A preliminary round of Lebanon-Israel talks has concluded in Washington, marking a tentative diplomatic step as regional tensions rise. The development comes as the United States launches a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The live blog is now closing. Thanks for following today. You can find a wrap-up of today's main developments below.
Donald Trump refused to apologise after criticising Pope Leo, who pushed back amid tensions over U.S. policy on Iran and broader global issues.
Iran has demanded compensation from five Arab states, accusing them of aiding U.S.-Israeli strikes and violating international law, according to a letter sent to the UN.
Masoud Pezeshkian told Emmanuel Macron that Iran will only continue negotiations under international law.
IEA chief, Fatih Birol, warned that oil prices could surge far above current levels if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, as markets are underestimating the war’s impact on global energy supply.
Donald Trump said Iran talks could resume in Pakistan within days, signaling a possible restart of negotiations despite ongoing tensions.
Israel's envoy to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter said Israel and Lebanon share a goal of reducing Hezbollah’s influence, citing U.S.-mediated talks and discussions on a clearly defined border.
European countries are preparing a plan for a broad coalition to help ensure freedom of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The U.S. Department of State said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place following a trilateral meeting in Washington.
The U.S. Department of State said Lebanon has called for a ceasefire and measures to address the humanitarian crisis.
The U.S. Department of State said Israel has affirmed its commitment to work with Lebanon to disarm non-state “terror” groups and dismantle their infrastructure.
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said Tuesday that Israel and Lebanon are aligned on the goal of “liberating” Lebanon from Hezbollah following U.S.-brokered talks.
He said Lebanese officials made clear they no longer want to be “occupied” by Hezbollah and discussed a long-term vision that includes a clearly delineated border between the two countries.
A preliminary round of talks between Lebanon and Israel has concluded in Washington, according to Lebanon’s state news agency.
António Guterres said Tuesday it is “highly probable” that negotiations aimed at ending the Iran war will resume soon, citing positive indications from ongoing diplomatic contacts.
The head of the United Nations trade agency Pamela Coke-Hamilton said on Tuesday that fertiliser shortages caused by the Iran war are becoming a pressing concern for developing countries. She warned that any gains from higher oil and gas prices for producing nations are likely to be short-lived.
Coke-Hamilton said fertiliser supply is the most immediate issue because it directly impacts food security and stability. She noted that around one-third of global urea would normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently affected by military tensions.
The trade agency chief added that a UN-led diplomatic push is under way to ensure safe passage for fertiliser shipments, while highlighting that countries in Africa and Asia are particularly exposed to shortages.
Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Israel-Lebanon talks taking place in Washington represent a “historic opportunity” to make progress on regional tensions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the discussions, the U.S. Secretary of State acknowledged that not every complexity would be resolved in the coming hours, but said he hoped the parties would begin moving forward.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran talks could resume in Pakistan within the next two days, suggesting renewed diplomatic activity despite ongoing tensions.
In an interview with the New York Post, the U.S. president said, “something could be happening over the next two days,” adding that Washington was “more inclined” to participate in the next round of negotiations there.
U.S. Central Command said on Tuesday that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports involves more than 10,000 U.S. military personnel, over a dozen warships, and dozens of aircraft.
The command described the operation as a large-scale maritime and air deployment aimed at enforcing restrictions on shipping linked to Iran, underscoring the significant military resources being committed.
The Donald Trump administration has issued a Russia-related general license authorizing certain transactions involving Lukoil retail service stations in Bulgaria through late October, according to a U.S. Department of the Treasury notice published on Tuesday.
The move allows limited operations connected to the company’s Bulgarian fuel network to continue temporarily, despite broader sanctions pressure linked to Russia’s energy sector.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, said on Tuesday that current oil prices do not reflect the severity of the threat posed by the Iran war to global energy markets and could rise significantly if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
Speaking at the Semafor World Economy conference in Washington, he warned that without the free flow of oil and gas through the strait, prices could climb well above current levels of around $100 per barrel.
