Many worshippers described the return to Al-Aqsa as emotional after restrictions prevented access during key religious celebrations earlier this year.

“We cannot live without Al-Aqsa Mosque. We must pray there every day,” worshipper Abu Mutaz Al-Salima said.

He recalled the difficulties faced during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when worshippers were prevented from entering the site.

Israel closed the mosque after the outbreak of the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28. The shutdown lasted 40 days and coincided with Eid al-Fitr in March, marking the first time since 1967 that the site was entirely closed to the public during the holiday.

Another worshipper, Nidal Najm, said the atmosphere this year contrasted sharply with previous restrictions.

“Unlike last year, when Al-Aqsa Mosque was closed and it was not possible to reach it or pray there, thank God now there are large crowds and a very strong turnout,” he said.

Last year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations were also affected by heavy security measures, including checkpoints and identity checks that restricted access for many Palestinians.

Eid al-Adha is one of the holiest occasions in Islam and coincides with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

“Our plan is first to draft a memorandum of understanding, a framework agreement consisting of 14 articles,” Baqaei said.

He said the proposed document would address issues including the end of what Iran describes as a U.S. naval blockade and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

“The end of US naval aggression… along with issues related to the release of Iran’s frozen assets, are the main topics addressed by this memorandum,” he added.

Baqaei said the nuclear issue would not be dealt with in detail at this stage, despite repeated U.S. demands for it to remain central to negotiations.

“The nuclear issue was a pretext for two aggressive wars against the Iranian people ,” he said.

He added that Tehran was prioritising efforts to end the conflict “on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

Baqaei thanked Pakistan for mediating talks between Tehran and Washington, with support from regional actors including Qatar, and said detailed discussions could continue for between 30 and 60 days.

The comments come amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted access for what it calls “unfriendly” countries while the United States maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Earlier this week, Baqaei said Iran was coordinating with Oman and other regional parties on a mechanism governing navigation through the strategic waterway.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Washington wanted the Strait of Hormuz to remain “free” and insisted that “no fees should be imposed.”

Trump also claimed the U.S. had “full control” over the strait and described the naval blockade on Iran as “100% effective.”

“We declare very clearly that the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its global economic consequences are solely the responsibility of the initiators of the war against Iran,” Iravani said on Saturday.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world ’s most important oil shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global energy supplies.

The latest tensions follow months of conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump described the ceasefire with Iran as being on “massive life support” and rejected Tehran’s latest proposal as “garbage,” “stupid” and “unacceptable.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry defended the proposal, calling it “generous” and saying it included demands for an end to the war, the lifting of what it described as “maritime piracy,” and the release of Iranian assets frozen under U.S. pressure.

The United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28. Iran later confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and announced that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, would succeed him.

Tehran responded with missile strikes targeting Israel and several countries in the region.

On April 8, Trump announced a two-week truce to allow negotiations aimed at ending the crisis. The ceasefire was later extended indefinitely pending further Iranian proposals.

Pakistan hosted a first round of talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11, but the negotiations ended without a breakthrough. A second round of talks has yet to take place.

Araghchi made the comments on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, held on May 14 and 15 under India ’s chairmanship. The gathering was overshadowed by divisions over the Iran conflict and ended without a joint statement.

Despite the impasse, Araghchi said Tehran had received messages indicating Washington was willing to continue talks.

His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest response, calling it “totally unacceptable” and warning that the ceasefire was on “life support.”

During a visit to China, Trump said he discussed the conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming Beijing supported efforts to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“He said he’s not going to give military equipment. That’s a big statement,” Trump said, referring to Xi.

Trump added that Xi “would like to see Hormuz Strait opened,” amid ongoing tensions over the key oil transit route. Recent reports said Trump and Xi discussed Iran, energy stability and the Strait of Hormuz during their meeting in Beijing.

Trump also said the talks covered trade , claiming Xi had agreed to order 200 Boeing aircraft.

“Boeing wanted 150. He got 200,” Trump said, describing the reported order as a major boost for U.S. jobs.

The remarks come as Washington continues efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, while tensions with Iran remain high. China has publicly supported reopening the waterway and has denied allegations that it is supplying weapons to Tehran.

Whether you are a geography geek or a US president, maps are a good place to start.

From the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Caucasus, Iran borders seven countries on land and six more across water.

