Key Updates

• Trump says Israel and Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire
• Exclusive | America is in a losing position in the Gulf, but Israel is winning: University of Oklahoma Professor Joshua Landis
• Pakistan PM meets Qatar Emir amid U.S.-Iran talks push
• U.S. forces ready to restart combat if Iran doesn't agree a deal, says Hegseth
• Pakistan Prime Minister in Qatar amid U.S.-Iran talks push

• April 17, 2026 05:43

  Lebanese army reports Israeli 'ceasefire violations'

  Israel has committed ‌violations of a ceasefire ⁠in Lebanon that took ‌effect at midnight, ‌including intermittent ‌shelling ⁠of ⁠several southern Lebanese villages, the Lebanese army ‌said early on Friday (April 17, 2026).

  In a ‌statement, the army called on ⁠citizens to hold ‌off on returning to southern villages and ‌towns. There was no immediate comment from ⁠the Israeli ⁠military.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 04:06

  10-day ceasefire deal between Israel, Lebanon takes effect

  

  10-day ceasefire deal between Israel, Lebanon takes effect

  A historic 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon starts, with potential peace talks ahead, amid ongoing tensions.

• April 17, 2026 02:36

  Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire before truce starts

  Israeli rescue services said two people were injured on Thursday (April 16, 2026) as the army and Iran-backed Hezbollah exchanged new cross-border fire shortly before a truce was due to take effect.

  “The IDF is currently striking launchers from which the Hezbollah terrorist organisation launched rockets to northern Israel a short while ago,” the army said in a statement.

  Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, said in a statement that two people were wounded, one of them seriously, in Karmiel and Nahariya after rocket fire in northern Israel.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 02:06

  Israel army says striking Hezbollah rocket launchers after fire from Lebanon

  The Israeli army said on Thursday (April 16, 2026) it was striking rocket launchers belonging to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah after cross-border rocket fire into northern Israel, shortly before a truce agreed with Lebanon came into effect.

  “The IDF is currently striking launchers from which the Hezbollah terrorist organisation launched rockets to northern Israel a short while ago,” the army said in a statement.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 01:31

  Saudi Arabia says welcomes ceasefire agreement in Lebanon

  Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry on Thursday (April 16, 2026) welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been fighting militant group Hezbollah since last month.

  “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s welcome of the announcement by... Trump of a ceasefire in brotherly Lebanon. It also commended the significant positive role played by President Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Republic, the Lebanese government headed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri,” state news agency SPA reported.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 01:30

  Trump says pope must understand 'nasty world'

  U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday (April 16, 2026) that Pope Leo XIV can say what he likes about world issues, but needs to understand the realities of a “nasty world.”

  The American president and the U.S.-born pontiff have squared off in recent days, with Trump roundly criticizing the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on everything from Iran to immigration.

  Pope Leo meanwhile has said he has a “moral duty” to speak out against war and called Mr. Trump’s threat to attack Iranian civilization “unacceptable.”

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 01:18

  Iran's parliamentary speaker says Lebanon integral part of regional ceasefire

  Iran’s parliamentary speaker on Thursday (April 16, 2026) said Lebanon is an integral part of regional ceasefire.

  Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made these remarks on Iranian state television after meeting Pakistan’s army chief Gen Asim Munir in Tehran.

  U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel in a bid to end the war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

  Iran, Hezbollah’s key patron and ally, has included ending the war in Lebanon as one of its conditions in its talks with Washington, mediated by Pakistan.

  There was no mention about resuming in-person talks with Washington, as both sides gear up for a second round of talks.

  - AP

• April 17, 2026 00:59

  Trump says Iran deal 'very close,' may go to Pakistan to sign

  President Donald Trump said on Thursday (April 16, 2026) that the United States and Iran were “very close” to a peace deal and that he would consider going to Pakistan to sign an agreement.

  Speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr. Trump added that Tehran had agreed to hand over its store of enriched uranium, as the two countries mull further talks in Islamabad.

  “We’re very close to making a deal with Iran,” Mr. Trump said as he left to board his helicopter for a trip to Las Vegas.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 00:58

  Lebanon commits to stopping Hezbollah attacks in Israel ceasefire deal: U.S.

  The U.S. State Department said that the ceasefire reached between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday (April 16, 2026) entails a committment by Beirut to prevent any Hezbollah attacks.

