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Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on a building in Beirut, Lebanon. (AP Photo)Iran-US-Israel War Ceasefire Updates: Less than 24 hours after the deal was signed between US-Israel and Iran to halt the conflict in West Asia, Tehran has said that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz after Tel Aviv conitued to strike Lebanon where over 100 people have been killed today. A two-week ceasefire was agreed upon by Iran and the US earlier today, with first in-person direct negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said he had spoken with US President Donald Trump, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, telling both the leaders that the ceasefire deal should include Lebanon.
“I expressed my hope that the ceasefire will be fully respected by each of the belligerents, across all areas of confrontation, including in Lebanon. This is a necessary condition for the ceasefire to be credible and lasting,” Macron said.
What Pete Hegseth said: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the media on Wednesday, hours after a ceasefire was etched, pausing the Iran war for two weeks. Hegseth claimed Iran “begged” for the ceasefire and added that the country’s supreme leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei is “wounded and disfigured”. He also claimed Iran supreme leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei is injured and disfigured.
What Trump said & fresh explosions in Iran: Meanwhile, amid a “fragile ceasefire”, Donald Trump said the US and Iran will “work closely” and promised “There will be no enrichment of Uranium, and the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) Nuclear “Dust.” Even amid the ceasefire, an explosion was heard at the Lavan refinery in Iran, the Mehr News reported on Wednesday. A separate instance of explosions was reported from the Sirri Island, according to Turkiye Today.
India backs ceasefire: India’s MEA welcomed the Iran-US ceasefire, stressing diplomacy and calling for uninterrupted navigation and global trade through the Strait of Hormuz. “We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict. The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz,” MEA said.
The world has stepped back from the edge of a catastrophic escalation as US President Donald Trump suspended plans for a massive bombardment of Iran late Tuesday local time, agreeing to a fragile two-week ceasefire. The breakthrough, brokered by Pakistan and supported by Chinese diplomatic pressure, came just two hours before a self-imposed White House deadline that threatened the “annihilation” of Iranian civilisation.
While the deal has seen the US military halt offensive operations and prompted a tentative agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the situation remains volatile. Even as the diplomatic “off-ramp” takes shape, missile sirens continue to sound across the Gulf, and Israel has made it clear that its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon will not be paused.
Also Read:
Stay with The Indian Express Global Desk for real-time updates, geolocated footage of the crash sites, and live reactions from the Pentagon and Tehran.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy shared a map, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA, showing the alternative shipping routes in Hormuz to help transiting ships avoid naval mines.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy shared a map, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA, showing the alternative shipping routes in Hormuz to help transiting ships avoid naval mines.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks targeting northern Israel, which it said were in response to Israeli strikes.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said it will deliver a "regret-inducing response" if Israeli strikes on Lebanon do not stop immediately, BBC reported citing local media reports.
President Donald Trump repeated his complaint about NATO after a closed-door meeting with the alliance’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Wednesday for discussions that had been expected to be aimed at soothing Trump’s anger with the military alliance over the Iran war.
Ahead of the private meeting, Trump had suggested the U.S. may consider leaving the trans-Atlantic alliance after NATO member countries ignored his call to help as Iran effectively shut the the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping waterway, and sent gas prices soaring.
Afterward, he issued an all-caps comment on social media suggesting he remained aggrieved. “NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN,” Trump said in his post. The White House did not immediately offer any further updates.
The Republican president has had a warm relationship with Rutte in the past, and the meeting came after the U.S. and Iran late Tuesday agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the strait. The nascent ceasefire was struck after Trump said he would strike Iran’s power plants and bridges, threatening that “a whole civilization will die tonight.”
AP
Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed an Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza, according to the network and health officials there, as well as two Lebanese journalists in that country, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and one of their networks.
Mohammed Wishah was targeted in a drone strike in west Gaza City. The Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said on X that Wishah was a member of Hamas, reposting a 2024 tweet that described him as a “prominent commander” in its military wing, among other positions.
In Lebanon, where Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah killed more than 180 people Wednesday, Ghada Dayekh, a presenter with Sawt Al-Farah, and Suzan Khalil, a reporter and presenter on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV and Al-Nour Radio, also died.
AP
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has released a map outlining alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iran’s news agency ISN, the map is released to guide the vessels transiting the strategic waterway and help them avoid naval mines in the region, Reuters reports.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said he had spoke with US President Donald Trump, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, telling both the leaders that the ceasefire deal should include Lebanon. In a post on X, Macron said he hoped the ceasefire would be fully respected by all sides involved in the conflict, across every theatre of confrontation, including Lebanon.
"I expressed my hope that the ceasefire will be fully respected by each of the belligerents, across all areas of confrontation, including in Lebanon. This is a necessary condition for the ceasefire to be credible and lasting," Macron said.
The center-right government of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz said Wednesday it has terminated a military cooperation agreement signed with Iran three years ago, during the administration of leftist leader Luis Arce.
The announcement was confirmed by Defense Minister Raúl Salinas, who didn’t provide further details.
It comes on the heels of the Paz administration’s dramatic shift away from the foreign policy maintained by Bolivia throughout the administrations of the Movement Towards Socialism, or MAS, a party that held power for nearly 20 years.
It is also the latest sign of a sharp geopolitical realignment underway in the South American country that was once among the most vocal critics of Israeli policies toward Palestinians.
AP
And that number, representing nearly one-fifth of Lebanon’s population, is expected to rise following the wave of over 100 Israeli airstrikes on the country on Wednesday, the U.N. humanitarian chief in Lebanon said.
Imran Riza told UN correspondents in a video briefing that Israeli orders for Lebanese to leave their homes now affect 15.5% of the country’s territory.
He also pointed to rising attacks on health care facilities during the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict, with over 106 incidents reported resulting in 57 deaths and 158 injuries.
The U.N. humanitarian coordinator urged donations to last month’s $308 million U.N. emergency appeal for Lebanon which has only received about $95 million.
AP
Iran's Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Wednesday that three key clauses of a 10-point proposal were violated before negotiations set to start on Friday in Pakistan, adding that in such a situation, a bilateral ceasefire or negotiations were unreasonable.
The breaches included the violation of a ceasefire in Lebanon, the entry of an "entruding drone" into Iranian airspace and the denial of Iran's right to uranium enrichment, he said in a post on X.
President Donald Trump wants to see the Strait of Hormuz open up for oil tankers and other traffic without any limitations, including tolls, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday.
"The immediate priority of the president is the reopening of the strait without any limitations, whether in the form of tolls or otherwise," Leavitt said.
