Iran US War News LIVE Updates: Iran warns to ‘sink American ships’ enforcing military blockade in Hormuz Strait

UAE presidential diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash said Gulf states view Iran as the “main enemy.”

He said the Gulf perspective differs from some Arab societies that see Israel as the primary adversary.

Gargash said Iran has launched “thousands of missiles and drones” against Gulf states, shaping distrust in the region.

He said: “For this reason we do not trust it, and we view it as a primary enemy.”

He raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile and drone capabilities.

Gargash said the UAE has questions and security concerns regarding Iran’s military activities.

He said Iran is seeking guarantees and reparations, but the UAE also wants assurances against future attacks.

He described past strikes as “cowardly attacks” and called for guarantees they will not be repeated.

Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Tehran supports diplomatic efforts to end the conflict through a “sustainable end to this unlawful and unwarranted war.”

He said Iran welcomes mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia.

Iravani said Iran enters negotiations “in good faith” but with “deep mistrust of the United States” due to what he called repeated betrayal of diplomacy.

He said Iran remains “cautiously optimistic” about the outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He urged the US to adopt a “rational and constructive approach” in negotiations.

He warned against demands from Washington that are “inconsistent with international law.”

Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will not withdraw forces from southern Lebanon, rejects Hezbollah demand to pull back to the international border, announces plan to maintain an extensive security zone inside Lebanon

Security zone could extend up to the border with Syria

Hezbollah insists any ceasefire must restrict Israel’s freedom of movement in Lebanon

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says there is an “opportunity to make a historic deal” with Lebanon, confirms agreement to a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon

Netanyahu reiterates Israel’s core demand: dismantling of Hezbollah

Trump says he had “a great talk” with Joseph Aoun and Benjamin Netanyahu, announces both the leaders “are going to be having a ceasefire,” which he says will include Hezbollah, signals momentum toward broader de-escalation in the Israel-Lebanon conflict

Trump says Aoun and Netanyahu expected to meet within the next 1–2 weeks, suggests a White House meeting could happen sooner, possibly within 4–5 days

Trump said the United States has made significant progress in its standoff with Iran, claiming Tehran has agreed to return enriched uranium following recent US military action.

Trump also claimed that Iran had agreed to return material buried deep underground, referring to it as “nuclear dust,” following US airstrikes.

“They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that’s way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers,” he said.

Trump said Iran had made a firm commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, calling it a central objective of US policy.

“The big thing we have to do is we have to make sure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon, because if they do, you want to talk about problems, you’d have problems,” he said.

“So very important is that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon, and they’ve agreed to that. Iran has agreed to that, and they’ve agreed to it very powerfully.”

Trump signals openness to extending deadline if talks are nearing a deal

14-day ceasefire is set to expire on April 22

“If we’re close to a deal… yeah, I would do that,” Trump tells reporters.

Trump says US ‘making a lot of progress’ on Iran deal, warns fighting could resume if no agreement is reached. Trump says prospects for a deal are “looking good”, but warns fighting could resume if no agreement is reached.

Suggests ceasefire may not need extension due to Iran’s increased flexibility

Says Iran is now willing to make concessions it previously resisted

Indicates next round of US-Iran talks could take place over the weekend

The US military has issued an extensive list of goods it classifies as contraband as part of its blockade of Iran, stating that such items may be seized from merchant ships “regardless of location”, as per AP.

In a notice released on Thursday, the military said any goods “destined for an enemy and that may be susceptible to use in armed conflict” could be “subject to capture at any place beyond neutral territory.”

The list includes weapons, ammunition, and military equipment under “absolute contraband.” It also categorises items such as oil, iron, steel, aluminium, and certain civilian goods as “conditional contraband,” arguing that they could potentially be used for military purposes.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that achieving a ceasefire was Lebanon’s main objective during landmark discussions held in Washington on Tuesday between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States, as per AP.

“While I congratulate all Lebanese on this achievement, I offer my condolences to the families of the martyrs who fell, and I affirm my solidarity with their families, with the wounded, and with the citizens forced to flee their cities and villages,” Salam said.

China’s envoy Fu Cong said the Strait of Hormuz must be protected to ensure international maritime navigation, urging Iran to take “proactive measures” to reopen the waterway.

He stressed that the strait, which carries around 20% of global oil shipments, is vital for global trade and energy security, and called for efforts to maintain safe and uninterrupted passage for commercial vessels, as per AP.

“The issue of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the conflict in Iran,” he said. “Only a complete ceasefire can fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation.”

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei criticises Scott Bessent’s economic threats, says such measures harm “innocent people”, calls the approach an “inhumane mindset”, describes US actions as “economic terrorism”, also labels them “state-sponsored extortion”.