  As part of the 10-day truce that goes into effect on Thursday (April 16, 2026) at 2100 GMT “the Government of Lebanon will take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah... from carrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile activities against Israeli targets,” the State Department said in a statement.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 00:56

  Trump says Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium supply

  US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (April 16, 2026) that Iran has agreed to hand over its store of enriched uranium and that the two sides were “close” to a peace deal to end the war that has engulfed West Asia.

  The United States had earlier threatened to resume airstrikes on the Islamic republic and maintain a naval blockade of its ports if Tehran refused to accept a deal to solve the conflict that broke out on February 28.

  At the same time, on another front in the conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day truce starting on Thursday (April 16, 2026) and said he expected the two countries’ leaders at the White House in “four or five days”.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 00:26

  Lebanon army tells citizens not to return south until Israel truce starts

  Lebanon’s army on Thursday (April 16, 2026) urged people not to return to the country’s southern villages and towns before a ceasefire with Israel takes effect at midnight local time (2100 GMT), and warned against approaching Israeli forces there.

  In a statement, the army command also called on citizens to heed instructions of Lebanese soldiers deployed in the south, where Israeli troops have invaded across the border, and to beware of unexploded ordnance and “suspicious objects”.

  - AFP

• April 17, 2026 00:25

  Ten-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire may be extended by mutual agreement, U.S. says

  Israel ‌and Lebanon will implement a 10-day ceasefire ⁠beginning 5 pm EST (2100 GMT) on Thursday (April 16, 2026) to enable negotiations ‌toward a permanent security and peace agreement, the ‌U.S. State Department ‌said, ⁠adding that the ceasefire ⁠period may be extended by mutual agreement.

  Once the ceasefire takes effect, the ‌Lebanese government will take steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other non-state armed ‌groups in its territory from carrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile ⁠activities against Israel, the U.S. State Department said ‌in a statement whose text Washington said was agreed to by Israel and Lebanon.

  “All parties recognize Lebanon’s security forces ‌as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon’s sovereignty and national defense; no other country or ⁠group has claim to ⁠be the guarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” the statement ‌reads.

  - Reuters

• April 17, 2026 00:06

  Trump says it is 'very important' for Pope Leo to understand Iran is a threat to world

  U.S. President ⁠Donald Trump said on Thursday (April 16, 2026) it was “very ‌important” for Pope ‌Leo to understand ‌that ⁠Iran ⁠is a threat to the world. “The Pope ‌can say what he wants, and I ‌want him to say what he wants, ⁠but I can disagree,” ‌Mr. Trump told reporters outside the White House.

  “The Pope has to ‌understand that this is the real world.”

  - Reuters

• April 17, 2026 00:05

  Trump says he is not sure ceasefire with Iran needs to be extended

  U.S. President Donald Trump on ‌Thursday (April 16, 2026) said ‌he was ‌not ⁠sure ⁠that the ceasefire with Iran needs ‌to be extended.

  “I’m not sure it ‌needs to be extended,” Mr. Trump ⁠told reporters at the ‌White House. “Iran wants to make a deal ‌and we’re dealing very nicely with ⁠them.” 

  - Reuters

• April 17, 2026 00:04

  Trump says next Iran meeting may happen this weekend

  U.S. President ‌Donald Trump said ‌on ‌Thursday ⁠(April 16, 2026) that ⁠the next meeting between the ‌United States and Iran may ‌take place over the weekend, ⁠adding that ‌he is not sure the ceasefire ‌needs to be extended.

  - Reuters

• April 17, 2026 00:03

  Hezbollah reacts to ceasefire announcement

  Hezbollah said in a statement that “any ceasefire must be comprehensive across all Lebanese territory and must not allow the Israeli enemy any freedom of movement.” Hezbollah added that “Israeli occupation on our land grants Lebanon and its people the right to resist it, and this matter will be determined based on how developments unfold,” a stance that could complicate the ceasefire.

  Israel has staged a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, where its forces have been engaged in fierce battles with Hezbollah militants in the border area.

  It is unclear whether Israel would withdraw some or all of its forces as part of the truce.

  - AP

• April 17, 2026 00:01

  Netanyahu says he has agreed to a 10-day ceasefire to give peace with Lebanon a chance

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‌said on Thursday (April 16, 2026) he has ⁠agreed to a temporary 10-day ceasefire in ‌Lebanon to give time ‌to forge ‌U.S. ⁠President Donald Trump’s ⁠initiative for a peace deal between Israel and Lebanon.