The US has seen an uptick in traffic in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, Leavitt told reporters.
NATO was tested and they failed. Trump looks forward to frank talks with Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO. — The White House
Israeli Prime Minister Benjanmin Netanyahu expressed his support for U.S. President Donald Trump's approach to Iran during a call on Tuesday night, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday. — Reuters
Iran has given indication they would turn over enriched Uranium. — The White House
Donald Trump is dispatching team led by J D Vance for talks to Pakistan. Vance played significant and key role in Iran since beginning. — The White House
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says enriched Uranium will be removed from Iran by agreement or by force. — Reuters
US and Iran to hold talks in Pakistan on Saturday. — The White House
Lebanon not part of Iran ceasefire deal. — The White House
Trump's tough rhetoric led to deal with Iran. — The White House
Iranians' original plan was unacceptable and discarded. Iran then put forward a more reasonable and condensed plan. — The White House
Iran has agreed to open Strait of Hormuz — The White House
Iran asked for and ultimately agreed to a ceasefire proposal. — The White House
Iran can no longer distribute weapons to its proxies in region, the Reuters reported citing The White House.
U.S. lawmakers will try again next week to pass a resolution to halt the Iran war and force President Donald Trump to obtain Congress' approval for any further attacks, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday, hours after Trump announced a two-week ceasefire.
"Congress must reassert its authority, especially at this dangerous moment," Schumer told a press conference at his office in New York. — Reuters
Iran foreign minsiter Abbas Araghchi took to X and said, "The Iran–U.S. Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the U.S. must choose—ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe Iran–U.S. Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the U.S. must choose—ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 8, 2026
The world sees the massacres in Lebanon. The ball is in the U.S. court, and the world is watching whether it will act on its commitments. pic.twitter.com/2bzVlHFKgi
Ceasefire with Iran will not include Hezbollah and Israel will continue to strike them. — Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu says ceasefire agreement was made "in full cooperation with Israel (but) Israel was not notified in the last minute. — Reuters
Iran's Mehr News Agency says air defenses activated in Iranian cities, including Isfahan, Kerman; explosions heard in Isfahan. — Reuters
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said, "Numerous Agreements, Lists, and Letters are being sent out by people that have absolutely nothing to do with the U.S.A. / Iran Negotiation, in many cases, they are total Fraudsters, Charlatans, and WORSE."
Israel's transport ministry said on Wednesday that Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv, will resume full operations at midnight following the announcement of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. — Reuters
Egypt foreign ministry says Israel's attacks on Lebanon on Wednesday after Iran-US ceasefire reflect "premediated intent by Israel to undermine regional and international efforts to reduce escalation". — Reuters
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday. More than 100 people have died in Lebanon after Israeli military launched its strikes on Beirut.
A US official on Wednesday said that the 10-point ceasefire plan, which has been published by Iran, isn't the same set of conditions which were agreed by the United States in order to halt the conflict in West Asia.
"The document being reported by media outlets is not the working framework," the senior US official told AFP news agency.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-affiliated news agency Fars has reported that while two oil tankers were able to pass through the strait with permission from Iran this morning, the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has been stopped. The Islamic Republic News Agency is also reporting ships have been halted. - BBC
US President Donald Trump told ABC News on Wednesday morning that the US may seek a "joint venture" with Iran to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, following his Tuesday announcement of a two-week ceasefire. "We're thinking of doing it as a joint venture. It's a way of securing it -- also securing it from lots of other people," Trump said when asked whether he would allow Tehran to charge tolls for shipping to transit the strategic waterway. "It's a beautiful thing," the president added.
US Embassy in Baghdad says Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups carried out drone attacks near diplomatic facility and Baghdad airport on Wednesday.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsتنبيه أمني – سفارة الولايات المتحدة في بغداد، العراق – 8 نيسان/ أبريل 2026
— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) April 8, 2026
الموقع: العراق
نفّذت ميليشيات إرهابية عراقية موالية لإيران عدة هجمات بطائرات مسيّرة بالقرب من مركز الدعم الدبلوماسي ومطار بغداد الدولي في 8 نيسان. وقد تعتزم هذه الميليشيات شنّ هجمات إرهابية إضافية ضد…
Traders place $950 Million bet on oil price falling just hours ahead of US-Iran ceasefire, the Reuters reported quoting LSEG data.
Israel's Home Front Command has reported rocket and missile fire in northern parts of the country in the past hour and a half.
For the first time since early morning, the alert sounded for Manara, Margaliot, Kiryat Shmona at 14:24 BST before giving the all-clear 10 minutes later. At about 15:15 BST another alert went out for Netua, Shetula, lasting for 10 minutes. — BBC
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes ceasefire.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran today is welcomed by the UK and our allies.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 8, 2026
The goal now must be a lasting end to the war.
Alongside our international partners, the UK will work to ensure a return to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/VFwhfNIt4o
US President Donald Trump said in-person talks with Iran will happen "very soon", the New York Post reported Wednesday.
In an interview with the Post, Trump said Vice President JD Vance might not attend the talks due to security concerns. — Reuters
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X and said there have been violations of the ceasefire and urged both sides to exercise restraint.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsViolations of ceasefire have been reported at few places across the conflict zone which undermine the spirit of peace process. I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon, so that diplomacy can take a…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 8, 2026
Several vessels in the Gulf have received messages claiming to be from the Iran Navy, saying Hormuz is still closed, the Reuters reported citing sources. It added the message has told ship owners that they still need to receive permission from Iran to transit or they will be targeted and destroyed.
An oil tanker carrying Iranian crude is signalling India as its destination and is expected to discharge the oil for public sector refiner Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) later this week, trade sources and ship tracking data indicated. Jaya, a Curacao-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) carrying Iranian oil, moved from the Strait of Malacca into the Andaman sea close to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the weekend, ship tracking data shows. It has now crossed the Indian islands and is sailing in the Bay of Bengal, it is learnt.
Read full report here
Stock markets are surging worldwide, and oil prices are plunging back toward $90 per barrel after President Donald Trump pulled back from his threat to force a “whole civilization” to die in the war with Iran.The S&P 500 leaped 2.6% after Trump, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire, just hours before a deadline Trump had set for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and allow oil to flow freely again from the Persian Gulf to customers worldwide. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,383 points, or 3%, as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 3.3% higher following even bigger gains in European and Asian stock markets. — AP
The UAE Ministry of Defense says Iran has fired 17 ballistic missiles and sent 35 drones after the ceasefire.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsتعلن وزارة الدفاع أن الاعتداءات الإيرانية السافرة منذ بدء سريان الهدنة بلغت 17 صاروخ باليستي و 35 طائرة مسيرة، ونجحت الدفاعات الجوية في التعامل معها.#_ #__#mod#uaeministryofdefence pic.twitter.com/AfHSsTa7VG
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) April 8, 2026
Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline was hit in an Iranian attack and damage was being assessed, while other facilities were also targeted, an industry source told Reuters on Wednesday.
