US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that American forces are “locked and loaded” to attack Iran again if it does not agree to a deal.
Speaking in a Pentagon press conference, Hegseth warned the Iranian regime to “choose wisely”.
"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."
It comes after China told Iran earlier on Thursday that it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The country’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, told Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi that freedom of safety and navigation through the waterway should be guaranteed, saying there is a “unanimous interest” for normal navigation to be restored.
It follows a US blockade of Iranian ports this week, which has caused further restrictions and uncertainty for shipping in the region. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and the primary buyer of the country’s oil.
On Wednesday Trump said the US had ended its blockade “for China” in an unusual concession to a trade rival.
Key Points
- Trump says historic Israel and Lebanon talks to happen tomorrow
- Pakistan and Iran to continue talks Thursday: report
- US says maritime blockade ‘has been fully implemented'
- Iran threatens to disrupt Gulf trade in response to US naval blockade
- US says maritime blockade ‘has been fully implemented'
- Israeli strikes kill four Lebanese medics
Analysis: Pete Hegseth’s panicky, angry, weirdly religious Iran war briefing was painful to watch
15:50 , Maira ButtI’’m starting to feel sorry for Pete Hegseth. Week after week, the defense secretary turns up at 8 a.m. sharp to defend the latest disaster in the Iran war — and week after week, he gets more angry about it, more visibly desperate, and more bizarrely religious.
Hegseth is quite clearly a man who wants to cosplay as Captain America but instead keeps wandering onto the set of Joker. “This is not a fair fight,” he said at the podium today, supposedly directly addressing Iran. “We are locked and loaded… We’d rather not have to do it… You don’t have a Navy or real domain awareness! You can’t control anything!”
If that weren’t enough, he then dabbled in threatening war crimes again: Iran will have “blockades and bombs falling on infrastructure, power and electricity” if they don’t sign a deal, he added. Truly, diplomacy at its finest.
Holly Baxter reports:
Pete Hegseth’s panicky, angry Iran war briefing was painful to watch
Watch: Hegseth compares media to Pharisees in the Bible for 'negative' press on Iran war
15:20 , Maira ButtIran deploys powerful Chinese spy satellite to target US bases in Middle East
15:00 , Maira ButtIran acquired a powerful Chinese spy satellite, giving it a powerful capability to target US military bases across the Middle East, according to a Financial Times investigation.
Leaked Iranian documents show that the TEE-01B satellite was purchased by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 2024 for around $36.6m, shortly after China had launched it into space.
UK police arrest three after attempted arson at Persian language media office
14:40 , Maira ButtThree men have been arrested in connection with an attempted arson attack on the building of a Persian language media organisation in northwest London, British police said on Thursday.
One boy aged 16 and two men aged 19 and 21 were arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life and taken into police custody where they remain on Wednesday.
Police said the incident was not being treated as terrorism.
Full story: Pope Leo says world ‘being ravaged by handful of tyrants’ after Trump attacks
14:20 , Maira ButtPope Leo has said that the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” amid a deepening row over the war in Iran with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on a visit to Cameroon, the pontiff blasted leaders who spend billions on wars in unusually forceful remarks.
Leo, the first American pope, also decried leaders who used religious language to justify wars and urged a "decisive change of course".
Pope Leo says world ‘being ravaged by handful of tyrants’ after Trump attacks
Archbishop of Canterbury backs Pope Leo's call for peace
14:00 , Maira ButtThe Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, said on Thursday that she stood with Pope Leo in his “courageous call for a kingdom of peace”.
“I stand with my brother in Christ, His Holiness Pope XIV, in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace,” Mullally said in a statement on Thursday.
“It is the calling of every Christian – and of all people of faith and goodwill – to work and pray for peace. We must also urge all those entrusted with political authority to pursue every possible peaceful and just means of resolving conflict.”
Iran' supreme leader believed to be alive - Hegseth
13:41 , Alex CroftPete Hegseth has said that Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, is believed to be wounded but alive.
He was also asked about support for the US in managing the Strait of Hormuz, and said he would welcome support from other countries in the region.
Top US general says US will pursue vessels attempting to support Iran
13:27 , Alex CroftTop US General Dan Caine on Thursday told reporters that the United States would pursue any vessel attempting to provide support to Iran.
He added that enforcement would occur in Iranian territorial seas as well as and international waters.
Ships trying to break the blockade would be intercepted and warned that "If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force".
Enforcement would occur inside Iran's territorial seas and in international waters, he told the briefing.
