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Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: This live coverage is now closed
Earlier in the day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (left) thanked Donald Trump (centre) for his efforts towards a truce with Israel led by Benjamin Netanyahu (right). (Express photo) Iran-US-Israel War Today News Highlights: US President Donald Trump on Thursday said Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire. He added that the two countries met in Washington and agreed to achieve peace.
The ground situation: The Middle East stands at a critical crossroads on April 16, 2026, as the US ramps up military and economic pressure on Tehran, while a flurry of diplomatic activity unfolds in neutral capitals. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a warning to the Iranian leadership on Thursday, claiming the US has established total maritime dominance and is monitoring every movement of Iran’s remaining military assets. “We are watching you,” Hegseth said, asserting that the Iranian Navy has been effectively neutralised and the Strait of Hormuz is now under US control.
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In another development, Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is in Tehran today for high-level talks with Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, just as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Qatar to coordinate a regional push for de-escalation. These efforts aim to secure a “Grand Bargain”, a sweeping deal that Vice President JD Vance suggested could resolve the nuclear deadlock, though a significant gap remains between Washington’s demand for a 20-year nuclear moratorium and Tehran’s 5-year offer.
Express InfoGenIE
How closely are you following the Iran war?
Pakistani mediation, the 20-year nuclear ask, and a first Israel–Lebanon call in three decades
5 QUESTIONS · 3 OPTIONS EACH · ONE ATTEMPT PER QUESTION
Question 1 of 5
Who did Pakistan dispatch to Tehran on Wednesday to try to prevent a renewal of the Iran–US conflict?
Pakistan sent Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran for talks with Iranian leaders. PM Shehbaz Sharif simultaneously briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Pakistan's mediation efforts, with the Kingdom praising Munir's "constructive role" in the peace process.
Question 2 of 5
Where does the White House say the next round of US–Iran talks would "very likely" take place?
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the possible next round of talks would "very likely" be in Islamabad — as was the previous round Pakistan hosted — though she stressed "nothing is official until you hear it from us here at the White House."
Question 3 of 5
How long did the US negotiating team, led by VP JD Vance, demand Iran halt uranium enrichment as part of a deal to end the war?
The US proposed a 20-year uranium enrichment moratorium during the Islamabad talks. Iran rejected it and counter-offered five years — a proposal the White House in turn rejected. The fate of Iran's highly enriched uranium and the duration of nuclear restrictions remain the core unresolved issues.
Question 4 of 5
How did Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent describe the secondary sanctions the US is preparing against countries doing business with Iran?
Bessent said the sanctions would be "the financial equivalent of what we saw in the kinetic activities," days after Treasury sent letters to banks in China, Hong Kong, the UAE and Oman threatening secondary sanctions for handling Iranian money or oil.
Question 5 of 5
Israeli Science Minister Gila Gamliel said two leaders would speak directly on Thursday for the first time in more than 30 years. Who?
Netanyahu was set to speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday — the first direct leader-level call between Israel and Lebanon in over three decades. The call follows Tuesday's first direct Israeli–Lebanese diplomatic talks in Washington, hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Express InfoGenIE · The Indian Express
US-Iran war ceasefire: Here are 5 latest developments
- Naval blockade: CENTCOM reports that 90% of Iran’s sea trade has been “completely halted” within 48 hours of the blockade’s commencement.
- Hegseth’s briefing: The Defence Secretary claimed the US is using less than 10% of its naval power to enforce the blockade and warned that any movement of Iranian assets is being tracked for potential strikes on “dual-use infrastructure.”
- Israel-Lebanon breakthrough: President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon are set to speak directly for the first time in over 30 years, despite confusion from Lebanese officials regarding the official channels.
- Humanitarian toll: In southern Lebanon, four medics were killed in consecutive Israeli strikes near Nabatiyeh, an incident Lebanon has labelled a “war crime.” Meanwhile, Tehran officials report the war’s death toll has reached approximately 5,000.
- Market reaction: Global stocks have ticked upward on hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough, even as oil prices remain volatile near $96 per barrel.
Live Updates
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: A 10-day ceasefire agreed on by Israel and Lebanon goes into effect
A 10-day truce began in Lebanon on Friday that could pause fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war.
