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Pulse of the War: Apr 8

• US to send top delegation for Iran talks: Washington will dispatch Vice President JD Vance along with advisors Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Islamabad for talks with Iran, with the first round set for Saturday. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Ceasefire sparks confusion in Israel: Israeli authorities initially delayed responding to the US-Iran truce, later backing it while clarifying that Lebanon was not included, amid criticism and uncertainty over the scope of the agreement. (Source: CNN)
• Strikes continue despite ceasefire: An Iranian oil refinery on Lavan Island was hit, while Kuwait and the UAE reported Iranian drone and missile attacks causing significant infrastructure damage, with Tehran framing the strikes as retaliation. (Source: Al Jazeera, CNN)
• Israel launches major strikes in Lebanon: Israel says it carried out its largest coordinated assault since March, hitting over 100 Hezbollah sites across Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Iran vows retaliation over Lebanon attacks: A senior Iranian official has warned that Tehran will “punish” Israel for alleged ceasefire violations in Lebanon, with reports suggesting preparations for a response. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Israel ready to resume fighting: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is prepared to return to combat at any moment despite the ceasefire, adding that their objectives against Iran remain unfulfilled. (Source: CNN)
• Iran signals possible Hormuz reopening ahead of talks: A senior Iranian official says Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday or Friday ahead of planned talks with the United States in Pakistan, depending on progress on a ceasefire framework. (Source: Al Jazeera)

US to send Vance, Kushner, Witkoff for Iran talks in Pakistan

The United States will send Vice-President JD Vance along with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to participate in talks with Iran in Islamabad, the White House has said.

Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the first round of negotiations is scheduled to take place on Saturday morning local time.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran FM says US must choose between ceasefire or war via Israel

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the United States must choose between pursuing a ceasefire or continuing the war through Israel.

“The conditions for a ceasefire between Iran and the United States are clear and explicit: America must choose either a ceasefire or the continuation of war through Israel; both cannot coexist,” he wrote on Telegram.

He added that the world is watching developments in Lebanon and that global opinion would judge whether Washington fulfils its commitments.

Source: Al Jazeera

Senate Democrats to force vote to curb Trump’s Iran war powers

Senate Democrats will force a vote next week in an effort to limit President Donald Trump’s authority over the war in Iran, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has said.

Democrats have attempted similar votes three times this year without success.

“Congress must reassert its authority, especially at this dangerous moment. No president, Democrat or Republican, should take this country to war alone, not now, not ever,” Schumer said outside his New York office.

Source: CNN

Netanyahu says Israel ready to resume fighting despite ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel still has objectives to achieve against Iran and is prepared to pursue them through an agreement or renewed fighting.

“We are prepared to return to combat at any moment required. Our finger is on the trigger,” he said in a speech, following a two-week ceasefire agreed in principle between the United States and Iran.

Netanyahu added that the ceasefire came into effect “in full coordination with Israel” and that his country was not caught by surprise.

Source: CNN

Strait of Hormuz remains closed, IRGC warns vessels

Vessels in the Gulf have received a broadcast warning from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy saying the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, according to ship-broker SSY.

The message warned that ships require permission from the IRGC before transiting the strait and any vessel attempting to pass without authorisation would be “targeted and destroyed”.

Source: BBC

Trump says Lebanon ‘not included’ in ceasefire deal

US President Donald Trump has described Israeli strikes on Lebanon as a “separate skirmish” with Hezbollah that is not part of the two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran.

“Yeah, they were not included in the deal,” Trump said. 

“Because of Hezbollah. They were not included in the deal. That’ll get taken care of too,” he added.

Source: CNN

Israeli assault in Lebanon kills 89

At least 89 people have been killed and more than 800 wounded in Israeli attacks across Lebanon today, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

Source: Al Jazeera

US, Iran delegations set for talks in Pakistan on Friday

Delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to arrive in Pakistan for talks on Friday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said.

US Vice President JD Vance would lead the American side and meet Iran’s parliamentary speaker and foreign minister in Islamabad.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli strikes hit over 60 sites across Lebanon: UNHCR

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that Israeli bombardments have struck more than 60 locations across Lebanon, including Beirut and surrounding areas.

“Deaths are mounting. Destruction is massive. Civilians are paying the price. Again,” UNHCR Lebanon said in a post on X.

Source: Al Jazeera

IRGC says downs drone over Fars province

The IRGC says it has intercepted and destroyed a Hermes 900 drone over Lar in Iran’s southwestern Fars province.

In a statement carried by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the IRGC warned that the presence of any US or Israeli “enemy aircraft” in Iranian airspace, even without carrying out military operations, would be considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Source: Al Jazeera

US troops ready to resume fighting if Iran truce collapses

The United States’ Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has said American troops are prepared to resume combat operations if a deal with Iran falls through.

He said at a Pentagon news conference that the United States hopes Iran “chooses a lasting peace”.

Caine added that a ceasefire is “a pause” and that US forces remain ready “if ordered or called upon” to restart operations “with the same speed and precision” demonstrated over the past 38 days.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran discusses Israeli ‘ceasefire violations’ with Pakistan

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has discussed Israel’s “violations of the ceasefire in Iran and Lebanon” in a phone call with Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir.

Source: Al Jazeera

Irani vows response to Israel over Lebanon attack

Iran will “punish” Israel for its attacks on Lebanon and the violation of the ceasefire, a senior official has said.

The official said the ceasefire covers the region and accused Israel of breaking commitments, adding that it would only be deterred by “bullets”.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that Iran is preparing a response to Israel’s violation of the ceasefire.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran considering strikes on Israel over Lebanon attacks

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency says Tehran is “considering strikes against Israel” in response to what it describes as violations of a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon.

Source: Reuters

Lebanon PM accuses Israel of killing ‘defenceless civilians’

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has accused Israel of killing “defenceless civilians” in Lebanon by targeting densely populated neighbourhoods.

He said Israel was ignoring regional and international efforts to halt the conflict, as well as international law and international humanitarian law, which he said it has “never respected”.

Salam called on Lebanon’s international partners to help end the attacks “by every means available”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran will never possess nuclear weapon: Hegseth

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has said the US-Israeli war on Iran achieved “every single objective”, including the destruction of Iran’s navy, air defence system and missile production capability.

Speaking at a Pentagon news conference alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, Hegseth said the ceasefire agreement ensures Iran “will never ever possess a nuclear weapon”.

He also claimed Iran’s new leadership “begged” for a ceasefire, saying it was “out of options and out of time”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran may reopen Strait of Hormuz ahead of US talks

Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday or Friday ahead of planned talks with the United States in Pakistan, a senior official has said.

The move would depend on agreement over a ceasefire framework, with Tehran indicating it is prepared to allow safe transit of vessels through the strategic waterway.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran will not be allowed to enrich uranium: Trump

US President Donald Trump has said Iran will no longer be allowed to enrich uranium, outlining his administration’s stance ahead of planned talks in Islamabad on Friday.

He added that US satellite surveillance has been monitoring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile since attacks on its nuclear facilities last June.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel says it struck over 100 Hezbollah sites in minutes

Israel’s military says it has carried out its largest coordinated strike across Lebanon since launching a new operation on Mar 2.

The army said it targeted more than 100 Hezbollah command centres and military sites within 10 minutes across multiple areas.

The strikes took place in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon, and focused on civilian-dense areas.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump floats ‘joint venture’ with Iran to secure Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has suggested the United States could work with Iran in a “joint venture” to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

“We’re thinking of doing it as a joint venture,” Trump said in an interview when asked about Tehran’s plans to charge tolls for passage through the waterway.

He said such an arrangement could help secure the strait, including “securing it from lots of other people”.

Source: CNN

Trump threatens 50% tariffs on countries supplying weapons to Iran

US President Donald Trump has warned that countries selling military weapons to Iran will face sweeping tariffs.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said any country supplying arms to Tehran would be hit with a 50 percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States.

“There will be no exclusions or exemptions,” he added, even as he suggested earlier that Washington and Tehran could be moving towards a longer-term peace deal.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran launches strikes on Kuwait, UAE despite ceasefire

Two US-allied Arab countries have said they were targeted by Iranian drones and missiles despite Tehran agreeing to a ceasefire.

Kuwait’s army said Iranian drone attacks caused “significant material damage” to oil facilities, power stations and water desalination plants.

In the United Arab Emirates, the defence ministry said air defences were “engaging with missile and drone attacks originating from Iran”.

Iranian state media said the attacks were in response to earlier strikes on its energy infrastructure on Lavan Island.

Source: CNN

US to work with Iran on uranium removal

US President Donald Trump has said the United States will work with Iran to remove buried uranium as a new two-week ceasefire begins.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said there would be no uranium enrichment and that Washington would cooperate with Tehran to “dig up and remove” buried nuclear material.

He also said sanction relief for Iran would be discussed and that many elements of a 15-point plan had been agreed upon, noting that earlier talks had been based on a 10-point proposal put forward by Iran.

Source: CNN

Iran’s Lavan oil refinery hit after US ceasefire announcement

An oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island was struck on Tuesday morning, according to the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company.

The facility was hit at 0630GMT, with safety and firefighting teams working to contain the blaze and secure the site.

The company added that no casualties have been reported so far, citing the timely evacuation of employees.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran guards back ceasefire, warn ‘finger on the trigger’

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it will abide by the ceasefire but warns it is ready to return to fighting if needed.

In a statement, it said the “enemy makes another miscalculation” would bring a response and warned that attacks on Iran’s infrastructure would have “severe consequences”.

It said it had “extensive experience” from past wars with Israel and the United States and called on US allies in the region to end cooperation with Washington.

The IRGC also released footage showing missiles being fired just before the ceasefire took effect.

Source: CNN

Israel claims Hamas member killed in Gaza

Israel says its forces killed Hamas member Muhammad Dawwad in northern Gaza earlier this week.

The army said Dawwad was responsible for producing explosives and led attacks against Israeli forces.

Israel has continued attacks on Gaza while also striking Iran and Lebanon.

At least four Palestinians were killed in an attack on the enclave on Sunday.

Source: Al Jazeera

White House, Pentagon set busy schedule

US President Donald Trump has several meetings scheduled, while the Pentagon is set to hold a briefing on the Iran war.

The Pentagon will hold a news briefing, followed by a White House press briefing led by the press secretary.

Trump is also set to meet Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and sit for an interview.

He will later attend a Freedom250 reception.

Source: CNN

Ceasefire leaves Israelis seeking clarity amid confusion

The US-Iran ceasefire has left Israelis scrambling for clarity after a delayed response from the government.

Donald Trump’s announcement came overnight, with no official Israeli statement for several hours as details emerged from foreign sources.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office later backed the move, saying it supported the decision to suspend strikes on Iran while noting the truce did not include Lebanon.

A further statement said the ceasefire had been coordinated with Israel.

Confusion remained over Lebanon’s status, with Israel continuing strikes while others said it was included in the deal.

Opposition figures criticised the government’s handling, calling it a diplomatic failure.

Source: CNN

EU holds off on Hormuz security comment after truce

The EU has declined to comment on possible steps to secure traffic in the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Iran ceasefire, a spokesperson says.

“We have the news of the ceasefire. We’re welcoming it… we have a window in terms of mediation that needs to stay open,” Anouar El Anouni said.

He said the Strait of Hormuz was a global “public good” that should remain open for all.

Source: Reuters

Pope Leo welcomes ceasefire with ‘satisfaction’

Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the two-week ceasefire in the Iran war with “satisfaction” and calls it a sign of “hope”.

“Only through a return to negotiations can the war be brought to an end. I urge that this period of delicate diplomatic work be accompanied by prayer,” he said.

Openness to dialogue could help resolve other conflicts around the world, he added.

Source: CNN

Lebanon backs ceasefire, seeks inclusion

Lebanon has welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire.

President Joseph Aoun says Beirut will continue efforts to ensure Lebanon is included in a lasting regional peace.

Israel says the ceasefire does not include Lebanon and continues attacks on the country.

Source: Al Jazeera

US likely to cut Iran war funding request

The US is expected to scale back its plan to seek additional funding for the war with Iran.

The total is likely to fall between $80 billion and $100 billion, less than half of the more than $200 billion initially proposed by the Pentagon to the White House last month.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

First ships pass through Hormuz after ceasefire

The first ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since Iran agreed to reopen the waterway under the ceasefire deal, a maritime monitor says.

“The Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth crossed the Strait at 08:44 UTC, while the Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach transited earlier at 06:59 UTC, shortly after departing Bandar Abbas at 05:28 UTC,” MarineTraffic said.
 