Hegseth attacks 'endless stream of garbage' from US press
13:12 , Alex CroftHegseth tells the Iranian regime to “choose wisely” - before turning his attention to the press.
“Speaking of choosing wisely, a note to the American media. As I just can’t help but notice the endless stream of garbage, the relentlessly negative coverage you cannot resist peddling, despite the historic and important success of this effort,” he says.
“Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what side some of you are actually on. It’s incredibly unpatriotic.
“The same press bent over backwards during the Biden administration to explain away the disastrous and disgraceful Afghanistan withdrawal... it’s almost like you’re cheering only for one side.”
Hegseth says US, not Iran, controls Strait of Hormuz
13:09 , Alex CroftHegseth denies Iran’s claim that it is in control of the Strait of Hormuz.
“You can’t control anything,” he says.
“The US Navy controls traffic going in and out of the Strait because we have real assets, real capabilities,” he says.
Hegseth speaking to reporters
13:06 , Alex CroftUS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is speaking to reporters in the Pentagon.
He is joined by US admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command.
Hegseth says he will lay out what America’s next move will be if the Iranian regime “does not choose wisely”.
Addressing Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, he warns that this is “not a fair fight” and says the US is “locked and loaded”.
“We’d rather not have to do it, but we’re ready to go at the command of our President and at the push of a button.”
Beirut-Damascus highway shut after strike on vehicle kills 1
13:00 , Maira ButtThe main highway in Lebanon connecting Beirut and Damascus was shut on Thursday after an airstrike hit a vehicle killing one person, Lebanon's state news agency said.
Wathc: US enforces blockade on Iranian ports as naval vessels patrol Gulf of Oman
12:40 , Maira ButtPentagon approaches US automakers to help make weapons as wars deplete stocks, report claims
12:20 , Maira ButtPentagon officials are preparing for potential ground operations in Iran, which could last for weeks, The Washington Post reported Saturday.
These potential operations wouldn’t amount to a full invasion, but could include raids by infantry troops and Special Operations forces, according to the outlet, which cited anonymous U.S. officials.
One source told the Post the goals being considered could take “weeks, not months,” while another estimated it could take “a couple of months.” It’s still unknown whether President Donald Trump will approve any of the plans, according to the report.
Katie Hawkinson reports:
Israeli strike severs last bridge linking southern Lebanon to rest of country, Lebanese security official says
12:00 , Maira ButtAn Israeli strike has severed the last bridge linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, a senior Lebanese security official told Reuters on Thursday, adding that the strike has “shattered” the bridge and left no possibility of repairing it.
UK in ‘worst-case scenario’ planning for food shortages as a result of Iran war
11:40 , Maira ButtThe UK could see shortages of key supermarket goods this summer if the Iran war continues, a leaked government document has revealed.
Officials have put together contingency plans for a “reasonable worst-case scenario”, highlighting that the closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route could lead to carbon dioxide shortages.
The secret analysis – first reported by The Times – was codenamed “Exercise Turnstone” and was run by the government’s emergency committee, Cobra.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
UK in ‘worst-case scenario’ planning for food shortages as a result of Iran war
In pictures: Aftermath of Israeli strikes on Lebanon
11:20 , Maira Butt
Trump’s blockade appears to be turning back tankers in the Strait of Hormuz – but Iran has a trick up its sleeve
11:00 , Maira ButtIran appears to have a number of tricks up its sleeve to circumvent the impacts of the blockade, including floating storage, shadow fleet tankers, and the use of alternative ports.
Read the full story below.
Trump’s blockade is turning round boats in Hormuz – but Iran has trick up its sleeve
US and Iran are 'willing to hold talks' but peace in Lebanon 'essential', says Pakistan
10:40 , Maira ButtPakistan has said that both the US and Iran are “willing to hold talks”, according to Reuters.
The foreign ministry said on Thursday that the “process is continuing” but Lebanon is “essential” for the discussions to go on.
It said that Lebanon remains part of the ceasefire in effect.
Will Middle East conflict push flight prices even higher? Travel expert Simon Calder explains
10:20 , Maira ButtIsrael's Netanyahu to speak with Lebanese president, member of Israel's security cabinet says
10:00 , Maira ButtIsraeli 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.
Tensions between the country remain as Israel expanded its military operation in Lebanon where over 2,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes and thousands more injured.
Israel says it seeks to defeat Hezbollah for security reasons.
