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Pulse of the War: Apr 14

• Trump signals fresh Iran talks: US President Donald Trump says a new round of negotiations with Iran could take place in Pakistan “over the next two days”, suggesting diplomacy may resume quickly despite the recent breakdown. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Israel avoids ceasefire commitment: Israel’s ambassador to the US has stopped short of pledging a ceasefire with Lebanon, stressing security priorities even after “wonderful” talks with his Lebanese counterpart. (Source: CNN)
• Hormuz blockade impenetrable: The US military says no ships passed through its blockade targeting Iranian ports in the first 24 hours, with thousands of personnel enforcing the operation. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Sanctioned tanker breaks through: Despite the blockade, a US-sanctioned tanker linked to China has transited the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting gaps in enforcement. (Source: Reuters)
• Lebanon health system crumbles: More than 2,000 people have been killed and over 6,000 wounded in Lebanon, with hospitals overwhelmed and struggling to treat a surge in burn victims. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• War threatens global economy: The United Nations warns the conflict could cost the Asia-Pacific up to $299 billion and push millions into poverty, as energy and transport costs surge. (Source: CNN)
• Italy halts defence pact with Israel: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suspended a long-standing defence agreement with Israel amid growing criticism of its strikes in Lebanon. (Source: CNN)

Iran oil sanctions easing will not be renewed: US Treasury

The US Treasury says it will not extend a temporary easing of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, set to expire on Apr 19.

In a post on X, the department said the short-term authorisation allowing the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea “will not be renewed” once it expires.

Source: BBC

Israeli envoy avoids ceasefire pledge despite ‘wonderful’ talks with Lebanon

Israel’s ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter has refused to commit to a ceasefire in southern Lebanon despite a “wonderful two-hour exchange” with Lebanese ambassador Nada Hamadeh in Washington, DC.

Leiter said Israel’s focus remains on security, adding: “We are dealing with only one thing… we are focused on the security of the residents of the State of Israel.”

He suggested that Israel and Lebanon share a common position on Hezbollah, and hinted at the possibility of future formal and friendly relations between the two countries.

Source: CNN

Iran says it will continue talks to ‘expose’ US behaviour

Iran will continue participating in negotiations with the United States even though it considers Washington “not trustworthy”, says an Iranian lawmaker.

Esmaeil Kowsari said Iran would stay in the talks to “expose US behaviour” while remaining prepared to counter “self-serving American schemes” under the leadership’s guidance.

He added that such actions would ultimately harm the US and weaken its global standing.

Source: CNN

CENTCOM says no ships passed US blockade of Hormuz in first 24 hours

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said no ships were able to pass through the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the first 24 hours of enforcement.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said more than 10,000 US sailors, marines, and airmen, supported by a dozen warships and aircraft, are carrying out President Donald Trump’s order to “blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports”.

It added that the blockade is aimed only at vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, while other ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz are allowed freedom of navigation.

Source: Al Jazeera

Canada pledges $40m humanitarian aid to Lebanon

Canada has pledged $40 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon to be delivered through international organisations, according to the Lebanese foreign ministry.

The announcement came during a phone call between Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand.

Anand also reaffirmed Canada’s backing for Lebanon’s sovereignty and condemned Israeli air strikes on the country, the ministry added.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump signals Iran talks in Pakistan within days

US President Donald Trump hints that a second round of talks with Iran could take place in Pakistan “over the next two days”.

Speaking in a phone interview with the New York Post, Trump said developments could happen soon and suggested a preference for holding the discussions in Pakistan.

Trump had earlier said a follow-up round of direct negotiations would likely be held in Europe.

Source: Al Jazeera

Journalist detained in Kuwait for ‘spreading misinformation’

Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, known for his work with VICE, HuffPost and Al Jazeera, is reportedly being held in Kuwait, around six weeks after sharing a video of a US Air Force jet crash west of Kuwait City.

Friends and supporters made his case public on Tuesday, expressing hope that increased attention could help secure his release.

He has been charged with spreading false information, harming national security and misusing a mobile phone.

Source: CNN

Italy suspends defence pact with Israel

Italy has suspended a long-running defence agreement with Israel following growing criticism of Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the decision, saying the government would halt the automatic renewal of the pact, which was first signed more than two decades ago to boost defence cooperation.

The memorandum of understanding was signed in 2003 under then-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and came into force in 2006. It had been set to renew automatically every five years.

Israel’s foreign ministry played down the move, saying the arrangement had limited significance and would not affect the country’s security.

Source: CNN

US naval blockade in Iran may disrupt global trade flows

US blockade on Iranian ports are likely to create major hurdles for Iran’s exports to global markets.

The impact could also be felt by key buyers of Iranian goods, including China, Turkey, India, and Pakistan, which together imported billions of dollars’ worth of products from Iran in 2023, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).

Data from the OEC shows Iran’s leading exports in 2024 included ethylene polymers and iron ore, along with acyclic alcohol derivatives and petroleum gas.

Source: CNN

No agreement on next round of Islamabad talks: Iran

There is still no agreement to hold another round of talks in Islamabad, despite reports suggesting US and Iranian delegations may return to Pakistan later this week to resume negotiations, Iran’s state news agency IRNA has said.

IRNA reported that there is no confirmed information about plans to hold talks in Islamabad or in any other format, dismissing claims circulating in some Pakistani sources and Western media.

Source: CNN

Lebanon to push for ceasefire before Israel talks

Lebanon’s representative at US-mediated direct talks with Israel on Tuesday will call for a ceasefire as a condition for moving ahead with broader negotiations, a Lebanese official has said.

Lebanese ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh is also expected to present a proposed framework for future discussions. 

The plan includes a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory in return for the disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Source: CNN

Israel, Lebanon set for first direct talks in over 40 years

Israel and Lebanon are set to hold direct talks in Washington on Tuesday in what would be the first public meeting between senior officials from the two countries in more than four decades.

Israel will be represented by its ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, who is expected to meet his Lebanese counterpart Nada Hamadeh at the US State Department.

The talks are being held under principles laid out by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including the disarmament of Hezbollah and the pursuit of a broader agreement with Lebanon.

Israeli sources say there is still a wide gap between the two sides, with Lebanon seeking a ceasefire as a precondition while Israel insists military operations against Hezbollah will continue alongside negotiations.

Despite the tensions, Israel has reportedly reduced the pace and scope of its strikes in Lebanon under US pressure, while continuing to target what it says are Hezbollah positions in the south.

Source: CNN

China warns of countermeasures over US tariff hike threat

China has warned it will take “countermeasures” if the United States goes ahead with planned tariff hikes, amid allegations linking Beijing to military support for Iran.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said media reports accusing China of supplying military assistance to Iran were “purely fabricated”, in a statement posted on X.

The spokesperson said if the US proceeds with tariff increases based on what it called false accusations, China will respond with countermeasures.

China also said it follows a “prudent and responsible” policy on the export of military products and strictly complies with domestic laws and international obligations.

China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with China’s laws and regulations and due international obligations.

Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely… pic.twitter.com/cMW2EDhEZP

— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) April 14, 2026

Source: Al Jazeera

Islamabad wants US-Iran talks to resume: Sherry Rehman

Senator Sherry Rehman has said Islamabad wants negotiations between the United States and Iran to resume.

Speaking to National Public Radio, a US-based public broadcaster, she described the situation as a “dangerous bend of history” and said efforts should continue to bring both sides back to the table.

She said there would “never be any clear winners in this war”.

The senior politician added that while immediate progress was unlikely, continued dialogue could still produce positive results in the future.

There will never be any clear winners in this war. So yes, Islamabad wants talks to resume. This is a dangerous bend of history that we are all facing, and it is best if we keep trying to bring both Washington and Tehran to the table. @NPR today pic.twitter.com/nwXFkJFIkv

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) April 14, 2026

Source: X/ Senator Sherry Rehman

How a naval blockade works under law

How a naval blockade works under law

President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to blockade Iran’s ports and clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian mines.

A blockade is a tool of economic warfare as well as military action. The Newport Manual on the Law of Naval Warfare defines it as “the capture of contraband, and the capture or destruction of enemy property found at sea.”

“These methods deny an enemy the chance of economic revenue from its exports and the benefits of imports that support its war effort,” the manual says.

To be legal, a blockade must meet key rules:

•    It must be declared and notified, with warnings issued to affected ships
•    It must be effective, meaning sufficient forces to enforce it
•    It must be impartial, applying to vessels of all nations
•    It cannot be directed solely at civilians, though civilian harm is permitted
•    It must not block neutral ports or restrict access to international straits such as Hormuz, which Trump says remains open to non-Iranian shipping

Source: CNN

IEA cuts global oil forecasts

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has cut its forecasts for global oil demand and supply, citing disruption in the Middle East.

The Paris-based watchdog said “demand destruction” will spread as “scarcity and higher prices persist”.

Global oil demand is now projected to decline by 80,000 barrels per day in 2026, compared with last month’s forecast of a 640,000 barrels per day rise.

The IEA also expects supply to fall by 1.5 million barrels per day this year, versus a previously projected increase of 1.1 million, marking the sharpest drop since COVID-19.

Oil prices recorded their largest ever monthly gain in March amid what the IEA called “the most severe oil supply shock in history”.

Source: BBC

Qatar, Saudi stress need to ‘consolidate’ US-Iran truce

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, according to Qatar’s foreign ministry.

The two sides discussed regional developments, including the fragile truce between the United States and Iran, and stressed the need to consolidate it to enhance security and stability.

Both sides also called for stronger coordination and joint efforts to prevent escalation and address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, the ministry said.

Source: Al Jazeera

3 killed in Israeli attack in Lebanon’s West Bekaa

Three members of one family were killed in an Israeli air strike on Sahmar in West Bekaa, Lebanon’s National News Agency reports.

Another family member was wounded.

A series of air strikes targeted the town until early morning, destroying more than 10 homes.

Source: Al Jazeera

US, Iran may return to Islamabad for fresh peace talks this week

Negotiating teams from the United States and Iran could return to Islamabad this week for another round of peace talks after high-level discussions ended without a breakthrough in the Pakistani capital.

The latest engagement marked the highest-level contact between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but failed to deliver any agreement.

The talks ended with key differences unresolved, though both sides are expected to continue diplomatic efforts in the coming days.

Source: Reuters

Iran war could cost Asia-Pacific up to $299bn, UN warns

The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran could cost the Asia-Pacific economy between $97 billion and $299 billion and push millions into poverty, a United Nations report warns.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said the losses would equal about 0.3 percent to 0.8 percent of regional GDP, driven by rising transport, electricity and food costs.

Up to 32 million people globally could fall into poverty, including 8.8 million in the Asia-Pacific, it added.

Surging oil and gas prices have already weighed on growth, with Asia particularly exposed due to its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports.

Governments are moving to conserve fuel and seek alternatives, though options remain limited and costly.

As a hub for more than half of global manufacturing, disruption in Asia could have wide global repercussions.

Source: CNN

1 killed, 3 wounded in Israeli strike in south Lebanon

At least one person has been killed and three others wounded in an Israeli air strike on the town of Shabriha near Tyre in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

The report said the attack targeted the area earlier, causing casualties and damage.

In a separate strike, another building was hit in the town of Ansariyah, the agency added, without providing details on casualties.

Source: Al Jazeera

US-sanctioned tanker crosses Hormuz

A US-sanctioned tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite Washington’s blockade, according to shipping data.

Data from LSEG, MarineTraffic and Kpler show the Chinese-linked tanker Rich Starry is the first vessel to transit the strait and exit the Gulf since the blockade took effect.

The tanker and its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, were previously sanctioned by the United States over dealings with Iran.

Shipping data indicate the vessel loaded cargo at Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates before departing through the strait.

Another US-sanctioned tanker, Murlikishan, is heading towards the strait and is expected to load crude oil in Iraq on Apr 16. 

The vessel, formerly known as MKA, has previously transported Russian and Iranian oil.

Source: Reuters

Tanker transits Hormuz amid US blockade move

A tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to shipping data, despite a US naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iran.

The ship, Rich Starry, last departed from the United Arab Emirates and is reportedly bound for China, data from MarineTraffic shows.