  In ‌a video statement, Mr. Netanyahu said a peace ‌deal must include the dismantling of Iran-backed Hezbollah ⁠militants. He added that Israeli forces ‌will remain in southern Lebanon.

  Mr. Netanyahu also said that Mr. Trump assured him ‌that he is determined to continue the blockade ⁠of the Strait of ⁠Hormuz and dismantle Iran’s nuclear ‌capabilities.

  - Reuters

• April 16, 2026 23:59

  Trump says he is not happy with Australia over lack of Hormuz support

  U.S. ⁠President Donald Trump ‌said ‌on ‌Thursday (April 15, 2026) ⁠that ⁠he is not happy ‌with Australia for not ‌assisting the U.S. ⁠with the ‌Strait of Hormuz.

  - Reuters

• April 16, 2026 23:57

  Trump says Lebanon-Israel leaders could meet at White House

  President Donald Trump said ⁠on Thursday (April 16, 2026) ‌after ‌announcing ‌a ⁠10-day ⁠Lebanon-Israel ceasefire that leaders of ‌the two countries ‌could meet at ⁠the White House ‌over the next ‌week or two. 

  - Reuters

• April 16, 2026 23:14

  Israeli strike in south Lebanon kills 7, wounds 33: Health Ministry

  An Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese town of Ghazieh has killed at least seven people and wounded 33, the Health Ministry said Thursday (April 16, 2026), hours before a 10-day ceasefire between the two countries is scheduled to take effect.

  Lebanese state media reported a “massacre against civilians” in the town, noting that rubble removal operations are ongoing, while the health ministry said its toll is “preliminary and not final”.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 23:13

  Hezbollah says ceasefire must not allow Israel freedom of movement in Lebanon

  Hezbollah said on Thursday (April 16, 2026) that ‌the presence of Israeli troops ⁠on Lebanese territory would grant Lebanon ‌and its people “the right ‌to resist,” ‌adding ⁠in its first ⁠comment on a proposed truce that any ceasefire ‌must not allow Israel freedom of movement within ‌Lebanon.

  In a written statement, Hezbollah ally and ⁠speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament Nabih ‌Berri urged Lebanese to “postpone their return to their towns and villages until ‌the situation becomes clearer, in accordance with the ⁠ceasefire agreement.”

  - Reuters

• April 16, 2026 22:33

  EU chief welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as ‘a relief’

  European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen welcomed a 10-day ceasefire declared Thursday (April 16, 2026) between Israel and Lebanon that was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

  “This is a relief, as this conflict has already claimed far too many lives,” Ms. von der Leyen wrote on X, adding that it must lead to “permanent peace”.

  “Europe will continue to call for the full respect of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 22:32

  Lebanese PM ‘welcomes’ Israel ceasefire announced by Trump

  Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he “welcomes” U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 10-day ceasefire with Israel.

  Mr. Salam said he welcomes the ceasefire, “which is a key Lebanese demand that we have pursued since the very first day of the war” between Hezbollah and Israel, after Mr. Trump announced the temporary truce following phone calls with the Presidents of the two countries.

  “As I congratulate all Lebanese on this achievement, I pray for mercy upon the martyrs who have fallen, and I affirm my solidarity with their families,” Mr. Salam said, thanking a number of European and Arab states for their “efforts” to reach a ceasefire.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 21:47

  Iran ‘cautiously optimistic’ about peace talks with U.S.

  Teheran is “cautiously optimistic” about its negotiations on ending hostilities with the United States, the Iranian ambassador to the UN said on Thursday (April 16, 2026), expressing hope for a “meaningful outcome.”

  “Despite our deep mistrust of the United States, stemming from its repeated betrayal of diplomacy, we nevertheless entered the negotiations in good faith and remain cautiously optimistic,” Amir Saeid Iravani said during a meeting of the UN General Assembly.

  He added that if Washington adopts “a rational and constructive approach...these negotiations can lead to a meaningful outcome.”

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 21:41

  Hezbollah lawmaker says Iran envoy briefed group on possible short-term ceasefire

  Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah ‌said the group had ⁠been briefed on a possible short-term ‌ceasefire to start on ‌Thursday ‌night (April 16, 2026) ⁠by Iran’s ambassador ⁠to Beirut.

