Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, accompanied by a senior delegation, arrived in Islamabad on late Friday (April 24), signaling renewed diplomatic efforts to revive stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States, with Pakistan emerging as a key intermediary. Araghchi confirmed he had started a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow, as diplomatic channels reopened following weeks of deadlock.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier talks had stalled over contentious issues, including the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has tied to any future engagement with Washington. Pakistan has been working behind the scenes to bring both sides back to the negotiating table, attempting to arrange a second round of direct talks. Officials familiar with the matter say Islamabad’s role as a mediator has gained momentum in recent weeks.&nbsp;This renewed push comes as the United States prepares to send its own representatives to Pakistan. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Islamabad to participate in discussions with Iranian officials. Karoline Leavitt confirmed the development, saying that the talks would be conducted directly but facilitated by Pakistan. “I can confirm special envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan to engage in talks mediated by the Pakistanis, who have been incredible friends and mediators throughout this process,” she said in an interview with Fox News.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">H.E. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Honorable Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran arrived in Islamabad in order to review bilateral matters and consulate on regional developments. <a href="https://t.co/Pzkh9ZsPfA">pic.twitter.com/Pzkh9ZsPfA</a>&mdash; Embassy of IR Iran Pakistan (@IraninIslamabad) <a href="https://twitter.com/IraninIslamabad/status/2047746661901017237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoys-steve-witkoff-and-jared-kushner-head-to-pakistan-for-talks-with-iran-1777052707092">US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner head to Pakistan for talks with Iran</a>&nbsp;Leavitt added that JD Vance would not attend the talks but would remain closely engaged from Washington, staying in consultation with Marco Rubio and the broader national security team. While there has been no official confirmation from Tehran regarding a formal second round of talks, Araghchi’s visit alongside parallel US outreach indicates a coordinated effort to break the current impasse.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-ceasefire-us-blockade-against-iran-will-continue-as-long-as-it-takes-1777049976292/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-ceasefire-us-blockade-against-iran-will-continue-as-long-as-it-takes-1777049976292/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lands in Pakistan as Islamabad mediates renewed US-Iran talks, with US envoys joining efforts to revive stalled negotiations

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, accompanied by a senior delegation, arrived in Islamabad on late Friday (April 24), signaling renewed diplomatic efforts to revive stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States, with Pakistan emerging as a key intermediary. Araghchi confirmed he had started a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow, as diplomatic channels reopened following weeks of deadlock. Earlier talks had stalled over contentious issues, including the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has tied to any future engagement with Washington. Pakistan has been working behind the scenes to bring both sides back to the negotiating table, attempting to arrange a second round of direct talks. Officials familiar with the matter say Islamabad’s role as a mediator has gained momentum in recent weeks. This renewed push comes as the United States prepares to send its own representatives to Pakistan. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Islamabad to participate in discussions with Iranian officials. Karoline Leavitt confirmed the development, saying that the talks would be conducted directly but facilitated by Pakistan. “I can confirm special envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan to engage in talks mediated by the Pakistanis, who have been incredible friends and mediators throughout this process,” she said in an interview with Fox News.

Iran FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad as Pakistan mediates renewed US-Iran talks, signaling efforts to break weeks of diplomatic deadlock

US-Iran peace negotiations: Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for second round talks

Nearly two months since the start of the military conflict marred by intensive fighting, blockades, trade route disruptions, Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner head to Pakistan for a second round of peace talks to negotiate an end to the war between the United States and Iran.&nbsp;"I can confirm Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks... with representatives from the Iranian delegation," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Friday (April 24).&nbsp;The second round of talks comes after days of trading accusations between both sides, with US President Donald Trump facing intense domestic and international pressure from surging oil prices and disrupted trade routes triggered by Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply.&nbsp;Iran had moved to restrict shipping in retaliation for a US-Israeli bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes targeting military and government sites. The opening strikes killed top Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of other officials. Mojtaba Khamenei was subsequently elected on March 8, 2026, to replace his father as supreme leader.&nbsp;However, following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States on April 7-8, and the first round of Islamabad talks on April 11-12, Tehran agreed to reopen the key waterway. Iran confirmed it would allow the resumption of shipping across the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week ceasefire period, easing disruptions that had pushed global oil prices sharply higher. However, it again closed the Strait after US President Donald Trump announced a complete naval blockade of Iran following the collapse of the Islamabad talks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-uncertainty-over-iran-war-ending-us-deploys-three-aircraft-carriers-in-middle-east-in-over-two-decades-what-does-it-mean-for-tehran-1777050354500">Amid uncertainty over Iran war ending, US deploys three aircraft carriers in Middle East in over two decades</a>&nbsp;The first round of talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and attended by Witkoff and Kushner, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation, collapsed after Iran objected to Washington’s insistence on maintaining sanctions and naval restrictions during negotiations. Meanwhile, Iran's state media confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would travel on Friday to Pakistan, which has been mediating between the Islamic Republic and the United States in a bid to end the West Asia conflict.&nbsp;"Iran's Foreign Minister will begin a regional tour on Friday evening, April 24, travelling to Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow," the official IRNA news agency said, after a Pakistani official disclosed the visit. "The purpose of this trip is to hold bilateral consultations, discuss ongoing developments in the region, and review the latest situation regarding the war imposed by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran."&nbsp;However, Araghchi confirmed his visit to Pakistan but cited bilateral talks as the reason for the trip without mentioning any peace talks with the United States.&nbsp;"Embarking on a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments. Our neighbours are our priority," he said in a post on X.

Iran's state media confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would travel on Friday to Pakistan, which has been mediating between the Islamic Republic and the United States in a bid to end the West Asia conflict.

Nearly two months since the start of the military conflict marred by intensive fighting, blockades, trade route disruptions, Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner head to Pakistan for a second round of peace talks to negotiate an end to the war between the United States and Iran. "I can confirm Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks... with representatives from the Iranian delegation," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Friday (April 24). The second round of talks comes after days of trading accusations between both sides, with US President Donald Trump facing intense domestic and international pressure from surging oil prices and disrupted trade routes triggered by Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply. Iran had moved to restrict shipping in retaliation for a US-Israeli bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes targeting military and government sites. The opening strikes killed top Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of other officials. Mojtaba Khamenei was subsequently elected on March 8, 2026, to replace his father as supreme leader. However, following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States on April 7-8, and the first round of Islamabad talks on April 11-12, Tehran agreed to reopen the key waterway. Iran confirmed it would allow the resumption of shipping across the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week ceasefire period, easing disruptions that had pushed global oil prices sharply higher. However, it again closed the Strait after US President Donald Trump announced a complete naval blockade of Iran following the collapse of the Islamabad talks. Also Read: Amid uncertainty over Iran war ending, US deploys three aircraft carriers in Middle East in over two decades The first round of talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and attended by Witkoff and Kushner, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation, collapsed after Iran objected to Washington’s insistence on maintaining sanctions and naval restrictions during negotiations. Meanwhile, Iran's state media confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would travel on Friday to Pakistan, which has been mediating between the Islamic Republic and the United States in a bid to end the West Asia conflict. "Iran's Foreign Minister will begin a regional tour on Friday evening, April 24, travelling to Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow," the official IRNA news agency said, after a Pakistani official disclosed the visit. "The purpose of this trip is to hold bilateral consultations, discuss ongoing developments in the region, and review the latest situation regarding the war imposed by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran." However, Araghchi confirmed his visit to Pakistan but cited bilateral talks as the reason for the trip without mentioning any peace talks with the United States. "Embarking on a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments. Our neighbours are our priority," he said in a post on X.

