Day 47 | Uncertainty over Iran talks as Trump hints talks could resume over next two days
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.
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.
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 while negotiations continue toward a broader agreement.
The fragile truce has since come under strain, particularly as ‘Israel’ launched major bombardments in Lebanon and clashes with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah intensified.
Here’s the latest:
• Trump hints at renewed talks: US President Donald Trump said “something could be happening” over the next two days regarding negotiations with Iran in Pakistan after previous talks faltered.
• Key sticking points remain: Officials say both sides have floated a suspension of Iranian uranium enrichment, but remain divided over the timeline. The US is also pushing for the dismantling of Iran’s major nuclear enrichment facilities and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
• US marine blockade: Washington has declared a marine blockade, though shipping data shows several Iran-linked vessels have continued transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Overall activity at Iranian ports appears to have declined.
• 'Israel'-Lebanon talks conclude: After the first direct negotiations in decades, 'Israel' and Lebanon agreed to hold further talks “at a mutually agreed time and venue,” according to the US State Department. 'Israel' declined to commit to a ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
• Lebanon strikes strain truce: ‘Israel’ has carried out its heaviest strikes on Lebanon, including in densely populated areas of central Beirut, since Hezbollah joined the war in early March.
• Iran warns talks may collapse: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the “workable basis” for negotiations had already been violated, suggesting further talks could be “unreasonable.”
• Confusion over ceasefire terms: A senior US official said Iran’s 10-point proposal does not match the conditions the White House says were agreed to when the war was paused.
Thread ended
This live thread has ended. Follow our online coverage of day 48 of the war, as uncertainty remains over talks with Iran while a key Pakistani negotiator visits Tehran.
Read more: Day 48 | Uncertainty over Iran talks as key Pakistani negotiator visits Tehran
US says 10 vessels turned back so far in Iran blockade
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Wednesday that an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel tried to evade the US blockade yesterday, which was later “successfully redirected” as it headed back to Iran.
“The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is heading back to Iran,” CETNCOM said on X.
The command said that ten vessels have now been turned around since the start of the US blockade on Monday, and that zero ships have managed to break through.
S&P 500, Nasdaq end at records as markets bet on US-Iran accord
Major Wall Street stock indices finished at records Wednesday, extending an upward climb on optimism about an accord in the US-Iran conflict as the White House signaled openness to more talks.
The broad-based S&P 500 jumped 0.8 percent to a new all-time high of 7,022.96, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1.6 percent to 24,016.02, also a record.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 0.2 percent to 48,463.72.
Hezbollah injures five ‘Israeli’ soldiers in rocket attack
Five ‘Israeli’ soldiers were wounded, including one in serious condition, in a Hezbollah rocket attack that targeted an area inside southern Lebanon today, according to a statement by the ‘Israeli’ military.
The four others are lightly injured, the statement adds.
Netanyahu says US & ‘Israel’ have “identical goals” on Iran
‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that ‘Israel’ and the US are fully aligned in their objective to contain Iran.
"Our American friends keep us constantly updated on their contacts with Iran. The objectives of the United States and our own are identical," he said in a televised speech.
"We want to see enriched material removed from Iran; we want to see the elimination of enrichment capability within Iran; and, of course, we want to see the (Hormuz) strait reopened," he added.
Netanyahu says “dismantling Hezbollah” first goal of Lebanon talks
‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said his top priority was to secure the "dismantling" of Hezbollah in its first direct talks with Lebanon in decades.
"In the negotiations with Lebanon, there are two central objectives: first, the dismantling of Hezbollah; second, a sustainable peace... achieved through strength," he said.
Pakistan informed Iran ceasefire in Lebanon was reached: report
Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, in his visit today to Tehran where he met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, carried the news that a ceasefire in Lebanon was reached, according to a report .
The report, by Al Jazeera, added that Iran is waiting for an official ‘Israeli’ announcement to “take necessary action”.
The ceasefire in Lebanon was a sticking point in the US-Iran truce talks in Islamabad.
US will not extend waiver on Russia oil sanctions
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that Washington does not plan to extend a temporary sanctions waiver that allowed the sale of Russian oil already at sea.