Alexei Likhachev, head of Rosatom, said on Tuesday that only 20 staff remain at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran following a large-scale evacuation amid the ongoing war. He said the company has withdrawn hundreds of personnel since the conflict began on 28 February, with the latest group of 108 staff expected to cross into Armenia overnight.
Despite the drawdown, Likhachev said Rosatom remains prepared to resume construction of the second and third units at the plant when conditions allow.
An Israeli airstrike on a police vehicle in Gaza City on Tuesday killed at least four people, including a child, medics said.
Witnesses said the strike hit Nafaq Street, setting the car ablaze as residents and rescue teams searched for casualties. It was unclear if those killed were police officers.
The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately comment. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Greece is set to lower its 2026 economic growth forecast to around 2%, down from a previous estimate of 2.4%, according to finance ministry officials cited by Reuters.
The revision reflects mounting inflationary pressure linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly through higher energy costs and supply disruptions.
Iran’s ambassador to China has stated that no arms shipment from China has been sent to Iran, according to NourNews, pushing back against recent allegations circulating in international media.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday that any U.S. threat in the Strait of Hormuz would have far-reaching consequences for the world, according to Iran’s presidency website.
The Iranian president said excessive U.S. demands had prevented the sides from reaching an agreement, while stressing that Iran will continue negotiations only within the framework of international law.
Pezeshkian also said Tehran has clearly defined the terms of the ceasefire and will adhere to them.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with both Masoud Pezeshkian and Donald Trump on Monday, urging a return to negotiations to prevent further escalation in the conflict.
The French president said he called for clarifying misunderstandings between the sides and avoiding any new escalation, while stressing that a ceasefire must be fully respected by all parties.
Macron also said it was essential that the ceasefire framework includes Lebanon, reflecting growing European pressure to widen the scope of any settlement to regional flashpoints linked to the war.
Diplomatic meetings led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer this week will be organised into a series of working groups. The meetings are reportedly part of broader discussions on a potential future multinational mission related to the Strait of Hormuz, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The talks, ahead of a leaders’ meeting on Friday, are expected to focus on maintaining freedom of navigation and maritime security, possible economic measures against Iran if the strait remains closed, the release of seafarers and stranded vessels, and coordination with industry to support a resumption of transit when conditions allow.
A European Commission spokesperson said on Tuesday that there is currently no shortage of jet fuel in the European Union, although supply disruptions could emerge in the near future as a result of the Iran war and wider regional instability.
Speaking in Brussels, the spokesperson said crude oil supplies to EU refineries remain stable and there is no need at present for additional stock releases, but warned that fuel supply risks remain a key concern.
The comments come as European airlines call for emergency EU measures to address airspace closures and growing pressure on aviation fuel markets.
Majed Al-Ansari, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said on Tuesday that there have been no discussions between Qatar and Iran regarding any payments to stop Iranian attacks on Qatari territory, rejecting such claims as untrue.
Speaking at a media briefing, he said Qatar maintains a high level of coordination with Pakistan and the United States, adding that Doha’s demands are being communicated through these established channels.
The Spanish energy minister Sara Aagesen said on Tuesday that Spain is not considering any review of the European Union’s plan to progressively ban Russian gas imports starting next year. Speaking to reporters, Aagesen reaffirmed Madrid’s position despite renewed debate within the bloc over energy security.
Her comments come after Claudio Descalzi of Italian energy group Eni suggested on Monday that the EU should reconsider the timeline, warning that it remains unclear how the bloc would replace around 20 billion cubic metres of Russian liquefied natural gas.
Iran and Pakistan continue to exchange messages on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, but there is still no agreement on scheduling a new round of U.S.-Iran peace talks, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA citing a diplomatic source on Tuesday.
The report said discussions remain ongoing through intermediaries, but no formal confirmation has been reached on the timing or format of the next negotiations.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will jointly chair a video conference in Paris on Friday (17 April) with countries willing to contribute to a planned defensive multilateral mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow, according to the French presidency.
Senior diplomats are also expected to hold a preparatory video call on Wednesday ahead of the leaders’ meeting, European diplomats said.
Separately, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone call with Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which they discussed developments in the Persian Gulf following U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad and called for an immediate, permanent ceasefire alongside continued diplomatic efforts.
Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, said on Tuesday that it is essential to continue pushing forward peace negotiations to end the war between the United States and Iran, including efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters in Verona, the Italian prime minister said stabilising the situation is crucial not only for fuel supplies but also for fertilisers, stressing that coordinated diplomatic efforts are needed to restore security in the vital shipping route.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, said on Tuesday that there have been no announcements from Washington regarding the extension of a U.S. waiver allowing countries to purchase some sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products.
The Kremlin spokesman noted that the U.S. Treasury Department had previously permitted limited purchases of Russian oil and refined products at sea under a 30-day waiver introduced in mid-March, which expired on 11 April.
The measure had been part of broader efforts to stabilise global energy markets amid volatility linked to the Middle East Conflict.
UK's Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said on Tuesday she is “very frustrated and angry” over what she described as the United States’ lack of a clear exit strategy and defined objectives in the war in Iran, according to comments reported by the Mirror.
Reeves said the conflict was not initiated by the UK and that London did not support the decision to enter the war, adding that the U.S. had gone in “without a clear exit plan” or end goals.
She also claimed that as a result of the escalating situation, the Strait of Hormuz is now blocked.
Hezbollah said on Tuesday it carried out a series of coordinated attacks on Israeli military positions and settlements, escalating cross-border hostilities along the Lebanon-Israel frontier.
The group claimed its fighters struck newly established Israeli artillery positions in the town of Bayyada with rocket fire, targeted a fire-control room near the Kfar Jaladi outpost using attack drones, and launched rockets at the Misgav Am settlement in northern Israel.
European shares rose on Tuesday, recovering from a sombre start to the week, as investors were hopeful about potential Middle East peace negotiations, even as the U.S. implemented a blockade of Iranian ports.
The development was sufficient to trigger a rebound in stocks, while oil prices retreated below $100 a barrel.
European markets have weathered significant headwinds due to the continent's heavy reliance on energy imports.
Negotiating teams from the U.S. and Iran could return to Islamabad this week, four sources said, days after the highest-level talks between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution ended in the Pakistani capital without a breakthrough.
China's foreign ministry said that a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is "dangerous and irresponsible", warning it would only aggravate tensions.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that despite a temporary ceasefire agreed by relevant parties, the United States had increased military deployments and imposed a targeted blockade.
He warned that the move would exacerbate the conflict, undermine the fragile ceasefire and further jeopardise the safety of navigation through the strait.
China urges all parties to respect the two-week ceasefire, stay committed to dialogue and peace talks, take practical steps to ease regional tensions and restore normal passage in the strait as soon as possible, Guo added.
Iran demanded compensation from five Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, accusing them of participating in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
In a letter on Monday, addressed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and UN Security Council President Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Iran's UN Envoy Amir Saeid Iravani claimed those states "breached their international obligations" by allegedly enabling U.S.-Israeli attacks against Iran.
Iranian oil sales in recent weeks have been favourable and part of the revenue will be allocated to repairing damage to industry caused by wartime attacks, Iran's oil minister said on Tuesday.
Mohsen Paknejad said oil workers had maintained operations across facilities during the conflict, ensuring oil exports were not halted “even for a single day,” including at key export hubs such as Kharg Island.
The minister said last month that the selling price of Iranian crude had significantly increased.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has spoken by phone with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi about recent developments in the ongoing “ceasefire and negotiations” between Iran and the U.S., according to Mehr news agency.
Araghchi stressed Iran’s commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability through cooperation with all regional countries and without what he described as destructive U.S. interventions, Mehr reported.
One Israeli soldier was killed and three others were injured in clashes in southern Lebanon, the Israeli army said Tuesday.
The injured included one soldier in moderate condition and two with slight injuries, the army said.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said that Canberra is "deeply invested" in ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, as shipping disruptions impact global fuel supplies.
"We’re deeply invested in having an open Strait of Hormuz and the global fuel supply chain return to normality" Marles said.
Australia is working with partners on efforts related to the strait and how it can best contribute, he added
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says the Democrats will again force a vote in the U.S. Senate to “stop the war in Iran and rein in an out-of-control Trump”.
