US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: Eight killed as Israel attacks south Lebanon despite ceasefire

Trump claims Iran 'militarily defeated' at White House state dinner with King Charles

At a White House state dinner on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump told Britain’s King Charles III and other guests that Iran had been “militarily defeated”, marking his first public remarks on the sensitive issue during the royal visit. He insisted Iran would never be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon, adding that the King shared his view. Trump also referred to ongoing efforts in the Middle East, saying the United States was performing strongly and had overcome “that particular opponent”, without naming Iran directly. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had instructed aides to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran, signalling a potentially extended phase of pressure despite his claims of military success.

Israel-Iran war: Israeli strikes kill eight in south Lebanon

The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed eight people, including civil defence rescuers, and wounded two soldiers in the country's south, despite an ongoing ceasefire.

The Israeli military, meanwhile, announced it had found and destroyed a large Hezbollah tunnel network used by elite fighters in southern Lebanon.

Israel has been fighting Hezbollah since early March, sending troops into south Lebanon to battle the Iran-backed militant group, with the violence ongoing despite a shaky April 17 ceasefire.

Both sides have traded blame over their alleged violations.

Lebanon's health ministry said "the Israeli enemy's air raid on the town of Majdal Zoun... has in a preliminary toll killed five martyrs".

Iran war news: UK summons Iran ambassador over social media remarks​

The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Kingdom on Tuesday.​

The Iranian ambassador was summoned by Hamish Falconer, the Minister for the Middle East, in response to the Iranian embassy's unacceptable and inflammatory comments on social media.​

Falconer made it clear that these actions and comments were completely unacceptable and that the Embassy must cease any form of communication that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in the United Kingdom or internationally, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom stated.​

The office also highlighted that the brutal and repressive regime of Iran will continue to be called out by the government for its malign activities on United Kingdom soil, its reckless attacks against the United Kingdom’s allies in the Gulf, and its violence against its own people.​

The statement also added that the United Kingdom government is clear that protecting national security remains its top priority and that it will take all measures necessary to protect the British people.​

US-Iran war: Iranian official condemns Trump's 'threats' against Iran

Dr Mohammad Hossein Ziyaeenia, Deputy Representative of the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran in India, has strongly objected to US President Donald Trump's earlier threats of bombing infrastructure in his country unless a peace deal is reached and said the United Nations and international organisations remained silent in the wake of such remarks.

In an interview with ANI, Ziyaeenia no country objected to Trump's remarks even as these were "against international law".

He also raised questions over assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28, the day the war started between Iran on one side and the Israel and United States on the other.

"This is the first time that an official from a country is clearly stating that he wants to break every International Law in this war and no one is objecting to him... He said that I want to erase the Iranian Persian civilisation. Yet no one is rejecting him. The question at this point should be why our world has come to this point that we are witnessing this... Again, the UN is silent... There is silence from international organisations," Ziyaeenia said.

"So this person again finds the courage and the mindset to go say that he would do all this... Who is responsible for the martyrdom of our Supreme Leader? This is the first time that a country attacked and assassinated an official in a country with which they were negotiating, and no one is questioning this... These are the main questions that international organisations should make them answer," he added.

Iran war news: Trump slams German chancellor Merz over Iran nuke remark

Iran war news: US Marines board merchant ship in Arabian Sea suspected to be headed to Iran

US Marines boarded a commercial ship in the Arabian Sea suspecting it was headed to Iran in violation of the US-imposed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Central Command said that the commercial ship M/V Blue Star III was searched and released after ascertaining that it was not headed to an Iranian port.

"Earlier today in the Arabian Sea, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/V Blue Star III, a commercial ship suspected of attempting to transit to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports," CENTCOM wrote on X on Tuesday.

CENTCOM said US forces released the vessel after conducting a search and confirming the ship's voyage would not include an Iranian port call.

The vessel was released after a search determined it was not planning to dock at an Iranian port, it said.

Israel-Iran war: Israel destroys 'Hezbollah terror tunnels' in Lebanon

The Israeli military on Tuesday said it found and destroyed a large Hezbollah tunnel network used by elite fighters, as it ordered a wave of new evacuations from Lebanon's battle-scarred south.

