US‑Iran‑Israel war Highlights: Iranian negotiators can call US ‘anytime’, says Trump

Pakistan says committed to mediator role after Iran talks collapse: PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that it remained to be seen whether the United States was "truly serious" about diplomacy, after he completed a visit to Pakistan where he met with senior officials.

In a post on X after leaving Islamabad, Araghchi said he had "shared Iran's position concerning (a) workable framework to permanently end the war", but he had "yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy".

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, was Tehran's "definitive strategy" in its conflict with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that canceling his envoys' trip to Islamabad for talks did not automatically mean war with Iran would restart despite the setback in peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18 hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left Islamabad, according to Iran's state-run IRNA. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif shared an update on X after talks with Araghchi. "Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations," he wrote.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, said the meeting between Sharif and Araghchi "lasted around two hours".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called on people to "control consumption" of electricity as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.

"The enemies are destroying our infrastructure and placing us under siege so that people become dissatisfied and the current satisfaction turns into dissatisfaction," he said.

"Instead of 10 lights, two lights should be turned on at home; what is wrong with that?," he added.

Iran's armed forces on Saturday threatened to respond if the US continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was issued by the army's command centre, and shared by multiple state media outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

It said that if the US army continues the "siege, banditry, and piracy at sea" in the region, they will "face a response" from the Iranian armed forces.

The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday at the prime minister’s office in the capital, Islamabad. Sharif’s office issued a statement saying the meeting was ongoing.

It said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.

Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport following a phased reopening of Iranian airspace. This comes after nearly two months of closure due to regional conflict. The first authorised routes are to Istanbul, Muscat, Beijing, and Medina. Local carriers such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Sepehran Airlines, and ATA Airlines have been allowed to sell tickets.

Qatar has formally condemned a drone attack targeting two northern land border posts in Kuwait that occurred on April 25, 2026. While initial reports from the region describe a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, Qatar's specific statement regarding the border posts notes that the drones were launched from Iraq

The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission said, the main idea is to link West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation army has threatened the Lebanese people against returning to several dozen villages where it has established a Gaza-like “Yellow Line”, expanding control up to the Litani River. “Approaching the area of the Litani River, Wadi Salhania and Saluki is not permitted,” said Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Iran's defence ministry on Saturday said the United States was seeking a "face-saving" way to exit the war, as US envoys travelled to Pakistan for peace negotiations.

"Our military power today is a dominant force, and the enemy is looking for a face-saving way to escape the war quagmire it has become trapped in," media outlet ISNA quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying.

It comes as emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner make their way to Islamabad, though Iranian state media has said direct negotiations are not on the cards.

Security personnel stand guard in Islamabad, Pakistan with some roads cordoned off ahead of the expected visit of two US envoys in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire. The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards. Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday. 

Images share by the Iraqi port authorities on April 24, 2026 show an oil tanker arriving at Iraq's oil terminals in the southern province of Basra. This is the second such announcement since the wartime disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy reportedly deployed more mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week as the blockade of the strategic waterway continues. This comes as the standoff between Tehran and Washington escalates over the world’s most important shipping route, as Iran continues attacking commercial vessels, while the American forces continue enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier on Thursday (Apr 23), US President Donald Trump ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats that lay mines in the strait with “no hesitation”. Reportedly, the order came after Trump was briefed on the new developments.

Read more here.

Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a "mission" on behalf of Israel's spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Palestinians began voting in municipal elections in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a part of Gaza Saturday in a first vote since the Gaza war, AFP journalists reported.

Polling stations opened in the West Bank and in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah area at 7 am (0400 GMT).

Oil prices showed a mixed trend, with Brent crude edging above $100 per barrel while US benchmark WTI fell 1.5 percent to $94.40.

Meanwhile, major Wall Street indices closed at record highs, as optimism grew over expected US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.

A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia has died of injuries sustained in a March 29 attack in Lebanon, UNIFIL said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said restoring stability is in everyone’s interest amid growing economic concerns. He made the remarks at an EU summit in Nicosia.

Global condom supplier Karex said prices have risen by up to 30 per cent due to supply chain disruptions linked to the war. The company produces for major brands including Durex and Trojan.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take “ages and ages.” His remarks come after Iran targeted the UAE during the conflict.

Two people were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry. The incident comes hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended.

The International Energy Agency warned that global LNG markets will remain tight through 2026 and 2027.

The ongoing conflict has strained supply chains and energy flows.

Iran will resume international flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on Saturday, days after reopening its airspace. Initial routes will connect to Istanbul and Muscat, according to state media.

The US military said it now has three aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East, the highest level since the 2003 Iraq war.

US Central Command said the deployment includes over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel.