US President Donald Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, Israel has not been fighting with Lebanon itself, but rather with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants inside the country, who were not formally part of the agreement.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: South Korea pledges $4.1bn stimulus amid global risks from US-Iran war
South Korea’s Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol has announced that his government will “proactively” respond to the impact on livelihoods and supply chains due to the US-Israel war on Iran, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reports.
“Until the end of the war becomes clear, we will firmly maintain an emergency economic response system and actively address supply chain issues and difficulties in people’s livelihoods,” he said.
According to the Yonhap report, Koo directed relevant ministries to expedite the distribution of a recently approved emergency budget for the Middle East crisis, whose centrepiece is a 6.1 trillion won ($4.12bn) cash aid initiative, aimed at providing financial relief to the bottom 70 percent of income earners struggling with surging fuel costs.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: US delays weapons deliveries to European countries due to Iran war
The United States has informed some European countries that previously contracted weapons deliveries are likely to be delayed as the Iran war continues to draw on US weapons stocks, five sources familiar with the matter told the Reuters news agency.
Reuters quoted the sources saying that several European countries will be affected, including in the Baltic region and Scandinavia.
Some of the weapons in question were purchased by European countries under the Foreign Military Sales programme, or FMS, but have not yet been delivered, the sources told the news agency.
Reuters noted that the delays underline the degree to which the war against Iran has begun to stretch US supplies of some critical weaponry and ammunition.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: Trump says Iran war 'should be ending pretty soon'
Trump touched on Iran during comments in Las Vegas focused on taxes and said that the war is going along “swimmingly.”
“We can do whatever we want and it should be ending pretty soon,” he said.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: Hezbollah claims 56 operations against Israel in final pre-ceasefire surge
The Lebanese armed group claims its fighters have carried out 56 military operations over the past 24 hours, targeting various Israeli settlements, troop concentrations, military vehicles and close-range clashes along Lebanon’s southern border and in northern Israel.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: US military will target Iran-linked ships worldwide, broadening scope beyond blockade
The US military has widened its efforts beyond the blockade of Iran's ports to allow its forces around the world to stop any ship tied to Tehran or those suspected of carrying supplies that could help its government, from weapons to oil, metals and electronics.
Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, specifically pointed to operations in the Pacific, saying the US would be targeting vessels that left before the blockade began earlier this week outside the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for energy and other shipments.
US forces in other areas of responsibility "will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran," he told reporters at the Pentagon.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: US details ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon
The 10-day halt to the fighting that will begin later Thursday can be extended if there’s progress in talks to reach a lasting peace agreement and Lebanon “effectively demonstrates its ability to assert its sovereignty,” the State Department said.
President Donald Trump announced the truce following talks held in Washington this week. Israel hasn’t been fighting with Lebanon itself but rather with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group inside Lebanon.
In the statement that the U.S. says was agreed to by Lebanon and Israel, there is a provision to allow Israel to defend itself “at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.” Hezbollah has said it will respond to any strikes by Israel.
But otherwise, Israel “will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets,” the statement says.
AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: Man seriously wounded in Karmiel as Israel warns of intensified fire before ceasefire
Israel’s rescue services Magen David Adom said a 25-year-old man was seriously wounded in the Karmiel area, likely by interceptor debris, following sirens in northern Israel.
The military said it is preparing for the possibility of fire from Lebanon, warning of potentially more intense attacks in northern Israel ahead of an expected ceasefire.
AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: Trump suggest he’s open to extending Iran ceasefire
The 14-day ceasefire is set to expire April 22, but Trump said it’s possible that the deadline to make a deal could be pushed out further.
“If we’re close to a deal would I extend?” Trump said in an exchange with reporters. “Yeah, I would do that”
AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Kenya willing to allow Shilling to weaken
Kenya is willing to allow Shilling currency to weaken in response to Iran war shocks, central bank chief says. The governor added that the country has requested rapid response support from the World Bank to help deal with the Middle East crisis shocks. — Reuters
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump says will invite Israeli prime minister, Lebanese president to White House for talks
U.S. President Donald Trump in a post on Truth Social on Thursday said he will be inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House for "meaningful talks" between the two countries. — Reuters
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump announces 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US Central Command shares video of forces executing blockade
The US Central Command on Thursday posted a video and said, "U.S. forces are focused, vigilant, and highly motivated as they execute a blockade on vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports."
