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- US-Israel-Iran War Ceasefire News Highlights: US troops forced to retreat from Strait of Hormuz after ship attack, claims Iran media
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 20, 2026, 09:09:46 IST
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US-Israel-Iran War Ceasefire News Highlights: US troops forced to retreat from Strait of Hormuz after ship attack, claims Iran media
Iran's joint military command has said that it will 'respond soon' to the seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz as an “act of piracy.”
US president Donald Trump said the vessel, identified as Touska, was intercepted after it allegedly attempted to bypass a naval blockade, in what he described as the first such action since restrictions on Iranian ports were imposed last week. He said a US Navy guided-missile destroyer operating in the Gulf of Oman disabled the ship before US Marines took it into custody to inspect its cargo.
The incident has cast uncertainty over Trump’s earlier statement that US negotiators would travel to Pakistan on Monday for another round of talks with Iran. The proposed discussions had raised hopes of extending a fragile ceasefire due to expire on Wednesday, but Tehran has not confirmed its participation.
US president Donald Trump said the vessel, identified as Touska, was intercepted after it allegedly attempted to bypass a naval blockade, in what he described as the first such action since restrictions on Iranian ports were imposed last week. He said a US Navy guided-missile destroyer operating in the Gulf of Oman disabled the ship before US Marines took it into custody to inspect its cargo.
The incident has cast uncertainty over Trump’s earlier statement that US negotiators would travel to Pakistan on Monday for another round of talks with Iran. The proposed discussions had raised hopes of extending a fragile ceasefire due to expire on Wednesday, but Tehran has not confirmed its participation.
00:26 (IST) Apr 19
Iran war news: Hezbollah chief says truce can't be one-sided, vows to respond to Israel attacks, reports AFP
00:20 (IST) Apr 19
Iran war news: Iran’s supreme leader says army exposed US, Israel 'weakness and humiliation'
Mojtaba Khamenei praised the country’s armed forces, saying their actions had revealed the “weakness and humiliation” of the United States and Israel.
In a message marking Army Day, he congratulated military personnel and highlighted what he described as their role in defending the nation against external threats.
Khamenei said the army “stood up to the sinister plans of America, the survivors of the Pahlavi tyranny and the separatists who wanted a divided Iran,” adding that Iran’s resistance during recent attacks had exposed its adversaries on the global stage.
In a message marking Army Day, he congratulated military personnel and highlighted what he described as their role in defending the nation against external threats.
Khamenei said the army “stood up to the sinister plans of America, the survivors of the Pahlavi tyranny and the separatists who wanted a divided Iran,” adding that Iran’s resistance during recent attacks had exposed its adversaries on the global stage.
00:10 (IST) Apr 19
US-Iran war: Hezbollah chief says fighters will 'remain in the field,' vows response to Israeli violations
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said the group’s fighters will continue to stay active despite the ceasefire in Lebanon, warning of retaliation against any violations.
“The resistance fighters will remain in the field and will respond to the enemy’s violations,” he said in a speech delivered two days into the truce.
At the same time, he signalled openness to political engagement, adding, “We are open to cooperation with the [state] in Lebanon on a new page based on achieving our national sovereignty and preventing strife.”
“The resistance fighters will remain in the field and will respond to the enemy’s violations,” he said in a speech delivered two days into the truce.
At the same time, he signalled openness to political engagement, adding, “We are open to cooperation with the [state] in Lebanon on a new page based on achieving our national sovereignty and preventing strife.”
23:57 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran says vessels must pay for passage, warns non-compliant ships will be 'postponed'
Iran has said it will prioritise commercial vessels that comply with new rules and pay security-related costs while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior Iranian official said, “Given the limitation on the number of vessels that will be allowed to pass, Iran has decided to give priority to those vessels that respond more quickly to the new Strait of Hormuz protocols and pay the costs of security and safety services.”
“The vessels that don’t pay… will be ‘postponed’,” the official added, reports Al-Jazeera.