On Sunday, Donald Trump said the US Navy would block “any and all ships” attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz. 

He later clarified that the blockade would apply to vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports from Monday.

Source: BBC

Lebanon hospitals overwhelmed as burn victims surge

Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 2,000 people have been killed and more than 6,000 injured by Israeli attacks since the beginning of March.

The attacks have triggered a surge in burn cases.

Lebanon’s public health services “lack” the specialised medical care needed to treat them.

Source: Al Jazeera

China’s Xi urges respect for Gulf ‘sovereignty, security’

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed a four-point plan to strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East during a meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The proposal stresses “peaceful coexistence”, “national sovereignty”, “international rule of law”, and coordination on security and development.

“The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf countries in the Middle East should be sincerely respected,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Source: Al Jazeera

Saudi Arabia 'presses' US to drop Hormuz blockade

Saudi Arabia is pressing the United States to drop its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The report said Riyadh fears President Donald Trump’s move to close the waterway could prompt Iran to escalate tensions and disrupt other key shipping routes.

Gulf energy exporters are also concerned that Iran could respond by shutting the Bab al-Mandeb, the main exit route for bottlenecked Persian Gulf oil, it added.

Saudi Arabia is pressing the U.S. to drop its blockade of Hormuz, fearing President Trump’s move to close it off could lead Iran to escalate and disrupt other important shipping routes https://t.co/sBFyccQUbQ

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 14, 2026

Source: X/ The Wall Street Journal

Trump blockade and ‘Tehran toll booth’ trap shipowners

Global shipowners say it remains too risky to cross the Strait of Hormuz as US President Donald Trump’s naval blockade clashes with Iran’s control claims over the waterway.

“The perception of a lot of ship owners, quite a few, that I’ve spoken to, is that it is still too risky to go through there,” Tim Huxley, chairman of Hong Kong-based Mandarin Shipping, told CNN.

Under Trump’s order, the US Navy is blocking vessels heading to Iranian ports after peace talks collapsed, while saying ships bound elsewhere will be allowed free passage.

Iran is also allowing passage for fees of up to $2 million per ship, creating what industry sources call the “Tehran toll booth”.

“It’s incredibly confusing,” said Huxley. “How do you identify the ship coming from Iran with Iranian cargo on board?”

He warned shipowners face a double risk from both US and Iranian action, while Trump has said vessels paying Iran could face consequences.

“Ships that have traded through the Strait may face intervention later, potentially anywhere in the world,” said Bjorn Hojgaard, CEO of Anglo-Eastern.

Source: CNN

Inside Islamabad hotel rooms that hosted US-Iran talks

The first picture:
A portion of the Serena Hotel, where peace talks between U.S. and Iranian officials ended without an agreement to halt their war, in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 13, 2026. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro pic.twitter.com/4BXybroDgl

— Ariba Shahid (@AribaShahid) April 14, 2026

And here are some general shots our AMAZING photographer, Akhtar Soomro took of the Serena Hotel, that hosted the peace talks. pic.twitter.com/LRp4pCiWoa

— Ariba Shahid (@AribaShahid) April 14, 2026

Source: X/ Ariba Shahid

2 killed in Lebanon’s Nabatieh

An Israeli drone attack has hit a car near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, killing at least two people, according to the National News Agency.

The attack is the latest in a series of Israeli raids reported in the area on Tuesday morning.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran, Oman foreign ministers discuss truce, talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held a phone call with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi on the ongoing ceasefire and negotiations between Iran and the US, Mehr News Agency reports.

Araghchi stressed Iran’s commitment to regional peace and stability with cooperation from regional countries and away from what he called “destructive US interventions”.

Albusaidi expressed hope that peace and stability would return to the region as soon as possible, the report added.

The war between the US and Iran began despite several rounds of talks, with Oman previously saying a deal was “within reach”.

Source: Al Jazeera

US blockade of ports a ‘grave violation’: Iran tells UN

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani has called the US blockade of Iranian ports a “grave violation” of sovereignty.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he said the move is “unlawful and breaches international law of the sea”.

The US imposed the blockade from Monday after peace talks in Pakistan broke down.

US Central Command said the measure targets vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports but will not impede ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations.

Source: BBC

Sirens sound in Israel’s Upper Galilee

Sirens have sounded in Metula, Kfar Giladi and Misgav Am in Israel’s Upper Galilee following a suspected drone infiltration from Lebanon, the Israeli military said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli, Lebanese envoys to hold rare talks in US

Talks between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States are expected to take place in Washington.

It would be the first face-to-face diplomatic meeting between officials from the two countries in decades.

The US secretary of state is expected to join the discussions at the state department.

The talks come days after US-Iran negotiations failed to reach a deal to end wider regional conflict.

Officials are expected to discuss the possibility of higher-level talks, amid continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The latest conflict has killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon and displaced over a million.

Source: BBC

Israeli bombardment damages hospital in southern Lebanon

Israeli attacks have caused damage to a hospital in southern Lebanon, footage verified by Al Jazeera shows.

Images from Tebnin Governmental Hospital show shattered glass, debris-filled corridors and damaged equipment inside the facility.

Outside, vehicles appear damaged from falling debris.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported casualties in the attack.

More than 2,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon since Mar 2.

مشاهد من مستشفى تبنين pic.twitter.com/FpG90sVsyS

— LebyNews (@lebynews) April 14, 2026

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli military says soldier killed in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has said one soldier has been killed during combat in southern Lebanon.

It said three other Israeli troops were also wounded in the same battle.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan offers to host second round of US-Iran talks

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad in the coming days.

Officials said the plan is being considered ahead of the end of the ceasefire.

They added the proposal depends on whether both sides request a different venue.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pulse of the War: Apr 13

• Hezbollah rejects Israel talks: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has dismissed negotiations with Israel as “futile”, warning there is no internal Lebanese consensus for talks despite diplomatic moves. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Trump claims Iran wants a deal: US President Donald Trump says Tehran is eager to negotiate, claiming his administration received contact from Iran shortly after imposing a naval blockade. (Source: CNN)
• UK distances itself from blockade: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK will not support a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, focusing instead on reopening the route for global trade. (Source: Reuters)
• Israel shifts focus to Lebanon: Israeli forces are prioritising operations in Lebanon during the Iran ceasefire, with plans to expand control in the south as talks with Beirut approach. (Source: CNN)
• US warns ships in blockade zone: The US military says vessels entering a designated blockade area near the Strait of Hormuz could be intercepted or captured without authorisation. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Iran releases football captain’s assets: Authorities in Iran have returned the seized assets of national women’s team captain Zahra Ghanbari after she withdrew an asylum claim. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Pope avoids row with Trump: Pope Leo has avoided direct confrontation with Trump, saying he will continue to speak out for peace, adding: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Source: CNN)

Hezbollah rejects talks with Israel, calls diplomacy ‘futile’

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has rejected the idea of negotiations with Israel, describing such efforts as “futile”.

His remarks come as Israel prepares to begin official talks with Lebanon next week, following a phone call between the two countries’ ambassadors to the United States.

“No one has a right to take Lebanon towards that approach without internal consensus among its components, which has not happened,” Qassem said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Post depicting Trump as Jesus removed amid spar with pope

A post showing US President Donald Trump depicted as a Christ-like figure has been removed from his social media account amid tensions with the pope over the Iran war.

The image showed Trump healing the sick while surrounded by American flags and eagles, and was posted on Truth Social shortly after he criticised Pope Leo XIV for comments opposing the war.

By Monday morning, the post had disappeared from his feed, and the original link now shows a message stating the “content is no longer available”.

Source: CNN

Trump says Iran ‘wants a deal’ after naval blockade

US President Donald Trump says his administration received a call “from the other side”, referring to Iran, and claimed Tehran wants to reach a deal.

His comments came less than three hours after the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and after talks in Pakistan failed to produce an agreement.

“They’d like to make a deal very badly,” Trump said.

Source: CNN

Pope vows to continue advocating for peace

Pope Leo says he will not engage in political exchanges following comments made by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social.

Speaking on a flight to Algeria, he said: “I am not a politician, I don’t want to get into a back and forth, but I am going to continue to speak out.”

He added, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Source: CNN

Over 5,000 killed in Iran and Lebanon since war began

More than 5,000 people have been killed in Iran and Lebanon since the conflict began six weeks ago, according to figures from local authorities.

At least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran since US and Israeli strikes began in February, Iranian state media reported.

In Lebanon, the health ministry said at least 2,089 people have been killed since Israeli attacks started on Mar 2, including at least 166 children.

Source: CNN

Iranian forces on ‘maximum alert’, warn of retaliation

Iran’s acting defence minister Majid Ebn-e-Reza says the country is prepared for “any scenario” and warned that any aggression would trigger a “harsh and decisive response”.

He said Iran’s armed forces are on “maximum combat alert” as the USA’s blockade of the Hormuz strait begins.

Source: CNN

UN pushes plan to secure fertiliser shipments through Hormuz

The United Nations says a diplomatic push is under way to ensure safe passage for fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Juliette Touma, communications director at UNOPS, said “extensive meetings” have been held in New York over the past two weeks to design a mechanism for safe transit with relevant member states.

The plan aims to facilitate the movement of ships carrying fertilisers and related materials through the strait, and reduce potential humanitarian impacts on countries in Asia and Africa that rely on the supplies.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran releases assets of women’s football captain

Iran’s judiciary says it has released the assets of women’s national football team captain Zahra Ghanbari after she withdrew an asylum claim made in Australia last month.

The announcement came two days after Iranian media published a list of individuals labelled “traitors” whose assets had been frozen by court order, with Ghanbari named among them.

She was among six players and one staff member who sought asylum after competing in the Women’s Asian Cup at the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Five of them, including Ghanbari, later returned to Iran with the rest of the squad and were welcomed at a ceremony in Tehran on Mar 19.

Mizan news agency said her assets had been seized but were released by court order following “a declaration of innocence” after a change in behaviour.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran denies charging tolls for Indian tankers

Iran says Indian tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz did not pay any tolls.

“In this difficult time, we have good relations. We believe Iran and India share common interests and a common fate,” Iranian Ambassador to New Delhi Mohammad Fathali told reporters.

Source: Al Jazeera

CENTCOM says vessels in US blockade zone may be intercepted

The US military has said it will enforce a blockade on vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a notice issued by Central Command (CENTCOM).

The notice warned that any vessel entering or leaving the blockaded area without authorisation could be intercepted, diverted, or captured.

It added that the blockade would not affect neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Tehran ready to assist New Delhi on Hormuz navigation

Iran is ready to assist India on the passage of its ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali has said.

He added that Iran has “good contact” with the Indian government. 

Source: Al Jazeera

Hormuz traffic thins ahead of US blockade on Iranian ports

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has thinned hours before a US blockade on Iranian ports, ship tracking data shows.

A US-sanctioned Iranian-linked tanker, Auroura, was seen in the Gulf of Oman after crossing the strait.

The New Future, a Chinese-owned tanker carrying petroleum products from the UAE, also passed through, while a Chinese bulk carrier bound for Iraq was heading into the strait.

Dozens of vessels, mostly Iranian-operated, were anchored near Iran’s main port of Bandar Abbas.

“All traffic” had briefly halted on Sunday night after Donald Trump announced a blockade, Lloyd’s List Intelligence said, though the US later clarified it applies to Iranian ports, not the strait.

Fourteen vessels crossed earlier Sunday, including five leaving the Gulf, Kpler data showed.

Satellite tracking showed 10 Iranian tankers carrying cargo in the Gulf of Oman with a combined capacity of 21 million barrels. One tanker has delivered 2 million barrels to India under a US waiver that expires on Apr 19.

Source: CNN

40 nations will join UK-France Hormuz summit: Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said more than 40 nations will take part in a Hormuz crisis summit co-hosted by Britain and France.

He said the countries share the aim of restoring freedom of navigation.

Starmer warned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is damaging global shipping and worsening cost-of-living pressures.

He said the summit will advance plans for a coordinated, independent multinational effort to safeguard shipping once the conflict ends.

The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is deeply damaging. Getting global shipping moving is vital to ease cost of living pressures.

