{"id":899711,"date":"2026-04-17T13:11:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T18:11:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/17\/iran-us-war-news-live-updates-iran-warns-to-sink-american-ships-enforcing-military-blockade-in-hormuz-strait\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T13:11:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T18:11:58","slug":"iran-us-war-news-live-updates-iran-warns-to-sink-american-ships-enforcing-military-blockade-in-hormuz-strait","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/17\/iran-us-war-news-live-updates-iran-warns-to-sink-american-ships-enforcing-military-blockade-in-hormuz-strait\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran US War News LIVE Updates: Iran warns to \u2018sink American ships\u2019 enforcing military blockade in Hormuz Strait"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776372242679\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 02:14:02 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: UAE advisor Iran \u201cmain enemy\u201d, cites missile and drone attacks on Gulf states<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>UAE presidential diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash said Gulf states view Iran as the \u201cmain enemy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He said the Gulf perspective differs from some Arab societies that see Israel as the primary adversary.<\/p>\n<p>Gargash said Iran has launched \u201cthousands of missiles and drones\u201d against Gulf states, shaping distrust in the region.<\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cFor this reason we do not trust it, and we view it as a primary enemy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He raised concerns over Iran\u2019s nuclear program and its ballistic missile and drone capabilities.<\/p>\n<p>Gargash said the UAE has questions and security concerns regarding Iran\u2019s military activities.<\/p>\n<p>He said Iran is seeking guarantees and reparations, but the UAE also wants assurances against future attacks.<\/p>\n<p>He described past strikes as \u201ccowardly attacks\u201d and called for guarantees they will not be repeated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776372015097\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 02:10:14 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Iran\u2019s UN envoy welcomes diplomacy but warns US: \u201cDeep mistrust\u2026 repeated betrayal&#8217;<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Iran\u2019s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Tehran supports diplomatic efforts to end the conflict through a \u201csustainable end to this unlawful and unwarranted war.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He said Iran welcomes mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia.<\/p>\n<p>Iravani said Iran enters negotiations \u201cin good faith\u201d but with \u201cdeep mistrust of the United States\u201d due to what he called repeated betrayal of diplomacy.<\/p>\n<p>He said Iran remains \u201ccautiously optimistic\u201d about the outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts.<\/p>\n<p>He urged the US to adopt a \u201crational and constructive approach\u201d in negotiations.<\/p>\n<p>He warned against demands from Washington that are \u201cinconsistent with international law.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776366900616\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 12:45:00 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Netanyahu rejects Hezbollah demand, vows Israeli Forces will stay in Southern Lebanon<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<p>Security zone could extend up to the border with Syria<\/p>\n<p>Hezbollah insists any ceasefire must restrict Israel\u2019s freedom of movement in Lebanon<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776366315372\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 12:35:14 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Netanyahu backs 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon, insists Hezbollah must be dismantled<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says there is an \u201copportunity to make a historic deal\u201d with Lebanon, confirms agreement to a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon<\/p>\n<p>Netanyahu reiterates Israel\u2019s core demand: dismantling of Hezbollah<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776366132650\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 12:32:12 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Trump says Lebanon-Israel ceasefire will include Hezbollah<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Trump says he had \u201ca great talk\u201d with Joseph Aoun and Benjamin Netanyahu, announces both the leaders \u201care going to be having a ceasefire,\u201d which he says will include Hezbollah, signals momentum toward broader de-escalation in the Israel-Lebanon conflict<\/p>\n<p>Trump says Aoun and Netanyahu expected to meet within the next 1\u20132 weeks, suggests a White House meeting could happen sooner, possibly within 4\u20135 days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776365941385\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 12:29:01 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Trump hints at breakthrough as Lebanon-Israel talks loom<\/h2>\n<p>Trump says a Lebanon\u2013Israel deal could be reached soon, signals possible meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders within 1\u20132 weeks, says talks could take place at the White House, calls it the \u201cfirst time in 44 years\u201d Lebanon and Israel would meet directly<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776365607840\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 12:23:27 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Iran has agreed to return enriched uranium, says Trump<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Trump also claimed that Iran had agreed to return material buried deep underground, referring to it as \u201cnuclear dust,\u201d following US airstrikes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey&#8217;ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that&#8217;s way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776365450288\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 12:20:50 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Trump says Iran \u2018agrees\u2019 to no nuclear weapons<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Trump said Iran had made a firm commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, calling it a central objective of US policy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe 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&#8217;d have problems,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo very important is that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon, and they&#8217;ve agreed to that. Iran has agreed to that, and they&#8217;ve agreed to it very powerfully.