Pakistan says no dates set for second round of US-Iran talks
09:40 , Maira ButtNo dates have been decided for the second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran, a spokesperson for Pakistan's foreign ministry said on Thursday.
Nuclear issues are among the subjects being discussed by the countries, he said.
Fundamental disagreements remain over nuclear issues, senior Iranian official tells Reuters
09:20 , Maira ButtFundamental disagreements between Iran and the US remain over nuclear issues a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday.
“The fate of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and the duration of its nuclear restrictions remain unresolved,” they said.
However, the official added that there are “greater hopes” for extending the ceasefire and holding a second round of talks after Islamabad talks.
Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran to revive peace talks between the US and Iran, with the White House optimistic about a deal to end the war.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters: “We feel good about the prospects of a deal.”
Iran's biggest trading partner China says Tehran must reopen Strait of Hormuz
08:57 , Maira ButtChina has told Iran on Thursday that it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The country’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, told foreign minister Abbas Araghchi that freedom of safety and navigation through the waterway should be guaranteed, saying there is a “unanimous interest” for normal navigation to be restored.
It follows a US blockade of Iranian ports this week, which has caused further restrictions and uncertainty for shipping in the region. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and the primary buyer of the country’s oil.
Australia boosts military spending as Iran war makes global impact
08:17 , Maira ButtThe Iran war had greatly complicated the global strategic landscape, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday as he announced a major increase in Australian military spending.
Marles released the latest two-year update of Australia’s defense strategy and said an additional 53 billion Australian dollars ($38 billion) in spending on defense was planned over the next decade.
Australia’s defense budget would grow from 2.8 per cent of GDP this year to 3 per cent by 2033 as “Australia faces its most complex and threatening strategic circumstances since the end of World War II,” Marles said.
Asked how much more complex and threatening Australia’s circumstances were since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February, Marles told reporters: “I don’t think anyone could honestly answer that question.”
“It greatly complicates the global strategic landscape,” Marles said. “The world feels less safe.”
Lebanon 'not aware' of forthcoming peace talks
07:45 , Maira ButtLebanon has denied knowledge of forthcoming peace talks with Israel hours after US president Donald Trump announced the historic negotiations.
An official in Lebanon’s presidential office told the BBC it is not aware of any plans of contact with Israel on Thursday.
“It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow," Trump had said on Truth Social in a midnight post.
Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, following more than a month of war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.
UK economy grew faster than expected before Iran war
07:25 , Maira ButtThe UK economy grew by a better-than-expected 0.5 per cent in February, the Office for National Statistics said.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 0.2 per cent growth in gross domestic product for the December-February period compared with the previous three months.
In February alone, the economy grew by 0.5 per cent, the Office for National Statistics said, against expectations for a 0.1 per cent increase.
Watch: UN welcomes Lebanon-Israel talks
07:06 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarHow Iran built its military and weapons over decades of conflict
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSix weeks of US and Israeli bombardment have served to degrade Iran’s nuclear facilities and cripple parts of its military.
But the Islamic Republic’s offensive capabilities have been built up over nearly 50 years, during which Iran has been either at war or under the threat of conflict.
As an expert in military history and theory, I believe that to understand what may come next in Operation Epic Fury, it’s valuable to grasp the development of Iran’s modern military structure, capabilities and international activities, writes Paul J. Springer.
More here.
How Iran built its military and weapons over decades of conflict
Israeli settlers block Palestinian kids' path to school with tear gas
06:50 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarHajar and Rashid Hathaleen have always walked to school from their neighborhood on the outskirts of Umm al-Khair.
But when classes resumed this week for the first time since the Iran war began, coiled barbed wire blocked the Palestinian siblings' path to the village center.
Israeli settlers had installed it overnight, according to a video that Palestinian residents provided to The Associated Press.
Palestinians say the improvised fence is just the latest attempt by settlers to expand control in part of the occupied West Bank where state-backed demolitions, arson and vandalism regularly occur and settler violence, at times lethal, is rarely prosecuted.
More here.
Israeli settlers block Palestinian kids' path to school with tear gas and barbed wire
Iran threatens to disrupt Gulf trade in response to US naval blockade
06:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe commander of Iran’s joint military command has threatened to halt trade in the Gulf region if the US does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports.
No vessels have made it past US naval forces during the first 48 hours of the blockade, according to the US Central Command. Even so, Trump said on Wednesday the war in Iran was “very close to over".
The military adviser to Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei also warned that Iran would sink American ships in the Strait of Hormuz if the United States decided to "police" the key shipping bottleneck.