Israel has been fighting Hezbollah since early March, sending troops into south Lebanon to battle the Iran-backed militant group, with the violence ongoing despite a shaky April 17 ceasefire.

In Qantara, troops found "two Hezbollah terror tunnels, constructed over approximately a decade" that stretched two kilometres (1.2 miles), using "over 450 tonnes of explosives" to demolish them, an army statement said.

Lebanese state media said an Israeli detonation had left a "large crater" in Qantara, after earlier reporting a "major demolition operation" in the town.

AFP images showed two large columns of smoke rising from the site, which was visible from miles away.

An Israeli military source described it as a "massive underground military installation" comprising an 800-metre tunnel and a second which ran for 1.2 kilometres, that was used as "an assembly area" for Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces.

Iran war news: Iraq's air defences fire at drone over Baghdad's Green zone

Iraq's air defence systems on Tuesday fired at a drone flying over Baghdad's fortified Green Zone where the US embassy is located, a military source told AFP.

It was the first such incident in the Iraqi capital since a fragile ceasefire in the US-Israeli war against Iran took effect on April 8.

Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq have targeted US interests since the beginning of the war, including the embassy in Baghdad and other US-linked facilities.

The US has also struck their positions and bases, killing dozens of fighters.

"At 1915 (1615 GMT), the air defence of Camp Honor (the defence ministry) detected an unidentified drone over the Green Zone," the military source said.

"The air defence systems were activated towards the target," he said, adding that the drone was not shot down.

Shrapnel from the attempt to shoot down the drone injured one person, said the source, which did not identify the type of drone used to fly over the sensitive area.

The zone houses the US embassy and other diplomatic missions, as well as international institutions and government offices. High-ranking officials and politicians also live there.

Israel-Iran war: 'Two soldiers wounded in hostile Israeli targeted strikes,' says Lebanese army

The Lebanese army said on Tuesday two soldiers were wounded in an Israeli targeted strike while they were engaged in a rescue operation in southern Lebanon.

In the first statement of its kind since the ceasefire, the army said "two soldiers were wounded as a result of a hostile Israeli targeting of an army patrol that was accompanied by civil defence personnel and two civilian bulldozers in the town of Majdal Zoun... during an operation to rescue civilians."

Israel-Iran war: Hezbollah calls Israel talks 'treason' as rift with Lebanese government deepens

Hezbollah has criticised the Lebanese government’s decision to enter into direct negotiations with Israel, warning that the move lacks leverage and escalating rhetoric by calling it “treason”.

The Iran-backed group has argued that the government is in a weak bargaining position, raising concerns over the effectiveness of any potential outcome from the talks. The sharp language reflects a widening divide within Lebanon’s political leadership over how to handle the conflict with Israel.

Tensions intensified after Lebanon’s president pushed back against Hezbollah, accusing the group of dragging the country into a war to serve the interests of a foreign power.

Ali Ammar, a Hezbollah MP, also condemned the government’s approach, saying in an interview that entering into negotiations with Israel was misguided. “The blood of the south will be avenged,” he said, signalling the group’s continued hardline stance.

Iran war news: 'Still a war': Iran says it will continue fighting US and Israel; claims 'continuous monitoring'

Iran will continue its war with the United States and Israel for as long as its political leadership considers it necessary, a military spokesperson said on Monday, stressing that the conflict is ongoing and military preparedness has been updated.

“We can continue the war as long as the political authorities see fit,” army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia told the ISNA news agency.

In remarks carried by the Iranian state media, he added, “We do not consider the war to be over. The situation is still considered a war, and the bank of objectives and equipment for the armed forces has been updated.”

Reinforcing the message, Iran’s IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency quoted the spokesperson as saying, “For Iran, it is still a war situation, and there is continuous monitoring… surveillance”.

He also warned of further escalation if provoked, stating, “If the enemy takes a new action, they will be faced with new tools, methods, and arenas.”

Akraminia said Tehran’s objective was to ensure long-term security after the conflict, cautioning that its adversaries would face consequences. “The enemy must definitely regret it because, after this war, we need to reach a point of security and not witness another war,” he said.