The pipeline is the only outlet for Saudi crude exports after Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. — Reuters
Un Secretary-General's Middle East envoy Jean Arnault reaches Iran, the Reuters reported citing a statement.
Iran’s armed forces have stated they are maintaining “intelligent control” over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, while warning of a significantly stronger response to any renewed attacks by the United States or Israel, the Reuters reported. The armed forces also pledged continued support for resistance groups across Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq, and declared that the US would be treated as a direct party to any Israeli military action.
First ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz with Iran's permission after the ceasefire, the Reuters reported citing Iranian state TV.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has said Tehran will approach peace negotiations with the United States cautiously due to a significant trust deficit, while remaining militarily prepared. The envoy also warned that Israel must adhere to the ceasefire in Lebanon, stating that any continued attacks could complicate the situation and trigger consequences. Additionally, Iran cautioned that the ongoing conflict could have lasting implications on the legal regime governing the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
US will continue to monitor movement of Iranian military forces. — US General Dan Caine
US threats on Iran's ability to export energy brought Tehran to a deal. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Iran would be wise to get word out to their troops to stop firing. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
New Iranian regime has a different interaction with the US. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Iran will give the US its enriched Uranium or we'll take it out — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
The US military will ensure Iran complies with ceasefire. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
US military will be "hanging around" in Iran. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
It will take years for Iran to rebuild any major surface combatants. — US General Dan Caine
The US has destroyed 90 per cent of Iran's weapons factories. — US General Dan Caine
US has destroyed more than 90 per cent of Iran's conventional Navy fleet — US General Dan Caine
80 per cent of Iran's air defense systems destroyed. — US General Dan Caine
Joint forces struck more than 13,000 targets in Iran operation. — US General Dan Caine
Military objectives in Iran have been met — US General Dan Caine
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asks US troops involved in Iran operation to "stay ready".
Iran's new supreme leader is wounded and disfigured. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Iran's factories have been razed to the ground. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
US did 800 strikes Tuesday night, destroyed Iran's defense industrial base. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Iran's missile programme is functionally destroyed. — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States achieved a decisive military victory in Operation Epic Fury, claiming Iran "begged" for a ceasefire. He added that less than 10 percent of US combat power was used to defeat Iran.
A senior Iranian official has indicated that Tehran could reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as early as Thursday or Friday, contingent on a ceasefire framework being finalised ahead of planned talks with the United States in Pakistan, the Reuters reported. However, the reopening is expected to be limited, with all vessels still requiring coordination and clearance from the Iranian military.
Welcoming the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, Russia on Wednesday said it supports the decision not to strike the civilian facilities or the economic infrastructure in the Islamic Republic.
The Kremlin's reaction hours after the ceasefire announcement also said it considers the development as "very important." "Against the backdrop of yesterday's rather harsh statements from various sides, which caused significant reactions around the world, we certainly welcome this news of a ceasefire and support the decision not to move further along the path of armed escalation... especially the decision not to strike civilian facilities or Iran's economic infrastructure," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in his conference call with reporters. — PTI
A country supplying military weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, said US President Donald Trump.
US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social and said, "The United States will work closely with Iran, which we have determined has gone through what will be a very productive Regime Change!"
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is expected to meet with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to try to smooth over the president's anger with the military alliance over the Iran war. Trump had suggested the U.S. may consider leaving the trans-Atlantic alliance after NATO member countries ignored his call to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping waterway, as Iran effectively shut it and sent gas prices soaring. — AP
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has stressed the urgent need for proposed diplomatic talks to deliver a complete end to the ongoing conflict, warning that Iran must immediately halt all actions threatening regional stability. Cooper also called on Tehran to cease mining operations, drone strikes, and any attempts to disrupt commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. — Reuters
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for overnight attacks targeting energy complexes and oil transfer infrastructure reportedly linked to the United States and Israel, according to state media. The IRGC specifically said it struck oil facilities associated with US companies in Yanbu, the Reuters reported.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming negotiations and "expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts, while conveying his best wishes for the people of Pakistan", said Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsI had a warm and substantive conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, this afternoon.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 8, 2026
I conveyed my deep appreciation for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leadership in accepting Pakistan’s offer to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week to work…
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say their "hand is on the trigger", ready to respond to any attack with more force, Reuters reported citing a report by Tasnim News Agency.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday welcomed a ceasefire declared in the Iran war, urging its full implementation on the ground and warning against any provocations or acts of sabotage.
He said he hoped the ceasefire would hold and that the region could return to peace after suffering from conflict and instability since late February, adding that Turkey would continue to support efforts towards a lasting peace. — Reuters
India on Wednesday advised its nationals in Iran to "expeditiously exit" the country using routes suggested by its mission in Tehran in light of the recent developments.
In an advisory, the Indian embassy in Tehran also reiterated that there should be "no attempt to approach any international land border without prior consultation and coordination with the Embassy." "In continuation of the advisory of 07 April 2026, and in light of recent developments, Indian nationals still in Iran are strongly advised to expeditiously exit Iran, in coordination with the Embassy and using the routes suggested by the Embassy," the Indian mission said in a post on X.
The embassy also provided emergency contact numbers (+98912810⎛ +98912810⎎ +989128109109, and +989932179359) and email (cons.tehran@mea.gov.in) for those in need. — PTI
The Trump administration is expected to slash the Iran war funding request, the Reuters reported on Wednesday citing Washington Post.
French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the ceasefire.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsL’annonce de ce cessez-le-feu est une très bonne chose.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 8, 2026
Nous avons depuis le premier jour le même objectif : protéger nos ressortissants et nos intérêts, être aux côtés de nos partenaires régionaux et travailler à la désescalade pour ramener la paix et la liberté de navigation. pic.twitter.com/DzxdDSL5rv
Italy will not send any ships to help police the Hormuz Strait area following a ceasefire between the United States and Iran unless it is part of a U.N.-led initiative, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Wednesday.
"It is not on the agenda. We have already said that we will not send ships unless there is a United Nations initiative," said Salvini, who is also infrastructure minister in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. — Reuters
The three crewmen on the Thai-flagged vessel that was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz last month have died, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Thailand said 20 crew members were rescued by the Omani navy after the attack, which caused an explosion in the stern of the ship and a fire in the engine room. — Reuters
US Vice President JD Vance revealed that President Donald Trump has directed the American negotiating team to engage with Iran “in good faith” to secure a diplomatic agreement, while signalling growing impatience for tangible progress, the Reuters reported. Vance emphasized that Iran will realise Trump “is not one to mess around.”