“For the 4th time, Republicans will have the chance to end this war,” he wrote in a post on X.
U.S. President Donald Trump refused to apologise to Pope Leo after he publicly castigated the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics amid a growing divide over his war on Iran.
Trump on Sunday issued a social media post in which he rebuked the pontiff for what he said is a "weak" record on combatting crime, and being "terrible" on foreign policy.
Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, said in response to Trump’s attacks that he had “no fear” of the Trump administration and would continue to speak out.
In a forceful speech on Monday in Algiers, he denounced “neocolonial” world powers who are violating international law, without specifically referring to the United States
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join direct peace talks between Israel and Lebanon at the State Department on Tuesday (14 April), according to the official schedule.
Rubio is set to host Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that oil prices could peak in the coming weeks as disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continue to drive energy costs higher.
“We’re going to see energy prices high and maybe even rising until we get meaningful ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz,” Wright said at the Semafor World Economy conference in Washington, DC.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that Washington made a lot of progress in talks with Iran, according to an interview on Fox News' Special Report with Bret Baier.
Vance added that Tehran "moved in our direction, which is why I think we would say that we had some good signs" but he claimed "they didn't move far enough".
He also warned that "if the Iranians are going try to engage in economic terrorism, we're going to abide by a simple principle that no Iranian ships are getting out either".
A tanker sanctioned by the United States passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday (14 April), despite a U.S. blockade on the chokepoint, shipping data on LSEG showed.
The tanker Rich Starry is Chinese-owned and has Chinese crew on board, the data showed.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that it was important to guard against any resumption of hostilities in the Middle East and said Russia stood ready to help with a settlement.
"S. Lavrov emphasised the importance of preventing a recurrence of armed confrontation and once again confirmed Russia's unwavering readiness to assist in resolving the crisis, which has no military solution," Russia's Foreign Ministry said.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 Apr...
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of ...
The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly voted to block an effort to rein in Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations ag...
Georgia’s parliament has approved fast-tracked amendments to the Law on Grants, introducing new exemptions and ...
RRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Beijing is placing China’s diplomacy under closer scrutiny, as it balances its partn...
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of a pause in hostilities after weeks of escalating tensions.
South Korea will import 18 million barrels of Kazakh oil via routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, as it seeks to shield its energy supply from mounting instability in the Middle East.
Donald Trump has warned that countries providing military weapons to Iran could face sweeping new tariffs, in a move that risks escalating economic tensions despite a recent ceasefire.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the world on Sunday to step in and help halt the ongoing war between Israel and Lebanon, warning that diplomacy is the only way to end the conflict and ease civilian suffering.
Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refurbishment aimed at preserving its status as a global symbol of luxury.
The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon were held in Washington yesterday. Fuel prices have dropped below $100 a barrel. U.S. blockade on Iranian ports completes first day.
Azerbaijan and Russia have announced a formal settlement over the 2024 crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Embraer 190 near Aktau, confirming that all outstanding issues, including compensation, have been resolved.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that there was a "good chance" of a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel happening soon, after he announced a 10-day ceasefire between the two countries.
Türkiye is reeling after a second school shooting in as many days, after a 14-year-old student killed nine people - eight pupils and one teacher - and wounded 13 others at a middle school in the south-eastern province of Kahramanmaraş on Wednesday, officials said.
Commander of Pakistan’s Army Field Marshal Asim Munir is visiting Tehran for high-level talks as Islamabad steps up mediation efforts to host renewed de-escalation talks between Iran and the U.S.
A second U.S.-sanctioned supertanker has entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, shipping data showed, despite a U.S. blockade on vessels visiting Iranian ports.
Optimism grew on Thursday that the war in the Middle East may be near an end, with a key Pakistani mediator in Tehran and the administration of President Donald Trump talking up hopes for a deal that would open the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that there was a "good chance" of a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel happening soon, after he announced a 10-day ceasefire between the two countries.
The two-week ceasefire between Iran, the U.S. and Israel entered its second and last week with Tehran stepping up diplomacy at home and abroad ahead of the pending renewed talks with Washington expected later this week.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment