Day 57 | Uncertainty remains around the status of US-Iran peace talks

This live thread has ended. Follow our online coverage of day 58 of the war, as Trump says US team won't visit Pakistan as uncertainty surrounds Iran peace talks.

Read more: Day 58 | Trump says US team won't visit Pakistan as uncertainty surrounds Iran peace talks

• A US Navy helicopter recently intercepted a vessel belonging to Iran's so-called "shadow fleet" in the Arabian Sea.
• The intercepted ship is part of a 19-vessel network explicitly sanctioned by the United States.
• Since the initiation of the blockade, the US military reports it has diverted a total of 37 ships.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a significant escalation in its maritime operations, confirming the continued enforcement of strict sanctions and a targeted naval blockade on ships traveling to or from Iran.

Read more: 34 Iran-linked tankers pass Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade: Bloomberg

'Shadow fleet' vessel intercepted

In a series of urgent updates, CENTCOM revealed that a US Navy helicopter recently conducted a maritime interception in the Arabian Sea. The operation successfully intercepted a vessel identified as belonging to Iran's covert "shadow fleet", a network of ships utilized to bypass international sanctions and illicitly transport oil and other goods.

According to military officials, the targeted vessel is one of 19 specific ships currently operating within this sanctioned Iranian fleet.

Dozens of ships diverted

The interception in the Arabian Sea is part of a broader, sustained military effort to choke off unauthorized maritime trade with Tehran. CENTCOM confirmed that its forces are actively continuing to execute the blockade on Iranian ports.

Highlighting the scale of the ongoing maritime operation, CENTCOM stated that US forces have successfully diverted the course of 37 ships since the naval blockade was first implemented.

The continued enforcement signals a firm commitment by the United States to maintain maximum pressure on Iran's maritime logistics and economic lifelines amidst escalating regional tensions.

• Lebanese state media reported multiple 'Israeli' strikes across at least four different locations in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
• The attacks follow an explicit order from 'Israeli' Prime Minister to target Hezbollah over alleged ceasefire violations.
• The 'Israeli' military confirmed the operations, stating they struck Hezbollah infrastructure and will continue to act decisively against threats.

A series of new 'Israeli' airstrikes targeted multiple locations across southern Lebanon on Saturday, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities following recent allegations of ceasefire breaches.

Multiple districts targeted

According to reports from Lebanon's state-run National News Agency, the strikes hit at least four distinct areas in the country's south. The agency detailed a pair of strikes occurring in quick succession in a town within the Bint Jbeil district.

Additional strikes were reported hitting a town in the Tyre district, as well as two separate towns located in the Nabatieh district.

Direct orders from the Prime Minister

The wave of attacks comes immediately on the heels of a directive from 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister's office announced that he had instructed the military to launch strong attacks against Hezbollah targets in the region, citing alleged violations of the existing ceasefire agreements by the group.

The 'Israeli' military swiftly confirmed its involvement in the Saturday strikes. In an official statement, the military announced that its forces had "struck Hezbollah infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon."

The statement further emphasized the military's ongoing operational stance, warning that it would "continue to operate decisively against threats" in the area.

A protest was held in several Iranian cities in support of the country’s Supreme Leader, with participants gathering in public spaces to express backing for the leadership, according to Fars News Agency.

Demonstrators were seen holding flags and chanting slogans, as the rally comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing political developments.

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Muscat on Saturday evening following initial peace negotiations in Islamabad.
• Part of the Iranian delegation has temporarily returned to Tehran to receive updated instructions regarding the framework to end the war.
• Araghchi is scheduled to return to Pakistan for further talks before embarking on a planned trip to Russia.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's regional diplomatic tour will continue in the coming days. Following the conclusion of his current visit to Oman, the Foreign Minister is slated to make a return trip to Pakistan to resume mediated discussions, before subsequently traveling to Russia.

Delegation returns to Tehran for instructions

Highlighting the critical and evolving nature of the ongoing negotiations, IRNA reported that a portion of the Iranian delegation that accompanied the Foreign Minister to Pakistan has returned to Tehran.

The officials traveled back to the Iranian capital for crucial internal consultations and to receive specific directives from leadership regarding the terms of ending the conflict. According to the report, this faction of the delegation is scheduled to fly back to Islamabad to rejoin Araghchi on Sunday night.

US President Donald Trump stated that Iranian officials rapidly submitted a revised, "much better" proposal within ten minutes of his decision to cancel their diplomatic engagement, according to Axios

While Trump acknowledged that Tehran "offered a lot" in their swift second attempt to secure an agreement, he maintained that the new terms were still "not enough" to meet his demands.

US President Donald Trump said there is “tremendous infighting and confusion” within Iran’s leadership, claiming that “nobody knows who is in charge, including them,” as he announced he had cancelled a planned trip for US representatives to Islamabad for talks with Iranian officials.

Trump argued that the move reflects what he described as disorganized leadership on the Iranian side, adding that communication could still take place directly if Tehran chooses to engage.

The head of Iran’s Red Crescent said more than 7,000 people were rescued alive from under rubble since the war began on February 28, according to Fars News Agency.

He said teams carried out 1,711 operations using search dogs and equipment, and reported a total of 7,215 rescues. He added that all bodies of those killed were recovered.

He also said around 7 million emergency calls were received, with response teams reaching sites in under four minutes.

The Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, held a "warm and constructive" phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the call Followed an in-person meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad.

