US-Iran War Highlights: No ceasefire in south Lebanon as fight against Hezbollah continues, IDF chief says

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Russia’s President Vladimir Putin discussed possible ways to resolve the Iran conflict during a phone call with US President Donald Trump, according to the Kremlin. Putin also proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II next month, a Kremlin aide said.
 

Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the United States blockade of Iranian ports has had limited impact, insisting fuel supply and distribution remain stable across Iran. Speaking to IRIB, he said oil sector workers are operating around the clock to avoid disruptions. The blockade, in place since April 13 and covering key routes including the Strait of Hormuz, has raised concerns that Iran could face storage constraints and be forced to cut production.

Israel Defense Forces said it carried out 20 overnight strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as Hezbollah “command centres and military structures”.
In one incident, the military said a drone strike killed a Hezbollah fighter who was approaching Israeli troops. Despite a declared ceasefire, Israel said it will continue to “operate to remove threats” to its forces and civilians in the north.

US President Donald Trump said the United States will maintain its blockade on Iran until a nuclear deal is reached, describing the measure as “more effective” than military strikes.

In remarks to Channel 12, Trump said Iran is “choking” under the blockade and is seeking a deal to ease pressure. He also warned that Iran’s energy infrastructure could face serious strain if oil exports remain restricted.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said war is not a solution to the ongoing crisis, stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable path as talks with the United States remain stalled.

“War is not a solution. It is part of the problem,” he said, adding that alternatives to diplomacy are “unattractive”. He also noted that Iran has put forward proposals in recent weeks to end the conflict through negotiations based on “equal terms and conditions”.
 

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss developments related to the Strait of Hormuz, along with broader regional and international issues, Iran’s foreign ministry said.

Both leaders also reviewed the ceasefire situation and bilateral ties, with further details expected to be announced later.

With inputs from Pranay Upadhyaya

Pete Hegseth said Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget for fiscal year 2027 “reflects the urgency of the moment”, as he testified in support of the request.

He added that he “appreciates the opportunity” to present the case for what he described as a landmark defence spending plan.
 

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least five more people, according to the National News Agency. One attack in Jouaiyya left two dead, with rescuers searching for four missing.

A separate strike in al-Hanniye killed three members of the same family, the report said.
 

Democratic lawmakers pressed US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to clarify the direction of the war with Iran during a tense House hearing marked by a packed room and overflow crowds.

Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, called it “absurd” to describe the Pentagon’s strategy as realistic. “We started a full scale war in the Middle East against Iran to try to reshape the Middle East,” he said, adding that Hegseth must explain the administration’s goals.

“Where is this going? What is the plan…? We’ve seen the cost, and the cost is very, very high,” he said.
 

Lebanon President Joseph Aoun has said Israel is mistaken if it believes security can be achieved through “violations and the destruction of border villages”. He stressed that stability depends on the full deployment of the Lebanese state’s authority across the south.

The Lebanon President said efforts are underway to reach a solution through negotiations, but insisted a ceasefire must come first. He added that Beirut is waiting for the United States to set a date for talks.

A nuclear deal between the United States and Iran will depend on “political will”, Rafael Grossi said, pointing to ongoing disagreements over the sequence of key steps. The International Atomic Energy Agency has held talks with both sides, but gaps remain.

Iran has proposed delaying nuclear discussions while easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz if Washington lifts its blockade. Grossi said both sides remain divided on what should come first. “Where the frustration kicks in… is that they do not seem to come to agreement… on what needs to be done first,” he said.

Most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely still stored at its Isfahan nuclear site, according to Rafael Grossi. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said satellite images show damage from recent US-Israeli strikes, but the material appears to remain in place. Iran currently holds 440.9 kg of uranium enriched up to 60%, with about 200 kg believed to be stored in tunnels at the site.
 

The International Atomic Energy Agency has held discussions with Russia and other parties about the possibility of removing Iran’s highly enriched uranium from the country, Director General Rafael Grossi said. He said a significant portion of the material was believed to be stored in Isfahan during the June 2025 strikes by Israel and the United States, and “it has been there ever since.”

