Day 41 | US-Iran truce hangs in balance

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Read more: Day 42 | US-Iran truce on edge as talks set for Friday

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan posted a brief message on the social media platform X, expressing a sentiment of protection toward his country.

He wrote: “I shield you in the name of God, my homeland,” a statement widely seen as a message of reassurance at a time of heightened regional tensions.

حصنتك باسم الله يا وطن… 

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 9, 2026

Air raid sirens were heard across wide areas of the Galilee, Haifa, and Haifa Bay, followed by reports of a powerful explosion.

Hundreds of Iranians took to the streets of Sadeghiyeh Square in Tehran, waving flags and showing public support for Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Participants carried banners and chanted slogans endorsing the leadership, reflecting continued domestic backing amid ongoing regional tensions.

Unverified reports have emerged of sounds resembling explosions in Dubai amid ongoing ceasefire across the region.

Authorities have not confirmed the incident, and no official details on the cause, damage, or casualties have been released. Further information is expected as the situation develops.

Kuwait’s air defense systems are responding to hostile drone attacks that have breached the country’s airspace, according to an official statement.

In Statement No. 58, Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, said the drones targeted a number of vital facilities. He confirmed that air defenses are actively engaging the threats as the situation develops.

No immediate details were provided regarding casualties or damage. Kuwaiti authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to protect national security.

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday there is no ceasefire in Lebanon, rejecting speculation that the US‑Iran ceasefire deal would extend to Lebanese territory and affirming that ‘Israel’ will continue military operations in the north.

His remarks came amid regional tensions over the scope of the truce.

Iranian officials have warned they would not attend upcoming negotiations if ceasefire violations in Lebanon continue, after 'Israeli' forces dropped more than 160 bombs on Lebanese towns in a heavy assault on Wednesday, drawing accusations of breaching the agreement and deepening the conflict’s diplomatic rift.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei praised the country’s armed forces for turning enemy attacks into “a great victory,” despite the damage inflicted.

He highlighted the public’s role, saying the Iranian people have emerged victorious in the field and that Iran’s strength is now evident, while global arrogance is in decline. Khamenei also announced plans to elevate the management of the Strait of Hormuz to a “new phase.”

Addressing ongoing negotiations, he emphasized that talks with adversaries do not diminish the need for public presence in the streets. He warned neighboring countries to recognize what he called “miracles” in Iran and cautioned against trusting false promises from enemies.

Khamenei added that Iran awaits an appropriate response from its southern neighbors to demonstrate regional solidarity and cooperation.

"I tell Iran's southern neighbors that you are witnessing a miracle, so see correctly, understand correctly, stand in the right place, and be suspicious of the false promises of the devils. We are still waiting for an appropriate reaction from you to show our brotherhood and goodwill. This will not happen unless you turn away from the arrogant powers who miss no opportunity to humiliate and exploit you," Khamenei said.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei marked 40 days since the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, with a message calling for continued public engagement.

In his statement, Mojtaba Khamenei emphasized that Iran does not seek war but will not compromise on its rights. He highlighted the role of the people in maintaining presence in public spaces over the past 40 days, describing it as a vital demonstration of solidarity.

The Supreme Leader also condemned global powers, saying they revealed their true nature by targeting Iranian children.

Sirens sounded in 'Nahariya' and surrounding areas in northern occupied Palestine after a new rocket salvo was fired from Lebanon.

Hebrew sources also reported that Hezbollah has launched 60 rockets toward ‘Israel’ since the morning, intensifying the ongoing regional tensions.

Additionally, channel 13 cited an 'Israeli' official saying the military expects to reduce its operations in Lebanon in the coming days due to US pressure.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that a region-wide ceasefire, including in Lebanon, could accelerate the legal proceedings against 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a message posted on social media, Araghchi criticized the potential US inaction, suggesting that allowing Netanyahu to “kill diplomacy” would harm the US economy. He added that while Iran views such a scenario as unwise, it is prepared to respond if it occurs.

The comments come ahead of Netanyahu’s criminal trial, set to resume on Sunday, amid ongoing tensions across the region. Araghchi’s statement frames a ceasefire as a key factor in stabilizing regional diplomacy and limiting further escalation.