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776365219198\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 12:16:58 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Trump signals ceasefire extension if Iran deal near<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Trump signals openness to extending deadline if talks are nearing a deal<\/p>\n<p>14-day ceasefire is set to expire on April 22<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we\u2019re close to a deal\u2026 yeah, I would do that,\u201d Trump tells reporters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776364923872\">\n<p>17 Apr 2026, 12:12:03 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Trump says US \u2018making a lot of progress\u2019 on Iran deal, warns fighting could resume if no agreement<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Trump says US \u2018making a lot of progress\u2019 on Iran deal, warns fighting could resume if no agreement is reached. Trump says prospects for a deal are \u201clooking good\u201d, but warns fighting could resume if no agreement is reached.<\/p>\n<p>Suggests ceasefire may not need extension due to Iran\u2019s increased flexibility<\/p>\n<p>Says Iran is now willing to make concessions it previously resisted<\/p>\n<p>Indicates next round of US-Iran talks could take place over the weekend<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776360039710\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 10:50:39 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: US military expands contraband list under Iran blockade, includes civilian goods<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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 \u201cregardless of location&#8221;, as per <i>AP<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p>In a notice released on Thursday, the military said any goods \u201cdestined for an enemy and that may be susceptible to use in armed conflict\u201d could be \u201csubject to capture at any place beyond neutral territory.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The list includes weapons, ammunition, and military equipment under \u201cabsolute contraband.\u201d It also categorises items such as oil, iron, steel, aluminium, and certain civilian goods as \u201cconditional contraband,\u201d arguing that they could potentially be used for military purposes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776359111322\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 10:35:11 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam welcomes Trump announcement of ceasefire \u2014 Here&#8217;s what he said.<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that achieving a ceasefire was Lebanon\u2019s main objective during landmark discussions held in Washington on Tuesday between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States, as per AP.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhile 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,\u201d Salam said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776358043409\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 10:17:23 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: China urges protection of Strait of Hormuz, calls for Iran to ensure open navigation; envoy Fu Cong reacts<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>China\u2019s envoy Fu Cong said the Strait of Hormuz must be protected to ensure international maritime navigation, urging Iran to take \u201cproactive measures\u201d to reopen the waterway.<\/p>\n<p>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 <i>AP<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe issue of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the conflict in Iran,\u201d he said. \u201cOnly a complete ceasefire can fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776356625601\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 09:53:45 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Iran blasts US\u2019 \u2018financial bombing\u2019 threat as \u2018inhumane\u2019<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Iran\u2019s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei criticises Scott Bessent&#8217;s economic threats, says such measures harm \u201cinnocent people\u201d, calls the approach an \u201cinhumane mindset\u201d, describes US actions as \u201ceconomic terrorism\u201d, also labels them \u201cstate-sponsored extortion\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Comments refer to Bessent\u2019s warning of a \u201cfinancial equivalent\u201d of a bombing campaign.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776356266426\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 09:47:46 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Trump to invite Netanyahu, Aoun for Israel-Lebanon talks<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>US President Donald Trump says he will invite leaders of Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon President Joseph Aoun to the White House<\/p>\n<p>Talks described as the first meaningful engagement between the two countries since 1983<\/p>\n<p>Meeting aimed at advancing peace between Israel and Lebanon<\/p>\n<p>Trump says \u201cboth sides want to see PEACE\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Expresses confidence that a breakthrough could happen \u201cquickly\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776355398994\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 09:33:18 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Trump claims Israel and Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Donald Trump claims Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire<\/p>\n<p>Ceasefire to begin at 5 p.m. EST, aimed at achieving peace between the two countries<\/p>\n<p>Trump says he spoke with Joseph Aoun and Benjamin Netanyahu<\/p>\n<p>Trump says he directed JD Vance, Rubio, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to work on a lasting peace<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776354287236\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 09:14:47 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Brazil plans fresh steps to ease fuel price pressures amid Iran conflict<\/h2>\n<p>Brazil\u2019s government is set to announce new measures in the coming days aimed at reducing the economic fallout from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, including efforts to limit increases in gasoline prices, Institutional Relations Minister Jos\u00e9 Guimar\u00e3es said on Thursday, as per Reuters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776354194470\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 09:13:14 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Dollar edges higher as investors await clarity on US\u2013Iran deal<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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\u2013Iran peace agreement, as per Reuters.