Day 57 | Uncertainty remains around the status of US-Iran peace talks
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.
Iranian defense official says significant portion of missile capability remains unused
Iran’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Talayi-Nik said a “significant portion” of Iran’s missile capabilities has not yet been used, adding that Iranian armed forces maintained control over the airspace of 'Israel' up until the moment before a ceasefire.
US says waiver on Iranian oil sanctions will not be renewed
The United States has ruled out renewing a waiver that allowed limited Iranian oil shipments at sea, according to comments by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Bessent said a renewal of the one-time waiver on Iranian oil exports “is totally off the table,” adding: “Not the Iranians. We have the blockade, and there’s no oil coming out.”
He further warned that Iran could soon face production shutdowns, saying, “We think in the next two, three days, they’re going to have to start shuttering production, which will be very bad for their wells.”
Bessent’s remarks also confirmed that the US does not plan to renew a separate waiver permitting the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products currently at sea.
The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions and uncertainty in global energy markets, with ongoing disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran and Israel, as well as concerns over maritime energy routes.
The US had originally issued the Russian oil waiver in March in an effort to stabilize global energy markets after crude prices surged above $100 per barrel. It was briefly renewed shortly after earlier signals from Bessent that the relief might not be extended.
Iran reaffirms no planned talks with US as foreign minister visits Pakistan
Esmaeil Baghaei said there are no plans for a meeting between Iranian and US negotiators in Pakistan, adding that Tehran’s views will be conveyed through Pakistani channels.
He noted that Abbas Araghchi is visiting Islamabad to meet officials as part of mediation efforts aimed at ending what Iran describes as an American-imposed conflict and restoring regional stability.
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Read more: Day 56 | Trump announces three-week Lebanon ceasefire extension