Ten rockets were reportedly launched from Lebanon toward 'Nahariya' and surrounding areas in northern occupied Palestine, according to Hebrew sources.

Hebrew media reported that a rocket directly struck Nahariya in northern 'Israel', amid ongoing escalation.

Initial reports indicate a direct impact inside the city, though no confirmed details on casualties or damage have been released so far. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation as sirens and emergency responses remain active in the area.

Two waves of rockets were launched toward northern ‘Israel’, targeting the areas of Nahariya, Shlomi, and the Western Galilee, according to local reports.

Air raid sirens sounded across the targeted areas, while residents reported hearing multiple explosions, suggesting interceptions or impacts.

‘Israel’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has instructed officials to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible.” 

Netanyahu said the proposed talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace between ‘Israel’ and Lebanon.

He added that ‘Israel’ “appreciates” remarks made by the Lebanese prime minister calling for Beirut to be free of weapons.

Lebanon’s civil aviation authorities announced the immediate and full suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport until further notice, following direct threats from ‘Israel’ targeting the main road leading to the airport.

Air traffic comes to a halt

The strict decision follows security reports warning of the deteriorating situation along the international road to the airport, making access for passengers and flight crews extremely dangerous.

Measures include:

• Flight cancellations: All takeoff and landing operations have been halted for both local and international airlines.
• Terminal clearance: Authorities urged passengers inside the airport to await further instructions amid widespread confusion.

In a related development, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency extended its ban on flights to parts of the Middle East until April 24.

Escalation raises security concerns

The move comes amid a wave of military escalation, with critical infrastructure increasingly at risk.

The airport road is considered a vital lifeline, and any threat to it effectively isolates Lebanon from international air travel, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation.

Travel warnings issued

Airport authorities called on all travelers to contact airlines regarding their bookings and strongly advised against heading to the airport at this time for safety reasons.

Security agencies are continuing to assess conditions on the ground to determine when operations can safely resume.

The closure marks another blow to Lebanon’s struggling economy and transport sector, as fears grow over further deterioration in the security situation.

• ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial will resume on Sunday after being suspended during the war with Iran.
• The judicial proceedings are restarting because 'Israel' lifted its nationwide state of emergency following the recently announced ceasefire.

‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial is set to resume on Sunday, according to a courts' spokesperson.

The judicial proceedings were temporarily suspended during a nationwide state of emergency imposed due to the recent war with Iran, which has now been lifted following a ceasefire agreement.

State of emergency lifted

The state of emergency, which had forced the closure of schools and workplaces across ‘Israel’, was officially lifted on Wednesday evening. 

Authorities noted that no incoming Iranian missiles had been reported since 3 a.m. following the implementation of the ceasefire. 

A statement from the ‘Israeli’ courts confirmed, "With the lifting of the state of emergency and the return of the judicial system to work, hearings will resume as usual," noting that sessions will take place between Sundays and Wednesdays.

Pardon requests and political fallout

Netanyahu, who is the first sitting ‘Israeli’ prime minister to be criminally charged, vehemently denies all allegations of “bribery, fraud, and breach of trust”. 

The charges were brought forward in 2019 after years of investigations, with the trial officially commencing in 2020. The proceedings have faced repeated delays due to his official commitments and currently have no projected end date.

United States President Donald Trump has recently echoed Netanyahu's calls for ‘Israeli’ President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon, arguing that regular court appearances hinder his ability to govern effectively. 

In response, Herzog's office stated that the justice ministry's pardons department will gather legal opinions to submit to the president's legal adviser, although granting a pardon mid-trial is highly unusual.

The ongoing legal battles, compounded by the political fallout from the Hamas attacks on ‘Israel’ in October 2023, have severely damaged Netanyahu's public standing. 

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman reported no hostile aerial attacks today, signaling the first sustained pause in Iranian strikes since the war began on February 28.

The UAE Defence Ministry confirmed the country had been “free of any air threats” on April 9. Saudi, Qatari, and Omani militaries issued no reports of missile or drone activity, in contrast to previous days.

Bahrain’s military provided an updated count of missiles and drones launched by Iran during the conflict but did not report any incidents today.

Hezbollah announced it engaged an 'Israeli' force at close range after the troops attempted to advance toward the market area of Bent Jbeil.

