US-Iran War: US Military Leaders Brief Trump on Potential New Iran Plans, UAE Imposes Travel Ban on Iran, Lebanon & Iraq

US-Iran War LIVE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shared a video of himself exercising to reassure the public of his physical wellbeing. The footage, which shows the Prime Minister engaged in a workout routine.

US-Iran War LIVE: Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has issued a stark warning regarding the nation's future, asserting that Israel is currently on the brink of collapse. Bennett attributed this dire assessment to a combination of a critical military manpower shortage and systemic government mismanagement.

US-Iran War LIVE: A new joint poll conducted by ABC News, The Washington Post, and Ipsos reveals that 61% of Americans now believe the decision to use military force against Iran was a mistake. The findings highlight a significant shift in public sentiment as the conflict continues, with disapproval levels now drawing comparisons to public opposition during the Iraq and Vietnam wars.

US-Iran War LIVE: The Iranian Embassy in London has issued a formal statement categorically rejecting any connection to recent violent events in the United Kingdom. The rebuttal follows a counter-terrorism investigation into a stabbing in North London and warnings from British officials regarding potential state-linked interference.

US-Iran War LIVE: A new S&P Global survey reveals that British manufacturers are bracing for a period of intense economic strain as the conflict in the Middle East severely disrupts global trade. In April, cost pressures for UK factories jumped at the fastest rate since mid-2022, driven largely by the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz.

US-Iran War LIVE: The Israel Defense Forces released a 24-hour operational summary detailing a series of targeted strikes against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon. According to military officials, Israeli forces dismantled more than 40 infrastructure sites belonging to the group during the latest window of activity.

US-Iran War LIVE: Iran Supreme Court Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei stated that Tehran has consistently engaged in negotiations with the US, asserting a preference for diplomacy rooted in logic. He emphasized Iran's unwillingness to accept imposition, asserting that aggression yields no negotiating power. Additionally, he announced plans to pursue legal action against Washington for compensation and accountability for war crimes.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Israel reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the naval blockade on Gaza, responding to a Hamas-led flotilla perceived as a provocation. The Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to the Greek government for allowing the activists to disembark on its shores. In a post on X, Israel emphasized that the humanitarian efforts in Gaza are overseen by the Board of Peace, asserting that the flotilla aims to distract from Hamas's disarmament refusal.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Israeli strikes on Nabatieh al-Fawqa have killed two and injured at least 10, according to Lebanon’s health minister. Additional raids occurred in Haris and Al-Tayri, with shelling in Kfarchouba and surrounding towns.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Ayatollah Mohsen Qomi, a member of the Assembly of Experts, rejected US claims regarding the health of Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, affirming his well-being. He characterized such inquiries as tactics by the West to provoke reactions and spread rumors. Qomi emphasized that questions about the Leader's health are strategic ploys by enemies to create doubt. He assured that, despite injuries, Iranian officials remain dedicated to preserving the Supreme Leader's life.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the US for its so-called “self-defense” narrative regarding attacks on Iran, emphasizing the lack of justification for aggression. He criticized a US State Department document that claimed military action was taken for collective self-defense of Israel and questioned the existence of any armed attack from Iran to justify such actions.

US-Iran War LIVE: Axios reports that two senior U.S. officials confirmed a military briefing with President Trump on Thursday. Admiral Brad Cooper and General Dan Caine presented new plans for potential actions against Iran, focusing on strategies for strikes as the administration considers its next steps in the conflict.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: The United Arab Emirates has imposed a travel ban on its citizens traveling to Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq due to rising regional tensions linked to the Middle East conflict. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited the need to protect Emirati nationals, especially amid threats such as missile attacks by Iran on Gulf infrastructure. The ministry also urged UAE nationals in these countries to return immediately, ensuring the government's commitment to their safety abroad.

US-Iran War LIVE: Top Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, seek to remove Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, accusing him of favoring the Revolutionary Guard's views in US negotiations. Disagreements among officials hinge on whether to include Tehran's nuclear program in talks to end the war and solidify the ceasefire.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: The US Embassy in Lebanon emphasized that the country faces a pivotal moment for its people to reclaim independence. It highlighted that the opportunity exists for Lebanon to present its legitimate demands to the US Government. The Embassy expressed hope that direct engagement between Lebanon and Israel could initiate a national revival, noting the extended Cessation of Hostilities, achieved at President Trump's request, has created space for these discussions.