He added that transferring the uranium out of Iran would be a complex process, requiring either a political agreement or a major US military operation in hostile territory. “What’s going to be important is that that material leaves Iran” or is blended down to reduce its level of enrichment, Grossi said.

Russia has not yet taken a decision on whether to send its personnel back to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, according to Alexey Likhachev, head of state nuclear corporation Rosatom. Likhachev said the situation around the plant remains uncertain, and any move to return staff will depend on security conditions in the region. 

US President Donald Trump and top oil industry executives have discussed plans to sustain the blockade of Iran for months if required, a White House official told news agency Reuters, signalling a long-term strategy to maintain pressure on Tehran.
 

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to appear before lawmakers for the first time since the outbreak of the Iran war. The session comes at a critical moment, with the administration facing mounting scrutiny over its military strategy and spending priorities following the escalation in the Middle East.

According to the Associated Press, the hearing will take place before the House Armed Services Committee, where Hegseth is expected to field questions not only on the ongoing conflict with Iran but also on the administration’s long-term defence outlook. Lawmakers are likely to press him on operational decisions, troop deployments and the broader implications of the war.
 

The Kremlin has reaffirmed its commitment to the OPEC+, describing the grouping as a key stabilising force in global energy markets, even as the United Arab Emirates moves ahead with plans to leave. Speaking to journalists, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “This is a very important area of work and it is especially crucial at the current moment, when energy markets are, to put it mildly, in turmoil,” he said.

Peskov added that Moscow respects Abu Dhabi’s decision, while noting that it expects the UAE to continue playing a constructive role. “We welcome statements from Abu Dhabi that the Emirates will continue to take a responsible position in the energy market,” he said.

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has warned EU countries to carefully direct energy support towards vulnerable households and industries, saying poorly targeted aid could waste billions of euros. Speaking to EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, von der Leyen stressed that member states must avoid repeating past mistakes. She pointed to the 2022 energy crisis, when Russia leveraged its energy supplies to weaken European backing for Ukraine.

“Our over dependency on imported fossil fuels makes us vulnerable,” she said. Von der Leyen added that the bloc should accelerate efforts to reduce reliance on external energy sources by investing more heavily in renewable energy and nuclear power, in a bid to shield the EU economy from future shocks.

Britain has asked its refineries to maximise jet fuel output as part of contingency planning to keep supplies stable, Energy Department Minister Michael Shanks said.

The move comes as airlines brace for rising fuel costs linked to the war involving Iran, just ahead of the peak holiday season. On Tuesday, the head of the International Air Transport Association warned that the jet fuel crunch is likely to hit Asia first, before spreading to Europe, and later to Africa and Latin America.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi held talks in Tehran with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, the visiting head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, on Wednesday.

The meeting comes amid ongoing regional tensions, with discussions expected to focus on humanitarian concerns and the situation on the ground as conflict continues to affect civilians.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said efforts to secure peace in the Middle East are continuing, even as talks between the United States and Iran remain stalled.

In a post shared by his office, Sharif said the ceasefire had been extended due to sustained diplomatic efforts. “Due to our immense efforts, the ceasefire has been extended, which is still ongoing,” he said.

He added: “Efforts for peace are still ongoing, and there will be no reduction in them.”

The Israel Defense Forces said its troops shot dead a Palestinian man after he crossed the Gaza ceasefire line in the south of the Strip and approached soldiers in what it described as a threatening manner.

According to the military, the individual crossed the Yellow Line and moved towards reservists from the Negev Brigade, “in a manner that posed an immediate threat.”

“Immediately after the identification, the troops opened fire and eliminated the terrorist to remove the threat,” the IDF said.
 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his relationship with US President Donald Trump remains “as good as ever”, even as tensions rise over the war with Iran.

Speaking on Wednesday, Merz said he had “had doubts from the very beginning about what was started there with the war in Iran,” pointing to its economic fallout. He warned that Germany and Europe are “suffering considerably” due to disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that it is affecting energy supplies and the wider economy. “And in that regard, I urge that this conflict be resolved,” he said.

