Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire Highlights | Trump says US had very good talks with Iran in last 24 hours

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump announces new 'Project Freedom'

On Monday, Trump a new ship mission, 'Project Freedom' on social media to enable stuck ‌ships to travel through the Strait of Hormuz, the first apparent attempt to make ​use of naval power to unblock the world's most important energy shipping route.

On Truth Social, he shared an update regarding the movement, stating, "Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship."

He further wrote, "Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission! We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, “fast” Boats. It’s all they have left. Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait."

He earlier was quoted by Fox News, as he threatened that Iran would be "blown off the face of the earth" if it attacks US ships.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US says it sinks Iranian small boats, shoots down missiles, drones as it opens Strait

On Monday, the US military said it destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones as Tehran sought to block a new US naval effort to open shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US targeted 2 civilian boats carrying goods towards Iran; 5 civilians killed: Iranian media

Iranian media, citing military source, says US targeted two civilian boats carrying goods towards Iran, not IRGC speedboats. They also reported that five civilians were killed.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | UAE reports attacks for first time since ceasefire announcement

Agencies reported that UAE was a target of missiles and drone attacks from Iran, the attack being the first since the US-Iran ceasefire that was announced almost a month ago.

"These attacks represent a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable transgression, posing a direct threat to the state's security, stability, and the safety of its territories," the UAE's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | First Russian oil arrives in Japan since Iran war: media

Japan has taken delivery of its first stockpile of oil from Russia since global supplies were choked off by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the Iran war, reports said.

A tanker carrying crude that was produced as part of a Sakhalin-2 natural gas development project reached the coast of Imabari in western Japan on Monday, TV Tokyo, the Asahi Shimbun daily and other media said Monday, citing unnamed officials of wholesaler Taiyo Oil.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran's foreign minister Araghchi says 'Project Freedom is Project Deadlock'

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | South Korea to probe ship fire in Strait of Hormuz, Trump blames Iranian attack

Seoul said that authorities will investigate the cause of an explosion and ‌fire on a South Korean-operated ship ​in the Strait of Hormuz in an incident Trump blamed on an Iranian attack.

"The exact cause of the accident would be figured out after the vessel is towed and its damage is assessed," South Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

South ⁠Korea's Blue ⁠House convened ‌a ​meeting ​led ⁠by Presidential Chief of ⁠Staff Kang ‌Hoon-sik to ‌discuss ⁠the fire on ‌the ‌ship, ⁠agencies reported.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Attack on UAE's Fujairah, which injured three Indian nationals is unacceptable: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday condemned the attack on United Arab Emirates' Fujairah, which injured three Indian nationals.

"The attack on Fujairah that resulted in injury to three Indian nationals is unacceptable. We call for immediate cessation of these hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians. India continues to stand for dialogue and diplomacy to deal with the situation, so that peace and stability may be restored across West Asia," the MEA statement read.

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Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Fire breaks out on commercial vessels at Iran’s port of Dayyer: Reports

A fire ⁠broke out ⁠on ‌several commercial ​vessels at a dock ​in ⁠Iran’s southern port of ⁠Dayyer, semi-official ‌Mehr News agency ‌reported, adding ‌that firefighters ‌were working ‌to ‌contain the blaze ⁠and ⁠the cause of the incident was unknown.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Ghalibaf says the continuation of the status quo is 'unsustainable' for the US

Taking to his social media handle, Ghalibaf said that a new equation in the Strait of Hormuz is in the process of being solidified.

"The security of shipping and energy transit has been jeopardized by the United States and its allies through the violation of the ceasefire and the imposition of a blockade; of course, their evil will diminish," the post read.

"We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet," the post concluded.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | PM Modi condemns attack on UAE that resulted in injuries to 3 Indian nationals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on UAE, saying "targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable". In a post on X, he wrote, "Strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable."