Vessel movements resume in the Strait of Hormuz following ceasefire announcement

Early signs of vessel activity are emerging in the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire announcement, which includes a temporary reopening of the strategic waterway to allow for negotiations.… pic.twitter.com/CSy6PZlCJ4

— MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) April 8, 2026

Source: X/ MarineTraffic

Shehbaz thanks Iran for truce in call with Pezeshkian

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has thanked Iran for agreeing to the ceasefire in a call with President Masoud Pezeshkian, his office says.

The prime minister expressed “deep appreciation for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leadership in agreeing to the ceasefire” and for accepting the offer to host talks in Islamabad.

He also conveyed respects to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Pezeshkian thanked Shehbaz and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to help secure a temporary ceasefire, the statement said.

Source: DAWN

Iran internet blackout enters Day 40

Iran’s internet blackout has entered its 40th day, with widespread restrictions still in place, a monitoring group says.

“The wartime censorship measure continues… with the Iranian people once again left in the dark,” NetBlocks said.

Some users remain connected through satellite services such as Starlink, despite restrictions.

Using or possessing Starlink devices can lead to up to two years in prison, authorities say.

Access is also costly, with around 1GB of data sold for about $6 on messaging apps in a country where average monthly salaries range between $200 and $300.

Source: BBC

Iran says ‘general principles’ accepted in ceasefire

Iran has said its “general principles” were accepted in the ceasefire deal with the United States, President Masoud Pezeshkian says.

He said the agreement reflected principles “desired” by Iran.

Pezeshkian said the ceasefire was the result of the sacrifice of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and the Iranian people’s resistance.

“From today on, we will continue to stand together. Whether in diplomacy, in defence, in the streets or in providing services,” he said.

Source: CNN

Oil prices remain above pre-war levels despite drop

Oil prices have fallen following plans for a conditional ceasefire between the US and Iran, but remain higher than before the war.

Brent crude dropped nearly 15 percent to $94 per barrel, down from highs of almost $120 during the conflict.

Markets were rattled as missiles crossed the Gulf and US President Donald Trump issued contradictory signals on strategy.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted shipments from the Middle East, affecting global supply.

Despite the decline, Brent crude remains about 30 percent higher than before the conflict began on Feb 28.

Source: BBC

Iran security council urges unity after ‘victory’

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has urged the public to remain united as authorities work to finalise details of what it calls a victory in the war, according to IRNA News Agency.

In a statement, the council congratulated the Iranian people and said perseverance and prudence remain necessary, calling for continued unity and solidarity.

It added that Iran, along with its “axis of resistance” in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and occupied Palestine, has dealt significant blows to its adversaries over the past 40 days.

Source: Al Jazeera

China backs US-Iran ceasefire

China has welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, the foreign ministry says.

A spokesperson said China had made efforts towards achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

Source: Al Jazeera

Saudi welcomes ceasefire, urges end to Gulf attacks

Saudi Arabia has welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran and calls for an end to attacks on Gulf countries.

The foreign ministry said it hoped the truce would lead to a “comprehensive sustainable pacification”.

It stressed attacks on Gulf states must stop and the Strait of Hormuz should be opened.

Source: Reuters

Iraq reopens airspace

Iraq has reopened its airspace and all airports following the US-Iran ceasefire, the civil aviation authority says.

“It has been decided to reopen Iraqi airspace to air traffic starting today, following the stabilisation of the situation and the return to normalcy,” the authority said.

“All civilian flights are permitted to resume, including overflights, takeoffs, and landings at Iraqi airports, in accordance with the established regulations and instructions.”

It added it remained committed to “the highest standards of air safety and security” and coordination with international organisations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Russia says US-Israel suffered ‘crushing defeat’ in Iran

Russia says the United States and Israel suffered a “crushing defeat” in Iran following what it called an unprovoked attack.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the US and Israel launched “a one-track aggressive unprovoked attack” on Iran on Feb 28.

“Our country, from the very beginning, in its first statements, said that it was necessary to immediately stop this aggression, that there was no military solution to this situation or any attempt to establish order in the region,” she said.

She added it was necessary to begin “a real political and diplomatic settlement… based on the negotiation process with a real consideration of positions”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Spain ‘will not applaud those who set the world on fire,’ PM says

Spain has welcomed the ceasefire but warns it does not erase the damage caused, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says.

He said ceasefires were “always good news” but added “this momentary relief cannot make us forget the chaos, the destruction, and the lives lost”.

“The government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket,” he added. The prime minister stressed the need for “diplomacy, international legality, and peace”.

Los alto al fuego siempre son una buena noticia. Sobre todo si conducen a una paz justa y duradera. Pero el alivio momentáneo no puede hacernos olvidar el caos, la destrucción y las vidas perdidas.

El Gobierno de España no aplaudirá a quienes incendian el mundo porque se…

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 8, 2026

Source: X/ Pedro Sanchez

Iran’s Ghalibaf, US’s Vance set for Islamabad talks

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and US Vice-President JD Vance are set to lead delegations for talks in Islamabad on Friday.

ISNA News Agency said Ghalibaf would head Iran’s team, while Vance was expected to represent the US.

The report said Iran’s 10-point proposal framework included its nuclear programme, regional security and primary and secondary sanctions dating back about 45 years.

Source: Al Jazeera

No quick relief on jet fuel supply or prices, IATA chief says

Jet fuel supplies are likely to remain tight for months even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens quickly, the head of the International Air Transport Association says.

Willie Walsh said falling crude prices and the planned reopening of the strait would not bring immediate relief to the aviation sector.

“If (the strait) were to reopen and remain open, I think it will still take a period of months to get back to where supply needs to be… given the disruption to the refining capacity in the Middle East,” he said.

He added that refineries needed time to return to full capacity after the disruption.

Source: CNN

Ceasefire should include Lebanon: France

France has welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, with President Emmanuel Macron calling it “a very good thing”.

He warned the situation in Lebanon remained critical and said the ceasefire deal should include Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah abides by ceasefire

Hezbollah has reportedly accepted the two-week ceasefire despite Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon.

The group halted fire on northern Israel and on Israeli troops in Lebanon in the early hours of Wednesday as part of the US-Iran ceasefire.

Israel continued strikes on southern Lebanon and issued a new evacuation order for a southern city, indicating further attacks.

Source: Al Jazeera

Oman welcomes ceasefire, urges lasting peace

Oman has welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and the US and calls for efforts towards a permanent end to the conflict.

The foreign ministry said it appreciated “the efforts of Pakistan and all parties calling for an end to the war”.

“We affirm the importance of intensifying efforts now to find solutions that can end the crisis from its roots and achieve a permanent cessation of the state of war and hostilities in the region,” it said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ukraine welcomes US-Iran ceasefire

Ukraine has welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha says.

“American decisiveness works. We believe it is time for sufficient decisiveness to force Moscow to cease fire and end its war against Ukraine,” he said on X.
 

We welcome the agreement between President Trump and the Iranian regime to unblock the Hormuz strait and cease fire, as well as Pakistan’s mediation efforts. American decisiveness works. We believe it is time for sufficient decisiveness to force Moscow to cease fire and end its…

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) April 8, 2026

Source: X/ Andrii Sybiha

Attacks continue across Gulf region

Attacks are continuing across the Gulf, with multiple countries reporting strikes and incidents.

Bahrain said its civil defence team had extinguished a fire at a facility following an attack from Iran, while Qatar’s defence ministry said four people were injured by debris from an interception.

Attacks were also reported in Kuwait and the UAE, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted five ballistic missiles.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi said they were responding to a fire at the Habshan gas field after alarms sounded across parts of the UAE, though no cause was confirmed.

Gulf states have called for de-escalation and a diplomatic path towards a long-term solution.

Source: Al Jazeera

Airstrike kills 8 in southern Lebanon

An airstrike in southern Lebanon has killed eight people and wounded 22 others in the Sidon area, the health ministry says.

A drone hit a car parked along a seaside promenade in front of crowded cafes, torching the vehicle and destroying the cafes, Lebanon’s state news agency said.

Another strike on Hiram Hospital caused extensive damage to patient rooms and the entrance, it added.

Hezbollah said it launched 52 attacks on Israeli army positions in Lebanon and Israel a day earlier, and two more so far.

Israel said Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire agreement between the US, Israel and Iran.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said the deal included Lebanon.

Source: CNN

Israel orders evacuation in Lebanon’s Tyre

Residents in Lebanon’s city of Tyre have been ordered to evacuate “immediately” after Israel warns of an imminent strike.

An Israeli military spokesman said the order was addressed to residents in Al Aabbasiyyah and Shibriha districts, citing threats from Hezbollah.

Displaced residents were told to move north of the Zahrani River in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ceasefire deal between the US and Iran does not cover Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Germany welcomes US-Iran truce

Germany has welcomed the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says.

He thanked Pakistan for mediating the truce.

Merz said the focus in the coming days would be to negotiate a “lasting end to war” through diplomatic channels.

Source: Al Jazeera

UK will ‘do all it can to sustain ceasefire’: PM

The UK will do “all it can to support and sustain this ceasefire” following the agreement reached overnight, Prime Minister Keir Starmer says.

“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” he said.

“Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.”

Downing Street said the prime minister would travel to the Gulf to meet leaders from countries on the front line and set out full support for the ceasefire.

He would reiterate the need for a long-term diplomatic resolution to ensure the ceasefire leads to a lasting agreement in meetings with regional leaders.

He would also hold talks on ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains permanent, with the UK continuing to lead international efforts.

Source: BBC

Shipping slow in Hormuz hours after ceasefire

Shipping traffic shows little movement in the Strait of Hormuz more than six hours after the US and Iran announce a two-week ceasefire, with analysts warning activity may take time to resume.

“The ceasefire is a necessary first step, but it does not mean commercial shipping immediately normalises through the international traffic lanes in the Strait,” Charlie Brown, senior advisor of dark fleet tracking at United Against Nuclear Iran and a former US Navy officer, said.

“Shipowners are still waiting for authoritative guidance from naval security channels, flag states, and, critically, marine war-risk insurers before sending vessels back into the strait,” he added.

“The real signal to watch is the ‘first movers’ -- the earliest vessels willing to test the route. If those transits are completed safely, confidence will build quickly and the broader watch-and-wait cohort will follow.”

Source: CNN

Trump calls Iran ceasefire a ‘total and complete victory’

The United States has secured a “total and complete victory” after agreeing a two-week ceasefire deal with Iran, President Donald Trump says.

“Total and complete victory. 100 percent. No question about it,” he said shortly after announcing the deal.

He added that Iran’s uranium stockpiles would be “perfectly taken care of” under the ceasefire agreement, and noted that China had helped bring Iran to negotiations with the US.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump agrees to 2-week Iran ‘bombing pause’

US President Donald Trump says he will suspend bombing of Iran for 14 days after accepting a ceasefire proposal mediated by Pakistan, following talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.

He linked the pause to Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and described it as a “double-sided” truce, adding a 10-point proposal from Tehran could form the basis of a deal.

The war, which began on Feb 28 with US-Israeli strikes, has killed thousands, displaced millions and rattled global markets.

Source: Reuters

Pulse of the War: Apr 7

• Trump warns destruction of ‘whole civilisation’: US President Donald Trump has issued a stark threat to Iran, saying “a whole civilisation will die tonight” as his deadline on reopening the Strait of Hormuz approaches. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• China, Russia block UN move on Hormuz security: China and Russia have vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at coordinating protection for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, despite backing from most members. (Source: Reuters)
• Strikes hit Kharg Island: Iran’s Kharg Island, a major export terminal for crude oil, has been struck multiple times, amid Trump’s threats to Iranian energy infrastructure. (Source: BBC)
• Transport network across Iran under attack: Multiple railway lines, bridges and roads across Iran have been hit following Israeli warnings, with at least two people killed in Kashan and several key routes shut down. (Source: BBC)
• US lawmakers push to curb Trump’s war powers: House Democrats are seeking Republican support for a resolution to limit Trump’s authority over the Iran war. (Source: CNN)
• Calls grow to remove Trump: Several US lawmakers have urged invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump, citing his conduct and threats during the conflict as grounds for action. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Iran strikes Saudi petrochemical sites: The IRGC say they have targeted petrochemical facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail region in retaliation for Israeli strikes, signalling widening regional escalation. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Kuwait urges residents to stay home overnight amid regional tensions

Kuwait’s interior ministry has urged citizens and residents to remain at home from midnight to 6am local time on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.

“This measure aims to maintain safety, support security operations, and ensure stability,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added that the decision was taken “in light of the current conditions facing the country and the region”.

Source: CNN

Pakistan blames Israel for halting US-Iran talks

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has accused Israel of undermining its efforts to facilitate ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran.