Israel-Iran war: Lebanon death toll reaches over 2,000 as Israel-Hezbollah war deepens crisis

Lebanon’s health ministry raised the death toll from the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war to 2,534, as fighting continues to exact a heavy humanitarian toll across the country.

In an updated statement, the ministry said that at least 7,863 people have been wounded since the conflict erupted on March 2, also emphasising on the strain on Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system.

The war has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with more than one million people forced to flee their homes amid sustained bombardment and clashes. Large swathes of infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, with losses running into billions of dollars, further deepening the country’s economic crisis.

'State of collapse': Trump says Iran seeks reopening of Hormuz Strait 'as soon as possible'

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has conveyed to Washington that it is in a “state of collapse” and is seeking the reopening of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, even as there has been no official confirmation from Tehran.

Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Iran has just informed us that they are in a "State of Collapse.” They want us to “Open the Hormuz Strait,” as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation (Which I believe they will be able to do!). Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Action or sanction: Trump torn between strikes and 'maximum pressure' on Iran nuclear deal, says reports

US President Donald Trump is weighing whether to authorise new military strikes on Iran or give more time for his “maximum pressure” sanctions to force Tehran into negotiations over its nuclear programme, Axios reported citing five advisers familiar with Trump's thinking.

“All [Iran's leaders] understand is bombs,” Trump recently told one adviser, who relayed the remark to Axios.

Despite the rhetoric, aides say Trump remains cautious about escalating militarily. “I would describe him as frustrated but realistic,” one adviser said. “He doesn't want to use force. But he's not backing down.”

The internal debate highlights the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s next move as tensions with Iran remain high and diplomatic options appear limited.

UAE LNG tanker likely crossed Strait of Hormuz, tracking data suggests

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker operated by the UAE’s ADNOC appears to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping data analysed by marine tracking firm Kpler, Al Jazeera reports.

The vessel, Mubaraz, was loaded with 132,890 cubic metres of LNG at Das Island on March 2. However, it switched off its AIS transponder at the end of March and remained untracked for nearly a month before reappearing off the coast of India.

Kpler analyst Charles Costerousse said the ship may have transited the strait during a brief window in mid-April. “It could be the case that the vessel managed to cross the strait during the weekend of April 18–19, when multiple vessels attempted to cross the strait. However, this is not yet confirmed,” he said.

The development comes amid heightened tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor. ADNOC has not commented on the reports regarding the vessel’s passage.

Qatar warns against ‘frozen conflict’ as US-Iran talks stall over Hormuz crisis

Qatar has warned against the risk of a prolonged “frozen conflict” in the Gulf as talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the ongoing war remain at an impasse.

Speaking at a press conference, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Doha was concerned about a scenario where tensions persist without a lasting resolution.

“We do not want to see a return to hostilities in the region anytime soon, we do not want to see a frozen conflict that ends up being thawed every time there is a political reason,” Ansari said.

His remarks come as the White House confirmed it is reviewing Iran’s latest proposal to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route that has been effectively shut for nearly two months since the outbreak of the conflict.

“We are very keen to see an end to this war that is sustainable, that takes into account all of our concerns in the region and beyond,” Ansari added.

Efforts to reach a comprehensive peace agreement and fully reopen the strait have so far yielded no breakthrough, despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 8.

Five get life in Bahrain over Iran-linked ‘terror plot’; 25 others jailed

Five individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment in Bahrain for allegedly plotting “terrorist and hostile acts” in coordination with Iran, authorities said.

In a statement posted on X, Bahrain’s Public Prosecution said the life sentences were handed to two Afghan nationals and three Bahraini citizens, describing the charges as among the most serious threats to national security.

“The Public Prosecution affirms that the crime of communicating with hostile foreign entities against the Kingdom of Bahrain is considered one of the most serious crimes affecting national security,” the statement said.

In the same case, 25 others were sentenced to prison terms of up to 10 years for “supporting the Iranian terrorist acts against the Kingdom of Bahrain”.

According to Bahraini human rights activist Maryam Alkhawaja, this marks the first case in which individuals in Bahrain have been charged in connection with the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Mossad chief lauds ‘groundbreaking’ operations in Iran and Lebanon

Israel's intelligence and special operations organisation, Mossad, has praised the "groundbreaking" operations in Iran and Hezbollah. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Mossad chief David Barnea said that the Israeli spy agency has acquired "strategic and tactical intelligence from the heart of the enemy’s secrets."

“In the campaigns against Iran and Hezbollah, we worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the IDF, on both defence and offence,” David Barnea said about the Israeli military.

IDF issues evacuation warnings to villages in south Lebanon

Israel-Iran war: Israel military issues immediate evacuation warning for over 15 villages of south Lebanon

The Israel Defence Force issued an evacuation warning to residents of more than a dozen villages and towns in southern Lebanon, citing alleged violations of a ceasefire by Hezbollah.

In a statement posted on X, the Israel Defence Forces’ Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged civilians to move northwards for their safety.

“The IDF does not intend to harm you, and out of concern for your safety, you are required to evacuate your homes immediately and move away from the specified area towards the Sidon District,” Adraee said.

He further warned that civilians remaining near Hezbollah positions risked being caught in potential military action. “Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, their facilities, or their combat means is endangering their life,” he added.

US-Iran war news: US warns against Iran's 'illegal behaviour' over Hormuz restriction; urges diversifying energy routes

A senior US state department official has warned that Iran’s “illegal behavior” in the Strait of Hormuz should serve as a global wake-up call on energy security, urging countries to reduce dependence on vulnerable supply routes and unreliable partners.

Speaking at a gathering of Baltic, Black, and Adriatic Sea nations in Dubrovnik, Croatia, under secretary of state for political affairs, Allison Hooker, stressed the need for stronger cooperation to diversify energy supplies and improve connectivity.

“Iran’s illegal behaviour in the Strait of Hormuz should be a wake-up call for all of us with regard to the need to secure our supply chains and reduce our dependencies on unreliable countries and geographies,” Hooker said during a panel discussion.

She emphasised that countries must take proactive steps to safeguard energy flows amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. “We all need to do more. The world is changing under our feet,” she added.

Hooker’s remarks come amid growing concerns over disruptions in key maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments, highlighting the urgency of building more resilient and diversified energy networks.

Israel Iran War News: Mossad chief praises 'groundbreaking' intelligence operations against Iran, Hezbollah

The head of Israel’s Mossad, David Barnea, praised the agency’s “groundbreaking” operations in the war against Iran and Hezbollah, saying it gathered intelligence “from the heart of the enemy’s secrets.”

He said, “In the campaigns against Iran and Hezbollah, we worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the IDF, on both defence and offence,” referring to the Israeli military. Barnea made the remarks at a commendation ceremony at Mossad headquarters on Monday, which were published on Tuesday.

He added, “We acquired strategic and tactical intelligence from the heart of the enemy’s secrets,” and said Mossad had “proved new, groundbreaking operational capabilities in target countries.” He also said the military and Mossad had changed Israel’s “strategic posture” and “strengthened its might,” while stressing the agency would “not rest on our laurels” and would act “with full force” against threats.

The report said a ceasefire in the war with Iran, which began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has so far held. It also said Hezbollah entered the war on March 2 by firing rockets towards Israel, and that US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on the Lebanese front earlier this month, which has since been extended.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Hezbollah’s rockets and drones remain a key threat and that Israel continues to carry out strikes. Hezbollah has said it is responding to Israeli ceasefire “violations.”

Iran War News: Russia says Iran has right to limit traffic in Strait of Hormuz

Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said Iran has the right to limit traffic and control the Strait of Hormuz. He also accused Western countries of hypocrisy and piracy in their actions and rhetoric.

Nebenzia said, “There was an attempt to pin full responsibility on Iran as if it was Iran which attacked its neighbours.” He added, “In times of war, a coastal state that is under attack may limit navigation in its territorial waters for the purpose of security.”

He further criticised Western countries, saying, “Unlike pirates who raise their black flags with a skull and crossbones in their vessels, Western countries are attempting to conceal their lawless actions with references to unilateral coercive measures.”

Iran War News: Iran says US no longer in position to dictate policy to other nations

Iran said that the United States was no longer able to “dictate” what other countries do, as Washington weighed a new proposal from Tehran on ending the Middle East war.

Defence ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik said, according to state TV, “The United States is no longer in a position to dictate its policy to independent nations,” adding that Washington would “accept that it must abandon its illegal and irrational demands.”

Israel Iran War News: Israeli military says it destroyed over 1,000 Hezbollah-linked sites

The Israeli military says its forces have destroyed over 1,000 pieces of infrastructure used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, including buildings that were booby-trapped or reportedly used to store weapons.

It also reported seizing hundreds of weapons, such as machine guns, Kalashnikov-style rifles, grenades, mines, pistols, anti-tank missiles, ammunition, RPG rockets, and mortar shells.

According to the military, the operation was conducted by the Bislamach Brigade, a unit that had previously been active in Gaza.

Israel Iran War News: Iran must be stopped from 'sprinting towards nuclear weapon,' says Rubio

Marco Rubio said in a Fox News interview that Iran would eventually pursue a nuclear weapon if its current leadership remains in power, as he commented on Tehran’s latest diplomatic proposal.

The Iranian plan reportedly suggests postponing negotiations on its nuclear programme while ending restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, provided the United States lifts its blockade and ends the conflict.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that at some point in the future, if this radical clerical regime remains in charge in Iran, they will decide they want a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said.

“That fundamental issue still has to be confronted,” he added. “That still remains the core issue here.”

When asked whether Iran is serious about reaching a deal, Rubio said Tehran is skilled at negotiations and may be trying to “buy time.”

“We can’t let them get away with it,” he said. “We have to ensure that any deal that is made… definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.”

Israel Iran War News: Two Israeli soldiers wounded in Hezbollah drone attack in southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces said two soldiers were wounded in a drone attack carried out by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

According to the military, one soldier was “severely injured” and another was lightly hurt in the incident. Both were evacuated to hospital for treatment, and their families have been informed.

Israel Iran War News: Israel fires interceptor at 'suspicious aerial target' in southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces said it launched an interceptor missile at a “suspicious aerial target” detected in southern Lebanon.

In a Telegram statement, the military said the object was identified in an area where Israeli troops were operating and did not enter Israeli territory. It added that the results of the interception are still being assessed.

Iran War News: Iran says no plans to resume in-person schooling despite exam reports

Iran has said it does not currently plan to resume in-person schooling, even as some schools separately announced that internal examinations would be held on campus.

According to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the Ministry of Education stated that any decisions on reopening schools or returning to physical classes depend entirely on approvals issued by the relevant authorities.

Iran War News: Australian FM flags 'disproportionate impact' of Middle East war on region

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the Middle East war has had a “disproportionate impact” on the Asia-Pacific region, as she pledged closer coordination with Japan to “navigate global disruption.”

Wong made the remarks during a visit to Tokyo, just days before Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to travel to Australia and Vietnam from May 1–5 as part of efforts to strengthen economic security and secure stable supplies of energy and critical minerals, according to Japanese officials.

In Tokyo, Wong met Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and highlighted the “closely linked” supply chains between the two countries, noting that Australia imports fuel from Japan.

She said the economic relationship is becoming increasingly important amid global instability, adding: “I look forward to continuing to coordinate with you our response following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the disproportionate impact on our region.”

Israel Iran War News: IDF soldier severely wounded in Hezbollah drone attack in southern Lebanon

An Israel Defense Forces soldier was severely wounded and another lightly injured in an explosive drone attack carried out by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said.

According to the army, the soldiers, one of them in serious condition, were evacuated to a hospital, and their families have been informed.

The military added that Hezbollah has increasingly used small first-person-view (FPV) drones in recent weeks to target Israeli forces operating in the area.

Israel Iran War News: Israeli forces bomb town in southern Lebanon

Israel forces have carried out an airstrike on the town of Zawtar El Charqiyeh in southern Lebanon, according to reporting from Al Jazeera Arabic.