  Mr. Fadlallah spoke to Reuters minutes ‌before U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a ‌ceasefire would start at 5 p.m. U.S. ⁠eastern time (2:30 p.m. IST). 

  When ‌asked whether Hezbollah would abide by a possible truce, ‌Mr. Fadlallah said everything depended on Israel halting all ⁠forms of hostilities.

  - Reuters

• April 16, 2026 21:36

  French President dials PM Modi; leaders call for restoring freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 16, 2026) said he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed the situation in West Asia, even as both leaders emphasised the need to urgently restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

  The telephonic call was initiated by President Macron.

  In a post on X about his conversation with Mr. Macron, Prime Minister Modi also said, “We will continue our close cooperation to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond.” On March 5, Modi and Macron had spoken over the phone and discussed their “shared concerns” over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

  “We will continue our close cooperation to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond,” PM Modi said in the post.

  - PTI

• April 16, 2026 21:33

  Trump says will invite Israeli PM, Lebanese president to White House for talks

  U.S. ‌President Donald Trump in ⁠an another post on ‌Truth Social ‌on ‌Thursday (April 16, 2026) ⁠said ⁠he will be inviting Israeli ‌Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‌and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ⁠to the ‌White House for “meaningful talks” between the ‌two countries.

  “Both sides want to see peace, and I believe that will happen quickly!” Mr. Trump added,

• April 16, 2026 21:17

  Trump says Israel and Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire

  Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting later on Thursday (April 16, 2026), U.S. President Donald Trump said.

  The truce is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. IST), Mr. Trump said.

  The President announced the pause in fighting on social media, saying it followed “excellent” conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

  Mr. Trump said he has directed Vice President J.D. Vance and others to work with Israel and Lebanon to “achieve a Lasting PEACE”.

  - AP

• April 16, 2026 21:08

  Lebanon President had phone call with Trump and thanked him for ‘efforts’ towards ceasefire

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a phone call with Donald Trump on Thursday (April 16, 2026) during which he thanked the U.S. leader for his “efforts” to secure a ceasefire with Israel, the presidency in Beirut said.

  “President Aoun reiterated his thanks for the efforts Trump is making to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon and to secure lasting peace and stability as a prelude to implementing the peace process in the region,” the statement said.

  The call comes after Aoun rejected a U.S. request for a “direct call” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to an official Lebanese source, and a day after Mr. Trump announced an expected call between the two countries’ “leaders”.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 20:58

  If Iran refuses U.S. proposal, Israel vows ‘even more painful’ strikes: Minister

  Israel’s Defence Minister warned Iran on Thursday (April 16, 2026) against rejecting a U.S. proposal focused on renouncing “nuclear armament” and vowed to stage “even more painful” strikes on new targets if it did so.

  “Iran is standing at a historic crossroads: one path is renouncing the ways of terror and nuclear armament... in line with the U.S. proposal, the other leads to an abyss,” Israel Katz said.

  “If the Iranian regime chooses the second path, it will quickly discover there are even more painful targets than those we have already struck,” he said.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 20:54

  Exclusive | America is in a losing position in the Gulf, but Israel is winning: University of Oklahoma Professor Joshua Landis

  

  America is in a losing position in the Gulf, but Israel is winning: University of Oklahoma Professor Joshua Landis

  The war on Iran has left the U.S. in a difficult position in the Persian Gulf, and if the crisis escalates, it can hurt Washington badly, says Joshua Landis, a professor of Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.

• April 16, 2026 20:50

  Archbishop of Canterbury expresses solidarity with Pope Leo XIV in calling for peace in Iran

  The Archbishop of Canterbury on Thursday (April 16, 2026) expressed solidarity with Pope Leo XIV in calling for peace in West Asia.

  Archbishop Sarah Mullally, who assumed her role as head of the Church of England in January, said she stood with the pope in his “courageous call for peace.”

  Pope Leo’s comments have drawn the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump, who last weekend criticised the pope for being “terrible for foreign policy.”

  - AP

• April 16, 2026 20:46

  Pakistan PM meets Qatar Emir amid U.S.-Iran talks push

  Pakistan’s Prime Minister, the key mediator in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, met Qatar’s ruler Thursday (April 16, 2026) during a push by Islamabad for a second round of peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

  Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the premier had discussed with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani “the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East”.

