US-Iran War Highlights: Marco Rubio rejects Iran control of Hormuz, says US won't tolerate restrictions

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Russian and Iranian defence officials met in Kyrgyzstan for high-level talks, signalling continued coordination between Moscow and Tehran as tensions around Iran remain unresolved. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held discussions with Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister Reza Talaei-Nik during his visit, according to state-run TASS.

Belousov repeated Moscow’s position that the ongoing US-Israeli conflict involving Iran must be addressed through diplomacy rather than escalation. He also expressed confidence that Russia and Iran will continue to back each other amid rising geopolitical pressure. The meeting comes at a time when Russia is expected to play a key role in shaping the next phase of the conflict, both diplomatically and strategically.
 

The White House has confirmed that a proposal from Iran to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz is now under active discussion within the US administration. Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump had met his national security team to review the offer. “I can confirm the president has met with his national security team this morning – the meeting may be ongoing, maybe not… The proposal was being discussed,” she told reporters.

The Iranian plan reportedly links the reopening of the vital shipping route with a broader effort to end hostilities. It also includes a condition that negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme would take place at a later stage.

Washington has not indicated whether it is inclined to accept the terms. However, Trump’s position remains firm. Leavitt said the president’s red lines have been “made very, very clear,” stressing that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

UK minister Stephen Doughty said maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz must remain free of tolls and security threats, as London pushes for safe passage despite opposing the US blockade of Iranian ports.

Speaking ahead of a UN Security Council meeting, Doughty said Iran was holding “the rest of the world to ransom” and stressed that shipping must move freely. “That includes no tolls, no security risk and, of course, adherence to the international laws on freedom of navigation,” he said, according to The Associated Press.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Iran must make “major concessions” and adopt a “radical shift” in its position for any lasting resolution to the crisis, speaking at a UN Security Council session on maritime security in New York.

“There can be no lasting solution to this crisis unless the Iranian regime agrees to major concessions and a radical shift in its stance,” Barrot said, according to AFP. He added that he had spoken with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi a day earlier, with discussions focusing on ceasefire developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would not accept any attempt by Iran to control access to international waterways, rejecting Tehran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz. Responding to Iran’s claim that the strait remains open, Rubio said: “If what they mean by opening the straits is, yes, the straits are opened as long as you coordinate with Iran, get our permission or we’ll blow you up, and you pay us. That’s not opening the straits.”

He added that such a system would be unacceptable. “Those are international waterways. They cannot normalise, nor can we tolerate them trying to normalise, a system in which the Iranians decide who gets to use an international waterway, and how much you have to pay them to use it.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran appears “serious” about reaching a deal with Washington, but stressed that any agreement must firmly block Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.

“I think they are serious about getting themselves out of the mess that they’re in,” Rubio said in an interview with Fox News. He pointed to Iran’s worsening economic situation, including inflation, wage pressures and sanctions, adding: “All the problems that Iran had before the start of this conflict are still in place, and most of them are worse.”

Rubio underscored Washington’s red line, saying: “We have to ensure that any deal that is made… definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.”

The remarks come after US-Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11 failed to produce an agreement to end the conflict that began on February 28.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 2,521 since March 2, with 7,804 people wounded, according to the National News Agency.

At least 22 people were killed in strikes over the past two days, as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon shows signs of strain.
 

French President Emmanuel Macron said he would hold talks with Iranian authorities after concluding his visit to Andorra, as he pushes for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions.

“We have established a coalition whose purpose is precisely to ensure security, to secure and stabilise, to demonstrate that the international community supports an opening (of the Strait of Hormuz), and so I hope that we will be able to convince the stakeholders in the coming days,” Macron told reporters.
 

Pakistan has allowed Iran to import goods from third countries through its territory, opening new transit routes linking major ports to border crossings in Balochistan, according to a government notification.

The move designates six routes connecting Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar with key crossings in the southwest, and took immediate effect. The decision came during a visit to Islamabad by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who held talks with Pakistani officials amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.
 

A senior United Arab Emirates official has criticised Gulf allies for what he described as a weak response to Iranian retaliatory attacks following Israeli-US strikes, highlighting divisions within regional blocs.

