US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: JD Vance Heads to Pakistan to Lead Talks With Iran as Ceasefire Wobbles; Trump Threatens Iran Again

Hours before peace talks, Trump has threatened Iran again. He said if talks fail, US will be loading its best weapons and ammunition. He added, “The Iranians don’t seem to realise they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”

Before negotiations Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the two “mutually agreed” measures must be implemented before talks begin in Islamabad. 

In a post on X, he wrote, "Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations."

US President Donald Trump wrote a cryptic post on Truth Social ahead of JD Vance's arrival in Islamabad for peace talks.

Hezbollah rockets fired from Lebanon towards the Israeli city of Safed caused massive damage to a parking lot. While no injuries were reports, infrastructure and vehicles in the vicinity suffered heavy damage.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: The head of Iran's Parliament National Security Commission said that under a new parliamentary proposal, all transit fees collected for passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz would be paid in Iran's national currency, the rial. 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Japan said it is deeply concerned about escalating Israeli attacks on Lebanon, urging all parties to immediately stop hostilities and comply with international law.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, in a statement Friday, expressed Japan’s “serious concern” over Israel’s ground operation against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, calling for respect for Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Boarding Air Force Two on his way to Pakistan, the vice president said, “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s gonna be positive. We’ll, of course, see.”

He cited Trump in saying, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.” But Vance also added, “If they’re gonna try and play us, then they’re gonna find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.” Vance also said that Trump “gave us some pretty clear guidelines” on how talks should go, but didn’t elaborate.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Vice President JD Vance is warning Tehran not to “play” the U.S. as he departs for Islamabad for negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran.

President Donald Trump has tasked the member of his inner circle who has seemed to be the most reluctant defender of the conflict with Iran to now find a resolution to the war that began six weeks ago and stave off the U.S. president’s astonishing threat to wipe out its “whole civilization.” 
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Vice President JD Vance, who has long been sceptical of foreign military interventions and outspoken about the prospect of sending troops into open-ended conflicts, sets off Friday to lead mediated talks with Iran in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Israel said its forces have eliminated two key terrorists in southern and northern Gaza who were planning imminent attacks against IDF troops.

In southern Gaza, Mahmoud Barim, a terrorist with the Kata'ib al-Mujahideen organization, was killed for monitoring IDF troop activity and stockpiling weapons.

In northern Gaza, the military struck and killed Ahmed Mohammed Saleh, a Hamas Nukhba terrorist responsible for numerous attacks against Israeli forces, along with additional Hamas operatives. 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: India on Friday expressed deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties in Lebanon amid continued strikes by Israel despite the two-week ceasefire imposed to halt the month-long conflict in West Asia, reiterating that the protection of civilians remains its foremost priority.

Addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on recent developments in West Asia in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the current situation is "very disturbing", particularly given India's longstanding commitment to peace and stability in the region. He further said that there are about 1000 Indian nationals living in Lebanon.

"We are deeply concerned by reports of a large number of civilian casualties that have been reported in Lebanon. As a troop-contributing country to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)--which is invested in Lebanon's peace and security--the trajectory of events is very disturbing," Jaiswal said. 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says reopening the Strait of Hormuz is vital to strengthening a “fragile” ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Speaking Friday as he left Qatar after a three-day visit to the Gulf, Starmer said leaders in the region were adamant that “there can’t be tolling or restrictions” on commercial shipping through the waterway, which has effectively been shut by Iran. 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: A top Iranian medical official reported the death toll in the war with Israel and the U.S. exceeds 3,000. Abbas Masjedi, head of the Legal Medicine Organization, cited “more than 3,000” killed without specifying civilian or military casualties. No definitive toll has been released.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed their commitment to collaborate on calming tensions and ensuring stable energy supplies. They discussed West Asia developments and international shipping, with Jaishankar acknowledging Indian lives lost in the conflict.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Hezbollah claims its fighters are launching rockets at Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Misgav Am, stating attacks will persist until Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon ceases, as per a Telegram statement.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Ukrainian military downed Iranian-designed Shahed drones in several Middle Eastern countries, aiding partners against weapons Russia uses in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy confirmed active operations abroad with domestic interceptors, emphasizing support for modern air defense systems before a ceasefire was reached.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Starting Saturday, all bank branches nationwide, including headquarters in Tehran, will be fully operational, reports IRNA news agency.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: A US Navy MQ-4C Triton drone vanished over the Strait of Hormuz after issuing an in-flight emergency alert. It had completed about three hours of surveillance and was returning to Italy when it began descending, veering toward Iran before losing altitude and disappearing.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: In the last hour, sirens have alerted the northern Galilee region to rockets launched from southern Lebanon. The Israeli army reported that 60 rockets struck northern Israel, with longer-range projectiles targeting Ashdod and Haifa. There is significant concern in Israel about Hezbollah's capabilities; if they can still reach the southwest, it poses a serious threat.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reports that Israel targeted the town of Sarafand with two air strikes since dawn. Israeli forces also targeted the Khirbat al-Duwayr area on the outskirts of al-Baysariyah, according to the NNA report.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: A security operations room is set up in Islamabad's Ministry of Interior, anticipating potential talks between Iran and the U.S.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Asian markets see gains as investors watch the US-Iran ceasefire; Japanese, South Korean, Chinese, and Hong Kong indexes rise, while Australia's ASX 200 falls. Oil prices increase amid concerns over Strait of Hormuz restrictions and ceasefire stability.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: US President Donald Trump criticized right-wing media figures, including Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, over differing views on US operations in Iran. In a Truth Social post, he called them "NUT JOBS" and "TROUBLEMAKERS," accusing them of seeking "cheap publicity" and suggesting they secretly support Iran's nuclear ambitions.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Pakistan said Friday it would issue visas on arrival for those traveling to Islamabad for the Iran-U.S. talks, signaling the interest in the world’s media in the event.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Israeli air strikes persist on Sidon, Nabatieh, and southern areas, including a drone strike on a vehicle. A surveillance drone surveils Beirut, prompting renewed evacuations in the southern suburbs, affecting shelters and hospitals. The World Health Organisation warns hospitals are at full capacity, treating 450 patients amidst ongoing casualties.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: South Korea's Foreign Ministry has appointed former ambassador Chung Byung-ha as special envoy to Iran, tasked with ensuring safe passage for South Korean vessels and citizens in the Middle East. This decision follows a phone call between Foreign Ministers Cho Hyun and Abbas Araghchi, amid ongoing shipping blockages in the Strait of Hormuz.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: The hacker group Handala, linked to Iran, announced a pause in cyberattacks on the U.S. following a ceasefire, while maintaining operations against other targets, particularly Israel. They were instructed by leadership to halt U.S. confrontations but emphasized their ability to target American infrastructure. The “cyber war” continues against Israel.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Kamal Kharrazi, former Iranian foreign minister and head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, has died from injuries sustained in a Tehran attack that also killed his wife. He was a prominent figure in Iran's political landscape.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: The dollar is poised for its largest weekly decline since January, driven by optimism about a potential ceasefire in the Gulf. Market direction may depend on U.S.-Iran discussions. Following a weak ceasefire agreement, the dollar index has dropped 1.3% this week, unwinding its earlier safety position amidst rising oil prices.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: The IDF Chief of Staff emphasized the ongoing combat operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, asserting the IDF's commitment to protecting northern residents, while noting significant achievements against Iran, which has weakened since the war began.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: In recent hours, the IDF targeted around 10 launchers that fired at the northern region, conducting airstrikes, and is actively engaged in locating and destroying more launchers.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Kuwait’s National Guard's Brigadier General Dr. Jadaan Fadel reported that a National Guard site was targeted by hostile drones, causing significant material damage but no human injuries. Security measures were promptly initiated by the authorities.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied attacking Persian Gulf states, attributing any such reports to the “Zionist enemy or America.” Nevertheless, the Guard has attacked civilian targets and could be employing Shiite militias in Iraq for strikes, allowing Iran to maintain plausible deniability before ongoing diplomatic discussions.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Kuwait accused Iran and its proxies of drone attacks on vital facilities during a two-week ceasefire, while Saudi Arabia reported damage to a key pipeline. This escalates tensions before U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad, impacting ceasefire efforts.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Israel criticized Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for his statement advocating for Israel's annihilation, questioning Pakistan's neutrality in US-Iran negotiations. Israel's Prime Minister's Office condemned the remarks as outrageous and unacceptable from a purported neutral party in peace efforts.

