US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran must be stopped from 'sprinting towards nuclear weapon,' says Rubio
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 29, 2026, 07:40:15 IST
Comments
Share

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

The Iran war situation remains highly tense, with escalating political warnings, ongoing diplomacy, and continued regional violence.

US Senator Marco Rubio warned that Iran is “sprinting towards” a nuclear weapon and said there is “no doubt” the country would eventually seek one if its current leadership remains in power. He stressed that any agreement must prevent Iran from moving toward nuclear capability, accusing Tehran of potentially trying to “buy time” through negotiations.

US President Donald Trump has signalled skepticism toward Iran’s latest proposal, reportedly rejecting a plan that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while postponing nuclear talks. At the same time, US lawmakers are pushing War Powers resolutions to limit presidential military action in Iran, arguing that Congress must authorize further escalation.

European leaders are also voicing concern. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the United States is “being humiliated” by Iran and warned there is “no exit strategy” for the conflict. He added that the US “went into this war without any strategy” and suggested Iranian negotiators were either “very skilfully negotiating — or simply very skilfully not negotiating,” highlighting growing frustration in Europe over the war’s economic and geopolitical fallout.

Diplomatic channels remain active but fragile. Iran has proposed via intermediaries—including Pakistan—a temporary deal involving reopening the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear negotiations. Iran’s UN envoy defended its position, accusing the US and Israel of “waging war of aggression” and justifying measures to secure maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, regional violence continues. Hezbollah has carried out drone attacks in southern Lebanon, wounding Israeli soldiers, while Israeli forces have responded with airstrikes and interceptions of aerial targets. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has vowed Israel “will not remain” on Lebanese land and demanded full withdrawal, prisoner release, and reconstruction.

Overall, the conflict remains at a critical point, with no clear diplomatic breakthrough, continued military exchanges, and widening international concern over regional stability and energy security.
12:50 (IST) Apr 27
US Iran War: Iran offers to end Strait of Hormuz chokehold, seeks end to US blockade
Iran is reportedly offering to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear programme, two regional officials with knowledge of the proposal said Monday, as the country’s foreign minister made a visit to Russia he said was an opportunity to consult with Moscow regarding the war against Israel and the United States.
Iran also wants the US to end its blockade of the country as part of its proposal, said the two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations.
12:50 (IST) Apr 27
US Iran War: Iran offers to end Strait of Hormuz chokehold, seeks end to US blockade
Iran is reportedly offering to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear programme, two regional officials with knowledge of the proposal said Monday, as the country’s foreign minister made a visit to Russia he said was an opportunity to consult with Moscow regarding the war against Israel and the United States.
Iran also wants the US to end its blockade of the country as part of its proposal, said the two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations.
12:14 (IST) Apr 27
Iran war news: Iran FM in Moscow calls safe passage through Hormuz 'important global issue'
Iranian foreign minister on Monday blamed the US for failed Pakistan talks ahead of meeting with Russian President Putin in Moscow. The Iranian FM also called safe passage through the strategic waterway Strait of Hormuz an important global issue.
12:14 (IST) Apr 27
Iran war news: Iran FM in Moscow calls safe passage through Hormuz 'important global issue'
Iranian foreign minister on Monday blamed the US for failed Pakistan talks ahead of meeting with Russian President Putin in Moscow. The Iranian FM also called safe passage through the strategic waterway Strait of Hormuz an important global issue.
11:27 (IST) Apr 27
US Iran War: Araghchi signals progress in negotiations, says US ‘excessive demands’ stalled talks
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that there has been “progress in the negotiation process,” even as he blamed the United States for stalling earlier rounds of talks due to what he described as “incorrect approaches” and “excessive demands.”

Sharing details of his recent diplomatic engagements in St Petersburg, Araghchi referred to his earlier visit to Pakistan, saying Islamabad had played an important mediating role in Iran-US discussions.

“Regarding Pakistan, this country has played an important role in mediating negotiations between Iran and the United States recently, and it was necessary to discuss the latest developments,” he said.

Commenting on the status of talks, he added, “In any case, there have been developments in the negotiation process, and the incorrect approaches and excessive demands of the United States have prevented the previous round of negotiations from achieving its objectives, despite some progress.”

Araghchi further said discussions focused on reviewing past developments and conditions for future engagement. “We reviewed what has happened in the past and discussed how, and under what conditions, negotiations could continue,” he said.
11:27 (IST) Apr 27
US Iran War: Araghchi signals progress in negotiations, says US ‘excessive demands’ stalled talks
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that there has been “progress in the negotiation process,” even as he blamed the United States for stalling earlier rounds of talks due to what he described as “incorrect approaches” and “excessive demands.”

Sharing details of his recent diplomatic engagements in St Petersburg, Araghchi referred to his earlier visit to Pakistan, saying Islamabad had played an important mediating role in Iran-US discussions.

“Regarding Pakistan, this country has played an important role in mediating negotiations between Iran and the United States recently, and it was necessary to discuss the latest developments,” he said.

Commenting on the status of talks, he added, “In any case, there have been developments in the negotiation process, and the incorrect approaches and excessive demands of the United States have prevented the previous round of negotiations from achieving its objectives, despite some progress.”

Araghchi further said discussions focused on reviewing past developments and conditions for future engagement. “We reviewed what has happened in the past and discussed how, and under what conditions, negotiations could continue,” he said.
10:46 (IST) Apr 27
US Iran War: Iran FM Araghchi says Islamabad, Oman talks reviewed 'conditions' to resume Iran-US negotiations
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin following what he described as “productive” diplomatic engagements in Pakistan and Oman.

According to Al Jazeera and Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Araghchi said his recent regional visits were aimed at reviewing “specific conditions” under which negotiations between Iran and the United States could potentially resume, as well as discussions linked to regional security and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

On arrival in St Petersburg, Araghchi said his visit to Islamabad was “very productive” and involved “good consultations” with officials. He added that discussions covered “past events and the specific conditions under which negotiations between Iran and the US could continue.”
10:46 (IST) Apr 27
US Iran War: Iran FM Araghchi says Islamabad, Oman talks reviewed 'conditions' to resume Iran-US negotiations
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin following what he described as “productive” diplomatic engagements in Pakistan and Oman.

According to Al Jazeera and Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Araghchi said his recent regional visits were aimed at reviewing “specific conditions” under which negotiations between Iran and the United States could potentially resume, as well as discussions linked to regional security and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

On arrival in St Petersburg, Araghchi said his visit to Islamabad was “very productive” and involved “good consultations” with officials. He added that discussions covered “past events and the specific conditions under which negotiations between Iran and the US could continue.”
10:22 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran FM Araghchi says Russia visit to focus on post-war coordination with Moscow
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that his visit to Russia will serve as an opportunity to coordinate with Moscow in the aftermath of the war involving Israel and the United States.

In a pre-recorded interview carried by state-run IRNA news agency, Araghchi said the discussions would focus on recent regional developments linked to the conflict and its aftermath.

“It is a good opportunity for us to consult with our Russian friends about the developments that have occurred in relation to the war during this period and what is happening now,” he said.

Araghchi also blamed the United States for delays in diplomatic efforts, saying Washington’s approach had disrupted planned negotiations. He said, “It was America’s approach that caused the negotiations to be delayed that had been planned in Islamabad.”
10:22 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran FM Araghchi says Russia visit to focus on post-war coordination with Moscow
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that his visit to Russia will serve as an opportunity to coordinate with Moscow in the aftermath of the war involving Israel and the United States.

In a pre-recorded interview carried by state-run IRNA news agency, Araghchi said the discussions would focus on recent regional developments linked to the conflict and its aftermath.

“It is a good opportunity for us to consult with our Russian friends about the developments that have occurred in relation to the war during this period and what is happening now,” he said.

Araghchi also blamed the United States for delays in diplomatic efforts, saying Washington’s approach had disrupted planned negotiations. He said, “It was America’s approach that caused the negotiations to be delayed that had been planned in Islamabad.”
10:07 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Contradictory voices from Tehran on Hormuz make peace process tough, Iranian lawmaker calls for tolls in Strait
10:07 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Contradictory voices from Tehran on Hormuz make peace process tough, Iranian lawmaker calls for tolls in Strait
09:29 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: 'Iran too holds key cards’, says Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf in cryptic message on US leverage
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran also holds significant leverage despite US claims of having all the “cards,” using a cryptic mathematical-style equation to argue that supply and demand dynamics between the two sides remain balanced in the ongoing standoff.

Ghalibaf, through a mathematical equation, explained that Iran's supply equates demand by the US. In a post on X, he said, "They brag about the cards. Let's see: Supply Cards= Demand Cards. SOH (partly played)+BEM(unplayed)+Pipelines(unplayed)= Inv Release (played)+Demand Destruction (partly played)+More Price Adj (to come)."
09:29 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: 'Iran too holds key cards’, says Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf in cryptic message on US leverage
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran also holds significant leverage despite US claims of having all the “cards,” using a cryptic mathematical-style equation to argue that supply and demand dynamics between the two sides remain balanced in the ongoing standoff.

Ghalibaf, through a mathematical equation, explained that Iran's supply equates demand by the US. In a post on X, he said, "They brag about the cards. Let's see: Supply Cards= Demand Cards. SOH (partly played)+BEM(unplayed)+Pipelines(unplayed)= Inv Release (played)+Demand Destruction (partly played)+More Price Adj (to come)."
08:51 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran FM Araghchi arrives in Russia for talks with Putin amid regional peace push
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as diplomatic efforts intensify to address the ongoing regional crisis.

According to Iranian state media IRNA, the visit follows a series of engagements in Oman and Pakistan, part of Tehran’s broader push to gather international support for de-escalation efforts. Araghchi’s arrival comes amid reports that Iran has conveyed a “new proposal” to the United States aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the conflict, while deferring nuclear negotiations.

IRNA reported that the flight carrying Araghchi used the callsign “Minab 168”, a reference to children killed in a US-Israeli strike on an elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28.

Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed the visit, with officials telling TASS that the Iranian minister would hold talks in Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that Putin is scheduled to meet Araghchi to discuss the evolving regional situation.

Tehran’s ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said the discussions would focus on “the current situation in the talks, the ceasefire and developments around the conflict” in the Middle East.

The visit builds on ongoing coordination between Moscow and Tehran since the start of hostilities.
08:51 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran FM Araghchi arrives in Russia for talks with Putin amid regional peace push
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as diplomatic efforts intensify to address the ongoing regional crisis.

According to Iranian state media IRNA, the visit follows a series of engagements in Oman and Pakistan, part of Tehran’s broader push to gather international support for de-escalation efforts. Araghchi’s arrival comes amid reports that Iran has conveyed a “new proposal” to the United States aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the conflict, while deferring nuclear negotiations.

IRNA reported that the flight carrying Araghchi used the callsign “Minab 168”, a reference to children killed in a US-Israeli strike on an elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28.

Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed the visit, with officials telling TASS that the Iranian minister would hold talks in Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that Putin is scheduled to meet Araghchi to discuss the evolving regional situation.

Tehran’s ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said the discussions would focus on “the current situation in the talks, the ceasefire and developments around the conflict” in the Middle East.

The visit builds on ongoing coordination between Moscow and Tehran since the start of hostilities.
08:34 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Oman FM discusses Hormuz crisis with Iran’s Araghchi; says ‘urgent need to free seafarers’
Oman’s foreign minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi on Monday to address the escalating situation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid intensified regional efforts to ease tensions affecting key global energy routes.

In a post on X, Al Busaidi highlighted the urgency of coordinated action, saying, “Good discussion on the Strait of Hormuz with Iran's Foreign Minister Dr. Araghchi. As littoral states, we recognize our shared responsibility to the international community and the urgent humanitarian need to free the seafarers held for far too long.”
08:34 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Oman FM discusses Hormuz crisis with Iran’s Araghchi; says ‘urgent need to free seafarers’
Oman’s foreign minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi on Monday to address the escalating situation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid intensified regional efforts to ease tensions affecting key global energy routes.

In a post on X, Al Busaidi highlighted the urgency of coordinated action, saying, “Good discussion on the Strait of Hormuz with Iran's Foreign Minister Dr. Araghchi. As littoral states, we recognize our shared responsibility to the international community and the urgent humanitarian need to free the seafarers held for far too long.”
08:23 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran offers ‘new proposal’ via Pakistan to end war, reopen Strait of Hormuz: Report

Iran has put forward a “new proposal” to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries, outlining a potential framework to end the ongoing conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report.

The proposal, described as a “two-stage plan”, aims to de-escalate tensions and restore maritime movement through the key oil transit route. Reports said Tehran is seeking to delay nuclear negotiations until the US lifts its blockade, indicating a phased approach to resolving the crisis.

The development comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump has maintained that any engagement would require direct outreach from Iran, saying the country could “call” if it wished to negotiate. He has also reiterated that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

Momentum for talks appeared to weaken after the US cancelled a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad. The move was seen as reflecting dissatisfaction with Tehran’s earlier proposal and has added uncertainty to ongoing mediation efforts.