It is also one of the world ’s oldest continuous civilisations, with a history that spans more than 4,000 years.

Today, with nearly 90 million people and a landmass exceeding 1.6 million square kilometres, Iran stands as one of the Middle East’s largest and most consequential states.

Iran’s terrain is defined by mountains and arid expanses, with little continuous flat land. The Zagros and Alborz mountain ranges dominate much of the landscape, while the Iranian Plateau forms its core.

To the east, vast deserts such as the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut stretch across large swathes of the country. These physical features are not just geographic, but they also shape settlement patterns, climate conditions and the development of infrastructure.

Historically, Iran was the centre of powerful empires that influenced language, trade, science and culture far beyond its borders. That legacy still runs through modern Iran, visible in its identity and regional reach. Despite invasions by Greeks, Ottomans, Russians and the British, the country has maintained a strong sense of sovereignty and identity.

Iran is far more complex, both from the inside and the outside. Farsi remains the dominant language, but the country is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Azeris, Kurds, Baloch and Arabs, all of whom contribute to its cultural and political fabric.

As an energy giant, Iran sits on some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves , holding roughly 10% of global oil and 15% of natural gas resources.

That alone makes it a major player in global energy markets. Despite heavy international sanctions, Iran continues to export large volumes of oil, primarily to China, demonstrating its resilience and continued relevance in global supply chains.

Its economy, valued at over $400 billion, blends state control with private enterprise, anchored by energy, manufacturing and a growing technology sector.

Modern Iran, however, cannot be understood without the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

It overthrew a Western-backed monarchy and replaced it with a theocratic system that still defines the country today.

And since the Revolution, Iran has pursued an independent and often confrontational foreign policy , positioning itself as a regional power and a counterweight to Western influence.

Its network of regional alliances, often referred to as the “Axis of Resistance”, extends its influence beyond its borders, reaching into Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Many of these connections relate to Iran's position as the dominant power of the Shia sect of Islam. In other cases, allies were drawn to Tehran by a mutual hatred of Israel.

The country is also enduring one of its worst environmental crises in decades, after more than five consecutive years of drought have pushed it toward what experts describe as “water bankruptcy.” Reservoirs are drying up, major cities are nearing “day zero” water shortages, and as many as 28 million people now face unreliable access to water. 

Even geography beyond its borders carries political weight.

The body of water to its south has been known in Iran and elsewhere for over 2,500 years as the “Persian Gulf.” Still, some Arab states refer to it as the “Arabian Gulf,” creating an ongoing geopolitical dispute.

For Iran, the name is not just symbolic; it is tied to history, identity and sovereignty.

At the edge of Iran’s southern coastline lies its most powerful strategic asset: the Strait of Hormuz.

This narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and carries more than 20% of the world’s oil supply.

It is one of the most critical chokepoints in global trade. Iran controls the northern side as well as a series of islands, and that gives it enormous leverage.

Over the decades, Tehran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt traffic through the strait during times of conflict.

And in 2026, those threats became reality, sending shocks through global energy markets.

At the same time, geopolitical tensions have sharply intensified. Following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites in February 2026, the United States joined the conflict with direct attacks, triggering a broader regional confrontation that continued for days.

The situation has since escalated into a wider crisis affecting global energy routes. Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks, while disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint, have sent shocks through global markets.

See more maps on our Instagram account.

“The president of the host country for the World Cup, rather than offering a welcome or saying that everything is ready here, declares that they are not prepared to host or ensure the safety of one team,” Alavi said.

He added that the tournament had become “completely intertwined with politicisation” despite FIFA’s efforts to keep football separate from political tensions.

“It is FIFA’s duty, as the institution responsible for legislation, supervision, and enforcement, to prevent this phenomenon from becoming even more political,” Alavi said.

His remarks followed Trump’s March 12 post on Truth Social, in which he said Iran’s national team was welcome at the World Cup but questioned whether it was appropriate for them to participate “for their own life and safety.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, but Iran are scheduled to play all three of their Group G matches in the United States. The team will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before playing Egypt in Seattle.

Alavi said seeking alternative venues for Iran’s matches was “not possible” under FIFA protocols.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that Washington had no objection to Iranian athletes taking part in the tournament, but suggested that members of Iran’s delegation with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face restrictions.