Iran's state media confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would travel on Friday to Pakistan, which has been mediating between the Islamic Republic and the United States in a bid to end the West Asia conflict.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner head to Pakistan for talks with Iran

The US is preparing for another round of high-stakes diplomacy as Donald Trump dispatches key envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, to Islamabad for talks linked to Iran. The move comes as ceasefire efforts hang in the balance, with Abbas Araghchi also expected in the region. While hopes for progress remain, uncertainty persists over whether direct negotiations will actually take place.


US-Iran Truce Talks: Witkoff, Kushner to Visit Islamabad for Talks With Araghchi

Tensions between the United States and Iran remain at the centre of the unfolding Middle East crisis, with Donald Trump warning that “the clock is ticking” for Tehran while signalling no urgency to end the war. The US has reinforced its military presence, including the deployment of the USS George H.W. Bush, as part of a broader naval buildup near the Strait of Hormuz.Washington has also stepped up maritime actions, intercepting vessels linked to Iranian oil shipments and warning it will use force against any attempts to mine the strait. Iran, in response, has effectively restricted passage through Hormuz, a critical global energy route, and begun collecting toll revenues from limited approved shipping. Reports of air defence activity over Tehran have added to uncertainty, though no confirmed strikes were acknowledged. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with proposed talks in Islamabad yet to materialise.Meanwhile, Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire by three weeks despite ongoing violations, including Israeli strikes and missile fire from Hezbollah. Trump expressed cautious optimism about peace, even as regional tensions continue to simmer.<h2>Follow WION for all the updates, analysis and developments on the US-Israel-Iran war</h2>

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will head to Islamabad in Pakistan for further talks with Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Friday.The two will leave Saturday morning to continue the negotiations, she added.

Witkoff and Kushner will go to Islamabad for Iran talks: White House

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a process to achieve a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon is underway, but it is that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this.Israel is changing the face of the Middle East, and they’re fully cooperating with the US, said Netanyahu, while praising Donald Trump for “applying very strong pressure on Iran, both economically and militarily."

Netanyahu accuses Hezbollah of trying to sabotage peace deal

Iran’s mission to the United Nations has issued a statement denouncing the US’ “illegal seizure” of Iran’s commercial vessel Touska on April 19, as Washington enforced its naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz.In a statement posted on X, the mission said the ship was carrying “critical dialysis supplies and medical equipment” and claimed the seizure constituted “a flagrant breach of international law”.

Seized ship carried critical medical equipment, says Iran mission to UN 

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Our neighbors are our priority.&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/2047685407941296331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 24, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Araghchi says travelling to Islamabad for bilateral talks, no mention of US peace talks

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has stepped up diplomatic efforts in Europe, seeking support to stabilise the country and reinforce a fragile ceasefire.Aoun held a series of meetings in Cyprus on the sidelines of an informal EU gathering with leaders from the Middle East and North Africa, hosted by the country’s Prime Minister Nikos Christodoulides.

Lebanon seeks EU support to reinforce fragile ceasefire

Lawmaker Mohammed Raad, head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, called on Friday for Lebanon to "withdraw" from direct talks with Israel that US President Donald Trump says have a "very good chance" of achieving peace.

Hezbollah calls on Lebanon to 'withdraw' from Israel talks

The immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions is "vital" for the world, European Council President Antonio Costa said Friday, after talks with regional leaders including from Lebanon and Syria."The Strait of Hormuz must immediately reopen without restrictions and without tolling, in full respect of international law and the principle of freedom of navigation. This is vital for the entire world," Costa told a news conference in Cyprus.

EU chief says it is ‘vital’ to reopen Strait of Hormuz

The Israeli military said Hezbollah shot down one of its drones in south Lebanon on Friday, hours after a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group was extended."A short while ago, an IDF remotely piloted aircraft was downed in southern Lebanon following the launch of a small surface-to-air missile by the Hezbollah terrorist organisation," the military said in a statement, indicating the incident was under review.

Hezbollah downs Israeli drone in south Lebanon, says IDF

Oil prices slid Friday on hopes of fresh peace talks aimed at ending the Middle East war, with Iran's foreign minister expected later in Islamabad.After jumping more than two percent, international benchmark Brent North Sea crude showed a loss of 0.5 percent at $104.57 a barrel. The main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, fell 1.1 percent to $94.80.

Oil prices drop as hopes of renewed US-Iran talks ease supply fears

An Israeli strike killed two people in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese health ministry reported, hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended.

Israeli strike in southern Lebanon kills two, says health ministry

UAE official says rebuilding trust with Iran will take ‘ages and ages.’

UAE official warns trust with Iran may take ‘ages and ages’ to rebuild

Oil prices pushed higher, with Brent at $107 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $97, while stocks struggled as investors worried about a lack of progress in ending the West Asia crisis, with Tehran keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed and the US maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports.

Oil prices pushed higher amid West Asia crisis

International flights from Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport will resume on Saturday, the ISNA news agency reported, days after Iran reopened its airspace. The first flights to resume will be to Istanbul and Muscat, the announcement said.

Tehran airport to resume on Saturday

The Kuwaiti military said on Friday that two drones coming from the direction of neighbouring Iraq struck border posts on its northern frontier with the country, causing damage but no casualties.

Kuwait says drones coming from Iraq target border posts

The US military noted that it now has three aircraft carriers -- the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS George H.W. Bush -- in West Asia for the first time since it waged the 2003 Iraq war.The three battle groups comprise "over 200 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors and Marines", US Central Command said on X.

USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford & USS George H.W. Bush in West Asia for the first time since 2003

The residents of Gaza's Deir el-Balah will be conducting a symbolic poll on April 25 for their first local election since 2006. Almost 70,000 eligible voters will cast ballots in 12 polling centres across the city. While many Palestinians view this as a symbolic poll, to signify that Gaza, along with the West Bank, as an inseparable part of the Palestinian political system and Palestinian identity.&nbsp;

Gaza's resident to vote in Municpal poll first time since 2006 

China's Foreign Ministry on Friday rejected US President Donald Trump's accusation that the intercepted Iranian ship was a “gift from China”, Reuters reported. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that it opposes all baseless “accusations and associations”. It further asserted that a "normal trade relationship" between countries should not be subjected to “interference and disruptions”.