Israel’s military has confirmed that Hezbollah shot down one of its drones over southern Lebanon, marking a fresh escalation despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.

The IDF said the unmanned aerial vehicle was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, and the incident is under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately "without restrictions and without tolling", European Council President Antonio Costa said after talks with leaders from Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of trying to "sabotage" efforts to reach a "historic" peace deal with Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it had killed six Hezbollah fighters in a southern Lebanese town "during an exchange of fire... between the terrorists and the soldiers".

The United States has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets over ties to Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says, as Washington seeks to raise pressure on Tehran amid energy supply disruptions due to the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan's foreign ministry says, ahead of planned Iran-US peace negotiations.

Araghchi "will hold meetings with Pakistan's senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability", Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, without referencing talks with Washington emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan says committed to mediator role after Iran talks collapse: PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that it remained to be seen whether the United States was "truly serious" about diplomacy, after he completed a visit to Pakistan where he met with senior officials.

In a post on X after leaving Islamabad, Araghchi said he had "shared Iran's position concerning (a) workable framework to permanently end the war", but he had "yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy".

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, was Tehran's "definitive strategy" in its conflict with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that canceling his envoys' trip to Islamabad for talks did not automatically mean war with Iran would restart despite the setback in peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18 hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left Islamabad, according to Iran's state-run IRNA. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif shared an update on X after talks with Araghchi. "Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations," he wrote.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, said the meeting between Sharif and Araghchi "lasted around two hours".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called on people to "control consumption" of electricity as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.

"The enemies are destroying our infrastructure and placing us under siege so that people become dissatisfied and the current satisfaction turns into dissatisfaction," he said.

"Instead of 10 lights, two lights should be turned on at home; what is wrong with that?," he added.

Iran's armed forces on Saturday threatened to respond if the US continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was issued by the army's command centre, and shared by multiple state media outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

It said that if the US army continues the "siege, banditry, and piracy at sea" in the region, they will "face a response" from the Iranian armed forces.

The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday at the prime minister’s office in the capital, Islamabad. Sharif’s office issued a statement saying the meeting was ongoing.

It said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.

Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport following a phased reopening of Iranian airspace. This comes after nearly two months of closure due to regional conflict. The first authorised routes are to Istanbul, Muscat, Beijing, and Medina. Local carriers such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Sepehran Airlines, and ATA Airlines have been allowed to sell tickets.

Qatar has formally condemned a drone attack targeting two northern land border posts in Kuwait that occurred on April 25, 2026. While initial reports from the region describe a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, Qatar's specific statement regarding the border posts notes that the drones were launched from Iraq

The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission said, the main idea is to link West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation army has threatened the Lebanese people against returning to several dozen villages where it has established a Gaza-like “Yellow Line”, expanding control up to the Litani River. “Approaching the area of the Litani River, Wadi Salhania and Saluki is not permitted,” said Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Iran's defence ministry on Saturday said the United States was seeking a "face-saving" way to exit the war, as US envoys travelled to Pakistan for peace negotiations.

"Our military power today is a dominant force, and the enemy is looking for a face-saving way to escape the war quagmire it has become trapped in," media outlet ISNA quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying.

It comes as emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner make their way to Islamabad, though Iranian state media has said direct negotiations are not on the cards.

Security personnel stand guard in Islamabad, Pakistan with some roads cordoned off ahead of the expected visit of two US envoys in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire. The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards. Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday. 

Images share by the Iraqi port authorities on April 24, 2026 show an oil tanker arriving at Iraq's oil terminals in the southern province of Basra. This is the second such announcement since the wartime disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy reportedly deployed more mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week as the blockade of the strategic waterway continues. This comes as the standoff between Tehran and Washington escalates over the world’s most important shipping route, as Iran continues attacking commercial vessels, while the American forces continue enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier on Thursday (Apr 23), US President Donald Trump ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats that lay mines in the strait with “no hesitation”. Reportedly, the order came after Trump was briefed on the new developments.

Read more here.

Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a "mission" on behalf of Israel's spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Palestinians began voting in municipal elections in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a part of Gaza Saturday in a first vote since the Gaza war, AFP journalists reported.

Polling stations opened in the West Bank and in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah area at 7 am (0400 GMT).

Oil prices showed a mixed trend, with Brent crude edging above $100 per barrel while US benchmark WTI fell 1.5 percent to $94.40.

Meanwhile, major Wall Street indices closed at record highs, as optimism grew over expected US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.

A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia has died of injuries sustained in a March 29 attack in Lebanon, UNIFIL said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said restoring stability is in everyone’s interest amid growing economic concerns. He made the remarks at an EU summit in Nicosia.