The development comes a day after Iran announced the reopening of the strait, but authorities have since reimposed restrictions, citing the ongoing US blockade and what they described as “repeated breaches” of the ceasefire.
A senior Iranian official said, “Given the limitation on the number of vessels that will be allowed to pass, Iran has decided to give priority to those vessels that respond more quickly to the new Strait of Hormuz protocols and pay the costs of security and safety services.”
“The vessels that don’t pay… will be ‘postponed’,” the official added, reports Al-Jazeera.
The development comes a day after Iran announced the reopening of the strait, but authorities have since reimposed restrictions, citing the ongoing US blockade and what they described as “repeated breaches” of the ceasefire.
23:21 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran plans to sue over US-Israeli strikes on Isfahan ancient sites
Iran’s Isfahan province has announced that a legal team is preparing a case over damage to its historical sites caused by US and Israeli strikes.
Mehdi Jamalinejad, the provincial governor, made the announcement at an event marking the International Day for Monuments and Sites, stressing the importance of protecting historic buildings and cultural heritage.
“Unfortunately, during the war and the enemy’s attacks on this historic city, approximately 203 points within the Grand Bazaar and 28 historical monuments were damaged and require restoration,” he said.
Mehdi Jamalinejad, the provincial governor, made the announcement at an event marking the International Day for Monuments and Sites, stressing the importance of protecting historic buildings and cultural heritage.
“Unfortunately, during the war and the enemy’s attacks on this historic city, approximately 203 points within the Grand Bazaar and 28 historical monuments were damaged and require restoration,” he said.
23:19 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Lebanese foreign ministry promises to bring perpetrators of attack on UN mission to justice
Lebanon’s foreign ministry has condemned an attack on United Nations peacekeepers that killed a French soldier and wounded three others.
In a statement issued after the incident, the ministry said it would launch an investigation to identify “the perpetrators” and hold them accountable, as cited by Al Jazeera.
It also condemned “the repeated violations and breaches to which UNIFIL forces are subjected by the Israeli army and elements of Hezbollah”.
While UNIFIL peacekeepers and French officials have said the attack was likely carried out by Hezbollah, the group has denied any involvement, describing the allegations as “baseless”.
In a statement issued after the incident, the ministry said it would launch an investigation to identify “the perpetrators” and hold them accountable, as cited by Al Jazeera.
It also condemned “the repeated violations and breaches to which UNIFIL forces are subjected by the Israeli army and elements of Hezbollah”.
While UNIFIL peacekeepers and French officials have said the attack was likely carried out by Hezbollah, the group has denied any involvement, describing the allegations as “baseless”.
23:06 (IST) Apr 18
'Stood up to sinister plans': Khamenei praises army, says Iran exposed US-Israel 'weakness'
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, issued a message marking the country's Army Day, congratulating military personnel, their families and the nation, according to Tasnim news agency.
He said the Islamic Revolution ended a period of weakness imposed on the army by its enemies and praised recent acts of bravery in defending the country.
He added that “stood up to the sinister plans of America, the survivors of the Pahlavi tyranny, and the separatists who wanted a divided Iran."
Khamenei added that Iran’s resistance to Israeli and US attacks had exposed their “weakness and humiliation to the world.”
He said the Islamic Revolution ended a period of weakness imposed on the army by its enemies and praised recent acts of bravery in defending the country.
He added that “stood up to the sinister plans of America, the survivors of the Pahlavi tyranny, and the separatists who wanted a divided Iran."
Khamenei added that Iran’s resistance to Israeli and US attacks had exposed their “weakness and humiliation to the world.”
22:51 (IST) Apr 18
'US hasn't abandoned maximalist position': Iran rejects handing over enriched uranium
Iran is not yet prepared to hold a new round of face-to-face talks with US officials, a senior Iranian official said on Saturday, citing Washington’s refusal to drop “maximalist” demands on key issues.