Iran War News: Democrats to force sixth Senate vote to curb Trump’s Iran war

Democratic Party lawmakers plan to force a sixth vote in the United States Senate this week on a War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran.

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the move is intended to curb what he called Trump’s “war of choice.” Writing on X, he said: “As we reach 60 days of a reckless and unpopular war, will Republicans continue to back Trump and dig themselves deeper into this hole?”

Under the US Constitution, the power to declare war rests with Congress, not the president.

Democrats have made several unsuccessful attempts in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives to force an end to the conflict and require congressional authorization for further military action.

Iran War News: Trump unlikely to accept Iran proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz: Report

Donald Trump signaled that he is unlikely to accept Tehran’s latest diplomatic proposal to halt ongoing hostilities, according to a report by CNN.

The Iranian plan reportedly calls for restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while postponing key issues related to its nuclear programme to future negotiations. Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that Trump voiced reservations during a high-level briefing with national security advisers.

One source said Trump is “not likely to accept the plan,” which was delivered to Washington in recent days. US officials are concerned that reopening the vital shipping route without addressing Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities or its “stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium” would remove a major source of leverage.

At the same time, CNN noted that maintaining the blockade carries risks, as the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is expected to keep energy prices elevated, contributing to rising fuel costs in the United States. The administration’s next steps remained unclear following Monday’s meeting.

US Iran War: Germany’s Merz says US 'being humiliated' by Iran

German chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was “being humiliated” by Iran, warning that he sees “no exit strategy” to end the ongoing Middle East conflict anytime soon.

His remarks highlight growing frustration in Europe, where leaders are increasingly concerned that the US-Israel war against Tehran is damaging economic growth, disrupting global oil and gas supplies, and straining transatlantic ties.

Speaking during a school visit in western Germany on Monday, Merz said Washington had “quite obviously went into this war without any strategy” and lacked “any truly convincing strategy in the negotiations either.”

He added that Iranian officials were “obviously negotiating very skilfully — or simply very skilfully not negotiating,” concluding that “a whole nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership.”

After initially backing the US-Israeli strikes and saying it was “not the time to lecture” Washington, Merz has become more critical in recent weeks as the economic consequences of the conflict have deepened into a domestic crisis.

US Iran War: Iran FM hails Russia ties after Putin meet, says highlight 'strategic relationship'

As an Iranian delegation traveled to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin and discuss the ongoing Middle East conflict, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks reflect the “strategic relationship” between Tehran and Moscow, according to Russian state media, while his Russian counterpart described the discussions as “useful.”

The meeting follows a decision by Donald Trump to cancel a planned trip by US officials to Pakistan over the weekend, where talks with Iran had been expected.

Isreal Iran War: Hezbollah leader says Israel 'will not remain' on Lebanese land; sets five demands

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem said that Israeli forces “will not remain on one inch of our occupied land,” adding that displaced people would eventually return home.

Addressing supporters, he said, “O our people, just as we resisted together, we will rebuild together," as quoted by Al Almayadeen English.

Qassem stressed that resolving the current crisis in Lebanon depends first on meeting five key demands. These include ending Israeli military actions by land, sea, and air; a full withdrawal of Israel from Lebanese territory; the release of detainees; the return of displaced residents; and reconstruction efforts.

He also claimed that Israel, “backed by the American tyrant,” had sought to eliminate Hezbollah and its support base but failed, despite escalating operations since the launch of what he referred to as the “People of Might” battle on September 23, 2024.

US Iran War: Iran accuses US, Israel of 'waging war of aggression' at UN; defends Hormuz blockade

Iran's ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani accused the United States and Israel of waging an “unwarranted large-scale war of aggression” against Iran, blaming them for rising tensions and disruptions to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a UN Security Council session on maritime security, Iravani dismissed allegations against Iran and instead accused Washington and its allies of breaching international law.

“Since 28 February, the United States and the Israeli regime have waged an unwarranted large-scale war of aggression against Iran,” he said, arguing that such actions violate the UN Charter and endanger regional and global stability.

He further accused the US of enforcing a maritime blockade, including seizing Iranian commercial vessels and detaining their crews- moves he described as unlawful and comparable to piracy.