US Vice President JD Vance says Iran has agreed to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, signalling a de-escalation in tensions, the Reuters reported. Vance stated that the United States and its allies have also agreed to halt attacks on Iran, forming the basis of what he described as a “fragile truce.” He also noted that some factions within Iran have responded positively to the agreement.
Kuwait said on Wednesday its air defences were intercepting a wave of Iranian drones launched since 8 a.m. (0500 GMT), according to the army. The army said some drones targeted vital oil facilities, power stations and water desalination plants, causing major infrastructure damage. — Reuters
Pope Leo on Wednesday praised the two-week ceasefire in the Iran war, hours after calling U.S. President Donald Trump's threat against the population of Iran "unacceptable".
The pope, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the war in recent weeks, said he welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire with satisfaction and urged continued negotiation to bring a full end to the regional conflict.
"In light of these past hours of great tension for the Middle East and for the whole world, I welcome with satisfaction... the announcement of an immediate two-week truce," Leo, the first U.S. pope, said in his weekly audience.
"Only through a return to negotiation can an end to the war be achieved," he said. — Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday he welcomed the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, adding that Kyiv was ready to "respond in kind" if Moscow ceased strikes.
"Ukraine has always called for a ceasefire in the war waged by Russia here in Europe against our state and our people, and we support the ceasefire in the Middle East and the Gulf that paves the way for diplomatic efforts," he wrote on X.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsA ceasefire is the right decision that leads to ending the war. It means saving lives, abandoning the destruction of cities and villages, and allowing power plants and other infrastructure to operate normally – and thus provides the time and conditions necessary for diplomacy to…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2026
The President of the Republic welcomed the American-Iranian announcement of a ceasefire for a period of 15 days. He commended the efforts of all parties who contributed to reaching this agreement, particularly the efforts of each of Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.
Read full statement below:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsرحب رئيس الجمهورية بالإعلان الأميركي الإيراني عن وقف إطلاق النار لمدة 15 يوماً. ونوّه بمساعي جميع الأطراف الذين ساهموا في التوصل إلى هذا الاتفاق. خصوصاً جهود كل من باكستان ومصر وتركيا. كما أمل في أن يكون هذا الإعلان خطوة أولى نحو اتفاق نهائي وشامل لمختلف القضايا التي تشكل عوامل…
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) April 8, 2026
The ceasefire, with the acceptance of the general principles desired by Iran, was the fruit of the blood of our great martyred leader Khamenei and the achievement of the presence of all the people on the scene. From today onward, we will also remain together. Whether in the field of diplomacy, whether in the field of defense, whether on the street scene, and whether in the arena of service provision. — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsآتشبس با پذیرش اصول کلی مورد نظر ایران، ثمره خون رهبر شهیدمان خامنهای بزرگ و دستاورد حضور همه مردم در صحنه بود. از امروز نیز همچنان کنار هم خواهیم ماند. چه در میدان دیپلماسی، چه در میدان دفاع، چه در صحنه خیابان و چه در عرصه خدمترسانی.#___
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) April 8, 2026
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar will visit the UAE to review bilateral cooperation and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: Iraq has reopened its airspace after the US-Iran ceasefire, with the Civil Aviation Authority confirming the resumption of flight operations as security conditions improve after weeks of regional escalation. In a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the authority said: “It has been decided to reopen Iraqi airspace to air traffic starting today, following the stabilisation of the situation and the return to normalcy.”
“Under this measure, all civilian flights are permitted to resume, including overflights, takeoffs, and landings at Iraqi airports, in accordance with the established regulations and instructions,” it said.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United Statesa and Iran, adding that Kyiv was ready to "respond in kind" if Moscow ceased strikes. "Ukraine has always called for a ceasefire in the war waged by Russia here in Europe against our state and our people, and we support the ceasefire in the Middle East and the Gulf that paves the way for diplomatic efforts," he said in a post on X.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: The Ministry of External Affairs said, "We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict. The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz."
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: Israeli military says it continues combat and ground operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: China Foreign Ministry, on potential shipping fees in Strait of Hormuz, said, "We hope all parties will make joint efforts to facilitate early resumption of normal passage through the strait."
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: A top Emirati official said that his country emerged victorious from the Iran war. “The UAE emerged victorious from a war we sincerely sought to avoid,” presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said in a post on X.
“Today, we are poised to navigate a complex regional landscape with greater resources, deeper understanding, and a more robust capacity to influence and shape the future,” he adds.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: With the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen and oil markets bracing for relief, world leaders on Wednesday cautiously welcomed the ceasefire between Iran, Israel and the United States, even as they pressed all sides to show restraint and pursue a lasting settlement to the weeks-long conflict.
Iran-US-Israel War Live Updates: Oman welcomes the US-Iran ceasefire, stating that it emphasises “the importance of intensifying efforts at this juncture to identify solutions capable of resolving the crisis at its roots and achieving a permanent cessation of the state of war.”
India on Wednesday urged its nationals in Iran to leave the country immediately amid escalating regional tensions, advising them to coordinate closely with authorities and use routes suggested by the Indian mission in Tehran.
In an advisory issued on April 8, the Embassy of India in Tehran asked Indian citizens still in Iran to “expeditiously exit” the country, in continuation of its earlier advisory issued a day ago. The embassy also cautioned nationals against attempting to approach any international land border without prior consultation and coordination.
The Indian mission further shared emergency contact numbers and asked citizens to remain in touch for assistance. The advisory comes amid the evolving security situation in the region, with India stepping up precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its nationals in Iran.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js⚠️ Advisory as on 08 April 2026. pic.twitter.com/pusFQIAKKI
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) April 8, 2026
Secretary-General António Guterres calls on all parties “to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region,” his spokesperson said.
Guterres also calls on the parties to comply with their obligations under international law, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement late Tuesday.
International law requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“The secretary-general underscores that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering,” Dujarric said.
Jean Arnault, the secretary-general’s personal envoy, is in the region “to support efforts toward lasting peace,” the spokesperson said.
(AP)
Explosions have been heard in Bahrain's capital Manama, according to journalists, just hours after the US announced a ceasefire with Iran.
The Gulf kingdom's interior ministry said in a statement that civil defence crews had succeeded in controlling a fire that broke out in a facility "as a result of the Iranian aggression". No injuries were reported.