Speaking on the sidelines of a diplomacy forum in Turkey, Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh also said Tehran would not hand over its enriched uranium to the United States, rejecting claims made by US President Donald Trump, as cited by AP.
“I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to United States,” Khatibzadeh said. “This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we’re not going to accept things that are nonstarters.”
Speaking on the sidelines of a diplomacy forum in Turkey, Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh also said Tehran would not hand over its enriched uranium to the United States, rejecting claims made by US President Donald Trump, as cited by AP.
“I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to United States,” Khatibzadeh said. “This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we’re not going to accept things that are nonstarters.”
22:35 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran to prioritize Strait passage for ships that pay
Iran will give priority to vessels that pay to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian official told CNN.
“Given the limitation on the number of vessels that will be allowed to pass, Iran has decided to give priority to those vessels that respond more quickly to the new Strait of Hormuz protocols and pay the costs of security and safety services,” the official said.
Vessels that fail to pay the required fees will have their passage “postponed" said the official.
“Given the limitation on the number of vessels that will be allowed to pass, Iran has decided to give priority to those vessels that respond more quickly to the new Strait of Hormuz protocols and pay the costs of security and safety services,” the official said.
Vessels that fail to pay the required fees will have their passage “postponed" said the official.
21:40 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Israel army says air force 'eliminated terrorist cell' in south Lebanon
The Israeli military said on Saturday that its air force had carried out strikes in southern Lebanon, saying it had eliminated a “terrorist cell” operating near its troops despite the ceasefire.
"The IDF eliminated a terrorist cell operating in proximity to IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon, in the area of the forward defence line dedicated to preventing imminent threats to Israel's northern communities," the military said, as cited by AFP.
"The IDF eliminated a terrorist cell operating in proximity to IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon, in the area of the forward defence line dedicated to preventing imminent threats to Israel's northern communities," the military said, as cited by AFP.
21:12 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: US military prepares to board Iran-linked ships, expand seizures beyond Gulf
The US military is preparing in the coming days to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial vessels in international waters, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials.
The report said Washington is expanding its campaign globally, targeting ships carrying Iranian oil beyond the Persian Gulf as well as vessels transporting weapons that could support the Islamic Republic.
The report said Washington is expanding its campaign globally, targeting ships carrying Iranian oil beyond the Persian Gulf as well as vessels transporting weapons that could support the Islamic Republic.
20:53 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Israeli artillery strikes central sector of southern Lebanon
Israeli artillery has struck the central sector of southern Lebanon despite the ongoing ceasefire, as cited by Al Jazeera.
A preliminary assessment by Lebanese authorities carried out before the truce found that nearly 40,000 homes were destroyed or damaged in Israeli attacks.
20:40 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: US military set to board Iran-linked ships in coming days
20:36 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran reviews ‘new US proposals’ but says no compromise in talks
Iran said it is reviewing new proposals from the United States while maintaining a firm stance in ongoing talks.
In a statement, the Supreme National Security Council said “new proposals have been put forward by the Americans” in recent days, adding that Tehran is still assessing them and has not yet issued a response, as cited by Al Jazeera.
Despite keeping diplomatic channels open, Iran highlighted that its position remains unchanged, stating its negotiating team “will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation”.
In a statement, the Supreme National Security Council said “new proposals have been put forward by the Americans” in recent days, adding that Tehran is still assessing them and has not yet issued a response, as cited by Al Jazeera.
Despite keeping diplomatic channels open, Iran highlighted that its position remains unchanged, stating its negotiating team “will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation”.
20:26 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Trump says US taking tough stand in ongoing Iran talks
US president Donald Trump said on Saturday that talks with Iran are ongoing, but signalled frustration with Tehran’s approach to the discussions.
“We have very good conversations going on. They got a little cute, as they have been doing for 47 years," Trump said.
“We’re talking to them, and you know, we’re taking a tough stand. They killed a lot of people. A lot of our people have been killed,” the US president added.
“We have very good conversations going on. They got a little cute, as they have been doing for 47 years," Trump said.
“We’re talking to them, and you know, we’re taking a tough stand. They killed a lot of people. A lot of our people have been killed,” the US president added.
20:14 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Hezbollah says it wasn’t behind deadly attack on French UN observer
Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the deadly attack on United Nations observers in southern Lebanon earlier today, as cited by the Times of Israel.
The group said in a statement that it "calls for caution in issuing judgments and responsibilities regarding the incident,” and that it “expresses surprise at the (parties) that rushed to throw accusations arbitrarily.”
The group said in a statement that it "calls for caution in issuing judgments and responsibilities regarding the incident,” and that it “expresses surprise at the (parties) that rushed to throw accusations arbitrarily.”
19:57 (IST) Apr 18
'They got a little cute', Trump says Iran cannot 'blackmail' US over Hormuz
19:55 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran says reviewing 'new proposals' from United States
19:54 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Tankers pass Hormuz Strait in brief Iran reopening
At least eight oil and gas tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz after Iran briefly declared the vital shipping route open during a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict, according to maritime tracking data, as cited by Al Jazeera.
Data from tracking firm Kpler showed that the vessels included one crude oil tanker, four liquefied petroleum gas carriers, two oil and chemical tankers, and one classified as an “oil products” carrier, all crossing early Saturday.
Meanwhile, tracking platform MarineTraffic indicated that several other crude tankers were positioned in the strait near Iran’s Larak Island, a key checkpoint for vessels seeking to exit the Gulf under the current Iranian blockade.
Data from tracking firm Kpler showed that the vessels included one crude oil tanker, four liquefied petroleum gas carriers, two oil and chemical tankers, and one classified as an “oil products” carrier, all crossing early Saturday.
Meanwhile, tracking platform MarineTraffic indicated that several other crude tankers were positioned in the strait near Iran’s Larak Island, a key checkpoint for vessels seeking to exit the Gulf under the current Iranian blockade.
19:27 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran says ships must pay security costs to transit Strait of Hormuz
19:22 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: India summons Iran ambassador over firing at two ships in Hormuz
18:48 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Hezbollah accuses Lebanese president of thanking ‘a murderer’
Mahmoud Qamati, a senior Hezbollah official, has criticised Lebanon’s president for thanking Israel while failing to acknowledge Iran’s role in securing the ceasefire.
He argued that Iran’s contribution had been overlooked, underscoring tensions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese leadership over credit for the truce.
“We thank Iran for being able to impose a ceasefire through the levers of international pressure,” Qamati said, as cited by Al Jazeera. “Instead of preserving its cards the government is moving step by step towards humiliation and the destruction of sovereignty.”
“The president thanked the murderer and the criminal, but did not thank Iran for saving us. The hand of the Lebanese resistance will remain on the trigger. The bowl of patience has overflowed and strategic patience has ended," he added.
He argued that Iran’s contribution had been overlooked, underscoring tensions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese leadership over credit for the truce.
“We thank Iran for being able to impose a ceasefire through the levers of international pressure,” Qamati said, as cited by Al Jazeera. “Instead of preserving its cards the government is moving step by step towards humiliation and the destruction of sovereignty.”
“The president thanked the murderer and the criminal, but did not thank Iran for saving us. The hand of the Lebanese resistance will remain on the trigger. The bowl of patience has overflowed and strategic patience has ended," he added.
18:36 (IST) Apr 18
'Negotiation or we get in the battlefield': Iran warns conflict could escalate if rights are denied
18:11 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Hezbollah official says Lebanon-Israel talks 'do not concern us'
Senior Hezbollah official Mahmud Qamati said on Saturday that the group was unconcerned by Lebanon’s planned direct talks with Israel, dismissing them as a failure.
Speaking at a press conference in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Qamati said Hezbollah was “not concerned with the negotiations being conducted by the state,” describing them as “a failure, weak, defeated... and submissive negotiations.”
"The resistance is the one that imposes. We are the land... and we are the ones who draw up the decisions, not those who have an official status," he said, adding that while his group did not mind Beirut "coordinating with us... not in this way that leads to surrender," as cited by AFP.
Speaking at a press conference in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Qamati said Hezbollah was “not concerned with the negotiations being conducted by the state,” describing them as “a failure, weak, defeated... and submissive negotiations.”
"The resistance is the one that imposes. We are the land... and we are the ones who draw up the decisions, not those who have an official status," he said, adding that while his group did not mind Beirut "coordinating with us... not in this way that leads to surrender," as cited by AFP.
17:58 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: French UN peacekeeper killed, 3 wounded in Lebanon attack
French president Emmanuel Macron said a French soldier was killed and three others wounded in an attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that he indicated was likely carried out by Hezbollah.
“Everything points to Hezbollah being responsible for this attack,” Macron said through a post on X. He also urged the Lebanese authorities to arrest the perpetrators.
“Everything points to Hezbollah being responsible for this attack,” Macron said through a post on X. He also urged the Lebanese authorities to arrest the perpetrators.
17:54 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Trump slams Spain’s economy, Nato contribution
"Has anybody looked at how badly the country of Spain is doing. Their financial numbers, despite contributing almost nothing to NATO and their military defense, are absolutely horrendous. Sad to watch!!!" US president Donald Trump said through a post on Truth Social.
17:37 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: US forces have turned back 23 ships to Iranian ports
Since the United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, 23 vessels have complied with orders from US forces to turn back toward Iran, according to the US military.
17:33 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iranian navy broadcasts message declaring Strait of Hormuz shut again
Merchant vessels have reportedly received a radio message from the Iranian navy declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed once again, with no ships permitted to transit, according to shipping sources cited by Al Jazeera.
The development marks a swift reversal of Iran’s earlier announcement that the waterway would remain open to commercial traffic, adding to mounting uncertainty over its status and leaving international shipping companies seeking clarity.
The development marks a swift reversal of Iran’s earlier announcement that the waterway would remain open to commercial traffic, adding to mounting uncertainty over its status and leaving international shipping companies seeking clarity.
17:24 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows continued resistance
Iran’s supreme leader said the country would continue its resistance against what he described as “the two armies at the forefront of infidelity and arrogance," as cited by CNN.
In a message posted on Telegram, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said the Iranian army “has exposed their weakness and humiliation to the world,” adding that “its drones strike the American and Zionist criminals like lightning”.
17:11 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: US enforces maritime blockade on Iranian ports and coastal waters
CENTCOM has said that US forces are enforcing a maritime blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas.
17:08 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: IDF confirms it carried out first strikes against Hezbollah since ceasefire
The IDF has confirmed carrying out multiple strikes in southern Lebanon over the past day against Hezbollah operatives who “violated the ceasefire understandings,” marking the first such actions since the truce came into effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday, as cited by the Times of Israel.
According to the military, troops operating south of the “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon “identified terrorists who violated the ceasefire understandings and approached the forces from north of the Yellow Line in a manner that posed an immediate threat.”
16:55 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Maritime agency reports tanker fired on by gunboats in Hormuz
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it received a report of a tanker coming under fire from what it described as “two gunboats linked” to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to the advisory, the tanker’s captain reported that the two gunboats opened fire without issuing any radio challenge. UKMTO added that both the vessel and its crew were reported safe.
According to the advisory, the tanker’s captain reported that the two gunboats opened fire without issuing any radio challenge. UKMTO added that both the vessel and its crew were reported safe.
16:53 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Egypt and Pakistan ‘pushing very hard’ for US-Iran peace deal
Egypt’s foreign minister Badr Abdelatty said that Egypt and Pakistan are working “very hard” as mediators to help secure a final agreement between the United States and Iran.