Comments refer to Bessent’s warning of a “financial equivalent” of a bombing campaign.

US President Donald Trump says he will invite leaders of Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon President Joseph Aoun to the White House

Talks described as the first meaningful engagement between the two countries since 1983

Meeting aimed at advancing peace between Israel and Lebanon

Trump says “both sides want to see PEACE”

Expresses confidence that a breakthrough could happen “quickly”

Donald Trump claims Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire

Ceasefire to begin at 5 p.m. EST, aimed at achieving peace between the two countries

Trump says he spoke with Joseph Aoun and Benjamin Netanyahu

Trump says he directed JD Vance, Rubio, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to work on a lasting peace

The US dollar strengthened against major currencies on Thursday, recovering some of its recent losses as investors turned cautiously optimistic while awaiting updates on a potential US–Iran peace agreement, as per Reuters.

US President Donald Trump said that the US-Israeli conflict with Iran was “close to over,” while the White House signalled optimism about a possible deal, noting that further in-person negotiations are likely to take place in Pakistan.

The office of Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said that US President Donald Trump was thanked by the Lebanese leader for his efforts to help secure a ceasefire in the ongoing war, as per AP.

Earlier, Aoun spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which he declined to hold a direct conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, insisting that a ceasefire must be achieved before any further direct talks. Israel has yet to take a decision on agreeing to a ceasefire.

The statement said Trump emphasised “his commitment to fulfilling the Lebanese request for a ceasefire as soon as possible.”

Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group, said that in its negotiations with Iran, the United States was making “impossible demands for any independent country to accept.”

In a video address on Thursday, he also claimed that the ongoing two-week ceasefire was the outcome of “failures” by the US and Israel to achieve their objectives in the war with Iran.

“If negotiations succeed, it will either result in a longer period of stability or an end to the aggression,” he said, as per AP.

“There are no dates yet,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday, reported AP.

“We will announce the timing of these talks as and when it is decided,” he said, urging the media to avoid speculation.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon that “ultimately, they need to come to the table and make a deal.”

He said the US will ensure Iran never has a nuclear weapon.

“We’d prefer to do it the nice way through a deal led by our great vice president and negotiating team. Or we can do it the hard way,” Hegseth said. (AP)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz cautioned Tehran that it faces a choice “between a bridge to the future and an abyss of isolation and destruction.”

He warned that if Iran chooses the latter path, it would “quickly discover that the targets we have not yet struck until now are even more painful than what we have already struck”, as per AP.

Katz also portrayed Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon as part of a broader confrontation with Iran. He made these remarks while speaking at a memorial ceremony at the ministry on Thursday.

At the Pentagon, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that while Iran has been repositioning its assets, it has been unable to restore its military capabilities nearly seven weeks into the conflict, according to AP.

He reiterated this point several times at the start of his morning briefing, stating, “You can move things around, but you can’t actually rebuild,” as he addressed Tehran’s leadership and asserted that the country no longer has a viable defense industry.

“As you expose yourself with your movement to our watchful eye, we are locked and loaded on your critical dual use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation and on your energy industry,” Hegseth stated, telling Iran the conflict “is not a fair fight” given US power.

Gen. Dan Caine said that over 10,000 sailors, marines, and airmen, supported by ships, aircraft, and helicopters, are involved in enforcing the blockade, as per AP,

He explained that any vessel approaching the restricted area is initially warned to turn back or face boarding, with additional measures such as warning shots and other escalating tactics available if necessary.

So far, no ships have been boarded, with Caine noting, “Thirteen ships have made the wise choice of turning around.”

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a briefing on Thursday that the US Navy is deploying “less than 10% of America’s naval power” to enforce the blockade against Iran.

He added, “The math is clear. We’re using 10% of the world’s most powerful navy, and you have 0% of your Navy.”

Currently, the Navy has 16 warships stationed in the Middle East, including 11 destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, one aircraft carrier, and a littoral combat ship, out of an overall fleet of around 300 vessels.

Iranian news website NourNews reported that Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the influential speaker of Iran’s parliament, highlighted the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon during a phone conversation with his Lebanese counterpart Nabih Berri, as per AP.

The report added that Qalibaf stressed Iranian authorities were closely tracking developments in Lebanon and were actively advocating for a lasting ceasefire in the wider Middle East conflict.

“A ceasefire in Lebanon is as important to us as a ceasefire in Iran,” he reportedly said.

The US Embassy in Beirut shared images on social media showing President Donald Trump alongside US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In a post on X, the embassy said the leaders met Wednesday and “affirmed their commitment to ongoing talks and the Embassy’s efforts in Beirut to support the restoration of Lebanon’s monopoly of force and sovereignty.”