Speaking in the Senate, Dar said Islamabad had been optimistic about negotiations before recent strikes on Tehran, claiming both sides had agreed to Pakistan’s role in hosting talks.

He added that the US and Iran had accepted the idea of holding discussions in Islamabad before the latest developments disrupted the process.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran says Trump’s threats will not aid dialogue

Iran’s government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has said US President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilisation reflects “ignorance” and will not aid dialogue.

Speaking to the state-run IRNA, she said maintaining public peace and security remains the government’s top priority.

“The door to dialogue opens with respect; the narrow path of threats, pettiness, and humiliation is not a way in,” she added.

Source: CNN

House Democrats seek Republican backing to curb Trump’s war powers

House Democrats are seeking support from Republicans for a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority over the war in Iran.

The push for bipartisan backing comes as tight margins in the House make cross-party support critical for the measure to pass.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders have also urged Republicans to reconvene the House and vote on ending the US war with Iran.

Source: CNN

Israel issues maritime warning in Lebanon

Israel has issued an “urgent warning” to vessels off the coast of Lebanon between the cities of Tyre and Ras Naqoura.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Hezbollah activity in the area is endangering vessels, forcing the IDF to operate in the maritime zone against the group.

All vessels in the area have been warned to “immediately head north of the Tyre” for their safety.

Source: CNN

Iranian proxy group in Iraq says it will release abducted US journalist

The Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah says it will release abducted US journalist Shelly Kittleson, adding that she must leave Iraq immediately.

Kittleson was abducted in late March in Baghdad.

Middle East news site Al-Monitor reported that she is a US freelance journalist based in Rome who has covered several conflicts in the region and contributed articles to the outlet.

Source: Reuters

China, Russia veto UN resolution on protecting shipping in Strait of Hormuz

At a vote in the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia have vetoed a Bahraini resolution aimed at encouraging states to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The 15-member Council voted 11 in favour of the resolution, with two votes against and two abstentions.

“The draft resolution has not been adopted, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Council,” Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani told the Council.

Source: Reuters

Tehran activates air defences

Air defences have been activated over Tehran and fighter planes are flying at low altitude over the city, according to Iran’s Borna News Agency.

Source: Reuters

White House denies use of nuclear weapon against Iran

The White House has moved to dismiss speculation that the US administration could consider using a nuclear weapon in Iran.

Earlier, Vice-President JD Vance told reporters in Hungary that the US has “tools in our toolkit” and would decide how to use them if Iran does not change its course of conduct.

The remarks, combined with President Donald Trump’s post warning that a “whole civilisation will die tonight,” prompted online speculation that nuclear weapons were being implied.

Responding to a post suggesting Vance had indicated possible nuclear use, the White House Rapid Response account wrote: “Literally nothing @VP said here ‘implies’ this, you absolute buffoons.”

Source: CNN

Human chain formed around Tabriz power plant

A chain of people has surrounded a thermal power plant in Iran’s Tabriz, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency.

The development comes a day after Iran’s deputy minister of youth and sports called on young people to form a “human chain” around the country’s power plants.

The appeal followed US President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Iran’s public infrastructure if the country does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: CNN

Israel strikes 8 bridge sections across Iran

The Israeli military says it has attacked eight bridge sections across Iran.

It claimed the damaged structures were used by the IRGC to transport weapons and military equipment.

The targeted bridge sections were located in several areas, including Tehran, Karaj, Tabriz, Kashan, and Qom.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ex-Trump ally calls his Iran threats ‘evil and madness’

Former US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has criticised President Donald Trump’s latest threats to Iran, describing it as “evil”.

She was responding to Trump’s warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight”.

“Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilisation. This is evil and madness,” she wrote on X.

Taylor Greene, who has previously been a strong supporter of Trump, also called for the invocation of the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution to remove him from office.

Source: Al Jazeera

UNSC draft on Strait of Hormuz security softens amid diplomatic resistance

A revised draft United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has removed language on the use of force in an effort to avoid a veto.

The earlier version of the draft had authorised the use of “all defensive means necessary” to ensure passage through the strategic waterway. 

It also reportedly included provisions for naval action in the strait, which has been closed since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

The earlier proposal faced opposition from China and Russia, both permanent members of the Security Council.

Source: CNN

Iran warns of escalation as talks with US continue via Pakistan

Iran and the United States are continuing to exchange messages through Pakistan, but Tehran will not show flexibility while Washington demands “surrender under pressure”.

A senior Iranian official warned that if the United States targets Iran’s power plants, “the entire region and Saudi Arabia will fall into complete darkness” due to retaliatory strikes.

He also cautioned that if the situation escalates, Iran’s allies could move to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Source: Reuters

French nationals repatriated after years of detention in Iran

French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris are “free and on their way to France” after more than three years of detention in Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron has said.

He thanked Omani authorities for mediating their return.

Source: X/EmmanuelMacron

Cécile Kohler et Jacques Paris sont libres et en chemin vers le territoire français, après trois ans et demi de détention en Iran. C’est un soulagement pour nous tous et évidemment pour leurs familles.

Merci aux autorités omanaises pour leurs efforts de médiation, aux services…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 7, 2026

Vance says more negotiations likely before Trump’s Iran deadline

US Vice-President JD Vance has said there will be “a lot of negotiation” before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking about the timeline, Vance said there are around 12 hours remaining of the deadline, adding: “We’re going to find out.”

He expressed hope for a resolution, saying negotiations would continue in the meantime to reach an acceptable deal.

Source: CNN

Strikes reported on railways and transport routes across Iran

Strikes have been reported on multiple railway lines and transport infrastructure across Iran, following a warning by the Israel Defense Forces urging people to avoid trains and railway lines for 12 hours.

Two people were killed in an attack on a railway bridge in the city of Kashan, while the Iranian Red Crescent Society reported an airstrike on a railway line in Karaj, sharing video showing emergency workers treating an injured person at the scene.

Projectiles also struck ground transport bridges in western Qom province, and a section of the Tabriz-Tehran freeway.

Several routes have since been closed, including a freeway between Tabriz and Zanjan and the Qareh Chaman-Mianeh road.

Source: BBC

Tehran synagogue damaged in US-Israeli strikes

US-Israeli strikes have severely damaged a synagogue in central Tehran.

Images and video show a heavily damaged Rafi Niya synagogue, with Hebrew religious texts scattered among the debris.

The synagogue, described as one of Tehran’s Jewish religious centres dating back to the Pahlavi II era, was “completely destroyed in an airstrike”, its centuries-old Torahs likely heavily damaged.

Source: CNN

Strikes reported on Iran’s Kharg Island

Iran’s Kharg Island, a key terminal for much of the country’s oil exports in the Gulf, has been hit by several strikes, according to the state news agency Mehr.

Source: BBC

Trump warns death for ‘a whole civilisation’ in latest Iran threat

US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran as his deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches.

In a post on Truth Social, he said: “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” while signalling the possibility of escalation.

Trump added that he did not want such an outcome but suggested it could happen, while also referencing the prospect of “complete and total regime change” leading to truce with Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

Footage shows Qatari security forces responding to Iranian attacks

Footage released by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior and shared by Doha News shows security forces handling the aftermath of Iranian attacks on the country.

The video captures the neutralisation of an unexploded drone found within Qatari territory.
 

.@alarabyTvQatar aired footage showing #Qatar’s Ministry of Interior handling the aftermath of #Iranian attacks on the country, including the neutralisation of an undetonated Iranian #drone over #Qatari territory. pic.twitter.com/vi5ODUwitL

— Doha News (@dohanews) April 7, 2026

Source: X/ Doha News

IRGC claims attacks on Saudi petrochemical sites in retaliation

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards says it targeted petrochemical facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail region in response to Israeli strikes on Shiraz.
In a statement, the IRGC said it struck sites linked to American companies with missiles and drones.

It also claimed to have targeted a petrochemical complex in Juaymah, as tensions rose following warnings of retaliatory strikes on regional infrastructure.

Rail services suspended in Iran’s Mashhad

Rail services from Mashhad have been suspended until further notice, Iranian media report.

The city’s governor ordered the halt as a precaution, according to Mehr News Agency, following Israeli warnings for civilians to avoid railways.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran urges UNESCO to condemn Israeli threat to railway

Iran has called on UNESCO to condemn what it says is an Israeli threat to target its railway system.

In a letter to the agency’s director-general, Iran’s minister of cultural heritage urged immediate action and a clear stance to deter any potential strike.

The Trans-Iranian Railway, stretching 1,394km from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf, was designated a World Heritage Site in 2021 for its scale and complex engineering.

The minister said any attack on the railway would be an attack on shared human heritage and called for urgent international intervention.

Source: Al Jazeera

Strikes near Tehran kill 18: Iranian media

At least 18 people, including two children, have been killed in strikes in Alborz province, near Tehran, according to Iranian media.

A deputy governor said the US-Israeli strikes hit residential areas, confirming the deaths, local outlets including Mizan Online and Fars reported.

Another 24 people were wounded in the early morning attack, the official added.

Iran’s government has not issued an updated overall casualty toll in recent days.

Source: DAWN

IRGC shoots down a MQ-9 drone in Qeshm

The IRGC Navy air defense in Qeshm shot down and destroyed an MQ-9 drone on Monday night. pic.twitter.com/dHSeH7yKDi

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) April 7, 2026

Source: X/ IRNA News Agency

8 killed in Lebanon strikes: state media

At least eight people have been killed in overnight air and drone strikes across Lebanon, the country’s National News Agency reports.

The attacks hit southern Lebanon and the western Beqaa, wounding dozens while destroying homes and causing widespread damage.

Reconnaissance aircraft were also seen over parts of the country, according to the report.

The Israeli military says its 98th Division has expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon over the past week.

Source: BBC

Pezeshkian says ready to ‘sacrifice’ for Iran

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said millions of Iranians are prepared to sacrifice their lives to defend the country.

Writing on X, he said more than 14 million people had declared their readiness and added that he too was willing to make that sacrifice.

His remarks come as Israel has carried out high-profile assassinations since the war began in late February, while more than 2,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands wounded across Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel claims strike on Shiraz petrochemical facility

The Israeli military has said it struck a petrochemical compound in Shiraz in southwestern Iran.

In a statement, it claimed the site produced nitric acid used by Iran’s armed forces and was among the last facilities making key components for explosives and ballistic missile development.

The military did not provide evidence to support the claim.

Source: Al Jazeera

‘War crimes’: Iranian Red Crescent slates strikes on 17 civilian areas

The Iranian Red Crescent Society has said US-Israeli air attacks have hit 17 civilian areas across the country.

In a statement posted on X, the organisation said: “There is no justification for attacking civilians; international humanitarian law explicitly states that attacking defenceless civilians is a war crime.” At least 15 people were killed in overnight strikes across the country, according to Iranian media.
 

مناطق غیرنظامی که از بامداد امروز (سه شنبه ۱۸ فروردینماه) مورد هدف حملات هوایی رژیم صهیونیستی و آمریکا قرار گرفت

پایگاه اطلاعرسانی جمعیت هلال احمر:
▪️تهران - حوالی میدان آزادی
▪️تهران - میدان فلسطین
▪️تهران - تهرانپارس
▪️تهران - پردیس
▪️تهران - شهریار
▪️آذربایجان غربی - ارومیه… pic.twitter.com/SbLiQefuYO

— جمعیت هلالاحمر ایران (@Iranian_RCS) April 7, 2026

Source: X/ Iranian Red Crescent Society

Iraq could restore oil exports within week if Hormuz reopens

Iraq could restore crude oil exports to around 3.4 million barrels per day within a week if the Strait of Hormuz reopens and the war ends, according to a senior official.

The head of the state-run Basra Oil Company said the recovery would be swift once shipping resumes through the key waterway.

Iraq has suffered the steepest revenue losses among Gulf producers due to the disruption, as it lacks alternative export routes, according to a Reuters analysis.

Source: Reuters

US F-15 downed by shoulder-fired missile, Trump says

A US Air Force F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran was hit by a shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missile, President Donald Trump has said.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said the aircraft was struck over the weekend by a handheld missile that hit the engine, calling it a “lucky” shot.

The incident marked the first time an F-15 has been downed by hostile fire and triggered a complex rescue mission deep inside Iran.

The missile is believed to be a Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS), a lightweight and easily concealed weapon that poses a serious threat to low-flying aircraft, though the exact model used remains unclear.

Source: CNN

Asian allies of US scramble for Iran deals to steady economies

Asian allies of the United States have appealed directly to Tehran to secure fuel supplies and shipping access as a global energy crisis deepens.

