Iran, US-Israel War Highlights | US targets Iran's oil transportation infrastructure with sanctions

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US to blockade Iran after talks fail to yield a deal

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump says doesn't care if Iran comes back to talks (AFP)

President Donald Trump said Sunday he does not care if Iran comes back to negotiations with the United States after talks in Pakistan failed to produce a deal.

"I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine," Trump told reporters.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US blockade of Iran will be major military endeavor, experts say (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran parliament speaker says country 'will not bow to any threats'

Iran's parliament speaker, who led peace talks with the United States in Pakistan, said Sunday that his country would not give in to threats after US President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. (AFP)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Oil surges, stocks fall as Trump says to blockade Strait of Hormuz

 Oil prices surged and stocks sank Monday after US-Iran peace talks fell apart and Donald Trump announced a blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, adding to fears of energy supplies from the Middle East.

Negotiations in Islamabad at the weekend fell apart with the US delegation -- led by Vice President JD Vance -- blaming Iran's refusal to give up its nuclear programme and Tehran hitting out at "maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade".

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | With the so-called 'blockade', Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas: Iran's parliament speaker

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, most since 1989: NGOs

Iranian authorities executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, the highest number since 1989, two NGOs said Monday, warning it risked using capital punishment even more extensively after protests in January and the war against Israel and the US.

The number of executions represented an increase of 68 percent on the 975 people Iran put to death in 2024, and also included 48 women who were hanged, Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) said in their joint annual report.

If the Islamic republic "survives the current crisis, there is a serious risk that executions will be used even more extensively as a tool of oppression and repression", the report said.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Swedish government boosts subsidies for energy, fuel in election year spring budget

Sweden's government will cut fuel taxes and hike electricity subsidies in ⁠its spring mini-budget, it said on Monday, as it ⁠strives to ease the pain for households ‌of higher energy ​bills driven by the war in Iran. The extra spending, coming ahead of a parliamentary election in September, will total around 7.7 billion Swedish ​crowns ($825.22 million) and comes ⁠on top of a bumper 80 billion in new spending already announced in September last year in the full-year budget bill for ⁠2026.

"Sweden is ‌on the right path. Despite war and uncertainty abroad the Swedish economy is ‌strong and we continue to build safety barriers around ⁠it," Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson said in a statement.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Debris from drone damages factory in Israel, reports Al Jazeera

The Channel 12 broadcaster is reporting that debris from the interception of a drone has caused damage to warehouses of the Shaniv Sasatech group in the Dalton Industrial Park, reports Al Jazeera.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates |Israeli forces unleash air strikes, artillery and phosphorus shells in south Lebanon, reports Al Jazeera

Saudi oil sales to China to halve next month, Bloomberg News reports

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iranian crude returns to India after seven years as tankers dock at key ports

Two supertankers carrying Iranian crude have arrived at Indian ports on both the east and west coasts, marking the first such deliveries in nearly seven years, according to ship-tracking data.

Felicity, a very large crude carrier operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company, anchored off Sikka on Gujarat's coast late Sunday, carrying about 2 million barrels loaded at Kharg Island in mid-March.

A second tanker, Jaya, moored near Paradip on Odisha's coast around the same time. It is transporting a similar volume of crude, lifted from Kharg Island in late February, before the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, followed by Tehran's retaliation.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Gulf ports are 'Either for everyone or for no one’: Iran on Hormuz blockade

Iran's IRIB took out a statement, "Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE. If Iran’s ports are threatened, NO PORT in the region will be safe."

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | China urges calm, restraint over US Strait of Hormuz blockade

China urges calm and restraint on all ⁠sides, a spokesperson ⁠for its ‌foreign ministry said ​on Monday, when asked about U.S. President Donald ​Trump's threat ⁠to launch a naval blockade of the Strait ⁠of ‌Hormuz after talks with Iran failed.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | China calls reports it supplied weapons to Iran 'baseless smears', reports AFP

China on Monday called reports it had supplied or intended to supply weapons to Iran "baseless smears", after several outlets quoted US intelligence sources to that effect.

On Sunday US President Donald Trump threatened Beijing with a "staggering" new tariff of 50 percent if it were to provide military assistance to Tehran.