"India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Ensuring safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for enduring regional peace, stability and global energy security," he said.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | South Korea is reviewing participation in Trump's 'Project Freedom: Reports

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | 'These positions ​affirm that ​Iran ⁠is aggressor ⁠party': UAE President advisor

"These ‌positions ​affirm that ​Iran ⁠is the aggressor ⁠party, ‌responsible for ‌exacerbating ⁠the crisis in ‌the ‌Gulf, ‌and ‌the source ⁠of ⁠danger and threat ​to its ​security ​and ​stability," said Anwar Gargash, advisor ​to UAE's President.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran foreign minister Araqchi heads for China, ministry says

Iranian ⁠Foreign Minister ⁠Abbas Araqchi ‌is ​travelling to Beijing ​on ⁠Tuesday for talks ⁠with ‌his Chinese counterpart ‌on ⁠bilateral ties and ‌regional ‌and international ‌developments, ‌his ministry ⁠said.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | UAE restricts airspace after Iranian missile, drone attack

The ​United Arab Emirates restricted flights to a handful of ⁠approved routes until at ⁠least May ‌11 and activated ​emergency security protocols, according to Notices to Air Men (NOTAMs) published by its ​General ⁠Civil Aviation Authority.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US warns any Iran attack on shipping will be met with 'devastating' response

The United States is "not looking for a fight" over the Strait of Hormuz, but any Iranian attack on shipping will be met with a "devastating" response, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said Tuesday.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iranian attacks so far below threshold for restarting combat operations, says Top US general

Top ⁠US General ⁠Dan ‌Caine said on ​Tuesday that Iran's ​attacks ⁠on ships in the ⁠Strait ‌of Hormuz have ‌so ⁠far not met ‌the ‌threshold that ‌would ‌require the United States ⁠to ⁠restart combat operations.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US forces ready to resume major combat ops against Iran if ordered: Top US officer

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | We would urge Iran to be prudent in actions they take: Pete Hegseth

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Will not entangle Iran war into some nation-building project: Pete Hegseth

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Hegseth says Iran ceasefire still in effect

US ⁠Defense ⁠Secretary Pete ‌Hegseth ​said on ​Tuesday ⁠the ceasefire with ⁠Iran ‌is not ‌over but ⁠Tehran should be ‌prudent ‌in ‌its ‌actions.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | UAE says air defences dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran

The United ⁠Arab Emirates' defence ⁠ministry ‌said ​on Tuesday that its ​air ⁠defences were dealing with missile and ⁠drone ‌attacks coming from ‌Iran, ⁠a second day of ‌attacks ‌after a ‌four-week ‌period of relative ⁠calm since ⁠the United States announced a ceasefire.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | 'Iran knows what not to do': Trump on violating ceasefire

President ⁠Donald ⁠Trump ‌on Tuesday dismissed ​Iran's military ​capability ⁠and when asked what could ⁠constitute ‌a ‌violation ⁠of a fragile ‌ceasefire, ‌said: "They ‌know ‌what not to ⁠do."

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | 'Iran is playing games but they want a deal': Trump

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump calls Iran war a 'little skirmish'

President Donald Trump on Tuesday sought to minimize the war with Iran, calling it "a little skirmish."

"We're in a little skirmish military. I call it a skirmish, because Iran has no chance. They never did. They know it," Trump said during an Oval Office event on physical fitness among American kids.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says Iran "should wave the white flag of surrender"

President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed Iran's military ⁠capability and said Tehran "should wave the ⁠white flag of surrender" ‌but is too ​proud to do so.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump urges Iran to 'do the smart thing'

US President Donald Trump urged Iran Tuesday to "do the smart thing" and make a deal, saying even as a Middle East ceasefire teetered that he did not want to kill more Iranians.

"They should do the smart thing, because we don't want to go in and kill people. Really don't," Trump told reporters.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran Guards vow 'firm response' if ships diverge from declared Hormuz corridor

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned on Tuesday that they would respond firmly to any ships that diverge from the Islamic republic's approved route through the Strait of Hormuz.

"We warn all vessels planning to transit the Strait of Hormuz that the only safe passage is the corridor previously announced by Iran. Any diversion of ships to other routes is dangerous and will result in a firm response from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy," it said in a statement carried by state television.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US and Bahrain push UN-backed action for Hormuz as Washington seeks maritime coalition

U.N. Security Council members will begin talks on Tuesday on a U.S.- and Bahrain-backed draft resolution that could lead to sanctions against Iran, and potentially authorise force, if Tehran fails to halt attacks and threats to commercial ⁠shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, three Western diplomats said.