Iran has proposed allowing ships to pass safely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without facing attacks, as part of discussions with the United States, according to a source familiar with Tehran’s position, reported Reuters. The offer is reportedly contingent on reaching a broader agreement to prevent any renewed conflict.

However, the proposal is seen largely as a symbolic step rather than an immediate solution for the hundreds of vessels waiting to transit the crucial route, which accounts for roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Stock markets worldwide moved higher as investor sentiment improved on hopes that the ceasefire in the Iran conflict could be extended, as per AP.

In Europe, major indices including the FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX each gained about 0.5%.

Across Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed 2.4%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.7% to 26,394.26. Meanwhile, China’s Shanghai Composite Index closed 0.7% higher.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi again asserted the significance of keeping the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US in place in his latest phone call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, as per Bloomberg.

“Japan supports, along with other countries, the diplomatic efforts towards a final agreement,” a government statement read.

The army said it recovered over 130 weapons, including automatic rifles and pistols, in Bint Jbeil, which has become a key focus of its latest offensive in southern Lebanon, as per AP.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of carrying out operations from within civilian buildings.

Iran’s state television says on its Telegram channel that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has met with Gen. Asim Munir, the head of Pakistan’s army.

The TV network didn’t immediately provide further details. (AP)

An Israeli drone strike killed two brothers in the northern Gaza area of Beit Lahiya on Thursday, according to health officials at Al-Shifa Hospital, where the bodies were brought, as per AP.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.

The brothers were reportedly killed near their home, close to the “Yellow Line”, a boundary established under the ceasefire agreement that separates Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza from the rest of the territory.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Qatar as part of a regional tour focused on discussions surrounding the ongoing US–Iran peace process and broader efforts to enhance stability in the Middle East, as per AP.

According to a statement from his office, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi welcomed Sharif upon his arrival in Doha on Thursday. During the visit, Sharif is expected to hold talks with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, is scheduled to meet Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday as part of efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and facilitate a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran following nearly seven weeks of conflict, as per AP.

In a related development, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during a phone call that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a matter of global importance. While emphasising that Iran’s sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights as a coastal state must be respected, he also stressed the need to ensure freedom of navigation and safe passage through the vital waterway.

Iran and the United States have achieved limited progress in negotiations being mediated by Pakistan, but significant differences remain more than halfway into a two-week ceasefire, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear programme, a senior Iranian official said on Thursday, reported Reuters.

The official noted that the recent visit of Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, to Tehran helped narrow gaps on some issues, though core disagreements, especially in the nuclear domain, continue unresolved. However, the talks have raised optimism about extending the truce and moving toward a second round of negotiations.

Key sticking points include the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the duration of restrictions on its nuclear activities, both of which remain unresolved.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to travel to Paris on Friday to take part in a multinational conference aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to his office, as per AP.

The meeting, jointly organised by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seeks to reduce disruptions and ease pressure on shipping through the strategically vital waterway.

Meanwhile, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is expected to join the discussions virtually, while other leaders are still determining how they will participate.

Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran and received a warm reception from Iranian officials as Islamabad attempts to facilitate the resumption of US–Iran talks after the two sides failed to reach a peace agreement during weekend discussions in Islamabad, as per Bloomberg.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s military, Field Marshal Munir and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with a delegation of officials, reached Iran’s capital on Wednesday as part of ongoing mediation efforts. The statement also shared a photograph showing Munir in military uniform being greeted by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Lebanon is unaware of any planned contact with Israel, an official source told AFP, after US President Donald Trump said the leaders of the two countries would speak on Thursday.

“We are not aware of any planned contact with the Israeli side, and we have not been informed of any through official channels,” AFP reported, citing a source.

The Iran war had greatly complicated the global strategic landscape, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Thursday as he announced a major increase in Australian military spending.

Marles released the latest two-year update of Australia’s defence strategy and said an additional 53 billion Australian dollars (USD 38 billion) in spending on defence was planned over the next decade.

Australia’s defence budget would grow from 2.8 per cent of GDP this year to 3 per cent by 2033 as “Australia faces its most complex and threatening strategic circumstances since the end of World War II,” Marles said.

According to the statement, Sharif assured Saudi Arabia of Pakistan’s “full solidarity and support” and praised what he described as the Kingdom’s restraint under the crown prince’s leadership.

Pakistan has a defense agreement with the Kingdom, which has faced retaliatory attacks from Iran in recent weeks, causing damage.

Military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader says he does not support extending ceasefire, according to state media