Japan and the Philippines have pursued agreements with Iran to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while South Korea has sought alternative supplies and regional support as disruptions intensify.

The Philippines has secured assurances for unhindered transit of its vessels and seafarers, while India and Pakistan have reached similar arrangements.

Source: CNN

What is the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution?

Lawmakers are invoking the 25th Amendment in a bid to remove President Donald Trump from office.

Here’s what it says:

•    It is divided into four sections, with Section 4 addressing cases where a president cannot perform duties but does not step down
•    Under Section 4, the vice president and a majority of the cabinet can declare the president unfit and remove him
•    It was passed by Congress in 1965 to ensure a prompt and orderly transfer of power
•    The aim is to guarantee continuity in leadership with a functioning president and vice president
•    It was previously discussed during Trump’s first term after the 2021 US Capitol attack

Source: Al Jazeera

IEA chief says current energy crisis worst on record

The head of the International Energy Agency has warned the current oil and gas crisis is “more serious” than those in 1973, 1979 and 2002 combined.

Fatih Birol said the world has never seen a disruption to energy supply of this scale, driven by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

He warned developing countries will be hit hardest by rising energy and food prices and accelerating inflation.

Source: Reuters

15 killed in overnight strikes on Iran

At least 15 people have been killed in overnight US-Israeli strikes across Iran, according to local media.

Six bodies were recovered from rubble in Pardis, east of Tehran, the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported.

Local officials said nine others were killed in a strike on a residential area in Shahriar, west of Tehran.

Source: Al Jazeera

US lawmakers call to invoke 25th Amendment against Trump

US lawmakers have called for President Donald Trump to be removed from office by invoking the 25th Amendment.

Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari said Trump’s actions in the Iran war and threats against civilian infrastructure had “crossed every line”.

Other Democrats, including Ilhan Omar and Melanie Stansbury, also urged action, while former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh backed the move.

Senator Chris Murphy said Trump’s behaviour was “completely, utterly unhinged” and called on cabinet members to act.

This is not ok. Invoke the 25th amendment. Impeach. Remove.

This unhinged lunatic must be removed from office. pic.twitter.com/yoprhvqOE8

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) April 6, 2026

Source: Al Jazeera

Death toll rises to 9 after strike on Tehran’s Shahriar

The death toll from an Israeli air strike on a residential area in Shahriar, west of Tehran, has risen to nine, according to Iranian media.

The semi-official Mehr News Agency, citing a local official, said at least 15 others were injured.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel warns Iranians not to travel by train

The Israeli military has warned people in Iran to avoid train travel “for the sake of your security”.

In a social media post, it urged people to refrain from using trains or being near railway lines until 9pm local time, saying it could endanger lives.

The warning comes amid ongoing strikes on infrastructure in Tehran and continued missile exchanges between Iran and Israel.

Source: BBC

13,000 targets hit since war began: US

The US military says it has struck more than 13,000 targets in Iran since the war began on Feb 28.

Central Command said the strikes were carried out under Operation Epic Fury and included IRGC sites, air defences, missile bases and naval assets.

It added that more than 155 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed.

Separately, a US-based rights group says over 3,500 people have been killed in Iran, including at least 1,665 civilians.

Source: BBC

‘Tit for tat’: Gulf states bear brunt of Iran retaliation

Gulf states have borne the brunt of retaliatory strikes as Iran targets key infrastructure following US-Israeli attacks.

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted seven ballistic missiles over its oil-rich eastern region, with debris falling near energy facilities.

Authorities also suspended operations on the King Fahad Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain after alarms were triggered.

Across the region, sirens have sounded in Bahrain and the UAE, highlighting an escalating cycle of tit-for-tat attacks.

Source: Al Jazeera

Sirens sound in Jordan’s Aqaba

Sirens have been activated in the coastal city of Aqaba, with loud interception blasts heard.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan efforts to end Iran war at ‘critical’ stage: envoy

Pakistan’s efforts to mediate an end to the US-Israel war on Iran have reached a “critical, sensitive” stage, according to Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam.

In a post on X, he described Islamabad’s role as “positive and productive” as diplomatic engagement intensifies.

Source: Reuters

New Zealand PM says Trump threats ‘unhelpful’

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said recent threats by US President Donald Trump to target Iranian civilian infrastructure are “unhelpful”.

He said more military action is unnecessary and stressed the need to prevent the conflict from expanding further.

Luxon added that any strikes on bridges, reservoirs or other civilian sites would be “unacceptable”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Gold steady as Trump deadline keeps markets on edge

Gold prices have held steady as investors remain cautious ahead of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Spot gold has dipped 0.1 percent to $4,640.93 an ounce by 0327 GMT, while US gold futures for June delivery have fallen 0.4 percent to $4,666.70.

Source: Reuters

15 US troops injured in drone strike on Kuwait base

At least 15 US troops have been injured in a drone strike targeting Ali Al Salem Airbase in Kuwait.

The base is a key hub for US military operations in the region, including Operation Epic Fury.

Source: Al Jazeera

‘Assassinations’ won’t deter Iran’s fighters: supreme leader

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei says the killing of senior commanders will not weaken the country’s armed forces, following the “assassination” of IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi.

In a written statement, Khamenei praised Khademi’s “decades of quiet and devoted service” in security and defence, saying Iran’s fighters remain resolute despite such attacks.

He said the country’s armed forces form a “deeply rooted front” that cannot be shaken by “terrorism and crime”, adding their commitment to their cause remains intact.

Source: CNN

Hezbollah claims rocket attack on northern Israel

Hezbollah says it launched rocket salvos at the towns of Metula and Kfar Yuval in northern Israel in the early hours.

The Israeli military had earlier warned residents of incoming fire before later saying the threat had passed.

Source: Al Jazeera

Massive fire at Saudi Al Jubail petrochemical complex

Massive fire at the 'Al-Jubail' oil facility in eastern Saudi Arabia

Follow https://t.co/B3zXG73Jym pic.twitter.com/vYQ847uuI3

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 6, 2026

Source: X/ RT

US lawmaker calls to impeach defence chief Hegseth

Democratic Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari has called for the impeachment of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the military operation against Iran.

Ansari described recent actions by the Donald Trump administration as “horrifying” and accused it of making “apocalyptic” threats against Iran.

She said Hegseth was an “enabler” of the war and responsible for directing military action that has caused civilian and military casualties. The lawmaker also accused him of violating the constitution and bypassing Congress.

I’m introducing Articles of Impeachment against Pete Hegseth. Here’s why. pic.twitter.com/mMblG7tA7s

— Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) April 7, 2026

Source: X/ Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari

UN warns humanitarian situation worsening in Iran

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the humanitarian situation in Iran is worsening as hostilities spread.

It said civilian casualties rose sharply between mid-March and early April, with strikes hitting airports, hospitals, homes, markets, schools and cultural sites.

The agency added that more than 2,100 civilians have been killed, nearly 28,000 injured and over 3.8 million people impacted since the war began.

It also said damage to infrastructure has disrupted electricity, water and telecommunications, increasing health and environmental risks.

Source: BBC

Iranian minister urges ‘human chain’ around power plants

An Iranian minister has called on youth to form a “human chain” around power plants amid US threats to target infrastructure.

Alireza Rahimi, deputy minister of youth and sports, urged people to gather nationwide, saying attacks on such sites would be a war crime.

The call comes after US President Donald Trump warned of strikes if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: CNN

Australian PM to discuss fuel supplies in Singapore visit

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Singapore to discuss securing fuel supplies amid rising oil prices during the Middle East war.

Australia relies on imports for about 90 percent of its refined petroleum, with Singapore its largest supplier.

Albanese said talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong would focus on “essential supplies” including diesel and LNG.

Source: DAWN

Iran seeks ‘comprehensive’ deal, rejects ceasefire

Iran is rejecting a ceasefire, saying it would only give the US and Israel time to prepare for a more destructive phase of the war.

Officials say Tehran wants a “comprehensive” regional agreement covering countries including Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, with guarantees the conflict will not resume.

They argue only a lasting, wide-ranging deal can bring stability after the heavy damage Iran has suffered.

Iran also wants a new framework for the Strait of Hormuz, potentially including transit levies to compensate for wartime losses.

Source: Al Jazeera

Malaysia confirms tanker safely passes Hormuz

Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that one of seven Malaysian-owned commercial vessels previously stranded in the Strait of Hormuz has been granted safe passage and is en route to its final destination.

The ministry said the development follows high-level diplomatic engagements, including a call last month between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Details on the vessel’s name, cargo, or final destination were not disclosed.

We had said that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not forget his friends.The first Malaysian ship passed through the Strait of Hormuz

Kami telah mengatakan bahawa Republik Islam Iran tidak akan melupakan rakan-rakannya.Kapal Malaysia yang pertama yang telah melalui Selat Hormuz pic.twitter.com/prDkzivJSO

— Iran Embassy In Malaysia (@iraninmalaysia) April 6, 2026

Source: X/ Iran Embassy in Malaysia

IRGC calls Trump threats ‘baseless’, warns of stronger response

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s threats as “baseless” and vowed to continue fighting.

Spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari said Trump’s rhetoric was “delusional” and aimed at justifying US military setbacks.

He warned Iran would respond “more forcefully and on a much wider scale” if attacks continue.

Trump has threatened strikes on Iranian infrastructure if Tehran does not reach a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: CNN

Pulse of the War: Apr 6

Mediators push 45-day ceasefire: The US, Iran and regional mediators discuss a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire as a pathway to ending the war, with talks involving Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish intermediaries. (Source: Axios)

Iran rejects ceasefire, calls for permanent resolution: Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal, instead outlining a 10-point plan calling for a permanent end to the war, including safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and post-war reconstruction. (Source: Reuters)

Trump says ceasefire proposal ‘not good enough’: US President Donald Trump has described the proposed 45-day truce as a “significant step” but said it falls short, while reiterating that Iran’s leadership is now “much more reasonable”. (Source: CNN)

Netanyahu boasts strike on key Iranian petrochemical sites: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has destroyed a major petrochemical complex in Iran, while Defence Minister Israel Katz says the Jam and Damavand facilities, responsible for most of Iran’s petrochemical exports, are now inoperable. (Source: CNN)

Trump warns Iran could be ‘taken out’ in one night: Trump has threatened that the entire nation of Iran “can be taken out in one night”, a callback to his deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Trump threatens action over ‘leaker’ in airman rescue: Trump administration is searching for the source behind reports of a missing US airman in Iran and has warned of jail time for the reporter if the source is not disclosed. (Source: CNN)

IRGC intel chief killed in US-Israeli strike: IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi was killed in an attack by the United States and Israel. Khademi had taken over the role after his predecessor Mohammad Kazemi was killed in an earlier strike. (Source: BBC)

Iran opens cases against expats supporting US-Israeli strikes

Iranian media outlets have called on the public to identify Iranians abroad who are seen celebrating Israeli strikes on Iran.

Authorities opened cases against dozens of expatriates accused of cooperating with a “hostile enemy”.

Fars News Agency posted a message urging people to “identify Persian-speaking traitors”.

It asked viewers who recognise individuals in a video “dancing and celebrating the bombing of Iran” to report them through a judiciary website.

Source: CNN

Trump threatens jailtime for journalist reporting on missing airman

US President Donald Trump has said his administration is looking for the “leaker” behind early reports that an Air Force officer was missing in Iran after a fighter jet was shot down.

Trump also threatened jail time for the reporter who “did the story” if they refuse to reveal their source.

“It became a much more difficult operation because a leaker leaked,” he said during a press conference detailing the rescue of two crew members after the incident. 

Source: CNN

Trump suggests US should impose tolls on Hormuz transit

US President Donald Trump has said the United States should impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, instead of Iran.

“What about us charging tolls?” he said. “I’d rather do that than let them have them.”

His comments come after Iran asserted control over the strategic waterway by introducing a new toll system for tankers, enforcing its “sovereign role” in the strait.

Trump said he believed the US should instead collect tolls, pointing to “US military success” in the ongoing conflict.

Source: CNN

Trump says reopening Strait of Hormuz must be part of Iran peace deal

US President Donald Trump has said that reopening the Strait of Hormuz must be included in any agreement to end the war with Iran.

“We have to have a deal that’s acceptable to me, and part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything,” he said at a press conference at the White House.

Source: CNN

Trump blames US-NATO tensions to Greenland dispute

US President Donald Trump has suggested that tensions between the United States and NATO began after he first proposed acquiring Greenland.

“It all began with, if you want to know the truth, Greenland,” Trump said during a press conference. 

“We want Greenland. They don’t want to give it to us. And I said, ‘bye, bye’.”