The group described the confrontation as “zero-distance” combat, indicating intense, direct firefights. No further details on casualties were immediately reported.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister told Fars News Agency that any lasting peace in the region must include Lebanon. He said Tehran was prepared to respond to ‘Israeli’ violations of the ceasefire yesterday, but Pakistan intervened to prevent escalation.

“The coming hours are extremely critical,” he said, adding that the United States must stop ‘Israeli’ attacks on Lebanon in line with the truce.

The ‘Israeli’ army has surrounded the southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbeil in what officials say is an attempt to occupy the area.

Hezbollah said it launched a new round of rocket fire targeting the settlement of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee, marking the sixth such attack.

The group stated the strike was carried out using rockets, as part of its ongoing operations amid escalating cross-border tensions.

The ‘Israeli’ army said it assassinated Maher Qassem Hamdan, described as the commander of Lebanese factions in the Shebaa area, in an airstrike carried out in Sidon on Wednesday.

The military stated that the operation targeted Hamdan as part of ongoing actions against armed groups in southern Lebanon.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will not abandon Lebanon, condemning ongoing ‘Israeli’ strikes as a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement.

Pezeshkian warned that continued attacks on Lebanon would render diplomatic negotiations meaningless, signaling rising tensions despite efforts to de-escalate.

“Our hands will remain on the trigger, and Iran will not abandon the Lebanese,” he said.

King Abdullah II of Jordan, during a phone call with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, reaffirmed Jordan’s support for the Lebanese people and stressed the kingdom’s commitment to providing assistance to help Lebanon maintain security and stability.

His Majesty emphasized the urgent need to stop ‘Israeli’ attacks on Lebanon, highlighting the importance of protecting civilians and national infrastructure.

An ‘Israeli’ security source told Channel 12 that ‘Israel’ has not achieved the main objectives of its war on Iran.

“All central goals of the war on Iran have not been met,” the source said. “We have not achieved the aims of the war, and the nuclear threat that prompted it remains.”

The Spanish foreign minister stated that the country is resuming its diplomatic mission in Iran to actively support ongoing regional peace efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the first official contact since Iran launched attacks on neighboring Gulf states during the ongoing war.

“They reviewed the latest developments and discussed ways to reduce tensions to restore security and stability in the region,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.

The ‘Israeli’ military intelligence branch is preparing to establish a specialized unit tasked with monitoring Iran’s enriched uranium, according to the ‘Israeli’ Army Radio.

The unit will serve as an early warning mechanism to track nuclear developments, amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

The ‘Israeli’ army confirmed it killed Ali Youssef Harshi, the personal secretary to Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem, in Beirut yesterday.

Harshi reportedly played a central role in managing Qassem’s office and coordinating operations. In parallel, ‘Israeli’ forces targeted key infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including around ten ammunition depots, rocket launch platforms, and command centers.

Border operations
The army said it struck two central crossing points used by Hezbollah to move between northern and southern Litani, underscoring a broader campaign against the group’s logistical networks.

Spain’s foreign minister said yesterday that ‘Israel’ violated the ceasefire and breached international law by carrying out hundreds of airstrikes on Lebanon.

The minister criticized the escalation, emphasizing that such attacks undermine regional stability and contravene international agreements on conflict cessation.

The statement comes amid growing international concern over repeated ‘Israeli’ strikes in Lebanon, which have left infrastructure damaged and civilians at risk.

Social media footage shows the moment an ‘Israeli’ jet carries out a strike near a Lebanese student’s home while she’s taking her online class.

It is unclear what her fate is.

‘Israel’s’ Health Ministry says 7,451 people have been injured and taken to hospitals since the start of the US-‘Israel’ war on Iran, marking a steady rise in casualties as the conflict continues.

The ministry said 118 individuals remain hospitalized, including two in critical condition.

The latest figures reflect an increase from earlier reports earlier this week, when the number of wounded stood at more than 7,100.

Footage showing a number of ‘Israeli’ settlers storming the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque after it reopened following a 40-day closure.

An Iranian delegation will arrive in Pakistan on Thursday night ahead of talks with the United States, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said.

"Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, invited by Hon. PM Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran," he said in a post on X.

Footage from inside the Aqsa Mosque as worshippers arrived for the Fajr (dawn) prayer earlier on Thursday – after more than 40 days of closure by ‘Israeli’ authorities; who claimed it closed it due to security reasons amid the Iran conflict.