His comments came the same day US outlet CNN reported that US intelligence indicated China was preparing to deliver new air defence systems to Iran within the next few weeks, citing three people familiar with the assessments.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates |Israel military will have full control of south Lebanon town within days, says official

 Full operational control of the southern ⁠Lebanese town of ⁠Bint Jbeil ‌will be ​achieved within days, with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants limited ​in there ⁠ability to attack northern Israel from the area, ⁠an Israeli ‌military official said on ‌Monday.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Starmer hits back at Trump, says 'UK is not getting dragged in the war'

Refraining to respond to Trump's jibes against NATO countries for "not supporting" US in the war, United Kingdom PM Keir Starmer, on Monday said the position of England stands clear, that any UK action in the conflict will remain purely defensive and in protection of British lives and interest.

According to the Guardian report, Starmer said, “My decision has been very clear that whatever the pressure – and there has been some considerable pressure – we are not getting dragged into the war. The UK is not getting dragged into the war."

He added, “That is not in our national interest because I’m not going to act unless there’s a clear lawful basis and a clear thought-through plan.”

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Israel continues to strike South Lebanon

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates |'No intention to debate over Iran' with Trump: Pope Leo

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Hormuz blockade will continue to negatively impact global markets, Russia warns

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates |Pope Leo will 'continue to speak against the war'

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US-Iran ceasefire 'could be extended for 45-60 days': Turkey

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has indicated that the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran may be extended by 45 to 60 days to provide more time for negotiations.

Speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Fidan said both sides had put forward initial “maximalist” demands during recent talks held in Pakistan. He added that Tehran is now expected to examine the proposals made by Washington and respond accordingly.

“If the parties make good progress, an additional ceasefire could be introduced, lasting 45 to 60 days, so that negotiations can continue,” he said. Fidan also warned that external factors could complicate the process, noting that Israel remains “a factor” that could disrupt the negotiations.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump's threat to block Hormuz is more 'bluffing than reality': Iran

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | 'Ready to sell oil to any country that wants it': Iran tells India

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Hezbollah launches 'flurry of of strikes on Israeli settlements'

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump's naval blockade in Iranian waters 'makes no sense': Defence Minister of Spain

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates |'Can ask Indian govt': Iran denies charging toll for Indian tankers transiting Hormuz

Iran’s ambassador to India on Monday said that Indian tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz were not charged any tolls by Tehran, countering claims made amid escalating tensions after US President Donald Trump warned of action against vessels making payments to Iran.

"You can ask the Indian government if we have charged anything up to now," Ambassador Mohammad Fathali told reporters during a briefing at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi, reported Reuters.

“In this difficult time, we have good relations. We believe Iran and India share common interests and a common fate,” he said.

India has consistently denied reports that it paid any toll to facilitate the movement of nine ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through the strategically crucial waterway. The issue surfaced after Iran effectively restricted transit following the outbreak of the conflict.

According to Indian authorities, at least 15 India-flagged vessels are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Two Palestinians injured in Israeli raids in Jerusalem

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Oil prices rises to $100 again as US prepares for Hormuz blockade

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates |'We are devoting full efforts': Sharif on mediating US-Iran 'historic' peace talks

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government is “devoting full efforts to resolve” the ongoing issues between the US and Iran, even as he confirmed that “the ceasefire still stands”.

He acknowledged that “some issues need to be resolved”, but emphasised that active efforts are underway to address them.

Sharif also described the Islamabad peace talks as “a historic moment in their own right”, noting that “Pakistan got the opportunity to mediate and host the talks during a time when the whole world economy is unstable.”

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iranian ships that come ‘anywhere close’ to US blockade will be 'eliminated', Trump warns

Shortly before the expected start of the blockade of Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald trump warned Iran that any Iranian ship that come "anywhere close" to the US blockade will be destroyed.

Trump noted that Iran still has some “fast attack ships” remaining, despite much of its navy being destroyed in US strikes.

On Truth Social, he wrote, “Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea."

He further added: “It is quick and brutal.”

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Starmer backs peace talks, not US blockade, says 'diplomacy is the right path'

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed Parliament on the Iran conflict after declining to back the US move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

“Diplomacy is the right path and I welcome the talks [in Pakistan],” Starmer said, signalling support for ongoing negotiations.