Ahead of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, a rift arose between Israel and Pakistan after Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused Israel of "genocide" in Lebanon. In response, Israel condemned Asif’s remarks as "outrageous," questioning Pakistan's credibility as a neutral mediator amid peace negotiations, given his call for Israel's annihilation.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: UK PM Keir Starmer toured the Gulf region after a ceasefire was announced between Iran and the U.S. He met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, expressing solidarity with the UAE against Iranian attacks. They discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and enhancing UK-UAE relations. Starmer also visited Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Iranian media claims of an Iranian delegation in Islamabad for talks with US officials are false. Negotiations are suspended until the U.S. fulfills ceasefire commitments and Israel halts attacks.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Trump criticized Iran for reportedly charging fees on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, stating it's a violation of agreements. He emphasized the need for Iran to stop this practice immediately. The White House backs reopening the strait as part of a ceasefire, opposing Iran's military efforts to collect tolls.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi announced the release of 20 days’ worth of oil reserves starting in early May. Japan relies on the Middle East for 95% of oil and has 230 days’ supply in stockpiles.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Australian PM Anthony Albanese visits Singapore to strengthen fuel supply ties amid disruptions from the Iran conflict. Australia, reliant on imports for 90% of its refined petroleum, sources over a quarter from Singapore. Albanese will meet with Lawrence Wong and tour key oil facilities.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: UNICEF reports that escalated hostilities in Lebanon have severely impacted children, with recent Israeli airstrikes killing 33 and injuring 153. Since March 2, over 600 children have died or been harmed. Approximately 390,000 of the displaced one million people are children, urging all parties to protect civilians under international humanitarian law.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed there is "no ceasefire in Lebanon," pledging to continue military operations against Hezbollah. He announced direct negotiations with Lebanon aimed at disarming Hezbollah and establishing a historic peace agreement, following requests from the Lebanese government.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 3: Trump warned Iran against charging fees to tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, stating in a Truth Social post that reports indicate such actions. He emphasized that Tehran should cease any such practices immediately.

After Israel PM Netanyahu begins negotiations with Lebanon, talks are expected to begin next week at the State Department in Washington.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iran will allow no more than 15 vessels per day to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian source told TASS ahead of talks in Islamabad.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said his meeting with Trump a day earlier included a “frank” and “candid” exchange. Rutte acknowledged that European allies “were a bit slow” to provide logistical support.

“In fairness, they were also a bit surprised,” Rutte said. “To maintain the element of surprise for the initial strikes, President Trump opted not to inform allies ahead of time, and I understand that.”

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: United States President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back Israel's military operations in Lebanon, NBC News reported.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon ‘as soon as possible.’ He gave the order in response to requests from Lebanon and that talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the neighbouring countries. He welcomed a call by Lebanon’s prime minister to demilitarize Beirut.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that “the severity with which Israel is waging war" in Lebanon could cause "the failure of the peace process as a whole, and that must not happen.”

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Hezbollah is seeking a ceasefire. Israeli strikes killed more than 200 militants in the past day, bringing the total to over 1,400 in the current fighting, he mentioned.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: South Korea’s ambassador to Lebanon has urged its citizens in the country to leave as soon as possible. It said that the scope and intensity of Israeli strikes are expanding to levels “incomparable to before.”

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The head of the US military’s Central Command said his forces “remain present” in the Middle East as a two-week ceasefire has taken effect. “Iran has suffered a generational military defeat,” U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper said. “The United States and Israel systematically destroyed Iran’s ability to conduct large-scale military operations for years to come,” he added.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country will continue its strikes against the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon “with force, precision and determination”.

“Whoever acts against the citizens of Israel will be harmed,” Netanyahu wrote on his social media.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the decision on Thursday following Israeli strikes a day earlier that killed over 200 people.