"Mr Trump wants to become the police of the Strait of Hormuz. Is this really your job? Is this the job of a powerful army like the US?" Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards who was named as a military adviser by Khamenei last month, told state TV.
"These ships of yours will be sunk by our first missiles and have created a great danger for the US military. They can definitely be exposed to our missiles and we can destroy them," Rezaei, wearing his military uniform, told the state broadcaster.
Asian stocks hit record highs as Iran peace deal hopes grow
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarJapan's Nikkei reached a fresh record in early trading, up 2.2 per cent, while MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.9 per cent, putting it on track for a third consecutive day of gains. S&P 500 futures were also higher.
The gains followed a strong Wednesday session on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 rose 0.8 per cent and the Nasdaq gained 1.6 per cent after strong quarterly results from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley lifted both indexes to record highs.
With around 6 per cent of companies having reported earnings, 84 per cent have beaten analyst expectations.
More here.
Oil prices drop below $95 and Asian stocks hit record highs as Iran peace hopes grow
Fire at Australian oil refinery threatens already dwindling petrol supplies
06:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA fire at one of Australia's only two remaining oil refineries burned for 13 hours on Wednesday night before being extinguished, threatening petrol supplies in a country already struggling with the fallout from the US-Iran war.
The blaze broke out just after 11pm at Viva Energy's Corio facility in Geelong, about 75km south-west of Melbourne, after multiple calls to emergency services reported explosions and flames.
Fire Rescue Victoria said the blaze was contained to the Mogas section – the part of the plant where motor gasoline is produced – an area of roughly 30 by 30m.
More here.
Massive fire at oil refinery threatens Australia’s petrol supplies
Pentagon approaches US automakers to help make weapons
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Trump administration is reportedly reaching out to U.S. automakers about using their factories to produce military gear, as the ongoing wars in Iran and Ukraine drain American defense supplies.
Defense officials have spoken with top executives at General Motors, Ford, GE Aerospace, and machinery maker Oshkosh about the effort, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The Wisconsin-based Oshkosh told The WSJ it began speaking with Pentagon in November, prior to the Iran war, in response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call to put U.S. military manufacturing on a “wartime footing.”
More here.
Pentagon wants US automakers to help make weapons as wars deplete stocks: report
Watch: US enforces blockade on Iranian ports
05:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices fall to $94 a barrel
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices fell in early trade this morning as hopes for easing US-Iran tensions, following reports that Iran could allow ships to pass through around the Strait of Hormuz, outweighed concerns over ongoing supply disruptions.
Brent crude futures dropped 44 cents, or 0.5 per cent, to $94.49 a barrel.
US West Texas Intermediate crude futures was down 70 cents, or 0.8 per cent, at $90.59 a barrel.
The White House expressed optimism yesterday about reaching a deal to end the war with Iran, while also warning of increasing economic pressure against Tehran if it remains defiant.
US says maritime blockade ‘has been fully implemented'
05:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAdmiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, has said that Donald Trump's forces have "completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea".
The command said yesterday that no vessels have made it past its forces during the blockade’s first 48 hours. The blockade began on Monday.
Central Command noted that 10 vessels have complied with directions to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or Iran’s coastal area.
The blockade is being enforced “impartially against all vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran,” the Command said. Vessels avoiding Iranian ports are not affected.
Israeli strikes kill four Lebanese medics
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarParamedic groups say a fourth Lebanese rescue worker has died after three consecutive, targeted strikes by the Israeli military yesterday that also wounded six others.
The back-to-back Israeli attacks on the southern village of Mayfadoun 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 were also hit in the attack.
The Israeli military has previously accused the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group of using ambulances as cover for militant activities, without offering evidence.
China urges Iran to restore ‘normal navigation’ in Hormuz Strait
04:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarChinese foreign minister Wang Yi has urged his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to work to restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The top diplomat told Iran that while its sovereignty and security in the strait should be respected and safeguarded, freedom and safety of navigation must also be guaranteed, according to the foreign ministry.
“The current situation has reached a critical stage between war and peace, with a window for peace opening,” Wang said, according to Xinhua.
“It is a shared call of the international community to strive to restore normal navigation through the strait,” he added.
Just In | Trump says historic Israel and Lebanon talks to happen tomorrow
04:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS president Donald Trump in a midnight post claimed he is "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," he said on Truth Social.
Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington following more than a month of war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.
Despite Hezbollah’s outright rejection, the talks are a major step for two countries with no diplomatic relations that have been officially at war since Israel’s inception in 1948.
The latest round of fighting was sparked by Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel on 2 March, days after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, Hezbollah’s key ally and patron.
At least 2,124 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon and more than one million displaced, according to the country's health ministry.
The deadliest day of the war took place last week, when Israel launched 100 airstrikes across Lebanon in 10 minutes, including in the heart of the capital, killing over 350 people.
In pictures: Iranians protest against US and Israel amid ceasefire
04:30 , Rachel Dobkin
How Iran built its military and weapons over decades of conflict
04:20 , Paul J. SpringerSix weeks of U.S. and Israeli bombardment have served to degrade Iran’s nuclear facilities and cripple parts of its military.
But the Islamic Republic’s offensive capabilities have been built up over nearly 50 years, during which Iran has been either at war or under the threat of conflict.
As an expert in military history and theory, I believe that to understand what may come next in Operation Epic Fury, it’s valuable to grasp the development of Iran’s modern military structure, capabilities and international activities.
Read on...
How Iran built its military and weapons over decades of conflict
Pakistan and Iran to continue talks Thursday: report
04:15 , Rachel DobkinPakistan and Iran will continue talks on Thursday, CNN reported, citing Iranian state media.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Wednesday.
“Delighted to welcome Field Marshal Munir to Iran”, Araghchi wrote on X. “Expressed gratitude for Pakistan's gracious hosting of dialogue, emphasizing that it reflects our deep and great bilateral relationship. Our commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region remains strong—and shared”.
Munir and Iranian officials will meet on Thursday as well to discuss messages exchanged between Tehran and Washington since peace talks failed last weekend, according to CNN.
Most Americans blame Trump for high gas prices amid Iran war: poll
03:45 , Rachel DobkinMost Americans blame US President Donald Trump for high gas prices amid the Iran war, according to a new poll.
The Quinnipiac University poll found that 65 per cent of US voters blame Trump either a lot or some for the rise in gas prices.
Americans are now paying more than $4 a gallon at the pump as the war causes oil prices to surge. Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel began strikes against the country on February 28.
Four Lebanese rescue workers killed in Israeli strikes: report
03:30 , Rachel DobkinFour Lebanese rescue workers have been killed in Israeli strikes Wednesday, the Associated Press reported, citing paramedic groups.
The strikes on the southern village of Mayfadoun also reportedly wounded six others.
The Israeli military told the AP it was “looking into” the reported strikes.
FIFA president Infantino says Iran will participate in World Cup 'for sure' despite war
03:15 , Associated PressFIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “for sure” despite its war with the US.
Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched strikes on the country.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes”, Infantino said. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play”.
Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago and said Wednesday he was impressed.
“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well”, Infantino said. "And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now”.
Read on...
FIFA president Infantino says Iran will participate in World Cup 'for sure' despite war
Pakistan's prime minister briefs Saudi Arabia on peace-keeping efforts
02:45 , Rachel DobkinPakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has briefed Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, on his country's peace-keeping efforts in the Iran war.
Sharif discussed his visit to Saudi Arabia in an X post early Wednesday morning local time, writing, “I had the pleasure and honour of meeting my dear brother, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Jeddah today.”
The prime minister said he “shared recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts which helped facilitate the U.S.–Iran ceasefire and historic peace talks in Islamabad.”
The US and Iran’s peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend failed as the two countries could not agree on what to do about Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
“I reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to advancing its efforts to encourage both the U.S. and Iran towards an agreement aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region”, Sharif said. “Grateful to His Royal Highness, for his support of Pakistan's sincere peace efforts”.
Pentagon seeks help from US automakers to boost weapons production: report
02:15 , Rachel DobkinThe Pentagon has sought help from US automakers to boost its weapons production, according to a new report.
Senior defense officials have discussed producing military supplies with top executives at General Motors, Ford Motor and other companies, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.
A Pentagon official said in a statement shared by The WJS that the US Defense Department “is committed to rapidly expanding the defense industrial base by leveraging all available commercial solutions and technologies to ensure our warfighters maintain a decisive advantage”.
US military shares photos of commander's Middle East visit
01:45 , Rachel DobkinToday, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, completed his second trip to the Middle East in the last 15 days. He engaged regional partners in six different countries and visited with U.S. troops. pic.twitter.com/gVjXuP4h80
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 15, 2026
Iranian military advisor says Tehran is 'familiar with a long war'
01:15 , Rachel DobkinIranian military advisor Mohsen Rezaei has said Tehran is “familiar with a long war”.