“These dangerous, escalating measures violate international law…and amount to acts of aggression,” he said.

Iravani added that Iran, as a coastal state along the Strait of Hormuz, has taken “necessary and practical measures” to ensure safe navigation while preventing the waterway from being used for hostile military activity.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has faced major disruption since early March, following a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28. The conflict is currently paused, with efforts underway to reach a lasting resolution.

US Iran War: King Charles to urge Trump to 'come together' with Britain over Iran war

King Charles III is set to receive a full ceremonial welcome from Donald Trump at the White House and will deliver a rare address to Congress, as he seeks to ease tensions between the US and UK over the Iran war.

On the second day of a four-day state visit, Charles is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal,” amid strain on the traditionally close ties between Washington and London.

The day’s schedule will focus heavily on formal ceremonies, including a traditional arrival ceremony featuring a 21-gun salute and a troop inspection for the King and Queen Camilla.

US Iran War: Death toll from Minab school attack revised to 155, says Iran

Iran released a detailed breakdown of casualties from a deadly strike on a school at the outset of the Middle East war, according to state media.

State broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting and local outlets reported that 73 boys and 47 girls were killed in the February 28 attack on an elementary school in Minab.

The strike took place on the same day the US and Israel launched attacks across Iran. In response, Tehran targeted sites in Israel and several Gulf nations.

According to IRIB, the victims also included 26 teachers, seven parents, a school bus driver, and a pharmacy technician working at a nearby clinic.

The revised figures put the total death toll at 155, lower than earlier estimates of more than 175.

Russia accuses West of hypocrisy over Iran at UN Security Council

Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations accused Western countries of hypocrisy during a Security Council meeting on Monday, arguing that Iran has the right to restrict movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing the council, Vassily Nebenzia said, “There was an attempt to pin full responsibility on Iran as if it was Iran which attacked its neighbors and Iran is deliberately obstructing the navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.”

He added, “In times of war, a coastal state that is under attack may limit navigation in its territorial waters for the purpose of security.”

Earlier this month, Russia and China vetoed a draft Security Council resolution aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.

US Iran War: US Navy claims interception of tanker bound for Iran as part of blockade

US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its guided-missile destroyer, USS Rafael Peralta, intercepted the oil tanker M/T Stream on Sunday after it allegedly attempted to head toward an Iranian port.

In a social media post accompanied by an image of the two vessels, CENTCOM described the operation as part of a broader US blockade targeting Iranian ports.

Maritime analytics firm MarineTraffic indicated that the M/T Stream, a crude oil tanker sailing under the Iranian flag, was last tracked in the Malacca Strait about 13 days earlier.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has accused the United States of engaging in “piracy and armed robbery on the high seas,” referring to the earlier seizure of two other Iran-linked tankers, the Majestic X and the Tifani.

US Iran War: Trump 'unhappy' with Iran proposal, cites lack of nuclear focus

US President Donald Trump is reportedly dissatisfied with Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict, as it fails to address Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to Reuters, citing a US official. The proposal was reviewed during a national security meeting in the White House Situation Room on Monday, where an official noted that Trump “doesn’t love” the offer.

Iran has suggested it would lift its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz if the United States removes its blockade and agrees to end hostilities, while postponing discussions on its nuclear activities. The proposal, reportedly conveyed via Pakistan, is unlikely to be accepted. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stressed that any agreement must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

US Iran War: Antonio Guterres appeals to parties to open Strait of Hormuz, calls for 'no tolls, no discrimination'

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged the immediate restoration of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that uninterrupted maritime transit is vital for global trade and economic stability amid escalating tensions in the Gulf. He stressed that navigational rights must be upheld and called on all parties to reopen the waterway without tolls or discrimination, allowing trade to resume and ensuring safe, unhindered passage as both an economic and humanitarian necessity.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised Iran’s reported efforts to control or charge vessels using the strait, arguing that such actions would amount to asserting authority over an international waterway and would not be accepted by Washington.