Source: CNN

Trump criticises US allies over lack of support in Iran war

US President Donald Trump has criticised several US allies, saying they did not assist Washington in the war in Iran.

Trump named Japan, Australia, South Korea, and NATO as allies who did not help him in the US invasion of Iran.

He added that the US maintains a large military presence in allied countries, calling out Japan and South Korea specifically where “US soldiers protect them from North Korea”.

Trump also praised several Gulf states for their involvement, saying: “Saudi Arabia has been excellent, Qatar has been excellent, UAE has been excellent, Bahrain, Kuwait.”

Source: CNN

Trump threatens to ‘take out’ Iran in ‘one night’

US President Donald Trump says the operation to rescue the pilot of a downed F-15 fighter jet came under close-range gunfire and resulted in damaged equipment, including helicopters, while two aircraft were left behind and destroyed.

He said the mission involved around 155 US aircraft, including 64 fighter jets, 48 refuelling tankers and 13 rescue aircraft.

Officials are also reportedly seeking the identity of the “leaker” who first disclosed to a media organisation that a second airman from the downed jet was missing in Iran.

Trump said more than 10,000 combat flights have been conducted over Iran since the start of the war, with around 13,000 targets struck.

He also warned that the entire nation of Iran “can be taken out in one night, and that night may be tomorrow night”, referring to his Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump ‘not worried’ about Iran strikes being seen as war crime

US President Donald Trump has said he is “not worried” about whether potential US strikes on Iranian power plants and critical infrastructure could constitute war crimes.

Speaking to reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Trump dismissed the concerns, saying: “I’m not worried about it.”

He added, “You know the war crime? The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

Source: CNN

Netanyahu boasts strikes on Iranian petrochemical complex

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel destroyed a major petrochemical complex in Iran in its latest round of strikes.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said: “Today we destroyed the largest petrochemical plant in Iran,” adding that the move was part of efforts to dismantle the IRGC’s financial network.

Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Jam and Damavand facilities, which account for around 85 percent of Iran’s petrochemical exports, had been rendered inoperable.

Source: CNN

Trump renews threats, Iran response ‘not enough’

US President Donald Trump has reiterated threats to strike Iran’s bridges, power plants and other civilian infrastructure while speaking to reporters at the White House.

He said if it were up to him, he would “take” Iran’s oil reserves, making the United States “plenty of money”.

Despite polls indicating opposition to the war among Americans, Trump insisted he retains strong backing from his MAGA base, dismissing anti-war citizens as “foolish”.

He also claimed his administration sent weapons to Iran to support anti-government protesters, but said the arms were retained by “a group of people”, without specifying who.

Trump said his Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is final, while describing Tehran’s response to a US proposal to end the war as “significant” but “not good enough”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ceasefire proposal ‘significant step’ but ‘not good enough’: Trump

US President Donald Trump has described a proposed 45-day ceasefire with Iran as a “significant step” but said it is “not good enough”.

He made the remarks during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, while also repeating his claim that Iran’s leadership is now “much more reasonable”.

Source: CNN

Iran rejects ceasefire, pushes for permanent end of war

Iran has responded to a US proposal to end the war via Pakistan, rejecting a ceasefire and stressing the need for a permanent resolution, according to the state-run IRNA.

The response includes 10 clauses, among them an end to regional conflict, a framework for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions, and post-war reconstruction measures.

Source: Reuters

Houthis claim attack on Israel’s Eilat

Yemen’s Houthi rebels say they took part in a coordinated attack with Iran and Hezbollah targeting Israel’s southern city of Eilat.

In a statement carried by the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah channel, the group said the operation targeted “several vital military sites”.

Earlier, Israel’s military said Eilat had been targeted by drones launched from Yemen.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel strikes airports across Iran

Israel’s military has conducted a new wave of “large-scale” strikes in Tehran and other parts of Iran.

Overnight aerial attacks targeted military infrastructure at Bahram Airport, Mehrabad Airport and Azmayesh Airport.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran to continue war until leaders decide otherwise

Iran will continue the war for as long as its political leadership considers it necessary, according to an army spokesman.

“We can continue the war as long as the political authorities see fit,” Mohammad Akraminia told the ISNA.

He added that the enemy “must definitely regret it”, saying Iran aims to reach a level of security after the conflict that would prevent another war.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran arrests 17 over alleged links to US, Israel, ‘separatist’ groups

Iranian authorities have arrested 17 people in West Azerbaijan province on suspicion of links to the United States, Israel, or “separatist” and ISIL-affiliated groups.

The intelligence ministry said some of those detained are accused of transmitting sensitive information on military and security sites to entities linked to the US or Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran rejects ceasefire proposal, Trump yet to respond

Countries seeking to end the war in Iran have drafted a proposal calling for a 45-day ceasefire alongside the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The plan was sent to both the United States and Iran late on Sunday, in what is seen as a last resort to prevent large-scale strikes.

A White House official said Trump has not approved the proposal.

Iran, however, appeared to reject the idea of a temporary ceasefire, saying it would allow its adversaries to regroup and prepare for further fighting.

Source: CNN

Over 20 sites hit in Israel in latest Iranian attack

More than 20 sites have been hit across central Israel in the latest wave of Iranian attacks, emergency services say.

At least 28 impact points were recorded, with authorities blaming cluster munitions.

Areas including Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak and Givatayim were affected.

A man in his 40s has been moderately wounded, according to medics.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel says it hit key Iranian petrochemical facility

Israel says it has struck a major petrochemical facility in Iran as it steps up attacks on infrastructure.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said the site in Asaluyeh was targeted and is now out of service.

He claimed two key facilities, responsible for about 85 percent of Iran’s petrochemical exports, are no longer functioning.

Source: BBC

IRGC targeted US, Israel-linked ships: state media

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say they have targeted US- and Israel-linked vessels, according to state media.

They claimed to have struck the US amphibious assault ship LHA-7, forcing it to retreat into the southern Indian Ocean.

The Guards also said they targeted a container ship linked to Israel, identified as “SDN7”, without giving its location.

Source: Reuters

Oil prices swing after Trump threat, ceasefire talk

Oil prices have risen above $110 before easing in volatile trading.

The spike followed US President Donald Trump’s threat to target Iran’s infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

Prices later fell to around $107 after reports of potential US-Iran ceasefire talks.

Source: BBC

Targeting energy sites ‘illegal’: EU chief

European Council President Antonio Costa has said targeting energy facilities would be “illegal and unacceptable” following recent US threats.

He warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and would worsen the conflict.

Costa said only a diplomatic solution can resolve the war and urged all sides to avoid escalation.

He also called on Iran to halt attacks in the region and allow full navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: CNN

IAEA confirms strikes near Iran’s Bushehr plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency says it has confirmed impacts of recent strikes close to Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant.

The UN watchdog said the facility itself was not damaged, based on satellite imagery and site analysis.

It added one strike landed just 75 metres from the plant’s perimeter.

Source: Reuters

US rescue may have been cover to ‘steal uranium’: Iran

Iran has said a US operation to rescue a downed airman may have been a cover to “steal enriched uranium”.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said there were “many questions and uncertainties” about the mission.

He questioned why the reported rescue location was far from where US forces attempted to land.

Baqaei said “the possibility” of a deception operation “should not be ignored”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel says bodies of 4 missing recovered after Iran strike

Israeli rescue services say the bodies of all four missing people have been recovered from a building hit by an Iranian missile in Haifa.

Emergency service Magen David Adom said all were found without signs of life and declared dead.

The victims had been missing under the rubble since the strike a day earlier.

Source: DAWN

Bahrain intercepts 656 Iranian missiles, drones since start of war

Bahrain says its air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 188 missiles and 468 drones launched from Iran since the conflict began.

The Bahrain Defence Force said the attacks targeted civilian areas and private property.

It described the use of missiles and drones as a “flagrant violation” of international law and the UN Charter.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran calls US ‘15-point plan’ illogical

Tehran has described a reported US 15-point plan to end the war as “extremely ambitious, unusual, and illogical”.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said proposals had been conveyed through intermediaries, including Pakistan and other countries.

He said Iran has finalised its own demands based on its interests but will reveal them only when appropriate.

Baghaei stressed Iran will not bow to pressure and said engaging with mediators should not be seen as a sign of weakness.

He added Tehran had prepared its response from the outset and would communicate it when necessary.

Source: Al Jazeera

Qatar LNG vessels turn back near Hormuz, data shows

Two LNG vessels from Qatar have turned back after approaching the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data.

The tankers, Al Daayen and Rasheeda, had moved towards the strait but retreated before crossing.

A successful transit would have marked the first LNG shipment through the route since the war began on Feb 28.

Data shows both vessels are controlled by QatarEnergy, which has not commented.

Source: Al Jazeera

Gas supply restored in Tehran after strike: state TV

Gas supply has been restored in parts of Tehran after an attack on infrastructure at a university, state television reports.

The strike hit gas facilities at Sharif University of Technology, causing a leak.

State broadcaster IRIB said the leak was fixed within half an hour and no fire broke out.

Source: DAWN

Pakistan declines to confirm Iran war peace plan

Pakistan has declined to confirm reports that it proposed a framework to end the US-Israel war on Iran.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said there had been multiple reports of a ceasefire proposal but avoided confirming details.

“We do not comment on these individual, specific incidents. Our point is that peace process is ongoing,” he said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran warns of ‘decisive’ response if US hits civilian sites

Iran has warned it will respond “decisively and comprehensively” if the US strikes civilian infrastructure.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said such threats “amount to the normalisation of war crimes and genocide” during a call with his French counterpart.

France said the threats risk increasing regional tensions and stressed the need for a diplomatic solution.

Source: BBC

US-Israeli air strike kills 15 in Iranian capital

A US-Israeli air strike on Tehran’s Baharestan district has killed 15 people and wounded many others, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

The report said four residential units were destroyed, with more than 40 homes and vehicles significantly damaged.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran accuses UN watchdog of inaction, warns of nuclear risk

Iran has accused the UN nuclear watchdog of inaction, saying it “emboldens aggression” against nuclear facilities.

Atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami warned attacks near the Bushehr plant could risk radioactive release with “irreparable consequences”.

He said the site has been targeted multiple times and called the response insufficient.

Iran described the strikes as a “breach” of international law and urged “stronger” action.

Source: Reuters

IRGC says intelligence chief killed in US-Israeli attack

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says its intelligence chief Majid Khademi has been killed in an attack it blamed on the US and Israel.

The IRGC said Khademi was killed earlier on Monday, according to statements carried by Iranian media.

There was no immediate confirmation, with the Israeli military saying it would “look into” the report.

Khademi had taken over the role after his predecessor Mohammad Kazemi was killed in an earlier Israeli strike.

Source: BBC

Iran reviewing truce plan but rejects ‘temporary ceasefire’

Iran is reviewing a Pakistan-facilitated ceasefire proposal but is not open to a “temporary ceasefire”, a senior official has told Reuters.

The official said Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a short-term truce and believes Washington is not ready for a lasting ceasefire.

Iran has received a proposal facilitated by Pakistan and is examining it, the official added.

According the official, Tehran does not accept being pressured into deadlines or rushed decisions.

Source: Reuters

Iran VP hits out at Trump after Tehran university strike

Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref has criticised US President Donald Trump following a strike on Sharif University of Technology in Tehran.

He called the attack “a symbol of Trump’s madness and ignorance” and said Iran’s knowledge “is not embedded in concrete to be destroyed by bombs”.

The strike damaged parts of the campus, including a technology centre and mosque, and caused gas outages in parts of the city, according to reports.

Several universities have been hit since the war began.

Source: BBC

8 Tehran hospitals evacuated since start of conflict

Eight hospitals in Tehran have been evacuated following US-Israeli air strikes since the war began at the end of Feb, Iran’s health ministry said.

It added that 54 emergency centres, 46 medical units, 216 health centres and 41 ambulances have been damaged in the attacks.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iranian missile attacks on Israel intensify

Iranian missile attacks on Israel have intensified over the past 24 hours, with strikes targeting multiple areas.

Southern Israel was hit in the latest wave, while Haifa has come under repeated attacks, raising fears due to its strategic importance.

A missile that struck late Sunday was not intercepted, causing significant damage, though its warhead did not fully detonate.

Two people have been killed and others remain missing under rubble in Haifa as rescue efforts continue.

Attacks have also targeted central areas, including Tel Aviv, in recent days.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran, US ‘receive plan for immediate truce’

Iran and the United States have reportedly received a proposal to end hostilities with an immediate ceasefire that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The plan, put together by Pakistan, outlines a two-stage approach -- a truce followed by a broader agreement, according to sources.

It envisages a ceasefire taking effect quickly, with 15–20 days to finalise a comprehensive deal.