(France24)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement declaring that Lebanon is not covered in the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is a potential thorn in the deal.
In his statement, Netanyahu has expressed his support for US President Donald Trump for securing the ceasefire. But he also added pointedly that he would also support him in longer term dealings, securing and making sure that Iran no longer poses as a missile and nuclear threat. Read more
Yassamin Ansari, the only Iranian-American member of congress, has said that she is “momentarily relieved” by the ceasefire announcement but that Trump remains “dangerous and unfit” for office.
Ansari says the two-week pause in attacks on Iran brings relief to 90 million Iranians who “just spent the worst 24 hours of their lives thinking they were about to face nothing short of a nuclear catastrophe – not the regime, but innocent civilians who have nothing to do with their government, and long for freedom.”
Ansari said that the announced agreement “doesn’t change anything” in regards to Trump’s fitness for office.
“Donald Trump threatened genocide and war crimes against Iranians this morning,” Ansari said.
I am momentarily relieved for the 90 million Iranians who just spent the worst 24 hours of their lives thinking they were about to face nothing short of a nuclear catastrophe—not the regime, but innocent civilians who have nothing to do with their government, and long for…
— Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) April 8, 2026
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said alarms have been activated and people should head to their nearest ‘safe space’ and remain calm.
Some Chinese independent refiners, armed with fresh import quotas from Beijing, have begun seeking prompt cargoes of Iranian crude after oil prices slumped on Wednesday, three trade sources said.
Brent crude futures dropped below $100 per barrel on Wednesday to the lowest since March 11, after US President Donald Trump said he had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran that was subject to the immediate and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. _Reuters
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz.
"A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else! The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process. We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just “hangin’ around” in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will. Just like we are experiencing in the U.S., this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!!!" Trump posted on Truth Social.
Sensex jumped 2,600 points on the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. Indian shares surged at open on Wednesday, tracking a global rally and a sharp drop in crude oil prices after US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran.
Al Jadeed TV reports that Israeli forces have shelled the town of Baraachit in south Lebanon. The attack comes after Netanyahu said that the regional truce between the US and Israel and their allies does not include Lebanon.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who mediated the deal, had said earlier that the parties agreed to an “immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere”.
(Al Jazeera)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has lauded the ceasefire as a victory for the US that she said Trump and the American military “made happen”.
From the beginning, she said, Trump had estimated the war would run for four to six weeks and that in 38 days, the US has achieved and exceeded Washington’s core military objectives.
“The success of our military created maximum leverage, allowing President Trump and the team to engage in tough negotiations that have now created an opening for a diplomatic solution and long-term peace,” she wrote.
“Additionally, President Trump got the Strait of Hormuz reopened,” she said.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThis is a victory for the United States that President Trump and our incredible military made happen.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) April 8, 2026
From the very beginning of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump estimated this would be a 4-6 week operation.
Thanks to the unbelievable capabilities of our warriors, we have…
President Donald Trump told news agency AFP on Tuesday that the United States had won a "total and complete victory" after agreeing to a two-week ceasefire deal with Iran.
"Total and complete victory. 100 percent. No question about it," Trump said in a brief telephone interview shortly after the announcement of the truce.
(France24)
Pro-government demonstrators in the streets of Iran’s capital Wednesday morning after the ceasefire had been announced, screamed: “Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!”Organisers tried to calm the demonstrators at one point, but they continued chanting.
They also burned American and Israeli flags in the street. It shows the ongoing anger from hard-liners, who had been preparing for what many assumed would be an apocalyptic battle with the US.
(AP)
Two children were among seven people reported killed following a series of strikes across Iraq, officials said, before the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire deal late on Tuesday.
“A house was bombed by a plane in the city of Khor Al-Zubair, according to eyewitnesses,” Thaer al-Salhi, a member of Basra’s provincial council, told the AFP news agency.
(Al Jazeera)
Iran, in the Farsi-language version of its 10-point ceasefire plan, included the phrase “acceptance of enrichment” for its nuclear program, something that was missing in English versions shared by Iranian diplomats to journalists.
It wasn’t immediately clear why that term was missing.
However, Trump had said ending Iran’s nuclear programme entirely was a key point of the war.
Trump, after Iran issued its 10-point plan, had described it as fraudulent, without elaborating.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates both sounded missile alerts early Wednesday, despite Iran and the United States saying they had reached a two-week ceasefire in the war.
A gas processing facility in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, was ablaze after incoming Iranian fire, officials said.
It wasn't immediately clear what was being targeted in Israel, which bore the brunt of the missile and drone fire during the war.
Missile alerts also continued in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait early Wednesday, hinting at the chaos surrounding the diplomatic moves.
Throughout the war, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has called the shots in all decisions. Individual commanders have made decisions on what to strike and when, with the nation's political leadership sidelined.
(AP)
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said early Wednesday morning that Israel was still attacking Iran.
Moments earlier, the White House said Israel had agreed to the terms of the two-week US-Iran ceasefire agreement.
(AP)
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is inviting Iran and the United States to meet in Islamabad and have further discussions. In a post on X, Sharif said that both parties have agreed on the ceasefire.
“I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries,” he said. “And invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.”
There had been no public response from the US or Iran to the invitation.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsWith the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
I warmly welcome the…
The Qatari Ministry of Defence announced a few minutes ago that the country’s armed forces had “successfully intercepted a missile attack”.
Trump has shared in his Truth Social account Araghchi’s statement confirming the ceasefire deal with the US.
As we reported earlier, Araghchi in the statement expressed Tehran’s “gratitude and appreciation” to Pakistan and its leadership “for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region”.
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations,” the foreign minister said, adding that for the next two weeks, passage through the Strait of Hormuz “will be possible” in coordination with Iran’s military.
Oil prices plunged and US stock futures jumped after President Donald Trump said he would hold off on his threat of devastating attacks on Iran for two weeks if the Iranians agree to allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Futures for US crude oil sank 18% to around $92.60 while Brent crude oil futures fell about 6% to $103.40.
Both prices remain well above where they were at the start of the war. Futures for the S&P 500 rose 2.4%. Trump said Iran has proposed a "workable" 10-point peace plan that could help end war the US and Israel launched on Feb 28.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating negotiations, has announced the ceasefire is effective immediately.
"With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY."
He welcomes the move and invites the delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10 April, "to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes".
Pakistani prime minister Shebaz Sharif has announced that Iran, the US and their allies have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon.
Sharif has been a key figure in attempting to reach a diplomatic solution between the two warring parties. On Tuesday he requested that Donald Trump delay his planned escalation in attacks against Iran.