Watch the video here:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsU.S. forces are focused, vigilant, and highly motivated as they execute a blockade on vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. After 72 hours of enforcement, 14 vessels have turned around to comply with the blockade at the direction of American forces. pic.twitter.com/0n4dOXCx2e
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 16, 2026
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Asim Munir in Tehran, meets Major General Ali Abdollahi
Commander of Iran's Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi meets with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Tehran.
Watch video here:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsCommander of Iran's Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi meets with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Tehran.
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 16, 2026
Follow Press TV on Telegram: https://t.co/LWoNSpkc2J pic.twitter.com/sQFWtDK7K4
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Modi, Macron agree on freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Received a phone call from my dear friend President Emmanuel Macron. We discussed the situation in West Asia and agreed on the need to urgently restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. We will continue our close cooperation to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond. — Prime Minister Narendra Modi
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsReceived a phone call from my dear friend President Emmanuel Macron. We discussed the situation in West Asia and agreed on the need to urgently restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 16, 2026
We will continue our close cooperation to advance peace and stability…
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Ready to strike Iran's power plants, says Pete Hegseth
The U.S. naval blockade of Iran is just an example of "polite" behavior during the ongoing ceasefire and U.S. forces are ready to strike Iran's power plants and energy industry if ordered, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Thursday.
Standing alongside two of the U.S. military's most senior officers, Hegseth said Iran needs to choose wisely as it prepares for negotiations with the United States.
"We are reloading with more power than ever before, and better intelligence," Hegseth said at a Pentagon news briefing. — Reuters
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: WATCH — Hegseth's message to Iran
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers message to Iranian military leadership.
Watch a video here:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsSecretary Hegseth just delivered a message to Iranian military leadership:
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) April 16, 2026
"We are watching you. Our capabilities are not the same—our military and yours. Remember, this is NOT A FAIR FIGHT.
We know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them. While you… pic.twitter.com/Mo5F5nBhIg
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Israeli defense minister says Iran faces a stark choice
Israel minister, Israel Katz, warned Tehran it could opt “between a bridge to the future and an abyss of isolation and destruction.”
If Iran chooses the latter, it will “quickly discover that the targets we have not yet struck until now are even more painful than what we have already struck.”
Katz sought to frame Israel’s campaign against the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon as part of a wider confrontation with Iran.
He was speaking at a memorial ceremony at the ministry Thursday. — AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: 'China has assured to not send weapons to Iran'
US secretary of war Pete Hegseth said China has assured not to send weapons to Iran during the ceasefire. — Reuters
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran supreme leader believed to be wounded and alive, says Hegseth
US secretary of war Pete Hegseth said Iran's supreme leader is believed to be wounded and alive. — Reuters
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US military widens blockade on Iran to include contraband shipments, advisory says
US military forces have widened their shipping blockade on Iran to include cargoes deemed contraband and any vessels suspected of trying to reach Iranian territory will be "subject to belligerent right to visit and search", the U.S. navy said in an advisory on Thursday.
"These vessels, regardless of location, are subject to visit, board, search, and seizure," the navy said in an updated advisory after a blockade was imposed on Monday.
Contraband items included weapons, weapons systems, ammunition, nuclear materials, crude and refined oil products as well as iron, steel and aluminium. — Reuters
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Lebanon President speaks with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun holds phone call with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, the Reuters reported quoting a statement. It added that the note made no reference to contact with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Australia manages to secure 100 million litre of diesel amid global fuel crunch
Amid global scarcity of fuel, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday informed the country has managed to secure an additional 100 million litre of diesel.
Watch a video here:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsWe’ve just secured an extra 100 million litres of diesel for Australia. pic.twitter.com/Sqr1J7bCnE
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 16, 2026
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Europe has 'maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left,' says energy agency head
Europe has "maybe 6 weeks or so (of) jet fuel left," the head of the International Energy Agency said Thursday in a wide-ranging Associated Press interview, warning of possible flight cancellations "soon" if oil supplies remain blocked by the Iran war.