China's FM rejects Trump's accusation of 'gift from China'

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir, commander of the Pakistani army. According to Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim, the phone call discussed regional developments and a possible peace accord, involving the US-Iran war&nbsp;

Iran's FM holds a phone call with Pakistani high command

European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, warned that exclusion of nuclear experts from negotiations with Tehran could result in an agreement "weaker than the JCPOA". Speaking ahead of an informal EU summit in Cyprus, Kallas cautioned that without technical specialists and a broader focus, the international community would ultimately face a "more dangerous Iran".&nbsp;

EU warns about a "more dangerous Iran"

Iranian leaders have posted the message on social media that there were no “radicals” and “moderates” in Iran; all of them were unified in a “revolutionary identity”. Almost a similar kind of message was sent out from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Force. This comes as a response to US President Donald Trump's claim that there was an internal rift within Iran and that Iran is leaderless.&nbsp;

Iranian leaders push message of unity simultaneously

Israeli forces have arrested three Palestinians, including two brothers, during early morning raids in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, according to reports.Palestinian news agency Wafa said the arrests took place across multiple neighbourhoods, including Asira al Shamaliya and Karoum Ashour.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="ar" dir="rtl"&gt;قوات الاحتلال الإسرائيلي تقتحتم قرية عصيرة الشمالية شمال نابلس في الضفة الغربية &lt;a href="https://t.co/sf5ZNbBTlw"&gt;pic.twitter.com/sf5ZNbBTlw&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; الجزيرة مباشر (@ajmubasher) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ajmubasher/status/2047501673925337102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 24, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Israeli forces arrest three in West Bank dawn raids

Iran will restart flights between Tehran and Mashhad from Saturday, according to Tasnim News Agency, as part of a phased reopening of its airspace.The country began restoring aviation operations on April 18 under a four-stage plan, with key airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International, reopening earlier this week. Mashhad is Iran’s second-largest city and a major religious hub.

Iran to resume Tehran–Mashhad flights as airspace reopening continues

South Korea has secured 74.62 million barrels of crude oil for May, covering about 87 per cent of its average monthly imports, as it moves to stabilise supplies amid the Iran conflict.Officials said the country has also reduced dependence on Middle East oil to 56 per cent from 69 per cent, signalling a shift toward diversified energy sourcing.

South Korea secures 74.6m barrels of oil, cuts Middle East reliance

The USS George H.W. Bush has arrived in the region, bringing the number of US aircraft carriers in the Middle East to three.

US deploys third aircraft carrier to Middle East

Will the US use nuclear weapons against Iran? That’s the question hanging over the war, and President Donald Trump has now given his clearest answer yet.What did he say?<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-use-nuclear-weapons-against-tehran-trump-finally-reveals-his-plan-on-day-55-of-iran-war-1776996331952">CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260424/image-1776996610364.jpg?rect=(0,68,1065,799)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="US to use nuclear weapons against Tehran? Trump FINALLY REVEALS his plan on day 55 of Iran war"></figure>

US to use nuclear weapons against Tehran? Trump FINALLY REVEALS his plan on day 55 of Iran war

Trump said the US would act against any attempt to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to destroy vessels laying mines.

US warns it will destroy mines in Strait of Hormuz

Equity markets across Asia traded lower as investors grew cautious over the lack of progress in US-Iran negotiations.Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul and Sydney all declined, reflecting weakening confidence as the conflict drags on.Key figures at 0230 GMTWest Texas Intermediate: UP 1.1 per cent at $96.92 a barrelBrent North Sea Crude: UP 1.1 per cent at $106.26 a barrelTokyo - Nikkei 225: Up 0.3 per cent at 59,343.40 (break)Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.8 per cent at 25,715.74Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.5 per cent at 4,071.52Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1681 from $1.1684 on ThursdayPound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3463 from $1.3465Dollar/yen: UP at 159.79 yen from 159.72 yenEuro/pound: UP at 86.78 pence from 86.76 penceNew York - Dow Jones: DOWN 0.4 per cent at 49,310.32 (close)London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.2 per cent at 10,457.01 (close)

Global markets slip amid uncertainty over Iran war talks

Oil prices continued to climb, with crude gaining by around a fifth over the past week as tensions in the Middle East disrupted supply routes.The Strait of Hormuz remains closed while the US blockade of Iranian ports continues, raising concerns over global energy flows.

Oil prices surge as Hormuz shutdown, US blockade fuel fears

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;If there is anything important in the text, let us know. My colleagues and I haven’t read it at all.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Who is running the United States? The one who is busy posting &lt;a href="https://t.co/19aVoETzho"&gt;pic.twitter.com/19aVoETzho&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Iran Embassy SA (@IraninSA) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/IraninSA/status/2047344813071118735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 23, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Iranian Embassy mock Trump over Truth Social post

Doubts and questions about Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s health, have circulated ever since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing his father and former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. As the US intel continues to find Mojtaba’s whereabouts, a report claims the Iranian leader was “gravely wounded” but is “mentally sharp”. Mojtaba was selected as the country’s new supreme leader on March 8. However, reports suggest that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been in control ever since, as his uncertainty looms over his health. Moreover, Mojtaba has not made any public appearances since the war began and only shared written statements through social media or state media.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mojtaba-khamenei-to-undergo-plastic-surgery-shocking-details-on-iranian-supreme-leader-s-health-1777007633183">Read more here.</a>

Mojtaba Khamenei to undergo plastic surgery? SHOCKING details on Iranian Supreme Leader’s health

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei hailed the unity of Iranians that has struck a major blow to the enemy in his latest message on Thursday (Apr 23). He also called for “practical gratitude” to further strengthen national cohesion. This comes after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s leadership was divided from within, saying that there was “infighting” between the “hardliners” and “moderates”. He also said that the US has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz until Iran makes a deal.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-fracture-in-enemy-mojtaba-khamenei-responds-after-trump-claims-infighting-within-iranian-leadership-1777001035221">Read more here.</a>

‘Fracture in enemy’: Mojtaba Khamenei responds after Trump claims ‘infighting’ within Iranian leadership

Israel and Lebanon extended a shaky ceasefire by three weeks, President Donald Trump said Thursday, as the United States remained at a standstill in negotiations with Iran to end the Middle East war.Trump announced the truce extension as he met with ambassadors of the two countries and despite recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and fresh rocket fire from Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was not part of the talks in Washington."I think there's a very good chance of having peace. I think it should be an easy one," Trump told reporters on Thursday. The initial truce had been set to expire on Sunday.Still, the US president said earlier he was in no rush to end the war with Iran, adding that "the clock is ticking" for the Islamic republic as a third American aircraft carrier arrived in the Middle East.Iranian media reported blasts over the capital Tehran, a first since the ceasefire in the Middle East war came into effect two weeks ago.It was not clear what caused the explosions, though an Israeli security source told AFP that their country was not currently striking Iran.

Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire as Iran peace talks stall

The United States will not exclude Iran from the World Cup tournament it is hosting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday, after an official mused about replacing war-battered Iran with Italy, which did not qualify."The problem with Iran, it would be not their athletes. It would be some of the other people that we want to bring with them," Rubio told reporters, denying Washington had asked the Iranian team not to come.

Rubio denies US trying to exclude Iran players from World Cup

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he expected the Israeli and Lebanese leaders to meet with him over the next couple of weeks and voiced hope for a permanent peace deal this year."I think there's a very good chance of having peace. I think it should be an easy one," Trump told reporters as he met the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to announce an extension of a shaky ceasefire.

Trump eyes Lebanon-Israel meeting in weeks, deal this year

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that an Israel-Lebanon ceasefire would be extended by three weeks, despite sporadic fighting on the ground."The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS," Trump said in a social media posting as he met envoys of Israel and Lebanon.

Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks

Hezbollah said on Thursday it fired rockets at northern Israel in response to the country's ceasefire "violations", as Lebanon and Israel's US ambassadors were set to meet in Washington."In defence of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the Israeli enemy's violation of the ceasefire and its targeting of the town of Yater in southern Lebanon," Hezbollah "targeted the Shtula settlement with a rocket salvo", the Iran-backed militant group said in a statement.The Israeli military said "several launches that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory were identified" and intercepted.

Hezbollah says fired rockets at northern Israel

The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East, the US military said Thursday, bringing the number of the massive American warships operating in the region to three.The Bush was sailing "in the Indian Ocean in the US Central Command area of responsibility, April 23," the military command responsible for the Middle East said in a post on X that included an image of the carrier with its deck packed with warplanes.A second carrier -- the USS Gerald R. Ford -- was operating in the Red Sea on Thursday, while a third -- the USS Abraham Lincoln -- is also in the region, according to social media posts by CENTCOM.The deployment of the third aircraft carrier to the Middle East comes during a more than two-week ceasefire that paused the devastating US-Israeli air campaign against Iran that was launched in late February.The Ford sailed to Croatia for repairs several weeks ago after a laundry fire broke out aboard the ship on March 12, but the world's largest aircraft carrier has since returned to operations.

USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in Mideast region: US military

President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States is under no pressure to end the war with Iran, but "the clock is ticking" for Tehran, as disruption from the conflict batters the world economy."I have all the time in the World, but Iran doesn't -- The clock is ticking!" Trump said on social media, adding that Iran's military was destroyed and "their leaders are no longer with us, the Blockade is airtight and strong and, from there, it only gets worse."

Trump says US in no rush but 'clock is ticking' for Iran

An Israeli security source told AFP on Thursday that the country was not carrying out airstrikes in Iran, following reports in Iranian state media of blasts over the capital Tehran."Israel is not attacking in Iran," the source said on condition of anonymity.Earlier on Thursday, Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel was "prepared to resume the war against Iran", adding that his country was awaiting a green light from the United States to return Iran to "the Stone Age".

Israel is not attacking Iran: security source

US President Donald Trump will meet Israeli and Lebanese envoys when they hold a second round of peace talks Thursday, a US official said."The ambassador-level talks between Israel and Lebanon will now take place at the White House," the official said on customary condition of anonymity. "President Trump will greet both representatives upon their arrival."

Trump to meet Lebanon, Israel envoys at White House talks: US official

Tensions continue to flare in the Middle East despite a fragile ceasefire. Will the US and Iran engage in diplomacy? Follow Iran war live updates here.

Tensions between the United States and Iran remain at the centre of the unfolding Middle East crisis, with Donald Trump warning that “the clock is ticking” for Tehran while signalling no urgency to end the war. The US has reinforced its military presence, including the deployment of the USS George H.W. Bush, as part of a broader naval buildup near the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has also stepped up maritime actions, intercepting vessels linked to Iranian oil shipments and warning it will use force against any attempts to mine the strait. Iran, in response, has effectively restricted passage through Hormuz, a critical global energy route, and begun collecting toll revenues from limited approved shipping. Reports of air defence activity over Tehran have added to uncertainty, though no confirmed strikes were acknowledged. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with proposed talks in Islamabad yet to materialise. Meanwhile, Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire by three weeks despite ongoing violations, including Israeli strikes and missile fire from Hezbollah. Trump expressed cautious optimism about peace, even as regional tensions continue to simmer. Follow WION for all the updates, analysis and developments on the US-Israel-Iran war

Tensions continue to flare in the Middle East despite a fragile ceasefire. Will the US and Iran engage in diplomacy? Follow Iran war live updates here.

US-Israel-Iran war Highlights: Witkoff and Kushner will go to Islamabad for Iran talks: White House

Ghalibaf has reiterated Iran’s key conditions for achieving what he called an “effective peace” with the United States, stressing that negotiations cannot proceed under threats and must include guarantees against renewed conflict. Tehran has repeatedly accused Washington of violating commitments and failing to build trust during recent diplomatic engagements.

Breaking: Iran's Parliament Speaker Reiterates Country's Demands for Effective Peace With US

US President Donald Trump has said he is giving Iran’s leadership more time to negotiate, extending the ceasefire to keep diplomatic channels open amid ongoing tensions. While the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, Washington signaled it is awaiting a formal proposal from Tehran as international mediation efforts continue to push for progress in peace talks.

US-Iran Peace Talks: US President Says Giving Iran Leadership Time to Negotiate 

US President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, saying that the pause in hostilities will remain in place until Tehran presents a proposal to resolve the conflict permanently. “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;He added that he has instructed US forces to “continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able.”The ceasefire, which was set to expire soon, will now remain in effect as diplomatic efforts continue. Trump said the truce would “therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.” The development comes after reported involvement from Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif, who urged a pause in military action to allow negotiations to move forward.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-feable-politices-and-dicussed-typos-surface-in-kash-patel-s-250m-defamation-lawsuit-against-the-atlantic-1776800109892">'Feable', 'Politices' and 'Dicussed': Typos surface in Kash Patel's $250M defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic</a>

Earlier on Tuesday (April 21), US forces boarded an oil tanker in the Indo-Pacific region that had previously been sanctioned for its links to Iran, marking the first such operation outside the Middle East tied to the ongoing conflict.Speaking in an interview with CNBC, US President Donald Trump said he is focused on eliminating the threat posed by Iran, even if it prolongs the war. “I have all the time in the world,” he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-suggests-pak-s-4-bn-arms-deal-with-libyan-army-also-under-review-1776794378211/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-suggests-pak-s-4-bn-arms-deal-with-libyan-army-also-under-review-1776794378211/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Donald Trump extends Iran ceasefire, maintaining blockade while awaiting Tehran’s proposal for a permanent resolution amid rising tensions

US President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, saying that the pause in hostilities will remain in place until Tehran presents a proposal to resolve the conflict permanently. “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added that he has instructed US forces to “continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able.” The ceasefire, which was set to expire soon, will now remain in effect as diplomatic efforts continue. Trump said the truce would “therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.” The development comes after reported involvement from Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif, who urged a pause in military action to allow negotiations to move forward. Also Read: 'Feable', 'Politices' and 'Dicussed': Typos surface in Kash Patel's $250M defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic

Donald Trump extends Iran ceasefire after Pakistan’s request, keeping blockade in place while awaiting Tehran’s proposal to end the war

'Will extend ceasefire', says Trump citing 'seriously fractured' Iranian government

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday (April 21) that a US blockade of Iranian ports amounts to an ‘act of war’ and violates an existing ceasefire agreement. In a post on X, Araghchi also said that ‘striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation’. “Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying,” he added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran’s hesitation about participating in negotiations in Pakistan is not due to indecision, but stems from what he described as mixed signals and actions from the United States. “The reason is not indecision; it is because of contradictory messages, contradictory behaviors, and unacceptable actions by the American side,” Baghaei said, according to Iranian state media.He added that Iran would decide on joining talks “whenever they become results-oriented.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sheila-cherfilus-mccormick-resigns-from-congress-amid-ethics-violations-investigation-third-house-member-to-quit-this-month-1776797264910">Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress amid ethics violations investigation; third House member to quit this month</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire. Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation. Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying.&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/2046654326517772450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Baghaei also condemned reported US attacks on Iranian vessels, calling them “a gross violation of international law,” as well as “maritime piracy and state terrorism.” Earlier, he accused Washington of “resorting to blame-shifting while violating the ceasefire and failing to implement key commitments, including the Lebanon truce.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-president-mallikarjun-kharge-calls-pm-modi-a-terrorist-later-issues-a-clarification-1776790787864/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-president-mallikarjun-kharge-calls-pm-modi-a-terrorist-later-issues-a-clarification-1776790787864/embed</a>&nbsp;Iran’s ambassador to Germany, Majid Ahmadabadi, said Tehran remains open to “real negotiations in Islamabad,” but not under coercive conditions, according to official reports. Pakistan is still awaiting formal confirmation from Iran on whether it will attend peace talks with the US this week, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said earlier.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Iran accuses the US of an “act of war” over port blockade and ceasefire violations, raising tensions as uncertainty surrounds upcoming negotiations in Pakistan

