Day 55 | US leaves Iran timeline open; Tehran flags blockade risk

This live thread has ended. Follow our online coverage of day 56 of the war, as the US–Iran truce holds, but no timeline for ceasefire deal.

Read more: Day 56 | US–Iran truce holds, but no timeline for ceasefire deal

According to Al Jazeera, direct negotiations between Lebanon and 'Israel' have officially begun at the White House. The network's correspondent reports that the high-level discussions include the Lebanese and 'Israeli' ambassadors to Washington, who are being joined at the negotiating table by the respective US ambassadors to both Lebanon and 'Israel'.

Sirens were activated in the 'Israeli' settlement of Shatula in the Upper Galilee after rockets were launched from Lebanon, according to ‘Israeli’ military statements.

The army said it intercepted rockets fired from Lebanese territory. No immediate reports of casualties or damage were provided.

The incident comes amid continued cross-border exchanges between Hezbollah and ‘Israeli’ forces along the Lebanon frontier.

US President Donald Trump issued a series of statements regarding the war and negotiations 

• Military decimation: Trump stated that the US has successfully destroyed 75% of its targets in Iran, claiming the Iranian military is "completely defeated" and will need approximately 20 years to rebuild. He warned that if a deal is not reached, the US is prepared to obliterate the remaining targets, noting that only a "few small boats" are left of the Iranian Navy.
• Leadership in chaos: The president claimed the US deliberately created a state of "fierce internal conflict" within Iran by eliminating multiple levels of its leadership, stating that the US currently does not know who is leading the country. He noted that the recent pause was a deliberate opportunity given to Tehran to resolve its internal power struggles before moving forward with negotiations.
• Strait of Hormuz blockade: Asserting "complete control" over the Strait of Hormuz, Trump revealed he rejected an Iranian offer to reopen the waterway, arguing it would have provided Tehran with $500 million a day in revenue. He affirmed that the blockade will persist until an agreement is secured.
• Negotiation leverage: Emphasizing that he is under no time pressure and noting that financial markets have hit unexpected record highs, Trump stated that Iran is the party "racing against time" to prevent the total collapse of its energy sector. He reiterated that the ultimate goal remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons that could threaten Israel and Arab nations, though he acknowledged that Tehran wants to make a deal and communications are actively ongoing.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said in a post that the country is facing a coordinated media campaign aimed at undermining national unity and weakening national security.

He stressed that such “malicious” efforts would not succeed in dividing the Iranian people, adding that they would instead strengthen internal cohesion and resilience.

• Air defenses activated in Tehran and multiple cities over suspected drones
• Experts cite four factors including alert posture and system testing
• Iran reportedly shifting to new decentralized “mosaic” defense model

Sounds of air defense systems were heard in Tehran and several other Iranian cities, according to information reported by Fars News Agency, citing its correspondent.

The report said the activity was triggered by the presence of small drones and micro aerial vehicles, including models described as “Orbiter,” detected in multiple areas.

Heightened alert during ceasefire

Military analyst Abdolreza Sediq told Fars that air defense operators remain on high alert during ceasefire periods, maintaining immediate readiness to respond to any aerial signal or suspicious movement.

He said that even minor visual or electronic indicators could prompt a rapid response under such conditions.

Use of fighter jets in monitoring

The analyst added that, similar to wartime operations, MiG-29 fighter jets are being used as part of the capital’s layered air defense system to track and intercept drones.

He noted that sounds heard in some areas may be linked to friendly aircraft conducting aerial surveillance rather than incoming threats.

Maintenance and testing operations

According to the report, ceasefire periods are also used to conduct maintenance work, including overhauls of air defense systems, installation of new radar units, and repairs to anti-aircraft weapons.

Testing of these systems is described as unavoidable, which may also explain the recent activity.

Shift in defense strategy

The report further highlighted a shift in Iran’s air defense structure from a centralized, network-based “spider” system to a decentralized “mosaic” model.

This new approach is based on localized and independent units, aimed at improving resilience and operational flexibility.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, wrote on Truth Social on Thursday that he is not under pressure to end tensions with Iran, arguing that Tehran is facing mounting losses and time constraints.

In a statement, he claimed Iran’s naval forces are “at the bottom of the sea,” its air force is “demolished,” and its air defense and radar systems are destroyed. He also said Iranian leaders are “no longer with us” and described a “blockade” as fully in place.

Trump added that any agreement would only be reached when it is “appropriate and good” for the United States, its allies, and the wider world.

• Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced the reopening of Kuwait International Airport starting Thursday.
• The resumption will be gradual, initially focusing on specific routes to ensure operational safety.
• The closure, in effect since February 28, followed regional tensions and reported damage to airport facilities.

Kuwait has officially reopened its airspace at Kuwait International Airport starting Thursday, ending a temporary precautionary suspension that had been in place since February 28 due to escalating regional tensions.

Phased resumption of flights

Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Sabah, President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the reopening is part of a deliberate, phased plan coordinated with relevant international authorities.

The initial phase will include flights to specific destinations based on operational priorities to ensure the highest safety and security standards.

Sheikh Humoud emphasized that each operational phase will undergo continuous evaluation before the airport expands its flight network and transitions to full operations in the coming period.

Facility repairs and regional context

The reopening follows a period of assessment and repairs at the airport. Sheikh Humoud noted that the DGCA has completed its inspection of damage to certain airport facilities, which he attributed to an attack by Iran and its affiliated armed factions.

Technical teams have already begun maintenance and repair work on operational equipment and infrastructure to guarantee full readiness.

Gratitude for regional cooperation

The DGCA President expressed gratitude to neighboring nations for their assistance during the nearly two-month closure. He specifically thanked Saudi Arabia for its support in facilitating the operation of Kuwaiti carriers through its airports, highlighting the strong bilateral ties.

Furthermore, he commended the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for their joint coordination regarding unified airspace, which helped maintain regional air traffic continuity during the crisis.

Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Humoud praised the efforts of all aviation workers, government agencies, and Kuwait's political leadership in expediting the airport's recovery and operational readiness.

Brent crude futures rose by $5 per barrel following reports of air defenses being activated in Tehran, Reuters reported.

The sharp increase reflects renewed market concerns over potential escalation in the region, as investors react to developments involving Iran’s capital.

No further details were immediately available on the trigger behind the activation or its broader implications for energy markets.

A security source told 'Israeli' media outlet Kan News that “Israel is not attacking Iran.”

This came after Iran's Mehr News Agency reported that air defense systems were activated in parts of the capital, Tehran, following the detection of a suspected hostile target.

In a statement published on X, the Iranian Foreign Minister asserted that Israel's "terrorist killings" have failed, pointing to the continued unity and discipline of Iran's state institutions.

The failure of Israel's terrorist killings is reflected in how Iran's state institutions continue to act with unity, purpose, and discipline.

The battlefield and diplomacy are fully coordinated fronts in the same war.

Iranians are all united, more than ever before.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 23, 2026

He emphasized that the country's military and diplomatic efforts are working in tandem as "fully coordinated fronts in the same war," declaring that the Iranian people are now more united than ever before.

Iran's Mehr News Agency reported that air defense systems were activated in parts of the capital, Tehran, following the detection of a suspected hostile target.

According to the agency, the activation was carried out to intercept and respond to the threat.

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament issued a statement on X emphasizing national "iron unity" and "complete obedience" to the Supreme Leader.

Rejecting domestic political labels, he asserted that there are no "radicals or moderates" in the country, but rather a unified population of "Iranian and revolutionary" citizens.

He further warned that through the unity of the nation and government, Iran will make any "aggressor criminal regret their actions", concluding that the country is firmly united under "one God, one leader, one nation, and one path" toward victory.

• President Joseph Aoun detailed diplomatic efforts with the US to end the war and secure an 'Israeli' withdrawal.
• Aoun firmly denied media rumors of any phone communication with 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• The Lebanese Ambassador to the US will attend a meeting in Washington on Thursday evening to push for a ceasefire extension.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed the cabinet on Thursday, outlining ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the military escalation and confirming an upcoming meeting in Washington to discuss extending the current ceasefire.

Diplomatic framework and denials

Aoun stated that recent communications, particularly with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focused on a comprehensive framework.

He noted that the goals include securing a permanent ceasefire, ending the state of war with 'Israel', an 'Israeli' withdrawal from occupied territories, the return of prisoners, the deployment of the Lebanese Army to the international borders, and resolving outstanding disputes over the Blue Line.

Addressing recent media speculation, Aoun firmly dismissed claims of any direct communication with 'Israeli' leadership. "A phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was never an option for me at all," he stated, calling the media reports inaccurate.

Upcoming Washington talks

The president announced that Lebanese Ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadé Mouawad, will participate in a meeting in Washington on Thursday evening.

Aoun said she will push for an extension of the ceasefire and demand a halt to the destruction of homes and attacks targeting civilians, medical personnel, journalists, and places of worship. He added that the meeting will also address recent violations of the current truce.