Rezaei, a former commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and new adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said he does not agree with extending the two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
The ceasefire is set to expire next week.
“We are subject to the decisions of the relevant officials, but personally I do not agree to extend the ceasefire”, Rezaei said, per the Associated Press, which cited Iranian state media.
He added, “Unlike the Americans who are afraid of continuous war, we are fully prepared and familiar with a long war”.
Watch: Zelensky says countries must coordinate as Iran war drives up costs and risks in Europe
Thursday 16 April 2026 00:45 , Rachel DobkinICYMI: Trump tells Fox Business the Iran war is ‘very close to being over’
Thursday 16 April 2026 00:15 , Josh MarcusThe Iran war is “very close” to ending, according to US President Donald Trump, with peace negotiations expected to continue later this week.
"I think it’s close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over”, Trump told Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo in a pre-taped interview that aired Wednesday.
"If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we’re not finished," he added. "We’ll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly."
The comments were similar to those Trump made in a prime-time address on April 1, in which the president claimed the U.S.’s “core strategic objectives are nearing completion.”
Read on...
Trump says Iran war is ‘very close’ to end amid reports peace talks will resume
White House offers no hint of Iran war cost as it seeks military funding surge
Wednesday 15 April 2026 23:46 , Dan HaygarthWhite House budget director Russell Vought said he could not estimate the cost of the Iran war, as he defended Donald Trump's request for a massive $1.5 trillion annual military budget against bipartisan criticism from US lawmakers who cited the Pentagon's historic lack of financial accountability, Reuters reports.
"We're not ready to come to you with a request. We're still working on it. We're working through to figure out what's needed," Vought told a hearing of the House of Representatives Budget Committee.
"I don't have a ballpark."
The cost of the war with Iran, which Trump began alongside Israel on February 28, has remained an open question on Capitol Hill.
An initial $200 billion request for additional funding for the war met with stiff opposition in Congress last month. Vought appeared before the panel to discuss Trump's proposed budget for fiscal year 2027, with its $500 billion increase in military spending and 10% reduction for non-defense programs.
Full story: Stocks hit record high as investors bet on Iran war optimism
Wednesday 15 April 2026 23:45 , Daniel HaygarthThe U.S. stock market reached a record high on Wednesday, extending a two-week rally built on hopes the war with Iran won’t create a worst-case scenario for the global economy. Whether Wall Street’s optimism for peace is justified, and if current stock valuations are sustainable, remains to be seen.
Read more:
Stocks hit record high as investors bet on Iran war optimism
Full story: Hundreds of Iranian sailors return from Sri Lanka weeks after US torpedo sinks warship
Wednesday 15 April 2026 23:30 , Dan HaygarthMore than 200 Iranian sailors who were rescued by Sri Lanka from two sinking warships at the start of the war have been sent back to their home, a senior official has said.
Sri Lankan forces rescued 32 Iranian crew members from the warship Iris Dena on 4 March after it was struck by torpedo fired by a US submarine, while it was returning from a naval exercise organised by India. Another 208 were rescued from the Iris Booshehr on 5 March, after it requested assistance from Colombo when it ran into engine trouble.
The country’s deputy defence minister Aruna Jayasekera said the crews of both ships “were flown out about 11pm on a special flight on Tuesday night”.
Read more below:
Hundreds of Iranian sailors return from Sri Lanka weeks after US sinks warship
Watch: White House denies it requested Iran ceasefire extension
Wednesday 15 April 2026 23:15 , Dan HaygarthEditorial: If President Trump can no longer be trusted on trade, Britain should look elsewhere for reliable partners
Wednesday 15 April 2026 23:00 , Daniel HaygarthThe threat by Donald Trump to tear up the US-UK trade deal, signed less than a year ago, confirms two things about him.
First, that trade policy and tariffs have nothing much to do with structural imbalances in exports and imports and are more an arm of foreign and defence policy. He is displeased with the British response to his ill-starred war in Iran, so his mind turns towards punishment. As many other nations have discovered, the president can be insulting, capricious and vindictive to anyone, and that clearly includes Britain, fond as he is of King Charles. Mr Trump will reach for any weapon that suits his spiteful purposes, irrespective of whether it might prove counterproductive.
The second lesson, which follows, is that this is a man who cannot be trusted.