The UK has convened more than 40 nations who share our aim to restore freedom of navigation.

This week the UK and France will co-host a…

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 13, 2026

Source: X/ Keir Starmer

2 Iran-linked tankers exit Gulf via Hormuz

Two tankers linked to Iran have exited the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a planned US blockade, shipping data showed.

The Auroura is carrying Iranian oil products, while the New Future is loaded with diesel from the UAE’s Hamriyah port, according to Kpler data.

Source: Reuters

Four ships cross Hormuz ahead of US blockade deadline

Four vessels have been identified crossing the Strait of Hormuz since the US announced a planned blockade, according to tracking data.

All four are tankers carrying oil, gas or chemicals, with no confirmed links to Iran or its ports.

The data is based on vessel transmissions, which do not indicate Iranian origins.

US Central Command has said two destroyers are in the area to clear sea mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Monitoring of shipping traffic is continuing as the blockade deadline approaches.

Source: BBC

France, UK to hold Hormuz conference in coming days, Macron says

France and the UK will organise a conference on the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, according to President Emmanuel Macron.

In a post on social media, he said the meeting will bring together countries willing to contribute to a peaceful multinational mission to restore freedom of navigation.

Macron said the mission would be strictly defensive, separate from the warring parties, and deployed as soon as circumstances permit.

Source: BBC

Israel shifts focus to Lebanon during Iran ceasefire

The Israeli military has shifted its focus to Lebanon during the two-week ceasefire with Iran, an official said.

The Israel Defense Forces view Lebanon as the “main operational front” while maintaining high alert over Iran.

The military plans to surround Bint Jbeil within days as it expands control in southern Lebanon.

Officials say the move could support plans for a buffer zone along the border.

Israel and Lebanon are set to begin direct talks in the US aimed at reaching a ceasefire.

Source: CNN

Israeli forces continue strikes in south Lebanon

Israeli forces have continued strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting multiple areas.

An air strike hit the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while earlier attacks struck al-Abbassieh and the city of Bint Jbeil.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pope Leo vows to keep speaking out after Trump criticism

Pope Leo XIV has said he will continue speaking out after criticism from US President Donald Trump.

He said he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will not engage in direct debate.

The pontiff said his remarks are aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation, not attacking individuals.

He added he will continue what he sees as the Church’s mission to build bridges and avoid war.

Source: CNN

Iran internet blackout enters Day 45, NetBlocks says

Iran’s near-total internet blackout has continued for a 45th day, according to NetBlocks.

The monitoring group said international connectivity has been severed for more than 1,056 hours.

⏱️ It's now day 45 of #Iran's internet blackout, with international connectivity severed for over 1056 hours. Regime figures and whitelisted influencers post freely on social media while they silence a population of 90 million whom they claim to serve. pic.twitter.com/YMI5nuoMXV

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) April 13, 2026

Source: X/ NetBlocks

UK will not back Hormuz blockade, Starmer says

Britain will not support a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz or be drawn into the Iran war, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said.

“We’re not supporting the blockade,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live, stressing it was vital to get the strait fully reopened.

Starmer said UK efforts are focused on reopening the key trade route, adding military capabilities in the region are aligned with that goal.

He confirmed Britain has minesweepers deployed but declined to discuss operational details.

Source: Reuters

Turkey urges Hormuz strait to reopen ‘as soon as possible’

Turkey has said the Strait of Hormuz should reopen “as soon as possible” amid rising tensions.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for negotiations with Iran and the use of diplomatic persuasion.

He said reopening the key trade route is essential as efforts continue to ease the crisis.

Source: DAWN

Iran warns Gulf ports ‘not safe’ ahead of US blockade

Iran has warned that no port in the Persian Gulf or Gulf of Oman will be safe if its own ports are threatened.

The warning came from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ahead of a planned US blockade of Iranian ports.

Source: CNN

Iranian official warns Americans will be ‘nostalgic’ for $4 gas

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said Americans will soon be nostalgic for $4 gasoline.

In a post on X, he warned prices could surge following what he described as a US “blockade”.

He shared an image of fuel prices in Washington and suggested increases could be sharp and non-linear.

US average gasoline prices stand at about $4.12 per gallon, according to industry data.

Source: CNN

Nearly 1,000 rescued from rubble in Tehran: Red Crescent

Iranian Red Crescent Society has said its teams rescued 960 people from under rubble following US-Israeli air attacks on Tehran.

It said about 125,630 civilian structures were damaged nationwide, including around 100,000 homes and 24,000 commercial properties.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran says US Hormuz curbs ‘amount to piracy’

Iran’s armed forces have said US restrictions on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz are illegal and “amount to piracy”.

A spokesperson said Tehran would implement a “permanent mechanism” to control the waterway following US blockade threats.

He warned Gulf ports must be accessible to all or none, adding no port in the Gulf or Gulf of Oman would remain "secure" if Iranian ports were endangered.

Source: Reuters

Vatican hits back at Trump criticism of Pope Leo

A Vatican official has pushed back at Donald Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, calling the pontiff “a moral voice”.

Fr Antonio Spadaro said Trump was targeting the pope because he “cannot contain” him.

Trump earlier said he was “not a fan” of the pope, criticising his stance on Iran.

Pope Leo has been increasingly vocal against the US-Israel war, condemning threats against Iran.

The remarks come ahead of the pope’s 10-day tour of Africa, including visits to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

Source: CNN

Hezbollah claims drone attack on Israeli soldiers

Hezbollah has said it targeted Israeli soldiers in the Shlomi settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

The group said the response would continue until what it called Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon ends.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli attacks kill 5 in south Lebanon

Israeli attacks have killed five people in southern Lebanon, laccording to local media.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said one person was killed in raids on Bazouriyeh, where at least nine others were wounded and homes and a school were damaged.

Two people were also killed in Nabatiyeh El Faouqa and Sir El Gharbiyeh, while two others died in Choukine, the report said.

Source: Al Jazeera

UK ‘will not join’ US blockade of Iranian ports

The UK “will not take part” in enforcing the US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

British naval ships and troops will not be used for the operation.

However, UK minesweepers and anti-drone systems will continue to operate in the region.

A government spokesperson said Britain supports freedom of navigation and keeping the strait open.

Source: BBC

Strikes damage 77 historical sites in Tehran

US-Israeli attacks on Tehran have damaged 77 historical buildings, including palaces and museums, an official said.

Sajjad Asghari, secretary of the Committee for the Follow-up of the Protection of Historical Monuments in Tehran, said 90 percent of the damage is minor, while 10 percent is serious.

He said 38 of the affected sites are nationally registered monuments, with others holding cultural and architectural value.

Asghari added that 27 of the damaged sites date back to the Qajar era.

Damaged sites include Farrokhabad Palace, Ishratabad Palace, Kahak Mill, Qasr Prison, the Stone Gate of the Marble Palace, Ahmad Reza Pahlavi Palace and the Rafi Nia Synagogue House.

Source: Al Jazeera

Oil jumps over 7% to above $100

Oil prices have surged more than 7 percent to above $100 a barrel as the US prepared to blockade Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude rose $6.96, or 7.3 percent, to $102.16 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate climbed $8.12, or 8.4 percent, to $104.69.

Markets reacted after Washington and Tehran failed to reach a deal to end the war.

Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Marquee, said the move could disrupt up to 2 million barrels per day of Iranian-linked flows through the strait.

Source: DAWN

Trump warns NATO spending will be reviewed

US President Donald Trump has said US spending on NATO will be under “very serious examination”.

He expressed disappointment over what he described as the alliance’s failure to back the US and Israel’s war on Iran.

“They weren’t there for us. Now they want to come up, but there’s no real threat anymore,” he said.

Trump also questioned the value of US membership, saying Washington has spent trillions to guard against Russia.

Source: Al Jazeera

Asia currencies weaken as US moves to block Iran

Asian currencies have weakened after the US moved to blockade Iranian traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Risk-sensitive markets came under pressure as oil concerns grew following the failure of US-Iran talks.

Indonesia’s rupiah hit a record low, while the Philippine peso and Thai baht also declined.

Source: Reuters

Trump repeats 10am ET start for Iran port blockade

US President Donald Trump has said the United States will begin blockading Iranian ports at 10am ET (14:00 GMT).

In a post on Truth Social, he said ships entering or exiting Iranian ports would be targeted from that time.

Israel intercepts drone in Upper Galilee

Israel has intercepted a drone in the Upper Galilee, local media reports.

Channel 12 said the intrusion triggered alarms in Metula and nearby areas.

The drone was intercepted and residents have been told it is safe to leave shelters.

Source: Al Jazeera

‘Out of control’ diesel prices hit freight industry

Rising oil prices are worsening a fuel crisis in countries including Australia, where diesel costs have surged sharply.

The freight sector has been among the hardest hit, with operators heavily reliant on diesel for long-haul transport.

Many say costs have more than doubled since the Iran war began.

One operator said fuel bills have jumped from about A$3,600 to A$7,500 per tank, putting businesses under severe strain.

Source: BBC

Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon ahead of planned talks

Deadly Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have continued as Israeli and Lebanese diplomats prepare to hold talks later this week, according to Lebanese media.

Developments over the weekend:

•    Israeli warplanes struck two Lebanese towns, while a third came under artillery fire, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA). A strike on a house in Maaroub targeted a family of more than seven people, causing deaths and injuries. Another attack killed a Red Cross paramedic and wounded an emergency worker, Lebanon’s health ministry and the Lebanese Red Cross said.
•    The Israeli military said it destroyed a “loaded and ready-to-launch rocket launcher” in Joya in southern Lebanon.
•    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered southern Lebanon on Sunday to conduct a situational assessment in territory seized by Israel, according to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the visit. The trip marks the first time Netanyahu has crossed into Lebanon since the war began.
•    The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon said Israeli soldiers rammed UN vehicles twice with a tank. The Israeli military said it is looking into the allegation.

International criticism of Israel’s strikes has grown amid fears the operations could undermine the ceasefire. 
France has said Lebanon “has to be included” in the ceasefire deal.

Source: CNN

Lebanon death toll from Israeli strikes rises to 2,055

Lebanon’s health ministry has said the death toll from Israeli strikes since Mar 2 has risen to 2,055.

It said at least 6,588 people have been wounded.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pulse of the War: Apr 12

• Iran says diplomacy ongoing: Iran insists diplomatic efforts are continuing despite stalled talks, with officials saying engagement with regional partners will go on. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Iran moves to repair energy sector: Tehran aims to restore up to 80 percent of its damaged refining and fuel capacity within two months, after repeated strikes on energy infrastructure. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Internet blackout hits 44 days: Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown has entered its 44th day, marking the longest such disruption recorded, according to NetBlocks. (Source: CNN)
• War death toll rises to 3,375: Iran says 3,375 people were killed during the war with the US and Israel, with all recovered bodies now identified. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Trump threatens Hormuz blockade: US President Donald Trump warns American forces could block all ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz after talks failed. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Israel spends $11bn on war: Israel says the conflict with Iran has cost more than $11 billion, with billions already added to its 2026 budget. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Netanyahu visits Lebanon: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has visited Israeli occupied land in southern Lebanon for the first time since the war began, days before planned negotiations with Beirut. (Source: CNN)

Netanyahu visits southern Lebanon before talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits southern Lebanon to review the situation in areas held by Israeli forces, officials said.

It is the first time he has entered Lebanon since the war with Iran began, two days before planned talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, DC.

Source: CNN

Senator questions Trump’s Hormuz blockade plan

Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, has questioned US President Donald Trump’s strategy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

“I don’t understand how blockading the Strait is somehow going to push the Iranians into opening it,” Warner said.

Source: Al Jazeera

UK, allies to send minesweepers to Hormuz

US President Donald Trump says the United Kingdom and several other countries will send minesweeping vessels to the Strait of Hormuz.

He said allied forces would help clear mines in the strategic waterway amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

The US military’s CENTCOM had earlier said it had begun “setting conditions for clearing mines”, while Trump added: “And so I understand that the UK and a couple of other countries are sending mine sweepers.”

Source: Al Jazeera

UKMTO reports attempted boarding of vessel in Red Sea

A vessel in the Red Sea was approached by an armed group off the coast of Yemen, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

UKMTO said a boat carrying 10 to 12 people, including four to five armed with automatic weapons, attempted to intercept the sailing vessel.

The group reportedly asked the vessel to stop and tried to come alongside to board it after the captain refused.

The captain deployed a flare, after which the boat turned away and left the area. 

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistani oil tankers turn back at Hormuz

Two oil tankers sailing under Pakistani flags have turned back at the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting they were unable to complete passage.

The tankers were named Khairpur and Shalamar, according to the Fars news agency.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump predicts Iran's return to talks, repeats military threats

US President Donald Trump expects Iran to return to the negotiating table while warning of potential military action.

“I predict they come back and they give us everything we want,” Trump said, adding: “They have no cards.”

He also said the United States could take out Iran “in one day”, and defended his earlier warning that a “whole civilisation will die tonight”, claiming it helped bring Tehran to talks.

Source: CNN

US to deploy minesweepers to clear Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has said the United States and other countries will send minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz to remove mines placed by Iran.

In an interview, he said the operation would focus on clearing the strategic waterway and ensuring safe passage for shipping.

Source: CNN

Trump says US destroyers transited Hormuz

US President Donald Trump says two US naval destroyers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday amid a fragile ceasefire with Iran.

“Yesterday you probably saw we sent two highly sophisticated, beautiful, brand-new destroyers right through the middle of the strait, and nobody did anything to us,” he said.

Source: CNN

Israel says war on Iran cost over $11bn

Israel’s finance ministry says the war with Iran has cost more than $11 billion, according to a preliminary estimate.

The ministry cited 35 billion shekels (about $11.52bn) in total expenses, including 22 billion shekels allocated to defence.

The costs have already been incorporated into Israel’s 2026 budget, it added.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump threatens to block ships in Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has warned that American forces will begin “blockading” all ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of talks with Iran in Islamabad.

In a post on Truth Social, he said US naval forces would “seek and interdict every vessel” in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran, adding that such ships would not have safe passage.

Trump also said the blockade would remain in place until conditions allow for unrestricted movement through the key waterway.

Source: Al Jazeera

ADNOC chief says Iran cannot control Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz has never been Iran’s to close or restrict, according to Sultan Al-Jaber, chief of the UAE’s state oil company ADNOC.

In a post on X, he warned that any disruption to the waterway would threaten global energy, food and health security, calling such a precedent “dangerous and unacceptable”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Lebanon says 13 killed in Israeli attacks

At least 13 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Sunday, according to the country’s health ministry.

One person was killed in Tyre, while six people were killed in Maaroub and another six in Qana.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah claims two attacks on Israeli forces

Hezbollah has carried out two attacks on Israeli forces.

The group said it struck a military vehicle carrying a command crew in the occupied West Bank town of Taybeh.

It also targeted the Kiryat Shmona barracks in northern Israel with multiple drones.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran says 3,375 killed during war

Iran’s Forensic Medicine Organisation says 3,375 people were killed during the US-Israel war on Iran, according to state media.

Its head, Abbas Masjedi Arani, said authorities have identified all the bodies recovered so far.

He added the toll includes 2,875 men and nearly 500 women.

Source: Al Jazeera

US must ‘get real’ on Iran nuclear issue

An Iranian analyst has told Al Jazeera that Washington’s focus on Tehran’s nuclear initiative masks broader strategic objectives.

Foad Izadi, a professor at the University of Tehran, said low-level uranium enrichment cannot produce a nuclear weapon, arguing the US should “get real” about Iran’s capabilities.

He said the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which included extensive inspections, remained the best framework to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, criticising Washington’s withdrawal in 2018.

Izadi argued that reluctance to return to a similar agreement suggests the nuclear issue is being used as a pretext for wider goals, including control over Iran’s oil, territorial changes and regime change.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa, sparks tensions

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, one of the region’s most sensitive sites.

In a video from the site, Ben-Gvir said he felt “like the owner here” and vowed to push for further changes, raising concerns over the fragile status quo.

Jordan condemned the visit as a violation of the longstanding arrangement governing the compound, calling it a “desecration” and a provocative escalation.

Under the decades-old agreement, the site is administered by a Jordanian Islamic authority, with non-Muslims allowed to visit but not pray.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran’s internet blackout enters 44th day: NetBlocks

Internet watchdog NetBlocks says Iran’s nationwide internet blackout has entered its 44th day, coinciding with faltering US-Iran peace talks.

The group says the disruption now marks the longest recorded nationwide internet shutdown in any country.

In a post on X, NetBlocks said the human and economic impact of the extended restrictions “continue to pile up”, describing it as record-breaking censorship in a connected society.

It added that access to the internet has been heavily restricted since US and Israeli strikes on Iran, following an earlier weeks-long blackout during anti-government protests in January.

Source: CNN

Starmer, Oman’s Sultan urge US-Iran de-escalation

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq have called for restraint following stalled US-Iran talks in Pakistan, a UK spokesperson said.

Downing Street said the two leaders discussed the weekend negotiations and urged both sides to find a path forward.

They stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and avoiding further escalation, according to a readout from Starmer’s spokesperson Sophie Clare.

Starmer also noted ongoing international efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz following his recent Gulf visit.

Source: Al Jazeera

‘Low trust’ in Iran over US diplomacy

Many Iranians remain sceptical about US-Iran diplomacy following the ceasefire announcement, Al Jazeera reports.

The report says people across political divides expressed little confidence that the talks would lead to a lasting solution, citing repeated failed negotiations and a deep lack of trust.

Some, however, reportedly still hope diplomacy could eventually ease sanctions and improve economic conditions, as Iran continues to face pressure from sanctions and domestic economic challenges.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ghalibaf says US failed to win Iranian trust in talks

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the United States failed to gain the trust of Iranian negotiators during talks in Islamabad that ended without a deal.

In posts on X, Ghalibaf said Tehran had entered the negotiations with “good faith and will”, but lacked trust in the opposing side due to experiences from previous conflicts.

He said the US “ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation” in this round of discussions.

Ghalibaf also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the negotiations, praising its role as mediator and extending regards to the Pakistani people.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran eyes restoration of refining capacity in 2 months

Iran says it aims to restore around 70 to 80 percent of its damaged refining and fuel distribution capacity within the next two months.

Deputy Oil Minister Mohammad Sadegh Azimifar told SNN news agency that refineries, pipelines, fuel depots and aviation refuelling facilities were “repeatedly attacked” across the country.

He said repair teams have been deployed to clear debris and replace damaged equipment, including at a refinery on Lavan Island.

Azimifar added that part of the refinery is expected to resume operations within the next 10 days as restoration work continues.

Source: Al Jazeera

UK, Australia disappointed over US-Iran talks

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting says it is “disappointing” that US-Iran talks in Islamabad failed to reach a breakthrough or end the conflict.

He told Sky News diplomacy must continue until success is achieved, even if this round ended without agreement.

Australia also expressed disappointment, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong urging a continued ceasefire and a return to negotiations after the stalled talks.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ex-Iran FM says no deal on ‘dictated terms’

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says negotiations cannot succeed if either side insists on imposed conditions.

Responding to US Vice-President JD Vance’s remark that Iran rejected “our terms,” Zarif said: “Bingo.”

He added that talks with Iran will not work on “our/your terms”, and warned the US against trying to dictate conditions to Tehran.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran arrests 50 over alleged spying for US, Israel

Iranian authorities have arrested at least 50 people on suspicion of “mercenary” activity linked to the United States and Israel, according to the state-linked SNN news agency.

The group is accused of sharing sensitive information on locations including infrastructure and service facilities. Authorities also reportedly seized electronics, satellite equipment and weapons.

The arrests come amid a broader crackdown on alleged espionage following recent conflict, with dozens detained in similar cases in recent weeks.

Iran’s updated espionage law allows those convicted of spying to face the death penalty and confiscation of property.

Source: Al Jazeera

Latest Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Israeli bombardment of Lebanon continues with multiple strikes reported across the south.

Maaroub (Tyre district): Six people killed in an Israeli raid, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA).

Qana: Five people killed in a separate Israeli strike, NNA reports.

Other NNA-reported raids: Strikes also hit Bazouriyeh, Qalila, Bafliyeh and Qlawiya.

Tefahta: At least 13 people were killed overnight in an Israeli attack, Lebanese sources say.

Additional strikes: Al Jazeera Arabic reports further air attacks in Kafra, Haris, Rachaf and Srebbine.

Source: Al Jazeera

Lebanese PM calls for unity, urges calm

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called for national unity and restraint, urging citizens to “elevate the language of reason” in an X post marking Orthodox Easter.

He said he hoped the occasion would inspire Lebanese people to hold fast to unity, avoid strife, and prioritise national interest in order to overcome current challenges.

Salam added that such an approach was essential for ensuring stability, peace and prosperity across Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Support for war in Israel ‘declines’

SOAS Prof Haim Bresheeth says the conflict is far from over despite a ceasefire and ongoing negotiations, arguing that Israeli public sentiment is increasingly turning against the war, Al Jazeera reports.

He said continued strikes in Lebanon show the ceasefire is not holding, and said US failure to stop the violence would signal weakness.

Bresheeth said Israelis feel they are at a “cliff edge”, with support for the war falling further as the conflict drags on.

He described the war as effectively endless, saying it serves the political survival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warning of potential US political fallout.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel says explosives lab in West Bank ‘dismantled’

The Israeli military says it has “dismantled” an explosives manufacturing facility in the city of Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank.

In a statement on social media, it said troops seized about 200 pipe bombs, fire extinguishers and gas cylinders that could be used as explosives, along with more than 50kg of improvised explosive material.

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that the operation resulted in the destruction of a residential building in the area.

Source: Al Jazeera

Saudi says oil operations restored after attacks

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy says operations have been restored at key oil and gas facilities following recent attacks.

It said full pumping through the East-West Pipeline is back to seven million barrels per day, while output at the Manifa oilfield has recovered to around 300,000 barrels per day.

Work is continuing to restore the Khurais site, which could add another 300,000 barrels daily.

The announcement follows earlier reports of halted operations after strikes hit energy infrastructure in several regions of the kingdom.

Source: Al Jazeera

6 killed in Israeli raid on southern Lebanon town

Six people have been killed in an Israeli raid on the town of Maaroub in Lebanon’s southern Tyre district, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reports.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran says 118 healthcare workers killed in attacks

Iran’s emergency department chief Jafar Miadfar says US-Israeli strikes have caused heavy losses in the country’s health sector, killing and injuring 144 healthcare workers.

He told Mehr News Agency that 118 medical staff were killed and 26 wounded, including 78 emergency responders who were on the ground during operations.

Miadfar added that more than 400 medical units were damaged in the attacks, along with 57 emergency bases and 47 ambulances. He said two air ambulances and a sea ambulance were also hit.

He warned that the condition of medical staff in hospitals remains “worrying” amid the continued impact of the strikes.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump’s silence after Pakistan talks ‘deafening’

US-Iran diplomacy in Pakistan has ended for now after covering wider issues than past negotiations, including disputes linked to the recent conflict, Al Jazeera reports.

The report said JD Vance indicated a US proposal remains on the table, leaving room for Iran to respond.

But attention is now on US President Donald Trump, who has yet to comment, with Al Jazeera describing the silence as “deafening” given recent sharp warnings from Washington.

A ceasefire remains in place for about 10 more days, with Pakistan and other international actors urging it to hold despite uncertainty over the diplomatic outcome.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran cites “two or three issues” for US deal failure

Iran’s foreign ministry says disagreement over “two or three key issues” blocked a deal with the United States in Islamabad talks.

Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told IRIB that while some progress was made, major gaps remained, without giving details. 

US Vice-President JD Vance earlier cited Iran’s refusal to commit to renouncing a nuclear weapon as a key sticking point.

Baqaei said no one expected a single round to deliver an agreement and stressed that “diplomacy never comes to an end”.

He added Iran would stay in contact with mediator Pakistan and other regional partners, without confirming further talks with Washington.

Source: CNN

Iran says over 2,000 children wounded in US-Israeli attacks

Iran’s emergency department chief Jafar Miadfar says 2,115 people under the age of 18 were wounded in US-Israeli attacks on the country.