Pakistan has been acting as the main communication channel, with senior officials in contact with US and Iranian counterparts, sources said.

There has been no immediate response from Washington or Tehran.

Source: Reuters

Iran executes another man over ‘military site attack’

Iran has executed a man convicted over an alleged attempt to storm a military site, a day after two others linked to the January incident were put to death, according to local media.

The Islamic Students News Agency, citing the judiciary, said Ali Fahim was hanged after the Iran Supreme Court upheld his sentence.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned the executions as inhumane and alleged that many confessions were obtained through torture.

The unrest in January began over economic hardship and later escalated into nationwide protests calling for the government’s overthrow, with the crackdown resulting in one of the deadliest confrontations since the Iranian Revolution.

Source: Al Jazeera

Another Bangladeshi expat returns home – in a casket

The body of Abdullah Al Mamun, a Bangladeshi expatriate killed in a missile attack in the Middle East war, has arrived in Dhaka.

It was flown to Shahjalal International Airport on a Saudia Airlines flight at 9:45am on Monday, the expatriates’ welfare ministry said.

Authorities say four bodies have now been returned, while one victim was buried in Saudi Arabia with the family’s consent.

US-Israeli raids hit 2 bases in Iraq

Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces say US-Israeli attacks have targeted two of its bases.

The group said strikes hit the intelligence headquarters of the 25th Brigade in Nineveh and the 52nd Brigade in Salah al-Din.

There was no immediate word on casualties.

The PMF, a state-linked force that includes Iran-aligned groups, has been involved in ongoing exchanges with US forces.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran media says 15 ships passed Hormuz in 24 hours

Fifteen ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours “with permission from Iran”, Fars News Agency reports.

Traffic remains about 90 percent lower than before the war, according to the report.

Iranian officials say the strait is not fully closed but restricted for “enemy countries”, with some exemptions granted.

Officials have also raised the possibility of tolls, with one aide saying the route will reopen when transit fees help offset war damage.

Source: BBC

10 killed in overnight attacks on Lebanon

At least ten people have been killed and dozens wounded in overnight strikes across Lebanon, state media report.

Five people, including a teenager, were killed in an attack on Beirut’s Jnah area, while three others died in Ain Saade.

Two more were killed in a strike near Toul, where two children were also injured.

Israel has targeted Hezbollah positions since early March, with the death toll reaching 1,461, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Hezbollah says it continues to fire rockets at Israel, launching dozens of attacks in recent days.

Source: CNN

Death toll from US-Israeli strikes on Iran rises to 34

At least 34 people have been killed in US-Israeli strikes across Iran overnight and early morning, according to reports.

•    At least 23 were killed in Tehran province, including in Baharestan.

•    Five others were killed in a strike on a residential area in Qom.

•    Another six were killed in the southern city of Bandar-e Lengeh.

Source: Al Jazeera

UAE says Hormuz access must be guaranteed in any deal

The UAE says any US-Iran settlement must guarantee free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, warning it cannot be “held hostage” by any country.

A ceasefire must also address Iran’s nuclear programme, as well as its missile and drone capabilities, UAE Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargash said.

Gargash added the UAE is ready to join US-led efforts to secure shipping in the waterway.

He warned Iran’s actions risk creating a “more dangerous, more volatile” region and could deepen Gulf alignment with Washington.

Source: Reuters

Iran embassies mock Trump threat in posts

Iranian embassies have posted critical, tongue-in-cheek responses to US President Donald Trump’s threat over the Strait of Hormuz.

In posts on X, several missions mocked Trump’s remarks, with one urging officials to consider the “25th amendment, Section 4”.

Others called for restraint, criticised his language, and described the comments as a “sign of weakness & SICKNESS”.

Source: CNN

Oil hits $110 after Trump threats on Iran

Oil prices have hit $110 a barrel after US President Donald Trump issued fresh threats against Iran.

Brent crude rose 1.6 percent to $110.85 before easing slightly in Asian trading, while US crude gained 0.3 percent to $111.80.

The jump followed Trump’s warning of strikes on Iran’s infrastructure if it does not back down over threats to ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Asian markets edged higher, with Japan’s Nikkei up 1.6 percent and South Korea’s Kospi rising 0.9 percent.

Source: BBC

Debris falls in Abu Dhabi after interceptions

Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to falling debris after air defence systems made a “successful interception”, the media office said.

A Ghanaian national has been injured after debris struck the Raneen Systems company in the Musaffah industrial area.

The UAE said it intercepted 50 drones, one cruise missile and nine ballistic missiles on Sunday, taking totals since the war began to 2,191 drones, 24 cruise missiles and 507 ballistic missiles.

Source: BBC

N Korea may be distancing itself from Iran: spy agency

North Korea may be trying to distance itself from Iran, South Korea’s intelligence agency has assessed, according to a lawmaker.

Lawmaker Park Sun-won said the National Intelligence Service believes Pyongyang has not provided weapons or materials to Iran so far.

He cited signs including the absence of a condolence message after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death and no congratulations to Mojtaba Khamenei.

Park said this could be an effort to “secure new diplomatic space” ahead of an expected summit between US President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping.

Another lawmaker said North Korea appears to be refraining from directly criticising Trump before the meeting.

Source: CNN

Israeli military intercepts Iranian missiles over south

The Israeli military says it has intercepted missiles launched from Iran targeting southern Israel, according to media reports.

Sirens sounded across areas including Beersheba before the interceptions.

No casualties have been reported.

Source: Al Jazeera

China, Russia top diplomats discuss Iran war

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East in a phone call, Beijing’s UN envoy said.

“Wang Yi said that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia should uphold fairness on matters of right and wrong, adopt an objective and balanced approach, and strive for greater understanding and support from the international community,” Fu Cong said in a post on X.

“At present, the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, and the fighting is still escalating,” Fu added. 

“The fundamental way to address navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is to achieve a ceasefire and end the fighting as soon as possible.” 

The ambassador also said Lavrov had expressed Moscow’s concern about the continuing escalation and its contention that “military operations must cease immediately”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Mediators ‘make last-ditch push for 45-day ceasefire’

The US, Iran and regional mediators are discussing terms for a possible 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, Axios reports.

Talks are taking place via Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators, as well as messages between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, sources said.

Chances of a partial deal in the next 48 hours are described as “slim”.

Iranian officials have told mediators they want to avoid a truce that could be broken at any time.

Source: Axios

Iraq urges oil buyers to submit loading plans after Hormuz exemption

Iraq’s state oil marketer SOMO has urged customers to submit crude oil lifting schedules within 24 hours after Iran exempted the country from transit limits through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a document, SOMO said the move was aimed at ensuring continuity of exports and asked for timely submission of vessel nominations and contractual volumes.

It added that all loading terminals, including Basrah Oil Terminal, remain fully operational and ready to execute programmes without limitation.

Iraq’s oil output has dropped to about 800,000 barrels per day amid the war.

Source: Reuters

Damage from missile strike in Israel’s Haifa

APOCALYPTIC Haifa craters & flipped car sirens from Iran strikes https://t.co/uWNNajZZmq pic.twitter.com/j5hpApu6iI

— RT (@RT_com) April 6, 2026

Source: X/ RT

Israeli rescuers search rubble after Haifa strike, 2 dead

Israeli rescuers have been searching for two missing people after a missile strike on a residential building in Haifa killed two others, authorities said.

The Iranian missile hit a seven-storey building, causing partial collapse, the military and rescue services said.

Rescue teams used flashlights to search through rubble as new missiles were detected from Iran shortly before the strike.

Source: DAWN

Netanyahu says he spoke with Trump on US airman rescue

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he spoke with US President Donald Trump about the mission to rescue a US airman in Iran.

In a post on X, he congratulated Trump on the “perfectly executed American mission” and said the US president expressed appreciation for Israel’s support.

Netanyahu added Israel contributed to the rescue effort, with cooperation between the two countries “unprecedented”.

Source: CNN

Iran’s Zarif ‘reprimanded’ over Foreign Affairs op-ed

Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has been issued a reprimand after proposing a roadmap to end the war in an article in Foreign Affairs magazine, the Fars News Agency reports.

His op-ed was deemed “contrary to national security”, the report said, without giving details.

In the article, Zarif said prolonging the conflict would lead to more civilian deaths and damage.

He proposed limiting Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting sanctions.

Source: Al Jazeera

UAE says it is responding to missile threat

The UAE’s air defence systems are responding to a missile threat, authorities said.

“Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates,” the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said.

Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates. pic.twitter.com/L3CYySjoAp

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) April 6, 2026

Source: X/ NCEMA UAE

Iran slates strike on heavy water facility

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation has condemned a US-Israeli attack on its heavy water facility, calling it a “crime against science and human health”.

“Heavy water and its derivatives are vital for medicine, disease treatment and advanced industries,” it said, adding that its scientific progress would not be halted.

The UN nuclear watchdog has said Iran’s Khondab heavy water plant was hit on Mar 27 and is no longer operational.

US and Israeli forces have also struck nuclear sites at Natanz and carried out attacks near the Bushehr plant, including one that killed a security staff member.

Source: Al Jazeera

Rescuers search rubble after deadly Tehran strikes

Iranian rescue workers have been digging through rubble at a residential site in Tehran after reported US-Israeli strikes, according to state media.

Video shared by the Iranian Red Crescent shows crews searching for survivors, though the exact location and timing are unclear.

At least 13 people have been killed in an attack on two residential buildings in Baharestan County, southwest of Tehran, officials said.

Search operations are ongoing for those believed to be trapped.

The Israeli military said it carried out a “wave of strikes” on targets in Tehran.

Source: CNN

Six children killed in strikes on Tehran province

Six children have been killed in US-Israeli attacks on Tehran province overnight, Iranian media report.

Four girls and two boys under the age of 10 were among those killed in a strike on a residential area in Baharestan County.

Earlier reports said 13 people were killed in the attack.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pulse of the War: Apr 5

• Trump sets Tuesday deadline for Iran: US President Donald Trump has set a new deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, posting: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” on social media. He has repeatedly warned of strikes on Iranian power infrastructure if the waterway is not fully reopened, saying “time is running out”. (Source: CNN)
• Missing US airman rescued in Iran: US President Donald Trump says American forces have rescued an airman who went missing after Iran shot down an F-15 fighter jet. He said the crew member was found “behind enemy lines” in Iran, injured but in stable condition, and confirmed another pilot had also been rescued earlier. (Source: BBC)
• UAE open to joining US-led effort to secure Hormuz: UAE Presidential Advisor Anwar Gargash says the country is willing to join a US-led international effort to “secure navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz. He also said Iran’s regional strategy would increase both US and Israeli influence in the Gulf rather than reduce it. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Hormuz will stay shut until war costs covered: An Iranian official says the Strait of Hormuz will only reopen after compensation for war damage is secured through a “new legal regime” funded by transit tolls on shipping. He said reopening would depend on using transit fees to offset losses. (Source: Al Jazeera, BBC)
• Iran internet blackout becomes longest ever recorded: Internet watchdog NetBlocks says Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown has now become the longest in recorded history, entering its 37th consecutive day and exceeding 864 hours of disruption. (Source: X/NetBlocks)
• Iran warns of Bab el-Mandeb chokepoints: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a warning referencing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, highlighting its global importance for oil and trade flows. The remarks come amid heightened tensions over maritime routes, including Hormuz, and continued attacks on Red Sea shipping. (Source: CNN)
• Iraq-Iran border crossing shut after airstrike: The Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran has been closed after an airstrike killed one Iraqi civilian and injured five others. Authorities have suspended commercial and passenger movement until further notice. (Source: CNN)

UAE eyes joining US-led effort to secure Hormuz

UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash has said the country is willing to join a US-led international effort to “secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”.

Gargash said Iran’s regional “strategy” would ultimately strengthen the influence of both the United States and Israel.

“The Iranian strategy will actually concretise the American role … It will not reduce it,” he said, adding that Israeli influence in the Gulf would become “more prominent”, not less.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump says Iran agreement may come Monday

US President Donald Trump has said there is a “good chance” an agreement could be reached as early as Monday, adding that negotiations are ongoing.

Source: BBC

US B-1B bombers depart UK base, likely bound for Iran

Three B-1B Lancer heavy bombers of the US Air Force have taken off from RAF Fairford on Sunday, believed to be heading towards Iran.

Each aircraft is capable of carrying multiple “bunker buster” munitions.

B-52 and B-1B aircraft have been operating from the base for weeks, carrying out strikes using a combination of JDAMs and long-range cruise missiles.

The latest sortie is expected to last 15 hours or more.