Fresh exchanges of fire on Monday underscored the stakes as the U.S. and Iran struggle for control ⁠of the narrow waterway, a vital artery for global energy and trade, shaking a fragile four-week-old truce and reinforcing ‌rival maritime blockades.

The U.S. diplomatic push at the United ​Nations is in stark contrast to recent months during which it has largely acted outside the U.N. framework, launching military strikes against Iran without seeking council authorisation and pressing allies to join ad hoc naval patrols to enforce freedom of navigation. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran sets up new mechanism to manage vessel transit through Hormuz

​Iran has set up a new ⁠mechanism to manage ⁠the transit ‌of vessels ​through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Press ​TV reported ⁠on Tuesday.

Iran has warned the U.S. ⁠Navy ‌to stay out of the ‌Strait of Hormuz ⁠and that commercial vessels ‌will ‌need to coordinate ‌any passage with ‌its military. It also issued a ⁠new ⁠map of the strait with an expanded Iranian area of control. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran says it has not carried out attacks against the UAE in recent days

Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command ⁠said on Tuesday ⁠it has ‌not carried ​out attacks against the United Arab Emirates in ​recent ⁠days, yet warned of a "crushing response" if any ⁠action ‌is carried out by ‌the Gulf country against ⁠Iran.

The UAE was subject ‌to a ‌second day of ‌what ‌it said were missile and drone attacks from ⁠Iran ⁠after four weeks of relative calm since the United States announced a ​ceasefire. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Rubio says Israel-Lebanon peace deal is achievable but Hezbollah is a problem

U.S. Secretary ⁠of State Marco ‌Rubio said ​on Tuesday that peace between Israel and Lebanon ​was ⁠achievable but that Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was ⁠a ‌problem. "By and large, I think ‌a peace ⁠deal between Lebanon and Israel is ‌imminently ‌achievable, and should ‌be," Rubio ‌told reporters in a White House press ⁠briefing.

"The ⁠problem with Israel and Lebanon is not Israel or Lebanon, it's Hezbollah." (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Cargo vessel struck by projectile at Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says

A ⁠cargo vessel ⁠has ‌been ​struck by an unknown projectile ​within ⁠the Strait of ⁠Hormuz, ‌the United Kingdom Maritime ‌Trade ⁠Operations agency said ‌on ‌Tuesday, ‌adding that ‌the environmental impact ⁠from ⁠the incident was unknown. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Rubio calls Hormuz resolution test for UN, urges against vetoes

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday called a U.S.-proposed U.N. resolution demanding Iran stop attacks and laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz a test of the utility of the United Nations and urged China and Russia ⁠not to repeat vetoes.

U.N. Security Council members began closed talks on Tuesday on a text the U.S. drafted with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and ⁠Qatar, which, if it were to pass, could lead to sanctions against Iran, and potentially authorize force, if Tehran fails to ‌halt attacks and threats to commercial shipping.

Fresh exchanges of fire ​on Monday underscored the stakes as the U.S. and Iran struggle for control of the narrow waterway, a vital artery for global energy and trade, shaking a fragile four-week-old truce and reinforcing rival maritime blockades. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Rubio says he hopes China tells Iran its actions in the Strait are causing its global isolation

U.S. Secretary ⁠of State Marco ⁠Rubio told ‌reporters ​at the White House ​on ⁠Tuesday that he hopes China tells ⁠Iran ‌what it is ‌doing ⁠in the Strait of ‌Hormuz is ‌causing ‌Tehran ‌to be globally isolated. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | CS Anthem chemical tanker becomes second US-flagged vessel to exit Strait of Hormuz

The CS Anthem chemical tanker exited the Strait of Hormuz on ⁠Monday, its operator said on Tuesday, becoming the second commercial U.S.-flagged vessel known ⁠to do so while accompanied by U.S. ‌military assets.

Maersk said on ​Monday that the Alliance Fairfax, a U.S.-flagged vehicle carrier operated by its Farrell Lines subsidiary, had exited the Gulf via the Strait.

Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions, which operates the CS Anthem, said in a statement: "The Crowley-managed ​vessel, CS Anthem, has ⁠safely completed its transit through the Strait of Hormuz." (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | UAE president receives calls from leaders including Israeli PM Netanyahu condemning Iranian attacks, state news agency says

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin ⁠Zayed Al ⁠Nahyan received ‌calls from ​regional leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning ​what ⁠they described as Iranian attacks on civilians and ⁠civilian ‌facilities in the UAE, ‌the state ⁠news agency WAM said on Wednesday.