He told Mehr News Agency that among them, 124 children are under five years old and 24 are under the age of two.

Miadfar added that around 5,000 of the wounded are women, with most casualties reported in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Ilam.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan vows to continue mediating Iran-US talks

Pakistan says it will keep playing a facilitation role between Iran and the United States following marathon negotiations in Islamabad that ended without a deal.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad would continue to support engagement and dialogue between the two sides in the coming days.

He said he and army chief Asim Munir had helped facilitate several rounds of “intense and constructive” talks that concluded on Sunday morning.

Dar also thanked both Washington and Tehran for agreeing to Pakistan’s earlier call for a regional ceasefire and for accepting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to hold discussions in Islamabad.

Source: CNN

Iran insists ‘diplomacy continues’ despite stalled talks

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says diplomatic efforts remain active despite the breakdown in recent negotiations.

Quoting IRNA news agency, he said diplomacy “never ends”, stressing that it remains a key instrument for safeguarding national interests.

Baghaei added that consultations between Iran, Pakistan and other friendly and neighbouring countries would continue, signalling ongoing regional engagement even as formal talks appear to have stalled.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump under spotlight after inconclusive talks

The rapid departure of US Vice-President JD Vance after the latest negotiations came as a surprise, with expectations earlier that talks would resume around 0900GMT, Al Jazeera reports.

Instead, Vance announced there was no deal before leaving the country, signalling a breakdown in discussions.

The report said key sticking points included US reluctance to commit to halting Israeli military actions in Lebanon, alongside Iranian objections to proposed US terms on security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.

The collapse of talks comes amid heightened regional tensions following heavy strikes on Beirut, which have drawn international concern over breaches of a ceasefire.

Pakistan has urged both sides to keep communication channels open and extend the ceasefire, but the attention now shifts to Washington, with Donald Trump’s response expected to be pivotal for the next phase of diplomacy.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli strike kills 5 in Lebanon’s Qana

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) says an Israeli strike on the southern town of Qana has killed five people and wounded others.

It said civil defence teams were working to evacuate the injured and transfer them to hospitals in the nearby city of Tyre.

NNA added that separate Israeli strikes across the Tyre district wounded at least three people in Ma’raka.

The town of Qana has previously been the site of major Israeli attacks, including incidents in 1996 and 2006.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran delegation departs Pakistan as US talks stall

Iran’s delegation, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has left Pakistan, Mehr News Agency reports.

The departure comes shortly after US Vice-President JD Vance exited Islamabad, saying no agreement had been reached and that Iran had rejected Washington’s terms.

The parallel exits underline the lack of breakthrough following the latest round of high-level discussions in the Pakistani capital.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli strikes kill 165 children in Lebanon, ministry says

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health says at least 2,020 people have been killed and 6,436 others wounded in Israeli attacks since Mar 2.

It said the dead include 165 children, 248 women and 85 medical workers, underscoring the civilian toll of the escalation.

On Saturday alone, the ministry said Israeli strikes killed 97 people and injured 133 others across the country.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran’s red lines widen scope of US talks

The US-Iran talks are being held in tight secrecy, with limited disclosure on key sticking points, Al Jazeera reports.

The report notes that negotiations have moved beyond the nuclear issue to broader regional and strategic disputes.

Among the most sensitive is the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran is reportedly considering a “selective” access policy, a move with major implications for global energy flows.

Tehran is also pushing for a region-wide ceasefire, a demand rejected by Washington and its allies.

Other unresolved issues include security guarantees, sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian assets, highlighting the widening scope of the negotiations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Little hope for deal if US stance mirrored privately: analysts

Ross Harrison, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, says prospects for a US-Iran agreement remain slim if Washington’s public ultimatum reflected its private negotiating position during talks.

He told Al Jazeera that, in such a scenario, Tehran would likely feel no better positioned than before the conflict and earlier nuclear negotiations, limiting incentives for compromise.

Harrison argued Iran had been “the real loser” in terms of “raw destruction” rather than strategic leverage, noting that the Iranian public had borne the brunt of the war’s impact and would be unwilling to simply return to the pre-war status quo.

He added that if public rhetoric matched private discussions, “there’s very little pathway forward”, though he suggested it remained possible that tougher public messaging masked more substantive progress behind closed doors.

Source: Al Jazeera

Quick catch-up

• US Vice-President JD Vance departs Islamabad after 21 hours of talks, saying Iran declined to accept Washington’s terms.
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says some common ground was reached, but key differences remain, noting a single meeting was never expected to yield a deal.
• Pakistan urges both sides to honour the ceasefire and keep working towards a lasting peace.
• Iranian media blame “excessive” US demands for the lack of a framework, citing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear rights.
• Israel continues strikes in southern Lebanon, while protests in Beirut oppose any direct talks with Israeli officials.

Pulse of the War: Apr 11

US-Iran talks in Pakistan stall: US and Iranian negotiators held their highest-level talks in half a century in Pakistan on Saturday to try to end their six-week war as President Donald Trump said his military was starting the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz. The talks in Islamabad were the first direct US-Iranian meeting in more than a decade and highest-level discussions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The negotiations now have entered their sixth hour, with discussions appearing to reach a stalemate, according to sources close to the Iranian delegation. They say US demands over the Strait of Hormuz are “too ambitious”. (Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera)

Pakistan pushes for US-Iran talks extension: One source says Pakistan is pushing to secure at least another day or an additional round of talks in an effort to reach a conclusive agreement, although this has not yet been agreed. Pakistani diplomats remain hopeful and say they are trying to persuade both sides to compromise further. They, however, add that any continuation will depend on the decisions of both sides’ leadership, including how future talks will be structured and whether face-to-face engagement can continue. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Lebanon death toll tops 2,000: Lebanon’s health ministry says the country’s death toll since becoming involved in the conflict has now passed 2,000. According to the ministry’s health emergency operations centre, 2,020 people have been killed and 6,436 injured since Mar 2, the National News Agency reports. (Source: BBC)

Democrats criticise Kushner, Witkoff role in US-Iran talks: Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee have criticised the involvement of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in US talks with Iran in Pakistan. In a post on X, they said the pair were “the same two whose last ‘diplomatic’ effort was cover for starting this pointless and costly war”, concluding: “Not a great way to signal a diplomatic reset.” (Source: Al Jazeera)

Netanyahu says Iran campaign ‘not yet over’: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the campaign against Iran is “not yet over”. He claimed that Iran was “begging for a ceasefire” and said its leadership was “deeply weakened” and fighting for survival. Netanyahu also said he had approved direct talks with Lebanon, expected to take place in Washington next week, adding that any agreement must include the disarmament of Hezbollah and amount to a lasting peace deal “that will endure for generations”. (Source: CNN)

‘Serious disagreement’ over Hormuz: Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency says the US and Iran are exchanging written texts in an effort to reach a common framework for negotiations. Citing its correspondent in Islamabad, Tasnim reports that progress has been hindered by what it describes as “usual excessive demands” from Washington. The agency adds that consultations are ongoing, but says the issue of the Strait of Hormuz remains a point of “serious disagreement” between the two sides. (Source: Al Jazeera)

US-Iran talks in Pakistan stall in sixth hour

Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have entered their sixth hour, with discussions appearing to reach a stalemate, according to sources close to the Iranian delegation speaking to Al Jazeera. 

They say US demands over the Strait of Hormuz are “too ambitious”.

There is no clarity on how long negotiations will continue into the night, whether they will extend into Sunday, or if US Vice President JD Vance will delay his return to the United States. 

He had been expected to spend less than 24 hours in Pakistan after arriving at about 11am local time on Saturday.

The Iranian delegation, which arrived after midnight, held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before negotiations began.

Meanwhile, journalists gathered at the Jinnah Convention Centre, near the venue, have been waiting for hours, with energy levels visibly dropping after a long day without any breakthrough.

Source: Al Jazeera

A recap of latest developments

• The first phase of historic in-person talks between US and Iranian delegations has concluded, with the two sides now exchanging written messages to confirm areas of agreement, according to sources close to the mediation speaking to Al Jazeera.

• The US military says two of its ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz on a mine-clearing mission, appearing to contradict earlier Iranian media reports that no US vessels had crossed the waterway.

• Meanwhile, Israeli military operations have continued in southern Lebanon, including strikes that killed at least five people and injured a paramedic, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel, under his leadership, will continue fighting Iran and its allies.

• Separately, Pope Leo has issued strong remarks against the war involving Iran, saying: “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan pushes for extension of US-Iran talks

Multiple rounds of negotiations between US and Iranian delegations have taken place in a congenial atmosphere in Islamabad, with the teams also sharing dinner and now exchanging notes, according to sources.

An Iranian source says delegate-level discussions are ongoing, with efforts continuing to find avenues to advance the talks.

One source says Pakistan is pushing to secure at least another day or an additional round of talks in an effort to reach a conclusive agreement, although this has not yet been agreed.

Pakistani diplomats remain hopeful and say they are trying to persuade both sides to compromise further. 

They, however, add that any continuation will depend on the decisions of both sides’ leadership, including how future talks will be structured and whether face-to-face engagement can continue.

Source: Al Jazeera

First phase of in-person US-Iran talks ends in Pakistan

Sources close to the mediation have told Al Jazeera that the first phase of in-person talks between the US and Iranian delegations has concluded in Pakistan.

The sources say the two sides are now exchanging written texts, a process aimed at confirming that they are aligned on the agreements reached during discussions.

Source: Al Jazeera

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon tops 2,000

Lebanon’s health ministry says the country’s death toll since becoming involved in the conflict has now passed 2,000.

According to the ministry’s health emergency operations centre, 2,020 people have been killed and 6,436 injured since Mar 2, the National News Agency reports.

The update follows the ministry’s statement that an Israeli raid on the town of Tuffahta in southern Lebanon left eight people dead and nine injured, including five in critical condition.

Source: BBC

Iran-US talks in Islamabad may run into Sunday, source says

Talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad are expected to continue well into the night and could stretch into Sunday, according to a Pakistani source speaking to CNN.

Negotiations are ongoing with Pakistan acting as mediator, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir present in the room, the source added.

Source: CNN

Lebanon PM postpones US trip

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has postponed an imminent visit to the United States and the United Nations, saying he needs to remain in Beirut to oversee government work amid ongoing internal circumstances.

In a post on X, he said the decision would allow him to manage affairs at home. 

A Lebanese government source had earlier told CNN he was expected to travel to Washington in the coming days, following signals from Israel that it was open to direct negotiations with Lebanon.

The delay comes as a fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran continues to hold but remains under strain, with Israel continuing to carry out strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Israel says it struck 200 Hezbollah sites

Israel’s military says it has attacked more than 200 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon over the past 24 hours. 

The force added that its air force will continue targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the south of the country.

The continued strikes have become an early source of tension in the ongoing Iran-US talks in Islamabad, where Tehran has argued that the ceasefire should also apply to Lebanon.

Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid reports there appears to have been some progress in efforts to persuade Israel to limit its attacks to southern Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran-US talks in Islamabad shift to direct negotiations, sources say

Senior Iranian and US officials are holding ceasefire talks in Islamabad, where negotiations have shifted from indirect exchanges to direct discussions, according to Al Jazeera sources.

Pakistani mediators remain present during the talks.

An Iranian state television reporter in Islamabad says Tehran’s delegation is expected to continue discussions on alleged ceasefire violations in Lebanon.

Al Jazeera Correspondent Osama Bin Javaid said sources indicate that there has been some progress on basic conditions, including the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon. 

While no agreement has been reached, there are reports of a possible understanding to limit strikes to southern Lebanon, suggesting some movement in the talks.

Al Jazeera teams on the ground report that the delegations have taken a short break, with discussions set to resume over dinner. 

The local time in Islamabad is 19:15 (14:15 GMT).

Source: Al Jazeera

US ‘clearing’ Hormuz: Trump

US President Donald Trump has said the United States military is clearing the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the process has begun and claimed Iran’s minelaying ships have been sunk.

Source: Reuters

Russia urges US, Iran to avoid steps that could ‘jeopardise’ talks

Russia has urged the United States and Iran to refrain from actions that could undermine talks in Islamabad.