US-Iran War LIVE: US media reports indicate that Iran is using the ceasefire with the US to recover weapons hidden or buried due to past strikes. Iran is reportedly intensifying efforts to excavate missiles and munitions to quickly rebuild its drone and missile capabilities. US officials believe this is aimed at preparing for potential attacks across the Middle East should President Trump decide to resume military operations.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed during an interview that he believes an imminent military strike is likely, based on briefings and sources. He found this prospect troubling, as it may risk American lives and cause significant casualties.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, has responded to a letter from six Arab states regarding regional tensions, accusing them of complicity in military actions against Iran. He claimed these states facilitated US-Israeli aggression by providing military bases for airstrikes against Iran. Defending Tehran’s military actions, Iravani argued that Iran's responses align with global legal standards and asserted its legitimate right to self-defense as outlined in the UN Charter in reaction to the alleged aggression.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump suggested a potential reduction of troop presence in Italy and Spain, criticizing them for their stances on the ongoing Iran conflict. This has intensified the growing rift between the US and its European allies. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed he is reconsidering troop levels, stating, "Yeah, probably, I probably will."
 

US-Iran War LIVE: The Iranian Embassy in London criticized what it termed a "fabricated negative media environment" in the UK, rejecting claims linking Tehran to recent violence. In a statement on X, it argued that these "baseless accusations" lack evidence, serve political agendas, and distract from the actual causes of terrorism and extremism.

US-Iran War LIVE: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that continued blockage will increase costs to humanity. He stressed the importance of allowing all ships to pass to support the global economy. Guterres warned that if navigation freedom is not reinstated by year’s end, the world could face a major recession, with soaring inflation and plummeting growth leading to significant suffering, particularly among vulnerable populations.

US-Iran War LIVE: CENTCOM reported that US Navy ships are restocking with vital supplies, including fuel and munitions. Photographs shared on social media depict supplies being loaded onto the USS Delbert D Black, supporting the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. Additionally, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth informed the Senate that the US military's costs in the Iran war have reached $25bn, with some estimates suggesting higher figures.

US-Iran War LIVE: For War Powers ​Resolution purposes, the ‌United States' hostilities with Iran that ​started in ​February have "terminated", a ⁠senior Trump administration ​official said ​late on Thursday. "Both parties agreed to a ​2-week ceasefire ​on Tuesday, April 7 ‌that ⁠has since been extended," the official said. "There has ​been ​no ⁠exchange of fire between ​U.S. Armed ​Forces ⁠and Iran since Tuesday, April ⁠7".

 

US-Iran War LIVE: Iran threatened "long and painful strikes" on U.S. positions if Washington launched renewed attacks, while also reaffirming its claim to the Strait of Hormuz, complicating U.S. coalition efforts. A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards official warned that even limited U.S. strikes would provoke serious retaliation, and Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi referenced the fate of U.S. regional bases.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating he is doing a "terrible job" amid domestic issues like immigration and energy, as well as the Ukraine conflict. During an executive order signing at the Oval Office, Trump responded to Merz’s criticisms regarding Iran by questioning whether he wanted Iran to possess nuclear weapons, to which Merz replied no, reinforcing Trump's stance.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth informed lawmakers that the Trump administration does not need congressional authorization for ongoing military actions in Iran, citing a ceasefire that pauses legal war powers deadlines. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a president must seek congressional approval or cease operations within 60 days, but Hegseth believes that timeline is currently inapplicable.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US CENTCOM reported that 44 commercial vessels have been ordered to turn around or return to port due to naval blockade operations against Iran. They stated that US Marines on USS New Orleans are actively participating in these operations in the Arabian Sea, ensuring maritime security.

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are progressing privately, known only to a small group within his administration. He expressed uncertainty about Iran's leadership, calling it "a little bit of a problem." However, Trump asserted that Tehran desires an agreement and claimed that US pressure tactics are significantly harming Iran's economy.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla by the Israeli Navy, praising their success in preventing the vessels from reaching Gaza. He emphasized adherence to his instruction against the Hamas-supporting flotilla.]

