Day 46 | US military blockade on Iranian ports takes effect after Islamabad talks collapse
The 2026 Iran War began on February 28, when the United States and ‘Israel’ launched a large-scale attack on Iran, unleashing nearly 900 airstrikes within 12 hours on the Islamic Republic’s missile systems, air defenses, nuclear facilities, military bases, and leadership targets.
On April 8, the United States, Iran, and ‘Israel’ agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, with Iran committing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and all sides pausing military operations while negotiations continue toward a broader agreement.
The assault followed years of shadow conflict, including direct missile exchanges in 2024 and a limited 12-day war in 2025 that damaged Iran’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials were killed in the opening strikes.
Iran responded within hours, launching waves of ballistic missiles and drones at ‘Israel’, US bases, and targets across the Gulf.
The fragile truce is currently hanging in the balance, with Tehran threatening to resume hostilities as ‘Israel’ launched a major bombardment of Lebanon.
Washington and Tehran both claimed victory after agreeing to the ceasefire and negotiations.
The deal's fractures emerged quickly as ‘Israel’ carried out its heaviest strikes on its neighbour -- including in densely packed central Beirut -- since the Iran-backed group Hezbollah joined the war in early March.
‘Israel’ said its battle against Hezbollah was not part of the US-Iran truce agreed late Tuesday, an argument echoed by US Vice President JD Vance, as he is leading the talks with Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf appeared to threaten the ceasefire, posting on X that the "workable basis on which to negotiate" had already been violated, making further talks "unreasonable".
Adding to the fragility of the truce, agreed hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, a senior US official said Iran's 10-point plan was not the same set of conditions the White House had agreed to in order to pause the war.
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Read more: Day 47 | Uncertainty over Iran talks as Trump hints talks could resume over next two days
Lebanon's US envoy says called for ceasefire at “constructive” talks with ‘Israel’
Lebanon's ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad called for a ceasefire during "constructive" talks on Tuesday with ‘Israeli’ officials in Washington, she said in a statement.
The "preparatory meeting was constructive", the envoy's statement said, adding that she "called for a ceasefire" and the return of displaced people to their homes, and also emphasised "the full sovereignty of the state" over all Lebanese territory.
‘Israeli’ ambassador hails “wonderful exchange” following talks with Lebanon
‘Israeli’ Ambassador Yechiel Leiter hailed the "wonderful exchange" during direct peace talks with Lebanon in Washington on Tuesday, saying the two were "on the same side."
"We enjoyed it together. We had a wonderful exchange of over two hours," Leiter told reporters following the talks.
"We discovered today that we're on the same side," he said, adding: "We are both united in liberating Lebanon from (an) occupation power dominated by Iran called Hezbollah."
Washington says Lebanon–‘Israel’ deal must be government-led & under US sponsorship
A joint statement by ‘Israel’, Lebanon, and the United States was released following the first direct talks in more than 30 years between ‘Israel’ and Lebanon hosted in Washington on Tuesday.
“Participants held productive discussions on steps needed to launch direct negotiations between the two countries,” the Arabic version of the joint statement said.
“Washington reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defense against ongoing attacks from Hezbollah, stressing that any ceasefire agreement must be reached between the two governments under US sponsorship, not through any separate track,” a part of statement said.
“All parties agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place,” it included.
The trilateral meeting included the participation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Counselor Michael Needham, United States Ambassador to Lebanon Issa, Ambassador of Israel to the United States Yechiel Leiter, the Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad.
It marks the first major high-level engagement between the governments of ‘Israel’ and Lebanon since 1993.
US says blocked six ships in first day of Iran naval blockade
The US military said it stopped six ships from sailing out of Iranian ports during the first 24 hours of a naval blockade against the Islamic republic.
Earlier, maritime tracking data indicated that at least two ships sailing from Iranian ports passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade.
They were among at least four Iran-linked vessels that used the route after Washington's blockade came into effect at 14:00 GMT on Monday, according to maritime data provider Kpler.
Trump denies US demanded 20-year nuclear pause from Iran
US President Donald Trump denied reports that the US asked Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program for 20 years during the truce talks in Islamabad.
“I’ve been saying they can’t have nuclear weapons,” he said in a statement to The New York Post.
“So I don’t like the 20 years.”
Retired Pakistani Lt. Gen. Muhammad Saeed, involved in arranging the talks, claimed that Tehran has shown “flexibility” regarding uranium enrichment
Trump says US-Iran talks “could be happening over next two days”
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that more US-Iran truce talks could take place “over the next two days” in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Trump told The New York Post that discussions were “happening, but, you know, a little bit slow”.
He also indicated that the talks could happen in Europe.
“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump said on Islamabad.
“It’s more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job,” Trump said, referring to Pakistan Field Marshal General Asim Munir.
“He’s fantastic, and therefore it’s more likely that we go back there,” he added.
“Why should we go to some country that has nothing to do with it?”
Rubio says direct ‘Israel’-Lebanon peace talks a “historic opportunity”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Tuesday for ‘Israel’ and Lebanon to seize a "historic opportunity" for peace as the first direct talks in decades between the two got underway in Washington.
"This is a historic opportunity. We understand we're working against decades of history and the complexities that have led us to this unique moment and the opportunity here," Rubio said at the State Department as he welcomed the ambassadors of the two countries.
"The hope today is that we can outline a framework upon which a current and lasting peace can be developed," he added.
VIDEO - Rubio hosts ‘Israeli’ & Lebanese envoys for first direct talks in decades
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio poses for a photo op with ‘Israeli’ and Lebanese envoys ahead of the first direct peace talks between the two in decades.