He added that he would convene a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron later this week to address the crisis. The meeting will focus on securing a diplomatic resolution while also discussing military planning to “provide assurance to shipping as soon as a stable environment can be established.”

“Our shared aim here is an independent, coordinated, multinational plan,” he said.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | China urges focus on ceasefire as US-Iran talks end without deal

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates |Can an illegal ‘war of choice’ be won through 'revenge of choice': Iran amid blockade

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei took to X, and criticised the US blockade. Baghaei said, “Can an illegal ‘war of choice’ be won through a ‘revenge of choice’ against the global economy?!”

He further said, “Is it ever worthwhile to cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face?!”

His remarks came after Donald Trump warned that Iranian ships would be “eliminated” if they “come anywhere close to our blockade”.

Meanwhile, the US military said the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports has now begun, in line with its stated deadline, reported Al-Jazeera.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Ready for peace, also ready for war: Iran envoy as US port blockade kicks in

Iran is open to holding another round of peace talks with the US if it refrains from "unlawful demands" and accepts Tehran's conditions, Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali said Monday, as the US blockade of Iranian ports takes effect, further escalating the tensions.

The US and Iran failed to reach a peace deal at their historic 21-hour talks in Pakistan that ended early Sunday without a breakthrough, with both sides attempting to hold each other responsible for the stalemate.

(PTI)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump says Iran called and wants to make deal 'very badly'

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump doubles down on Pope criticism, calls him 'weak on crime'

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Next round of Iran-US negotiations expected soon: Pak's Defence Minister

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US official says there is continued engagement with Iran

A ⁠US official ⁠said ‌on Monday ​that there was ​continued ⁠engagement between the ⁠United States ‌and Iran ‌and ⁠cited forward motion ‌on ‌trying ‌to ‌get to ⁠an agreement.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Vance says US made a lot of progress in talks with Iran

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Vance says Pope Leo should stay out of US affairs (NYT)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump vows US will sink any Iran boats that challenge blockade (AFP)

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that any Iranian attack boats that approach the American naval blockade around Iran's ports would be destroyed, despite international calls for a ceasefire to be respected and negotiations to resume.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran slams US blockade as 'grave violation of sovereignty'

Iran slammed a US blockade around its ports on Monday as a "grave violation" of its sovereignty, as Washington and Tehran's belligerent rhetoric rattled a fragile truce.

"The imposition of a maritime blockade constitutes a grave violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Iran's ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani wrote to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in a letter seen by AFP.

The "unlawful" blockade also "constitutes a serious violation of the fundamental principles of the international law of the sea," Iravani added.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump says US military has blockaded Iranian ports to pressure Tehran

US President Donald Trump said Monday the American military had begun a blockade of Iranian ports as part of his effort to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and accept a deal to end the war that has raged for more than six weeks, reported Associated Press.

Iran responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, taking aim at US-allied countries.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Pakistan proposes a second round of talks in Islamabad

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days, before the end of the ceasefire, two Pakistani officials said, according to Associated Press.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US-sanctioned tanker transits Strait of Hormuz despite US blockade, data shows

A tanker ⁠sanctioned by the ⁠United ‌States ​passed through the Strait ​of ⁠Hormuz on Tuesday, despite a ⁠U. ‌blockade on the ‌chokepoint, ⁠shipping data on LSEG ‌showed.

The ‌tanker Rich ‌Starry ‌is Chinese-owned and has ⁠Chinese ⁠crew on board, the data showed.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US seeking 20-year pause of Iran uranium enrichment: Report

The United States sought a 20-year suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment program as part of a deal to end the war, according to media reports Monday, after Washington and Tehran failed to come to an agreement, reports AFP.

US President Donald Trump launched the war on February 28 under the pretext that Iran was developing an atomic bomb -- which it denies -- and vowed to never let the Islamic republic get its hands on a nuclear weapon.

The 20-year pause would be accompanied by sanctions relief, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Israeli military says soldier killed in Lebanon

The Israeli military said Tuesday that a soldier had been killed in Lebanon, the first since a US-Iran temporary truce came into force that Israel insisted does not include the country where it is fighting Tehran-backed Hezbollah, reports AFP.