International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol painted a sobering picture of the global repercussions of what he called "the largest energy crisis we have ever faced," stemming from the pinch-off of oil, gas and other vital supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
"In the past there was a group called Dire Straits.' It's a dire strait now, and it is going to have major implications for the global economy. And the longer it goes, the worse it will be for the economic growth and inflation around the world," he said. — AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US Navy vessel patrols Gulf of Oman to enforce blockade | WATCH
The US Central Command on Thursday said a US Navy vessel is patrolling in the Gulf of Oman, while the Central Command continues to enforce the American blockade on vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsכלי שיט של חיל הים האמריקאי מסיירים במפרץ עומאן, בעוד פיקוד המרכז של ארה״ב () ממשיך להוציא לפועל את המצור האמריקאי על כלי שיט הנכנסים והיוצאים מנמלי איראן. כוחות ארצות הברית נוכחים, דרוכים ומוכנים להבטיח עמידה בהנחיות. pic.twitter.com/xpNiuzyCo0
— U.S. Central Command - Hebrew (@CENTCOMHebrew) April 16, 2026
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Israeli military says it finds weapons cache in Lebanese school
The Israeli army says it found more than 130 weapons, including automatic rifles and pistols in Bint Jbeil, the focus of a new offensive in southern Lebanon.
Israel accuses Hezbollah of operating in civilian buildings. — AP
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js🔎LOCATED: 130+ weapons belonging to Hezbollah inside a school in the area of Bint Jbeil.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 16, 2026
The weapons located included Kalashnikov rifles, pistols and additional weapons.
Alongside the weapons, the troops also found Hezbollah flags and other terrorist organization insignia. pic.twitter.com/6XCpoouhoX
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: 1 killed in Israeli strike targeting car on Lebanon's road linking Syria
One person killed in an Israeli strike targeting a car on Lebanon's Dahr Al-Baydar Road linking to Syria, Reuters reported citing Lebanon's state news agency.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: 'Discussed evolving regional situation', Sharif tweets after meeting Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
After his meeting with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X on Thursday and said, "We discussed the evolving regional situation, particularly in the Gulf region, and underscored the importance of de-escalation, dialogue, and close international coordination to ensure peace and stability. I reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of attacks targeting Qatar and other regional countries, and conveyed our full solidarity with the brotherly people of Qatar."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsI had a most warm and cordial meeting with my dear brother, Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha today.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 16, 2026
I thanked His Highness the Amir on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the exceptionally warm and generous gesture of sending Qatar’s fighter…
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Israeli strike severs last bridge linking southern Lebanon to rest of country, Lebanese security official says
An Israeli strike has severed the last bridge linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, a senior Lebanese security official told Reuters, adding that the strike "shattered" the bridge and left no possibility of repairing it. — Reuters
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran halts petrochemical exports until further notice
Iran halted all petrochemical exports to prioritise domestic supply and prevent shortages of raw materials, the economic newspaper Donya-e-Eqtesad reported on Thursday, due to disrupted production after Israel struck several petrochemical hubs.
The instruction was issued on April 13 by a senior National Petrochemical Company official overseeing downstream industries, and told petrochemical firms to suspend exports until further notice.
The export ban primarily aims to stabilise domestic markets and ensure supply to industries following damage caused by recent attacks.
Domestic prices for petrochemical and related products have been held at pre-conflict levels despite rising global prices, with officials saying the measures would remain in place to support local industry and consumers. — Reuters
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Pakistan's army chief to meet Iranian officials in Tehran to push new US-Iran talks
Pakistan's army chief is set to meet with Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday in a bid to ease tensions in the Middle East and arrange a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran after almost seven weeks of war.
In a related development, China's foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart that reopening of the Strait Hormuz was an international demand. Wang Yi told Abbas Araghchi in a phone call that Iran's sovereignty, security and legitimate rights should be respected as a littoral state of the Strait of Hormuz, but freedom of navigation and safety through the strait should be ensured. — AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran and US making progress toward deal but large gaps remain, say Iranian official
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: The United States and Iran made some progress as both sides push for a ceasefire.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Israeli missile boat downs drone launched from Lebanon
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: An IDF missile boat intercepted a drone launched from Lebanon towards Israel overnight, said the military.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Netanyahu to speak with Lebanon’s President today
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday (Apr 16), Science and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel told Army Radio.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Pakistan’s Asim Munir set to visit Washington
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Following his visit to Iran, Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit Washington tomorrow, according to Al Jazeera.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Pakistan says no dates decided for next round of talks between US-Iran
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Pakistan foreign ministry said that no dates were yet decided for the next round of talks between the United States and Iran.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: 'Not aware,' Lebanon denies Israel contact after Trump claims of talks
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Lebanon said that it is “not aware” of any planned talks with Israel after United States President Donald Trump said that the leaders of both the countries would be talking today after 34 years. “We are not aware of any planned contact with the Israeli side, and we have not been informed of any through official channels,” news agency AFP quoted an official source as saying. This comes after Trump said that leaders of Israel and Lebanon are set to speak after 34 years, calling it a step to ease tensions between the two sides. "Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow," he wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran moves all schools online from April 21
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Education said that all schools across the country will move to virtual learning from April 21, according to the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Israeli army reiterates evacuation warning for southern Lebanon
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated its evacuation warning for southern Lebanon as strikes on Hezbollah continue.