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump claimed that American intervention has prevented mass executions in Iran during internal unrest, asserting that 42,000 people were killed in two months. He expressed appreciation for saving eight women from execution. Trump characterized US actions as a military operation rather than war, noting Iran’s economy is collapsing from sanctions, which have severely diminished its military capabilities.
 

Iran War LIVE: FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino has announced that Iran will definitely participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“And of course, Iran will play the United States of America,” he added.

Iran War LIVE: Israel’s Northern Command's Commander Rafi Milo has said that Israeli forces have pushed 10km into Lebanese territory.

“We do not intend to pull back from the line. What we’re doing is significant, and we still have much to do,” he said, adding, that this is a “long war" and the military is prepared to continue as long as needed to dismantle Hezbollah.

Several casualties have been reported in Lebanon following Israeli airstrikes.

Iran War LIVE: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has told Iran to come to the negotiating table and stop taking the entire region hostage. “The military nuclear program in Iran must be ended,” he further demanded, saying, “There must be no more strikes against Israel and the partners in the region.”

Iran War LIVE: On the occasion of Persian Gulf National Day, Iran Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf said that Iranians had expelled European colonizers from the Persian Gulf in 1622 AD after they occupied the area for 115 years. “Today as well, Iran, by exercising control over the Strait of Hormuz, will ensure that it and its neighbors enjoy the precious blessing of a future free from the presence and interference of America,” he added.

Iran War LIVE: Iran's Navy Commander Admiral Shahram Irani has announced that the Middle Eastern country will reveal a "powerful" new weapon that will frighten its enemies. He warned that Iran would "very soon" confront its enemies with a weapon "right next to them," adding, "I hope they won't have a heart attack." 

Iran War LIVE: President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian has said that efforts to enforce naval limitations and blockades violate international laws, global peace and stability, and are destined to fail.
 

Iran War LIVE: During his public address, Mojtaba Khamenei expressed confidence that the future of Persian Gulf will be without America. He added, “America's puppet bases do not have the strength and ability to ensure their own security, let alone that there is any hope that America will provide security for its dependents and American-loving people in the region.”

Iran War LIVE: Iran Supremo Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday issued a rare public address, in which he warned the Americans that the only place they belong in the Persian Gulf is at the bottom of its waters. His written statement was read aloud on state TV.

During his address, Khamenei noted that two months have passed since the “world's tyrants' largest military mobilization and aggression” in the region and America's “humiliating defeat” in its own scheme. He added that now a new chapter for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is taking shape.

US-Iran War LIVE: Israel reported killing five Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon amid backlash over its strikes in Majdal Zoun that resulted in at least five deaths, including three rescue workers and a soldier, while ceasefire violations have caused over 2,500 fatalities.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Persian Gulf National Day that the Persian Gulf should not be a venue for foreign interference, specifically targeting the U.S. amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that efforts to impose blockades or maritime restrictions on Iran are destined to fail. In a statement on X, he asserted the Strait of Hormuz represents national sovereignty and Iran's commitment to ensuring regional security as the guardian of the Persian Gulf.

US-Iran War LIVE: The U.S. is pushing for other countries to form an international coalition to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters, as oil prices surged to their highest in more than four ​years on fears of longer-term disruptions to global fuel supplies.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Fifty-two Iranian vessels, including 31 oil tankers and 21 cargo ships, crossed a US-imposed blockade in 72 hours, according to Fars News Agency. This follows the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' announcement of a maritime closure in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating conflict with the US and Israel. 

US-Iran War LIVE: Israeli forces attacked a water station in Batouliyeh, crucial for residents, and also exploded a tourist resort in al-Bayyad, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: The U.S. war in Iran has incurred costs of $25 billion, a Pentagon official announced. As midterm elections approach, Democrats capitalize on negative public sentiment towards the war, aiming to connect its unpopularity to economic concerns, challenging Trump's Republican majority.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: The Israeli military launched an interceptor at a "suspicious aerial target" in southern Lebanon, with results under review. The target did not enter Israeli territory. Additionally, sirens were activated in Zar’it, close to the Lebanese border.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: The IRGC stated that the Trump administration transitioned from "managing the world's energy" to a "disruption" strategy. They claim this disruption project aims to contain China, Russia, and Europe, marking Iran as the focal point of the coalition against it. The IRGC believes the US assessment of this project's failure is deepening.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper will brief President Trump on potential military operations in Iran. Plans include targeted strikes on infrastructure, seizing the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, and a special forces mission to secure Iran’s enriched uranium, with General Dan Caine present.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump shared an image on Truth Social bearing the message “The Storm is Coming”, alongside the phrase “Nothing can stop what is coming”.