"Sergeant Major (Res.) Ayal Uriel Bianco, aged 30, from Katzrin, a firefighting vehicle driver in the 188th Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said in a statement.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Disarming Hezbollah 'takes time', says Lebanon minister

Amid the upcoming talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, Lebanon’s Culture Minister Ghassan Salame speaking to Al-Jazeera said, “We are talking about a preparatory meeting on ambassador level in order to produce a pause in military activity if not a ceasefire.”

When asked about disarming Hezbollah, Salame said such a process “takes time” and cannot be accomplished in a matter of hours or days.

On the other hand, a senior Hezbollah official said that it will not abide by any agreements that may result from direct Lebanon-Israel talks in the US.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar dials Chinese FM Wang, exchanges views on US-Iran talks

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday told his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar that the top priority is to make every effort to prevent the US-Iran conflict from reigniting in West Asia and maintain the hard-won momentum of the ceasefire.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar held a telephone conversation with Wang and exchanged views on the recently concluded Islamabad Talks.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the top priority is to make every effort to prevent the conflict from reigniting in West Asia and maintain the hard-won momentum of the ceasefire, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

(PTI)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Hezbollah leader asks Lebanon to cancel Tuesday meeting with Israel

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel a planned meeting with Israel in Washington on Tuesday, reiterating his group's rejection of direct negotiations with its foe, reports AFP.

Israeli strikes have killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon and displaced more than a million since the Iran-backed group Hezbollah drew the country into the Middle East war.

The Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States are scheduled to meet in Washington on Tuesday to discuss holding direct negotiations between the two countries.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | 'Agreement cannot be reached overnight, talks should continue': UNSG on West Asia war

UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for continued constructive discussions between Iran and the US, while stressing the ceasefire "must absolutely be preserved" after the talks between the two nations on the West Asia conflict concluded without a deal.

The 21-hour-long negotiations between the US, led by Vice President JD Vance, and Iran in Pakistan on Saturday concluded without an agreement to end the war.

(PTI)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | West Asia conflict threatens to push 2.5 million people in India into poverty: UNDP report

The conflict and military escalation in West Asia threatens to push 2.5 million people in India into poverty and the country is projected to experience some loss in its human development progress, according to estimates and projections by the United Nations.

The United Nations Development Programme, in a report titled 'Military Escalation In The Middle East: Human Development Impacts Across Asia And The Pacific' noted that the conflict is "widening human development pressures across Asia and the Pacific. 

(PTI)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Israeli air raids hit Lebanon

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) says several new Israeli air raids have hit southern parts of the country, reported Al Jazeera.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Sirens sound in Israel’s Upper Galilee region

Sirens have sounded in Israel’s Metula, Kfar Giladi and Misgav Am areas in the Upper Galilee, reported Al-Jazeera.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Pope starts Africa tour in Algeria and calls for peace against Iran war's backdrop

Pope Leo XIV called for peace and the end of "neocolonial tendencies" in world affairs on Monday during the first papal visit to Algeria, all while facing an extraordinary broadside by President Donald Trump over his criticism of the US-Israeli war with Iran, reports Associated Press.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran to allocate part of oil revenues for reconstruction after attacks

Iranian oil sales in recent weeks ⁠have been favourable ⁠and part ‌of ​the revenue will be allocated to repairing damage ​to industry ⁠caused by wartime attacks, Iran's oil minister said ⁠on ‌Tuesday.

Mohsen Paknejad said oil ‌workers had ⁠maintained operations across facilities during the ‌conflict, ‌ensuring oil exports ‌were not halted “even ‌for a single day,” including at ⁠key ⁠export hubs such as Kharg Island.

The minister said last month that ​the selling price ​of Iranian crude ​had significantly increased.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | China says US blockade of Iran ports is 'dangerous and irresponsible'

​China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that a US ⁠blockade of Iranian ports ⁠is "dangerous and irresponsible", ‌warning it ​would only aggravate tensions.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that despite ​a temporary ceasefire ⁠agreed by relevant parties, the United States had increased military deployments ⁠and ‌imposed a targeted blockade, a move that would ‌exacerbate the conflict, ⁠undermine the fragile truce and further jeopardise ‌the safety of navigation ‌through the strait.

China's foreign ministry also said that reports of China supplying weapons to Iran are 'completely made up.'

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Xi says China to play 'constructive role' in promoting Mideast peace talks

President Xi Jinping vowed Tuesday that China would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace talks in the Middle East as he urged respect for sovereignty of nations in the war-torn region, state media reported, according to AFP.

