace, provided there are guarantees that there will be no return to conflict, a condition included in the recent 15-point US peace plan.

Reopening of the Strait

Furthermore, Masoud Pezeshkian reminded Donald Trump that "the Strait of Hormuz will undoubtedly reopen, but not for you," referring to Iran's blockade of this vital maritime route. It's worth noting that the Strait of Hormuz was open before the war.

The threat that has changed the landscape

However, while an agreement is being negotiated, all parties are maintaining their offensives, with the added complication that Iran has implicated 18 major American companies as the next targets of its attacks if Washington does not cease its offensives.

So what now?

In fact, the willingness of Iran and the United States to reach a peace agreement caused stock markets to rise overall after several days of widespread declines and a sustained decline in March.

Major radiation update as Iranian nuclear power plant is hit – 'Deep concern'

The International Atomic Energy Agency has voiced "deep concern" over the risk of a nuclear incident after one of Iran's key power plants was struck today.

One security guard was killed and an auxiliary building was left damaged after the airstrike hit near the fence of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant at around 8:30am local time.

Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, has now issued a warning, saying the facility or nearby areas must "never be attacked" as buildings at the site could contain vital safety equipment - and airstrikes could trigger a "nuclear accident".

"The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks," the agency said in a statement posted to X this morning.

IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency 

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The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks. Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site’s physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment Show more

11:27 AM · Apr 4, 2026

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The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks. Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site’s physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. No increase in radiation levels was reported. IAEA DG
@rafaelmgrossi expresses deep concern about the reported incident and says NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment. Reiterating call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident, DG Grossi again stresses the paramount importance of adhering to the 7 pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict.

The Bushehr Nuclear Plant is located 750 kilometres (465 miles) south of Iran's capital, Tehran, on the coast of the Persian Gulf. An attack could have catastrophic effects on the region, as it could risk release of radioactive material into the surrounding area, including the seawater.

"Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site’s physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. No increase in radiation levels was reported."

It added: "IAEA DG @rafaelmgrossi expresses deep concern about the reported incident and says NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment.

"Reiterating call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident, DG Grossi again stresses the paramount importance of adhering to the 7 pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict."

Even a limited release could impact marine ecosystems and have serious knock-on effects for water security across the region, hitting desalination plants that many Gulf states rely on for their drinking water supply, potentially affecting millions of people.

Today's attack marks the fourth since the war began on February 28. According to early investigations, the blast has not damaged the plant's main facilities, or affected its operational status, Iran's Tasnim news agency said.