“The issue of the Strait of Hormuz was one of our serious topics of discussion,” Araghchi said.

He added that Chinese officials believe Iran’s position has changed since the war .

“Our Chinese friends also believe that Iran after the war is different from Iran before the war,” he said, adding that a new phase of cooperation between Iran and other countries lies ahead.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and national security , while welcoming Tehran’s willingness to pursue a political solution through diplomacy.

The talks came as media reports suggested the United States and Iran could be moving closer to a deal. Araghchi arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for diplomatic consultations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump ’s planned visit to China on May 14.

Trump on Wednesday threatened to resume bombing Iran at a “much higher level and intensity” if Tehran fails to agree to a deal.

Earlier, he announced a pause in “Project Freedom,” a U.S. operation aimed at escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, to allow time to assess whether an agreement with Iran can be finalised. However, Trump said the U.S. naval blockade would remain in “full force.”

“Although we have kept in touch through phone calls and various other means, since the United States and Israel launched their illegal war against Iran, a war that has been ongoing, our stance remains adhering to the principle of peaceful coexistence,” Wang said.

Araghchi reportedly thanked China for its support during the conflict and said cooperation between the two countries would deepen.

“Iran appreciates China's firm stance and especially the condemnation of the United States and Israel... China is a close friend of Iran, and in the current circumstances, our cooperation will be even stronger. Iran will only accept a just and comprehensive agreement,” he said.

Araghchi arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for diplomatic consultations expected to focus on bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.

The meeting came amid continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict between the US and Iran.

His remarks came as tensions continued in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route affected by the conflict between the United States and Iran.

Later on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced a “pause” in what he called “Project Freedom,” a plan aimed at guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, Trump warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the earth” if it attacked US vessels.

The United States and Iran have given conflicting accounts regarding recent incidents in the Strait. Washington claimed that two vessels had passed through the waterway, while Iran denied the claim.

Around 2,000 ships remain stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran blocking passage for what it describes as “unfriendly” vessels, while the US continues restrictions on Iranian ports.

“The ideas I get for sculptures mostly start with me looking at pieces of scrap,” he explained. “I pay close attention to see what animal or human form they resemble, then visualise and transform them into a sculpture.”

Footage from his workshop shows a range of large-scale creations, including towering human figures, oversized faces, and imaginative alien forms—all assembled from repurposed metal.

Zohrevand compared the negotiation model to the 2020 killing of George Floyd in the United States.

“In their view, negotiation is like one side being the American police and the other side like Mr. George Floyd’s neck under the policeman's knee. We do not accept such an equation at all. We are a powerful country, and we strongly stand by and defend our national security interests,” he added.

George Floyd, an African American man, died in 2020 after US police officers knelt on his neck for several minutes in Minneapolis. The incident led to widespread protests across the United States against police violence.

On April 8, Trump announced a two-week truce with Iran to allow negotiations aimed at resolving the crisis. The truce was later extended “until Tehran submits its proposals,” without a specified deadline.

A round of negotiations between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, took place in Islamabad on April 11 but did not produce an agreement. A second round has not yet been scheduled.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health said Israeli attacks on Habbouch and Al-Zarariyeh killed eight people , including a child and two women, and wounded 21 others.

The Israeli army had earlier issued evacuation warnings to residents of several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including Habbouch. It later said it had carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets in the south, claiming to have killed fighters and destroyed about 50 Hezbollah-linked infrastructure sites.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli military operations since March 2 had reached 2,618 by May 1, with 8,094 people injured.

The strikes come despite a U.S.-announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect on April 17 and was later extended by three weeks. Both Israel and Hezbollah have continued to accuse each other of violating the truce.

Israel has also maintained what it calls a “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, a buffer zone where residents have been warned not to return. The Israeli military says its presence is aimed at countering Hezbollah activity, while Lebanese residents and officials have accused Israel of preventing displaced civilians from going back to their homes.

“You cannot claim you will lift all sanctions while you are actually intensifying them,” he said, accusing the US of further escalating tensions through what he called “acts of maritime piracy.”

Note: Date mentioned in the article has been corrected from Friday, April 30, to Friday, May 1.

“Very good ideas were put forward, and there are now very good grounds for cooperation,” he said, adding that Putin praised the resilience of the Iranian people .