Source: BBC

Democrat representative says Trump ‘failing’ US troops

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has said US President Donald Trump is “failing” American troops in Iran, arguing that the president’s rhetoric does not reflect realities on the ground.

Khanna, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, pointed to Trump’s Truth Social post where he demanded Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks.

He said while Trump is “cursing out and threatening war crimes”, US service members remain under fire, despite the president’s repeated claims that Iran’s military capabilities have been destroyed.

“We need to end this war now,” the California lawmaker said, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging Iran, Israel and the United States to halt strikes and pursue a negotiated settlement.

Source: CNN

Hormuz will remain shut until tolls offset war costs: Iran

Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz only after receiving compensation for war damages under a “new legal regime” based on transit fees, an official says.

Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications at the Iranian president’s office, said Hormuz “will be reopened” when “a portion of transit tolls is used to compensate for all the damage caused” by the war.

He indicated that reopening the strategic waterway would depend on using transit fees to offset losses, echoing earlier suggestions by Iranian officials and lawmakers about imposing tolls on vessels using the strait.

Source: Al Jazeera, BBC

Iran’s first VP says Trump ‘stuck in the Stone Age’

Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref has criticised US President Donald Trump over recent remarks on domestic spending and his warnings against Iran.

Aref referred to reports in US media that Trump said his administration could not fund healthcare and childcare due to its focus on military spending.

In a post on X, Aref said, “Someone who sacrifices their people’s welfare to threaten others is still stuck in the ‘Stone Age’”, redirecting Trump’s own insults aimed at Iranians.

Source: Al Jazeera

US-Israel strike airport in Iran’s Ahvaz

US-Israeli strikes have targeted the international airport in the southwestern city of Ahvaz in Iran.

Citing the deputy security official in Khuzestan province, Tasnim News Agency said no casualties have been reported so far in the attack on Qasem Soleimani International Airport.

Source: Al Jazeera

Oman, Iran hold talks on Hormuz transit options

Representatives from Oman and Iran have met to discuss “possible options” to ensure the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Oman’s foreign ministry.

The ministry said experts and undersecretaries from both foreign ministries took part in Saturday’s meeting, during which “a number of perspectives and proposals” were presented for further consideration.

Shipping tracker MarineTraffic indicated that several tankers, including a Chinese vessel and another that had loaded in Iraq, appeared to have passed through the strait on Sunday morning.

Source: CNN

Trump vows ‘hell’ for Iran if Hormuz remains closed

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will face severe consequences if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, saying he will make Iranians “living in hell” if the strategic waterway remains shut.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” signalling potential strikes on key infrastructure.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran destroys 4 US aircraft during rescue mission

Iranian forces have destroyed two US C-130 aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters in southern Isfahan province during a US operation to rescue a crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet.

The claim follows reports that a C-130 aircraft was destroyed during the same rescue operation, which was launched after the fighter jet went down.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran attacks energy sites in Bahrain, Kuwait

The IRGC has claimed responsibility for a wave of attacks on petrochemical plants in Bahrain and Kuwait, saying the strikes were carried out in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks on infrastructure in Karaj.

It also warned that if attacks on civilian targets are repeated, a second wave of strikes would be launched with greater force and scale.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran internet shutdown becomes longest on record: NetBlocks

Iran’s nationwide internet blackout has become the longest ever recorded in any country, according to internet watchdog NetBlocks.

The disruption has now entered its 37th consecutive day, exceeding 864 hours and surpassing all comparable incidents in scale and severity, the organisation says.

Source: X/NetBlocks

⚠️ Update: #Iran's internet blackout is now the longest nation-scale internet shutdown on record in any country, exceeding all other comparable incidents in severity having entered its 37th consecutive day after 864 hours. pic.twitter.com/TmkesLqlKR

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) April 5, 2026

No American casualties in rescue engagement: Trump

US and Iranian forces allegedly engaged during the search and rescue missing for the missing crew member of an F-15 fighter jet shot down in Iran, the BBC says.

However, there were no American casualties in the operation, according to Donald Trump.

In his post on Truth Social announcing the rescue of the crew member, Trump also shares that the operation was carried out "without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded".

"GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!"

The pilot may have been injured during the initial ejection from the aircraft.

Source: BBC

US celebrates rescue of missing airman

US military officials are celebrating the rescue. 

"The US military has an ethos to never leave someone behind," said Mick Mulroy, a former US Marine, CIA paramilitary officer and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East.

"Today was an incredible example of that core commitment.

"The US military, the intelligence community and especially those that carried this out, deserve the gratitude of the American people," he added.

Source: BBC

Missing US airman rescued: Trump

US President Donald Trump says military forces have rescued the American airman who went missing after Iran shot down an F-15 fighter jet.

"WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History," Trump said on Truth Social.

He said the missing crew member, "a highly respected Colonel" ... who "was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies" but that fellow US forces "were monitoring his location 24 hours a day".

The crew member was injured in the incident, the US president added.

"He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine," Trump said.

He added that “another brave pilot” had been rescued the day before.

"WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!"

Source: BBC

Kuwait says Iranian drones strike oil sector, power

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said a fire broke out in its Shuwaikh oil sector complex, which houses the oil ministry and KPC headquarters, after a drone attack, the Kuwaiti state news agency reported early on Sunday.

Kuwaiti state media, citing the finance ministry, said an Iranian drone hit an office complex for government ministries, causing significant material damage but no casualties.

Two power generation units were also taken out of service after Iranian drones targeted two power and water desalination plants, causing significant damage, Kuwait's electricity and water ministry said on Sunday.

No injuries were reported in any of the incidents, according to Kuwaiti state media.

The latest attacks come as the US-Israeli war on Iran, how in its sixth week, broadens, with Tehran striking Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US military installations.

There was no official comment from Iran.

Source: Reuters

Trump, Israel pressure Iran ahead of deadline

US President Donald Trump and Israel on Saturday stepped up pressure on Iran to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its energy infrastructure, while Iranian and US forces searched for a missing US crew member from one of two downed warplanes.

Trump, who has sent mixed messages since the conflict began with a joint US-Israeli bombardment of Iran on Feb 28, told Tehran that his latest deadline for a deal to end the war was fast approaching.

"Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!" he wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Trump's messaging has veered between hinting at diplomatic progress and making threats to bomb the Islamic Republic "back to the Stone Ages."

In an apparent move to heap further pressure on Tehran following Trump's latest ultimatum, a senior Israeli defence official said Israel was preparing to attack Iranian energy facilities, and was awaiting approval from the US. The timeframe for such attacks would be within the next week, the official said. Trump has previously threatened to hit Iranian power plants if his demands were not met.

Source: Reuters

Pulse of the War: Apr 4

Trump’s 48-hour Hormuz ultimatum: Donald Trump has renewed pressure on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences if it fails to comply within 48 hours. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president referred to an earlier demand, writing: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT.” He added that “time is running out”, setting a 48-hour deadline and warning that “all hell will reign down on them” if the demand is not met. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Hunt for missing US pilot: Iranian and US forces were searching for a missing American pilot on Saturday from one of two warplanes downed over Iran and the Gulf. The prospect of the US service member alive and on the run in Iran raised the stakes for Washington as the conflict entered its sixth week with scant prospect of peace talks in sight and polls showing low public support. With Iran's leadership defiant since the start of the war, its foreign minister left the door open in principle for peace talks with the US via mediation from Pakistan, but gave no sign of Tehran's willingness to bow to Trump's demands. (Source: Reuters)

US-Iran ceasefire talks ‘stall’: Ceasefire mediation efforts between the United States and Iran have reached a dead end, The Wall Street Journal reports. Iran has reportedly told mediators, including Pakistan, it will not meet US officials in Islamabad and considers US demands “unacceptable”. (Source: Reuters)

Iran warns region will become ‘hell’ for US, Israel: Iran has warned that the Middle East will become “hell” for the United States and Israel if tensions continue to escalate. A spokesperson for Iran’s highest operational command coordinating the armed forces, Ebrahim Zolfaghari of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said that if hostility increases, the entire region would turn into “hell” for the US and Israel, adding that any illusion of defeating Iran would become a quagmire. (Source: BBC)

5 killed in attack on Mahshahr petrochemical plant: Iranian media report that at least five people have been killed in an attack on the Mahshahr Petrochemical Zone. The reports did not immediately provide further details about the victims or the extent of the damage. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had carried out attacks on petrochemical factories in Iran, describing them as a major source of revenue for the Iranian government. (Source: Al Jazeera)

US, Israel accused of ‘war crimes’: Iran has accused the United States and Israel of carrying out attacks on civilian infrastructure, describing the strikes as “war crimes” and “state terrorism”. In a statement, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said the alleged “systematic targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure” included the Mahshahr Petrochemical Zone and the Karaj–Tehran B1 bridge. The mission urged the international community to act decisively and condemn the attacks unequivocally. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Lebanon death toll tops 1,400: More than 1,400 people have died in Lebanon following Israeli strikes that began on Mar 2, the Lebanese health ministry reports. Among the dead are at least 126 children, 93 women, and 54 health workers. (Source: Al Jazeera)

India resumes oil imports from Iran after years

India has purchased oil from Iran for the first time in seven years, its oil and natural gas ministry said on Saturday. 

The move comes amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has unsettled global energy markets.

Alongside crude oil, India has also imported 44,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran, currently being offloaded at the port of Mangalore. 

The ministry’s statement marks a rare official acknowledgment of renewed energy trade with Iran following years of avoidance due to US sanctions.

Source: CNN

Over 1,400 killed in Lebanon since Mar 2

More than 1,400 people have died in Lebanon following Israeli strikes that began on Mar 2, the Lebanese health ministry reports. 

Among the dead are at least 126 children, 93 women, and 54 health workers. 

The strikes, Israel says, target Hezbollah positions across the country. 

The escalating violence has sparked international concern over the humanitarian impact.

US arrests relatives of slain Iranian general

The United States has arrested the niece and grand-niece of Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed in a 2020 US air strike in Iraq. 

The relatives, who were living in the US, have had their lawful permanent resident status revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

The State Department said Soleimani’s niece remained an “outspoken supporter” of the Iranian regime and had promoted its propaganda in the US. 

Officials said the Trump administration would not allow the country to be a base for foreign nationals backing anti-American terrorist regimes.

Source: BBC

Iran exempts Iraq from Strait of Hormuz restrictions

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command says Iraq will be exempt from any transit restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media report. 

The announcement signals preferential treatment for Baghdad as Tehran moves to tighten control over the strategic waterway, Reuters said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon

Israel’s military says a 21-year-old soldier has been killed in battle in southern Lebanon. 

The soldier, identified as Guy Ludar, served in a reconnaissance unit of the Commando Brigade. 

Source: Al Jazeera

Russia slates ‘evil’ strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant

Russia has strongly condemned the US-Israeli strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, calling the attack an “evil deed” and urging an immediate halt to strikes on nuclear facilities.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the strike had resulted in loss of life and warned that attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, including Bushehr, must stop at once.

Earlier, Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom said it had begun evacuating 198 staff members from the Bushehr plant following the strike. Moscow has repeatedly warned against military action targeting nuclear infrastructure, citing the risk of serious consequences.

Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom said it had begun evacuating 198 staff from the Bushehr plant following the strike.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump gives Iran 48-hour Strait of Hormuz ultimatum

Donald Trump has renewed pressure on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences if it fails to comply within 48 hours.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president referred to an earlier demand, writing: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT.” 

He added that “time is running out”, setting a 48-hour deadline and warning that “all hell will reign down on them” if the demand is not met.

Source: Al Jazeera

UAE air defences intercept 79 missiles, drones in a day

The UAE says its air defence systems have responded to 23 ballistic missiles and 56 drones launched from Iran in a single day.

The defence ministry said its systems have intercepted 498 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles and 2,141 drones since the war began.

It added the attacks have killed two Emirati soldiers and one Moroccan contractor, along with 10 civilians of various nationalities, and injured 217 others.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran Guards say Israel-linked ship hit in Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it targeted an Israel-linked ship in the Strait of Hormuz in a drone attack.

A drone struck the vessel and set it on fire, the Guards said, identifying it as MSC Ishyka.

Source: DAWN

Iran embassy details US military losses

Source: X/ Embassy of IR Iran Pakistan

🔺Operation Pyrrhic Victory Or Epic Failure:
US Military Aircraft Losses
⛔To US People:
Call your Sons Back Home & Claim Your Taxes ASAP

Persian Proverb:
As Soon As You Prevent a Loss, It Is a Benefit
Or as You say;
It’s Never Too Late to Mend

Stop the Mad Mans pic.twitter.com/5hnY1PTj1T

— Embassy of IR Iran Pakistan (@IraninIslamabad) April 4, 2026

Pakistan welcomes Iran’s clarification

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has welcomed a clarification by Iran’s Abbas Araghchi on Tehran’s stance on peace talks.