  The Qatari ruler praised Pakistan’s role and, according to the Pakistani statement, the pair also voiced support for “de-escalation efforts and enhancing international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, particularly ensuring the maintenance of a smooth flow of energy supply chains”.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 20:43

  Over 10,000 U.S. troops are enforcing Iran blockade, says military

  More than 10,000 American troops are helping enforce the blockade on Iranian ports, and while no ships have yet been boarded, the U.S. military said Thursday (April 16, 2026) that it is warning Iran-linked ships that it could fire warning shots or escalate to other force if they try to outrun the Navy.

  Thirteen vessels have turned around rather than confront a naval blockade that began earlier this week, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at the Pentagon.

  Some Iran-linked or sanctioned vessels that have left the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial waterway for energy shipments, have appeared to halt their movements, turn off their radio transponders or head back toward Iran’s coast, shipping data firms say.

  - AP

• April 16, 2026 20:41

  Lebanese Army says Israel’s destruction of key bridge has isolated area south of Litani River

  The Lebanese Army said Thursday (April 16, 2026) that Israeli strikes that destroyed the Qasmiyeh bridge over the southern Litani River have cut off the area from the rest of the country.

  “In the context of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, the Qasmiyeh-Tyre coastal bridge was targeted and destroyed, with the aim of separating the area south of the Litani from its north and isolating it,” the Army said in a statement, adding that the strikes killed one person and wounded three others, among them “a soldier from the unit stationed on the bridge”.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 20:40

  Lebanon President refused ‘direct call’ with Israel PM: official source

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejected a U.S. request for a direct phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (April 16, 2026), an official source told AFP.

  “The Lebanese president refused a direct call with Netanyahu and informed (US Secretary of State) Marco Rubio of this,” adding that “the American side was understanding”, the source said.

  US President Donald Trump said Wednesday (April 15, 2026) the “leaders” of the two countries would speak the following day.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 20:39

  China’s Foreign Minister calls for pushing U.S., Iran back to negotiations

  China’s Foreign Minister said on Thursday (April 16, 2026) that the priority is to ⁠push the U.S. and Iran back to negotiations, ‌citing the “serious impacts the ‌protracted conflict has had ‌on ⁠international energy ⁠security and the security of shipping routes in the ‌Strait of Hormuz.”

  Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the ‌remarks during a meeting with his Italian counterpart, ⁠Antonio Tajani, in Beijing.

  China is willing to ‌enhance cooperation and coordination with Italy over international and regional issues, said Wang, who ‌called both countries “ancient civilisations that cherish peace,” according to a ⁠summary of the ⁠meeting released by Mr. Wang’s Ministry.

  - Reuters

• April 16, 2026 20:37

  Death toll of Lebanese killed in Israeli strikes increases to 2,196

  Lebanon’s Health Ministry on Thursday (April 16, 2026) said the death toll of Lebanese killed in Israeli strikes has increases to 2,196.

  The Health Ministry said that among the killed are 260 women and 172 children since the latest war between Israel and Hezbollah began March 2. Another 7,185 have been wounded.

  Israel’s latest military escalation started after Hezbollah fired rockets towards northern Israel in solidarity with its key ally and patron Iran.

  - AP

• April 16, 2026 19:13

  Ceasefire in Lebanon ‘as important’ as in Iran: Iranian Parliament speaker

  Iran’s prominent speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told his Lebanese counterpart on Thursday (April 16, 2026) that a ceasefire in Lebanon was “as important” as in Iran, according to a statement posted on Telegram.

  In talks to end the war between Iran and the United States, Mr. Ghalibaf said Tehran has “been striving to compel our enemies to establish a permanent ceasefire in all the conflict zones, in accordance with the agreement. For us, a ceasefire in Lebanon is just as important as a ceasefire in Iran,” in a phone conversation with Nabih Berri.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 19:12

  Brazilian President Lula says Trump has ‘no right’ to threaten countries

  Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticised U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the U.S. leader has “no right” to threaten other nations, in an interview published in Spain on Thursday (April 16, 2026).

  Mr. Lula’s comments come after Trump this month warned that a “whole civilisation will die” in Iran if the country did not open up the Strait of Hormuz.

  “Trump has no right to wake up in the morning and threaten a country,” Mr. Lula told the Spanish daily El Pais, recalling that the U.S. Constitution divides authority over war and foreign policy between Congress and the President.