US-Iran War LIVE: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that nearly $500 million in Iranian cryptocurrency assets have been seized, attributing this to “Operation Economic Fury,” which he claims has caused a crisis in Tehran. Bessent noted that Trump escalated pressure on Iran last year and is urging foreign entities to sever ties with the country, warning of potential sanctions. Iran dismissed these efforts, claiming they would only raise oil prices.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Trump plans to maintain a naval blockade against Iran until a peace deal is reached. Reports indicate that US Central Command has ready a "short and powerful" wave of strikes aimed at Iranian infrastructure. Trump will receive a briefing on military options from CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, suggesting he may consider major combat operations. Trump has rejected Iran's proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz amidst these tensions.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump signalled a hardening stance against Tehran on Wednesday, suggesting a U.S. naval blockade of Iran could persist for months while provocatively sharing a modified map on Truth Social that renamed the Strait of Hormuz as the "Strait of Trump".

US-Iran War LIVE: Oil prices rose further on Thursday due to concerns that supply from the Middle East will remain constrained amid stalled U.S.-Israeli negotiations with Iran. Brent crude for June increased by $1.91 to $119.94 a barrel, marking a ninth consecutive rise, while the July contract was up 94 cents at $111.38.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: President Trump stated that his administration is considering a reduction of U.S. troops in Germany due to NATO allies, including Germany, not contributing naval support to secure the Strait of Hormuz. A decision will be made soon.

US-Iran War LIVE: Iran's Parliament Speaker, MB Ghalibaf, in an audio message, stated the nation would overcome adversaries’ "deceitful plan." He accused Trump of trying to induce surrender via "internal discord and naval blockade," praising Iranians' resilience and wishing them strength.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the blockade has significantly disrupted Iran's oil trade. "Today, US forces achieved a significant milestone after successfully redirecting the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to violate the blockade. This is a reflection of the outstanding work America's sons and daughters in uniform are doing to prevent maritime commerce from entering or exiting Iranian ports," he said.

US-Iran War LIVE: Iran's armed forces have warned that the ongoing US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will provoke "practical and unprecedented military action." Iran maintains that patience has limits and promises a "punishing response" if the United States persists with its "illegal" actions. A high-ranking security source cautioned that if US "obstinacy" continues, a different kind of response akin to "maritime banditry" will soon be expected.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: Danny Danon announced on X that a provocative flotilla was intercepted before reaching Israel. He praised Israeli soldiers for their professionalism while addressing the group of attention-seeking agitators in international waters.

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump deemed the US naval blockade against Iran as "genius," claiming it forces Tehran to concede defeat. He dismissed any potential agreements unless Iran renounces its nuclear ambitions, stating the blockade is “100% foolproof” and highlights the strength of the US Navy. Trump emphasized the superiority of the US military, which he has significantly built up.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with NATO allies' responses to US requests regarding Ukraine and Iran, highlighting their lack of support. He noted that he sought assistance to gauge their reliability during a recent call for help with Ukraine, emphasizing that while allies are involved, their actions did not meet US expectations. Regarding Iran, he criticized NATO for not being supportive, stating, "they weren't there." In contrast, Trump praised UK's King Charles II following the monarch’s address to the US Congress.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump praised the UAE's decision to leave OPEC and OPEC+, stating it could lower global oil and gas prices. He described UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a smart leader who may prefer an independent path, which Trump believes could benefit gas and oil prices. Trump acknowledged existing issues within OPEC during his remarks.
 

US-Iran War LIVE: India's top airlines, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo, will resume full operations at Hamad International Airport (DOH) starting May 1, 2026. This follows the joint US-Israeli military campaign, Operation Epic Fury, which targeted Iran and sparked regional unrest. The carriers aim to reconnect Doha with major Indian cities and regional hubs.