Source: X/ Ishaq Dar

Truly appreciate your clarification, my Dear Brother @Araghchi. 🇵🇰 🤝 🇮🇷 https://t.co/reptX11LQa

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 4, 2026

“Truly appreciate your clarification, my Dear Brother,” he said in response to Araghchi’s post on X.

What is known – and unknown – about missing US airman

A US F-15E fighter jet was shot down in southern Iran on Friday. The pilot was rescued, but a weapon systems officer remains missing.

The rescue mission involved two helicopters and an A-10 Warthog. One helicopter was hit by small arms fire, injuring crew, but landed safely.

An A-10 supporting the mission was also hit, with the pilot ejecting over the Gulf and later rescued.

Iran says it shot down an A-10 involved in the operation and is offering rewards for information leading to the missing airman.

What is unknown:

The status of the US search-and-rescue mission remains unclear.

There is no confirmation on whether Iran has located the missing airman.

It is also unclear if the missing crew member is alive or if the A-10 Iran claims to have downed was part of the same rescue mission.

Source: BBC

Iran denies second US crew member arrested

Iran’s IRGC sub-unit in Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad province, along with the provincial governor, has denied reports that a second American crew member has been detained.

The governor also rejected claims that the first pilot was rescued by the US, calling it an “enemy tactic”.

State-affiliated Iranian media continue to urge citizens to “capture the pilot alive”, offering rewards of around £50,000 ($66,100), far exceeding the country’s average monthly salary of £150–230.

Iraqi border crossing with Iran closed after deadly airstrike

The Shalamcheh border crossing linking Iraq and Iran has been shut following an airstrike that killed one Iraqi civilian and injured five others, Tasnim News Agency reports.

Omar al-Waeli, head of Iraq’s Border Ports, said commercial traffic and passenger movement are suspended until further notice.

Video from the scene shows black smoke rising and damage inside the building, with debris scattered around.

The crossing is a key route for travellers between Iraq and Iran, especially during holidays and religious pilgrimages, and was a major frontline during the Iran–Iraq War of the 1980s.

Source: CNN

Iran open to regional diplomacy: parliament speaker

Iran’s parliament speaker has outlined Tehran’s stance on the war and regional security, stressing openness to diplomacy with neighbouring countries.

Summary of his remarks to Al Jazeera Arabic:

•    “We have prepared for this confrontation and proven our ability to defend ourselves.”
•    “This war is Israel’s war, and the resulting security breakdown and losses have affected the world.”
•    “Iran was forced to target American bases and interests in the region in order to preserve its presence.”
•    “Escalating tensions against Iran will be met with a decisive and broad response against American interests in the region.”
•    “Maintaining the region’s security is in the interest of its countries, and sustainable security is our priority.”
•    “The countries of the region can secure their interests through bilateral and multilateral security agreements without foreign interference.”
•    “The main drivers of insecurity in the region must be removed, and security must be built without the United States and Israel.”

Source: Al Jazeera

Italy’s Meloni arrives in Qatar for talks

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has arrived in Qatar for diplomatic talks.

She was in Saudi Arabia on Friday and is set to visit the United Arab Emirates next.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran FM seeks ‘lasting’ terms to end war

Iran’s foreign minister has called for “conclusive” and lasting terms to end the war, saying reports have misrepresented Tehran’s position.

In a post on X, Abbas Araghchi said Iran remains grateful to Pakistan and has not refused to visit Islamabad.

“What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war imposed on us,” he added.

Source: Al Jazeera

Projectile hits near Bushehr nuclear plant, 1 killed: IAEA

A projectile has struck near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, killing one staff member, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.

The victim, part of the site’s protection team, was killed by fragments, while a building was damaged by shockwaves and debris, it added.

No rise in radiation levels has been reported, as per the agency.

Iranian media said the main facilities were not damaged and production remains unaffected.

Source: Reuters

Iran allows essential goods ships via Hormuz: report

ran has authorised vessels carrying essential goods to reach its ports through the Strait of Hormuz, Tasnim News Agency reports.

Ships heading to Iranian ports, including those in the Gulf of Oman, must coordinate with authorities and follow set protocols to transit the strait, it said.

Iran had effectively shut the strait -- a route for about a fifth of global oil trade -- in response to US-Israeli attacks that began on Feb 28.

Source: Reuters

160 enemy drones downed: Iran

Iran says its air defence forces have shot down more than 160 enemy drones, as fighting continues.

The commander of the Joint Headquarters of the National Air Defence says Iranian troops are ready to ambush “enemy fighter jets and drones using modern, domestically built methods and equipment designed to target advanced aircraft and unmanned systems”.

Brig Gen Alireza Elhami said several advanced fighter jets and dozens of cruise missiles have also been destroyed, along with more than 160 drones, including Hermes and Lucas models, according to state media.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran cites air defence ‘innovations’ after downing US jets

An Iranian commander says “innovations” in air defence systems helped bring down two US military aircraft in a single day.

An F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran, with one crew member still missing, while an A-10 Thunderbolt II crashed after being hit shortly after exiting Iranian airspace.

Brig Gen Alireza Elhami, head of Iran’s Joint Air Defense Base, said the incidents were due to “modern equipment, tactics, and new air defence methods”, according to state-affiliated IRNA.

He did not provide details on the claimed innovations, but said they had caused “confusion and bewilderment” for US forces.

Source: CNN

Inside the US F-15E Strike Eagle Fighter jet

• First delivered in 1988.
• Dual-role fighter: can perform air-to-air combat and ground attacks.
• Crew of two: a pilot and a weapons officer.
• Original cost: $31 million per plane; modern versions cost around $100 million.
  
  

Source: Al Jazeera

US-Iran ceasefire talks ‘stall’

Ceasefire mediation efforts between the United States and Iran have reached a dead end, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Iran has reportedly told mediators, including Pakistan, it will not meet US officials in Islamabad and considers US demands “unacceptable”.

Source: Reuters

Music school in Tehran ‘wiped out’ in strike

A music school in Tehran that had been a haven for students has been destroyed in an air strike during the war.

The destruction has devastated the school’s owners, staff and students.

Source: CNN

US aircraft losses in Iran war rise to 7

The US Air Force has now lost at least seven manned aircraft in the war with Iran, following the loss of an F-15 Eagle and an A-10 Thunderbolt II in separate incidents.

Three F-15s were downed by Kuwaiti air defences in a friendly fire incident on Mar 2, with all crew ejecting safely, while six personnel were killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in Iraq on Mar 12 during operations.

An E-3 Sentry was destroyed in an Iranian strike on a Saudi air base on Mar 27, with additional damage reported to a tanker aircraft. 

An F-35 Lightning II also made an emergency landing last month after being hit by suspected Iranian fire.

Source: CNN

Iran executes two over alleged opposition links

Iran has executed two men convicted of links to the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran and carrying out armed attacks, domestic media report.

The executions are the latest in recent days targeting individuals accused of ties to the group.

Source: Reuters

Punjab announces free public transport

Pakistan’s Punjab province will offer free public transport, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz says.

The move follows a similar step in Islamabad, where Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the federal government would cover fares.

The initiative comes as governments seek to ease costs and conserve fuel.

The surge in international oil prices amid ongoing global crises has led to a significant increase in petrol and diesel costs in Pakistan.

To safeguard our farmers, all wheat-growing farmers in Punjab with landholdings of up to 25 acres will receive a diesel subsidy of 10 litres… https://t.co/SPi3dTTMbQ

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) April 3, 2026

Source: Al Jazeera

365 US troops wounded since start of Iran war: Pentagon

A total of 365 US service members have been wounded since the start of the war, the Pentagon says.

The figures include 247 from the army, 63 from the navy, 19 marines and 36 from the air force.

The death toll stands at 13, according to the figures.

Source: BBC

Republican senator sets red line on Iran war funding

Republican Senator John Curtis says he cannot back funding for further military operations against Iran without a formal declaration of war by Congress.

Curtis says he supports military readiness and President Donald Trump’s campaign, but stresses the need to follow constitutional requirements.

His remarks highlight growing divisions among Republicans, with some lawmakers questioning the cost and strategy of the war.

Source: CNN

Elite US rescue units deployed in search for downed crew

Elite US combat search-and-rescue teams are scouring for a missing fighter jet crew member, using Black Hawk helicopter and airborne insertions.

If terrain blocks access, pararescuers can jump from aircraft, locate the pilot, provide medical aid, evade threats and move to extraction points.

Often described as the “Swiss Army knives” of the United States Air Force, the units carry out high-risk missions in hostile conditions.

Source: BBC

Fire at Israel’s Negev factory after Iranian strike

Fire erupts after DIRECT IRANIAN MISSILE HIT in Israel — Quds https://t.co/cc2YutfzOI pic.twitter.com/EXsQ4C6gDy

— RT (@RT_com) April 3, 2026

Source: X/ RT

Sirens in Bahrain as debris falls in Dubai Marina

Sirens sound in Bahrain, with authorities urging people to head to the nearest safe place.

Four people sustain minor injuries and homes are damaged in Sitra, near Manama, after shrapnel falls from intercepted Iranian drones.

In the UAE, debris from an aerial interception hits a building facade in Dubai Marina, with no injuries or fires reported.

Source: BBC

1 killed in north Tehran missile attack: state media

At least one person is killed in a missile attack in a residential area of northern Tehran, according to state-affiliated media.

Video shows damaged cars and blood on the road in the area.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society says it is providing emergency assistance following overnight strikes, with footage showing a blackened and gutted building.

Source: CNN

Explosions reported in Damascus

Syrian state TV reports explosions in the capital Damascus and surrounding areas early on Saturday, with the cause unknown.

It suggests the blasts may be linked to Israeli air defences intercepting Iranian missiles.

Source: BBC

Israeli airstrikes on Beirut

Explosions hit Beirut early Saturday after Israel said it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure.

Lebanese authorities said earlier strikes destroyed a bridge in eastern Lebanon and killed civilians leaving a mosque. pic.twitter.com/8GKc8kYA4x

— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) April 4, 2026

Source: X/ Al Jazeera

Blasts heard in northern Tehran

Several blasts shook northern Tehran at about 7:30am local time, accompanied by a loud sound from above, suggesting possible drone activity.

Source: DAWN

Israel extends reservist service as Hezbollah steps up attacks

Rockets fired by Hezbollah from southern Lebanon targeted the key Israeli port city of Haifa, which has faced repeated missile and rocket attacks.

The Israeli military says most projectiles were intercepted, with others landing in open areas.

The launches coincided with missile fire from Iran, with Hezbollah coordinating cross-border attacks that triggered air raid sirens across northern Israel and sent residents into shelters.

Israel also accuses Hezbollah of hitting a United Nations outpost, injuring three personnel.

Facing troop shortages, Israel is extending reservist service from six to nine weeks to reinforce operations in southern Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran speaker signals potential threat to Red Sea chokepoint

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a veiled warning over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical global shipping corridor.

The strait connects the Red Sea to the Suez Canal, a major gateway to the Mediterranean.

In a post, Ghalibaf pointed to the volume of oil, LNG, food and fertiliser passing through the route, questioning which countries and companies depend on it most.

The remarks come as Iran already exerts pressure over the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of wider disruption.

Iran-aligned Houthis, who control territory along the strait, have attacked shipping since 2023, cutting Red Sea traffic by over 50 percent and forcing reroutes around southern Africa.

The route is vital to global trade, carrying about 12 percent via Suez and around 6 percent of seaborne oil through Bab el-Mandeb.

Source: CNN

Celebrations erupt in Iran after downing of US jets

Celebrations have swept parts of Iran after authorities said two US aircraft were shot down, as officials project a message of defiance and victory.

The first aircraft was downed on Friday, with a search under way for the pilot. Authorities have asked civilians in southwestern Iran to assist in the operation.

A second aircraft, identified as an A-10 Warthog, crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s military says it was also shot down, with efforts ongoing to find its pilots.

Iranian leaders say the downings reflect capabilities long promised but not previously deployed, warning of more attacks.

Source: Al Jazeera

US, Israel launch 200 strikes on Iran in 24 hours: rights group

More than 200 US and Israeli attacks have hit Iran over a 24-hour period, a rights group says.

At least 206 strikes targeted 13 provinces between Thursday and Friday, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran and its HRANA news service, with at least one civilian reported killed.

Since the war began on Feb 28, the group says 1,607 civilians, 1,213 military personnel and 711 others have been killed in US-Israeli attacks.

Source: Al Jazeera