The Russian foreign ministry called on all participants to act responsibly and avoid “jeopardizing” the negotiations.

Source: DAWN

Ships pass Hormuz as Trump signals reopening soon

Several ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz as US President Donald Trump said the waterway could reopen “fairly soon”.

Trump said Iran has “no cards” in negotiations beyond short-term leverage over the strait.

Most vessels passing through were reported to be Chinese, according to ship tracking data.

An industry body warned the EU could face a jet fuel shortage if transit does not resume within weeks.

A US official said energy prices are expected to fall once normal operations resume.

Source: CNN

Iran in touch with Lebanon over ceasefire, ministry says

Iran has been in contact with Lebanon to ensure ceasefire commitments are being respected, the foreign ministry said.

A spokesperson said coordination was ongoing as talks with the United States take place in Islamabad.

Lebanese officials close to Hezbollah said the group supports the Pakistan talks over separate discussions planned in Washington.

Source: Reuters

50 journalists arrive in Islamabad to cover talks, minister says

Around 50 journalists from across the world have arrived in Islamabad to cover the Iran-US talks, Pakistan’s information minister said.

Attaullah Tarar said media representatives from countries including the United States, Iran, China, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Korea are present.

He added more journalists are expected to arrive.

Tarar said the media centre at the Jinnah Convention Centre has been equipped with high-speed internet and other facilities.
 

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has made the best possible arrangements to facilitate local and international journalists in Islamabad for coverage of the US-Iran peace talks@MoIB_Official @TararAttaullah @GovtofPakistan #RadioPakistan #News #IslamabadTalks… pic.twitter.com/VlzuXZ0IgY

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 11, 2026

Source: X/ Radio Pakistan

Iran-US peace talks begin in Islamabad

Talks between Iran and the United States have begun in Islamabad, according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB/

However, it remains unclear whether the negotiations are being held directly or through intermediaries.

If confirmed as face-to-face, the discussions would mark the highest-level direct engagement between Tehran and Washington since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979.

The talks are taking place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire, with neither side yet confirming the scope or agenda of the negotiations.

Source: CNN

Iran foreign ministry official ‘confident’ before talks

خدا راه شکست را به روی ما بسته است. pic.twitter.com/tLvR2NfoMd

— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) April 11, 2026

Source: X/ Esmaeil Baqaei

Israeli air attacks kill 10 in south Lebanon

Israeli air attacks have killed 10 people across southern Lebanon, local media reports.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said four people, including a paramedic, were killed in a strike on Kfar Sir, with four others injured.

Another strike in Zefta killed three people, including a Lebanese Civil Defence member, and wounded two.

A third attack in Toul killed three people and injured three others.

Source: Al Jazeera

Tehran signals defiance ahead of US talks

Iran has signalled defiance ahead of talks with the United States, saying it remains ready to negotiate but wary.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said sending a delegation to Pakistan showed Tehran’s resolve.

She warned Iran would not “compromise or back down on its sovereign rights”.

Mohajerani added the delegation would engage with “utmost precision” while maintaining distrust of the US.

Source: Al Jazeera

Empty oil tankers heading to US: Trump

US President Donald Trump has said large numbers of empty oil tankers are heading to the United States to load oil and gas.

Source: Reuters

Hezbollah lawmaker criticises Lebanon over Israel talks

A Hezbollah lawmaker has criticised the Lebanese government over planned talks with Israel.

Hassan Fadlallah called the move a “blatant violation” of the constitution and warned it could deepen divisions.

The comments came after Lebanon’s president announced a meeting in Washington next week.

In a statement on Al-Manar TV, Fadlallah said negotiations would not achieve what Israel failed to do on the ground.

Source: BBC

Iranian TV says talks could be cancelled if conditions unmet

Iranian state TV has warned talks in Islamabad could be cancelled if Tehran’s preconditions are not met.

A correspondent on state-run channel IRINN said negotiations must respect Iran’s “interests, demands and red lines”.

She said withdrawing from talks that fail to meet these could be seen as an “achievement” under what officials describe as “assertive diplomacy”.

The correspondent had earlier said the Iranian delegation was expected to meet Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before any talks with the US, with details to follow after the meeting.

State TV has stressed Iran’s conditions and lack of trust in the US, saying Tehran holds the upper hand and could proceed without talks if its demands are not met.

Source: BBC

Iran delegation meets Pakistan PM ahead of US talks

An Iranian delegation has met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad ahead of talks with the United States, according to Iranian state TV.

The broadcaster said arrangements for the Iran-US talks would be defined after the meeting.

The meeting comes as preparations continue for high-stakes negotiations.

#BREAKING The Iranian delegation, headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has met and held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

— Mehr News Agency (@MehrnewsCom) April 11, 2026

Source: X/ Mehr News Agency

Iran VP urges US to prioritise ‘America First’ in talks

Iran’s first vice-president has said the outcome of talks in Islamabad depends on US priorities.

Mohammad Reza Aref said a deal is possible if Washington focuses on its “America First” interests.

He warned that shifting to an “Israel First” approach would lead to “no deal”.

Aref said Iran would continue its defence “more vigorously”, warning of greater global costs.

Source: Al Jazeera

US ‘agrees’ to release frozen Iranian assets

The United States has reportedly agreed to release frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar and other banks.

The move was described as a sign of “seriousness” in ongoing talks in Islamabad.
    
An Iranian source said “the step is directly linked to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”.

Washington has not publicly confirmed the claim.

Source: Reuters

Hamas welcomes US-Iran talks in Pakistan

Hamas has welcomed talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, backing efforts to end the war.

The group said it supports negotiations aimed at a “complete and comprehensive end” to the conflict.

It expressed hope that Pakistan and other mediators would help achieve positive outcomes.

Hamas said successful talks could strengthen regional stability and unity among Arab and Islamic nations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan urges Lebanon inclusion in ceasefire talks

Pakistan has said Lebanon should be included in US-Iran ceasefire negotiations.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the truce must be a “package ceasefire” covering the wider region.

He warned Israel should not act as a “spoiler” and called for a more responsible role.

He added Pakistan aims to help both sides reach an agreement and extend the ceasefire through further talks.

Source: BBC

Pakistan backs US peace efforts, offers to facilitate

Pakistan has praised the United States for its “commitment to achieving lasting regional and global peace” as talks with Iran get under way.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed hope for constructive engagement and reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to help facilitate a “durable solution” to the conflict.

He met US officials alongside Army Chief Asim Munir as the delegation arrived in Islamabad.

Source: CNN

Key members of Iran delegation in Pakistan talks

Iran’s delegation in Islamabad has included senior political, diplomatic and security officials:

•    Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, parliament speaker and head of delegation
•    Abbas Araghchi, foreign minister
•    Reza Amiri Moghadam, ambassador to Pakistan
•    Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Supreme National Security Council member
•    Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy at the Supreme National Security Council
•    Esmail Ahmadi Moghadam, National Defence University president
•    Mohammad Jafari, assistant to the Supreme National Security Council secretary
•    Naser Hemati, central bank governor
•    Kazim Gharibabadi, deputy foreign minister
•    Majid Takht-e Ravanchi, deputy foreign minister
•    Valiollah Nouri, deputy foreign minister
•    Esmaeil Baghaei, deputy foreign minister and ministry spokesperson
•    Abolfazl Amouei, member of parliament
•    Mohammad Nabavian, member of parliament

Source: Al Jazeera

Vance greeted by Pakistan Army chief Munir

US Vice-President JD Vance has been greeted in Islamabad by Pakistan Army chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Munir, a key figure in Pakistan’s ties with the US, has played a role in brokering the ceasefire and is expected to be central to the talks.

He has maintained close links with both Washington and Tehran, helping facilitate negotiations.

Munir also met the Iranian delegation earlier, highlighting his role in bringing both sides together.

Source: CNN

Hezbollah steps up attacks on Israeli forces

Hezbollah has stepped up attacks on Israeli forces using missiles and drones.

It said fighters targeted troops near the Kiryat Shmona settlement in northern Israel.

The Lebanese armed group also said it struck barracks in Ya’ara with rockets.

Source: Al Jazeera

Islamabad talks highest-level since 1979 revolution

US-Iran talks in Islamabad are set to be the highest-level negotiations between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

They will also mark the first official face-to-face talks since the 2015 nuclear deal.

US President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018 during his first term.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had banned direct talks the same year.

Source: Al Jazeera

Vance arrives in Islamabad for Iran talks

US Vice-President JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad for talks with Iran.

He is leading the US delegation for high-stakes ceasefire negotiations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli raids sweep West Bank overnight

Israeli forces have carried out a series of raids across the occupied West Bank overnight, according to local media.

Troops closed a checkpoint in az-Zawiya near Salfit and searched several homes, restricting movement.

A 21-year-old Palestinian man was injured by rubber bullets in Birzeit, while three others were arrested in separate incidents.

Israeli forces also fired live rounds, sound bombs and gas during a raid on Arroub camp, reports said.

Settlers attacked residents in Masafer Yatta, damaging crops and livestock, with incidents reported under military protection.

Source: Al Jazeera

Vance key to US-Iran talks push, Pakistani source says

US Vice-President JD Vance has been key in bringing the US and Iran to talks in Islamabad, a senior Pakistani source has told CNN.

The source said Vance played a central role in pushing for a diplomatic solution to the war.

They added negotiations could take several days to secure a ceasefire, with Pakistan hoping Vance might stay longer to support the process.

Separately, a senior Gulf source said Iran has little trust in US envoy Steve Witkoff, citing past talks that collapsed after US strikes.

Source: CNN

UN chief urges US, Iran to engage in talks in ‘good faith’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed planned US-Iran talks and urged both sides to engage in “good faith”.

His spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said he called on the parties to seize the diplomatic opportunity for a lasting and comprehensive agreement.

He stressed there is no alternative to peaceful resolution in line with international law and the UN Charter.

He added the UN chief’s personal envoy is in the region to support diplomatic efforts.

Source: BBC

Iran delegation in Pakistan includes 71 members: media

Iran’s delegation in Islamabad has included 71 people, including negotiators, technical experts, media and security staff, according to state media.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has led the delegation, alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

State media said the size reflects the “complexity and sensitivity” of the talks with the United States.

The US team has been led by Vice-President JD Vance, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also involved.

Source: CNN

US envoys Witkoff, Kushner arrive in Islamabad for Iran talks

US Middle East envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Islamabad for talks with Iran.

The two are part of Washington’s negotiating team for high-stakes ceasefire discussions.

Source: Reuters

US-Iran talks could extend into Sunday

US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad could extend into Sunday as delegations gather in the Pakistani capital.

The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has arrived, while US Vice-President JD Vance is scheduled to land shortly.

No official timeline has been set, though talks are expected to last at least a day.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council had earlier said negotiations could continue for up to 15 days.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pulse of the War: Apr 10

• Security tightened in Islamabad for talks: Pakistan has deployed around 10,000 security personnel and sealed off key areas in Islamabad ahead of Iran-US negotiations, with preliminary discussions set before formal talks. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Trump warns of fresh strikes if talks fail: US President Donald Trump says warships are being rearmed and warns of renewed attacks on Iran if negotiations in Pakistan do not produce a deal. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Diplomats push for Israel-Lebanon truce: Envoys from Israel, Lebanon, and the US are set to hold preparatory talks in Washington aimed at setting terms for direct negotiations, focused on disarming Hezbollah and establishing relations. (Source: CNN)
• Strikes kill 12 in Lebanon: Lebanon says 12 state security personnel were killed in an Israeli attack on a security office in Nabatiyeh. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Iran sets conditions for US talks: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says negotiations cannot begin without a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Iran eyes rial for Hormuz fee: Iran is considering formalising transit fees in rial for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, reinforcing its control over the strategic waterway. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• MV Joyjatra denied Hormuz transit: MV Banglar Joyjatra, carrying 31 Bangladeshi crew, remains stuck near the strait after being denied passage by the IRGC despite the ceasefire. (Source: bdnews24.com)

Islamabad beefs up security ahead of Iran-US talks

Elaborate and unprecedented security measures have been put in place in Islamabad ahead of the Iran-US negotiations.