He said the surge of attacks was a “blatant violation” of international and humanitarian law and undermines ongoing efforts to halt the war.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: South Korea will dispatch a special envoy to Iran to discuss the crisis in the Middle East as it calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun called for the swift resumption of safe and free navigation for all vessels, including South Korean ships. 
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned Thursday on X that continued Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon would bring "explicit costs and STRONG responses." Insisting that the two-week ceasefire extends to Lebanon, a claim denied by both Israel and the US. 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recorded its first several hours of zero detected air threats since the regional war broke out on February 28. Following the implementation of a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, UAE air defense systems reported that no ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, or UAVs were launched toward the federation from Iranian territory.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: A significant diplomatic rift has emerged over the scope of the two-week ceasefire, with Iranian officials insisting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that the agreement protects all its regional allies. This follows statements from both the Iranian President’s Assistant and Deputy, who claimed that mediators in Islamabad have confirmed the inclusion of Iran’s partners in the ceasefire.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: In a significant escalation of regional tensions on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the United Arab Emirates issued its strongest condemnation yet of Iran’s ongoing maritime blockade. Despite the current two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, the waterway remains virtually impassable for international commerce.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and local media outlets confirmed on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that at least three journalists were killed in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours. The deaths occurred in both Gaza City and Southern Lebanon, highlighting the continued peril for media workers despite the 14-day U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni delivered a firm address to Parliament on Thursday, April 9, 2026, revealing that her government has "repeatedly" pressured Israel to end its military escalation in Lebanon. The statement highlights growing European frustration as Israeli operations continue despite the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appeared at Jomhouri Republic Square in Tehran to lead the national commemoration marking 40 days since the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The ceremony, occurring during a fragile two-week ceasefire, saw a massive public turnout that state media characterized as one of the largest mourning gatherings in the country's history.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that Israel will not halt its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite the 14-day ceasefire currently in effect between the United States and Iran, Netanyahu emphasized that the campaign—known as Operation Roaring Lion—will proceed "with force, precision, and determination."

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: On Thursday, April 9, 2026, maritime intelligence reports confirmed that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly vanished, despite the commencement of a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: On Thursday, April 9, 2026, hundreds of demonstrators in New York City and dozens in London took to the streets to protest ongoing military actions against Iran and Lebanon. The rallies occurred during a fragile 14-day ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, with protesters demanding that the temporary pause be made permanent.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The Israel Defense Forces reported on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that troops have uncovered a strategic tunnel shaft in Southern Lebanon leading to a significant cache of Hezbollah weapons, including explosives, rockets, and RPG launchers.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Across the Islamic Republic, millions of Iranians gathered on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to observe the Chehelom (40th day of mourning) for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, top military commanders, and the children killed in the Minab school strike. The commemorations, falling within a fragile two-week ceasefire, transformed city squares into massive displays of both grief and nationalistic defiance.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Chinese Defense Ministry officially rejected allegations that Beijing has provided military or intelligence support to Iran during the ongoing conflict. The denial follows a series of reports suggesting that Chinese entities have been assisting the Islamic Republic in tracking U.S. and Israeli military assets.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: In a significant diplomatic shift on Thursday, April 9, 2026, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that Spain will immediately reopen its embassy in Tehran. The decision comes as a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran provides a narrow window for renewed regional diplomacy. Israel criticized Spain for the decision, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calling Spain “an eternal disgrace” on X.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: As a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran takes hold, Tehran’s municipal government has launched a visual solidarity campaign across the city's transit network. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Mayor of Tehran announced the installation of large-scale posters in metro stations bearing the message “We will not leave Lebanon alone.”