“We hope to do so in the coming days,” Abdelatty said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, noting that “not only us in the region but the whole world is suffering from the continuation of this war."
“We are pushing very hard in order to move forward,” he added, as cited by Al Jazeera.
“We hope to do so in the coming days,” Abdelatty said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, noting that “not only us in the region but the whole world is suffering from the continuation of this war."
“We are pushing very hard in order to move forward,” he added, as cited by Al Jazeera.
16:47 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iraq says all oil exports will resume within days
Iraq’s Oil Ministry has announced that exports from all oilfields are expected to resume within the coming days.
“We have been in contact with tankers and major companies to contract for oil exports, and the door is open to all companies,” ministry spokesperson Sahib Bazoun told the Iraqi news agency, as cited by Al Jazeera.
“Within a few days, we will resume oil exports and all fields are ready.”
He added that accelerating the export process “attracts stability, generates state revenues, supports domestic oil production, and meets the local market’s need for liquid and dry gas to keep power stations running”.
“We have been in contact with tankers and major companies to contract for oil exports, and the door is open to all companies,” ministry spokesperson Sahib Bazoun told the Iraqi news agency, as cited by Al Jazeera.
“Within a few days, we will resume oil exports and all fields are ready.”
He added that accelerating the export process “attracts stability, generates state revenues, supports domestic oil production, and meets the local market’s need for liquid and dry gas to keep power stations running”.
16:38 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: 'Ready to inflict new bitter defeats', Mojtaba Khamenei warns US as Iran closes Hormuz
In a statement posted on his Telegram channel, Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the country’s navy is prepared to inflict “new bitter defeats” on its enemies.
16:30 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: No date for more US talks until ‘framework’ agreed, says Iran’s deputy foreign minister
Responding to a question on a potential new round of talks with the United States, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said such discussions cannot proceed until both sides reach an agreement on a common framework.
“Until we agree on the framework, we cannot set the date,” said Khatibzadeh, as cited by Al Jazeera.
He further stressed that any agreement Iran enters into during negotiations must safeguard its rights under international law.
“Iran will not accept to be an exception from international law” or to “abandon its rights”, he added.
16:18 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: US blockade on Iranian ports ‘will never be valid’, says Iran’s deputy foreign minister
Continuing his remarks in Antalya, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran would not accept any US blockade of its ports or comply with any “orders” from Washington.
“There will never be any blockade in the future,” he said, as cited by Al Jazeera.
“The era of colonialism must come to an end,” he added. The US “cannot dictate orders to other nations.”
“There will never be any blockade in the future,” he said, as cited by Al Jazeera.
“The era of colonialism must come to an end,” he added. The US “cannot dictate orders to other nations.”
16:03 (IST) Apr 18
Gunfire reported as at least 2 vessels attempt Strait of Hormuz crossing
16:02 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: 'Trump talks too much’, Iran warns US ‘breaches’ of Hormuz to be met with ‘appropriate response'
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Türkiye, where he dismissed recent remarks by US president Donald Trump suggesting Washington could “start dropping bombs again” if no deal is reached by Wednesday.
Responding to the comments, Khatibzadeh said the US president “talks too much”.
“He said contradictory thins within the same statement,” said the Iranian official, as cited by Al Jazeera. “I don’t know exactly what he meant.”
Khatibzadeh added that Iran believes “war cannot lead to any positive” outcome, but is prepared to keep defending itself if under attack.
“We will fight until the last Iranian soldier,” he said.
Responding to the comments, Khatibzadeh said the US president “talks too much”.
“He said contradictory thins within the same statement,” said the Iranian official, as cited by Al Jazeera. “I don’t know exactly what he meant.”
Khatibzadeh added that Iran believes “war cannot lead to any positive” outcome, but is prepared to keep defending itself if under attack.
“We will fight until the last Iranian soldier,” he said.
15:59 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Every breach by the US will meet an 'appropriate response', says IRGC navy
The IRGC Navy command has said that the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its earlier, more restricted status.
“As long as the movement of vessels from Iran and to Iran is under threat, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain as it was previously,” the navy command said through a post on X.
“Any breach of commitments by the United States will receive an appropriate response,” it added.
“As long as the movement of vessels from Iran and to Iran is under threat, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain as it was previously,” the navy command said through a post on X.
“Any breach of commitments by the United States will receive an appropriate response,” it added.
15:51 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Every breach by the US will meet an appropriate response, says IRGC navy
15:37 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran has not agreed to next round of US talks, says IRGC media
Iran has, for now, declined to agree to a fresh round of negotiations with the United States, according to a report by IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News.
The report added that Tehran conveyed its decision to US officials through an intermediary in Pakistan.
The report added that Tehran conveyed its decision to US officials through an intermediary in Pakistan.
15:27 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Indian oil tanker Desh Garima crossed the Strait of Hormuz, as per Maritime Traffic data
15:20 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: UK urges Iran to fully reopen Strait of Hormuz
Britain's foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has urged Iran to ensure the full restoration of global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need for uninterrupted maritime access to the critical route.
“We are at a critical diplomatic moment with a ceasefire now in place, but we don’t yet have normal passage through the strait,” Cooper said, as cited by Al Jazeera.
“We are at a critical diplomatic moment with a ceasefire now in place, but we don’t yet have normal passage through the strait,” Cooper said, as cited by Al Jazeera.
15:06 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran sets conditions for Strait of Hormuz passage
A statement has been issued by Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s National Security Committee, outlining Tehran’s current position on the situation in the strait.
“The time has come to comply with a new maritime regime for the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, as cited by Al Jazeera.
Under the new arrangement, only commercial vessels that have obtained authorisation from Iran’s IRGC Navy are allowed to pass through designated routes after paying the required tolls.
"If the US attempts to create any disturbance for Iranian ships this situation can be easily changed," he said.
Separately, the military headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya said that until the United States lifts restrictions on the full freedom of passage for Iranian vessels, “the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain tightly controlled and unchanged”.
“The time has come to comply with a new maritime regime for the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, as cited by Al Jazeera.
Under the new arrangement, only commercial vessels that have obtained authorisation from Iran’s IRGC Navy are allowed to pass through designated routes after paying the required tolls.
"If the US attempts to create any disturbance for Iranian ships this situation can be easily changed," he said.
Separately, the military headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya said that until the United States lifts restrictions on the full freedom of passage for Iranian vessels, “the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain tightly controlled and unchanged”.
14:48 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: 6 Iranian airports reopen, says Iranian airline official
Following earlier reports of Iran partially reopening its eastern airspace, six airports across the country have now resumed operations, according to the Association of Iranian Airlines.
The newly reopened facilities include Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport, along with international airports in Mashhad, Birjand, Gorgan and Zahedan. Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoted the association’s secretary as confirming the development, as cited by Al Jazeera.
The newly reopened facilities include Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport, along with international airports in Mashhad, Birjand, Gorgan and Zahedan. Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoted the association’s secretary as confirming the development, as cited by Al Jazeera.
14:39 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Egypt working with Pakistan on lasting US-Iran peace plan, minister says
14:05 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran reopens six airports including Tehran hub, State media reports
Iran has reopened six airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, Mashhad, Birjand, Gorgan and Zahedan, Iranian media reported on Saturday, signaling a partial easing of aviation restrictions amid the ongoing ceasefire.
14:02 (IST) Apr 18
US Iran war: Iran reimposes restrictions on Hormuz after US keeps naval blockade in place
Iran has swiftly reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the strategic waterway on Saturday after the United States said the move would not lead to an end to its blockade.
Iran’s joint military command said “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces,” warning that transit would continue to be blocked as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.
The announcement came hours after US President Donald Trump said the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with Washington, including on its nuclear programme.