The meeting, taking place at the US State Department, includes ‘Israeli’ Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad, as well as US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.
Even before the meeting, the pro-Iranian Hezbollah, which is not represented, had rejected the holding of these talks.
Lebanon president hopes ‘Israel’ talks “beginning of the end” of country's suffering
Lebanon's president expressed hope that direct talks on Tuesday in Washington with ‘Israel’ would lead to an end of his country's suffering after war erupted again between ‘Israel’ and Hezbollah last month.
"I hope that the meeting in Washington... will mark the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese people in general, and those in the south in particular," President Joseph Aoun said in a statement, adding that "stability will not return to the south if Israel continues to occupy its lands".
"The only solution lies in the Lebanese army re-deploying up to the internationally recognised border, and so being solely responsible for the security of the area and the safety of its residents, without the partnership of any other party," Aoun added.
‘Israel’ warns: Hezbollah likely to increase attacks as talks begin
The ‘Israeli’ military warned Tuesday it expected a rise in attacks by Hezbollah targeting the north, as Washington hosted ‘Israeli’ and Lebanese officials for their first direct talks in decades.
"Following a situational assessment, and as part of recent developments, an increase in fire from Lebanon is possible, likely targeting northern Israel," the military said.
‘Israeli’ forces and Hezbollah are currently engaged in close-quarters fighting in southern Lebanon, after the group launched attacks on ‘Israel’ in response to joint US-‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran on February 28.
Lebanon, ‘Israel’ start first direct talks in decades
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the Lebanese and ‘Israeli’ ambassadors in Washington on Tuesday for the first direct peace talks between the two in decades.
Rubio is mediating the talks between ‘Israeli’ envoy Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon's Nada Hamadeh Moawad, which began around 15:00 GMT.
But pro-Iran Hezbollah -- which is battling ‘Israeli’ forces occupying southern Lebanon -- called for the talks to be scrapped before they even began.
Lebanon president Joseph Aoun said he hopes the talks would be the “'beginning of the end” of his country’s suffering.
Meloni lacks “courage” on Iran war: Trump
US President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a political ally, in an interview published on Tuesday for her unwillingness to help in the Iran war.
“I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” he told Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
Sirens sound in north ‘Israel’ after Hezbollah rocket salvo
Rocket alarm sirens were activated in north ‘Israel’ settlements after rockets were fired from Lebanon.
Sirens were activated in Ma'alot-Tarshiha, Shomera, and several other settlements.
‘Israel’ dismisses Italy decision to suspend defense deal
‘Israel’ on Tuesday dismissed Italy's decision to suspend a defence agreement between the two countries, saying Rome's move would not have any impact on its security.
"We have no security agreement with Italy. We have a memorandum of understanding from many years ago that has never contained any substantive content. This will not affect Israel's security," foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein told AFP.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said earlier on Tuesday that her country suspended the automatic renewal of a defense cooperation agreement with ‘Israel’, citing ongoing wars in the Middle East.
The decision marks a notable shift for Meloni’s government, which has been among ‘Israel’s’ closest European allies.
“In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with ‘Israel’,” Meloni said in remarks reported by Italian media during a visit to Verona.
In recent weeks, Rome has voiced increasing criticism of ‘Israeli’ military operations in Lebanon, particularly after incidents affecting Italian troops deployed under a United Nations mandate.
The suspension reflects growing unease in parts of Europe over the regional escalation and its impact on international forces.
Bahrain intercepts 194 missiles, 523 drones since Iran attacks
Bahrain’s General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force announced that all its units are at the highest level of readiness, confirming it has intercepted and destroyed 194 missiles and 523 drones since the start of what it described as “Iranian attacks” targeting the Kingdom.
The military said its forces remain on full defensive alert as tensions continue in the region.
Woman among four more Iranians sentenced to death over protests: NGOs
Iranian authorities have sentenced four additional people, including a woman, to death over protests that erupted in January this year, according to several human rights organizations on Tuesday.
The cases were heard by a Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Imam Afshari, who rights groups have previously criticized. The defendants were reportedly convicted of acting on behalf of the United States.
The accused were identified as Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl, his wife Bita Hemmati, and two other men, Behrouz Zamaninejad and Kourosh Zamaninejad.
Authorities accused the group of throwing concrete blocks from a residential building at security forces during unrest in the capital. It was not immediately clear when the verdict was issued.
Hemmati is believed to be the first woman sentenced to death in connection with the January protests, according to rights groups.
Drone attack injures 11 ‘Israel’ soldiers in southern Lebanon
Eleven soldiers were injured in a drone attack in the Bint Jbeil area of southern Lebanon on Monday night, according to 'Israeli' media reports.
Mossad chief says efforts continue to 'undermine Iranian leadership'
The head of ‘Israel’s’ intelligence agency Mossad said efforts are continuing to weaken and ultimately bring down Iran’s ruling system, even after the end of direct fighting.
In remarks attributed to him, the official said there was no expectation that the Iranian leadership would collapse immediately following the end of combat operations, adding that the confrontation continues beyond the battlefield phase.
He said operations are still underway aimed at undermining the Iranian state structure, describing the campaign as ongoing despite the conclusion of the military phase.
‘Israel’ claims no security agreement with Italy
‘Israel’s’ Foreign Ministry said there is no security agreement with Italy, responding to reports about Rome’s move to suspend security cooperation.
According to Channel 13, the ministry stressed that the announcement by the Italian government does not affect ‘Israel’s’ security.
The ministry added that what exists between the two sides is only a memorandum of understanding, which it described as having no real operational substance.
The comments come after Italy’s reported decision to halt aspects of security cooperation, a move that has drawn political attention amid broader European debates on defense ties.