Read the full article below:
If Trump can no longer be trusted on trade, the UK must look elsewhere
Iranian cargo vessel tried to evade blockade but was turned around, US claims
Wednesday 15 April 2026 22:20 , Dan HaygarthUS Central Command has said that an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel tried to evade its blockade after leaving Bandar Abbas, exiting the Strait of Hormuz.
It says it was redirected and is heading back to Iran.
It also zero ships have broken through its blockade since it began on Monday
Yesterday, an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel tried to evade the U.S. blockade after leaving Bandar Abbas, exiting the Strait of Hormuz, and transiting along the Iranian coastline. The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is… pic.twitter.com/EUnwhwYiDv
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 15, 2026
Recap: White House denies U.S. requested ceasefire, says new talks may happen in Pakistan
Wednesday 15 April 2026 22:12 , Daniel HaygarthReports that the White House has requested a ceasefire in the Iran war are wrong, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday but added that discussions about a second round of talks with the Iranians were ongoing and productive.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said any fresh talks would likely be in Pakistan again as it has emerged as the "only mediator" in the effort to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
"These conversations are productive and ongoing, and that's where we are right now. I've also seen some reporting about the potentiality for in-person discussions.
“Again, those discussions are being had, but nothing is official until you hear it from us here at the White House, but we feel good about the prospects of a deal," Leavitt said.
Asked if her country had requested an extension of the ceasefire, she said: "I saw some reporting - again, bad reporting - this morning that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true.”
Watch: US Central Command says naval blockade is being enforced in Gulf of Oman
Wednesday 15 April 2026 22:05 , Daniel HaygarthUS targets Iran's oil transportation infrastructure with sanctions
Wednesday 15 April 2026 21:45 , Dan HaygarthThe US Treasury Department has said it is targeting Iran's oil transportation infrastructure by imposing sanctions on more than two dozen individuals, companies, and vessels.
The sanctions target a network of Iranian oil shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the Treasury Department said in a statement. Hossein Shamkhani is the son of Ali Shamkhani, a key figure in Iran's security and nuclear policymaking who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on 28 February.
"Treasury is moving aggressively with Economic Fury by targeting regime elites like the Shamkhani family that attempt to profit at the expense of the Iranian people," treasury secretary Scott Bessent said in the statement.
The Treasury Department is also sanctioning Iranian national Seyed Naiemaei Badroddin Moosavi, who it alleges to be a financier to Hezbollah, and three companies linked to a money laundering scheme involving the sale of Iranian oil in exchange for Venezuelan gold.
Recap: Talks ongoing about fresh negotiations, White House says
Wednesday 15 April 2026 21:30 , Daniel HaygarthTalks are ongoing about holding fresh face-to-face negotiations between the US and Iran, the White House has said.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “discussions are being had” although nothing was yet confirmed.
She added: “But we feel good about the prospects of a deal.
“It’s obviously in the best interest of Iran to meet the president’s demands. I think he’s made his red lines in these negotiations very clear to the other side.”
Previous negotiations broke down over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, the US said.
Any future talks are again likely to be held in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, she said.
‘Strait of Vermouth’: Democrats roast two Trump cabinet members with one post after Bessent’s press briefing botch
Wednesday 15 April 2026 21:15 , Dan Haygarth
Dems roast two Trump cabinet members with one post after Bessent’s briefing botch
Senate votes against restraining Trump on Iran
Wednesday 15 April 2026 21:00 , Jane Dalton
Senate votes down restraining Trump on Iran after Fetterman crosses Democrats again
Economic pain is short-term, White House insists
Wednesday 15 April 2026 20:45 , Jane DaltonA global economic shock caused by the Iran conflict has been dismissed by the White House as "short-term disruption".
The Trump administration insisted it would deliver the long-term benefit of preventing Tehran getting a nuclear weapon, which was "a good thing for people all over the world".
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said: "The message is the short-term volatility for long-term gain."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "This is short-term disruption for the long-term strategic goal of the United States to ensure that the world's leading state sponsor of terror cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.
"That's a good thing for the American people. That's a good thing for people all over the world.
"As soon as the operation and now the negotiations with Iran conclude and the Strait (of Hormuz) is reopened, we do expect gas prices to decrease."
She added: "Of course we have this short-term disruption, but again, it's for the long-term strategic goal of ensuring that these terrorists cannot possess a nuclear bomb."
US targets Iran's oil transportation infrastructure with sanctions
Wednesday 15 April 2026 20:20 , Jane DaltonThe US Treasury says it is targeting Iran's oil transportation infrastructure by imposing sanctions on more than two dozen individuals, companies and vessels.