Xi made the comments as he met with Abu Dhabi Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Beijing, where he outlined proposals for maintaining peace in the Middle East and Gulf.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Europe can play constructive role in encouraging US to adhere to international law, says Iran President Pezeshkian to Emmanuel Macron

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Crude oil demand to see biggest quarterly plunge since Covid: IEA

Demand for crude oil will likely see the biggest slump in the second quarter since the Covid pandemic slammed the global economy in 2020, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday, reports AFP.

Surging prices caused by the war in the Middle East will force many countries and industries to curb oil use, and "demand destruction will spread as scarcity and higher prices persist", the agency said in its monthly report.

It noted that its forecasts assume a "base case" of oil shipments resuming in May through the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed since the US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | China calls US blockade of Iran ports 'dangerous and irresponsible'

China accused the United States on Tuesday of "dangerous and irresponsible" behaviour over its blockade of Iranian ports, with President Xi Jinping vowing Beijing would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace in the Middle East.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US truckers' diesel spend hits record high on Middle East conflict

The more than 3 million US truckers who move goods for everything from grocery stores to factories to construction sites are grappling with the highest diesel prices in years, compounding pressure on the industry as Iran war-related oil price spikes also threaten to weaken freight demand.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | No discussions between Qatar and Iran over payment of funds to stop Iranian attacks, Qatari official says

There have been no discussions ⁠between Qatar and ⁠Iran over ‌the ​payment of funds to stop Iranian attacks ​on Qatar ⁠and any suggestions that such discussions took ⁠place ‌are untrue, the Qatari ‌foreign ministry spokesperson ⁠said on Tuesday.

"There is ‌a ‌high level of ‌coordination ‌with Pakistan and the Unites States, our ⁠demands ⁠are being raised through these channels," Majed Al-Ansari said in ​a media briefing.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Two ships from Iran ports pass Hormuz Strait despite US blockade

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump says Iran talks could resume over next two days, NY Post reports

US President Donald Trump ⁠said on Tuesday that ⁠Iran talks ‌could resume ​in Pakistan over the next two days, according to ​an interview ⁠with the New York Post.

"You should stay there, really, ⁠because ‌something could be happening over the ‌next two days, ⁠and we're more inclined to ‌go there," Trump ‌was quoted as ‌saying. 

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Trump says Italy's Meloni lacks 'courage' on Iran war: report

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a stinging criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his main European allies, over her unwillingness to join the Iran war.
"I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," he said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Hezbollah says targeted 13 north Israel towns as Lebanon-Israel talks start

Hezbollah on Tuesday said it targeted 13 northern Israeli towns with rockets shortly after the start of Lebanese-Israeli talks in Washington.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Israel, Lebanon agree to direct negotiations after DC meeting, says US

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Europe drafts postwar plan to free up Hormuz without US: Report

European countries are ⁠putting together a ⁠post-war ‌plan for ​a broad coalition of ​countries, excluding ⁠the United States, to help ⁠free ‌up shipping through the ‌Strait ⁠of Hormuz, the ‌Wall ‌Street Journal ‌reported ‌on Tuesday, citing officials.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Female Iranian student arrives in Iran after release in France, state TV reports

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US destroyer interdicts two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran

A U.S. destroyer interdicted two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran on Tuesday, a day after U.S. ⁠President Donald Trump's blockade went into effect, and instructed them to turn around, a U.S. official said, speaking on condition ⁠of anonymity to Reuters.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Oil prices fall for a second day on expectations US-Iran talks may resume

Oil ⁠prices fell for a second day on Wednesday on expectations peace talks between the U.S. and ⁠Iran may resume and eventually release supply from the key Middle ‌East producing region trapped by ​the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea completely halted: US military

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | War with Iran "close to over," says Trump

In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump said that the war with Iran is "close to over."

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Length of Iran uranium enrichment ban is a political decision, says IAEA chief

The International Atomic Energy Agency Director General ⁠Rafael Grossi said ⁠on Wednesday ‌a decision ​on how long a moratorium on uranium enrichment ​that Iran must ⁠be bound by under any agreement with ⁠the ‌US was a political decision.