Anwar Gargash said that while Gulf states offered logistical support during the crisis, their political and military response fell short. “The GCC’s stance was the weakest historically, considering the nature of the attack and the threat it posed to everyone,” he said as quoted by AFP. Gargash added that he had expected a limited response from the Arab League but not from Gulf partners. “But I don’t expect it from the GCC, and I am surprised by it,” he said at a conference in Dubai.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss ongoing US-Iran negotiations and efforts to ease regional tensions, according to an official statement.

During the call, Abdelatty “stressed the importance of continuing the negotiation approach to consolidate the ceasefire and work to end the war,” the statement said, adding that Egypt would continue “tireless efforts” with regional and international partners to support political solutions and regional stability.
 

Russian state media reported further details from the meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, highlighting Moscow’s continued backing of Tehran amid the ongoing conflict.

“For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests, the interests of all the peoples of the region, to achieve this peace as quickly as possible. You know our position well,” Putin said, according to TASS. He also expressed hope that Iran would overcome what he described as a “difficult period,” adding that peace would eventually prevail.

According to RIA, Araqchi thanked Russia for its support and reaffirmed Tehran’s stance against Washington. “We sincerely hope that, drawing on this courage and desire for independence, the Iranian people will navigate this difficult period of trials under the leadership of a new leader – and peace will come,” Putin said.

Araqchi, in his remarks, praised ties between the two countries and said Iran would continue to resist the United States. “The entire world has been proven that the Iranian people, through their resistance and courage, were able to resist American attacks and American aggression and will be able to endure and survive this period,” he said.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked Russia for what he described as its “firm and unshaken” support after meeting President Vladimir Putin.

“We have proven to the whole world that Iran maintains good allies and friends like the Russian Federation,” Araghchi said during the meeting. “We thank you for your firm and unshaken position in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added.
 

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, told UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert that Hezbollah is continuing to breach the US-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon and is exploiting the presence of UN peacekeepers. According to a readout from his office, Sa’ar said the violations “undermine” Beirut’s interests and claimed the Iran-backed group has launched around 10,000 missiles, rockets and drones at Israel since last month.

He further alleged that many of the attacks were carried out near positions of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, stating that “Hezbollah systematically places its operatives and military assets in proximity to UNIFIL positions and exploits UNIFIL’s presence for hostile activity.” 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to chair an emergency Cobra meeting to coordinate the government’s response to the escalating Iran conflict, as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. Speaking earlier at a trade union conference in Lancashire, Keir Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s position, saying, “I will never let this country be dragged into a war that is not in our interests.”
 

Bahrain has stripped 69 people of their citizenship, including some family members, over alleged expressions of support for Iran during the ongoing conflict, the country’s interior ministry said. 

In a statement, authorities said those affected had “expressed sympathy for and glorified Iran’s sinful hostile acts,” framing the move as part of a broader security response amid regional tensions.

The US military’s United States Central Command said its forces remain "focused and ready" across the Middle East, signalling continued military preparedness even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have stalled.

The statement comes after President Donald Trump said Iran could “call us” if it wanted to negotiate, a day after he cancelled a planned visit by US envoys to Pakistan for talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Monday, with Moscow expressing hope that stability and peace will prevail in Iran amid ongoing regional tensions. 

According to Russian state media, Putin described the current situation as a “difficult period” for Iran and said Russia would continue to act in the interests of Iran and the wider region. The meeting comes as Tehran steps up diplomatic outreach with key allies while the broader conflict and negotiations with the United States remain unresolved.

Hezbollah military leader, speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, said the group is prepared to revive tactics used in the 1980s, including suicide operations, to counter Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon. The official said “large groups of suicide bombers are deployed in the occupied territory according to pre-prepared plans,” adding that their mission is “to engage with enemy officers and soldiers in the occupied Lebanese villages” and prevent Israel from establishing a foothold.

The Israeli military said it has launched strikes targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley as well as in the south, widening its operations in the region.

Local media reports said two separate attacks hit the towns of Tibnin and Yater in southern Lebanon, though there was no immediate word on casualties.

