The failure of the US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad raises concerns about global energy shock. U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance left after 21 hours of talks on April 12, accusing Tehran of refusing to abandon the nuclear program. Tankers remain trapped in the Persian Gulf, while oil prices were set at $94.26 a barrel (Brent). The war began on February 28 with American-Israeli raids, while Israel continues attacks on Lebanon. Governments are concerned about inflation and interest rate increases, with social unrest erupting in Ireland.