His remarks came after Trump criticised him on Truth Social, writing: “The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about!”

The White House has said that US negotiators remain in contact with Iranian officials, who it described as “struggling to sort out their leadership situation” amid the ongoing war.

In a statement to US media, spokesperson Anna Kelly said President Donald Trump would only consider any agreement with Iran if it “puts U.S. national security first”.

She added that Trump has made it clear Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Two people were killed, including a Lebanese soldier, in an Israeli strike in Lebanon's southern town of Bint Jbeil, Reuters quoted the Lebanese army as saying. 

A growing rift within Iran’s hardline leadership over how to approach the United States has become increasingly visible, with rival factions clashing in parliament and in state-linked media, Iran International reported, as quoted by Times of Israel. According to the report, the divisions emerged this week when 27 ultraconservative lawmakers declined to sign a letter supporting Tehran’s negotiating team, revealing an uncommon split in what is usually a unified public stance.

US. President Donald Trump met with top oil and gas executives, including Chevron CEO Mike Wirth, at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the impact of the Iran war on energy markets and other issues, Axios reported Wednesday. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. 
 

At least 21 people have been executed in Iran since the start of the war, according to the UN, which also reports that more than 4,000 individuals have been arrested. The UN human rights office said nine of those executed were linked to the January protests, 10 were accused of membership in opposition groups, and two were executed on espionage charges.

US President Donald Trump sharpened his rhetoric on Iran, saying the country “can’t get their act together” and does not know how to sign a non-nuclear deal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that Tehran “better get smart soon,” signalling continued frustration in Washington as negotiations remain stalled.

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, building on a multi-day rally after reports that the United States is set to extend its blockade of Iranian ports, raising the likelihood of prolonged supply disruptions from a key Middle East producer. The gains reflect growing market anxiety over tighter global supply as tensions in the region persist.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, US President Donald Trump has directed aides to prepare for an extended blockade aimed at restricting shipping to and from Iranian ports. The move is intended to further squeeze Iran’s economy and curb its oil exports, reinforcing expectations of sustained pressure on global energy markets.

(Reuters)

Iran has stepped up its diplomatic offensive at the United Nations, urging the Security Council to “act decisively” on Israel’s compliance with the Lebanon ceasefire while simultaneously accusing the United States of illegal maritime actions. Iran’s UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani called on the council to ensure Israel fully adheres to ceasefire terms, as tensions continue to simmer along the Lebanon front.

In a formal letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council President, Tehran also condemned the US seizure of Iranian ships as “illegal” and “brazen,” demanding the immediate release of vessels, cargo and property. Iran asserted its right to respond, signalling a sharper escalation as it seeks to internationalise disputes spanning both regional security and maritime enforcement.

Iran has told mediators it needs a few more days to finalise a revised peace proposal, citing ongoing consultations with its top leadership, according to a CNN report. The delay comes as Tehran reassesses its position after US President Donald Trump signalled he would reject an earlier version of the proposal, keeping negotiations in a holding pattern even as backchannel efforts continue. Pakistani mediators are now awaiting the updated offer, with expectations of movement in the coming days.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is returning to Tehran after his Russia visit to hold further consultations, with the revised proposal expected to emerge from these discussions. Final approval is understood to rest with Mojtaba Khamenei, with logistical and communication challenges adding to the delay. The episode underscores the complex internal decision-making process in Iran, even as external pressure from Washington continues to shape the pace and direction of talks.

President Donald Trump's approval ​rating sank to the lowest level of his current term, as Americans increasingly soured on his handling of the cost ‌of living and an unpopular war with Iran, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The four-day poll completed on Monday showed 34% of Americans approve of Trump's performance in the White House, down from 36% in a prior Reuters/Ipsos survey, which was conducted from April 15 to 20. The majority of responses were gathered prior to the Saturday ​night shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, where Trump was due to speak.

(Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that King Charles agrees Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, making the remark during the British monarch’s state visit to the United States.

The Panama Canal Authority on Tuesday said the ongoing US-Iran conflict in the Middle East is likely to divert more global shipping traffic through the canal.

Finance chief Victor Vial said the trend is expected to persist until the situation in the Middle East stabilises. He added that since October, the canal has recorded around 300 vessel crossings compared with the same period in the previous fiscal year.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned an Israeli air strike in Majdal Zoun that killed three civil defence medics during a rescue operation.

The strike left at least five people dead, with the paramedics reportedly trapped under rubble after responding to casualties from an earlier attack.

The US Central Command said American forces boarded a commercial cargo vessel suspected of heading toward Iran but allowed it to proceed after inspection.

Marines intercepted the ship, identified as the Blue Star III, and carried out a search before confirming it would not dock at any Iranian port. The vessel was subsequently cleared to continue its journey.

An accompanying video released by the US military showed troops fast-roping from a helicopter onto the ship during the operation.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday over his comments on the ongoing Iran conflict, accusing him of misjudging Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and misrepresenting his own stance.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Merz “thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” adding, “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” The remark appeared to mischaracterise Merz’s position, as the German leader has consistently maintained that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a global threat. “If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage,” he said, asserting that his administration was taking action that previous leaders had failed to pursue.

Leaders of Gulf nations have strongly condemned Iran’s “illegal actions” aimed at closing the vital Strait of Hormuz and endangering maritime navigation, cautioning against any disruption to shipping or the imposition of transit fees.

The remarks came after a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting held in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with participation from leaders of Qatar and Bahrain, Kuwait’s crown prince, and the United Arab Emirates’ foreign minister.

The bloc called for restoring security and freedom of navigation to pre-war conditions, while also pushing for greater military coordination, including joint infrastructure initiatives and the development of a ballistic missile early warning system.

Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest point of his current term, as concerns grow over rising living costs and the ongoing war with Iran. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows 34 percent of Americans approve of his performance, down from 36 percent in the previous survey.

Support for Trump has steadily declined since he returned to office in January 2025, when his approval stood at 47 percent. The drop has accelerated following the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has pushed petrol prices higher and added pressure on household budgets.

Public dissatisfaction appears strongest on economic issues. Only 22 percent of respondents said they approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, down from 25 percent earlier, reflecting growing frustration among voters.

At least five people, including medics, were killed in an Israeli air strike on the town of Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon, near the border in the Tyre district. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said three paramedics were among those killed after becoming trapped under the rubble following an earlier strike.

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on dozens of individuals and entities linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow banking” networks, as nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. The US Treasury Department said 35 Iranian-linked targets have been designated for their role in facilitating illicit financial flows.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the networks had channelled tens of billions of dollars that helped fund Iran’s “terrorist operations”.

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control also warned that any companies making “toll payments” to Iran for passage through the blocked Strait of Hormuz could face “significant sanctions”.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said Lebanon cannot claim full sovereignty while Hezbollah continues to operate and launch attacks. Speaking at a ministerial meeting of the United Nations Security Council, he argued that peace in Lebanon cannot be discussed without addressing the armed group’s role.

“Lebanon will not be able to talk about sovereignty as long as Hezbollah continues to fire on Israeli civilians and operate without interference,” Danon said.
 

Two Lebanese soldiers were wounded after Israeli forces targeted a patrol involved in a “citizen rescue operation”, the Lebanese army said. The unit had been deployed alongside civil defence teams and two civilian bulldozers when it came under attack.

The incident took place in Majdal Zoun, a town near the Israeli border in Lebanon’s Tyre district, according to the army statement.
 

The US Central Command said the impact of its blockade on Iran is becoming increasingly visible, particularly at key ports. In a post on X, it noted that before the blockade, an average of five ships were typically anchored at Iran’s Chah Bahar port on any given day.

US President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over Iran’s nuclear programme, saying he disagreed with what he described as Berlin’s stance.

“The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage."

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has told the United States he will not meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of any negotiations, according to a report by MTV Lebanon. The report says Aoun is willing to meet Netanyahu only at the end of talks, if they lead to a successful outcome.

It added that Washington understands Joseph Aoun’s position on the issue and is expected to soon arrange a meeting between the Lebanese president and US President Donald Trump.

Germany has urged urgent international action to address the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul calling on Iran to lift its blockade as oil prices rise and global economic concerns deepen.

In a post on X, Wadephul said the United Nations Security Council “must play a role” after holding a high-level debate on the situation, which has left thousands of cargo ships and around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the key waterway.

He added that the council should “assume responsibility and pass a resolution”, noting that Germany is seeking a seat on the body and is ready to “take on responsibility”.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said her government’s top priority is to keep rising prices in check, particularly energy costs, as the US-Israeli war on Iran puts pressure on global markets.

Speaking at a press conference, she warned that managing inflation is critical in the current climate of international crisis. “In the current context of international crisis we’re facing, the issue of keeping prices and energy under control, of preventing an inflationary impact that clearly crushes GDP growth, has to be considered a step forward,” Meloni said.

Lebanon has said it is ready to enter direct negotiations with Israel in a bid to secure a lasting ceasefire and ensure a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said Beirut has decided to “engage in direct negotiations” with Israel to achieve a “permanent ceasefire and ensuring the complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories”.

The announcement comes after fighting between Israel and Hezbollah resumed on March 2, linked to the wider US-Israeli war on Iran. Although a fragile truce was extended for three weeks on April 23 with US backing, the arrangement did not include Hezbollah, leaving the situation on the ground uncertain.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said operations are far from over after the destruction of Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon, warning that Israel will next target drone threats.

“I gave instructions a few weeks ago for a special project to eliminate the drone threats. It will take time — but we will blow that up too,” Netanyahu said.

The military detonated a large explosion late Tuesday in Qantara, and Israel’s Geological Survey said the blast was so powerful it registered as a “seismic event.”

The army said the network included two large tunnels — one about 800 meters (yards) long and the other 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) — that were equipped with sleeping rooms, toilets, kitchen facilities and launchers aimed at Israel. 

The UK has summoned Iran’s envoy after what it described as “unacceptable and inflammatory” social media remarks linked to the Iranian embassy in London. The move follows reports that the embassy allegedly encouraged British-based Iranians to sign up for a controversial “martyrdom” programme, raising alarm among security officials.

Britain’s Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said the embassy “must cease any form of communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in the UK or internationally,” according to a Foreign Office statement.

The UAE’s state-owned energy giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has said its direction remains unchanged despite the country’s decision to exit OPEC and OPEC+. UAE Industry Minister Sultan Al Jaber, who also heads ADNOC, said in a post on X that the move reflects “a sovereign decision in line with its long-term energy strategy”.

He added that ADNOC’s focus will remain “unchanged”, saying the company will continue to meet “the growing energy needs of our customers and partners around the world with reliability, responsibility, and the ambition to deliver more … across oil, gas, chemicals, and low carbon and renewable energy”.
 

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the toll from Israeli attacks has continued to climb, with at least 2,534 people killed and 7,863 others injured since March 2.

The Israel Defense Forces said on Tuesday that Hezbollah launched multiple explosive drones targeting troops operating in southern Lebanon, with several detonations reported near Israeli positions. The military said no injuries were recorded.

It added that interceptors were fired at another drone detected over the area, with the outcome of that interception still under review. Despite a fragile ceasefire in place, both Israel and Hezbollah continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement.
 

Qatar’s emir said the Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia reflects a shared regional position at a critical moment, stressing the need for closer coordination among member states. In a post on social media, he said the meeting “embodies the unified Gulf stance towards the current situation, and the need it entails for intensifying coordination and consultation”.

He added that the gathering “enhances the active role of our countries in supporting diplomatic paths, preserving the security of the region and the stability of its peoples, and achieving their aspirations towards development and prosperity”.

An Iranian army spokesperson has said the country does not view the conflict as over, stressing that the situation is still being treated as an active war. According to Iranian state media, the official added that the armed forces have updated their list of targets and equipment.

The Israel Defense Forces has warned that loud explosions will be heard in the coming hours as its troops demolish a major Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon. The military said the blasts could be audible across northern Israel, including the Galilee and the Golan Heights, but added that there are no changes to civilian safety guidelines.