Had a warm and constructive telephone exchange this evening with my brother, President Masoud Pezeshkian, on the evolving regional situation.

I appreciated Iran’s continued engagement, including the high-level delegation to Islamabad led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 25, 2026

During the call, the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to acting as an "honest and sincere facilitator" alongside its partners to advance durable peace and lasting stability in the region.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a series of warnings, saying it is at maximum readiness to confront any land or air threats, while also delivering political messages tied to ongoing tensions with the United States and 'Israel'.

The IRGC cautioned against what it described as a “trap” involving 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Washington to “accept reality” and avoid being influenced by him. It also warned that any US or 'Israeli' attack would be met with a response that is “beyond expectations,” stressing it would be decisive and unambiguous.

The group reiterated its stance on the Strait of Hormuz, calling control over the strategic waterway a “non-negotiable strategy” despite military pressure.

Separately, Iran’s judiciary chief said ceasefire proposals reflect battlefield setbacks, arguing that if opposing forces had achieved their objectives, they would not be seeking a halt in fighting.

He also warned that further moves by adversaries remain possible, suggesting continued expectations of escalation.

Benjamin Netanyahu has officially instructed the military to carry out "strong attacks" against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's office, the directive signals an imminent escalation of military operations in the region.

Iran's Ministry of Intelligence has announced the arrest of an alleged spy working for 'Israel', along with 15 associated "mercenaries", according to the Fars news agency

The apprehensions were reportedly carried out during coordinated security operations spanning five different provinces across the country.

The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on a post via X that Tehran has formally shared its position on a "workable framework" designed to permanently end the ongoing war.

Very fruitful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we very much value.

Shared Iran's position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 25, 2026

Despite presenting the proposal, the top diplomat expressed lingering skepticism toward Washington's intentions, stating that it remains to be seen whether the United States is "truly serious about diplomacy."

At least 10 people, including women and children, were injured in an 'Israeli' airstrike on the town of Safad al-Battikh in southern Lebanon, according to Roya correspondent.

The incident comes as 'Israeli' forces are carrying out ongoing strikes in southern Lebanon following rocket fire and drone launches by Hezbollah, according to 'Israeli' public broadcaster.

The situation marks a further escalation along the border, with tensions remaining high as exchanges of fire continue.

US President Donald Trump told Axios that there is “no point” in sending officials on long flights for talks in the current phase of negotiations, suggesting that discussions with Iran can be handled remotely.

“I see no point of sending them on an 18 hour flight in the current situation. It’s too long. We can do it just as well by telephone,” Trump said. “The Iranians can call us if they want. We are not gonna travel just to sit there.”

When asked whether his comments indicated a possible return to war, Trump rejected the idea.

“No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet,” he said, clarifying that his remarks should not be interpreted as a signal of renewed war.

• US President Donald Trump abruptly canceled the planned trip of US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad.
• Trump asserted that the US holds "all the cards" and stated that Iranian officials can call Washington directly.
• The cancellation coincides with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already departed Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump has canceled a planned trip by top American negotiators to Pakistan, where they were anticipated to participate in peace talks with Iranian officials.

Speaking to Fox News’ White House correspondent Aishah Hasnie on Saturday, Trump confirmed that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer be making the journey to Islamabad to meet with mediators and Iranian representatives.

'We have all the cards'

The president argued that the lengthy diplomatic mission is unnecessary, asserting that the United States currently dictates the terms of the geopolitical standoff and possesses overwhelming leverage.

"I've told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, 'Nope, you're not making an 18-hour flight to go there,'" Trump detailed during the interview.

Emphasizing that the burden of communication now lies with Tehran, Trump added, "We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you're not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing."

No envoy doesn’t resume war

US President Donald Trump told Axios that there is “no point” in sending officials on long flights for talks in the current phase of negotiations, suggesting that discussions with Iran can be handled remotely.

“I see no point of sending them on an 18 hour flight in the current situation. It’s too long. We can do it just as well by telephone,” Trump said. “The Iranians can call us if they want. We are not gonna travel just to sit there.”

When asked whether his comments indicated a possible return to war, Trump rejected the idea.

“No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet,” he said, clarifying that his remarks should not be interpreted as a signal of renewed war.

Iranian delegation departs

The abrupt cancellation from the American side comes amid shifting dynamics on the ground in the mediating nation.

According to recent reports, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already concluded his diplomatic visit to Pakistan. Araghchi reportedly departed Islamabad on Saturday following high-level discussions with the country's prime minister, casting further doubt on the immediate timeline and viability of the internationally mediated peace negotiations.

The 'Israeli' military is currently carrying out a wave of strikes across southern Lebanon. The ongoing attacks come in direct retaliation to a recent barrage of rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah, according to the 'Israeli' Broadcasting Corporation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to return to Islamabad on Sunday or Monday. While Pakistani officials remain tight-lipped regarding whether Tehran has officially agreed to a second round of peace negotiations, they confirmed the top diplomat's anticipated return to the capital, according to CBS.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has officially left Islamabad, concluding his diplomatic visit to Pakistan. According to the IRNA news agency, Araghchi's departure follows a series of meetings with high-ranking Pakistani officials focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing ongoing regional developments.

The 'Israeli' Home Front Command has activated warning sirens across the Western Galilee region. The urgent alert was issued following the detection of a suspected hostile drone infiltrating the area's airspace.