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday (April 21) that a US blockade of Iranian ports amounts to an ‘act of war’ and violates an existing ceasefire agreement. In a post on X, Araghchi also said that ‘striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation’. “Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying,” he added. Meanwhile, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran’s hesitation about participating in negotiations in Pakistan is not due to indecision, but stems from what he described as mixed signals and actions from the United States. “The reason is not indecision; it is because of contradictory messages, contradictory behaviors, and unacceptable actions by the American side,” Baghaei said, according to Iranian state media. He added that Iran would decide on joining talks “whenever they become results-oriented.” Also Read: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress amid ethics violations investigation; third House member to quit this month

Iran calls the US port blockade an ‘act of war’, citing ceasefire violations, as tensions rise and uncertainty surrounds upcoming US-Iran talks

'Iran knows how to neutralise restrictions and how to resist bullying': Araghchi accuses US of ceasefire violations

he urgency is heightened by an approaching ceasefire deadline and ongoing disruption to shipping in the Strait, reinforcing Gulf concerns that any agreement may fall short of broader regional de-escalation.

‘Golden grip on Hormuz?’ Why gulf fears US–Iran talks in Pakistan risk handing Tehran control of Middle East energy lifeline

The prospect of a diplomatic resolution to the West Asia war hung by a thread on Monday (Apr 20) as Iran signalled deep reluctance to join a critical second round of peace negotiations in Pakistan. The uncertainty comes as the US prepares its delegation for departure, Donald Trump warns of a return to full-scale hostilities if a permanent deal is not reached within the week. The "Islamabad Accord" negotiations, aimed at ending a war that has paralysed global energy markets and reshaped regional security. Countries across the globe are facing hardship, Bangladesh telecom faces shutdown, while the energy crisis has also hit India. The initial round of talks in Islamabad did not bear any fruit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-announces-2nd-round-of-us-iran-talks-tehran-says-no-plans-1776705287568/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-announces-2nd-round-of-us-iran-talks-tehran-says-no-plans-1776705287568/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei cast doubt on the immediate future of the talks. "We have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard," Baqaei quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;The spokesman accused Washington of "unserious" behaviour, specifically citing the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the recent seizure of a merchant vessel as "clear violations" of the truce. Tehran maintains that it will not negotiate under the pressure of what it terms "maritime piracy."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-for-regime-change-in-iran-dismisses-fake-news-on-war-motivations-1776696614971">Trump calls for regime change in Iran; dismisses ‘fake news’ on war motivations</a>&nbsp;Conversely, &nbsp;the US president has accused Tehran of weaponising the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely shuttered to international trade. Speaking to news outlet PBS News, Trump expressed frustration over the scheduling of the talks, asserting that Iran was "supposed to be there" following a prior agreement.&nbsp;In characteristically blunt terms, he signaled that his patience with the temporary truce has reached its limit."If the ceasefire ends without a peace deal, then lots of bombs start going off," Trump warned, adding in a separate interview that it was "highly unlikely" he would grant a further extension. While the technical expiration of the truce is slated for Tuesday night in Tehran, the White House has indicated it views the deadline as Wednesday evening in Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As Tehran stalls on joining a critical second round of negotiations in Pakistan, Trump warns of resumed strikes if the Wednesday ceasefire deadline lapses without a deal.

The prospect of a diplomatic resolution to the West Asia war hung by a thread on Monday (Apr 20) as Iran signalled deep reluctance to join a critical second round of peace negotiations in Pakistan. The uncertainty comes as the US prepares its delegation for departure, Donald Trump warns of a return to full-scale hostilities if a permanent deal is not reached within the week. The "Islamabad Accord" negotiations, aimed at ending a war that has paralysed global energy markets and reshaped regional security. Countries across the globe are facing hardship, Bangladesh telecom faces shutdown, while the energy crisis has also hit India. The initial round of talks in Islamabad did not bear any fruit. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-announces-2nd-round-of-us-iran-talks-tehran-says-no-plans-1776705287568/embed Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei cast doubt on the immediate future of the talks. "We have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard," Baqaei quoted by news agency AFP. The spokesman accused Washington of "unserious" behaviour, specifically citing the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the recent seizure of a merchant vessel as "clear violations" of the truce. Tehran maintains that it will not negotiate under the pressure of what it terms "maritime piracy." Also read: Trump calls for regime change in Iran; dismisses ‘fake news’ on war motivations Conversely, the US president has accused Tehran of weaponising the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely shuttered to international trade. Speaking to news outlet PBS News, Trump expressed frustration over the scheduling of the talks, asserting that Iran was "supposed to be there" following a prior agreement. In characteristically blunt terms, he signaled that his patience with the temporary truce has reached its limit. "If the ceasefire ends without a peace deal, then lots of bombs start going off," Trump warned, adding in a separate interview that it was "highly unlikely" he would grant a further extension. While the technical expiration of the truce is slated for Tuesday night in Tehran, the White House has indicated it views the deadline as Wednesday evening in Washington.

As Tehran stalls on joining a critical second round of negotiations in Pakistan, Trump warns of resumed strikes if the Wednesday ceasefire deadline lapses without a deal.

'We have no plans': Iran casts doubt on second round of peace talks with US in Pakistan

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf said that US President Donald Trump is attempting to reshape negotiations into coercion, warning that Tehran rejects talks conducted under pressure. President Donald Trump “seeks to turn this negotiating table— in his own imagination— into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf said in a post on X on Monday (April 20). “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield,” the post added. Meanwhile, several reports quoted Iranian media and Axios saying that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has given the “green light” for Iran’s negotiating team to travel to Islamabad for a fresh round of high-stakes talks with the United States.&nbsp;Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is reviewing all options following discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as tensions continue over a potential US-Iran ceasefire framework. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country “is taking all aspects into consideration” and will decide its next steps while continuing consultations. The ministry also thanked Pakistan for its “good offices and mediation” but accused the United States of undermining diplomacy through “provocative actions” and alleged ceasefire violations, including threats against Iranian commercial vessels.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lori-chavez-deremer-resigns-from-trump-s-cabinet-as-labour-secretary-amid-misconduct-allegations-1776721090962">Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns from Trump's cabinet as labour secretary amid misconduct allegations</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ترامپ با اعمال محاصره و نقض آتش‌بس می‌خواهد تا به خیال خود این میز مذاکره را به میز تسلیم تبدیل کند یا جنگ‌افروزی مجدد را موجّه سازد. مذاکره زیر سایهٔ تهدید را نمی‌پذیریم و در دو هفتهٔ اخیر برای رو کردن کارت‌های جدید در میدان نبرد آماده شده‌ایم.&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2046339369884086287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that diplomatic channels remain open despite uncertainty over the next round of talks between Washington and Tehran. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he expects the ceasefire window with Iran to expire “Wednesday evening Washington time,” adding it is “highly unlikely” he would extend it without progress on a deal.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-major-fire-at-russia-s-tuapse-oil-refinery-after-second-attack-within-one-week-1776708003883/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-major-fire-at-russia-s-tuapse-oil-refinery-after-second-attack-within-one-week-1776708003883/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf says President Trump is trying to force “surrender” in negotiations as US-Iran ceasefire talks face uncertainty and tensions rise