  “It is essential that powerful leaders take greater responsibility in maintaining peace,” the 80-year-old leftist President added.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 19:09

  U.S. military widens blockade on Iran to include contraband shipments, says advisory

  U.S. military forces have widened their ‌shipping blockade on Iran ⁠to include cargoes deemed contraband and any ‌vessels suspected of trying ‌to reach Iranian ‌territory ⁠will be “subject to ⁠belligerent right to visit and search,” the U.S. ‌navy said in an advisory on Thursday (April 16, 2026).

  “These vessels, ‌regardless of location, are subject to visit, board, ⁠search, and seizure,” the navy ‌said in an updated advisory after a blockade was imposed on Monday (April 13, 2026).

  Contraband ‌items included weapons, weapons systems, ammunition, nuclear materials, crude ⁠and refined oil ⁠products, as well as iron, ‌steel and aluminium.

  - Reuters

• April 16, 2026 18:01

  Lebanon President thanks Rubio during phone call for U.S. efforts to reach ceasefire

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday (April 16, 2026) thanked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for Washington’s efforts to reach a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah have been at war for weeks.

  Mr. Aoun received a telephone call from Mr. Rubio and “thanked him for the efforts Washington has been making to reach a ceasefire”, a statement from the Lebanese President’s office said.

  It did not mention any possible call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after U.S. President Donald Trump said the Lebanese and Israeli “leaders” would speak on Thursday (April 16, 2026), with an Israeli Minister saying Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Aoun would talk.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 17:49

  U.S. forces ready to restart combat if Iran doesn't agree a deal, says Hegseth

  U.S. forces in ⁠West Asia are postured to restart ‌combat operations if Iran doesn’t ‌agree to ‌a ⁠peace deal, ⁠Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing ‌on Thursday (April 16, 2026).

  “You Iran, can choose a prosperous ‌future, a golden bridge, and we hope that ⁠you do for the ‌people of Iran,” he said.

  “But if Iran chooses poorly, then ‌they will have a blockade and bombs dropping ⁠on infrastructure, power ⁠and energy,” he added.

  Read the full story below

  

  U.S. forces ready to restart combat if Iran doesn’t agree a deal, says Hegseth

  U.S. forces prepare for combat if Iran rejects a peace deal, enforcing a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iran.

• April 16, 2026 17:00

  Israeli strike hits Lebanon road linking Beirut to Damascus: state media

  An Israeli strike Thursday (April 16, 2026) targeting a car on the road linking the Lebanese capital Beirut to the Syrian capital Damascus killed one person, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

  The attack happened in the Dahr al-Baidar area in the mountains east of Beirut, the NNA said.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 16:59

  Pakistan Army chief meets Iran speaker Ghalibaf: state TV

  Pakistan’s Army chief met Iran’s parliament speaker on Thursday (April 16, 2026), Iranian state television said, after Pakistani mediators travelled to Iran to press efforts to end the war with the United States and Israel.

  “Field Marshal Asim Munir, Commander of the Pakistan Army, who travelled to our country yesterday, met and held talks with Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf ... this Thursday morning, March 27,” the report said.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 15:59

  Pakistan Prime Minister in Qatar amid U.S.-Iran talks push

  Pakistan’s Prime Minister, the key mediator in the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, arrived in Qatar on Thursday as he pushed for a second round of peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

  The office of Shehbaz Sharif said in statements that his delegation had arrived in Doha after a trip to Saudi Arabia and he was expected to meet with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

  The pair would “exchange views on Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional and global peace”, his office said.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 15:58

  Lebanon President stresses importance of a ceasefire before talks with Israel

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday stressed the importance of a ceasefire before any direct negotiations with Israel, ahead of possible talks with Israel’s leader that Beirut has yet to confirm.

  “The ceasefire requested by Lebanon with Israel is the natural starting point for direct negotiations between the two countries,” Mr. Aoun said in a statement.

  His comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the “leaders” of Israel and Lebanon would talk on Thursday, which an Israeli minister confirmed.

  - AFP

• April 16, 2026 15:51

  China asks Iran to ensure freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz

  Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has asked Iran to ensure freedom and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a first such call issued by Beijing ever since Tehran started to put a squeeze on the critical waterway in the midst of its war with the U.S.

  Read more:

  

  China asks Iran to ensure freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz

  China urges Iran to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions and an energy crisis.