The ‌leader "affirmed ‌their countries' solidarity ‌with ‌the UAE and support for measures it takes ⁠to ⁠safeguard its security and stability and ensure the safety of its ​citizens," WAM ​added. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says operation to reopen Strait of Hormuz will be 'paused'

US President Donald Trump ⁠said ‌on ​Tuesday that the operation to ​reopen ⁠the Strait of Hormuz, dubbed "Project Freedom" ⁠by ‌the U.S., will ‌be ⁠paused for a short period ‌to ‌see whether ‌an ‌agreement can be finalized ⁠and signed, ⁠although the blockade will remain in force. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Eight dead in fire at shopping centre west of Tehran, Iranian media say

At least eight people died and ⁠36 were hurt after a fire ⁠broke out in ‌a shopping centre ​west of Tehran on Tuesday, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported.

The local fire department said ​the cladding ⁠of the building was flammable and this contributed to a rapid spread of flames, the ⁠judiciary's ‌Mizan news agency reported. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Rubio and Lavrov talk Ukraine, Iran in call: State Dept

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by telephone Tuesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to the State Department, on a day of deadly Russian attacks in cities across Ukraine, reports AFP.

The two, who spoke at Lavrov's request, "discussed the US-Russia relationship, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Iran," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a brief statement that provided no other details.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran's top diplomat holds talks with Chinese counterpart in Beijing

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi for talks in Beijing on Wednesday, according to China's Xinhua news agency, reported AFP.

China is a key customer for Iranian oil, defying sanctions imposed by the United States as Washington seeks to choke off revenue to Tehran.

Xinhua did not immediately provide more details about the talks.

Araghchi arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning, Iranian local media reported.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Operation Epic Fury against Iran concluded, Rubio says amid escalating tensions

US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Wednesday said that Operation Epic Fury against Iran is concluded and added that US has achieved all its objectives.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran says no damage after drone interception near Qeshm: Report

A loud noise heard ⁠on Qeshm island ⁠in southern ‌Iran was ​caused by air defences intercepting small drones ​and ⁠reconnaissance drones, the Hormozgan provincial authorities said ⁠according ‌to the Students News ‌Network, adding that ⁠no impact, damage or ‌explosion ‌had occurred.

Drone interceptions ‌by ‌Iranian air defences have taken place several ⁠times ⁠in recent weeks, notably over Tehran, despite a ceasefire with ​the US

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran enforces new 'sovereign' transit rules in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has launched a new regulatory mechanism to assert control over maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, implementing a system that requires vessels to secure prior authorisation before transiting the waterway, reported ANI.

According to a report by Iran’s state-run Press TV, shipping companies planning to navigate the chokepoint will now receive electronic instructions from an address affiliated with the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), added the report.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US wants 'concrete actions' on Iran from next Iraqi PM

he United States is looking for "concrete actions" by Iraq's next prime minister to distance the state from pro-Iran armed groups before resuming financial shipments and security aid, a senior official said Tuesday, reports AFP.

Iraq's ruling coalition has put forward Ali al-Zaidi as the next leader and he quickly received a congratulatory call from President Donald Trump, who had threatened to end all US support if former frontrunner Nouri al-Maliki took office.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US to close consulate in Pakistan's Peshawar citing safety concerns

 The United States will close its consulate in Pakistan's Peshawar, ⁠citing the safety of its ⁠diplomats, the State ‌Department said ​in a statement published on Tuesday.

The US embassy in Islamabad will handle all ​diplomatic engagement with ⁠Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Peshawar is the capital, the State Department said.

"This decision ⁠reflects ‌our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic ‌personnel and efficient resource ⁠management," the statement said.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Tehran is only looking for a 'fair and comprehensive agreement' with US, says Iran FM

Iran FM Araghchi said Tehran is only looking for a 'fair and comprehensive agreement' with US.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | South Korea suspends review of Trump's call to participate in 'Project Freedom'

South Korea's presidential office said on ⁠Wednesday it had ⁠suspended ‌a review ​on whether to participate in a U.S. operation ​to ⁠escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after ⁠President ‌Donald Trump put the plan, known ‌as "Project Freedom," ⁠on hold.