US President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, claimed that Iran is in a “state of collapse” and is now urging the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible while it works through internal leadership issues.

“Iran has just informed us that they are in a ‘State of Collapse.’ They want us to ‘Open the Hormuz Strait,’ as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation (Which I believe they will be able to do!). Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote.

India’s top airlines — Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet — have warned that the country’s aviation sector is nearing a shutdown due to soaring costs. According to Press Trust of India, the carriers, which together control around 95 percent of the market, have alerted the government that operations could be severely hit.

In a letter dated April 26 to the civil aviation ministry, the Federation of Indian Airlines flagged an “unprecedented rise in jet fuel prices” along with a widening gap between crude oil and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) rates. The body warned that “... any ad hoc pricing (domestic vs international) and/or irrational increase in the price of ATF will result in unsurmountable losses for airlines and will lead to grounding of aircraft, resulting in cancellation of flights.” It added, “In order to survive, sustain and continue operation, we request your urgent intervention for immediate and meaningful financial support to tide over the current situation.”

Israeli forces continued strikes in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, with fresh attacks reported in multiple areas. According to Al Jazeera, artillery shelling hit areas near the town of Zawtar al-Sharqiya, while a separate drone strike targeted Qabrikha.

With the UAE set to leave from May 1, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries — widely known as OPEC — will continue with 11 member nations. The group brings together major oil-producing countries to coordinate policies and manage how much crude oil enters the global market.

OPEC’s stated aim is to keep the oil market stable. As per its mission, members work towards the “stabilisation of oil markets in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers."

Formed in 1960, the organisation includes countries such as Algeria, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

The United Arab Emirates has announced it is leaving OPEC and OPEC+, delivering a major setback to the oil-producing blocs and their de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, at a time when the war involving Iran has triggered a historic energy shock and unsettled the global economy. 

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Saudi Arabia will host an exceptional meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Jeddah, Reuters reported on Tuesday. This will be the first in-person meeting of Gulf leaders since their states became a front in the Iran war.

An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the meeting will be aimed at crafting a response to the Iranian missile and drone attacks Gulf states have faced since February 28.

The war has seen key energy infrastructure in all six GCC states damaged, with US-linked firms and other civilian infrastructure, as well as military installations, also targeted.

Mossad chief David Barnea, has lauded the agency’s “groundbreaking” operations against Iran and Hezbollah, claiming it secured key strategic and tactical intelligence from deep within adversary networks. Al Jazeera quoted him as saying that the spy agency worked closely with the Israeli military, saying Mossad operated “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on both defensive and offensive fronts.

US President Donald Trump signalled Monday that he was unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict, two people familiar with the matter told CNN. Tehran proposed a plan that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while leaving questions about its nuclear program for later negotiations.
 

Israel has issued an evacuation order for the people residing in 12 villages in Lebanon as the country continues strikes against Hezbollah operatives. 

(Inputs from Reuters)

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia has defended Iran’s right to control the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that a coastal state under attack is legally entitled to limit navigation in its territorial waters for security purposes. Addressing the UN, Nebenzia rejected attempts by Western nations to place sole responsibility for regional escalations on Tehran, characterising such accusations as an effort to frame Iran for attacking its neighbours when it is actually acting in self-defence. He further accused Western countries of hypocrisy and modern-day piracy, specifically citing their support for Ukrainian strikes against Russian commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Nebenzia argued that while traditional pirates are transparent about their lawlessness, Western states attempt to mask their actions under the guise of unilateral coercive measures, which he described as a form of concealed international piracy.

(Inputs from Al-Jazeera)

Amid the ceasefire, Israel's operations against Hezbollah are ongoing in southern Lebanon. As per a report by Al-Jazeera, the Israeli defence forces targeted the towns of Jabal al-Batoum and Majdal Zoun on Tuesday.

The Israeli Defence Forces have claimed that they have destroyed nearly 1,000 of Hezbollah's infrastructure in Lebanon. 

Amid the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, southern Lebanon on Tuesday witnessed a fresh standoff between Israel and Hezbollah. 