According to Araghchi, the Russian leader said that “not only Russia, but the whole world is studying the Iranian people for their steadfastness in the face of America and, in essence, for their victory in this unequal and unfair war.”

“We worked shoulder to shoulder alongside the IDF, [...] exerting influence based on relative advantages and a true partnership in striking targets in the heart of Tehran, thwarting senior officials [and] achieving air superiority,” he said.

Barnea said the agency’s activities this year in Lebanon and Iran “broke boundaries” and extended its operational reach.

“We obtained strategic and tactical intelligence at the core of the enemy's secrets. We demonstrated new and groundbreaking operational capabilities in the target countries,” he asserted.

He added that the operations have “strengthened” Israel’s position and emphasised continued readiness and intelligence efforts.

“We are committed to operational intelligence audacity and we are committed to the principle of action. We will not rest on our laurels when facing a threat. We will act with full force,” he said.

"I am happy to announce to you that tonight, together with my friend Yair Lapid, I am doing the most Zionist and most patriotic act we have ever done for our country," Bennett said.

Bennett stated that if he returns to office, he will establish a state commission to investigate the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack, a step he said the current government has not taken.

“On the first day of a new government led by me, we will establish a state commission of inquiry into the October massacre to bring truth to the families and answers to all the people of Israel." He also said his administration would introduce a limit of eight years for a prime minister’s tenure.

Lapid, who currently leads the opposition, said Bennett would head the new party and described him as capable of leading the country.

He added that a unified opposition could defeat the current government, referencing Peter Magyar's landslide win against Viktor Orban in the recent elections in Hungary.

"After 16 years in power, Orban lost. It happened because people believed change was possible. They united behind a single candidate, fought for their country, and won. That's why Bennett and I are here."

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has faced criticism over his handling of regional conflicts and allegations that he has avoided accountability for failures during his time in office.

Bennett and Lapid previously formed a coalition that removed Netanyahu from power in 2021, ending his 12-year rule. The coalition lasted 18 months before Netanyahu returned to office in November 2022.

Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullah Warfa, delivered the announcement. He warned that any violation of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty would not be tolerated.

He further stated that external interference could result in countermeasures, including restricting access to the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The ban comes after Israel implemented an agreement to exchange ambassadors with Somaliland.

Netanyahu also warned that Israel would continue operations against threats from Lebanon. “We maintain full freedom of action against any threat. Even emerging threats,” he said, adding that Israel was determined to restore security for residents in the north.

His remarks come as a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains under strain, following weeks of fighting and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Talks held in Islamabad earlier this month failed to produce a breakthrough.

In Lebanon, cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah has continued despite calls for de-escalation. Lebanese officials have accused Israel of violating sovereignty through air strikes and incursions, while Israel says its operations are aimed at pushing Hezbollah away from the border.

What they said

UNDP administrator Alexander De Croo said, “Even if the war would stop tomorrow, those effects, you already have them, and they will be pushing back more than 30 million people into poverty.” He warned, “Food insecurity will be at its peak level in a few months – and there is not much that you can do about it,” and added, “Things that take decades to build up, it takes eight weeks of war to destroy them.” On humanitarian impacts, he said, “We will have to say to certain people, really sorry, but we can’t help you… People who would be surviving on help will not have this, and will be pushed into even greater vulnerability.”

Leavitt cautioned against relying on Iran’s public messaging, stating that its public statements differ from positions shared in private negotiations.

“What they say publicly is much different than what they concede to the United States and our negotiating team privately,” she said.

She said President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire to allow time for Iran to respond, attributing the delay to divisions between “pragmatists and hardliners” within the Iranian leadership.

Mazen Alloush, Director of Relations at Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs, said preparations had been underway for weeks.

Video released on Monday, April 20, shows US Marines issuing a warning to the vessel to vacate the engine room, followed by the USS Spruance firing multiple shots at the ship. The exact date and location of the footage shared by CENTCOM cannot be independently verified.

CENTCOM said the vessel, identified as the M/V Touska, was travelling through the north Arabian Sea at a speed of 17 knots en route to Bandar Abbas in Iran.

"After Touska’s crew failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period, Spruance directed the vessel to evacuate its engine room," CENTCOM said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump stated that US Marines had taken control of the vessel after issuing what he described as a fair warning to comply with the blockade.