08:23 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran offers ‘new proposal’ via Pakistan to end war, reopen Strait of Hormuz: Report

Iran has put forward a “new proposal” to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries, outlining a potential framework to end the ongoing conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report.

The proposal, described as a “two-stage plan”, aims to de-escalate tensions and restore maritime movement through the key oil transit route. Reports said Tehran is seeking to delay nuclear negotiations until the US lifts its blockade, indicating a phased approach to resolving the crisis.

The development comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump has maintained that any engagement would require direct outreach from Iran, saying the country could “call” if it wished to negotiate. He has also reiterated that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

Momentum for talks appeared to weaken after the US cancelled a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad. The move was seen as reflecting dissatisfaction with Tehran’s earlier proposal and has added uncertainty to ongoing mediation efforts.

08:19 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iranian FM arrives in Russia for meeting with Putin
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg ahead of a scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, according to Iranian state media IRNA.
08:19 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iranian FM arrives in Russia for meeting with Putin
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg ahead of a scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, according to Iranian state media IRNA.
08:18 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran threatens retaliation over oil infrastructure damage after Trump warning
Iran's vice president Esmail Saghab Esfahani has warned of retaliation if Iran’s oil infrastructure is damaged, following remarks by US President Donald Trump about increasing pressure on Tehran’s energy sector.

“If any part of our infrastructure, including oil wells, is damaged as a result of a blockade, we guarantee that four times that damage will be inflicted on the same infrastructure in countries that support the aggressor,” Saghab wrote on X on Sunday.

“Our math is different; one oil well equals four oil wells,” he warned. The statement came after Trump said in an interview with Fox News that continued pressure on Iran could disrupt its ability to move oil to storage or tankers. He said that if such constraints persist, Iran’s pipelines could reach a critical point within about three days.
08:18 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran threatens retaliation over oil infrastructure damage after Trump warning
Iran's vice president Esmail Saghab Esfahani has warned of retaliation if Iran’s oil infrastructure is damaged, following remarks by US President Donald Trump about increasing pressure on Tehran’s energy sector.

“If any part of our infrastructure, including oil wells, is damaged as a result of a blockade, we guarantee that four times that damage will be inflicted on the same infrastructure in countries that support the aggressor,” Saghab wrote on X on Sunday.

“Our math is different; one oil well equals four oil wells,” he warned. The statement came after Trump said in an interview with Fox News that continued pressure on Iran could disrupt its ability to move oil to storage or tankers. He said that if such constraints persist, Iran’s pipelines could reach a critical point within about three days.
08:17 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: 'I hope Iran will be smart, but we'll win anyway,' says Trump
US President Donald Trump has indicated that the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran could be nearing an end, asserting that mounting military and economic pressure has placed Tehran in a weakened position and may push it towards a resolution.

Speaking to Fox News on the evolving situation, Trump said, "I think the big advantage is that we've taken out their navy in its entirety... They have no air force left. They have no navy left...They're in bad shape. I mean, they're really in bad shape. And of course, we've done the blockade, and the blockade's been unbelievably effective, and that means they can't get any more money," he said, pointing to what he described as extensive damage to Iran's military and industrial capabilities.

Trump added that internal divisions within Iran's leadership could further accelerate the path to an outcome. "Their leaders are gone, which is a good thing. They were far more radicalised than the people that we're dealing with now.

The people we're dealing with now, some of them are very reasonable people, and others are not. And they're not getting along. You know, there's a lot of in-fighting as you know. But you know, they don't have anti-aircraft equipment, they don't have radar equipment.

It's all been blown up. Their factories, their missile-making factories have been damaged about 75%, which isn't 100%, so there's danger there," he said, expressing hope that Tehran would take a pragmatic approach moving forward.

Trump further signalled confidence that the situation could conclude in Washington's favour. "I hope they're going to be smart, and if they're not smart, we're going to win anyway," he said, suggesting that an end to the standoff may be approaching.
08:17 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: 'I hope Iran will be smart, but we'll win anyway,' says Trump
US President Donald Trump has indicated that the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran could be nearing an end, asserting that mounting military and economic pressure has placed Tehran in a weakened position and may push it towards a resolution.