US President Donald Trump late Wednesday said US military deployed near Iran would remain stationed in the area until a "real agreement" is reached, as it enters a fragile two-week ceasefire with Tehran.

"All U.S. Ships, Aircraft, and Military Personnel, with additional Ammunition, Weaponry, and anything else that is appropriate and necessary for the lethal prosecution and destruction of an already substantially degraded Enemy, will remain in place in, and around, Iran, until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

US President Donald Trump posted the statement on Truth Social in response to recent media coverage of ongoing ceasefire and negotiation efforts between the United States and Iran.

“The Failing New York Times and Fake News CNN each reported a totally FAKE TEN POINT PLAN on the Iran negotiations which was meant to discredit the people involved in the peace process. All ten points were a made up HOAX - EVIL LOSERS!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Reports emerged of an Iranian-proposed 10-point plan as a potential basis for talks set for Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan.

This plan reportedly included elements such as:

• Continued Iranian control or toll collection in the Strait of Hormuz
• Acceptance of uranium enrichment
• US troop withdrawal from the region
• Lifting of sanctions
• Other concessions viewed as favorable to Iran

Outlets including The New York Times and CNN reported on these points, often citing Iranian statements or sources, and framed them as significant demands that the US might be considering or using as a starting point.

The United Nations secretary-general on Wednesday warned that ongoing ‘Israeli’ military activity in Lebanon "poses a grave risk" to the fragile US-Iran truce, his spokesperson said in a statement.

"The ongoing military activity in Lebanon poses a grave risk to the ceasefire and the efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. The Secretary-General reiterates his call to all parties to immediately cease hostilities," UN chief Antonio Guterres's spokesman said.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that 182 people were killed and 890 wounded by ‘Israeli’ strikes on Wednesday.

Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was open for prayers at the dawn of Thursday, after ‘Israeli’ authorities closed it for 40 days alleging safety measures due to the war with Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to include Lebanon in the ceasefire the two sides had reached.

"I expressed my hope that the ceasefire will be fully respected by each of the belligerents, across all areas of confrontation, including in Lebanon," Macron wrote on X after speaking with both leaders.

‘Israeli’ Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says "Iran enters this pause battered, weaker than ever," after Teheran and Washington reached a truce.

In a televised statement, Netanyahu also hails ‘Israel's’ cooperation with the United States in the war.

"Together, we launched a historic operation -- the largest the Middle East has ever seen."

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praises Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump for agreeing to a ceasefire and for the upcoming talks in Islamabad involving representatives from both countries.

“This ceasefire is the first step. But our true destination is lasting and durable peace, and progress of development and prosperity,” he says during a televised speech.

Hezbollah said Thursday that it will continue carrying out attacks against ‘Israel’ until “the Israeli-American aggression against our country and people stops”.

Hezbollah added that it targeted the Kibbutz of Menara with a rocket attack in response to ‘Israel’ violating the ceasefire agreement, after the ‘Israeli’ Home Front Command activated sirens in the Galilee Panhandle.

Hebrew Channel 15 said the rockets fired from Lebanon came after nine hours of calm.

Pakistan, who played a key role in mediating the ceasefire between the US and Iran, said that the truce also includes Lebanon.

This was later denied by ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and also by US Vice President JD Vance.

“I think the Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon, and it just didn't. We never made that promise. We never indicated that was going to be the case. What we said is that the ceasefire would be focused on Iran, and the ceasefire would be focused on America's allies,” Vance said.

Iran announced alternative routes on Thursday for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the risk of sea mines in the main zone of the vital waterway.

Tehran has agreed to temporarily reopen the strait, through which one-fifth of the world's oil usually passes, as part of a two-week truce.

"All ships intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz are hereby notified that in order to comply with the principles of maritime safety and to be protected from possible collisions with sea mines...they should take alternative routes for traffic in the Strait of Hormuz," Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement quoted by local media.

US President Donald Trump continued Thursday morning to lambast the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), saying that they weren’t “there when we needed them.”

“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN. REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!” Trump said on Truth Social.

US President Donald Trump held high-stakes talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte Wednesday, with the White House saying he would discuss the possibility of leaving the alliance after it failed to join the Iran war.