<\/p>\n<p>US President Donald Trump said that the US-Israeli conflict with Iran was \u201cclose to over,\u201d while the White House signalled optimism about a possible deal, noting that further in-person negotiations are likely to take place in Pakistan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776351810140\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 08:33:29 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Lebanon thanks Trump for ceasefire efforts, rejects direct talks with Israel for now<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The office of Lebanon\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The statement said Trump emphasised \u201chis commitment to fulfilling the Lebanese request for a ceasefire as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776350856151\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 08:17:35 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Germany&#8217;s Hapag-Lloyd reports impact of Hormuz blockade as sailors remain stranded<\/h2>\n<p>Germany\u2019s largest shipping company, Hapag-Lloyd, said it is being affected by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with around 150 sailors currently stranded aboard six of its vessels. \u201cFive and a half weeks in a war zone \u2014 that\u2019s something relatively new. And of course, these are difficult days and weeks for our colleagues,\u201d Hapag Lloyd spokesperson Nils Haupt told AP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776350020812\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 08:03:40 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Houthi leader criticises US demands, calls ceasefire a result of failures<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group, said that in its negotiations with Iran, the United States was making \u201cimpossible demands for any independent country to accept.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In a video address on Thursday, he also claimed that the ongoing two-week ceasefire was the outcome of \u201cfailures\u201d by the US and Israel to achieve their objectives in the war with Iran.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf negotiations succeed, it will either result in a longer period of stability or an end to the aggression,\u201d he said, as per AP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776349039549\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 07:47:19 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: 260 women, 172 children killed in Israeli strikes, says Lebanon<\/h2>\n<p>Lebanon\u2019s Health Ministry reported that since the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, the death toll includes 260 women and 172 children. It added that another 7,185 people have been injured in the fighting, as per AP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776348910807\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 07:45:10 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Second round of US-Iran talks not yet decided, says Pakistan<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>&#8220;There are no dates yet,\u201d Pakistan\u2019s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday, reported AP.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will announce the timing of these talks as and when it is decided,\u201d he said, urging the media to avoid speculation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776347161343\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 07:16:00 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: \u2018Ultimately, they need to come to the table and make deal,\u2019 says Hegseth on Iran<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon that \u201cultimately, they need to come to the table and make a deal.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He said the US will ensure Iran never has a nuclear weapon.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019d 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,\u201d Hegseth said. (AP)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776345814383\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 06:53:34 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Israel warns Iran of consequences amid widening regional tensions<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Israel\u2019s Defence Minister Israel Katz cautioned Tehran that it faces a choice \u201cbetween a bridge to the future and an abyss of isolation and destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He warned that if Iran chooses the latter path, it would \u201cquickly discover that the targets we have not yet struck until now are even more painful than what we have already struck&#8221;, as per AP.<\/p>\n<p>Katz also portrayed Israel\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776344854983\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 06:37:35 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Tehran unable to rebuild military strength amid conflict, says US defense secretary Hegseth<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>He reiterated this point several times at the start of his morning briefing, stating, \u201cYou can move things around, but you can\u2019t actually rebuild,\u201d as he addressed Tehran\u2019s leadership and asserted that the country no longer has a viable defense industry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs 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,\u201d Hegseth stated, telling Iran the conflict \u201cis not a fair fight\u201d given US power.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776343997390\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 06:23:17 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: So far no ships have had to be boarded under blockade of Iranian ports, says Caine<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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,<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>So far, no ships have been boarded, with Caine noting, \u201cThirteen ships have made the wise choice of turning around.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776343718417\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 06:18:39 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: US using limited naval strength in Iran blockade, says defense secretary Hegseth<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a briefing on Thursday that the US Navy is deploying \u201cless than 10% of America\u2019s naval power\u201d to enforce the blockade against Iran.