"We don't believe ‌a review ‌of Trump's call ‌to ‌participate in Project Freedom is needed at ⁠this ⁠point," Wi Sung-lac, the South Korean presidential national security adviser, told a press ​briefing. 

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israeli military issues evacuation warning for 12 villages and towns in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military issued ⁠an urgent warning ⁠on ‌Wednesday to ​residents of 12 towns ​and ⁠villages in southern Lebanon, including some ⁠north ‌of the Litani River, telling ‌them ⁠to leave their homes, ‌saying ‌Hezbollah had ‌violated the ‌ceasefire agreement.

The military said ⁠civilians ⁠near Hezbollah fighters or facilities may be at ​risk. 

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | China's top envoy tells his Iranian counterpart a comprehensive ceasefire' is needed

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that China was "deeply distressed" over the war that has lasted more than two months and said a "comprehensive ceasefire" was needed, reports Associated Press.

China's top diplomat met with Araghchi in Beijing, the first time the Iranian foreign minister travelled to China since the war with the US and Israel started February 28.

"We believe that a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed, that a resumption of hostilities is not acceptable, and that it is particularly important to remain committed to dialogue and negotiations," Wang said, according to a video of the meeting. 

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US military strike on alleged drug boat kills 3 in eastern Pacific

The US military launched another strike Tuesday on a vessel suspected of transporting drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three men, reported Associated Press.

The attack came a day after US forces struck an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing two people.

The Trump administration's campaign of blowing up alleged drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters has persisted since early September and killed at least 191 people in total.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | China defends Iran's 'legitimate right' to 'peaceful use of nuclear energy'

AFP reported that China has defended Iran's 'legitimate right' to 'peaceful use of nuclear energy'

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | French shipping firm says vessel targeted in Hormuz

French shipping company CMA CGM said Wednesday one of its vessels had been targeted by an attack in the Strait of Hormuz, reports AFP.

"The CMA CGM San Antonio was the target of an attack yesterday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in injuries among crew members and damage to the vessel," the shipping firm said in a statement, adding those injured had been evacuated for treatment.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | China calls for 'complete' and immediate cessation of hostilities in Middle East

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Wednesday for an end to hostilities in the Middle East and for the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible", during talks with his Iranian counterpart, reported AFP.

"China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay, that it is even more unacceptable to restart hostilities, and that continuing to negotiate remains essential," he said, according to a statement from his ministry after the talks with Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | UAE to develop defence industrial free zone in Abu Dhabi to boost local manufacturing and readiness

The ​United Arab Emirates will develop a defence industrial Free Zone in Al ⁠Selmiyyah in Abu Dhabi, UAE Tawazun ⁠Council for Defence ‌Enablement and AD ​Ports Group announced on Wednesday, according to the state news agency.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran FM stresses on diplomacy to prevent further regional tensions

Iran's Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi , in phone call to Saudi counterpart, stressed on continuing the path of diplomacy between regional countries to prevent emergence and escalation of tensions.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US and Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war: Report

The White House believes it is getting close to an agreement ⁠with Iran on a one-page ⁠memorandum of understanding to end ‌the war and ​set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations, Axios reported on Wednesday, citing two US officials and ​two other ⁠sources briefed on the issue.

The US expects Iranian responses on several key points in the next 48 ⁠hours ‌according to the report which cautioned that nothing has ‌been agreed yet but said this ⁠was the closest the parties had been to an ‌agreement since the war ‌began.

Among other provisions, the deal ‌would involve Iran committing to ‌a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, the US agreeing to lift its sanctions and ⁠release ⁠billions in frozen Iranian funds, and both sides lifting restrictions around transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Axios said.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Pakistan PM 'hopeful' current momentum will bring Mideast peace

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif -- a key mediator in the war between Iran and the United States and Israel -- said Wednesday he was "hopeful" the current momentum on negotiations would lead to peace in the Middle East, reports AFP.

Sharif also praised President Donald Trump for pausing the escort of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz barely a day after the US began doing so.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Pakistani source confirms US, Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war

The U.S. and Iran ⁠are closing ⁠in ‌on ​a one-page memo to end their ​war, ⁠a Pakistani source involved in the ⁠peace ‌efforts told Reuters ‌on ⁠Wednesday, confirming an Axios report ‌on ‌the same.