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: In a move to ensure absolute security for the most critical diplomatic engagement of the 40-day conflict, the Pakistani government has declared a two-day local holiday in the capital, Islamabad, and the neighboring garrison city of Rawalpindi on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10, 2026. The lockdown aims to facilitate the arrival of high-level delegations following the 11th-hour announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The Masnaa-Jdeidet Yabous border crossing, the primary land artery between Lebanon and Syria, officially returned to service on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The reopening comes five days after the Israeli military (IDF) issued a stark warning that it intended to strike the facility, alleging its use by Hezbollah for smuggling military hardware.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: In her parliamentary speech, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that extra Iranian duties in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to unpredictable economic consequences, advocating for unrestricted freedom of movement and suggesting the EU consider suspending the Stability and Growth Pact if the Iranian crisis worsens.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iran’s Atomic Energy Chief Mohammad Eslami asserts Iran's uranium enrichment program will continue without restrictions, emphasizing that “the enemy won’t succeed” and that “no law or person can stop us”.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Air France has suspended flights to major Middle Eastern cities, including Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, and Riyadh, until May 3, 2026, due to security risks from ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflicts, with operations subject to security assessments.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Pakistan condemned Israeli aggression against Lebanon, labeling it a violation of international law and regional sovereignty. The Foreign Office urged the international community to act against this aggression, reaffirming support for Lebanon's sovereignty and solidarity with its government and people.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, marking the first official contact since Iran's attacks on Gulf states. The discussion aimed to review developments and explore ways to reduce tensions and restore security and stability in the region.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced plans for a mission to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz, pending the end of fighting, with around 15 nations, including France, ready to participate once calm is restored.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israel ⁠said on ​Thursday it had killed ​the nephew of Naim Qassem, the ​leader of the ​Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, in ‌a ⁠strike on Beirut overnight. "The IDF struck in ​the ​Beirut ⁠area and eliminated Ali ​Yusuf Harshi, ​the ⁠personal secretary and nephew of ⁠Hezbollah ​Secretary-General ​Naim Qassem," the military ​said.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan has deleted an online post saying that Tehran’s negotiating team would arrive Thursday night in Islamabad. Reza Amiri Moghadam made the initial comment on X, without identifying who was on the Iranian team. Then he deleted it without comment.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israeli military expands ground operations in southern Lebanon, gaining control and reportedly killing dozens of Hezbollah fighters while seizing firearms, magazines, and explosives in the past week.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The Directorate General of Shipping’s Circular 21 of 2026 advises Indian seafarers in Iranian waters to remain indoors, stay onboard vessels, coordinate with the Embassy, and maintain vigilance amidst the security situation.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Oil prices climbed above $97 a barrel, with Brent crude increasing 2.9% to $97.46 and U.S. crude rising 3.7% to $97.94 amid doubts about a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Asian stocks declined, with Japan's Nikkei 225 down 0.8%, South Korea's Kospi falling 1.7%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng decreasing 0.2%, and Shanghai Composite dropping 0.8%.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: On the first day of the ceasefire, only four vessels were tracked through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Kpler. This count excludes “dark fleet” vessels, which carry sanctioned Iranian crude oil without activating their AIS trackers.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, announced an Iranian delegation will visit Islamabad tonight for discussions on Iran's 10-point peace plan, despite skepticism regarding Israeli sabotage of the initiative.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that the US-Iran ceasefire should encompass Lebanon, condemning Israel's attacks, and insisted on toll-free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: JLN Port Authority received the Green Asha, an India-flagged vessel, carrying 15,400 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict. This marked the first LPG vessel's arrival at JNPA since the war's onset. The operations remain secure, emphasizing maritime resilience in geopolitical turmoil and ensuring continued essential LPG supply to India.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Israeli forces have conducted air attacks on the town of Harouf in southern Lebanon, with reports also indicating another attack on al-Duwair, also known as Kherbet el-Doueir.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Vice-President Kaja Kallas visited Saudi Arabia to discuss transitioning a US-Iran truce into lasting peace. In talks with Saudi officials, she stressed the importance of a stronger EU-Gulf partnership for stability in the Middle East, highlighting the urgency for enhanced cooperation in security and defense amid ongoing regional uncertainties.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The US is asking European allies for concrete plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz within days, following discussions between American and NATO officials, including meetings at the White House, Pentagon, and State Department, according to a senior official.