"We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil," he told a press briefing, a day after the Treasury Department said it would not renew a similar easing on Iranian oil either.
Both measures aimed to soften global supply shocks from the US-‘Israeli’ war against Iran.
US discussing second round of Iran talks in Pakistan: White House
The United States is discussing holding a second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal, the White House said on Wednesday.
"Those discussions are being had" and "we feel good about the prospects of a deal," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that further talks "would very likely" be in Islamabad.
VIDEO - CENTCOM footage of US navy warning ships challenging blockade on Iran
Footage released by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) shows navy vessels on patrol in the Gulf of Oman issuing warnings to any ship trying to challenge the naval blockade imposed on Iran.
Iran halts petrochemical exports until further notice
The head of Iran’s Petrochemical Industries Development Organization said all petrochemical exports have been suspended until further notice.
According to the statement, the move comes in response to damage caused by strikes targeting petrochemical plants.
US, Iran move closer to framework deal to end war
- US, Iran report progress toward framework agreement
- Mediators push deal before April 21 ceasefire deadline
- Economic pressure seen as key factor in talks
The United States and Iran have made progress toward a framework agreement to end the ongoing war, according to Axios citing US officials, as negotiations intensify ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline.
Officials said talks held Tuesday brought both sides closer to bridging key gaps, with mediation efforts involving Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey aimed at securing a deal before the current ceasefire expires on April 21.
Behind the scenes, President of the United States Donald Trump’s negotiating team, including JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, continued discussions with Iranian counterparts through calls and draft proposals.
A new round of in-person talks is expected in the coming days, though officials cautioned that a final agreement is not guaranteed due to remaining differences.
If a framework is reached, the ceasefire may need to be extended to finalize a comprehensive deal, as negotiations over details could take longer.
US officials also pointed to mounting economic pressure on Iran, citing restrictions on oil exports and the broader impact of the conflict, as factors that may push Tehran toward an agreement.
Sirens sound in northern ‘Israel’ near Lebanon border
Air raid sirens were activated in the northern ‘Israel’ cities of Kiryat Shmona and Nahariya and surrounding areas, according to initial reports.
The alerts come amid ongoing cross-border tensions, with no further details.
Pakistan army chief arrives in Tehran for high-level talks
Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran leading a senior delegation that includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and top officials from the interior ministry.
The delegation was received upon arrival by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, signaling ongoing high-level coordination between the two countries.
Iran to receive Pakistani delegation led by army chief Asim Munir: state TV
Iranian state TV said Tehran will welcome a Pakistani delegation led by army chief Asim Munir on Wednesday, after the Islamic republic confirmed that exchanges with the US had continued via Pakistan after failed talks in Islamabad to end the war.
State TV reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will welcome the delegation, which will bring a new message from Washington following the negotiations in the Pakistani capital over the weekend.
Iran says Russia key to nuclear program
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Russia has played an important role in implementing Iran’s nuclear program and remains ready to advance diplomatic efforts related to the issue.
The US has not yet agreed to extend the ceasefire agreement: Axios
The United States has not agreed to extend the ceasefire agreement. A US official stated that the US and Iran are still in contact to reach an agreement.Furthermore, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that reports of an extension of the ceasefire have not been confirmed, according to Axios.
Trump again criticizes Italian Prime Minister Meloni: 'We do not have the same relationship'
US President Donald Trump again criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying, “we do not have the same relationship.”
The comments come after Meloni called out the president for his attacks on the Pope and has declined to get involved in the US war in Iran.
“She’s been negative. Anybody that turned us down for helping with this Iran situation, we do not have the same relationship,” he told Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria.”
Trump also criticized NATO, of which Italy is a member, at large for their lack of engagement in the war in Iran.
“Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO if they’re not going to be with us, if they’re not going to be with us on Iran, they’re not going to be with us on a much bigger subject than Iran,” the president said.
UAE, Iran discuss regional de-escalation in phone call
- Senior UAE, Iranian officials hold phone call
- Talks focus on regional developments
- Emphasis on de-escalation efforts
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to discuss regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions.
The call addressed ongoing developments across the region, with both sides reviewing ways to support de-escalation and maintain stability.