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf said that US President Donald Trump is attempting to reshape negotiations into coercion, warning that Tehran rejects talks conducted under pressure. President Donald Trump “seeks to turn this negotiating table— in his own imagination— into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf said in a post on X on Monday (April 20). “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield,” the post added. Meanwhile, several reports quoted Iranian media and Axios saying that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has given the “green light” for Iran’s negotiating team to travel to Islamabad for a fresh round of high-stakes talks with the United States. Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is reviewing all options following discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as tensions continue over a potential US-Iran ceasefire framework. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country “is taking all aspects into consideration” and will decide its next steps while continuing consultations. The ministry also thanked Pakistan for its “good offices and mediation” but accused the United States of undermining diplomacy through “provocative actions” and alleged ceasefire violations, including threats against Iranian commercial vessels. Also Read: Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns from Trump's cabinet as labour secretary amid misconduct allegations

Ghalibaf accuses Trump of coercion, while ceasefire tensions and US-Iran negotiations remain uncertain

'We have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield': Ghalibaf warns Trump; reports indicate Khamenei 'greenlighting' talks

US President Donald Trump said on Monday (April 20) that Washington will maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until Tehran agrees to a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict. "THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a 'DEAL,' is absolutely destroying Iran," Trump said on social media. “They are losing $500 Million Dollars a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run.” Shipping traffic has once again stalled in the Strait of Hormuz as both Iran and the United States impose separate blockades, escalating economic pressure in the region.&nbsp;Trump also claimed the United States is decisively winning the conflict, pointing to military actions and the naval blockade as key factors weakening Iran’s leadership. “I’m winning a war by a lot. Things are going very well, our military has been amazing, and if you read the fake news, like the failing New York Times, the absolutely horrendous and disgusting Wall Street Journal, or the now almost defunct, fortunately, Washington Post, you would actually think we are losing the war,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-deal-will-be-signed-tonight-trump-s-big-statement-as-tensions-escalate-over-negotiations-1776709825880">'Deal will be signed tonight': Trump's BIG statement as tensions escalate over negotiations</a>&nbsp;“The enemy is confused, because they get these same media ‘reports,’ and yet they realize their navy has been completely wiped out, their air force has gone onto darker runways, they have no anti-missile or anti-airplane equipment, their former leaders are mostly gone (this has been, in addition to everything else, regime change!),” he added. “Perhaps most important of all, THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a ‘DEAL,’ is absolutely destroying Iran.”&nbsp;Trump reiterated that Iran is losing “$500 million a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run.” “The anti-America fake news media is rooting for Iran to win, but it’s not going to happen, because I’m in charge! Just like these unpatriotic people used every ounce of their limited strength to fight me in the election, they continue to do so with Iran. The result will be the same, it already is!” he added.

<h2>US Navy turns back 27 ships amid Iran blockade</h2>The United States Navy has turned back 27 vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports since an American blockade near the Strait of Hormuz began about a week ago, according to the United States Central Command on Monday (April 20). A US military official also said that a team of Marines is inspecting up to 5,000 containers aboard the Touska, an Iranian cargo ship seized in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday after it attempted to evade the blockade.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/big-bang-theory-is-wrong-new-study-says-universe-was-born-from-a-big-bounce-1776706201129/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/big-bang-theory-is-wrong-new-study-says-universe-was-born-from-a-big-bounce-1776706201129/embed</a>

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Donald Trump says the US will maintain its Iran blockade until a deal is reached, claiming Tehran is losing $500M daily and the US is 'winning a war'

US President Donald Trump said on Monday (April 20) that Washington will maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until Tehran agrees to a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict. "THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a 'DEAL,' is absolutely destroying Iran," Trump said on social media. “They are losing $500 Million Dollars a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run.” Shipping traffic has once again stalled in the Strait of Hormuz as both Iran and the United States impose separate blockades, escalating economic pressure in the region. Trump also claimed the United States is decisively winning the conflict, pointing to military actions and the naval blockade as key factors weakening Iran’s leadership. “I’m winning a war by a lot. Things are going very well, our military has been amazing, and if you read the fake news, like the failing New York Times, the absolutely horrendous and disgusting Wall Street Journal, or the now almost defunct, fortunately, Washington Post, you would actually think we are losing the war,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. Also Read: 'Deal will be signed tonight': Trump's BIG statement as tensions escalate over negotiations “The enemy is confused, because they get these same media ‘reports,’ and yet they realize their navy has been completely wiped out, their air force has gone onto darker runways, they have no anti-missile or anti-airplane equipment, their former leaders are mostly gone (this has been, in addition to everything else, regime change!),” he added. “Perhaps most important of all, THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a ‘DEAL,’ is absolutely destroying Iran.” Trump reiterated that Iran is losing “$500 million a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run.” “The anti-America fake news media is rooting for Iran to win, but it’s not going to happen, because I’m in charge! Just like these unpatriotic people used every ounce of their limited strength to fight me in the election, they continue to do so with Iran. The result will be the same, it already is!” he added.

Trump says that the US will keep the Iran blockade until a deal, claiming Tehran is losing $500 million daily and insisting the US is ‘winning a war’

Trump: 'We will not take off until there is a deal', says 'blockade is absolutely destroying Iran'