According to ship tracking data quoted by Reuters, six tankers carrying around 10.5 million barrels of Iranian oil were turned around by US forces and returned to Iran via the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. In a separate update, maritime data showed that around seven ships transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, mostly dry bulk and cargo vessels.
 

An uneasy ceasefire between Washington and Tehran has not translated into normal maritime activity in the Gulf.

With talks stalled and restrictions in place, shipping companies remain wary, keeping transit volumes low and adding to global supply chain uncertainty.

Recent shipping activity includes vessels departing from Iraqi ports and at least one dry bulk carrier leaving Iran, indicating some controlled trade flow.

Data from maritime trackers shows movements remain selective and cautious, with operators navigating heightened risks in the region.
 

The US military has stepped up enforcement in the Gulf, redirecting dozens of vessels since imposing its blockade on Iran earlier this month.

US Central Command said 37 ships have been turned away since April 13, signalling tighter control over maritime access even as ceasefire conditions hold on paper.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues at sharply reduced levels, with just seven vessels recorded in the past 24 hours. Most were dry bulk carriers, reflecting cautious movement amid ongoing tensions.

Current traffic remains far below pre-war levels of around 140 daily transits, underscoring the continued disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has cast doubt on Washington’s approach in the Iran war, saying he sees no clear US exit strategy. Speaking to students in North Rhine-Westphalia, he warned the conflict risks dragging on without a defined endgame.

Merz said Iran is “negotiating very skillfully” and appears “stronger than one thought”, urging a swift resolution. He added the ongoing war is directly impacting Germany’s economy, underlining growing concern in Europe over prolonged instability.

The war has killed at least 3,375 people in Iran and 2,509 in Lebanon, with further casualties reported in Israel and Gulf states.

Military losses include US personnel, Israeli soldiers and UN peacekeepers. Despite a ceasefire pause in direct strikes, the broader conflict continues to claim lives and destabilise the region.

The Hormuz disruption is rippling across industries, with companies facing rising input and transport costs. Malaysia-based Karex has raised prices by up to 30% due to supply chain strain.

Airline Transavia France has cancelled a small share of flights citing higher fuel costs. The crisis is feeding inflation concerns and weighing on global growth outlook.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin after shuttle diplomacy in Pakistan and Oman.

Araghchi said the visit offers a chance to coordinate with Moscow after recent developments. He blamed Washington’s “excessive demands” for delays, while questioning over leadership clarity in Tehran continues from the US side.
 

Fighting intensified in southern Lebanon, where Israeli strikes killed 14 people and wounded 37, marking the deadliest day since a mid-April ceasefire.

Iran has said it will not engage in broader talks unless the Lebanon ceasefire holds. Israel and Hezbollah continue to trade blame, while fresh evacuation warnings have displaced more civilians.
 

Donald Trump called off a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, citing cost and limited progress. The move has further slowed diplomatic momentum.

With approval ratings slipping, Trump faces growing domestic pressure to end the conflict. Iran, despite military strain, retains leverage through its control over Hormuz shipping routes.
 

Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear programme, according to regional officials. The offer also calls for the US to end its blockade of Iranian ports.

The proposal, relayed via Pakistan, is unlikely to satisfy Washington. Trump said Iran “offered a lot, but not enough,” reiterating that nuclear restrictions remain central to any agreement.

Oil prices climbed again on Monday as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz persisted. Brent crude rose about 2.5% to near $108 a barrel amid uncertainty over shipping routes.

Iran has largely blocked non-Iranian vessels, while US forces have turned back dozens of ships. The waterway carries roughly a fifth of global oil trade, keeping markets on edge.

Work to bridge gaps between the US and Iran continues through Pakistan, even as face-to-face talks collapse. Islamabad has reopened after a week-long lockdown, with no immediate plans for in-person meetings.

Pakistani officials say a draft deal is being negotiated remotely until consensus is reached. Donald Trump said Iran can “call us” if it wants talks, insisting Tehran must abandon nuclear ambitions.

The Israel Defense Forces said it intercepted an explosive-laden drone launched by Hezbollah at Golani Brigade troops in southern Lebanon. The group has increasingly used FPV drones, some guided via fibre-optic cables, making them harder to jam electronically, The Times of Israel reported.