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for a ceasefire involving Lebanon alongside the US and Iran. He described the truce as a crucial but delicate advance, acknowledging Australians' concerns about the situation's global ramifications.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: US Vice President JD Vance rejected claims of Lebanon's involvement in truce talks with Tehran, emphasizing that the ceasefire focuses solely on Iran and American allies, specifically Israel and Gulf Arab states, without any promises regarding Lebanon.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Pakistan has declared two days of local holidays in Islamabad ahead of expected talks between the United States and Iran, signalling heightened security preparations for the high-level diplomatic engagement. Authorities issued the notification for Thursday and Friday across the Islamabad Capital Territory, a move often associated with major international visits.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Semiofficial Iranian news agencies reported that the Revolutionary Guard allegedly placed sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict. A chart indicated a "danger zone" in the Traffic Separation Scheme, suggesting ships reroute near Larak Island. This coincides with ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Trump announced on Truth Social that the US will deploy military resources against a degraded enemy, warning of severe consequences if agreements aren't followed, emphasizing no nuclear weapons and ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open and safe.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Australia will underwrite Ampol and Viva Energy's fuel purchases at inflated prices due to supply disruptions potentially lasting long, according to Prime Minister Albanese. The government will oversee fuel distribution, prioritizing regions with fuel shortages, before his meeting with Singapore's Prime Minister.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Lebanon faces extensive Israeli airstrikes amidst conflict with Hezbollah, resulting in over 250 civilian deaths. The United Nations emphasizes that civilians should not be targets in this ongoing violence.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iranian state media reports the IRGC Navy has established alternative traffic routes in the Strait of Hormuz to help ships avoid potential sea mines. Vessels must coordinate with the IRGC Navy and follow designated paths. For entry, ships should travel from the Sea of Oman north of Larak Island, and for exit, south of Larak Island towards the Sea of Oman.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Early Thursday, sirens sounded in Israeli communities near Kiryat Shmona due to Hezbollah’s rocket fire, which targeted Manara. Hezbollah vowed to persist with attacks until Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon ends.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Lebanon’s health ministry reported 182 deaths from Israeli strikes on Wednesday, the highest toll in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Strikes targeted central Beirut amid a fragile ceasefire. Total casualties now stand at 1,739 dead and 5,873 wounded since the war began over five weeks ago.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Trump criticized NATO, stating it "wasn't there when we needed them" and questioned their reliability. This statement came after a private meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. Rutte acknowledged Trump’s disappointment but highlighted the positive contributions of many European nations regarding logistics and commitments, emphasizing cooperation on Iran's nuclear capacity.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Hezbollah launched rockets at Manara settlement in northern Israel, citing Israel's ceasefire violations. They vowed to continue this response until aggression against Lebanon ceases, according to Telegram.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel for breaching international and humanitarian laws, calling for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions. It expressed solidarity with Lebanon, urging international accountability for Israeli actions. Recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon resulted in at least 254 fatalities and numerous injuries.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: At a Beijing press conference, Iran's ambassador requested support from allies and the UN for Tehran's long-term security linked to the U.S.-Iran deal. China remained noncommittal, advocating for resolution through dialogue and negotiation instead of guarantees.

 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Leavitt criticized NATO allies for inadequate support in the U.S. and Israel's conflict in Iran, referencing Trump’s past remarks. She claimed NATO has betrayed Americans in recent weeks during Trump's meeting with NATO's Secretary-General.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: The White House announced that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will head the U.S. negotiating team in discussions with Iran to achieve a permanent end to war. The delegation will also include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with talks starting Friday in Islamabad, highlighting Vance's significant involvement in the process.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Trump criticized NATO on Truth Social for not supporting the US-Israel war on Iran, claiming they weren’t dependable in the past and threatening to seize Greenland from Denmark, alarming European allies.

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the original Iranian 10-point plan was unacceptable and discarded by Trump. However, a new plan has been presented, aligning with the U.S. 15-point proposal for peace negotiations.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, responding to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which jeopardized a fragile ceasefire after over a month of conflict. The U.S. and Iran declared victory, but tensions escalated with intensified Israeli strikes in Beirut, resulting in at least 112 deaths and hundreds wounded.
 

US-Iran Ceasefire Day 2: Wednesday's strikes in central Beirut caused at least 837 injuries and contributed to over 1,500 deaths in Lebanon within the past month, marking one of the deadliest days in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Displacement exceeds 1 million.