(Inputs from Al-Jazeera)

The Israeli military has confirmed that a Hezbollah drone strike in southern Lebanon has resulted in injuries to two soldiers. According to an official statement released on Tuesday, one soldier sustained severe injuries while the other was lightly wounded following the impact of an explosive drone during operational activity on Monday. Both casualties were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families have been notified. The IDF described the incident as a violation of the current ceasefire understandings, noting that the attack occurred south of the forward defence line where troops are currently operating.

(Al-Jazeera inputs)

According to reports from the National News Agency (NNA), Israeli forces have targeted the al-Mihniya neighbourhood in Bint Jbeil with heavy machine-gun fire as military operations continue in the region. Simultaneously, the town of Zawtar al-Sharqiya has been subjected to three separate aerial attacks by Israeli jets, all of which occurred after 6:00 am local time today. These escalations reflect an intensifying security situation across southern Lebanon, with both artillery and airstrikes focusing on key residential and outskirts areas.

The Israel Defence Forces have signalled a transition toward a long-term security posture across multiple fronts, explicitly linking diplomatic negotiations to tactical gains achieved on the battlefield. During a top-level command review, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir confirmed that the military remains deeply engaged in an ongoing multi-front campaign involving Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, warning that 2026 is likely to be characterised by sustained high-intensity fighting. To bolster this prolonged readiness, the IDF has established strategic forward defense zones near border communities while simultaneously reaffirming the critical and expanded role of women within its operational ranks. This reinforcement of inclusivity and frontline preparedness underscores Israel's strategy of utilising punitive military actions to weaken adversary capabilities and restore deterrence, even as regional diplomatic efforts continue.

Supply disruptions stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran have triggered a significant spike in the prices of printed circuit boards (PCBs), essential components found in nearly all electronic devices. This price surge is largely attributed to an early April Iranian strike on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail petrochemical complex, which forced a halt in the production of high-purity polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin. The facility is operated by SABIC, a Saudi chemical manufacturer that controls approximately 70 per cent of the global supply for this critical PCB laminate base material. Since the attack, SABIC has been unable to resume output, causing a severe worldwide shortage. Consequently, a Goldman Sachs note cited by Reuters reveals that PCB prices jumped by as much as 40 per cent in April alone compared to the previous month.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked in a Fox News interview about Iran’s latest proposal, which would postpone discussions on its nuclear program but end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade and ends the war.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that at some point in the future, if this radical clerical regime remains in charge in Iran, they will decide they want a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said.

“That fundamental issue still has to be confronted,” he said. “That still remains the core issue here.”

Asked whether he thinks the Iranians are serious about making a deal, Rubio said they’re skilled negotiators looking to buy time.

“We can’t let them get away with it,” Rubio said. “We have to ensure that any deal that is made, any agreement that is made, is one that definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.”

(AP inputs)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that he had a warm interaction with Russian officials over regional developments. 

"Pleased to engage with Russia at the highest level as the region is in major flux. Recent events have evidenced the depth and strength of our strategic partnership. As our relationship continues to grow, we are grateful for solidarity and welcome Russia's support for diplomacy," Araghchi wrote on X. 

The United States has warned companies worldwide that providing services to Iran’s airlines could expose them to sanctions, as Washington intensifies its economic pressure campaign.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said businesses offering support such as jet fuel, catering, landing services or maintenance to Iranian aircraft risk punitive action under a programme dubbed “Operation Economic Fury”.

Israel has scaled back plans for large holiday gatherings amid security concerns, with authorities citing the risk of a potential attack by Hezbollah.

Around 100,000 people, mostly from ultra-Orthodox communities, had been expected to assemble next week at Mount Meron in northern Israel for the Lag BaOmer festival. The annual event typically draws huge crowds who light bonfires, sing, dance, and share meals.

However, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the mass gathering will be replaced with a smaller, symbolic ceremony due to safety concerns.

Iraq’s alliance of Shi’ite political blocs, the Coordination Framework, on Monday nominated Ali al-Zaidi for the post of prime minister, according to a coalition statement.

President Nizar Amedi later invited Zaidi, the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc—the Iran-aligned Coordination Framework—to form a government, Shi’ite lawmakers said. 