"The TOUSKA is under U.S. Treasury Sanctions because of their prior history of illegal activity. We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board!" he added.

The development comes as Pakistan prepares to host a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending a weeks-long conflict that has affected the wider region. Both sides have accused each other of violating a ceasefire.

Trump said Washington was offering Iran a “reasonable deal” but threatened severe military action if Tehran rejected it.

“The United States will destroy all power plants and all bridges in Iran,” he said, adding that Iranian leaders “will be overthrown quickly” if they do not agree to a deal.

“If they do not accept the AGREEMENT, it will be my honor to do what needs to be done, what should have been done to Iran by other presidents over the last 47 years,” Trump wrote. “Enough of being nice!”

Confusion emerged shortly after Trump’s statement over who would represent the United States in the talks.

A White House source told AFP that Vice President JD Vance would lead the American delegation in Pakistan, alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

But Trump later said Vance would not make the trip, citing security concerns.

“It’s just for safety,” Trump told ABC News . “JD is excellent.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which nearly 20 percent of global hydrocarbon trade passed before the war, remained closed on Sunday amid the ongoing conflict triggered by the United States and Israel ’s military campaign against Iran on February 28.

Iran said on Saturday that it had once again shut the strategic waterway, only hours after announcing it would reopen it.

The closure came despite a truce that followed inconclusive negotiations held in Pakistan on April 11 and 12.

Tehran said it would not reopen the key maritime corridor until the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

On Sunday, Trump repeated his accusation that Iran had violated the ceasefire.

“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz: a total violation of our ceasefire agreement!” he wrote.

At least three commercial vessels attempting to pass through the strait came under gunfire on Saturday, according to the account.

Trump had earlier said a deal was “very close” and suggested Iran was ready to transfer its enriched uranium stockpile. Tehran has firmly denied agreeing to such terms, AFP reports.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing behind the scenes, with Pakistan playing a mediating role. Officials from Islamabad have engaged with Iran as well as regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. Egypt has also joined mediation efforts, saying it is “working tirelessly” toward a final agreement.

However, recent direct talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, the first at that level since 1979, ended without a breakthrough, and no date has been set for further negotiations.

Despite the stalled talks, Iran announced a partial reopening of its airspace and key airports, offering a limited sign of normalisation after weeks of conflict .

Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Iran would not accept U.S. pressure, insisting: “The Americans cannot impose their will to lay siege to Iran.” The move comes despite ongoing diplomatic efforts following a fragile two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.

Shipping disruptions quickly followed. U.S. Central Command said 23 vessels had turned back under its directives since the blockade began, while maritime data showed some ships reversing course in the strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported that Iranian boats had opened fire on an oil tanker, though no injuries were reported.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned in a written message that the navy was “ready to make the enemy taste the bitterness of further defeats.”

“We remain in Lebanon,” he said. “This is a security belt that stretches from the sea, continues to Mount Dov and the approaches to Mount Hermon, all the way to the Syrian border.”

Netanyahu said the zone differs from Israel’s more limited presence before the military campaign known as Operation Lion's Roar.

The Israeli leader also said he had rejected two ceasefire conditions proposed by Hezbollah: a full Israeli withdrawal to the international border and a “quiet for quiet” arrangement.

Defrin said the military needs parliament to pass legislation dealing with compulsory service and to revise reserve duty rules, arguing that the current legal framework no longer matches the scale of Israel’s present security demands. He said the existing reserve service law was designed for an earlier period and now needs to be reworked to better support reservists and active-duty soldiers.

According to Defrin, the manpower gap has practical consequences on the battlefield, including thinner staffing in combat units. He said the shortage effectively means fewer troops available at the battalion level, at a time when the army says its missions are continuing to expand.

The comments come amid a broader debate in Israel over military conscription and the growing strain on reserve forces. Recent reporting has shown senior military officials warning of mounting pressure on troop numbers as the army tries to sustain operations across multiple theatres.

Organisers said the mission is supported by a coalition of more than 70 vessels and around 1,000 participants from over 70 countries. According to a statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the initiative has entered its final departure phase from Barcelona.

Ghada said the twins were born 17 years after her older children . The family had already been displaced once during the conflict in November 2023 but returned home in March 2025, hoping the situation had stabilised.