“Hezbollah’s terror activities are forcing the IDF to act strongly against it. Strikes are ongoing… therefore, for your safety, we again urge you to evacuate your homes immediately and move at once to north of the Zahrani River,” army spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee said in a post on X.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US-sanctioned supertankers enter Gulf despite US blockade
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: A second US-sanctioned supertanker entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping data, despite the US blockade on vessels visiting Iranian ports.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Sensex, Nifty hit one-month highs as easing US-Iran tensions and shifting oil prices spark relief rally
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Indian shares extended their rally to open higher on Thursday as hopes of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran pulled oil prices lower and lifted sentiment.
The Nifty 50 rose 0.60% to 24,375.55, and the Sensex added 0.64% to 78,613.37 as of 9:18 a.m. IST. All 16 major sectors advanced at the open. The broader small-caps and mid-caps rose 1.1% each.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: 'Trying to get a breathing room,' Trump announces historic Israel-Lebanon talks after 34-year silence
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US President Donald Trump said that Israel and Lebanon leaders are set to speak after 34 years, calling it a step to ease tensions between the two sides. "Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice! President DJT," he wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Lebanon accuses Israel of 'war crime' after paramedics killed in Mifdoun
Lebanon Mifdoun paramedic attack has triggered strong condemnation, with minister Dr Fadi A Makki calling the incident a war crime and confirming plans to document evidence for international legal action. "On behalf of the Lebanese government, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the martyr paramedics who fell victim to the double targeting in the town of Mifdoun, where they were targeted once again while carrying out their humanitarian duties, resulting in the loss of several martyrs and injuries among the medical teams," the Lebaneseminister said in a post on X. "The targeting of workers in the humanitarian and relief fields constitutes a new war crime added to the record of repeated Israeli crimes against Lebanon and its people, and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and all norms and covenants that protect medical and ambulance teams. We are working to systematically document these crimes, in preparation for pursuing the necessary legal avenues to hold Israel accountable before the competent international forums," he added.
باسم الحكومة اللبنانية، أتقدّم بأصدق التعازي إلى أهالي المسعفين الشهداء جرّاء الاستهداف المزدوج في بلدة ميفدون، حيث تم استهدافهم مجددًا أثناء قيامهم بمهامهم الإنسانية، ما أسفر عن سقوط عدد من الشهداء والجرحى في الطواقم الصحية.
— Dr. Fadi A. Makki (@makkifadi) April 15, 2026
إن استهداف العاملين في المجالين الإنساني والإغاثي…
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran arrests four alleged Israeli spies
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran, on Thursday (Apr 16), said that it has arrested four Israeli spies. “The four agents linked to the Mossad were apprehended in Gilan governorate” in northern Iran, IRNA reports, citing a statement from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. “The arrestees had provided Mossad intelligence officers with images and locations of some sensitive and critical military and security sites via the internet”, it claimed.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran will 'for sure' participate in World Cup
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran World Cup 2026 participation has been reaffirmed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who said the team will “for sure” compete despite the ongoing Middle East war and political tensions. “Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help,” Infantino said on broadcaster CNBC.
“But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,” he said of the team’s upcoming matches scheduled in US in the month of June.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Mediators move closer to extending US-Iran ceasefire, say sources
Mediators moved closer Wednesday to extending the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and restarting negotiations to salvage the fragile truce before it expires next week.
A senior Iranian military official threatened to halt trade in the region if the US does not lift its naval blockade, underscoring tensions that are overshadowing the diplomacy.
AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran threatens to halt trade in Gulf if US doesn’t lift blockade
The leader of Iran’s joint military command threatened Wednesday to halt trade in the Gulf region if the U.S. does not lift its blockade of Iranian ports.
AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: 'Newly-appointed military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader says he does not support extending ceasefire'
“We are subject to the decisions of the relevant officials, but personally I do not agree to extend the ceasefire,” said Mohsen Rezaei, formerly a commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps who now advises Mojtaba Khamenei on military affairs, Iranian state media reported.
Rezaei also urged officials to be more cautious than they had been before in negotiations over economic matters with the U.S.
He said Iran was setting the preconditions in the next round of talks, not the U.S.
“Unlike the Americans who are afraid of continuous war, we are fully prepared and familiar with a long war,” he said, according to the report.
AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Blockade ‘has been fully implemented,’ US admiral says
That’s according to Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, who says: “U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea.”
The command said Wednesday that no vessels have made it past its forces during the blockade’s first 48 hours. The blockade began Monday.
Central Command noted that 10 vessels have complied with directions to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or Iran’s coastal area.
The blockade is being enforced “impartially against all vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran,” the Command said. Vessels avoiding Iranian ports are not affected.
The action could put serious pressure on the Iranian economy, while Tehran’s earlier cutoff of the waterway crucial to oil and gas supplies has sent energy prices higher.
AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Wall Street hits a record on hopes for an end to the Iran war
The U.S. stock market hit a record Wednesday after adding to its two-week rally built on hopes the war won’t create a worst-case scenario for the global economy.
The S&P 500 rose 0.8% and eclipsed its prior all-time high set in January. After falling nearly 10% below its record in late March, the index at the heart of many 401(k) accounts has since roared more than 10% higher.
Much of the rally was due to expectations for calming tensions in the war and a resumption of the full flow of oil from the Persian Gulf. Hopes remained high as regional officials told The Associated Press that the U.S. and Iran had an “in principle agreement” to extend a ceasefire to allow for more diplomacy.
AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Pentagon rushes 10,000+ troops to Middle East amid Iran pressure push, says report
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: The Pentagon is deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East in the coming days as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on Iran for a possible deal to end the weeks-long conflict, according to The Washington Post.
US officials said the military buildup also keeps options open for fresh strikes or even ground operations if a fragile ceasefire collapses.
The reinforcements include around 6,000 troops aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its accompanying warships. Another 4,200 personnel from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are expected to reach the region by month-end, the report said.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump claims ‘permanent’ reopening of Hormuz after ‘letter’ to China’s Xi amid Iran’s Red Sea warning
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that he is “permanently opening” the Strait of Hormuz and asserted that China has welcomed the move. He further stated that Beijing has agreed to refrain from supplying weapons to Iran. Read the full story here
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss West Asia situation
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on an official visit to discuss the West Asia situation. A statement from Sharif’s office in Islamabad said he was received at the airport in Jeddah by senior Saudi officials. Sharif was accompanied by Pakistan's foreign minister and information minister.
Officials say the US and Iran are making progress. The US blockade on Iranian ports and renewed Iranian threats strained the week-old ceasefire agreement, but regional officials said they were making progress, telling The Associated Press that the United States and Iran had an “in principle agreement” to extend it to allow for more diplomacy.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsJeddah: April 15, 2026.
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 15, 2026
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Jeddah for official visit to Saudi Arabia along with high-level delegation.
Upon arrival in Jeddah, the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation were warmly welcomed at the airport by Prince Saud bin… pic.twitter.com/OuTmd7DF8p
(AP)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump posts apparently AI-generated image of Jesus embracing him
US President Donald Trump posted an apparently AI-generated image of Jesus embracing him on Wednesday, two days after he deleted a post that prompted criticism that the Republican president had compared himself to Jesus.
The image, reposted to Trump's Truth Social account, shows Trump with his eyes closed, touching temple-to-temple with a similarly posed Jesus. Trump is standing behind a microphone, and behind him is an American flag. The original post had the caption: "I was never a very religious man .. but doesn't it seem, with all these satanic, demonic, child sacrificing monsters being exposed ... that God might be playing his Trump card!"
Trump's repost added the caption: "The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!"
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!! President DJT
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) April 15, 2026
(TS: 15 Apr 08:34 ET) pic.twitter.com/t86zAuMOk0
(Reuters)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran’s Araghchi receives Pakistani army chief in Tehran
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has welcomed a Pakistani delegation led by army chief Asim Munir.