Zaidi, is an Iraqi multimillionaire with interests spanning several sectors, including banking and the supply of Iraq’s vast government food basket programme that serves millions of people.

Under Iraq's constitution, Zaidi now has 30 days to form a cabinet and present it to parliament for approval.

Businesses dealing with Iranian airlines could face US sanctions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Monday, as Washington ramps up economic pressure on Tehran during its conflict with the US and Israel.

“Doing business with sanctioned Iranian airlines risks exposure to US sanctions,” Bessent said in a post on X.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned recent US seizures of Iran-linked oil tankers, describing the actions as a blatant violation of international law and equating them to piracy on the high seas. The remarks come amid escalating maritime tensions between Tehran and Washington following a series of vessel interceptions tied to US sanctions enforcement.

In a statement posted on X, Iranian officials said the seizures amount to the “outright legalization of piracy and armed robbery on the high seas.”

Iran has sharply criticised the European Union over its continued sanctions policy, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accusing European leaders of hypocrisy and double standards. His remarks came in response to comments by Ursula von der Leyen, who said it would be premature to lift sanctions on Iran without what she described as a “fundamental change” in the country’s human rights record.

Baqaei rejected the justification outright, arguing that the sanctions harm ordinary citizens rather than political leadership. In a post on X, he said the measures “were designed to trample the basic rights of ordinary Iranians” and claimed that Europe’s approach reflects inconsistency in how it applies principles of human rights.

He also said von der Leyen’s remarks “only further demonstrates Europe’s ruling class’ double-standard & hypocrisy, and hastens Europe’s embarrassing descent into irrelevance.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Hezbollah’s military strength has been significantly reduced, telling army commanders that the group now retains roughly 10% of its original arsenal. He did not specify whether this estimate refers to Hezbollah’s capabilities before the current conflict or since the war in Gaza began in 2023.

The assessment comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group, which continues to maintain a sizeable stockpile despite sustained military pressure. Hezbollah is still believed to possess tens of thousands of rockets, missiles and drones, even after years of efforts by Israel, the United Nations and the Lebanese government to limit its capabilities.

Netanyahu argued that Israeli operations, including the continued presence of forces in parts of southern Lebanon, have strengthened security along Israel’s northern border. He described the deployment as a “security zone” aimed at preventing further attacks and reducing immediate threats from across the frontier.

Tensions between the United States and Iran spilled into the diplomatic arena at a United Nations nuclear conference, where both sides openly clashed over Tehran’s nuclear record. The confrontation took place at the opening of the review meeting of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, setting the tone for what is expected to be a contentious four-week session.

The immediate trigger was Iran’s appointment as one of the vice presidents of the conference, a role backed by the Non-Aligned Movement. The group, which includes more than 100 countries, supported Tehran’s candidacy, but the decision drew sharp criticism from Washington and its allies.

The United States, supported by countries such as Australia and the UAE, objected strongly, while the UK, France and Germany also raised concerns over Iran taking on a leadership position. Russia, however, pushed back against what it described as efforts to single out Tehran.

A US representative said the administration was “deeply shocked” that a country accused of showing “contempt” for the treaty had been given such a role. Iran responded firmly, with its ambassador to the UN in Vienna, Reza Najafi, dismissing the criticism as “baseless and politically motivated.”
 

• Violence continues in Lebanon, with Israeli strikes killing 14 people and an Israeli soldier killed in a Hezbollah drone attack.
• The White House confirmed Trump reviewed a new Iranian proposal with national security aides but gave no clear endorsement.
• The proposal includes reopening Hormuz and postponing nuclear discussions, while US demands on uranium and oil flow remain firm.
• Diplomatic signals remain mixed as US-Iran talks stalled, with Washington considering further military or negotiation options.
• Iran shared its “red lines” through Pakistan, focusing on nuclear issues and control over Hormuz.
• Shipping continues through Hormuz despite US pressure, with many vessels following Iranian-designated routes.
• Oil prices have risen to a three-week high amid stalled peace efforts, reflecting market anxiety.