Global condom supplier Karex said prices have risen by up to 30 per cent due to supply chain disruptions linked to the war. The company produces for major brands including Durex and Trojan.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take “ages and ages.” His remarks come after Iran targeted the UAE during the conflict.

Two people were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry. The incident comes hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended.

The International Energy Agency warned that global LNG markets will remain tight through 2026 and 2027.

The ongoing conflict has strained supply chains and energy flows.

Iran will resume international flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on Saturday, days after reopening its airspace. Initial routes will connect to Istanbul and Muscat, according to state media.

The US military said it now has three aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East, the highest level since the 2003 Iraq war.

US Central Command said the deployment includes over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel.

Israel’s military has confirmed that Hezbollah shot down one of its drones over southern Lebanon, marking a fresh escalation despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.

The IDF said the unmanned aerial vehicle was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, and the incident is under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately "without restrictions and without tolling", European Council President Antonio Costa said after talks with leaders from Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of trying to "sabotage" efforts to reach a "historic" peace deal with Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it had killed six Hezbollah fighters in a southern Lebanese town "during an exchange of fire... between the terrorists and the soldiers".

The United States has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets over ties to Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says, as Washington seeks to raise pressure on Tehran amid energy supply disruptions due to the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan's foreign ministry says, ahead of planned Iran-US peace negotiations.

Araghchi "will hold meetings with Pakistan's senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability", Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, without referencing talks with Washington emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan says committed to mediator role after Iran talks collapse: PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that it remained to be seen whether the United States was "truly serious" about diplomacy, after he completed a visit to Pakistan where he met with senior officials.

In a post on X after leaving Islamabad, Araghchi said he had "shared Iran's position concerning (a) workable framework to permanently end the war", but he had "yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy".

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, was Tehran's "definitive strategy" in its conflict with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that canceling his envoys' trip to Islamabad for talks did not automatically mean war with Iran would restart despite the setback in peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18 hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left Islamabad, according to Iran's state-run IRNA. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif shared an update on X after talks with Araghchi. "Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations," he wrote.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, said the meeting between Sharif and Araghchi "lasted around two hours".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called on people to "control consumption" of electricity as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.

"The enemies are destroying our infrastructure and placing us under siege so that people become dissatisfied and the current satisfaction turns into dissatisfaction," he said.

"Instead of 10 lights, two lights should be turned on at home; what is wrong with that?," he added.

Iran's armed forces on Saturday threatened to respond if the US continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was issued by the army's command centre, and shared by multiple state media outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

It said that if the US army continues the "siege, banditry, and piracy at sea" in the region, they will "face a response" from the Iranian armed forces.

The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday at the prime minister’s office in the capital, Islamabad. Sharif’s office issued a statement saying the meeting was ongoing.

It said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.

Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport following a phased reopening of Iranian airspace. This comes after nearly two months of closure due to regional conflict. The first authorised routes are to Istanbul, Muscat, Beijing, and Medina. Local carriers such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Sepehran Airlines, and ATA Airlines have been allowed to sell tickets.

Qatar has formally condemned a drone attack targeting two northern land border posts in Kuwait that occurred on April 25, 2026. While initial reports from the region describe a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, Qatar's specific statement regarding the border posts notes that the drones were launched from Iraq

The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission said, the main idea is to link West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation army has threatened the Lebanese people against returning to several dozen villages where it has established a Gaza-like “Yellow Line”, expanding control up to the Litani River. “Approaching the area of the Litani River, Wadi Salhania and Saluki is not permitted,” said Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Iran's defence ministry on Saturday said the United States was seeking a "face-saving" way to exit the war, as US envoys travelled to Pakistan for peace negotiations.

"Our military power today is a dominant force, and the enemy is looking for a face-saving way to escape the war quagmire it has become trapped in," media outlet ISNA quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying.

It comes as emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner make their way to Islamabad, though Iranian state media has said direct negotiations are not on the cards.

Security personnel stand guard in Islamabad, Pakistan with some roads cordoned off ahead of the expected visit of two US envoys in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire. The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards. Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday. 

Images share by the Iraqi port authorities on April 24, 2026 show an oil tanker arriving at Iraq's oil terminals in the southern province of Basra. This is the second such announcement since the wartime disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy reportedly deployed more mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week as the blockade of the strategic waterway continues. This comes as the standoff between Tehran and Washington escalates over the world’s most important shipping route, as Iran continues attacking commercial vessels, while the American forces continue enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier on Thursday (Apr 23), US President Donald Trump ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats that lay mines in the strait with “no hesitation”. Reportedly, the order came after Trump was briefed on the new developments.

Read more here.

Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a "mission" on behalf of Israel's spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Palestinians began voting in municipal elections in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a part of Gaza Saturday in a first vote since the Gaza war, AFP journalists reported.

Polling stations opened in the West Bank and in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah area at 7 am (0400 GMT).

Oil prices showed a mixed trend, with Brent crude edging above $100 per barrel while US benchmark WTI fell 1.5 percent to $94.40.

Meanwhile, major Wall Street indices closed at record highs, as optimism grew over expected US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.

A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia has died of injuries sustained in a March 29 attack in Lebanon, UNIFIL said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said restoring stability is in everyone’s interest amid growing economic concerns. He made the remarks at an EU summit in Nicosia.

Global condom supplier Karex said prices have risen by up to 30 per cent due to supply chain disruptions linked to the war. The company produces for major brands including Durex and Trojan.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take “ages and ages.” His remarks come after Iran targeted the UAE during the conflict.

Two people were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry. The incident comes hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended.

The International Energy Agency warned that global LNG markets will remain tight through 2026 and 2027.

The ongoing conflict has strained supply chains and energy flows.

Iran will resume international flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on Saturday, days after reopening its airspace. Initial routes will connect to Istanbul and Muscat, according to state media.

The US military said it now has three aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East, the highest level since the 2003 Iraq war.

US Central Command said the deployment includes over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel.

Israel’s military has confirmed that Hezbollah shot down one of its drones over southern Lebanon, marking a fresh escalation despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.

The IDF said the unmanned aerial vehicle was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, and the incident is under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately "without restrictions and without tolling", European Council President Antonio Costa said after talks with leaders from Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of trying to "sabotage" efforts to reach a "historic" peace deal with Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it had killed six Hezbollah fighters in a southern Lebanese town "during an exchange of fire... between the terrorists and the soldiers".

The United States has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets over ties to Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says, as Washington seeks to raise pressure on Tehran amid energy supply disruptions due to the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan's foreign ministry says, ahead of planned Iran-US peace negotiations.

Araghchi "will hold meetings with Pakistan's senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability", Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, without referencing talks with Washington emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan says committed to mediator role after Iran talks collapse: PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that it remained to be seen whether the United States was "truly serious" about diplomacy, after he completed a visit to Pakistan where he met with senior officials.

In a post on X after leaving Islamabad, Araghchi said he had "shared Iran's position concerning (a) workable framework to permanently end the war", but he had "yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy".

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, was Tehran's "definitive strategy" in its conflict with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that canceling his envoys' trip to Islamabad for talks did not automatically mean war with Iran would restart despite the setback in peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18 hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left Islamabad, according to Iran's state-run IRNA. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif shared an update on X after talks with Araghchi. "Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations," he wrote.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, said the meeting between Sharif and Araghchi "lasted around two hours".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called on people to "control consumption" of electricity as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.

"The enemies are destroying our infrastructure and placing us under siege so that people become dissatisfied and the current satisfaction turns into dissatisfaction," he said.

"Instead of 10 lights, two lights should be turned on at home; what is wrong with that?," he added.

Iran's armed forces on Saturday threatened to respond if the US continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was issued by the army's command centre, and shared by multiple state media outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

It said that if the US army continues the "siege, banditry, and piracy at sea" in the region, they will "face a response" from the Iranian armed forces.

The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday at the prime minister’s office in the capital, Islamabad. Sharif’s office issued a statement saying the meeting was ongoing.

It said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.

Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport following a phased reopening of Iranian airspace. This comes after nearly two months of closure due to regional conflict. The first authorised routes are to Istanbul, Muscat, Beijing, and Medina. Local carriers such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Sepehran Airlines, and ATA Airlines have been allowed to sell tickets.

Qatar has formally condemned a drone attack targeting two northern land border posts in Kuwait that occurred on April 25, 2026. While initial reports from the region describe a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, Qatar's specific statement regarding the border posts notes that the drones were launched from Iraq

The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission said, the main idea is to link West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation army has threatened the Lebanese people against returning to several dozen villages where it has established a Gaza-like “Yellow Line”, expanding control up to the Litani River. “Approaching the area of the Litani River, Wadi Salhania and Saluki is not permitted,” said Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Iran's defence ministry on Saturday said the United States was seeking a "face-saving" way to exit the war, as US envoys travelled to Pakistan for peace negotiations.

"Our military power today is a dominant force, and the enemy is looking for a face-saving way to escape the war quagmire it has become trapped in," media outlet ISNA quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying.

It comes as emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner make their way to Islamabad, though Iranian state media has said direct negotiations are not on the cards.

Security personnel stand guard in Islamabad, Pakistan with some roads cordoned off ahead of the expected visit of two US envoys in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire. The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards. Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday. 