Hezbollah commander Naim Qassem has ruled out direct negotiations with Israel, saying they are "out of the question" while reaffirming the group’s commitment to resistance. "We will not give up weapons, and the defence and the field have proven our readiness for confrontation," Qassem said, criticising Lebanon’s authorities for pursuing direct engagement, Al Jazeera reported.

At least one person was killed after an Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Qalila in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency (NNA). The incident adds to ongoing tensions and intermittent cross-border hostilities in the region.

A drone exploded near an Israeli army helicopter in southern Lebanon, as Hezbollah fighters reportedly targeted it during a troop evacuation in Taybeh. Israel has also warned residents to evacuate seven towns, escalating tensions despite a US-brokered ceasefire, an Al Jazeera report said.

Police in the United Kingdom have arrested a 37-year-old man linked to attacks on Jewish-associated premises in northwest London. Authorities say he was detained on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. The arrest is part of a wider probe that has seen 26 people held over arson and related incidents, The Times of Israel reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday accused the United States of derailing peace talks in Pakistan, citing "excessive demands". Speaking after arriving in Russia, he stressed that secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global concern amid ongoing tensions, Gulf News reported.

Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli military vehicles and soldiers near Tel al-Nahas, on the outskirts of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The group reported firing a guided missile that achieved a "direct hit". No immediate confirmation or details on casualties were provided by Israeli sources, Al Jazeera reported.

An IDF investigation into the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Holit found that around 60 Hamas militants infiltrated the community, killing three soldiers and 13 civilians, and taking nine hostages. Six were taken to Gaza, while three were rescued the same day. About 20 attackers were killed in clashes. The report outlines events from October 7 through October 12, highlighting the scale and impact of the assault, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The corruption trial testimony of Benjamin Netanyahu was cancelled about an hour before it was set to begin, Israeli media reported, citing security concerns raised by his lawyer Amit Hadad. The hearing is part of Netanyahu’s prolonged trial, involving charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which has faced repeated delays, according to an Al Jazeera report.

Air raid sirens sounded again in northern Israel’s Western Galilee amid a suspected drone attack, Channel 12 reported. It marked the third alert within 30 minutes, shortly after the Israeli Home Front Command had told residents it was safe to leave shelters, Al Jazeera reported.

Israeli forces bombed Kafra at dawn, according to National News Agency, and raided its entrance, cutting off the main road leading to the town, Al Jazeera reported.

The US Central Command said American forces have intercepted and redirected 38 vessels under an ongoing maritime blockade targeting Iran. In a post on X, CENTCOM stated the ships were forced to turn back or return to Iranian ports as US operations restrict maritime movement. The measures come amid rising tensions between Washington, Tehran and Israel, with naval enforcement tightening access to Iranian waters.

Four Israeli troops were injured in an operational accident at a military base in southern Israel, according to The Times of Israel. The IDF said one soldier is seriously hurt, another moderately, and two lightly injured. All were taken to hospital for treatment, and their families have been notified, the army added.

A senior Russian lawmaker has claimed the United States was “clearly unprepared” for a military conflict with Iran, arguing Washington relied on a "misguided belief" that force could deliver quick results, Al Jazeera reported.

Alexey Pushkov said the US approach, influenced by past experiences like Venezuela, led former President Donald Trump to believe a "surgical" strike could pressure Iran, while Tehran had long strengthened underground missile systems and built a vast arsenal, making it far more prepared for conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg, according to the IRNA, ahead of talks with President Vladimir Putin. His flight, carrying callsign Minab 168, commemorated girls killed in a February 28 strike on a school in Minab.

-Al Jazeera

Pakistan has lifted restrictions in Islamabad’s high-security Red Zone after hopes for renewed US-Iran talks faded, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said. The area was locked down for over a week amid mediation efforts. While no immediate talks are expected, Pakistan says it will continue facilitating communication between both sides.

-AP

Brent crude rose over 2 percent Sunday after hopes for renewed US-Iran ceasefire talks collapsed. Prices hit USD 107.35, about 47 percent above pre-war levels. Despite stalled diplomacy, Asian markets showed resilience, with Nikkei 225 up 0.4 percent and KOSPI gaining around 1.5 percent in early trading, reported Al Jazeera.

