Day 77 | Trump says China's Xi vowed not to send weapons to Iran
Section not available
US President Donald Trump has claimed the United States will prevail in its war with 'Iran', “peacefully or otherwise”, while insisting that assistance from 'China' is not necessary to secure a settlement.
Meanwhile, 'Kuwait' said four members of 'Iran’s' Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attempted to enter the country through Bubiyan Island to carry out what it described as “hostile” activities. 'Iran' has officially denied the accusations.
In the Gulf, Qatar accused 'Iran' of “weaponising” the Strait of Hormuz and using it to “blackmail” regional states, as energy supplies and other essential goods remain stranded due to disruptions in the strategic waterway.
Elsewhere, 'Israel' has killed two paramedics in 'Lebanon’s' Nabatieh, according to the country’s Health Ministry, which said they were “directly targeted”. The ministry added that at least 2,883 people have been killed by 'Israel' in 'Lebanon' since March 2.
For the latest casualty figures and developments from across the region, visit our live tracker.
Day 78 of the US-‘Israeli’ war on Iran
For further updates - visit the link below.
Lebanon ceasefire talks have ‘potential for great success’: 'Israel'
Lebanese and 'Israeli' delegations have issued statements after agreeing to a 45-day extension of a “ceasefire” as two days of talks facilitated by the US concluded.
Lebanon’s delegation said in a statement it wanted to turn the momentum from the ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement.
“The extension of the ceasefire and the establishment of a US-facilitated security track provide critical breathing space for our citizens, reinforce state institutions, and advance a political pathway toward lasting stability,” it said.
The 'Israeli' ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, said the talks were “frank and constructive”.
“There will be ups and downs, but the potential for success is great. What will be paramount throughout negotiations is the security of our citizens and our soldiers,” Leiter said on X.
'Israel' declares Ras Naqoura coast closed military zone
The 'Israeli' military has declared the coastal area of Ras Naqoura a closed military zone, according to an official order issued on Friday.
The decision restricts access to the area, which lies along the southern Lebanese border and is considered a highly sensitive security point due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast.
Lebanon says three paramedics killed in 'Israeli' strike on south
An 'Israeli' strike on southern Lebanon killed three paramedics from the Islamic Health Committee on Friday, the Lebanese health ministry said.
In a statement, the ministry said an 'Israeli' strike "directly targeted" the Islamic Health Committee's centre in Haruf, south Lebanon, killing three paramedics and critically wounding a fourth.
Lebanon, 'Israel' ceasefire extended by 45 days: US
Lebanon and 'Israel' on Friday extended a ceasefire for 45 days, despite a new flareup in violence, the US State Department said after mediating talks.
"The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
Trump says Xi 'feels strongly' Iran can't have nuclear weapon
Hezbollah says targeted 'Israeli' barracks with drones
Hezbollah said on Friday it had launched drones at an 'Israeli' barracks near Nahariya in northern 'Israel', as Lebanon-'Israel' talks entered a second day.
In a statement, the Lebanese group said that it had targeted the Liman barracks north of Nahariya, "with a squadron of attack drones".
Sirens sound in northern 'Israel' after drone infiltration from Lebanon
Air raid sirens were activated in Kiryat Shmona and the Upper Galilee after reports of a drone crossing from Lebanon, according to local alerts.
Trump warns Taiwan against independence moves after Xi summit
US President Donald Trump on Friday warned self-ruled Taiwan against pushing for formal independence, after he discussed the flashpoint issue with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing.
"We're not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China's going to be OK with that," Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier in an interview.
"But we're not looking at somebody saying, 'let's go independent because the United States is backing us.'"
Trump warns Taiwan against independence moves after Xi summit
US President Donald Trump on Friday warned self-ruled Taiwan against pushing for formal independence, after he discussed the flashpoint issue with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing.
"We're not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China's going to be OK with that," Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier in an interview.
"But we're not looking at somebody saying, 'let's go independent because the United States is backing us.'"
China's Xi to visit US in autumn after Trump invitation: state media
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to pay a state visit to the United States in autumn, Beijing's top diplomat said according to state media, hours after Donald Trump departed China following a two-day summit.
"Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States in autumn this year at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday," Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.
Three 'Israeli' strikes hit Kfartebnit in southern Lebanon
Smoke rises following three 'Israeli' airstrikes on the town of Kfartebnit in southern Lebanon.
CENTCOM says 75 vessels redirected in Arabian Sea blockade against Iran
An MH-60R Sea Hawk takes off from the flight deck of the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) while transiting the Arabian Sea as US forces enforce a maritime blockade against Iran.
US Central Command said 75 commercial vessels have been redirected and four disabled to ensure compliance with the operation.
Sirens sound in Western Galilee after drone infiltration
The 'Israeli' Home Front Command activated emergency sirens across four towns in the Western Galilee on Friday afternoon after detecting a suspected drone infiltration from Lebanon.
Trump’s motorcade heads to the airport
IS President Donald Trump’s motorcade was spotted departing central Beijing late Friday afternoon, heading toward Capital International Airport to mark the conclusion of his historic state visit, according to the US President's Public Schedule via The White House calendar