Iran’s joint military command said “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces,” warning that transit would continue to be blocked as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.
The announcement came hours after US President Donald Trump said the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with Washington, including on its nuclear programme.
13:52 (IST) Apr 18
Iran war news: Iran military command says closed the Strait of Hormuz again over US blockade
26 More Updates
The latest phase of the Middle East conflict is marked by fast-moving diplomatic claims and sharp economic swings, as tensions around Iran, Israel-Lebanon, and the Strait of Hormuz continue to dominate global attention.
A major flashpoint remains Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s assertion that it agreed to transfer its enriched uranium to the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the stockpile “is not going to be transferred anywhere,” stressing that the issue “has never been raised in negotiations.” The comments directly contradict Trump’s claims of an emerging deal involving the removal of so-called “nuclear dust” from sites hit in earlier US strikes.
Trump, however, has continued to project optimism, saying a broader peace agreement with Iran is “very close” and that there are “no sticking points” remaining. He has also suggested possible joint operations with Iran to recover nuclear material, while simultaneously maintaining pressure through continued maritime restrictions.
In parallel, the strategic Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of both economic relief and geopolitical tension. Iran announced the reopening of the waterway for commercial vessels, triggering a sharp drop in global oil prices from nearly $120 a barrel to around $90.38 for Brent crude. However, Trump insisted that a US naval blockade on Iranian shipping would remain until a final agreement is signed.
Regional diplomacy is also evolving. Lebanon has entered what President Joseph Aoun described as a “new phase” following a ceasefire with Israel, while stressing that negotiations with Israel do not amount to concessions on sovereignty. Despite the truce, sporadic violence continues, including reported Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that have killed civilians.
International involvement is expanding, with France and the UK announcing a multinational mission to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, US and Saudi officials have discussed both Hormuz security and Lebanon’s ceasefire, reflecting coordinated efforts to contain escalation.
Elsewhere, reports suggest the next round of US-Iran talks may take place in Islamabad, indicating Pakistan’s emerging mediating role.
Economically, oil price volatility has eased markets, while defence and shipping dynamics continue to shift due to prolonged instability. Yet despite signs of de-escalation, competing narratives from Washington and Tehran underscore how fragile the current pause remains.
A major flashpoint remains Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s assertion that it agreed to transfer its enriched uranium to the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the stockpile “is not going to be transferred anywhere,” stressing that the issue “has never been raised in negotiations.” The comments directly contradict Trump’s claims of an emerging deal involving the removal of so-called “nuclear dust” from sites hit in earlier US strikes.
Trump, however, has continued to project optimism, saying a broader peace agreement with Iran is “very close” and that there are “no sticking points” remaining. He has also suggested possible joint operations with Iran to recover nuclear material, while simultaneously maintaining pressure through continued maritime restrictions.
In parallel, the strategic Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of both economic relief and geopolitical tension. Iran announced the reopening of the waterway for commercial vessels, triggering a sharp drop in global oil prices from nearly $120 a barrel to around $90.38 for Brent crude. However, Trump insisted that a US naval blockade on Iranian shipping would remain until a final agreement is signed.
Regional diplomacy is also evolving. Lebanon has entered what President Joseph Aoun described as a “new phase” following a ceasefire with Israel, while stressing that negotiations with Israel do not amount to concessions on sovereignty. Despite the truce, sporadic violence continues, including reported Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that have killed civilians.
International involvement is expanding, with France and the UK announcing a multinational mission to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, US and Saudi officials have discussed both Hormuz security and Lebanon’s ceasefire, reflecting coordinated efforts to contain escalation.
Elsewhere, reports suggest the next round of US-Iran talks may take place in Islamabad, indicating Pakistan’s emerging mediating role.
Economically, oil price volatility has eased markets, while defence and shipping dynamics continue to shift due to prolonged instability. Yet despite signs of de-escalation, competing narratives from Washington and Tehran underscore how fragile the current pause remains.
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