Iran, through Pakistani mediators, has put forward a fresh proposal to the United States aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities, while deferring nuclear negotiations to a later phase, Reuters reported, citing a US official and sources familiar with the discussions.

Oil prices rose as US-Iran talks stalled and transit through the Strait of Hormuz remained constrained, tightening global supply.

Brent crude futures climbed $2.22, or 2.11 percent, to $107.55 a barrel by 22:02 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained $2.02, or 2.14 percent, to $96.42 a barrel.

The increase was driven by ongoing uncertainty over Iran-US negotiations and continued limits on shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.

US President Donald Trump said China could play a bigger role in addressing tensions with Iran, but added he is not “overly disappointed” with Beijing’s current stance.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said he believes China may be offering some level of assistance, though not to a significant extent. “They could help a lot more,” he remarked, indicating expectations for a stronger role from Beijing.

Drawing a comparison with US involvement in global conflicts, Trump noted that Washington also supports its allies, including Ukraine, and therefore does not view China’s actions as “very bad.”

Trump is scheduled to travel to China on May 14-15, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with discussions likely to include regional security and the Iran situation.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency has reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg.

The report, citing Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, said the meeting will focus on the latest developments in diplomatic efforts.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to join the talks, which will centre on ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the US-Israel war involving Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he held “important discussions” in Oman on bilateral ties and regional developments, with a focus on ensuring safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Posting on X, Araghchi expressed appreciation for Oman’s hospitality and described the talks as constructive, particularly on issues affecting littoral states bordering the strategic waterway.

He emphasised that ensuring secure and smooth transit in Hormuz would benefit “all dear neighbors and the world,” underlining the global significance of the route for energy shipments.

“Our neighbours are our priority,” Araghchi said, highlighting Iran’s regional approach amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Oman’s Foreign Minister said he held constructive discussions with Iran’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi on the Strait of Hormuz, stressing shared responsibility among coastal states to ensure safe navigation and secure the release of detained seafarers. He emphasized that sustained diplomacy and practical solutions are essential to guarantee long-term freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
 

At least 14 people were killed and 37 others injured in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

Iranian state media has reported that messages were conveyed to the United States via Pakistan, outlining Tehran’s positions on issues it is unwilling to compromise on amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. According to the Fars News Agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the communication was relayed by Iran's Foreign Minister during his engagement in Pakistan.

"These messages concern some of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s red lines, including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz. Informed sources emphasise Mr Araghchi is acting entirely within the framework of the specified red lines and the diplomatic duties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," said the Fars News Agency.

Lebanon armed group, Hezbollah, said there have been more than 500 violations of the ceasefire by Israel, according to a statement issued earlier this afternoon.The group also warned that such violations would be met with a response and continued resistance. It also it was not willing to wait for, or rely on, what it described as "failed diplomacy".

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday said that its 19-year-old soldier, Idan Fooks, was killed and four others were severely injured "during combat" in southern Lebanon. "An officer and three additional soldiers were severely injured, along with a soldier who was moderately injured and a soldier lightly injured, the military said in an official statement. 

Esmail Qaani has said cohesion within the so-called “Resistance Front” remains strong, adding that the focus is currently on supporting Hezbollah and other allied groups amid ongoing fighting in Lebanon.

"Today the focus is on supporting Hezbollah and the other components of the Resistance Front," said Qaani in a statement reported by Tasnim news agency.

Donald Trump said Iran could initiate contact with the United States if it wants to negotiate an end to the ongoing war between the two countries.

In an interview on Fox News, Trump said Tehran can reach out directly, adding that communication channels are available for talks. "If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines," he said. He also expressed confidence that the conflict would conclude soon, stating that the United States would emerge victorious.

The Lebanon Health Ministry said that since March 2, when open war resumed between Israel and Hezbollah, at least 2,509 people have been killed and 7,755 others injured in Israeli strikes, according to Al Jazeera. 

Lebanon’s Hezbollah signalled a hardening stance on the conflict, saying it will not wait for "failed diplomacy" and warning that Israeli ceasefire violations will be met with continued resistance. 