US and ‌Iranian officials ended ⁠talks at the weekend on ending ‌the ‌Iran war, without ‌agreement over ‌differences that included how long Tehran would suspend ⁠uranium ⁠enrichment, which the U.S. and the West say would be used to build ​weapons. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran has killed 42,000 innocent protestors, can't have nuclear weapons: Trump to Pope Leo

"Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter. AMERICA IS BACK," US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social in a message to Pope Leo.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | NATO wasn't there for us, and they won't be there for us in the future: Trump

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Not thinking about extending ceasefire with Iran, says Trump

US President Donald ⁠Trump told ABC ⁠News ‌reporter Jonathan ​Karl he ​was ⁠not thinking about extending the ⁠ceasefire ‌with Iran.

"It could ‌end ⁠either way, but I ‌think ‌a ‌deal ‌is preferable because then they ⁠can ⁠rebuild," Trump told the reporter. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran used Chinese spy satellite to target US bases: Report

Iran secretly ⁠used a ⁠Chinese ‌spy satellite ​that gave the ​Islamic ⁠Republic a new capability ⁠to target ‌US military ‌bases ⁠across the Middle ‌East ‌during the war, ‌the Financial Times ⁠reported ⁠on Wednesday, per Reuters.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Lebanon, Israel hold first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington

Leaders from Lebanon and Israel met in Washington for the first diplomatic talks between the two nations in decades amid the war in Iran.

"The United States expressed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself from Hizballah’s continued attacks. The United States affirmed that any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track," the US Department of State, which convened the meeting, said in a statement.

"The United States underscored that these negotiations have the potential to unlock significant reconstruction assistance and economic recovery for Lebanon and expand investment opportunities for both countries."

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Italy suspends defense pact with Israel

Italy has reportedly declined to renew a long-standing defense agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday as ties between the two countries continue to turn sour over the Iran war.

The defense accord, ratified in 2005, established cooperation between the two countries in areas including “defense industry and procurement policy,” importing and exporting military equipment, exchanging technical data and other forms of military collaboration. It has been renewed every five years, and was set for another renewal this month.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar played down the importance of the agreement. “There isn’t even an agreement. There is a memorandum of understandings that was never materialized or had any substantive content. Israel’s security will not be impacted," he wrote in a social media post. (New York Times)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iranian crew members return home from Sri Lanka

​Over 200 Iranian crew members from two warships who were rescued by Sri Lanka have been sent ⁠back to their homeland, a top official ⁠said on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka rescued 32 ‌Iranian crew from ​the warship IRIS Dena on March 4 after it was hit by a torpedo from a US submarine.

The ship was returning from ​a naval ⁠exercise organised by India, amid the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Sri Lanka also rescued 208 crew from a second vessel, IRIS Booshehr ⁠on ‌March 5 that had also requested assistance from Colombo after it ran ‌into engine trouble.

"The crew of both ships were ⁠flown out about 11 p.m. on a special flight on Tuesday ‌night," Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekera ‌told Reuters.

After its crew was offloaded ‌in Colombo, IRIS Booshehr was towed ‌to waters off Sri Lanka's eastern coast of Trincomalee eventually reaching on Tuesday morning.

"There are about 8-10 ⁠Iranian crew ⁠remaining aboard to assist operations," Jayasekera added.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | China rejects accusations of providing military support to Iran, warns US of countermeasures for potential tariff hike

"Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated. If the US goes ahead with tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures," China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian posted on X.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Urgent ⁠task ‌is ‌to avoid ⁠resumption ‌of ‌the ‌war: China

"Urgent ⁠task ‌is ‌to avoid ⁠resumption ‌of ‌the ‌war ‌and ⁠maintain ⁠hard-won ​momentum ​of ​a ​ceasefire," China's foreign ministry said on the Iran war. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran's nuclear activities must be included in a potential US-Iran agreement, says UN nuclear chief

The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that "very detailed" measures to verify Iran's nuclear activities must be included in a potential US-Iran agreement to end their war in the Middle East.

"Iran has a very ambitious, wide nuclear programme so all of that will require the presence of IAEA inspectors," International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi told reporters in Seoul. "Otherwise, you will not have an agreement. You will have an illusion of an agreement."