Trump was alternatively looking at punishing some NATO members he believed were unhelpful during the conflict by moving US troops out of their countries, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Rutte -- the former Dutch premier dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his skill in flattering the mercurial US leader -- entered the West Wing through a side gate and their meeting was being held behind closed doors.

"It's quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks when it's the American people who have been funding their defense," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Asked if Trump would discuss a possible withdrawal from NATO, Leavitt said: "It's something the president has discussed, and I think it's something the president will be discussing in a couple of hours with Secretary General Rutte."

The meeting comes one day after the United States and Iran agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for bilateral talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the first stop of a Gulf tour aimed at bolstering the ceasefire in the Middle East war.

The ‘Israeli’ Home Front Command activated alarm sirens in the Galilee Panhandle following a rocket salvo from Lebanon.

• Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, international oil prices plummeted by 15%, with Brent crude settling at $94.75 a barrel. 
• Strait of Hormuz Reopens: Just hours before President Trump’s "complete demolition" deadline, Iran agreed to the "safe opening" of the strategic waterway.

Oil and gas prices plunged, stock markets soared and the dollar retreated Wednesday after the United States and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire that could lead to the Strait of Hormuz reopening.

"A wave of relief has hit financial markets after threats of a devastating escalation of the war were replaced by a temporary truce," said Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club.

The most widely traded oil contracts fell some 15 percent to around $95 a barrel, after more than a month of conflict that killed thousands and hammered global markets.

But on Wednesday, investor relief sent markets soaring, with Wall Street's three main indexes climbing more than 2.5 percent.

Europe's main continental bourses all closed up more than three percent. Frankfurt led the way with a five-percent gain while London gained 2.5 percent, held back by weak oil companies.

Earlier, Tokyo stocks jumped 5.4 percent and Chinese indices rose around three percent.

The dollar, a safe haven in times of market turmoil, slid against the euro, yen and British pound as investors returned to riskier assets.

But traders warned that the euphoria could be short-lived. Both sides have threatened to resume hostilities if the two-week pause does not lead to an agreement.

"In reality, the markets are not pricing in peace but a window for negotiation," said John Plassard of Cite Gestion.

"And that is precisely the issue: In two weeks, either this window will lead to a lasting agreement, or it will only postpone and amplify the energy shock that everyone fears," he said.

Fractures of the deal started to emerge as ‘Israel’ launched its heaviest bombardment of Lebanon since Iran-backed group Hezbollah joined the war in early March, killing at least 112 and wounding hundreds across the country, according to authorities.

Angelo Kourkafas, investment strategist at Edward Jones, described Wednesday's financial market response as "a big relief rally" but indicated more bumps were likely.

"Every development in this war has been pretty much unpredictable and we still ... remain in a headline-driven market," he told AFP. "Potentially, there's going to be more volatility."

Oil prices remain much higher and equity prices lower than before the United States and ‘Israel’ attacked Iran on February 28.

"I don't think we're going to (quickly) go back to the levels we were at before the war," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB traders. "Energy infrastructure across the Gulf has been targeted."

Maritime monitor Marine Traffic noted that two ships had transited the waterway since Iran agreed to reopen it, through which about 20 percent of the world's oil passes.

But one major German shipping company, Hapag-Lloyd, said it was too early for its trapped ships to leave the Gulf.

Shipping journal Lloyd's List estimated that around 800 ships have been stuck in the Gulf since the end of February.

The International Air Transport Association said that it would take months for jet fuel supplies and prices to normalize.

"Should talks falter or activity through the strait remain subdued, oil prices and the dollar could reverse course fairly quickly," said Matthew Ryan, head of market strategy at global financial services firm Ebury.

Shares of oil producers fell sharply while airlines were among the biggest beneficiaries.