Images share by the Iraqi port authorities on April 24, 2026 show an oil tanker arriving at Iraq's oil terminals in the southern province of Basra. This is the second such announcement since the wartime disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy reportedly deployed more mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week as the blockade of the strategic waterway continues. This comes as the standoff between Tehran and Washington escalates over the world’s most important shipping route, as Iran continues attacking commercial vessels, while the American forces continue enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier on Thursday (Apr 23), US President Donald Trump ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats that lay mines in the strait with “no hesitation”. Reportedly, the order came after Trump was briefed on the new developments.

Read more here.

Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a "mission" on behalf of Israel's spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Palestinians began voting in municipal elections in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a part of Gaza Saturday in a first vote since the Gaza war, AFP journalists reported.

Polling stations opened in the West Bank and in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah area at 7 am (0400 GMT).

Oil prices showed a mixed trend, with Brent crude edging above $100 per barrel while US benchmark WTI fell 1.5 percent to $94.40.

Meanwhile, major Wall Street indices closed at record highs, as optimism grew over expected US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.

A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia has died of injuries sustained in a March 29 attack in Lebanon, UNIFIL said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said restoring stability is in everyone’s interest amid growing economic concerns. He made the remarks at an EU summit in Nicosia.

Global condom supplier Karex said prices have risen by up to 30 per cent due to supply chain disruptions linked to the war. The company produces for major brands including Durex and Trojan.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take “ages and ages.” His remarks come after Iran targeted the UAE during the conflict.

Two people were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry. The incident comes hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended.

The International Energy Agency warned that global LNG markets will remain tight through 2026 and 2027.

The ongoing conflict has strained supply chains and energy flows.

Iran will resume international flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on Saturday, days after reopening its airspace. Initial routes will connect to Istanbul and Muscat, according to state media.

The US military said it now has three aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East, the highest level since the 2003 Iraq war.

US Central Command said the deployment includes over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel.

Israel’s military has confirmed that Hezbollah shot down one of its drones over southern Lebanon, marking a fresh escalation despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.

The IDF said the unmanned aerial vehicle was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, and the incident is under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately "without restrictions and without tolling", European Council President Antonio Costa said after talks with leaders from Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of trying to "sabotage" efforts to reach a "historic" peace deal with Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it had killed six Hezbollah fighters in a southern Lebanese town "during an exchange of fire... between the terrorists and the soldiers".

The United States has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets over ties to Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says, as Washington seeks to raise pressure on Tehran amid energy supply disruptions due to the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan's foreign ministry says, ahead of planned Iran-US peace negotiations.

Araghchi "will hold meetings with Pakistan's senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability", Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, without referencing talks with Washington emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan says committed to mediator role after Iran talks collapse: PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that it remained to be seen whether the United States was "truly serious" about diplomacy, after he completed a visit to Pakistan where he met with senior officials.

In a post on X after leaving Islamabad, Araghchi said he had "shared Iran's position concerning (a) workable framework to permanently end the war", but he had "yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy".

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, was Tehran's "definitive strategy" in its conflict with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that canceling his envoys' trip to Islamabad for talks did not automatically mean war with Iran would restart despite the setback in peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18 hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left Islamabad, according to Iran's state-run IRNA. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif shared an update on X after talks with Araghchi. "Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations," he wrote.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, said the meeting between Sharif and Araghchi "lasted around two hours".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called on people to "control consumption" of electricity as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.

"The enemies are destroying our infrastructure and placing us under siege so that people become dissatisfied and the current satisfaction turns into dissatisfaction," he said.

"Instead of 10 lights, two lights should be turned on at home; what is wrong with that?," he added.

Iran's armed forces on Saturday threatened to respond if the US continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was issued by the army's command centre, and shared by multiple state media outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

It said that if the US army continues the "siege, banditry, and piracy at sea" in the region, they will "face a response" from the Iranian armed forces.

The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday at the prime minister’s office in the capital, Islamabad. Sharif’s office issued a statement saying the meeting was ongoing.

It said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.

Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport following a phased reopening of Iranian airspace. This comes after nearly two months of closure due to regional conflict. The first authorised routes are to Istanbul, Muscat, Beijing, and Medina. Local carriers such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Sepehran Airlines, and ATA Airlines have been allowed to sell tickets.

Qatar has formally condemned a drone attack targeting two northern land border posts in Kuwait that occurred on April 25, 2026. While initial reports from the region describe a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, Qatar's specific statement regarding the border posts notes that the drones were launched from Iraq

The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission said, the main idea is to link West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation army has threatened the Lebanese people against returning to several dozen villages where it has established a Gaza-like “Yellow Line”, expanding control up to the Litani River. “Approaching the area of the Litani River, Wadi Salhania and Saluki is not permitted,” said Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Iran's defence ministry on Saturday said the United States was seeking a "face-saving" way to exit the war, as US envoys travelled to Pakistan for peace negotiations.