He said that any agreement on nuclear technology "requires very detailed verification mechanisms." (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Israeli army strikes south of Beirut as Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel

Two Israeli strikes on Wednesday hit vehicles south of Beirut, state media reported, while Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel, hours after Lebanon and Israel agreed to hold direct negotiations.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported two separate Israeli strikes on two vehicles, one in the seafront town of Saadiyat and another on a coastal highway in neighbouring Jiyeh, around 20 kilometres south of Beirut and outside Hezbollah's traditional strongholds.

The Israeli military meanwhile said it had detected "approximately 30 launches" by Hezbollah militants towards Israel since the early hours, a spokesman told AFP.

Hezbollah said it launched rockets at 10 northern Israeli areas.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iranian supertanker sailed through Strait of Hormuz, reached shore without concealment: Iran

"An Iranian VLCC supertanker, blacklisted by the U.S., sailed openly with its tracker on, crossed international waters and the Strait of Hormuz, and reached Iranian shores without concealment," Iranian consulate in Mumbai posted on X.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Your PM lost an ally in Washington: Iran to Italy

"Dear Italy, Your PM just defended Pope and lost an ally in Washington — the Commander in Grief, yet the most 'powerfool' man on earth. We'd like to apply for the vacancy," the Iranian embassy in Ghana posted on X.

"Our qualifications: 7,000 years of civilization, a shared love of poetry, architecture, and food that takes longer to prepare than Trump's attention span. The only thing Iran and Italy have ever fought over is who invented ice cream. Faloodeh came first. Gelato came louder. We've been in a 'cold' war over this for 2,000 years," the post further said.

This comes after Italian PM Giorgia Meloni criticised US President Donald Trump for his comments on Pope Leo. Both Leo and Meloni have opposed the US-Israel war against Iran.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Lebanese government should reconsider negotiating with Israel: Hezbollah

Hezbollah lawmaker Fadlallah said that the Lebanese government should reconsider negotiating with Israel. He further warned that the negotiation could widen the rift in Lebanon.

"We want comprehensive ceasefire, no return to near-daily Israeli strikes and assassinations," he said per Reuters.

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | There may be difficult issues in Iran-US talks, but can be resolved if sides focus on: Erdogan

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Won't allow imports, exports in Gulf, Sea of Oman if US blockade against Iran's vessels continues: Revolutionary Guards

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Asked China's Xi not to give weapons to Iran: Trump

US President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping in a letter not to give Iran weapons, and Xi responded that China ⁠was not supplying Tehran. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran foreign ministry insists on right to enrich uranium, says level negotiable

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | China happy that I am permanently opening Strait of Hormuz, Xi will give me a big, fat, hug: Trump

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US hasn't formally agreed to extend Iran ceasefire

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Iran asked for its frozen assets to be freed in talks with US

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | US could take out Iran's bridges, power plants in one hour: Trump

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Exchanges with US via Pakistan continue after failed talks: Iran

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | UK PM Starmer hits back after Trump’s trade deal threat over Iran conflict

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Pakistani delegation on way to Iran to plan second round of talks

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Pak army chief to soon arrive in Tehran to plan second round of talks: Iranian source

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Ceasefire duration in Lebanon likely linked to US-Iran truce: Lebanese officials

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Pak army chief, interior minister reach Tehran as part of US-Iran mediation efforts

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Israel expects ceasefire with Iran will be extended

Iran, US-Israel War Live Updates | Israel army chief orders 'Hezbollah kill zone' south of Lebanon's Litani River

Israeli attacks prevent Lebanese from burying their dead in ancestral lands

Israel, US goals 'identical'; prepared for any scenario: Netanyahu

"Our goals and those of the United States are identical: We want to see the enriched material removed from Iran, we want to see the cancellation of enrichment capabilities within Iran, and of course, we want to see the opening of the straits," Netanyahu said in a statement.

Iran offers proposal allowing ships to exit Oman side of Hormuz free of attack: Report

UAE Summons Iraqi charge d’affaires over attacks launched from Iraqi territory

US Senate Republicans block bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers, voting continues

US bonds slide as investors weigh Middle East risks

US targets Iran's oil transportation infrastructure with sanctions

"Treasury is moving aggressively with Economic Fury ‌by targeting regime elites like ‌the Shamkhani family that ‌attempt to profit at the ‌expense of the Iranian people," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in the statement.

China urges restoration of normal navigation in Strait of Hormuz