Key figures at around 20:20 GMT

• Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 13.3 percent at $94.75 a barrel
• West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 16.4 percent at $94.41 a barrel
• New York - Dow: UP 2.3 percent at 47,649.73 points
• New York - S&P 500: UP 2.1 percent at 6,755.68
• New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 2.5 percent at 22,576.95
• London - FTSE 100: UP 2.5 percent at 10,608.88 (close)
• Paris - CAC 40: UP 4.5 percent at 8,263.87 (close)
• Frankfurt - DAX: UP 5.1 percent at 24,080.63 (close)
• Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 5.4 percent at 56,308.42 (close)
• Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 3.1 percent at 25,893.02 (close)
• Shanghai - Composite: UP 2.7 percent at 3,995.00 (close)
• Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1667 from Tuesday's $1.1595
• Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3405 from $1.3291
• Dollar/yen: DOWN at 158.353 yen from 159.62 yen
• Euro/pound: DOWN at 87.02 pence from 87.22 pence

Protestors rally against US military action in Iran during a demonstration near the White House in Washington, DC.

US President Donald Trump and ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone for about 20 minutes on Tuesday night, before the former announced a ceasefire deal with Iran, according to Hebrew Channel 13.

During that conversation, Netanyahu expressed to Trump his opposition to the ceasefire, the report added.

US Vice President JD Vance urges Iran not to let the fragile ceasefire deal fall apart over ‘Israel's’ attacks on Lebanon, days before he is due to lead talks with Tehran in Pakistan.

Rallies in the cities of Tehran and Sari to mark the 40th day following the death of the country's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Washington and Tehran both claimed victory after agreeing to a two-week ceasefire and negotiations aimed at ending a war that has killed thousands across the Middle East and sparked global economic upheaval.

• Following a fragile two-week ceasefire with Iran, the White House confirmed that Trump and Rutte would discuss a potential US exit from NATO.
• The administration is reportedly considering moving US troops out of "unhelpful" member states, such as the UK.

US President Donald Trump held high-stakes talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte Wednesday, with the White House saying he would discuss the possibility of leaving the alliance after it failed to join the Iran war.

Trump was alternatively looking at punishing some NATO members he believed were unhelpful during the conflict by moving US troops out of their countries, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Rutte -- the former Dutch premier dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his skill in flattering the mercurial US leader -- entered the West Wing through a side gate and their meeting was being held behind closed doors.

"It's quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks when it's the American people who have been funding their defense," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Asked if Trump would discuss a possible withdrawal from NATO, Leavitt said: "It's something the president has discussed, and I think it's something the president will be discussing in a couple of hours with Secretary General Rutte."

The meeting comes one day after the United States and Iran agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire.

Trump has expressed anger at Western partners' refusal to back his war on Iran, rocking a transatlantic alliance that at the age of 77 is only two years younger than him.

The US leader has branded NATO a "paper tiger" for refusing to lead efforts to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz and for limiting US forces from using bases on their territories.

Trump has lashed out at several of them personally, lambasting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as "no Winston Churchill" and ridiculing Britain's aircraft carriers as "toys."

To punish NATO members seen as being unhelpful, the Trump administration is considering a plan to move out US troops and station them in other countries viewed as more supportive of the US war in Iran, according to a WSJ report.

But the plan would fall short of Trump's oft-hinted threats to pull the United States out of NATO entirely -- a move for which he would need the approval of Congress.

“Daddy”

NATO's secretary general, however, boasts a record of pulling Trump back onto his side.

Ahead of the White House visit, Rutte met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to talk about Iran, Russia's war against Ukraine and NATO responsibilities.

"The two leaders discussed Operation Epic Fury, ongoing US-led efforts to bring a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and increasing coordination and burden shifting with NATO Allies," said State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

Rutte will also meet with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth during his time in Washington.

NATO has been roiled by crisis after crisis since Trump returned to power last year -- most acutely by his threat to seize the vast Arctic island of Greenland from alliance member Denmark.

Earlier this week Trump said his problems with NATO "all began" with Greenland -- although he has been threatening to pull out since his first term.

In recent months he has also pulled the rug out from under Ukraine in its war against Russia and threatened to not protect allies unless they spend more on defense.

Russia and China have been watching with glee as Trump rubbishes the alliance.

Rutte has been central to allied efforts to flatter and mollify the US leader, whom he called "daddy" at a summit last year.

On Iran, he has sought to thread the needle by calling US efforts to degrade Tehran's military capability something to "applaud."

Speaking as Rutte headed to Washington, a NATO official said he planned to "discuss current security dynamics including in the context of Iran as well as Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine" in his talks with Trump.

For coverage of the previous day, visit the link below.

Read more: Day 40 | US & Iran agree to last-minute ceasefire