"We ‌will ‌close this very soon. We ⁠are ⁠getting close," the source said. 

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | China says will play 'greater role' in ending Mideast fighting

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing would play a "greater role" in ending hostilities in the Middle East during talks with his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday, a week before US President Donald Trump is due to meet Xi Jinping.

China is a key customer for Iranian oil, defying sanctions imposed by the United States, and is directly affected by the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz bordered by Iran.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | France not targeted in attack on CMA CGM vessel, says government spokesperson

The attack on ⁠one of ⁠the vessels of ‌French ​shipping group CMA CGM in ​the ⁠Strait of Hormuz shows that the ⁠situation ‌remains dangerous but France ‌was ⁠not specifically targeted by the ‌attack, ‌government spokesperson Maud ‌Bregeon ‌said on Wednesday.

"France was in ⁠no ⁠way the target," Bregeon told reporters.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran conflict may have motivated Trump dinner shooting suspect, US intelligence report finds

The US Department of Homeland Security identified the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran as a potential motive for the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration at a ⁠White House reporters' gala last month, according to an intelligence report sent to state and local law enforcement nationwide and other federal ⁠agencies.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran is evaluating Washington’s 14-point peace proposal: Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson

A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry said that they were “evaluating” Washington’s 14-point peace proposal, reported Reuters quoting CNBC

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Pakistani source confirms that US and Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says war could end if Iran agrees to proposal

​U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that if ⁠Iran honors what has ⁠been agreed to, ‌the U.S.-Israeli ​war on Iran could end and the Strait of Hormuz reopen.
"Assuming ​Iran agrees ⁠to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, ⁠a ‌big assumption, the already legendary Epic ‌Fury will be at an ⁠end, and the highly effective Blockade ‌will allow the ‌Hormuz Strait to ‌be OPEN TO ‌ALL, including Iran.
"If they don’t agree, the bombing ⁠starts, ⁠and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before," Trump said ​in post on ​Truth Social.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Stocks gain and oil slides after Iran peace deal report

Stocks advanced and oil prices dropped on Wednesday after a report that the United States ⁠and Iran are closing in on an agreement to end the war in the Gulf, while momentum ⁠in AI-driven trades accelerated. Brent crude, the global benchmark, plunged to just ‌below $100 per barrel, its lowest in ​two weeks, given the importance of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent was last trading at $103.25, down 6% on the day.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israel unaware of potential US-Iran deal, was preparing for more fighting, Israeli source says

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Lebanese PM says premature to talk of any high-level meeting with Israel

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said it is premature to talk of any high-level meeting between ⁠Lebanon and Israel, comments underlining the dim chances of one being held soon as hoped for by ⁠U.S. President Donald Trump.

Salam, in comments reported by Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) on Wednesday, ‌said shoring up a ceasefire would ​be the basis for any new round of negotiations that might be held by Lebanese and Israeli government envoys in Washington.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Macron says he discussed Hormuz situation with Iran's president

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that he ⁠had held further talks with Iranian President ⁠Masoud Pezeshkian, during which ‌Macron had reaffirmed the ​importance of freeing up shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Macron added he had encouraged Iran's president to look ​at the plans by ⁠France and Britain to set up an international mission to lay the groundwork for safe transit ⁠through the ‌Strait of Hormuz.

During ‌the call, Pezeshkian "emphasised that ‌Iran, within the framework of international ‌laws, is prepared to seriously pursue ‌diplomatic paths to end the war, towards the realisation of the rights of the ⁠Iranian people," ⁠Iranian state media reported.

"The president of our country, referred to Iran's distrust of the United States and said this is due to the hostile actions of the American side, ​which most recently attacked our country twice ​during negotiations," the ​reports said. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says Iran wants to make a deal

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran ⁠wants to negotiate and make ⁠a deal, adding that the ‌U.S. was ​doing very well in Iran and that it was going very smoothly.

"We're doing very well in ​Iran. It's ⁠going very smoothly, and we'll see what happens. They want to make a deal, ⁠they ‌want to negotiate," Trump said at an event at ‌the White House.