In his statement, Sharif invited delegations to Islamabad on “Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.”
With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
I warmly welcome the…
The Emirati National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Authority says the country is dealing with a missile attack.
“Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates,” the agency told people in the country in statement.
Despite reports that Israel is included in the ceasefire, the Israeli military says Iran has launched more missiles against the country.
“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” it said. (Aljazeera)
ran’s foreign minister has shared a statement on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council declaring that “if attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.”
“For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s armed forces and with due consideration to technical limitations,” Araghchi added.
Statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran: pic.twitter.com/cEtBNCLnWT
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 7, 2026
Statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran:
Statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran: pic.twitter.com/cEtBNCLnWT
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 7, 2026
The newspaper quotes Iranian officials as saying the ceasefire was approved by the new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
The broadcaster quoted a senior White House official as saying “Israel has agreed to also suspend its bombing campaign while negotiations continue.”
The White House’s official account on X has now shared Trump’s TruthSocial post bout Iran as an official statement.
🚨 President Donald J. Trump makes a statement on Iran: pic.twitter.com/9mqTayL0Q3
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 7, 2026
In a post on Truth Social he says that it is conditional on Iran reopening the strait of Hormuz calling it a double sided ceasefire. He goes on to say that he has received a workable ceasefire proposal from Iran. "The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Long-term PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East.”
As the deadline set by Donald Trump for possible strikes on Iranian infrastructure approaches, Pakistan has proposed a two-week ceasefire to allow mediation efforts. Trump had warned on Tuesday that “a whole civilization will die tonight”, if Iran does not reopen Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies.
According to Reuters, Tehran is reviewing the proposal, which could buy additional time for diplomatic negotiations.
US President Donald Trump said that Washington is engaged in “heated negotiations” over the Iran conflict. “I can’t tell you, because right now we’re in heated negotiations,” Trump said in statememnt to FOX News.
Soon after US President Donald Trump warned Iran that the American military would strike its power plants and energy infrastructure if a US-backed proposal was not accepted by Tehran by Wednesday, 5:30 am IST, the Islamic Republic urged young people to form human chains around power plants and other potential targets.
The US president’s latest deadline to halt the conflict in West Asia and reopen the Strait of Hormuz came as he issued another threat to Iran, stating that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran failed to meet the deadline and strike a deal.
After pushing the deadline four times in the past month, Trump said Wednesday’s deadline was final, adding that there would be no further extensions and that the US military would “obliterate” the Islamic Republic if a major diplomatic breakthrough did not take place.
According to reports, Trump may proceed with a full-scale escalation against Iran if the country does not agree to a US-backed ceasefire and reopen the strait. This option is supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly told Trump two days ago that the Iranian regime was on the brink and that one final blow could bring it down. Read Full Report
An Iranian envoy says Tehran will “take immediate and proportionate” action if US President Donald Trump follows through on his threats to attack the country's “whole civilization.”
Tehran’s United Nations representative, Amir-Saeid Iravani, said Trump’s threats that a “whole civilization will die” if Iran does not make a deal “constitute incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide.”
- AP
WATCH | People seen forming human chains across several Iranian cities, gathering on bridges and around power plants as U.S. strikes on Iran intensified amid President Donald Trump's deadline.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Iran | People seen forming human chains across several Iranian cities, gathering on bridges and around power plants as U.S. strikes on Iran intensified amid President Donald Trump's deadline
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2026
Source: (Reuters via Pool via Wana) pic.twitter.com/uUk4AGvz1y
Israeli military says it targeted senior commander in Iran's top joint military command, results of the attack under review. — Reuters
The UAE mission to the United Nations reacted to the UN failing to adopt a resolution on opening Strait of Hormuz and said, " The UAE deeply regrets that the UN Security Council failed today to endorse a clear framework for international cooperation in ending Iran’s illegal attacks and threats to the global economy by adopting a draft resolution demanding the immediate cessation of all attacks on vessels and attempts to impede freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe UAE deeply regrets that the UN Security Council failed today to endorse a clear framework for international cooperation in ending Iran’s illegal attacks and threats to the global economy by adopting a draft resolution demanding the immediate cessation of all attacks on… pic.twitter.com/YT5BuEeIkD
— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) April 7, 2026
The whole world has been impacted unfortunately because Iran is violating every law known by striking commercial vessels in the Straits of Hormuz. Iran is a regime that doesn’t believe in laws, rules, or anything like that. It’s a state sponsor of terrorism. — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsSECRETARY RUBIO: The whole world has been impacted unfortunately because Iran is violating every law known by striking commercial vessels in the Straits of Hormuz.
— Department of State (@StateDept) April 7, 2026
Iran is a regime that doesn’t believe in laws, rules, or anything like that. It’s a state sponsor of terrorism. pic.twitter.com/kn2nnbZ71B
Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah says it will release kidnapped American journalist Shelly Kittleson, the PTI reported citing AP
Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which a fifth of the global oil passes, blockaded by Iran.
The 15-nation UN Security Council voted on the resolution proposed by Bahrain, which got 11 votes in favour, two against and two abstentions.
The resolution could not be adopted because veto-wielding permanent members Russia and China voted against the resolution. — PTI
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took to X and informed it has struck "eight bridge segments utilized by the Iranian terror regime for transporting weapons & military equipment".
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js🎯STRUCK: 8 bridge segments utilized by the Iranian terror regime for transporting weapons & military equipment.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 7, 2026
The IDF struck 8 bridge segments in several areas, including Tehran, Karaj, Tabriz, Kashan, & Qom. Prior to the strike, several steps were taken to mitigate harm to… pic.twitter.com/kDzkRhMFTD
The situation on Iran’s Kharg Island remains under control with no reported damage to critical infrastructure following recent U.S.-Israeli strikes, according to Reuters which cited Mehr News. It added that oil facilities on the strategically vital island remain fully operational, with no disruption to production or export activities.
Israel Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu has said, "We are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor, and increasing force. Yesterday, we destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters. Today, we attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards.”
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsPM Netanyahu: “We are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor, and increasing force. Yesterday, we destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters. Today, we attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards.” pic.twitter.com/VhlL1Ne5Ei
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 7, 2026
Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, will meet the leaders of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, and the World Bank, Ajay Banga, next Monday April 13th, Birol said on Tuesday on social media platform X.
He added that the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war required "all hands on deck and international cooperation." — Reuters
The White House denied that JD Vance suggested a possible nuclear strike on Iran, saying his remarks were misinterpreted.