• April 16, 2026 15:36

  Lebanon state media: Israeli military destroys key bridge in south

  The Israeli military carried out two strikes against a key bridge in the south of Lebanon on Thursday, destroying it, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

  “Enemy aircraft carried out two consecutive strikes on the Qasmieh bridge, the last bridge between the Tyre and Sidon regions, completely destroying it,” the NNA said.

  -AFP

• April 16, 2026 14:57

  Pakistan says trips by Prime Minister and Field Marshal part of peace efforts

  Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to countries including Saudi Arabia and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s trip to Iran are part of “collective efforts” aimed at promoting regional peace and de-escalation, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

  “Pakistan is being recognised for its constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation, ceasefire efforts and a broader pursuit of stability between the United States and Iran,” ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said.

  Pakistan has encouraged dialogue, facilitated message exchanges and helped create a peaceful space for meaningful negotiations such as the recent talks between the US and Iran, Mr. Andrabi said.

  -AP

• April 16, 2026 13:34

  Iran detains spying suspects

  Iran arrested four suspected spies, state media agency IRNA reported citing a Revolutionary Guards statement claiming they were linked to Israeli spy agency Mossad.

  -AFP

• April 16, 2026 13:17

  Israel's Netanyahu to speak with Lebanese president, member of Israel's security cabinet says

  Israeli ‌Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ⁠will speak with Lebanese ‌President Joseph Aoun, ‌Gila ‌Gamliel, ⁠a ⁠member of Israel’s security cabinet, ‌told Israel’s Army Radio on ‌Thursday.

  A Lebanese official told ⁠Reuters that the ‌Lebanese government had “no information” about any ‌upcoming contact with Israel’s leadership. 

  -Reuters

• April 16, 2026 12:04

  Russia launched 659 drones, 44 missiles at Ukraine overnight: Kyiv

  Russian forces launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at cities across Ukraine, Kyiv’s air force announced Thursday, in a barrage that killed at least 14 people.

  The Ukrainian air force said Moscow’s forces had deployed 659 drones in the attack and 44 missiles, adding that its air defence units downed 636 drones and 31 missiles.-- AFP

• April 16, 2026 11:40

  Lebanon 'not aware' of any upcoming contact with Israel: official source

  Lebanon is “not aware” of any upcoming contact with Israel, an official source told AFP, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the leaders of the two countries would speak on Thursday.

  “We are not aware of any planned contact with the Israeli side, and we have not been informed of any through official channels,” the source said.

  Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social network earlier that Washington was “trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow.”

  -- AFP

• April 16, 2026 11:37

  "Iran will not leave Hormuz until its rights are fully secured": Khamenei's Advisor on US blockade

  Military adviser of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mohsen Rezaei, issued a strong warning to the U.S. following its naval blockade on Iranian ports, stating that the Islamic Republic will not withdraw from the Strait of Hormuz until its “rights are fully secured”, Iranian State Media, Press TV reported.According to Press TV, the Advisor, who was also a former commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that Iran considers the strategic waterway a critical point of leverage and will continue to assert control over it in response to what Tehran calls unlawful restrictions on its economic and maritime activity.“Iran will not leave the Strait of Hormuz until its rights are fully secured. Based on past negotiations, agreements must be drafted more carefully, with a stronger focus on economic issues. Unlike the U.S., which fears prolonged war, Iran is fully prepared and experienced in long-term war. Why do U.S. vessels and forces avoid crossing the Strait of Hormuz if Iran’s navy has supposedly been destroyed? Unlike previous talks where the other side set the terms, Iran is now setting the preconditions,” Mr. Rezaei said, as quoted by Press TV.-- ANI

• April 16, 2026 10:59

  Explosions, fire at crucial Australian refinery sparks fuel supply fears

  Columns of fire engulfed a crucial Australian oil refinery after a chain of explosions, authorities said on Thursday as they warned of disruptions to domestic fuel supply.

  “The major impact at this point appears to be on petrol production,” Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.

  “It’s not great. It’s not great timing, is it?” he told national broadcaster ABC, as the nation’s fuel supplies are under pressure due to war in the West Asia.

  Read more here:

  

  Explosions, fire at crucial Australian refinery sparks fuel supply fears

  Explosions at a vital Australian refinery raise concerns over fuel supply disruptions amid ongoing global tensions.