Speaking to Fox News on the evolving situation, Trump said, "I think the big advantage is that we've taken out their navy in its entirety... They have no air force left. They have no navy left...They're in bad shape. I mean, they're really in bad shape. And of course, we've done the blockade, and the blockade's been unbelievably effective, and that means they can't get any more money," he said, pointing to what he described as extensive damage to Iran's military and industrial capabilities.

Trump added that internal divisions within Iran's leadership could further accelerate the path to an outcome. "Their leaders are gone, which is a good thing. They were far more radicalised than the people that we're dealing with now.

The people we're dealing with now, some of them are very reasonable people, and others are not. And they're not getting along. You know, there's a lot of in-fighting as you know. But you know, they don't have anti-aircraft equipment, they don't have radar equipment.

It's all been blown up. Their factories, their missile-making factories have been damaged about 75%, which isn't 100%, so there's danger there," he said, expressing hope that Tehran would take a pragmatic approach moving forward.

Trump further signalled confidence that the situation could conclude in Washington's favour. "I hope they're going to be smart, and if they're not smart, we're going to win anyway," he said, suggesting that an end to the standoff may be approaching.
08:15 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iranian FM Araghchi to meet Putin during Russia visit
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg as part of a trip that begins on Monday for talks over the Islamic republic's war with the United States and Israel, Tehran's ambassador to Moscow said.

Russia and Tehran, who are both subject to fierce Western sanctions, have developed an increasingly close relationship in recent years.Tehran's ambassador Kazem Jalali wrote on X that Araghchi would meet Putin in Russia's second biggest city.

"Continuing the diplomatic jihad to advance the country's interests and amidst external threats, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran will meet with the President of Russia during his visit to St. Petersburg," he wrote.Iran's ISNA news agency earlier quoted Jalali as saying "Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow," without providing a location for the talks.

The meeting would take place on Monday, Jalali said according to ISNA, adding that Araghchi would "consult Russian officials regarding the latest status of the negotiations, ceasefire, and surrounding developments".

Russia's foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday that Araghchi would travel to Moscow "with the aim of holding talks", the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
08:15 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iranian FM Araghchi to meet Putin during Russia visit
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg as part of a trip that begins on Monday for talks over the Islamic republic's war with the United States and Israel, Tehran's ambassador to Moscow said.

Russia and Tehran, who are both subject to fierce Western sanctions, have developed an increasingly close relationship in recent years.Tehran's ambassador Kazem Jalali wrote on X that Araghchi would meet Putin in Russia's second biggest city.

"Continuing the diplomatic jihad to advance the country's interests and amidst external threats, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran will meet with the President of Russia during his visit to St. Petersburg," he wrote.Iran's ISNA news agency earlier quoted Jalali as saying "Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow," without providing a location for the talks.

The meeting would take place on Monday, Jalali said according to ISNA, adding that Araghchi would "consult Russian officials regarding the latest status of the negotiations, ceasefire, and surrounding developments".

Russia's foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday that Araghchi would travel to Moscow "with the aim of holding talks", the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
08:14 (IST) Apr 27
'Iran can call us if they want': Trump rules out travel for talks as Araghchi returns to Pakistan
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said American officials will not travel for truce talks with Iran, taking a hard line on future engagement and insisting discussions will be held remotely.

"If they wanna talk, they can come to us or they can call us. We are not sending people to travel 18 hours to meet," Trump told Fox News.

He added that Pakistan would remain involved in the process, but talks would continue by phone: "They'll stay involved- but we're gonna do it by telephone.”Reiterating Washington’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump said, "They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Otherwise there's no reason to meet."
08:14 (IST) Apr 27
'Iran can call us if they want': Trump rules out travel for talks as Araghchi returns to Pakistan
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said American officials will not travel for truce talks with Iran, taking a hard line on future engagement and insisting discussions will be held remotely.

"If they wanna talk, they can come to us or they can call us. We are not sending people to travel 18 hours to meet," Trump told Fox News.

He added that Pakistan would remain involved in the process, but talks would continue by phone: "They'll stay involved- but we're gonna do it by telephone.”Reiterating Washington’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump said, "They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Otherwise there's no reason to meet."
08:13 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran’s Araghchi outlines ‘red lines’ in messages sent to US via Pakistan
Iran has conveyed its “red lines” to the United States through messages relayed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi via Pakistan, according to Iranian state media. The messages outline areas Tehran is unwilling to compromise on, including its nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz, the Fars News Agency reported.

“These messages concern some of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s red lines including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz,” the report said.