<\/p>\n<p>He added, \u201cThe math is clear. We\u2019re using 10% of the world\u2019s most powerful navy, and you have 0% of your Navy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776342737960\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 06:02:17 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Iran pushes for Lebanon ceasefire amid ongoing regional tension<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Iranian news website NourNews reported that Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the influential speaker of Iran\u2019s parliament, highlighted the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon during a phone conversation with his Lebanese counterpart Nabih Berri, as per AP.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA ceasefire in Lebanon is as important to us as a ceasefire in Iran,\u201d he reportedly said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776342054625\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 05:50:54 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Trump meets with US ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>In a post on X, the embassy said the leaders met Wednesday and \u201caffirmed their commitment to ongoing talks and the Embassy\u2019s efforts in Beirut to support the restoration of Lebanon\u2019s monopoly of force and sovereignty.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776340301425\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 05:21:41 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Tehran proposes letting ships sail through Oman side of Hormuz without risk of attack, says report<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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\u2019s position, reported Reuters. The offer is reportedly contingent on reaching a broader agreement to prevent any renewed conflict.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776339117026\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 05:01:57 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Global markets rally on optimism over possible Iran ceasefire extension<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Stock markets worldwide moved higher as investor sentiment improved on hopes that the ceasefire in the Iran conflict could be extended, as per AP.<\/p>\n<p>In Europe, major indices including the FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX each gained about 0.5%.<\/p>\n<p>Across Asia, Japan\u2019s Nikkei 225 closed 2.4%, while Hong Kong\u2019s Hang Seng Index rose 1.7% to 26,394.26. Meanwhile, China\u2019s Shanghai Composite Index closed 0.7% higher.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776337376771\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 04:32:56 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Japan\u2019s Foreign Minister calls for diplomacy in call with Iranian counterpart<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJapan supports, along with other countries, the diplomatic efforts towards a final agreement,\u201d a government statement read.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776336013925\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 04:10:13 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Israeli military claims weapons seized in southern Lebanon offensive<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Israel has accused Hezbollah of carrying out operations from within civilian buildings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776335946752\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 04:09:06 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Iranian parliament speaker Qalibaf meets Pakistan\u2019s army chief Asim Munir<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Iran\u2019s state television says on its Telegram channel that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has met with Gen. Asim Munir, the head of Pakistan\u2019s army.<\/p>\n<p>The TV network didn\u2019t immediately provide further details. (AP)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776334608314\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 03:46:47 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Israeli drone strike in Beit Lahiya kills two brothers near ceasefire boundary<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.<\/p>\n<p>The brothers were reportedly killed near their home, close to the \u201cYellow Line\u201d, a boundary established under the ceasefire agreement that separates Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza from the rest of the territory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776332799599\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 03:16:39 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Israeli strike destroys key bridge connecting southern Lebanon, says report<\/h2>\n<p>An Israeli strike has cut off the final bridge linking southern Lebanon with the rest of the country, a senior Lebanese security official told Reuters, stating that the attack completely destroyed the structure and left it beyond repair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776332316613\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 03:08:36 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif visits Qatar to discuss US\u2013Iran peace efforts and regional stability<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Pakistan\u2019s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Qatar as part of a regional tour focused on discussions surrounding the ongoing US\u2013Iran peace process and broader efforts to enhance stability in the Middle East, as per AP.<\/p>\n<p>According to a statement from his office, Qatar\u2019s 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\u2019s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776331963835\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 03:02:43 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Pakistan army chief Asim Munir to meet Iranian officials<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Pakistan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>In a related development, China\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776331654805\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 02:57:34 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Progress reported in US\u2013Iran talks, but key nuclear disputes persist, says a senior Iranian official<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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\u2019s nuclear programme, a senior Iranian official said on Thursday, reported Reuters.