'US would not tolerate Iran normalising tolls on Hormuz passage': Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday (local time) strongly criticised attempts by Iran to regulate or monetise the passage of vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, warning that such actions would not be accepted by Washington and amount to an illegitimate claim over an international waterway.

In an interview with Fox News, Rubio said the United States would reject any effort to "normalise" a system in which Iran dictates access to one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.

"If what they mean by opening the Straits is 'Yes, the straits are open as long as you coordinate with Iran. Get our permission, or we'll blow you up and pay us.' That's not opening the Strait. That is an international waterway," Rubio said.

"They cannot normalise, nor can we tolerate them trying to normalise, a system in which the Iranians decide who gets to use an international waterway and how much you have to pay them to use it," he added.

'Hezbollah's rockets and drones are a key threat; demand military action': Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah's rockets and drones were a key threat demanding military action, as Israel's army expanded strikes on Lebanon where authorities reported four dead on Monday despite a ceasefire.

Netanyahu said in a statement that "there are still two central threats from Hezbollah: the 122mm rockets and the drones. This demands a combination of operational and technological activity."

Israel's army said it struck more than 20 Hezbollah "infrastructure sites" in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and the country's south on Monday, including weapons storage facilities and rocket launch sites.

Under the ceasefire, Israel reserves the right to act against "planned, imminent or ongoing attacks".

US Iran War: Iran FM Araghchi arrives in Islamabad from Moscow for third Pakistan visit in 48 hours

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday after concluding his engagements in Russia, as part of an ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at ending the conflict with the United States.

As per Press TV, this marks his third visit to Pakistan in the past 48 hours.

Araghchi's latest stop follows a series of high-level engagements across multiple countries, including Russia and Oman.

His repeated visits to Pakistan indicate the role Islamabad is playing as a peace broker in the current situation, particularly in facilitating indirect exchanges between Iran and the US.

Earlier, Araghchi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, where discussions focused on bilateral ties and regional developments.

Iran war news: 'Iran must make major concessions to end a crisis,' says French foreign miniter Jean-Noel Barrot

France said Monday that Iran must be ready to make "major concessions" to end a crisis, as countries piled pressure on Tehran at a UN session on its control of the key Strait of Hormuz.

"There can be no lasting solution to this crisis unless the Iranian regime agrees to major concessions and a radical shift in its stance," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the UN Security Council.

Barrot said that Iran must show a way "to peaceful coexistence within its region and for the Iranian people to be able to build freely their own future," months after the cleric-run state ruthlessly repressed mass protests.

Barrot was attending a session initiated by Bahrain in which dozens of countries made a joint call for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway to the Gulf and one-fifth of the world's oil.

In response to being attacked, Iran has moved to exert control over the strait, saying it is setting up a toll system, defying warnings from US President Donald Trump who has watched angrily as global oil prices soar.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said that Iran's laying of mines violated international law.

Iran war news: Iran demands 'credible guarantees' against attacks by US and Israel

Iran needs guarantees against another US-Israeli attack before it can ensure security in the oil-rich Gulf, Tehran's envoy to the United Nations said Monday.

"Lasting stability and security in the Persian Gulf and the wider region can only be achieved through a durable and permanent cessation of aggression against Iran supplemented by credible guarantees of non-recurrence and full respect for the legitimate sovereign rights and interests of Iran," Amir Saeid Iravani told a Security Council session.

US Iran War: 'Discussed US war in detail with President Putin,' says Iran FM Araghchi

Iranian foreign minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday said that discussions on the "war and aggression" involving the United States and Israel were held in detail during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to statements posted on Telegram after the talks, Araghchi described his meeting with the Russian President as "very good", stating that it lasted more than an hour and a half and covered bilateral relations as well as regional developments.

"We had a very good meeting with Mr Putin. It probably lasted more than an hour and a half. All issues, both in bilateral relations and regional issues, as well as the issue of war and aggression by the US and Zionist regimes, were discussed and examined in detail. Cooperation between the two countries was also considered, and very good ideas were put forward," the statement read.

The statement came after Araghchi met with President Putin as part of his three-nation diplomatic tour.

His visit to Russia follows recent trips to Pakistan and Oman, forming part of broader regional consultations.