In a statement, cited by Al Jazeera, the group said its attacks on Israeli troops inside Lebanon and in northern Israel were a "legitimate response to ceasefire violations," pushing back against accusations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hezbollah also cautioned against linking Lebanese authorities to bilateral arrangement between Washington and Netanyahu, insisting Lebanon had no role in shaping the truce. The group said the extension of the ceasefire was meant to stop Israeli attacks, but instead alleged that strikes and destruction in southern Lebanon had intensified, reinforcing its decision to continue military action.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes since March 2 has crossed 2,500, reports news agency Reuters, as attacks continue across multiple areas.
 

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Oatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani ahead of his return to Islamabad, discussing ongoing diplomatic efforts and the regional situation, according to Al Jazeera. 

Araghchi said the two reviewed developments around the ceasefire and the challenges to sustaining it. He also briefed the Qatari prime minister on Iran’s diplomatic push to end the conflict and ease tensions.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday evening with a senior delegation, in what signalled renewed diplomatic activity aimed at reviving stalled talks between Iran and the United States over ending the Middle East conflict.

The delegation included Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, who had said in a social media post that no direct meeting with the United States is planned. He added that Tehran's positions and concerns would instead be communicated to Washington through Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump and his British counterpart Keir Starmer discussed the need to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call on Sunday, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.

"The leaders discussed the urgent need to get shipping moving again in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe consequences for the global economy and cost of living for people in the UK and globally. The Prime Minister shared the latest progress on his joint initiative with [French] President Macron to restore freedom of navigation," the spokesperson for Starmer's office said in a statement.

Fresh attacks were reported across southern Lebanon over the past hour, according to the National News Agency, amid continuing tensions along the border. The agency said one person was killed and three others injured in a strike on Qalawiya. It also reported that Israeli forces destroyed houses in the area between Yaroun and Bint Jbeil.

Separately, Israeli warplanes targeted the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while another attack struck a roundabout in Kafr Tibnit. The report said the latter incident resulted in casualties, though the exact number was not specified.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah's actions in Lebanon are effectively undermining the ceasefire with Israel. Speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the group's violations were, in practice, 'dismantling' the truce.

"It must be understood that Hezbollah's violations are, in practice, dismantling the ceasefire," Netanyahu said. The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was extended by three weeks on Thursday.

One of China's largest independent refiners, Hengli Petrochemical, has rejected allegations of trading with Iran after the United States sanctioned one of its subsidiaries over claims it purchased Iranian crude, according to Al Jazeera.

In a stock exchange filing, the company said it "has never engaged in any trade with Iran" and added that all its crude suppliers had assured that the oil's origin does not fall under US sanctions.

At least seven people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Sunday, the National News Agency reported. The Health Ministry said 24 others were injured in the attacks, including three children. According to reports, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes on the towns of Borj Qalaouiye and Kafr Tebnit. 

The Israeli military has issued a fresh evacuation warning for multiple villages north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon, saying it would act forcefully against Hezbollah over alleged violations of the ceasefire, Al Jazeera reported. 

In a statement, the military named seven villages -- Mefdon, Shukin, Yahmar, Arnoun, Zoter Sharqiya, Zoter Gharbiya and Kafr Tibnit -- as areas of concern, urging residents to evacuate amid the threat of potential military action.

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said the near-total disruption in Iran has stretched into its 58th consecutive day, crossing the 1,368-hour mark and entering a ninth week. The restrictions were imposed following renewed anti-government protests in early January and tightened further after the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran at the end of February.

Despite a recently renewed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah said it deployed a drone to strike a group of Israeli soldiers in the southern town of Taybeh, claiming casualties, according to a report by Al Jazeera. 

A senior Iranian military official has issued a sharp warning to the United States, asserting that Iran cannot be treated like Venezuela or have its resources exploited, according to Press TV. Deputy Inspector of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Brigadier General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, said Tehran would not tolerate any attempt by Washington to interfere or extract resources, stressing that Iran's sovereignty and national strength set it apart.

"We are making it clear to Americans: this is not Venezuela, where you can simply loot the country's resources. This is Iran," Asadi said.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday met Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, as the two sides reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, ongoing mediation efforts with the Unites States, and initiatives aimed at ending conflicts in the region. During the meeting, the Omani Sultan was briefed on Iran's perspective on key regional issues, including the evolving security situation and diplomatic efforts underway.