Around 10,000 personnel from police, paramilitary forces and the military are deployed to secure sensitive locations, while the capital’s Red Zone has been completely sealed off.

Officials say preliminary discussions will take place between the two delegations before formal negotiations begin.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump says Iranians only ‘alive to negotiate’

US President Donald Trump has said the only reason Iranians are alive “is to negotiate”, ahead of talks in Pakistan.

In a post on Truth Social, he wrote that Iran “has no cards” other than a short-term ability to “extort the world” through international waterways.

“The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!” he added.

Source: BBC

Trump warns of new strikes if Iran talks fail

US President Donald Trump has said American warships are being reloaded with weapons in preparation for possible attacks on Iran if scheduled talks in Pakistan fail to produce a deal.

“We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made,” he said.

“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively.”

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel, Lebanon and US envoys to hold preparatory talks in Washington

Ambassadors from Israel, Lebanon and the United States are set to hold the first round of preparatory talks in Washington, DC, aimed at paving the way for future negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

The initial meeting will focus on setting the conditions and agenda for direct talks.

Israel said the proposed negotiations would centre on disarming Hezbollah and establishing “peaceful relations” between the two countries.

Source: CNN

Lebanon says 12 security personnel killed in Nabatiyeh strike

Twelve state security personnel have been killed in Lebanon’s Nabatiyeh following an Israeli attack that targeted a state security office, President Joseph Aoun has said.

In comments carried by Lebanon’s National News Agency, Aoun said the “targeting of state institutions and security apparatuses will not deter Lebanon from upholding its right to protect its land and preserve its sovereignty”.

Source: Al Jazeera

US may demand release of detained Americans in Iran

The United States is expected to demand the release of Americans held in Iran as part of negotiations set to take place in Islamabad on Saturday.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran speaker says Lebanon ceasefire required before US talks

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said negotiations with the United States cannot begin without a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel says 1,400 Hezbollah members ‘eliminated’

Israel’s military says it has “eliminated” 1,400 Hezbollah members and destroyed 4,300 sites since intensifying its campaign in Lebanon early last month.

The military said five divisions are conducting simultaneous “targeted operations” in southern Lebanon as part of its ongoing offensive.

Source: Al Jazeera

Polls show most Israelis unconvinced of victory over Iran

Most Israelis do not believe the United States and Israel won the war against Iran, according to a series of polls released on Thursday.

A Channel 13 poll found 33 percent believe the US and Israel won the war, compared to 28 percent who think Iran emerged victorious. 

A Channel 12 survey showed 30 percent see the US and Israel as winners, while a Kan 11 poll found that figure at just 25 percent.

All three polls indicated that more than half of respondents oppose the US-led ceasefire and favour continuing the war.

Source: CNN

Israeli air raids target Kfar Rumman in southern Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike has targeted the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Rumman.

Follow Press TV on Telegram: https://t.co/LWoNSpkc2J pic.twitter.com/1WL592TlIu

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 10, 2026

Source: X/ Press TV

Pope Leo says war cannot bring ‘times of peace’

Pope Leo XIV has said military action cannot create the space for freedom or “times of peace”.

In a post on X, he said “God does not bless any conflict” and criticised those who “drop bombs”.

He added that peace can only come through coexistence and dialogue among people.

The pontiff has been an outspoken critic of the US-Israeli war against Iran.

 

God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs. Military action will not create space for freedom or times of #Peace, which comes only from the patient…

— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) April 10, 2026

Source: X/ Pope Leo XIV

Air strikes kill 8 Lebanese security personnel

Air attacks have killed at least eight Lebanese security personnel in the southern city of Nabatiyeh, according to local media.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit multiple areas, including a state security office, destroying several buildings.

It described the incident as a “horrific massacre”.

Ambulances were seen transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals.

Source: Al Jazeera

6 killed in Israeli strike in south Lebanon

An Israeli air strike has killed six people after targeting a carwash in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strike hit the town of Jba’a in the Nabatieh governorate.

The victims included the carwash owner, his two sons and three others at the scene.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran proposes Hormuz transit fees in rial

The head of Iran’s Parliament National Security Commission has said transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz could be paid in the national currency, the rial.

He said the plan is part of a parliamentary proposal, according to Iran Consulate General in Mumbai.

The move comes as Iran seeks to formalise transit charges on ships passing through the strait.

Head of Iran’s Parliament National Security Commission:

Under a parliamentary proposal, transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz would be paid in Iran’s national currency, the #rial.#Iran #Hormuz #StraitOfHormuz pic.twitter.com/0wY2Wy8pUb

— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) April 10, 2026

Source: Al Jazeera

Bangladeshi vessel stuck near Hormuz

A Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel has remained stranded near the Strait of Hormuz after failing to get clearance from Iran.

MV Banglar Joyjatra was forced to anchor near the UAE’s Mina Saqr port after being denied passage by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), crew said.

The ship, carrying 37,000 tonnes of fertiliser and 31 Bangladeshi crew, had departed Saudi Arabia after the ceasefire began.

Crew said uncertainty remains as the vessel awaits permission to cross, despite the truce being in place.

Israeli rights group slates minister over land grab remarks

An Israeli human rights group has criticised far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over comments suggesting territorial expansion.

B’Tselem said the remarks reflect the vision guiding Israel’s actions and warned of wider destruction and occupation.

Smotrich had said Israel should expand borders into Lebanon, Syria and Palestinian territories during a West Bank event.

The Israeli government has not approved such plans, which could trigger international backlash.

Hamas said the comments “undermine” the existing ceasefire agreement.

Source: CNN

Hezbollah targets Ashdod base as Israel hits Lebanon

Hezbollah has targeted Israel’s Ashdod naval base as Israeli strikes have continued across southern Lebanon.

Israeli air raids hit multiple locations in the south and the Bekaa Valley, including Bint Jbeil and nearby towns.

An air strike injured a couple near the border village of Mari, with Red Cross teams evacuating them for treatment.

Hezbollah said it used “advanced” missiles in the attack on the Ashdod naval base.

Source: Al Jazeera

Vance leaves for Pakistan, warns Iran ahead of talks

US Vice-President JD Vance has set off for Pakistan to lead high-stakes talks with Iran.

He warned that the US is open to good-faith negotiations but will not be receptive if Iran tries to “play” the process.

Source: CNN

China involvement in Iran would complicate matters, US says

The US has said any Chinese involvement in Iran could complicate the situation and affect bilateral ties.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington wants a “stable” relationship with Beijing.

He said challenges remain, but expressed hope for a positive meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.

Source: Al Jazeera

Vance says Trump gave ‘clear guidelines’ for Iran talks

US Vice-President JD Vance has said President Donald Trump has given “clear guidelines” for scheduled negotiations with Iran.

Speaking before travelling to Pakistan, he said he was “looking forward” to the talks.

He added he expects the negotiations with Tehran to be “positive”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump ceasefire sparks backlash from allies

Donald Trump has faced fresh backlash from some allies after announcing a ceasefire deal with Iran.

The war had been backed by a large majority of Republican voters, especially those aligned with the MAGA movement.

The truce triggered criticism from longtime Iran hardliners, including Fox News commentator Mark Levin, who had earlier supported the war.

Some allies raised concerns over Trump’s handling of the conflict and the fragile ceasefire, fuelling public infighting within his support base.

Source: CNN

UK PM arrives in Qatar for ceasefire talks

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Doha as part of a Gulf tour to discuss efforts to secure the US-Iran ceasefire.

He said there was more “work to do” to sustain the truce and stressed the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He also highlighted the need for regional partners to restore global energy flows.

Source: Al Jazeera

Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre set to host US-Iran talks

Inside the Jinnah Convention Centre, everything is set for the historic Islamabad Talks — where diplomacy takes centre stage and the world watches Pakistan shape a moment of global significance.#JinnahConventionCentre #PakistanDiplomacy #USIran #USIranTalks #HistoricTalks… pic.twitter.com/IJVTUmqq0f

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) April 10, 2026

Source: X/ Pakistan TV

Mojtaba urges Gulf states to ‘stand on right side’

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has urged Gulf Arab states to “stand on the right side” and be wary of US and Israeli influence.

In a message on X, he told Iran’s southern neighbours they were “witnessing a miracle” and should not trust what he described as “false promises” by the US and Israel.

Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain, said Iran appears to see itself in a stronger position after the war.

He said Tehran believes it can assert a more commanding regional role after enduring attacks, pushing for a ceasefire and tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Mojtaba also said Iran was “waiting for an appropriate response” from its neighbours to show “brotherhood and goodwill”.

Alhasan said Gulf states are likely to remain sceptical given recent missile and drone attacks and are unlikely to accept Iranian dominance.

Source: CNN

Key Saudi pipeline hit, raising energy supply fears

A major Saudi oil pipeline has been struck, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies amid the Iran war.

The East-West Pipeline, which bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, has taken on greater importance after disruptions to Gulf shipping.

Saudi Arabia had rerouted millions of barrels through the pipeline to maintain exports, according to earlier announcements.

Attacks on a key pumping station cut output by about 700,000 barrels per day, with further strikes reducing capacity, officials said.

Source: CNN

Iran rejects ceasefire that ‘allows renewed attacks’

Iran has said it does not want a ceasefire that would allow its enemies to rearm and attack again.

Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi said Iran’s 10-point plan would form the basis of scheduled talks in Islamabad.

He said Tehran supports diplomacy but not negotiations based on “false information” or aimed at enabling further aggression.

He added Iran has made clear that any deal must include guarantees to prevent a repeat of the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel-Hezbollah strikes continue ahead of Iran-US talks

Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanging strikes as high-stakes US-Iran talks are set to take place in Islamabad.

The latest:

US-Iran talks: US Vice-President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation, while Iran’s team is yet to be officially confirmed.

Israeli push for talks: Israel has sought direct negotiations with Lebanon on disarming Hezbollah, with Lebanon’s prime minister expected to visit Washington.

Border attacks: Hezbollah has launched fresh attacks on Israeli positions and a border settlement, citing ceasefire violations.

Hormuz risks: Uncertainty around the truce has kept shipping through the Strait of Hormuz risky despite signs of reopening.

Iran advisor death: Senior advisor Kamal Kharazi has died after being injured in a reported US-Israeli strike earlier this month.

Source: CNN

Pulse of the War: Apr 9

• Netanyahu touts Lebanon talks: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered direct negotiations with Lebanon focused on disarming Hezbollah, despite ongoing hostilities. (Source: CNN)
• Hezbollah-Israeli strikes escalate tensions: Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel citing ceasefire violations, while Israel says it struck more than 100 sites in Lebanon, with at least 182 killed and hundreds wounded. (Source: CNN)
• Lebanon rejects talks ‘under fire’: Lebanese officials have refused negotiations while Israeli attacks continue, saying there can be no talks without a halt to hostilities and noting no formal proposal was received. (Source: CNN)
• US forces ready to strike: US President Donald Trump says American forces will stay positioned around Iran until a deal is fully implemented, warning of massive escalation if it fails. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Hormuz partially reopened: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is operating under restrictions, with access conditional and coordinated, as tensions persist despite the ceasefire. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• Iran death toll surpasses 3,000: More than 3,000 people have been killed across Iran since the war began on Feb 28, according to the country’s forensic authorities. (Source: Reuters)
• Iranians mark 40 days since Khamenei’s death: Crowds in Tehran have commemorated 40 days since the killing of Ali Khamenei, observing a key mourning milestone in Shia tradition. (Source: CNN)

Trump pushed Netanyahu to pursue Lebanon talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to seek direct negotiations with Lebanon came at the request of US President Donald Trump, according to a US official.

The two leaders spoke on Wednesday, when Trump asked Netanyahu to scale back Israeli attacks in Lebanon and begin talks focused on disarming Hezbollah.

Source: CNN

Lebanon rejects talks ‘under fire’ with Israel

A Lebanese official has said there will be “no negotiations under fire”, rejecting Israel’s proposal to begin direct talks while military operations continue.

The response came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed his cabinet to start negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible”.

However, an Israeli source said there is “no ceasefire” and that any talks would take place while fighting continues.

The Lebanese official added that Beirut’s foreign ministry and presidential palace had not been formally notified of Israel’s proposal.