<\/p>\n<p>The official noted that the recent visit of Pakistan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Key sticking points include the future of Iran\u2019s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the duration of restrictions on its nuclear activities, both of which remain unresolved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776330745268\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 02:42:25 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: European leaders to convene in Paris to address Strait of Hormuz shipping concerns<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Norway\u2019s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St\u00f8re is expected to join the discussions virtually, while other leaders are still determining how they will participate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776329727784\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 02:25:27 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Pakistan&#8217;s army chief arrives in Tehran amid renewed mediation push between US and Iran<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>Pakistan\u2019s army chief, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran and received a warm reception from Iranian officials as Islamabad attempts to facilitate the resumption of US\u2013Iran talks after the two sides failed to reach a peace agreement during weekend discussions in Islamabad, as per <i>Bloomberg<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p>According to a statement from Pakistan\u2019s military, Field Marshal Munir and Pakistan\u2019s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with a delegation of officials, reached Iran\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776329280317\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 02:18:00 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Pakistan signals optimism over US\u2013Iran talks amid efforts to ease West Asia tensions, says report<\/h2>\n<p>Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran aimed at fully ending hostilities in West Asia, Pakistani officials have expressed optimism about a possible \u201cmajor breakthrough\u201d in the negotiations, particularly regarding Iran\u2019s nuclear programme, according to Al Jazeera, which cited sources. The report said this development comes after Islamabad stepped up diplomatic outreach to help reduce tensions in the region, with a second round of talks potentially on the horizon following an inconclusive first round.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776328139910\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 01:58:59 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Lebanon unaware of Israel talks<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are not aware of any planned contact with the Israeli side, and we have not been informed of any through official channels,&#8221; AFP reported, citing a source.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776328046914\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 01:57:26 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Iran to move entire education system online<\/h2>\n<p>Iran has decided to move its entire education system online starting April 21, according to media reports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776326294668\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 01:28:14 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Iran detains spying suspects<\/h2>\n<p>Iran arrested four suspected spies, state media agency IRNA reported citing a Revolutionary Guards statement claiming they were linked to Israeli spy agency Mossad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776324228816\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 12:53:48 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Dates for next round of US-Iran talks not decided <\/h2>\n<p>Pakistan foreign ministry said no dates have been decided for the next round of talks between US, Iran<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776322164506\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 12:19:24 PM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Australia boosts military spending as Iran war makes global impact<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Marles released the latest two-year update of Australia&#8217;s defence strategy and said an additional 53 billion Australian dollars (USD 38 billion) in spending on defence was planned over the next decade.<\/p>\n<p>Australia&#8217;s defence budget would grow from 2.8 per cent of GDP this year to 3 per cent by 2033 as &#8220;Australia faces its most complex and threatening strategic circumstances since the end of World War II,&#8221; Marles said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776319781998\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 11:39:41 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: US and Iran weigh truce extension <\/h2>\n<p>The US and Iran are considering a two-week ceasefire extension to allow more time to negotiate a peace deal, according to Bloomberg citing a person familiar with the matter, reducing the risk of renewed fighting despite an intensifying standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"liveblog_11776318491208\">\n<p>16 Apr 2026, 11:18:11 AM IST<\/p>\n<h2>US Iran War News LIVE: Pak PM Sharif praises Saudi restraint<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>According to the statement, Sharif assured Saudi Arabia of Pakistan&#8217;s &#8220;full solidarity and support&#8221; and praised what he described as the Kingdom&#8217;s restraint under the crown prince&#8217;s leadership.<\/p>\n<p>Pakistan has a defense agreement with the Kingdom, which has faced retaliatory attacks from Iran in recent weeks, causing damage.<\/p>\n<p>Military adviser to Iran&#8217;s supreme leader says he does not support extending ceasefire, according to state media<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livemint.com\/news\/world\/iran-us-war-news-live-updates-april-16-russian-oil-india-china-trump-hormuz-blockade-brent-crude-oil-price-today-israel-11776299667844.html\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><br \/>\n Larisa Serna<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>17 Apr 2026, 02:14:02 AM IST US Iran War News LIVE: UAE advisor Iran \u201cmain enemy\u201d, cites missile and drone attacks on Gulf states UAE presidential diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash said Gulf states view Iran as the \u201cmain enemy.\u201d He said the Gulf perspective differs from some Arab societies that see Israel as the primary<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":899712,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[802,359],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-899711","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-updates","8":"category-warns"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/899711","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=899711"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/899711\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/899712"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=899711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=899711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=899711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}