The discussion comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya HQ threatens to block Gulf shipping if US pressure continues
An Iranian commander from Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that Iran will not allow imports or exports to pass through the Gulf and the Sea of Oman if US pressure and threats against Iranian vessels persist.
The statement signals a potential escalation in tensions that could impact global shipping routes and energy supplies.
Trump: Iran's reaction to US blockade has 'been pretty amazing'
US President Donald Trump said the US blockade targeting Iranian ports is “working,” adding that the reaction from Tehran has been unexpectedly strong.
In an interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, Trump said the response was “pretty amazing,” suggesting the development was more significant than anticipated.
He added that he believed US actions had already caused severe damage, while noting that Iran’s reaction appeared more intense than previous phases of the confrontation. Trump said the ultimate outcome would be the key measure of success.
‘Israeli’ army orders evacuation in southern Lebanon as strikes intensify
The ‘Israeli’ military issued an urgent evacuation warning on Wednesday, instructing residents in areas south of the Zahrani River in southern Lebanon to move north immediately as airstrikes across the region intensify.
The directive comes amid a widening escalation between the ‘Israeli’ army and Hezbollah, with continued bombardments reported across southern border areas.
In a statement shared on social media, the ‘Israeli’ army said its operations are targeting Hezbollah positions and urged civilians to leave affected areas without delay.
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee published the warning in Arabic, telling residents that staying in designated zones could place them at serious risk due to ongoing military activity.
WATCH: Interceptions seen from ‘Israel's’ Lebanon border
‘Israeli’ forces arrest Sheikh Hatem al-Bakri in Hebron
‘Israeli’ forces arrested Sheikh Hatem al-Bakri on Wednesday during a raid on the headquarters of the Islamic Charitable Society in Hebron, according to local sources.
The arrest took place inside the organization’s premises in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.
Al-Bakri previously served as Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and is also a candidate in Hebron’s municipal elections.
Pakistan’s Sharif to visit Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to begin a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
The trip comes ahead of a possible second round of US-Iran peace talks, with Islamabad seeking to strengthen regional diplomatic engagement.
During his visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Sharif is expected to meet with senior leadership to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as regional peace and security.
In Turkey, Sharif will attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, alongside other regional leaders.
Hezbollah launched ’20 rockets at 'Israel' this morning
Hezbollah launched around 20 rockets toward northern ‘Israel’ on Wednesday morning, according to Israeli media reports.
'Israel’s' Channel 12 said the rockets were fired from southern Lebanon toward the Galilee region, triggering air raid sirens in towns including Manara and Kiryat Shmona.
Trump says not thinking about extending Iran ceasefire, predicts 'an amazing two days ahead'
US President Donald Trump tells ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl he was not thinking about extending the ceasefire with Iran, because it most likely won’t be necessary.
“I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead,” Trump says amid renewed talks with Iran for a deal. “I really do.”
“It could end either way, but I think a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild,” Trump tells the reporter. “They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals. They’re gone, no longer with us.”
Trump then asserts that “If I weren’t president, the world would be torn to pieces.”
Trump says US–Iran war "very close" to ending as ceasefire holds
Donald Trump said the US–Iran war is “very close” to ending as hostilities ease under a two-week ceasefire agreement. In an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria, Trump said he believes the conflict is “very close to being over.”
His remarks come as US and Iranian negotiators are expected to resume peace talks Thursday after weekend discussions in Pakistan stalled.
CENTCOM: US Navy destroyers participate in maritime operations near Iranian ports
US Central Command US Central Command says guided-missile destroyers are among US Navy assets involved in maritime operations affecting access to Iranian ports.
The command described the effort as an enforcement mission involving vessels entering or leaving designated coastal areas, highlighting the role of highly trained naval crews aboard destroyers participating in the operation.
JD Vance says mistrust with Iran remains high but signals progress in talks
US Vice President JD Vance said mistrust between Washington and Tehran remains deep and cannot be resolved overnight, but said Iranian negotiators want a deal and added he feels “very good about where we are” following talks in Pakistan.
'Israeli' airstrike on town in Sidon district, southern Lebanon
'Israeli' airstrike targets the town of Babbliyeh in the Sidon district of southern Lebanon.
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