Araghchi also conveyed Tehran’s appreciation for Oman’s role in facilitating dialogue and contributing to regional security and stability, particularly at a time of heightened tensions across the region.

Oman state news agency said on Sunday that the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, met Iran's foreign minister ⁠Abbas Araqchi in Muscat. According to the report, both sides discussed the regional situation and mediation efforts aimed at ending the Iran war. 

A Reuters report quoting sources said the Turkish foreign minister had a phone call with the US negotiators and discussed latest developments in the Iran-US talks.

The European Union’s aviation agency on Friday extended its warning for airlines to avoid most Middle East airspace due to ongoing "risks to civil aviation" and uncertainties surrounding the ceasefire with Iran. The Times of Israel reported that the warning, originally set to expire on Friday, has now been extended until May 1.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to return to Pakistan after talks in Oman before travelling to Russia, according to reports. The visit sequence keeps Pakistan at the centre of indirect diplomacy as negotiations remain stalled. Read more here. 

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by phone that Tehran would not enter "imposed negotiations" under threats or blockade, according to a statement from the Iranian government. Pezeshkian said the United States should first remove "operational obstacles," including its blockade on Iranian ports, before negotiators can lay any groundwork to resolve the conflict.

Iran executed a man convicted of being a member of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl and carrying out attacks on Iranian security forces, Reuters quoted semi-official Tasnim news agency as saying on Sunday.

When asked by media whether today's shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner was linked to Iran, US President Trump denied it, saying he did not think so. 

The US Central Command said it intercepted a merchant vessel attempting to pass through the Iran blockade on Saturday. The ship, identified as Sevan, was part of a 19-vessel “shadow fleet” allegedly transporting Iranian oil and gas products to foreign markets. According to the U.S. military, the vessel was intercepted in the Arabian Sea by a U.S. Navy helicopter operating from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney and is currently complying with orders to turn back toward Iran under escort.

The US military forces continue to enforce "US sanctions and fully implement the blockade against ships entering or departing Iranian ports," the Central Command said on social media on Saturday. In a post on X, the US Central Command said that 37 vessels have been redirected since the start of the blockade, noting a merchant vessel named Sevan, intercepted in the Arabian Sea earlier Saturday by the U.S. forces, is currently "complying with U.S. military direction to turn back to Iran under escort".

US President Donald Trump said that the assassination bid against him on Saturday won't deter him from winning the war in Iran. 

The US Navy has intercepted a vessel linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” in the Arabian Sea, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the ship, identified as M/V Sevan, was among 19 vessels sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury for transporting Iranian energy products, including oil, gas, propane, and butane, to international markets.

The vessel was intercepted by a US Navy helicopter deployed from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91). Officials said the ship is currently complying with US military instructions and is being escorted back toward Iran.

Iran has executed a man accused of having ties with Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, and taking part in anti-government protests earlier this year.

Erfan Kiani was hanged following his conviction on multiple charges, according to Iran’s judiciary-linked Mizan news agency. Authorities alleged that he was involved in attacks on security forces in the central city of Isfahan in January and claimed he was carrying out a “mission for Mossad,” though no supporting evidence was publicly provided.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Oman marks his first regional trip since the United States launched its war on Iran on February 28, amid heightened tensions across the Gulf.

Since the conflict began, Tehran has carried out sustained attacks on Gulf states, further straining already fragile regional ties.

“Iran continues to place great importance on its relations with Persian Gulf states and remains committed to strengthening mutual trust and constructive cooperation,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said.

Air defense systems heard active in Kermanshah in Iran, cause unclear — Mehr news agency reports, according to Reuters.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed recent developments in Iran–United States talks during separate phone calls with his Iranian and Pakistan counterparts, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source said.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif said he held a “warm and constructive” call with Masoud Pezeshkian on the evolving regional situation, and appreciated Tehran’s continued engagement, including a high-level delegation led by Abbas Araghchi visiting Islamabad.

He reiterated that Pakistan, with support from partners, remains committed to acting as an honest facilitator to promote durable peace and stability in the region.