Diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed hostilities between Iran and the U.S. appear increasingly fragile, with prospects for sustained dialogue fading as both sides prepare for possible escalation.
Israeli political and military leaders have strongly condemned the actions of a soldier accused of desecrating a Christian crucifix in southern Lebanon, as the army confirmed a formal investigation is under way.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are rising as a ceasefire nears expiry with no agreement in place, amid reported attacks on vessels that have heightened fears of renewed conflict and disruption to global oil supplies.
Iran’s top negotiator has said recent talks with the United States have shown progress, but that major differences remain over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic efforts continue alongside escalating regional instability.
The U.S. Navy has forcibly intercepted and boarded the Iranian cargo ship TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach the ongoing naval blockade. President Trump confirmed that the vessel was neutralised and seized by Marines following a direct strike on its engine room.
Lebanon and Israel have a “fundamentally incompatible” understanding of the ceasefire agreed on Thursday (16 April), Dr Nouran El-Bayaa has said.
Two Indian-flagged ships were shot at in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, India's Foreign Ministry said, as Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again, less than 24 hours after reopening the 167km long sea passage, which is essential for global trade.
Global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has shown signs of partial recovery after Iran announced it was open to commercial vessels during a limited ceasefire, though uncertainty remains over security conditions and compliance rules.
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Supreme Leader in air strikes, triggering the Middle East conflict, at the end of February. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, however, remains in force.
An average of at least 47 women and girls were killed each day during the war in Gaza, according to new figures released by UN Women.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 17th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Despite celebrations and cheers in Beirut Thursday night, some people who are affected by the conflict in Lebanon are sceptical about the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon announced by U.S. President Trump on Thursday (16 April).
A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect on Thursday at midnight local time and President Donald Trump said the next meeting between the United States and Iran may take place over the weekend, adding to optimism that the Iran war could be nearing an end.
France and Britain will chair a meeting on Friday (17 April) of around 40 countries aimed at signalling to the United States that some of its closest allies are ready to play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
Nations and organisations and Beirut react positively to the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Lebanese authorities negotiated the pause with Israel after an historic meeting on Tuesday in the U.S with President Donald Trump making the announcement on Thursday 16 April.
Germany’s opposition party, The Left, on Thursday accused Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government of fuelling the war in Iran by exporting arms to Israel, as new figures revealed millions of euros in approved military sales.
The U.S. has warned it could impose sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil and expects China to halt purchases as Washington intensifies enforcement of a maritime blockade on Iran.
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday rejected two legislative resolutions aimed at stopping the sale of heavy bombs and military bulldozers to Israel.
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.
France is set to vote on a controversial law targeting what it calls “new forms” of antisemitism, sparking sharp divisions and raising concerns over free speech, criticism of Israel and the protection of Jewish communities.
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.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan and six other countries condemned the killings of United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon on Tuesday while calling "for an urgent end to hostilities" in the country where Israeli attacks have killed more than 2,000 people since March.
Italy has suspended a long-standing defence cooperation agreement with Israel, marking a sharp shift in relations as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
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