US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News correspondent Maria Bartiromo, said that ‘a deal with Iran will be signed tonight’, despite ongoing uncertainty over the timing and outcome of renewed negotiations. He also said earlier that a US delegation led by JD Vance had left for Pakistan ahead of planned discussions, though it was unclear when his conversation with Bartiromo took place.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Trump accused Democrats of attempting to weaken the US stance against Iran on Monday. "The Democrats are doing everything possible to hurt the very strong position we are in with respect to Iran. Despite World War I lasting 4 years, 3 months, and 14 days, World War II lasting 6 years and 1 day, the Korean War lasting 3 years, 1 month, and 2 days, the Vietnam War lasting 19 years, 5 months, and 29 days, and Iraq lasting 8 years, 8 months, and 28 days, they like to say that I promised 6 weeks to defeat Iran, and actually, from the Military standpoint, it was far faster than that, but I’m not going to let them rush the United States into making a Deal that is not as good as it could have been," Trump wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-says-lots-of-bombs-start-going-off-if-ceasefire-expires-1776707096610">'Lots of bombs start going off' if ceasefire expires: Trump warns Iran</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump tells Maria ‘deal will be signed tonight’ as tensions explode in Strait of Hormuz | <a href="https://t.co/xsg8JZcdGJ">https://t.co/xsg8JZcdGJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MorningsMaria?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MorningsMaria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxBusiness?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxBusiness</a>&mdash; Maria Bartiromo (@MariaBartiromo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaBartiromo/status/2046228071406014936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I read the Fake News saying that I am under 'pressure' to make a Deal. THIS IS NOT TRUE! I am under no pressure whatsoever, although it will all happen relatively quickly! Time is not my adversary; the only thing that matters is that we finally, after 47 years, straighten out the MESS that other Presidents let happen because they didn’t have the Courage or Foresight to do what had to be done with respect to Iran. We’re in it, and it will be done RIGHT, and we won’t let the Weak and Pathetic Democrats, TRAITORS ALL, who for years have been talking about the Dangers of Iran, and that something has to be done, but now, since I’m the one doing it, belittle the accomplishments of our Military and the Trump Administration," Trump continued.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-ai-doomsday-could-ai-turn-on-humanity-can-humans-control-what-they-build-1776706157417/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-ai-doomsday-could-ai-turn-on-humanity-can-humans-control-what-they-build-1776706157417/embed</a>&nbsp;"This is being perfectly executed, on the scale of Venezuela, just a bigger, more complex operation. The result will be the same. In my First Term, I built the Greatest Military our Country has ever seen, including adding the Space Force. In my Second Term, I am properly and judiciously using our Military to solve problems left to us by others of far less understanding or competence," he added.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

'Deal will be signed tonight': Trump's BIG statement as tensions escalate over negotiations

US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News correspondent Maria Bartiromo, said that ‘a deal with Iran will be signed tonight’, despite ongoing uncertainty over the timing and outcome of renewed negotiations. He also said earlier that a US delegation led by JD Vance had left for Pakistan ahead of planned discussions, though it was unclear when his conversation with Bartiromo took place. Meanwhile, Trump accused Democrats of attempting to weaken the US stance against Iran on Monday. "The Democrats are doing everything possible to hurt the very strong position we are in with respect to Iran. Despite World War I lasting 4 years, 3 months, and 14 days, World War II lasting 6 years and 1 day, the Korean War lasting 3 years, 1 month, and 2 days, the Vietnam War lasting 19 years, 5 months, and 29 days, and Iraq lasting 8 years, 8 months, and 28 days, they like to say that I promised 6 weeks to defeat Iran, and actually, from the Military standpoint, it was far faster than that, but I’m not going to let them rush the United States into making a Deal that is not as good as it could have been," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Also Read: 'Lots of bombs start going off' if ceasefire expires: Trump warns Iran

US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, claimed that an agreement with Iran will be signed today in Pakistan

While U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that talks with Iran will resume on Tuesday, Tehran stressed that there were no plans in this regard. Amid this, uncertainty prevails over the arrival of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and members of his delegation in Islamabad.


Trump 'Announces' 2nd Round of US-Iran Talks, Tehran Says 'No Plans'

Tensions between Iran and the United States have taken a sharp turn as Tehran refuses to join a second round of talks, citing the ongoing blockade and rising pressure. While Donald Trump insists Washington has offered a “fair deal,” thousands rallied in Iran backing the government’s stance. Meanwhile, fresh incidents at sea and diplomatic outreach, including a call between Pakistan and Iran, show the crisis is far from easing.


US-Iran Talks: Tehran Condemns 'Aggression' Against Iranian Ship, Says US Is 'Not Serious' 

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: As the 10-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran nears its deadline, tensions continue to remain. Iran is reportedly not planning to take part in the peace talks with the US in Islamabad, citing Washington’s “excessive demands.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday (Apr 19) that the second round of negotiations was taking place, adding that his representatives would be in Islamabad for peace talks on Monday night. The first round of discussions was held in Islamabad between April 11 and 12 after the fragile ceasefire came into effect.Despite the ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz conflict has failed to resolve, with Iran reimposing restrictions on the world’s most important waterway. Tehran has accused the US of “breaches of trust”, following which Trump warned that Washington won’t tolerate “blackmail” over the strait.In a renewed escalation, Trump on Sunday said that the US forcibly seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that tried to go around the American naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman. The US military said that the vessel did not heed multiple warnings the US issued over six hours, following which US forces ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room and fired at the ship shortly after.Tehran called the incident a violation of the ceasefire, denouncing the US attack and seizure as “maritime piracy” and vowing that “Iran will respond soon”.The conflict in West Asia began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the Gulf region.<h2>Follow WION for all the updates, analysis and developments on the US-Israel-Iran war</h2>

Foreign aid groups are struggling to work in the occupied Palestinian territories including in war-torn Gaza despite Israel's top court lifting a ban against them, a director at one of the charities said Monday.Israel in December said it was banning 37 non-governmental organisations unless they provided detailed information on their Palestinian staff, in a move humanitarian organisations warned would further curtail already inadequate aid to Gaza.Israel's Supreme Court in February froze that ban, theoretically allowing the NGOs to continue working in Gaza and the occupied West Bank until a final ruling.But foreign "staff continued to be rejected, supplies continued to be rejected", said Alan Moseley, Danish Refugee Council director for the Palestinian territories.

Israel hindering Gaza aid access despite court ruling, says NGO

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports 2,387 fatalities following six weeks of intense conflict with Israel. The figure underscores the heavy human toll of the "39-Day War" before the current 10-day ceasefire.&nbsp;

Lebanon says 2,387 people killed in 6 weeks of Israel war

President Emmanuel Macron said Monday France was not specifically targeted in the killing of a French UN soldier in Lebanon, while blaming pro-Iranian group Hezbollah for the attack."It was Hezbollah, in fact, that targeted our soldiers," Macron said of Saturday's attack."They didn't target them because they were French. They targeted them because they were on a mission to stand alongside the civilian population," Macron told journalists in Gdansk, Poland.

France 'not specifically targeted' Macron says of soldier's Lebanon killing

Iran said it had yet to decide whether to attend a new round of peace negotiations with the United States, as Washington's delegation prepared to depart for Pakistan on Monday.The uncertainty over the talks on ending the war that engulfed the region and rattled global markets came as US President Donald Trump suggested he could resume attacks should the current temporary ceasefire -- now in its final days -- lapse.Since initial talks in Islamabad ended without a deal earlier this month, both sides have accused the other of breaching the truce."We have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday.

Iran says 'no decision' on joining new talks, with US delegation set to depart

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel’s military reach now stretches from Gaza to Mount Hermon and that its air power across the region proves what he calls Israel’s superiority over the "Iranian axis". "Our flag flies from the depths of the Gaza Strip to the summit of Mount Hermon, and our pilots dominate the skies of the region, proof of our superiority over the Iranian axis," says Netanyahu at a ceremony ahead of Israel's Memorial Day commemorating fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.&nbsp;

Netanyahu hails Israel's military edge over 'Iranian axis'

Lebanese official media said an Israeli strike hit a town in the country's south on Monday despite a 10-day ceasefire in force between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.The state-run National News Agency said that "an enemy drone targeted the vicinity of the Litani River in the town of Qaqaiyat al-Jisr", without immediately reporting casualties. Under the ceasefire, Israel reserves the right to act against "planned, imminent or ongoing attacks".

Lebanon state media reports Israeli drone strike in south

“Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did. I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing - And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future! President DJT,” &nbsp;wrote Trump on Trutch Social.

'Israel never talked me into the war with Iran', says Trump

A senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters said that ‘positive efforts are underway by Pakistan to end the blockade," and ensured Iran’s participation in talks.

Senior Iranian official ensures participation in talks

US Air Force's Boeing C-32 VIP plane and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military transport planes approach the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, ahead of a second round of US-Iran peace talks.&nbsp;

US Air Force planes approach Pakistan airbase ahead of peace talks

"We are in touch with Iran and others so that we have a safe exit of our ships through the Strait of Hormuz, says India's MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

India in touch with Iran for safe exit of ships

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tweets, "As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender."&nbsp;&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths. All religions flourish in our land and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Yesterday, like the…&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/2046166181258650016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 20, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Netanyahu condemns IDF soldier vandalising Jesus' statue, calls for criminal probe

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday that planned talks with Israel aim to end hostilities and the Israeli occupation in the south, as he named an ex-ambassador to the United States to lead the delegation."The choice to negotiate aims to stop hostilities, end the Israeli occupation of southern regions and deploy the (Lebanese) army all the way to the internationally recognised southern borders" with Israel, Aoun said in a statement.A 10-day ceasefire pausing more than six weeks of war between Hezbollah and Israel started on Friday after being announced by US President Donald Trump.More than 2,300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks and over a million displaced since Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into the Middle East conflict last month.

Israel talks aim to end hostilities, occupation: Lebanon president

The Kremlin said it hopes US-Iran negotiations will continue to avoid negative consequences for the region and the global economy.

Kremlin says it hopes US-Iran talks continue for good of Gulf, global economy

Tehran “will take the necessary action” against US forces, state news reported on Monday, after the US military captured an Iran-flagged ship along the choked Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.&nbsp;

Tehran ready to "take action" after US forces seize Iranian vessel, state news says

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said the Americans are playing the game of blaming Tehran. “This game is ongoing instead of them playing a positive role. But we cannot expect the Americans to say the truth; they’re always accusing us,” Esmail Baghaei said, as per Al Jazeera. “It seems that America is not serious at all.”

Americans playing blame game, says Iran's foreign ministry

Iran has reportedly rejected any possibility of transferring or reducing its enriched uranium reserves, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stating that the country’s nuclear accomplishments will remain within its borders. "At no stage of the current or previous negotiations has the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles to the United States or any other country been discussed," he said."As our soil is sacred and important to us, enriched uranium is also important to us," Baghaei also said and added that framing Iran's nuclear programme as the product of years of domestic scientific endeavour that would not be surrendered.

Iran Refuses to Transfer Enriched Uranium

Iran's foreign ministry said Monday no decision has been taken yet to attend the next round of talks with the United States. "As of now, while I am at your service, we have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard," said ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press briefing." &nbsp;

No Plans for Fresh Iran–US Talks, Says Foreign Ministry

Iran's foreign ministry said Monday the United States was not serious about following diplomacy, and accused it of the "violations" of their two-week ceasefire. "While claiming diplomacy and readiness for negotiations, the US is carrying out behaviours that do not in any way indicate seriousness in pursuing a diplomatic process," said ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press briefing.He confirmed a US attack on an Iranian cargo ship on Monday (April 20, 2026), the US naval blockage of the Iranian ports, and the delay in implementing a ceasefire in Lebanon were all "clear violations of the ceasefire".

Iran's foreign ministry accuses US of not being serious about diplomacy

The Israeli military has warned people in southern Lebanon not to move south of a specified line of villages near Litani River

Israeli military warns Lebanese people not to return to dozens of border villages

Pakistan prepares to host US-Iran talks but no confirmation yet

Prominent French-Lebanese artist Ali Cherri has filed a legal complaint in France over an Israeli strike on his family home in Beirut that killed his parents in 2024

French-Lebanese artist files war crimes complaint against Israel

The Lebanese armed group has claimed responsibility for a series of explosions that it said hit a convoy of eight Israeli armoured vehicles moving from the town of Taybeh towards the town of Deir Siryan&nbsp;

Hezbollah claims attack on Israeli forces in south Lebanon on Sunday

Israeli military said that it struck a loaded and ready-to-launch launcher in the Kfarkela area in southern Lebanon overnight. It said the launcher was north of the so-called Yellow Line it has established in southern Lebanon.

Israeli military bombs Kfarkela in south Lebanon

Oil prices surged Monday on a re-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East war after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz at the weekend, just a day after reopening it, citing the United States' blockade of its ports.However, lingering hopes that a deal to end the seven-week crisis continued to support equities, even as Tehran said it was not currently planning to attend peace talks.<h2>Key figures around 0230 GMT</h2>West Texas Intermediate: UP 5.3 per cent at $88.31 a barrelBrent North Sea Crude: UP 4.8 per cent at $94.67 a barrelTokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.0 per cent at 59,045.45 (break)Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.5 per cent at 26,281.92Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.6 per cent at 4,073.76Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1757 from $1.1776 on FridayPound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3500 from $1.3530Dollar/yen: UP at 158.89 yen from 158.49 yenEuro/pound: UP at 87.09 pence from 87.02 penceNew York - Dow Jones: UP 1.8 per cent at 49,447.43 (close)London - FTSE 100: UP 0.7 per cent at 10,667.63 (close)

Oil prices bounce back on Iran war escalation

Over a feverish few days of diplomacy, Pakistan's military and civilian politicians successfully divided the Middle East between them to push for a second round of US-Iran peace talks expected to take place in Islamabad this week.The country's powerful military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, headed to Tehran on Wednesday for what would become a three-day trip, where Iranian leaders said he carried US proposals for a second round of peace talks.Simultaneously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his foreign minister conducted a whirlwind diplomatic tour across regional allies Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

Pakistan's military chief takes lead on US-Iran talks in diplomatic blitz

Despite the ceasefire between the US and Iran, tensions remain in West Asia. Will Iran join the second round of peace talks in Islamabad? Follow the latest updates, analysis, and key developments from the ongoing West Asia conflict here.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: As the 10-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran nears its deadline, tensions continue to remain. Iran is reportedly not planning to take part in the peace talks with the US in Islamabad, citing Washington’s “excessive demands.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday (Apr 19) that the second round of negotiations was taking place, adding that his representatives would be in Islamabad for peace talks on Monday night. The first round of discussions was held in Islamabad between April 11 and 12 after the fragile ceasefire came into effect. Despite the ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz conflict has failed to resolve, with Iran reimposing restrictions on the world’s most important waterway. Tehran has accused the US of “breaches of trust”, following which Trump warned that Washington won’t tolerate “blackmail” over the strait. In a renewed escalation, Trump on Sunday said that the US forcibly seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that tried to go around the American naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman. The US military said that the vessel did not heed multiple warnings the US issued over six hours, following which US forces ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room and fired at the ship shortly after. Tehran called the incident a violation of the ceasefire, denouncing the US attack and seizure as “maritime piracy” and vowing that “Iran will respond soon”. The conflict in West Asia began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the Gulf region. Follow WION for all the updates, analysis and developments on the US-Israel-Iran war

Despite the ceasefire between the US and Iran, tensions remain in West Asia. Will Iran join the second round of peace talks in Islamabad? Follow the latest updates, analysis, and key developments from the ongoing West Asia conflict here.

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