"Our military power today is a dominant force, and the enemy is looking for a face-saving way to escape the war quagmire it has become trapped in," media outlet ISNA quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying.

It comes as emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner make their way to Islamabad, though Iranian state media has said direct negotiations are not on the cards.

Security personnel stand guard in Islamabad, Pakistan with some roads cordoned off ahead of the expected visit of two US envoys in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire. The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards. Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday. 

Images share by the Iraqi port authorities on April 24, 2026 show an oil tanker arriving at Iraq's oil terminals in the southern province of Basra. This is the second such announcement since the wartime disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy reportedly deployed more mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week as the blockade of the strategic waterway continues. This comes as the standoff between Tehran and Washington escalates over the world’s most important shipping route, as Iran continues attacking commercial vessels, while the American forces continue enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier on Thursday (Apr 23), US President Donald Trump ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats that lay mines in the strait with “no hesitation”. Reportedly, the order came after Trump was briefed on the new developments.

Read more here.

Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a "mission" on behalf of Israel's spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Palestinians began voting in municipal elections in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a part of Gaza Saturday in a first vote since the Gaza war, AFP journalists reported.

Polling stations opened in the West Bank and in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah area at 7 am (0400 GMT).

Oil prices showed a mixed trend, with Brent crude edging above $100 per barrel while US benchmark WTI fell 1.5 percent to $94.40.

Meanwhile, major Wall Street indices closed at record highs, as optimism grew over expected US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.

A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia has died of injuries sustained in a March 29 attack in Lebanon, UNIFIL said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said restoring stability is in everyone’s interest amid growing economic concerns. He made the remarks at an EU summit in Nicosia.

Global condom supplier Karex said prices have risen by up to 30 per cent due to supply chain disruptions linked to the war. The company produces for major brands including Durex and Trojan.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take “ages and ages.” His remarks come after Iran targeted the UAE during the conflict.

Two people were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry. The incident comes hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended.

The International Energy Agency warned that global LNG markets will remain tight through 2026 and 2027.

The ongoing conflict has strained supply chains and energy flows.

Iran will resume international flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on Saturday, days after reopening its airspace. Initial routes will connect to Istanbul and Muscat, according to state media.

The US military said it now has three aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East, the highest level since the 2003 Iraq war.

US Central Command said the deployment includes over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel.

Israel’s military has confirmed that Hezbollah shot down one of its drones over southern Lebanon, marking a fresh escalation despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.

The IDF said the unmanned aerial vehicle was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, and the incident is under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately "without restrictions and without tolling", European Council President Antonio Costa said after talks with leaders from Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of trying to "sabotage" efforts to reach a "historic" peace deal with Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it had killed six Hezbollah fighters in a southern Lebanese town "during an exchange of fire... between the terrorists and the soldiers".

The United States has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets over ties to Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says, as Washington seeks to raise pressure on Tehran amid energy supply disruptions due to the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan's foreign ministry says, ahead of planned Iran-US peace negotiations.

Araghchi "will hold meetings with Pakistan's senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability", Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, without referencing talks with Washington emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan says committed to mediator role after Iran talks collapse: PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that it remained to be seen whether the United States was "truly serious" about diplomacy, after he completed a visit to Pakistan where he met with senior officials.

In a post on X after leaving Islamabad, Araghchi said he had "shared Iran's position concerning (a) workable framework to permanently end the war", but he had "yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy".

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, was Tehran's "definitive strategy" in its conflict with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that canceling his envoys' trip to Islamabad for talks did not automatically mean war with Iran would restart despite the setback in peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18 hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left Islamabad, according to Iran's state-run IRNA. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif shared an update on X after talks with Araghchi. "Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations," he wrote.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, said the meeting between Sharif and Araghchi "lasted around two hours".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called on people to "control consumption" of electricity as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.

"The enemies are destroying our infrastructure and placing us under siege so that people become dissatisfied and the current satisfaction turns into dissatisfaction," he said.

"Instead of 10 lights, two lights should be turned on at home; what is wrong with that?," he added.

Iran's armed forces on Saturday threatened to respond if the US continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was issued by the army's command centre, and shared by multiple state media outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

It said that if the US army continues the "siege, banditry, and piracy at sea" in the region, they will "face a response" from the Iranian armed forces.

The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday at the prime minister’s office in the capital, Islamabad. Sharif’s office issued a statement saying the meeting was ongoing.

It said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.

Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport following a phased reopening of Iranian airspace. This comes after nearly two months of closure due to regional conflict. The first authorised routes are to Istanbul, Muscat, Beijing, and Medina. Local carriers such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Sepehran Airlines, and ATA Airlines have been allowed to sell tickets.

Qatar has formally condemned a drone attack targeting two northern land border posts in Kuwait that occurred on April 25, 2026. While initial reports from the region describe a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, Qatar's specific statement regarding the border posts notes that the drones were launched from Iraq

The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission said, the main idea is to link West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation army has threatened the Lebanese people against returning to several dozen villages where it has established a Gaza-like “Yellow Line”, expanding control up to the Litani River. “Approaching the area of the Litani River, Wadi Salhania and Saluki is not permitted,” said Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Iran's defence ministry on Saturday said the United States was seeking a "face-saving" way to exit the war, as US envoys travelled to Pakistan for peace negotiations.

"Our military power today is a dominant force, and the enemy is looking for a face-saving way to escape the war quagmire it has become trapped in," media outlet ISNA quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying.

It comes as emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner make their way to Islamabad, though Iranian state media has said direct negotiations are not on the cards.

Security personnel stand guard in Islamabad, Pakistan with some roads cordoned off ahead of the expected visit of two US envoys in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire. The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards. Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday. 

Images share by the Iraqi port authorities on April 24, 2026 show an oil tanker arriving at Iraq's oil terminals in the southern province of Basra. This is the second such announcement since the wartime disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy reportedly deployed more mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week as the blockade of the strategic waterway continues. This comes as the standoff between Tehran and Washington escalates over the world’s most important shipping route, as Iran continues attacking commercial vessels, while the American forces continue enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier on Thursday (Apr 23), US President Donald Trump ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats that lay mines in the strait with “no hesitation”. Reportedly, the order came after Trump was briefed on the new developments.

Read more here.

Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a "mission" on behalf of Israel's spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Palestinians began voting in municipal elections in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a part of Gaza Saturday in a first vote since the Gaza war, AFP journalists reported.

Polling stations opened in the West Bank and in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah area at 7 am (0400 GMT).

Oil prices showed a mixed trend, with Brent crude edging above $100 per barrel while US benchmark WTI fell 1.5 percent to $94.40.

Meanwhile, major Wall Street indices closed at record highs, as optimism grew over expected US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.

A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia has died of injuries sustained in a March 29 attack in Lebanon, UNIFIL said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said restoring stability is in everyone’s interest amid growing economic concerns. He made the remarks at an EU summit in Nicosia.

Global condom supplier Karex said prices have risen by up to 30 per cent due to supply chain disruptions linked to the war. The company produces for major brands including Durex and Trojan.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take “ages and ages.” His remarks come after Iran targeted the UAE during the conflict.

Two people were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry. The incident comes hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended.

The International Energy Agency warned that global LNG markets will remain tight through 2026 and 2027.

The ongoing conflict has strained supply chains and energy flows.

Iran will resume international flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on Saturday, days after reopening its airspace. Initial routes will connect to Istanbul and Muscat, according to state media.

The US military said it now has three aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East, the highest level since the 2003 Iraq war.

US Central Command said the deployment includes over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel.

Israel’s military has confirmed that Hezbollah shot down one of its drones over southern Lebanon, marking a fresh escalation despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.

The IDF said the unmanned aerial vehicle was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, and the incident is under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately "without restrictions and without tolling", European Council President Antonio Costa said after talks with leaders from Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of trying to "sabotage" efforts to reach a "historic" peace deal with Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it had killed six Hezbollah fighters in a southern Lebanese town "during an exchange of fire... between the terrorists and the soldiers".

The United States has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets over ties to Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says, as Washington seeks to raise pressure on Tehran amid energy supply disruptions due to the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan's foreign ministry says, ahead of planned Iran-US peace negotiations.

Araghchi "will hold meetings with Pakistan's senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability", Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, without referencing talks with Washington emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan says committed to mediator role after Iran talks collapse: PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that it remained to be seen whether the United States was "truly serious" about diplomacy, after he completed a visit to Pakistan where he met with senior officials.

In a post on X after leaving Islamabad, Araghchi said he had "shared Iran's position concerning (a) workable framework to permanently end the war", but he had "yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy".

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, was Tehran's "definitive strategy" in its conflict with the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that canceling his envoys' trip to Islamabad for talks did not automatically mean war with Iran would restart despite the setback in peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18 hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left Islamabad, according to Iran's state-run IRNA. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif shared an update on X after talks with Araghchi. "Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations," he wrote.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, said the meeting between Sharif and Araghchi "lasted around two hours".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called on people to "control consumption" of electricity as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues.