Their hopes were short-lived when violence resumed about a year later, forcing them to evacuate again.

“Our forces are continuing to strike Hezbollah. The fighting is focused on Bint Jbeil,” Netanyahu said. “We are about to overcome Bint Jbeil. We are, in effect, about to eliminate this great stronghold of Hezbollah.”

Bint Jbeil has long been regarded as a key flashpoint along the Israel-Lebanon border and was a major battleground during the 2006 Lebanon War.

He said the US position remained “unreasonable and unrealistic”, adding that Iran had already conveyed its own position in response.

According to Baqaei, the issues under discussion are not new and Washington is already aware of Tehran’s stance from earlier negotiations, which were largely centred on the nuclear file.

He also ruled out any talks conducted on what he described as one-sided terms. “Iran will not accept negotiations in which one side seeks to impose conditions on the other,” he said.

Baqaei also dismissed reports suggesting that an extension of the ceasefire had already been agreed, saying such claims had not been confirmed and that exchanges were still being handled through Pakistani mediation.

He criticised the US naval blockade as provocative and said it was contrary to the principles of international law, warning that it could undermine the truce. The comments come as a two-week ceasefire, which began on April 8, remains in effect and is due to end on April 22.

Pakistan, which hosted the first round of talks in Islamabad, has remained a key intermediary between the two sides and is one of the few actors still trusted by both Washington and Tehran to pass messages.

Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil consumption passes through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, making it a critical artery for global markets and a persistent geopolitical flashpoint.

Recent breakdowns of oil and gas shipments through the strait show Saudi Arabia accounting for the largest share at approximately 28%, followed by Iraq at 18%. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar each contribute about 14%, while Iran and Kuwait supply around 11% each. Bahrain accounts for a smaller share at roughly 6%.

The distribution reflects the concentration of hydrocarbon production in the Gulf region, where some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves are located.

According to The New York Times, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have long been viewed as a worst-case scenario for energy markets, with even minor incidents capable of triggering price spikes and supply fears.

At its narrowest point, the strait is just 21 miles (34 km) wide , with shipping lanes only a few miles across in each direction. This physical constraint leaves little margin for error in the event of military escalation, accidents or blockades.

The waterway serves as the primary export route for oil producers in the Persian Gulf, particularly for countries whose infrastructure is heavily oriented towards maritime transport.

The New York Times has reported that tensions involving Iran, including threats to restrict passage, have repeatedly raised alarms among Western governments and energy traders.

Efforts to diversify export routes, including pipelines that bypass the strait, have expanded in recent years. However, The New York Times notes that these alternatives still account for only a fraction of total export capacity, leaving the majority of flows dependent on the chokepoint.

The Israeli leader accused European nations of losing control over their identity and values, adding that Israel’s actions were helping protect the continent.

Lebanese officials have signalled openness to a pause in military activity—if not a full ceasefire—ahead of planned talks with Israel. The initiative reflects growing pressure to contain escalating violence along the border, as diplomatic efforts intensify. Authorities stressed that halting hostilities could create conditions for meaningful negotiations, although divisions remain internally over how to approach Israel. The talks are seen as a rare opportunity to de-escalate a conflict that has rapidly worsened in recent weeks. However, the absence of consensus within Lebanon complicates the government’s position. The outcome will likely depend on both regional dynamics and international mediation efforts.

Marco Rubio to join historic Lebanon–Israel talks

Senior US officials, including Marco Rubio, are set to participate in high-level talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington. The meeting marks the first direct engagement between the two sides in decades, underscoring the urgency of the crisis. According to reports, discussions will focus on securing a ceasefire and addressing broader security concerns, particularly the role of armed groups. Washington’s involvement highlights the international dimension of the conflict and efforts to broker stability. However, expectations remain cautious given entrenched positions on both sides. The talks come amid ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns.

Government bans non-state weapons in Beirut

The Lebanese government has moved to ban the presence of non-state weapons in Beirut, reinforcing its authority over security matters. The decision forms part of broader efforts to assert state control and limit the influence of armed groups such as Hezbollah. Officials emphasised that all military activity must fall under state institutions, signalling a significant policy shift. The measure follows escalating tensions and internal criticism over the role of militias in dragging Lebanon into conflict. Analysts warn that enforcing the ban could prove challenging given Hezbollah’s entrenched position. Nonetheless, the move reflects increasing pressure for centralised control

Civilian toll mounts as Israeli airstrikes continue

The number of casualties in Lebanon has surpassed 1,900 as Israeli airstrikes continue across the country, according to media reports. The bombardment has caused widespread destruction in urban and rural areas, displacing large numbers of civilians. Hospitals and emergency services are under severe strain as they respond to the growing humanitarian crisis. The escalation follows renewed hostilities linked to the broader regional conflict involving Iran and allied groups. International actors have raised concerns over the scale of the violence and its impact on civilians. Despite diplomatic efforts, there are few signs of an immediate de-escalation.

Hezbollah tensions rise amid protests and army warnings

Tensions within Lebanon are intensifying as Hezbollah faces growing opposition and protests. Demonstrations have erupted against the group’s actions, which many blame for drawing the country deeper into conflict. In response, the Lebanese army has warned it may intervene firmly to maintain order and uphold state authority. The standoff highlights deep divisions within Lebanese society over Hezbollah’s role and influence. Political leaders are increasingly under pressure to balance internal stability with external threats. The situation remains volatile as both political and security tensions continue to escalate.

Iran maintained that its nuclear programme is civilian, stating it is used for energy and medical purposes and is within its sovereign rights.

Uranium enrichment is not unique to Iran. Several countries have operated enrichment facilities, including Argentina, Brazil , China, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The US position has often been based on concerns about security and stability, arguing that other countries with such capabilities are allies or partners. Iran, however, is located in a region with multiple neighbouring states.

Miadfar said the heaviest casualties were recorded in Tehran, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Ilam provinces. He described one of the worst incidents as taking place at a school in Minab, saying the number of victims there included large numbers of women and minors. He also said Iran’s emergency response system had been hit hard, with “118 people ” injured among responders, “26” killed, and dozens of bases and ambulances damaged, Viory reports.

His remarks came as diplomacy between Tehran and Washington remained deadlocked. U.S. and Iranian delegations ended talks in Islamabad without an agreement after marathon negotiations, casting fresh doubt over a fragile two-week ceasefire reached earlier this week.

That ceasefire, brokered with Pakistani mediation, was tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Although the truce initially eased fears of a wider regional war, the breakdown in talks has renewed uncertainty over both the ceasefire and shipping through the strait.

Before the negotiations were underway, US President Donald Trump declared that the US had 'won' the war regardless of diplomatic efforts, adding, "Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me."

Iran’s demands include maintaining its right to enrich uranium, the withdrawal of all US combat forces from the Middle East, the introduction of charges for shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of all sanctions .

In contrast, the United States has called for Iran to completely abandon its enriched uranium programme, stating there should be no enrichment. This position has been described as a firm condition. The US also maintains that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open for free passage, although a toll proposal has been mentioned.

Disagreements have also emerged over a reported ceasefire. Iran has stated that the ceasefire includes Lebanon, while the United States has said it does not. During the same period, Israel reportedly launched a large wave of strikes on Lebanon, resulting in over 300 deaths in one day.

Iran has stated that “the U.S. must choose between ceasefire, or continued war through Israel. It cannot have both.”

Uncertainty remains over the scheduled talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. Details regarding the meeting, including participation and agenda, are still being confirmed. Reports indicate that the Strait of Hormuz has been reclosed, adding to tensions.

If the talks proceed, they are expected to be the highest-level meeting between the United States and Iran in 47 years.

According to Netanyahu, the talks would focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the possibility of reaching what he described as a “sustainable, historic” peace agreement between the two countries.

Khamenei’s statement came despite a fragile two-week ceasefire agreed this week between Washington and Tehran, with further talks expected in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation. The truce has been presented by both sides as a temporary opening for diplomacy , but its durability remains in doubt amid continued regional tensions.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said the Strait of Hormuz remained open, but added that traffic was still subject to technical restrictions because of the recent war and measures imposed during the conflict. He said vessels seeking passage would need to coordinate with Iran’s military , underlining that navigation through the chokepoint remains tightly controlled.

The status of Hormuz remains central to the ceasefire, with U.S. President Donald Trump insisting that the waterway must be fully reopened. Shipping data and industry reports suggest traffic is still heavily restricted, with many vessels waiting to transit the route.