• April 16, 2026 10:26

  U.S. rules out renewal of exemption from sanctions on Russian, Iranian oil

  The United States on Wednesday ruled out granting any further exemption from sanctions for the purchase of Russian or Iranian oil.

  U.S. Treasury Scott Bessent made the announcement at a press conference at the White House.

  “We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil, and we will not be renewing the general license on Iranian oil. That was oil that was on the water prior to March 11, so all that has been used,” Mr. Bessent told reporters.-- PTI

• April 16, 2026 09:33

  After criticising the pope, Trump slams Italy's Meloni over lack of support for Iran war

  Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni was supposed to be Europe’s bridge to U.S. President Donald Trump. It may be burning.

  After chastising Pope Leo XIV, Mr. Trump turned his ire on Meloni, long one of his closest European allies, for calling his papal broadside “unacceptable” and not backing the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

  “I thought she had courage,’’ Mr. Trump said in an interview with leading Italian daily Corriere della Sera. “I was wrong.” Meloni has not directly responded to Trump’s attacks. But they may be to her advantage as she recovers from a decisive referendum defeat last month and as she seeks to dull the impact of the deeply unpopular Iran war, including higher energy prices.-- AP

• April 16, 2026 09:18

  Trump says Israel and Lebanon talks to happen on Thursday

  U.S. President ⁠Donald ‌Trump ‌said ‌on Wednesday ⁠that ⁠Israel And ‌Lebanon talks ‌will take place ⁠on Thursday

  -- Reuters-

• April 16, 2026 09:16

  U.S.-sanctioned supertankers enter Gulf despite blockade

  

  U.S.-sanctioned supertankers enter Gulf despite blockade

  U.S.-sanctioned supertankers enter the Gulf despite a blockade, signaling ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

• April 16, 2026 08:59

  Israel, U.S. goals 'identical'; prepared for any scenario: Netanyahu

  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel and the US share “identical goals” in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

  The Israeli Prime Minister on Wednesday said the U.S. has been keeping Israel updated on its contacts with Iran and reiterated that both nations seek the removal of enriched material, an end to Iran’s enrichment capabilities, and the reopening of key maritime routes.

  “Our goals and those of the United States are identical: We want to see the enriched material removed from Iran, we want to see the cancellation of enrichment capabilities within Iran, and of course, we want to see the opening of the straits,” Netanyahu said in a statement.-- PTI

• April 16, 2026 07:28

  Iran participating in World Cup, FIFA president confirms

  

  Iran participating in World Cup, FIFA president confirms

  FIFA president confirms Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup amid ongoing conflict, emphasizing sports should transcend politics.

• April 16, 2026 07:10

  Back-to-back Israeli strikes kill 4 Lebanese medics as Israel-Hezbollah war grinds on

  The Israeli military on Wednesday killed four Lebanese rescue workers and wounded six others in three consecutive, targeted strikes, paramedic groups said, a stark illustration of the human cost of the Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon a day after it the two countries held historic talks in Washington.

  The back-to-back Israeli attacks on the southern village of Mayfadoun, near the bigger town of Nabatiyeh, hit the first group of medics responding to a distress call from wounded civilians, a second group trying to assist their wounded colleagues and a third group rushing to aid the first two teams that had been targeted.

  The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment on the strikes beyond saying it was “looking into” what happened. It has previously accused the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group of using ambulances as cover for militant activities, without offering evidence.-- AP

• April 16, 2026 06:56

  Senate rejects effort to halt arms sales to Israel, but most Democrats vote to block them

  More than three dozen Democrats supported an effort by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to block arms sales to Israel, signaling a growing discontent in the party with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the wars in Gaza and Iran.

  The two resolutions to block U.S. sales of bulldozers and bombs to Israel were opposed by all Republicans and rejected 40-59 and 36-63. But Sanders has repeatedly forced votes on the issue to put pressure on his colleagues — both Democrats and Republicans — to oppose Mr. Netanyahu’s regime.-- AP

• April 16, 2026 06:43

  China urges restoration of normal navigation in Strait of Hormuz

  China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged his Iranian counterpart Abbas ‌Araqchi to make efforts to restore normal navigation ⁠in the Strait of Hormuz in a phone call on ‌Wednesday, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

  Mr. Wang said while ‌Iran’s ⁠sovereignty and security ⁠in the Strait of Hormuz should be respected and safeguarded, freedom and safety of ‌navigation through the waterway should also be guaranteed.-- Reuters