"The enemies are destroying our infrastructure and placing us under siege so that people become dissatisfied and the current satisfaction turns into dissatisfaction," he said.

"Instead of 10 lights, two lights should be turned on at home; what is wrong with that?," he added.

Iran's armed forces on Saturday threatened to respond if the US continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was issued by the army's command centre, and shared by multiple state media outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

It said that if the US army continues the "siege, banditry, and piracy at sea" in the region, they will "face a response" from the Iranian armed forces.

The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday at the prime minister’s office in the capital, Islamabad. Sharif’s office issued a statement saying the meeting was ongoing.

It said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.

Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport following a phased reopening of Iranian airspace. This comes after nearly two months of closure due to regional conflict. The first authorised routes are to Istanbul, Muscat, Beijing, and Medina. Local carriers such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Sepehran Airlines, and ATA Airlines have been allowed to sell tickets.

Qatar has formally condemned a drone attack targeting two northern land border posts in Kuwait that occurred on April 25, 2026. While initial reports from the region describe a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, Qatar's specific statement regarding the border posts notes that the drones were launched from Iraq

The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission said, the main idea is to link West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation army has threatened the Lebanese people against returning to several dozen villages where it has established a Gaza-like “Yellow Line”, expanding control up to the Litani River. “Approaching the area of the Litani River, Wadi Salhania and Saluki is not permitted,” said Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Iran's defence ministry on Saturday said the United States was seeking a "face-saving" way to exit the war, as US envoys travelled to Pakistan for peace negotiations.

"Our military power today is a dominant force, and the enemy is looking for a face-saving way to escape the war quagmire it has become trapped in," media outlet ISNA quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying.

It comes as emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner make their way to Islamabad, though Iranian state media has said direct negotiations are not on the cards.

Security personnel stand guard in Islamabad, Pakistan with some roads cordoned off ahead of the expected visit of two US envoys in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire. The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards. Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday. 

Images share by the Iraqi port authorities on April 24, 2026 show an oil tanker arriving at Iraq's oil terminals in the southern province of Basra. This is the second such announcement since the wartime disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy reportedly deployed more mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week as the blockade of the strategic waterway continues. This comes as the standoff between Tehran and Washington escalates over the world’s most important shipping route, as Iran continues attacking commercial vessels, while the American forces continue enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier on Thursday (Apr 23), US President Donald Trump ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats that lay mines in the strait with “no hesitation”. Reportedly, the order came after Trump was briefed on the new developments.

Read more here.

Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a "mission" on behalf of Israel's spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Palestinians began voting in municipal elections in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a part of Gaza Saturday in a first vote since the Gaza war, AFP journalists reported.

Polling stations opened in the West Bank and in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah area at 7 am (0400 GMT).

Oil prices showed a mixed trend, with Brent crude edging above $100 per barrel while US benchmark WTI fell 1.5 percent to $94.40.

Meanwhile, major Wall Street indices closed at record highs, as optimism grew over expected US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.

A UN peacekeeper from Indonesia has died of injuries sustained in a March 29 attack in Lebanon, UNIFIL said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said restoring stability is in everyone’s interest amid growing economic concerns. He made the remarks at an EU summit in Nicosia.

Global condom supplier Karex said prices have risen by up to 30 per cent due to supply chain disruptions linked to the war. The company produces for major brands including Durex and Trojan.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said rebuilding trust with Iran will take “ages and ages.” His remarks come after Iran targeted the UAE during the conflict.

Two people were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry. The incident comes hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was extended.

The International Energy Agency warned that global LNG markets will remain tight through 2026 and 2027.

The ongoing conflict has strained supply chains and energy flows.

Iran will resume international flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on Saturday, days after reopening its airspace. Initial routes will connect to Istanbul and Muscat, according to state media.

The US military said it now has three aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East, the highest level since the 2003 Iraq war.

US Central Command said the deployment includes over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel.

Israel’s military has confirmed that Hezbollah shot down one of its drones over southern Lebanon, marking a fresh escalation despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.

The IDF said the unmanned aerial vehicle was hit by an anti-aircraft missile, and the incident is under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately "without restrictions and without tolling", European Council President Antonio Costa said after talks with leaders from Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of trying to "sabotage" efforts to reach a "historic" peace deal with Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it had killed six Hezbollah fighters in a southern Lebanese town "during an exchange of fire... between the terrorists and the soldiers".

The United States has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets over ties to Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says, as Washington seeks to raise pressure on Tehran amid energy supply disruptions due to the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan's foreign ministry says, ahead of planned Iran-US peace negotiations.

Araghchi "will hold meetings with Pakistan's senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability", Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, without referencing talks with Washington emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.