"We're dealing with people ⁠that want to make a deal very much, ‌and we'll see whether ‌or not they can ‌make a deal that's satisfactory ‌to us." Iran said it was reviewing a new U.S. proposal on Wednesday, after ⁠sources ⁠said Washington and Tehran were closing in on a one-page memorandum to end the war in the Gulf while leaving tricky issues such as ​Iran's nuclear program for later. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israel's Netanyahu says he will speak to Trump later on Wednesday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said ⁠he would speak ⁠to U.S. ‌President ​Donald Trump later on Wednesday, adding that both ​leaders ⁠agree all enriched uranium must be removed from ⁠Iran.

"There ‌is full coordination between ‌us, there ⁠are no surprises. We share ‌common ‌goals, and the ‌most ‌important goal is the removal of the ⁠enriched ⁠material from Iran, all the enriched material, and the dismantling of ​Iran's enrichment capabilities," Netanyahu ​said. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US says it disables unladen Iranian flagged tanker amid blockade

U.S. military ⁠forces fired several ⁠rounds ‌at unladen ​Iranian-flagged tanker M/T Hasna ​on Wednesday, ⁠disabling the vessel as ⁠it ‌attempted to sail ‌toward an ⁠Iranian port in violation ‌of ‌the ‌blockade, ‌U.S. Central Command said in ⁠a ⁠post on X. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says United States will get uranium from Iran

 President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the ⁠United States would get ⁠enriched uranium from ‌Iran, as ​the two countries struggle to reach an agreement on ​ending the ⁠Gulf war.

"We're going to get it," Trump told ⁠a ‌reporter as he left a White House ‌event.

One of ⁠Trump's central objectives in launching military strikes ‌against Iran ‌was to ensure ‌Tehran does ‌not develop a nuclear weapon. Iran has yet ⁠to ⁠hand over more than 900 pounds (408 kg) of highly enriched uranium. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israel says carried out strike targeting commander of Hezbollah's elite force

The Israeli military ⁠carried out a strike on ⁠Wednesday on ‌the southern ​suburbs of Beirut in a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh, targeting ​the ⁠commander of the militant group's elite Radwan force, according to ⁠an official ‌Israeli statement.

The strike was the first ‌to hit Beirut's ⁠suburbs since the April 16 ceasefire, although ‌hostilities in ‌the south of Lebanon have ‌not halted.

"Radwan ‌operatives, led by this commander, were responsible for firing ⁠at ⁠Israeli communities and harming IDF soldiers," a joint statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ​and Defense Minister Israel Katz ​said. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israel strikes Beirut for the first time since the ceasefire

 Israel struck Beirut on Wednesday for the first time since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah last month, with Israel saying it targeted a commander of the militant group's ⁠elite Radwan force in the city's southern suburbs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the action in a ⁠joint statement. Israeli media reported that the commander was killed in the strike, but there was no ‌immediate confirmation from the Israeli military or Hezbollah.

The Lebanon ​ceasefire has underpinned a broader U.S.-Iran truce, with a halt to Israeli strikes in Lebanon being a key Iranian demand. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | UAE tells Iran that its ties and defense partnerships are a 'sovereign matter'

The ​United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday that its ties and its ⁠international and defense partnerships were ⁠a "purely sovereign matter," ‌rejecting an earlier ​statement by Iran saying that Abu Dhabi's cooperation with the U.S. threatened Iran's ​security and ⁠national interests.

The UAE's foreign ministry said the Gulf country reserves its full sovereign, ⁠legal, ‌diplomatic and military rights to address any "threat, allegation ‌or hostile act".

The intensified ⁠spat between the two countries come after the ‌UAE reported ‌being attacked in the past ‌days by Iran ‌after four weeks of relative calm since the ceasefire was ⁠announced by the ⁠U.S. Iran denied carrying out operations against the UAE in recent days, yet warned of a "crushing response" if any ​action was launched from the ​UAE against ​Iran. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says US had very good talks with Iran in last 24 hours

 U.S. President ⁠Donald Trump on ⁠Wednesday ‌told reporters ​that the U.S. has ​had ⁠very good talks with Iran in ⁠the ‌last 24 hours, ‌adding ⁠that it was very ‌possible ‌that Washington ‌and ‌Tehran would make a ⁠deal. (Reuters)