After Vance said in Berlin that US forces have tools they “so far haven’t decided to use” to enforce a dramatic ultimatum from president Donald Trump, the White House said on X: “Literally nothing @VP said here ’implies’ this, you absolute buffoons.”
This post came in response to one from an account associated with former VP Kamala Harris that said Vance implied Trump “might use nuclear weapons.”
Literally nothing @VP said here "implies" this, you absolute buffoons https://t.co/7JU3wXMaWX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
All Americans in Bahrain are advised to shelter in place until further notice, the US Department of State said on Tuesday.
(Reuters)
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised all Indian nationals in Iran to stay indoors for the next 48 hours amid escalating security concerns.
Citizens have been asked to avoid sensitive locations, remain inside buildings, and coordinate any travel strictly with the embassy while staying in constant contact with officials.
⚠️ Advisory as on 07 April 2026. pic.twitter.com/xsrpoOvx0f
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) April 7, 2026
Iran has allowed 2 French detainees, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, formerly detained by Iran to leave the country, French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday. Both the detainees had been holed up in French diplomatic premises in Iran since their release from prison.
“Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and on route toward French territory, after three and a half years of detention in Iran,” Macron tweeted. He also thanked Omani authorities for their mediation efforts in the release and the State services.
Cécile Kohler et Jacques Paris sont libres et en chemin vers le territoire français, après trois ans et demi de détention en Iran. C’est un soulagement pour nous tous et évidemment pour leurs familles.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 7, 2026
Merci aux autorités omanaises pour leurs efforts de médiation, aux services…
(With inputs from AP)
Iran closes all diplomatic and indirect channels of communication with the United States, reported Tehran Times.
"Any and all message exchanges have also been suspended", the report said.
Israeli PM Netanyahu has claimed that Israel has targeted railways and bridges in Iran.
Escalating the stakes further, a senior Iranian source told Reuters that if tensions spiral out of control, its regional allies could move to shut down the Bab el-Mandeb waterway, raising the specter of a broader disruption to global energy and shipping routes.
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for what it described as “empty promises,” despite U.S. interest in restoring passage through the critical waterway. The source warned that any American attack on Iran’s power infrastructure could plunge the wider region, including Saudi Arabia, into complete darkness. It was also revealed that Qatar has already conveyed Iran’s warning about potential strikes on power plants to Washington earlier this week.
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that while Pakistan continues to relay messages between Tehran and Washington, there has been no shift in the US position. The source emphasized that there are currently no negotiations underway, accusing the United States of seeking Iran’s surrender under pressure rather than genuine dialogue. Tehran has made it clear that any flexibility on its part will depend on reciprocal moves from Washington, underscoring a deep stalemate in diplomatic efforts.
Israeli Air Force strikes Iranian terror regime air defense systems. Watch
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsIsraeli Air Force strikes Iranian terror regime air defense systems. Watch pic.twitter.com/S64f1JOEUg
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) April 7, 2026
The U.S. again struck the Iranian oil hub of Kharg Island, according to a White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.The U.S. hit military targets on the island, the official said Tuesday. The strikes came hours ahead of a deadline President Donald Trump set for Iran to capitulate to his demands or face a major attack. — AP
The US Central Command posted a video online showing a fighter jet taking off from the USS Abraham Lincoln amid Operation Epic Fury to strike targets inside Iran.
Watch:
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsU.S. Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury. U.S. forces continue to conduct strikes against military targets inside of Iran. pic.twitter.com/eqcyAoASv5
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 7, 2026
The United States has largely accomplished its military objectives in Iran, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday. — Reuters
Ongoing diplomatic contact with Iran continues as efforts are underway to bring both sides to the negotiating table, the Reuters reported quoting two Pakistani sources familiar with the discussions. However, recent Iranian missile strikes on Saudi targets are threatening to derail the fragile progress, raising concerns over escalation at a critical moment. Despite this, a Pakistani security official indicated that Tehran has shown some flexibility toward talks, though it continues to insist on key preconditions, suggesting that while dialogue remains possible, significant hurdles persist.
US President Donald Trump said, " A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will."
Watch his full post below:
One of the railway bridges in Iran's Zanjan province targeted in strike, the Reuters reported citing Iranian media.
Sharjah authorities say administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications attacked by Iranian missile. — Reuters
Railway targeted in Iran's Karaj, the Reuters reported citing Iranian Red Crescent.
Electricity supply disrupted in parts of Iran's Karaj following projectiles from strike hitting transmission lines, the Reuters reported citing nournews.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, the Axios news outlet reported on Tuesday, citing an unidentified senior U.S. official. — Reuters
The UAE's air defenses are currently engaging with missile attacks and incoming drones from Iran, UAE's ministry of defence informed on Tuesday.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsتتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من ايران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الاصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة تعامل منظومات الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية للصواريخ الباليستية، والجوالة والطائرات المسيرة.
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) April 7, 2026
UAE Air Defences system… pic.twitter.com/pSlaIZAjxW
Pakistan condemns storming of Al-Aqsa mosque.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js🔊PR No.9️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 7, 2026
Pakistan Strongly Condemns Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli Occupying Power
🔗⬇️https://t.co/8hDOiYeWqv pic.twitter.com/ZjntF2FirH
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said if the US crosses red lines, the response will be beyond the region. — Reuters
Recent remarks by United States officials complaining about NATO allies are pushing European countries to seek alternative security arrangements, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told La Sexta broadcaster on Tuesday. — Reuters
Some Western and Saudi firms in Riyadh have extended work-from-home advisories this week, five people familiar with the matter said, amid concern over a looming U.S.-imposed deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face "hell".
In Gulf states, which have borne the brunt of Iran's attacks since the war began on February 28, many fear a U.S. escalation would see Iran further target critical and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf in response. — Reuters
Tehran has firmly rejected any proposal for a temporary ceasefire with the United States, according to a senior Iranian source cited by Reuters, signaling a hardened stance amid ongoing tensions. Instead, Iran has outlined strict preconditions for entering negotiations aimed at a “lasting peace,” including an immediate halt to all military strikes, binding guarantees that such attacks will not be repeated, and compensation for damages incurred. The source further indicated that under any permanent agreement, Tehran is also seeking the imposition of fees on ships transiting the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the high stakes and complex demands shaping any potential diplomatic breakthrough.
A gunfight erupted outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, leaving two assailants dead and a police officer wounded, Turkey’s Haberturk broadcaster reported.The report said attackers were carrying long-barreled weapons. An exchange of fire with police killed two while a third assailant was captured. One officer sustained injuries during the clash.The area surrounding the building was quickly sealed off.There was no immediate information on the identity of the attackers or what their motives may have been.Turkey's Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said an investigation has been launched.Haberturk said the consulate occupies one or two floors inside the high-rise building. — AP
Iran on Tuesday attacked a petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia's Jubail industrial city, located in the Eastern province, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said.