Iranian state TV reported earlier that the high-ranking Pakistani delegation would bring a new message from Washington and was due to discuss a second round of talks.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsIran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi welcomes Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran. pic.twitter.com/TBMy07nZVj
— Mehr News Agency (@MehrnewsCom) April 15, 2026
(Al Jazeera)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Hezbollah says Lebanon ceasefire could take place ‘soon’
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Hezbollah spokesman and parliamentarian Ibrahim Mousawi says Iranian and regional efforts could lead to a ceasefire in Lebanon “soon”, Reuters news agency reported.
Additionally, two unnamed senior Lebanese officials confirmed to Reuters that efforts were underway for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but did not have details on when it would begin or how long it would last.
The officials both said it was likely the ceasefire’s duration would be linked to how long the US-Iran ceasefire holds.
(Al Jazeera)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir lands in Iran ahead of high-level talks, says report
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iranian sources have told Al Jazeera that Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has landed in Iran as part of a delegation to hold high-level talks on the resumption of talks between Iran and the US.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsFootage of Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi welcoming Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir upon his arrival in Tehran.
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 15, 2026
Follow Press TV on Telegram: https://t.co/LWoNSpkc2J pic.twitter.com/32pF6ONkiZ
(Al Jazeera)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: UK PM Starmer ‘not going to yield’ to Trump demands to join Iran war
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: British Prime Minister Starmer has insisted he is not going to yield to pressure from Trump, after the US president threatened to change the terms of a trade deal with the UK following its refusal to get involved in the war on Iran.
“My position on the Iran war has been clear from the start. We’re not going to get dragged into this war. It is not our war,” the UK leader told MPs.
“I’m not going to change my mind. I’m not going to yield. It is not in our national interest to join this war, and we will not do so.”
(Al Jazeera)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump says China is happy he is permanently opening Strait of Hormuz
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that China and the United States are working together and that Beijing is happy that he is opening the Strait of Hormuz.
"China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 15, 2026
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran threatens shipping in Gulf, Red Sea and Gulf of Oman if US blockade continues
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Ali Abdollahi - the commander for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country’s highest operational command coordinating the armed forces - said if the US continues its blockade and creates "insecurity for Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers", it will "constitute a prelude to a violation of the ceasefire".
Abdollahi added that Iran’s armed forces would consequently not allow "any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea".
He did not specify which countries' exports and imports could be affected, although the bodies of water he mentions cover a vast area.
The US blockade of Iranian ports began on Monday. On Wednesday, the US military said "no ships made it past the blockade" in the first 24 hours, with six merchant vessels forced to turn around in the Gulf of Oman.
(BBC)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US, Iran give 'in principle agreement' to extend ceasefire, reports AP
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Mediators moved closer Wednesday to extending the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and restarting negotiations to salvage the fragile truce before it expires next week. The US blockade on Iranian ports and renewed Iranian threats have imperilled the week-old agreement, but regional officials said Wednesday they were making progress, telling The Associated Press that the United States and Iran had given an “in principle agreement” to extend it to allow for more diplomacy.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump says he asked Chinese President Xi not to give Iran weapons
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Donald Trump said he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping in a letter not to supply Iran with weapons, and that Xi responded "that, essentially, he's not doing that," the US president told Fox Business Network in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsTrump:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 15, 2026
I wrote a letter to Xi. I asked him not to give Iran weapons. He wrote me a letter, and he is saying that he is essentially not doing that. pic.twitter.com/yrTT9Dwi2V
(Reuters)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Hezbollah says Israel tried to ‘compensate’ for its defeat through negotiations
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah said Israel has tried to “compensate” for what he called its defeat at the hands of the Lebanese group by holding negotiations with Lebanon in the US.
“The Lebanese authorities must reconsider their actions and return to the embrace of the people,” said Fadlallah in a statement.
“The authorities withdrew the army from the south, leaving it vulnerable to occupation and giving the enemy [Israel] free rein.”
(Al Jazeera)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump says talks with Iran could resume soon, as US blockades Iranian ports
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: President Donald Trump said talks with Iran to end the war could soon resume and end in a deal, telling the world to watch out for an "amazing two days", while US forces imposing a blockade turned back vessels leaving Iranian ports.
With the prospect of US and Iranian officials returning to Pakistan for more talks, Vice President JD Vance, who led negotiations that ended on Sunday with no breakthrough, said he felt positive about where things stood.