The sanctions target a network of Iranian oil shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, who is the son of Ali Shamkhani, a key figure in Iran's security and nuclear policymaking who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February.
"Treasury is moving aggressively with Economic Fury by targeting regime elites like the Shamkhani family that attempt to profit at the expense of the Iranian people," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The Treasury Department is also sanctioning Iranian national Seyed Naiemaei Badroddin Moosavi, who it alleges to be a financier to Hezbollah, and three companies linked to a money-laundering scheme involving the sale of Iranian oil in exchange for Venezuelan gold.
Iran 'offers proposal allowing ships to exit Oman side of Hormuz'
Wednesday 15 April 2026 19:56 , ReutersIran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the United States, provided a deal is clinched to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said.
The source said Iran could be willing to let ships use the other side of the narrow strait in Omani waters without any hindrance.
The source did not say whether Iran would also agree to clear any mines it may have placed in that stretch of water or whether all ships – even those linked to Israel – would be allowed to pass freely.
But the source added that the proposal hinged on whether Washington was prepared to meet Tehran's demands, a condition that was central to any potential breakthrough with the Strait of Hormuz.
A so-called two-way traffic-separation scheme, which was adopted in 1968 with agreement of countries in the region, created the current ship routing system that splits sailing corridors through Iranian and Omani waters.
Netanyahu: Israel military continues to strike Hezbollah
Wednesday 15 April 2026 19:24 , Dan HaygarthIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that the military continues to strike at Hezbollah and was about to "overwhelm" Bint Jbeil, as pressure mounts for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
In a video statement, Netanyahu said he has instructed the military to continue reinforcing the security zone in southern Lebanon.
On Iran, Netanyahu said the US keeps Israel updated and the two countries are aligned. Should the ceasefire with Iran fail, "we are prepared for any scenario," he said.
Watch: Trump says Xi denied arming Iran after exchange of letters ahead of China meeting
Wednesday 15 April 2026 19:15 , Dan HaygarthUS won't be renewing waivers for Iranian and Russian oil
Wednesday 15 April 2026 19:02 , Dan HaygarthThe United States will not be renewing the general licenses that allowed purchase of some Iranian and Russian oil without facing US sanctions, treasury secretary Scott Bessent told reporters on Wednesday.
White House denies US requested ceasefire but says new talks may happen in Pakistan
Wednesday 15 April 2026 18:54 , Dan HaygarthReports that the White House has requested a ceasefire in the Iran war are wrong, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.
She said conversations for a second round of talks with the Iranians were productive and that those negotiations would likely be in Pakistan again.
Watch: Zelensky says countries must coordinate as Iran war drives up costs and risks in Europe
Wednesday 15 April 2026 18:51 , Dan HaygarthFull story: Trump says Xi will ‘give him a big fat hug’ as he promises to ‘permanently reopen’ Strait of Hormuz
Wednesday 15 April 2026 18:35 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz “permanently open” on Wednesday, following talks with his Chinese counterpart as pressure mounts on the US to end the war with Iran and restore global shipping.
The apparent climbdown came just hours after Trump said he was employing US forces to impose a blockade of Iranian ports in the region, a move the military said had completely halted trade going in and out of the country by sea.
Trump vowed to reopen the strait “for China” in an unusual concession to a trade rival. He promised “this situation will never happen again” and added that the Chinese leader would “give me a big, fat hug when I get there in a few weeks”.
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Israeli security cabinet to discuss possible Lebanon ceasefire, senior official says
Wednesday 15 April 2026 18:20 , Dan HaygarthIsrael's security cabinet have convened to discuss a possible Lebanon ceasefire, a senior Israeli official said, Reuters reports.
It comes more than six weeks into a war with Hezbollah that spiralled out of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Donald Trump earlier said the war with Iran could end soon, telling the world to watch out for an "amazing two days", as the army chief of mediator Pakistan arrived in Tehran in a bid to prevent a renewed conflict.
Senior Hezbollah official Ibrahim al-Moussawi told Reuters that diplomatic efforts by Iran and other regional states could produce a ceasefire soon, saying Tehran had used its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage.
Two other senior Lebanese officials said they had been briefed that efforts were underway for a ceasefire.
One of them said the U.S. had been pressuring Israel to work towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, including during rare talks between Israeli and Lebanese government envoys in Washington on Tuesday.