It added that “informed sources emphasize Mr Araghchi is acting entirely within the framework of the specified red lines and the diplomatic duties of the ministry of foreign affairs.

”The report also clarified that the communication is “unrelated to negotiations” and is instead “considered an initiative by Iran to clarify the regional situation.”
08:13 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Iran’s Araghchi outlines ‘red lines’ in messages sent to US via Pakistan
Iran has conveyed its “red lines” to the United States through messages relayed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi via Pakistan, according to Iranian state media. The messages outline areas Tehran is unwilling to compromise on, including its nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz, the Fars News Agency reported.

“These messages concern some of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s red lines including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz,” the report said.

It added that “informed sources emphasize Mr Araghchi is acting entirely within the framework of the specified red lines and the diplomatic duties of the ministry of foreign affairs.

”The report also clarified that the communication is “unrelated to negotiations” and is instead “considered an initiative by Iran to clarify the regional situation.”
08:12 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Trump says US, Iranian officials can talk by phone
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg as part of a trip that begins on Monday for talks over the Islamic republic's war with the United States and Israel, Tehran's ambassador to Moscow said.

Russia and Tehran, who are both subject to fierce Western sanctions, have developed an increasingly close relationship in recent years. Tehran's ambassador Kazem Jalali wrote on X that Araghchi would meet Putin in Russia's second biggest city.

"Continuing the diplomatic jihad to advance the country's interests and amidst external threats, the minister of foreign affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran will meet with the President of Russia during his visit to St. Petersburg," he wrote.

Iran's ISNA news agency earlier quoted Jalali as saying "Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow," without providing a location for the talks. The meeting would take place on Monday, Jalali said according to ISNA, adding that Araghchi would "consult Russian officials regarding the latest status of the negotiations, ceasefire, and surrounding developments". Russia's foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday that Araghchi would travel to Moscow "with the aim of holding talks", the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
08:12 (IST) Apr 27
US-Iran War Live: Trump says US, Iranian officials can talk by phone
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg as part of a trip that begins on Monday for talks over the Islamic republic's war with the United States and Israel, Tehran's ambassador to Moscow said.

Russia and Tehran, who are both subject to fierce Western sanctions, have developed an increasingly close relationship in recent years. Tehran's ambassador Kazem Jalali wrote on X that Araghchi would meet Putin in Russia's second biggest city.

"Continuing the diplomatic jihad to advance the country's interests and amidst external threats, the minister of foreign affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran will meet with the President of Russia during his visit to St. Petersburg," he wrote.

Iran's ISNA news agency earlier quoted Jalali as saying "Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow," without providing a location for the talks. The meeting would take place on Monday, Jalali said according to ISNA, adding that Araghchi would "consult Russian officials regarding the latest status of the negotiations, ceasefire, and surrounding developments". Russia's foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday that Araghchi would travel to Moscow "with the aim of holding talks", the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
The Iran war remains at a critical juncture, marked by hardened positions, ongoing diplomatic outreach and continued regional tensions. US President Donald Trump has ruled out sending an American delegation for in-person truce talks, stating that any future engagement with Tehran will take place by phone. He reiterated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon” and said discussions would only proceed under that condition, even as he signalled Pakistan could remain involved in facilitating communication.

Amid stalled direct talks with Washington, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has intensified regional diplomacy, travelling across Oman, Pakistan and Russia. He held discussions in Muscat on maritime security and regional stability, made a brief transit stop in Islamabad while presenting a framework to end the conflict, and is now set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting is expected to focus on the status of negotiations, ceasefire efforts and broader geopolitical developments, with both Moscow and Tehran continuing to deepen ties under Western sanctions.

At the same time, Tehran has issued a strong warning over its energy infrastructure. Vice president Esmail Saghab Esfahani said any damage to Iran’s oil facilities would trigger retaliation “four times” against countries supporting such actions, underscoring rising risks around the Strait of Hormuz and global energy routes. His remarks followed Trump’s statement that sustained pressure could push Iran’s oil pipelines to a critical point within days.

Backchannel diplomacy continues, with reports that Iran has conveyed a proposal via Pakistan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities, while deferring nuclear negotiations. However, no second round of direct US-Iran talks has taken place despite a ceasefire that has been in effect for over two weeks.

The broader region remains tense, with ongoing Israeli military activity in Lebanon and internal political developments in Israel adding to uncertainty. With diplomatic efforts, military posturing and economic pressure unfolding simultaneously, the situation remains fluid with no clear resolution in sight.