"I think you're going to be watching an amazing two days ahead," Trump told ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl, adding he did not think it would be necessary to extend a two-week ceasefire that ends on April 21.
(Reuters)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: IDF reiterates evacuation warning for southern Lebanon
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated its evacuation warning for southern Lebanon amid rising tensions with Hezbollah. “Hezbollah’s terror activities are forcing the IDF to act strongly against it. Strikes are ongoing… therefore, for your safety, we again urge you to evacuate your homes immediately and move at once to north of the Zahrani River,” says army spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee on X.
عاجل‼️ انذار عاجل إلى سكان جنوب لبنان المتواجدين جنوب نهر الزهراني
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) April 15, 2026
🔸إن نشاطات حزب الله الإرهابية تُجبر جيش الدفاع على العمل ضده بقوة في تلك المنطقة وهو لا ينوي المساس بكم.
🔴الغارات مستمرة حيث يعمل جيش الدفاع بقوة كبيرة في المنطقة. ولذلك وحرصًا على سلامتكم نعود ونناشدكم… pic.twitter.com/wrsh0cO2zT
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Three injured in Tehran by improvised explosive devices
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Two improvised explosive devices detonated in Tehran early today, according to Iran’s state media reports. A Revolutionary Guard security source said that the explosions slightly wounded three people including a member of the paramilitary Basij, an all-volunteer force loyal to the Islamic Republic, said the Islamic Republic News Agency.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran to use alternate ports to bypass US Hormuz blockade
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran is exploring alternative ports and shipping routes to bypass Strait of Hormuz disruptions amid US blockade, according to Mehr News.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: UN watchdog urges strict Iran checks in deal to end war
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that "very detailed" measures to verify Iran's nuclear activities must be included in a potential US-Iran agreement to end their war in the Middle East.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the need for the thorough verification regime for Iran's nuclear programme, as US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round of talks with Iran could happen over the next two days. (AP)
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Israeli attacks hit two vehicles near Beirut
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: At least two vehicles were hit in Israeli strikes on a coastal highway south of Beirut, said Lebanese media reports.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Hezbollah fires 40 rockets targeting Israel since morning
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Hezbollah has fired 40 rockets targeting Israel since morning, according to The Times Of Israel.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Hezbollah launches 10 rockets at northern Israel
Hezbollah launched a missile salvo targeting Israel's Western Galilee. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), three rockets fired from Lebanon were intercepted, while the others hit open areas.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Meloni says Trump’s remarks on holy Father are unacceptable
Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly criticised remarks made by US President Donald Trump regarding the Holy Father, calling them unacceptable and drawing wider political attention. “Trump’s remarks toward the Holy Father are unacceptable,” she said.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Iran used Chinese spy satellite to target US bases in Middle East, says report
Iran used Chinese spy satellite to gain targeting capability against US military bases across the Middle East during recent war, according to the Financial Times reports.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump says no decision on extending ceasefire with Iran
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US President Donald Trump said that he is not considering extending a ceasefire with Iran but indicated that a negotiated deal would be the preferable outcome.
“It could end either way, but I think a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild,” Trump told ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl on Tuesday.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: Trump lambasts Pope Leo again, says 'Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable'
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US President Donald Trump lashed out at Pope Leo XIV again over his stance on the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Trump said that Iran killed at least "42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months" and that it was "unacceptable" for Iran to have a nuclear bomb.
"Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter. AMERICA IS BACK!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP," he said in a post on his Truth Social account.
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US imposes Iran port blockade, says maritime trade halted
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US Central Command said that it has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports, halting maritime trade within 36 hours and asserting control over key Middle East sea routes. “A blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as U.S. forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. An estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fueled by international trade by sea. In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsStatement from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander: pic.twitter.com/dJxKJcEcmO
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 15, 2026
Iran-US-Israel War News Live: US says no ships made it past in first 24 hours of Hormuz blockade
In the first 24 hours of US’ naval restriction in the Strait of Hormuz, no ships made it past the blockade and six merchant vessels were sent back to an Iranian port, US Central Command (Centcom) said on Wednesday. Centcom said that US forces are supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait to and from non-Iranian ports. The blockade, which came into effect on Monday 7.30 pm (IST), applies to all ships transiting the crucial maritime route to access Iranian ports and shores.
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