Source: CNN

Israel says ‘war will not be stopped’ despite push for talks

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz says “the war will not be stopped”, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moves to initiate direct negotiations with Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Netanyahu orders direct negotiations with Lebanon over Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible”.

In a statement, Netanyahu said the move followed repeated requests from Lebanon to open direct talks with Israel.

He said the proposed negotiations would centre on “disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations”, adding that Israel welcomed the Lebanese call to “demilitarise Beirut”.

Source: CNN

Seafarers stranded near Hormuz report food shortages

A seafarer stranded near the Strait of Hormuz says crew members are facing dwindling food supplies as shipping through the key waterway remains slow.

“There’s no bombing over the last two days but now we are facing struggles for food,” said the Indian seafarer, whose vessel is moored at Iran’s Khorramshahr Port.

Source: CNN

Russia continues to evacuate staff from Iran nuclear plant despite ceasefire

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom says the company is continuing to evacuate its personnel from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant despite the ceasefire.

Rosatom said 611 of its 639 staff based at the facility have been evacuated via Armenia, with around 50 volunteers remaining on site.

Bushehr, Iran’s only operational nuclear plant and built with Russian involvement, has been struck four times since the US-Israel war on Iran began in February.

Source: Al Jazeera

Who is attending US-Iran talks in Islamabad?

Pakistani officials have outlined a tentative list of participants expected to attend negotiations aimed at ending the war between the United States and Iran, though details remain subject to change.

Pakistan (host):

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
• Field Marshal Asim Munir, chief of Army staff
• Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
• National Security Advisor Asim Malik, head of ISI

United States delegation:

• Vice-President JD Vance
• White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
• Jared Kushner
• CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper (likely to attend)

Iranian delegation:

• Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
• Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi

The talks are expected to take place in Islamabad on Saturday.

Source: Al Jazeera

Netanyahu corruption trial to resume after emergency lifted

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial will resume on Sunday after authorities lifted a state of emergency imposed during the war with Iran.

A statement said hearings would “resume as usual” with the return of the judicial system, and are scheduled to take place between Sundays and Wednesdays.

Source: Al Jazeera

Lebanon seeks direct talks with Israel

The Lebanese government is calling for direct talks with Israel as hostilities continue.

Hezbollah, however, has long maintained that it will not negotiate with Israel, especially while under attack, meaning the proposed talks would not include the group.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah fired 30 rockets towards north Israel

The Israeli military says Hezbollah fired around 30 rockets towards northern Israel, targeting several towns.

Sirens were heard in areas including Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee Panhandle.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran parliament speaker says Lebanon ‘inseparable part’ of ceasefire

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says Lebanon is an “inseparable part” of the two-week ceasefire agreement with the United States.

In a post on X, he warned that any violations would bring “explicit costs and strong responses”, following Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

Ghalibaf added that Lebanon and the wider “Resistance Axis”, as Iran’s allies, are integral to the ceasefire framework.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran says Israeli strikes on Lebanon breach ceasefire with US

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says Israeli attacks on Lebanon violate the ceasefire agreement with the United States and risk undermining ongoing negotiations.

He added that Iran would not abandon the Lebanese people, who are their allies.

His remarks come after some of the heaviest Israeli strikes on Lebanon since the latest conflict with Hezbollah began last month, with at least 200 people reported killed on Wednesday.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hormuz transit limited despite ceasefire

Only a small number of vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran ceasefire was announced.

Ship-tracking service MarineTraffic said two vessels, one Greek-flagged and another sailing under a Liberian flag, transited the strait on Wednesday.

Shipping analysts at Lloyd’s List reported that three vessels more had crossed, all with current or past links to Iran, while three more were either preparing to transit or heading towards an Iran-approved detour route around Larak Island.

Source: CNN

South Korea to send special envoy to Tehran

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will send a special envoy to Iran to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations.

In a phone call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Cho welcomed Iran’s ceasefire agreement with the United States and stressed the importance of ensuring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Al Jazeera

US forces to remain in Iran until agreement is reached

US President Donald Trump has said all American ships, aircraft, weapons and military personnel will remain “in place, in and around, Iran” until a full agreement is reached with Tehran.

In a post on Truth Social, he warned that if the deal is not honoured, military action would resume on a much larger scale.

Source: CNN

Hacker group ‘Handala’ breach ex-Israeli military chief’s accounts

Hackers linked to the Iranian government have breached the devices and accounts of former Israeli military chief Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, publishing thousands of sensitive files.

In a statement, the group “Handala” said it had extracted more than 19,000 images and videos from highly confidential meetings during Halevi’s tenure as chief of staff between 2023 and 2025.

The hackers claimed access to “top-secret facilities, crisis rooms, maps”, and other operational details, suggesting extensive surveillance of Israeli military activity.

Dozens of photos and videos were released on the group’s social media, including images of Halevi at military sites, in meetings and in personal settings, as well as identification documents belonging to him and his wife.

The same hacker group was behind the breach of FBI Director Kash Patel’s personal emails last month.

Source: CNN

Iranians mark 40 days since Khamenei killing

Iranians have gathered in Tehran to mark 40 days since the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Large crowds were seen mourning, waving flags and holding portraits of Khamenei across the capital.

In Shia tradition, the 40th day marks the end of mourning and the soul’s passage.

Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Feb 28, and his son Mojtaba Khamenei was named successor but has not appeared in public.

Source: CNN

ADNOC chief urges Iran to open Hormuz ‘unconditionally’

Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “fully and unconditionally”.

He said limiting passage amounts to coercion and undermines freedom of navigation.

He added the strait is governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and cannot be used as leverage.

He stressed that global energy security and economic stability depend on keeping the waterway open.

Source: Al Jazeera

IRGC issues map to guide ships through Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has released a map showing alternate shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz to help vessels avoid naval mines.

It marked a designated “area of danger” and said ships must coordinate to pass safely, according to local media.

Tankers have been advised to take a more northerly route closer to Iran instead of passing near Oman.

Source: Al Jazeera

More than 3,000 Iranians killed during war, medical body says

More than 3,000 people have been killed across Iran since the war began on Feb 28, the country’s forensic chief told state media on Thursday.

He added that 40 percent of the dead still need forensic work to be identified and returned to their families.

Source: Reuters

EU says Iran truce should include Lebanon

The EU’s top diplomat says the US-Iran ceasefire should be extended to Lebanon and calls for Hezbollah to disarm.

Kaja Kallas said Israeli actions are putting the truce under severe strain and the situation is escalating.

Heavy Israeli strikes that killed hundreds make it hard to justify the actions as self-defence, she added.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel claims killing aide to Hezbollah chief in Beirut

Israel’s military claims it killed a “close” advisor to Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem in a strike in Beirut. Ali Yusuf Harshi, described as Qassem’s personal secretary and nephew, was targeted a day earlier, it said.

He played a key role in managing and securing the Hezbollah leader’s office, the military added.

🔴ELIMINATED: Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem in Beirut.

A close associate and personal advisor, Harshi played a key role in managing and securing Qassem’s office.

The IDF also struck two key crossings used by Hezbollah to…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 9, 2026

Source: X/ Israel Defense Forces

Israel injury toll reaches 7,451: ministry

Israel’s health ministry says 7,451 people have been injured and taken to hospitals since the war with Iran began.

According to the ministry, 118 people remain hospitalised, including two in critical condition.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran envoy deletes post on Pakistan talks visit

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan appears to have deleted a social media post announcing a delegation’s visit to Islamabad for ceasefire talks with US negotiators.

The post is no longer visible on X and there is no immediate explanation for its removal.

It had said the delegation would arrive in Islamabad on Thursday night.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran warns ceasefire may collapse if attacks continue

Iran has warned the ceasefire could collapse if attacks across the region do not stop.

Officials say strikes on Lebanon are viewed as a breach of the agreement and stress that a full halt to Israeli and US attacks was part of the deal.

Iran has also pointed to a drone downed in central Iran as another violation, raising the possibility of withdrawing from the process.

Tehran is using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, signalling tighter control over shipping in the strategic waterway.

Focus is now on Islamabad, where Iran’s delegation has arrived, as diplomatic efforts continue amid a fragile situation.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hormuz ‘partially’ open to shipping

The Strait of Hormuz is only “partially” open, with Iran saying access depends on coordination and conditions.

Iranian authorities have indicated the waterway remains open to some traffic but restricted for adversaries.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said passage through the key chokepoint should be coordinated with Iran.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has also linked the situation to ongoing wartime conditions and continued US and Israeli strikes.

Source: Al Jazeera

More Israeli raids hit south Lebanon

Israeli strikes have targeted the town of Habboush in southern Lebanon.

Earlier raids were also reported in the towns of Harouf and Al Duwair.

Source: Al Jazeera

‘Disbelief’: Lebanese fear more Israeli attacks

Residents in Lebanon have expressed shock and fear after Israeli strikes, with many saying nowhere feels safe.

In Beirut, chaos and widespread destruction have deepened concerns that further attacks could follow.

Israel has said it will pursue Hezbollah wherever it is, alleging the group has moved beyond its southern Beirut stronghold, raising fears of more strikes on civilian areas.

At least 182 people have been killed and hundreds wounded, reportedly, with hospitals overwhelmed.

There is growing concern the violence will continue, as Israel has indicated fighting with Hezbollah is ongoing.

Source: Al Jazeera

Oil prices edge up as ceasefire uncertainty persists

Oil prices have risen in early Thursday trading in Asia after plunging on the US decision to pause strikes on Iran.

Brent crude has climbed 2.2 percent to $96.70 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate has risen 2.8 percent to $96.90.

Uncertainty around the ceasefire has grown as Israel continues strikes in Lebanon.

Brent had fallen about 15 percent to just under $92 a barrel before edging up later, but prices remain significantly higher than before the war began on Feb 28.

Source: BBC

Iran delegation heading to Pakistan for talks

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam says a delegation is heading to Islamabad on Thursday night for talks based on Tehran’s 10-point peace plan.

The envoy said the visit is going ahead despite “scepticism” in Iran over Israeli efforts to “sabotage the diplomatic initiative”.

Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, invited by Hon. PM Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran.

— Reza Amiri Moghadam (@IranAmbPak) April 9, 2026

Source: X/ Reza Amiri Moghadam

UK to push Hormuz reopening, Lebanon inclusion

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to call for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and for Lebanon to be included in the US-Iran ceasefire deal.

Pakistan initially said Lebanon was part of the agreement, but Israel rejected that and continued strikes, with 182 people killed, reportedly.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting Gulf allies and met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with both agreeing on the need for a lasting peace.

Source: BBC

UN chief slates ‘massive’ Israeli strikes in Lebanon

The UN has condemned “massive strikes by Israel across Lebanon” that killed and injured hundreds of civilians, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says.

He warned that the ongoing military activity posed a “grave risk” to the US-Iran ceasefire and renewed calls for all parties to immediately cease hostilities.

Source: Al Jazeera

People in Iran’s Bushehr mourn late supreme leader

People in Bushehr, southern Iran, mourn the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, on his 40th day of martyrdom.

Follow: https://t.co/mLGcUTSA3Q pic.twitter.com/psQsSQeWvG

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 9, 2026

Source: X/ Press TV

Trump says US military to stay near Iran until deal ‘fully complied with’

The US military will remain in and around Iran until a “real agreement” is “fully complied with”, President Donald Trump says.

He said the presence would include ships, aircraft and personnel, along with additional weapons and ammunition as needed.

Trump said it was “highly unlikely” the agreement would not be followed, but warned that if it was not, then the “shootin’ starts… bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before”.

He added the deal required “no nuclear weapons” and that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and safe.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah fires rockets at Israel despite ceasefire

Hezbollah has launched rockets at northern Israel in its first attack since the ceasefire, citing Israeli violations.

The group said the strike came in response to Israeli actions, while Israel carried out large-scale attacks on Lebanon, hitting more than 100 sites in a short span, its military said.

At least 182 people were killed and nearly 900 wounded in the strikes, Lebanon’s health ministry said.

The US and Israel said the ceasefire with Iran does not include operations in Lebanon.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz stopped following what it called an Israeli ceasefire violation in Lebanon.

Source: CNN