There was no comment from the Saudi government. — Reuters
Explosion heard in Iranian capital Tehran, Reuters reported quoting Mehr News Agency.
The Iran Embassy in The Hague on Tuesday shared a video clip of Iranian musician Ali Ghamsari sitting near a power plant as US President Donald Trump threatens to attack the country.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsWhile Trump threatens to target power plants, Iranian musician Ali Ghamsari sits beside one & plays for peace, for light, for life.
— ☫ Iran Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands (@IRAN_in_NL) April 7, 2026
Targeting civilian infrastructure is not strategy — it is a #warcrime.
When power speaks the language of destruction, humanity answers with music. pic.twitter.com/PFWqEb5ZhI
Railway in Iran's Mashhad have stopped movement following Israel's warning against Iran's railway system, the Reuters reported citing Fars news agency.
Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday said "Over 14 million proud Iranians have... declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives in defense of Iran".
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsبیش از ۱۴ میلیون ایرانی غیور تا این لحظه اعلام آمادگی کردهاند جان خود را برای دفاع از ایران فدا کنند. من نیز جانفدای ایران بودهام، هستم و خواهم بود.#_
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) April 7, 2026
At least 18 people were killed in an airstrike targeting Iran's residential area of Alborz province on Tuesday, state media reported.
(AP, Reuters)
The IDF has warned Iranians that using public transport today will “endanger your life”, as concerns mount about civilian infrastructure being targeted in the escalating conflict.
"Urgent Warning to Users and Train Passengers in the Country of Iran. Dear Citizens, for the sake of your security, we kindly request that from this moment until 21:00 Iran time, you refrain from using and travelling by train throughout Iran. Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life," the IDF posted on X.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js‼️ هشدار فوری به استفادهکنندگان و مسافران قطارها در کشور ایران.
— ارتش دفاعی اسرائیل | IDF Farsi (@IDFFarsi) April 7, 2026
⭕️ شهروندان گرامی، به منظور امنیت شما، خواهشمندیم از این لحظه تا ساعت ۲۱:۰۰ به وقت ایران، از استفاده و سفر با قطار در سراسر ایران خودداری نمایید.
⭕️ حضور شما در قطارها و در مجاورت خطوط راهآهن جانتان را به خطر می… pic.twitter.com/Fm3BAAEFra
The Iran war has put US global leadership on the line, Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said, expressing fear about the "madness" of nuclear escalation. Like some other NATO allies reluctant to join US President Donald Trump's attacks on Iran, Italy last week denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily en route to the Middle East.
"This war is also putting the United States at risk in its global leadership," Crosetto told Italian daily Corriere della Sera in an interview published on Tuesday. Crosetto, a close ally of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who has a good relationship with Trump, said he worried the conflict could take an even worse turn and cited the 1945 U.S. nuclear bombings of Japan in World War Two.
Israeli media has reported that the military intercepted a missile launched towards the southern port city of Eilat amid reports of multiple missile impact sites across central Israel earlier this morning.
US lawmakers are urging members of US President Donald Trump’s administration to remove him from office by invoking the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution, which provides for a transfer of power if the president is unable to serve.
Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari is the latest to call for the 25th Amendment to be invoked against Trump.
“Trump is escalating a devastating, illegal war, threatening massive war crimes and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran. In the last 48 hours alone, the rhetoric has crossed every line,” Ansari wrote on X.
Earlier, Congresswoman Ilham Omar of Minnesota also reacted to Trump’s threat against civilian infrastructure in Iran saying: “This is not ok. Invoke the 25th amendment. Impeach. Remove. This unhinged lunatic must be removed from office.”
Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico also weighed in saying: “Time for the #25thamendment. Congress and the Cabinet must act.”
Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh of Illinois also said of Trump: “He will forever be a stain on this country. And the world. 25th Amendment. Now.”
Demoratic Senate member Chris Murphy also posted on X: “If I were in Trump’s Cabinet, I would spend Easter calling constitutional lawyers about the 25th Amendment. This is completely, utterly unhinged. He’s already killed thousands. He’s going to kill thousands more.”
This is not ok. Invoke the 25th amendment. Impeach. Remove.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) April 6, 2026
This unhinged lunatic must be removed from office. pic.twitter.com/yoprhvqOE8
Siren alarms have been activated in the Jordanian coastal city of Aqaba, and powerful interception blasts are being heard, as reported by Aljazeera.
Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed at least 18 drones over the past few hours, the Saudi ministry of defence said on X.
Earlier, Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles targeting the eastern region of the country, with debris falling in the area of some energy facilities, the defence ministry said. Crews are still assessing damages.
It is unclear who is responsible for either the drones or the missiles.
Pakistan's "positive and productive" efforts to stop the US-Israeli war with Iran are approaching a "critical, sensitive" stage, Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said in a post on X on Tuesday.
The Lebanese group says its fighters launched two attacks targeting the Kiryat Shmona settlement in northern Israel with rocket barrages, alongside additional strikes on the Metula and Kfar Yuval settlements.
The group also says its fighters targeted an Israeli army force east of the Khiam detention centre in southern Lebanon with “appropriate weapons”.
The Israeli army has issued a statement warning Iranians against using trains for their “safety” until 9pm local time (17:30 GMT).
“Your presence on trains and in the vicinity of railway lines endangers your life,” the military said on its Persian-language X account.
‼️ هشدار فوری به استفادهکنندگان و مسافران قطارها در کشور ایران.
— ارتش دفاعی اسرائیل | IDF Farsi (@IDFFarsi) April 7, 2026
⭕️ شهروندان گرامی، به منظور امنیت شما، خواهشمندیم از این لحظه تا ساعت ۲۱:۰۰ به وقت ایران، از استفاده و سفر با قطار در سراسر ایران خودداری نمایید.
⭕️ حضور شما در قطارها و در مجاورت خطوط راهآهن جانتان را به خطر می… pic.twitter.com/Fm3BAAEFra
Welcome to our live coverage of the escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to destroy the country's bridges and power plants if the Strait of Hormuz isn't reopened by Tuesday's deadline. Trump dismissed concerns about potential war crimes, stating "I'm not worried about it" and "You know what's a war crime? Having a nuclear weapon".
Iran has rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, seeking a permanent end to the conflict with guarantees against future attacks. The situation has led to soaring global oil prices and concerns about energy security.
Key Developments
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