Aoun highlighted the renewed US focus on Lebanon as a positive step, noting it opens the door for potential economic recovery and reconstruction.

He expressed a desire to visit Washington for an in-person meeting with President Trump to discuss the situation in detail, noting that Trump had expressed sympathy and affection for Lebanon during their phone call.

Read more: Lebanon-'Israel' talks separate from Iran war, Lebanese president says

Domestic and humanitarian issues

On the domestic front, Aoun thanked allied and friendly nations for their continued humanitarian aid for displaced citizens. Emphasizing his responsibility to end the war, he cited the widespread exhaustion among the Lebanese people.

He referenced recent meetings with the families of state security personnel killed in Nabatieh, stating that citizens are tired and desire an end to "wars that lead nowhere and do not achieve sustainable stability."

Additionally, Aoun proposed domestic economic relief measures during the cabinet session. He suggested raising the transportation allowance for public sector employees to offset rising oil prices, alongside issuing a one-time exceptional financial grant.

• Incident took place outside federal press conference venue in Berlin
• No injuries reported, security quickly intervened
• Attack followed criticism of US-Iran ceasefire

Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi was splashed with red liquid Thursday after leaving a news conference in the German capital, Berlin.

The incident occurred outside the federal press conference building shortly after Pahlavi concluded his remarks.

Iran has officially started depositing transit fees collected from ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz into its Central Bank accounts, according to statements from the Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament broadcast on state television.

The Iranian Central Bank further clarified that these fees are collected strictly from vessels that have obtained transit permission and must be paid in cash in exchange for "security services."

Additionally, the bank noted that the imposed fees vary depending on the type and quantity of the ship's cargo, as well as the assessed level of risk.

According to the official statement, 44 of the troops sustained severe injuries and 100 are in moderate condition. The 'Israeli' military further noted that 45 of these casualties occurred within the past 48 hours amid the ongoing clashes in the region.

The military has announced that 735 officers and soldiers have been injured since the resumption of fighting in southern Lebanon.

• The US Department of Defense announced the seizure of the oil tanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean.
• The move follows Iran's capture of two international cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
• Tensions remain high as both nations continue naval interceptions despite a fragile, recently extended ceasefire.

The United States military seized a Guyana-flagged oil tanker associated with smuggling Iranian crude oil on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in the maritime standoff between Washington and Tehran.

The US Defense Department said that the vessel, identified as the Majestic X, was interdicted in the Indian Ocean. "We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate," the Pentagon stated in a released briefing.

Seizure in the Indian Ocean

Footage released by the Defense Department showed US troops on the deck of the Majestic X.

Ship-tracking data placed the vessel between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, a location similar to where the tanker Tifani was previously seized by American forces. The Majestic X was reportedly bound for Zhoushan, China.

The tanker, formerly named the Phonix, was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2024 for its role in transporting Iranian oil in violation of international sanctions.

Treasury officials have previously noted that Iran utilizes a "sprawling network" of ship management firms and jurisdictions, often employing tactics such as false documentation and name changes to bypass trade restrictions.

Read more: US military says it boarded sanctioned tanker MT Tiffany in international waters

Tit-for-tat maritime escalations

The US operation came just 24 hours after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked three cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, capturing two of them.

The seized vessels were identified as the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Greek-owned, Liberia-flagged Epaminondas.

While Panama and other international bodies condemned the seizures as illegal attacks on maritime security, the White House maintained that Iran’s actions did not technically violate the current truce.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that the ships were "not US or 'Israeli' vessels" but rather "two international vessels."

Ceasefire under strain

The latest seizures have placed an immense strain on the 10-day ceasefire extended by President Donald Trump on Tuesday. While the truce has paused direct airstrikes and missile attacks on land, the "naval war" in the region’s waterways continues unabated.

Iran’s ability to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains a major strategic advantage for Tehran. Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have warned that a complete ceasefire "only makes sense" if the US naval blockade of Iranian ports is lifted, calling the continued US interceptions a "flagrant breach" of the agreement.

Since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran, 'Israel', and the United States on February 28, over 30 ships have come under attack in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, causing global oil prices to surge.

Hezbollah group said in a statement that it struck 'Israeli' soldiers in the southern village of Taybeh and downed a drone in the Majdal area on Thursday. Earlier, the 'Israeli' military said it intercepted an “aerial target” over southern Lebanon.

It added that its attacks, which resumed Tuesday, were in response to alleged 'Israeli' violations of the 10-day ceasefire that began Friday. Since then, 'Israeli' forces have carried out near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon.

'Israel' has also accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire.