Pro-government Iranian protesters took to the streets of Tehran Wednesday, burning American and Israeli flags after US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil, is expected to reopen as part of Trump’s temporary ceasefire with Iran.
Trump had threatened to destroy Iran's bridges and power plants and warned earlier on Tuesday “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran did not meet his deadline to reopen the strait.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign affairs minister, confirmed a two-week ceasefire.
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations”, Araghchi said. “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.”
Israel said it has accepted the ceasefire and “supports president Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran”. However, it added that the ceasefire does not include Lebanon. Israeli defence minister Israel Katz last week said his forces would continue their occupation of the south of the country.
Key Points
- Israel accepts Trump's ceasefire but says it 'does not include Lebanon'
- Trump agrees to suspend attacking Iran for two weeks
- Oil slides below $100 after Trump announces ceasefire
- Trump says ceasefire could bring 'Golden Age of the Middle East'
- Pakistan's prime minister invites US and Iran to capital for negotiations
- Iran's foreign affairs minister confirms two-week ceasefire
UN chief urges end to hostilities
05:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUN secretary-general Antonio Guterres calls on all parties “to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region,” his spokesperson said.
Guterres also calls on the parties to comply with their obligations under international law, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
International law requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“The secretary-general underscores that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering,” Dujarric said.
Jean Arnault, the secretary-general’s personal envoy, is in the region “to support efforts toward lasting peace,” the spokesperson added.
Israeli strike kills 8 in southern Lebanese coastal city
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLebanon's health ministry said at least eight people were killed and another 22 people were wounded in an Israeli airstrike on Sidon in southern Lebanon.
The strike came without warning, and the Israeli military did not immediately specify who it was targeting.
At least 1,530 people have been killed in the latest war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group, according to reports.
Trump says ceasefire could bring 'Golden Age of the Middle East'
05:25 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDonald Trump, in a new post on Truth Social, said: "A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else!"
"The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made.
"Iran can start the reconstruction process. We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just “hangin’ around” in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will."Just like we are experiencing in the US, this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!!!"
Trump says US won 'total and complete victory' after Iran ceasefire deal
05:18 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDonald Trump has claimed the US won a "total and complete victory" after agreeing to a two-week ceasefire deal with Iran.
"Total and complete victory. 100 per cent. No question about it," Trump told AFP news agency.
Islamic Resistance in Iraq will halt operations for two weeks
05:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias, said in a statement early this morning that it will halt its operations in Iraq and the region for two weeks.
The announcement came hours after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq have claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks on US bases and other facilities in the country in solidarity with Tehran since the war began.
Trump threatens CNN over its Iran coverage
05:04 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPresident Donald Trump fired off a seething threat against CNN Tuesday night in response to its reporting Iran had claimed a "great victory" over the US following the president's announcement to delay his ceasefire deadline by two weeks.
Trump had originally given Iran until 8pm ET on Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning a refusal would mean a "whole civilization will die."
Around 90 minutes before that deadline, Trump and the White House released statements saying the US and Iran had agreed to negotiate an end to hostilities that would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the suspension of fighting for two weeks.
More here.
Trump threatens CNN over its Iran coverage after announcing ceasefire plan
US confirms release of journalist kidnapped in Iraq
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has confirmed that American journalist Shelley Kittleson, who was kidnapped last week in Iraq, has been released.
Kittleson was abducted by the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah from a street corner in Baghdad on 31 March.
Rubio said in a statement posted on X: "We are relieved that this American is now freed and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq.
"He thanked the Iraqi authorities, as well as the FBI and US defence department and other US agencies, for their work towards securing Kittleson's release.
Trump believes China convinced Iran to negotiate
04:59 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS president Donald Trump told the AFP news agency that he believes China was able to convince Iran to negotiate a ceasefire.
China, Tehran's biggest trading partner, spoke with the Iranians to get them on board, two officials told AP.
Chinese officials were in touch with Iranian officials to encourage Tehran to find a path to a ceasefire deal as the negotiations were evolving, the officials said.
Beijing had been working with intermediaries, including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, as it tried to use its influence, said one of the officials, who was not authorised to comment publicly on the diplomatic matter.
Earlier Tuesday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said: "All parties need to demonstrate sincerity and quickly end this war that should not have happened in the first place."
Israel continues to strike Lebanon
04:50 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Australia's Albanese criticises Trump's ‘civilisation-ending’ Iran threat
04:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAustralian prime minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Donald Trump’s "civilisation-ending" warning to Iran before the US president announced a temporary ceasefire.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to use language such as that from the president of the United States and I think it will cause some concern,” he told Sky News Australia.
“The potential of damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran was an extraordinary statement, and the impact that would have arisen from an escalation in the Iranian response would have led to greater economic damage.”
Trump had warned “a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again".
Pakistan invites Iran and the US to talks in Islamabad
04:27 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is inviting Iran and the US to meet in Islamabad and have further discussions.
In a post on X, Sharif said that both parties have agreed on the ceasefire.
"I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries," he said.
"And invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10 April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes."There has been no public response from the US or Iran to the invitation.
Israel accepts ceasefire but says it 'does not include Lebanon'
04:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Israeli prime minister’s office has issued a statement on Donald Trump's two-week-long temporary ceasefire.
"Israel supports president Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region," the statement read.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office added that Israel supports US efforts to ensure Iran “no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat” and that the US has told Israel it is committed to achieving these goals in the upcoming talks.
However, “the two-weeks ceasefire does not include Lebanon,” the statement added.
Earlier today, Pakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said the ceasefire extended to Lebanon as well.
Iranian hackers' targeting of US critical infrastructure 'escalates'
04:20 , Jane DaltonIranian hackers targeting equipment used in numerous American critical infrastructure sectors are escalating in response to hostilities, US officials say.
Cybersecurity, law enforcement and intelligence agencies say the hackers are targeting publicly exposed devices that are used to interact with or control certain critical infrastructure-related equipment and systems.
The hackers are seeking to cause “disruptive effects within the United States”, according to the advisory.
“In a few cases, this activity has resulted in operational disruption and financial loss."
In some cases the hackers interacted with data files to alter display data, while also extracting device project data, the agencies say.
The hacking operations targeted critical infrastructure organisations in the government services and facilities, water and wastewater systems and energy sectors.
Watch: Israeli video shows bombing of Lebanese villages
04:15 , Jane DaltonFootage released by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) shows multiple strikes on a village in Lebanon in an ongoing operation targeting terror group Hezbollah, Holly Bishop writes.
Israeli army video shows multiple strikes on Lebanese villages
Pentagon chief to hold press conference Wednesday
04:10 , Rachel DobkinUS Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will brief reporters, alongside General Dan Caine, chairman of America’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, Wednesday.
ANNOUNCEMENT: pic.twitter.com/lYrBbWDLf1
— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) April 8, 2026
The press conference will surely focus on the temporary ceasefire that the US and Iran have agreed to.
Read Trump's full statement on US-Iran ceasefire
04:05 , Rachel Dobkin🚨 President Donald J. Trump makes a statement on Iran: pic.twitter.com/9mqTayL0Q3
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 7, 2026
Analysis: Trump just TACO’d away American credibility as he backs down on Iran threats
04:00 , Eric GarciaDonald Trump has spent his career railing against elite presidents who did not have the courage to act the way he claims he does.
But judging by Trump’s announcement today that he would extend the deadline for his strikes within Iran by two weeks, one has to wonder what the president’s words mean anymore. He makes big threats, but quickly becomes the boy who cries wolf and doesn’t follow through. While nobody wanted to see him end a “civilization,” his latest retreat is just more evidence that his big threats mean little and will now carry political consequences.
Trump’s decision to back out – commonly referred to as “TACO” or “Trump Always Chickens Out” – this time demonstrates a measure of strategic weakness that far outmeasures any previous humiliation that Trump used to criticize from past presidents.
And it means that no world leader ever needs to take Trump’s threats seriously.
Read on...
Trump just TACO’d away American credibility as he backs down on Iran threats
Oil slides below $100 after Trump announces ceasefire
04:01 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil fell below $100 per barrel this morning after US president Donald Trump said he had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran that was subject to the immediate and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent fell $14.84, or 13.6 per cent, to $94.43 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate slid $16.13, or 14.3 per cent, to $96.82 a barrel.
The US-Israeli war with Iran saw the steepest monthly oil price rise in history in March of more than 50 per cent.
Petroleum expert says US gas prices could start reversing in next two days after US-Iran ceasefire announcement
03:55 , Rachel DobkinPatrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at fuel price tracker GasBuddy, has said US gas prices could start reversing in the next two days after the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire.
“Gas prices could start reversing nationally in 48 hours or so- by a few cents every day. Diesel prices may lag slightly- but where things stand now, diesel is NO longer likely to reach a record.
“National average gasoline could fall below $4 in ~1-2 weeks, diesel >$5 in 6-8 weeks”, De Haan wrote on X.
The petroleum expert did caution in a follow-up post that the numbers are “tentative based on current markets, changes are highly likely as the situation unfolds”.
In pictures: Pro-government protesters in Tehran after ceasefire announcement
03:40 , Rachel Dobkin
Iran includes 'acceptance of enrichment' for nuclear program in Farsi version of its 10-point plan: report
03:30 , Rachel DobkinIran included the “acceptance of enrichment” for its nuclear program in the Farsi version of its 10-point ceasefire plan, the Associated Press has reported.
The phrase is missing in the English versions of the plan that Iranian diplomats shared with the press, per the AP.
'Cataclysmic': Democratic senator theorizes Trump is giving Iran control of Strait of Hormuz
03:20 , Rachel DobkinQatar intercepts missile attack, officials say
03:00 , Rachel DobkinQatar’s Defence Ministry has announced that its armed forces intercepted a missile attack.
The attack comes after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.
Kuwait announces 'hostile' attacks following US-Iran ceasefire agreement
02:50 , Rachel DobkinKuwait has said it was taking on “hostile” attacks following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire.
“Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks”, the country’s Army wrote on X over an hour after US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran would stop fighting for two-weeks.
Abu Dhabi authorities responding to fire at Habshan gas facility, officials say
02:40 , Rachel DobkinAbu Dhabi authorities are responding to a fire at its Habshan gas-processing facility, officials have said.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced the fire hours after US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran had agreed on a two-week ceasefire.
Kidnapped American journalist released by Iran-backed militia: Marco Rubio
02:30 , Rachel DobkinAmerican journalist Shelly Kittleson was released by the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah after the Iraqi militia kidnapped her, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced.
“Under President Trump, the wrongful detention or kidnapping of U.S. nationals will not be tolerated”, Rubio wrote on X Tuesday night, Washington time. “We will continue to use every tool to bring Americans home and to hold accountable those responsible”.
I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kata’ib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 8, 2026
The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of…
Kittleson was reportedly abducted in Baghdad on March 31.
White House is weighing in-person talks with Iran
02:20 , Rachel DobkinThe White House has said it’s weighing holding in-person talks with Iran after a temporary ceasefire was reached.
“Nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shared by The New York Times.
Israel continues attacking Iran, despite US ceasefire announcement: report
02:10 , Rachel DobkinThe US has agreed to end strikes on Iran for two-weeks, but that doesn’t mean its partner in the war will stop attacking the Middle Eastern country.
The Israeli Air Force has continued to target Iran, despite the newly announced ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, a security official told The Times of Israel.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates also sounded missile alerts after the ceasefire announcement, the Associated Press reported.
Full story: Trump announces suspension of attacks on Iran for two weeks subject to safe opening of Strait of Hormuz
02:00 , John BowdenWith most of Washington and much of the US awaiting his next move, PresidentDonald Trump backed off his threat to unleash devastation across Iran on Tuesday evening.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that US forces would pause plans for a massive, final military assault against Iran for two weeks while negotiations continued between the two countries, mediated by Pakistan.
He also claimed that a complete re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil, would be part of the arrangement around a temporary pause in his plans.
Read on...
What is in Iran's 10-point plan?
01:40 , Alex WoodwardWhile details remain unclear, Iran's 10-point plan that US President Donald Trump called a “workable basis” for negotiations was floated earlier this week and includes a sweeping set of proposals, including Iranian tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a lifting of all sanctions and an ending of Israeli strikes in Lebanon. All of which seems unlikely as a starting point.
Oil prices plummet after Trump announces US-Iran ceasefire
01:25 , Rachel DobkinOil prices plummeted after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran Tuesday night.
The price of US crude oil dropped more than 16 percent to below $94 a barrel after reaching a high of $117 a barrel earlier in the day, NBC News reported.
Pakistan's prime minister invites US and Iran to capital for negotiations dubbed 'Islamabad Talks'
01:10 , Rachel DobkinShehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's prime minister, has invited delegates from the US and Iran to his capital for negotiations, which he dubbed the “Islamabad Talks.”
Reacting to the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, Sharif wrote on X, “I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”.
With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
I warmly welcome the…
Trump moves self-imposed deadline in Iran war for the fourth time
Wednesday 8 April 2026 00:55 , Alex WoodwardDonald Trump’s latest delay on strikes against key Iranian infrastructure marks at least the fourth time within the last 18 days that the US president has delayed or moved self-imposed deadlines while at the same time declaring that the war is “very complete” or “winding down”.
Even in Tuesday night’s ceasefire announcement, he said the US has “already met and exceeded” its military objectives, yet has not lifted a looming threat of resuming a bombing campaign.
Iran's foreign affairs minister confirms two-week ceasefire
Wednesday 8 April 2026 00:40 , Rachel DobkinAbbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign affairs minister, has confirmed a two-week ceasefire between his country and the US.
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations”, Araghchi wrote in a statement. “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.”
Statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran: pic.twitter.com/cEtBNCLnWT
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 7, 2026
Iran had blocked ships from entering the strait, which carries about a fifth of the world’s oil, as the US and Israel continued striking the country in recent weeks.
Iran accepts Pakistan's ceasefire proposal, NYT reports
Wednesday 8 April 2026 00:30 , Samantha BeechIran has accepted Pakistan’s cease-fire proposal, The New York Times reports, citing three Iranian officials.
The agreement was reached following what The NYT described as "frantic diplomatic efforts" by Pakistan and last-minute intervention by China.
The Iranian officials reportedly said the cease-fire had been approved by the new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
Earlier, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed to US President Donald Trump for a two-week extension to the deadline he set for Iran to cease its blockade of Gulf oil.
Dozens of members of Congress call on Trump to be removed from office amid Iran war
Wednesday 8 April 2026 00:25 , Alex WoodwardMore than 70 members of Congress Tuesday called on the administration to remove Donald Trump from office under the 25th Amendment, and so did the NAACP, for the first time in the organization’s history.
But Democratic leadership did not urge Republican counterparts back to DC to try to pass a war powers resolution or any other measure to curb the US president’s actions, despite his immediate and urgent threat, and GOP lawmakers appeared unmoved.
Trump expects agreement to be 'finalised and consummated' during ceasefire
Tuesday 7 April 2026 23:57 , Tara CobhamDonald Trump has said he expects an agreement to be “finalised and consummated” during the two-week ceasefire.
In his Truth Social post, the US president said: “A two-week period will allow the Agreement to be finalised and consummated.”
10-point proposal from Iran is 'workable basis on which to negotiate', Trump says
Tuesday 7 April 2026 23:56 , Tara CobhamDonald Trump said the US has received a 10-point proposal from Iran and both sides “believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate”.
In his Truth Social post, he said: “We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran.”
UK slams Russia and China for 'shielding' Iran at UN
Tuesday 7 April 2026 23:55 , Jane DaltonBritain has accused Russia and China of "shielding their ally" Iran in blocking diplomatic moves at the United Nations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The two countries vetoed a watered-down resolution proposed in New York by Bahrain.
Eleven of the 15-member security council, including the UK, backed the measure, while there two abstentions.
Israeli military says missiles launched from Iran towards Israel
Tuesday 7 April 2026 23:53 , Tara CobhamThe Israeli military has said it has identified missiles launched from Iran towards Israel.
Trump says long term peace deal with Iran is 'very far along'
Tuesday 7 April 2026 23:41 , Tara CobhamDonald Trump has said that a long term peace deal with Iran is “very far along”.
In a Truth Social post, the US president said: “We have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East.”
Trump agrees to suspend attacking Iran for two weeks
Tuesday 7 April 2026 23:39 , Tara CobhamDonald Trump has agreed to suspend attacking Iran for a period of two weeks.
In a Truth Social post, the US president said: “Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE!”
Israel targets Iran’s railways and bridges after warning people not to travel by train
Tuesday 7 April 2026 23:00 , Bryony Gooch
Israel targets Iran’s railways and bridges after warning not to travel by train
UN envoy plans to visit Iran as part of peace effort
Tuesday 7 April 2026 22:50 , Tara CobhamA personal envoy of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to visit Iran as part of his efforts to encourage an end to the Iran war, but his travel plans will depend on security and logistics, a UN source said. Jean Arnault, a veteran UN diplomat Guterres named as his envoy on the conflict last month, headed to the Middle East on Monday.
The UN has not provided details of his itinerary.
Qatar says four injured after debris fell on a house following missiles interception
Tuesday 7 April 2026 22:40 , Tara CobhamQatar's interior ministry said on Tuesday that four people, including a child, were injured after debris fell on a house in the Muraikh area following an interception of Iranian missiles.
Israel says Iran fired new barrage of missiles
Tuesday 7 April 2026 22:29 , Jane DaltonIsrael's military said Iran had launched missiles at the country on Tuesday evening, the seventh time of the day.
Sirens sent people to shelters in the southern part of the country, while earlier salvos had been centred on Tel Aviv, as well as central Israel and parts of the occupied West Bank.
Northern Israeli communities continued to come under fire from Hezbollah as well.
Sundown Tuesday marks the beginning of the last day of the Passover holiday, an especially important religious occasion in the Jewish calendar.
Earlier in the day, an elderly couple and their son, who were killed in a missile attack, were buried in Haifa.
'Good news' expected soon with deal set to be made tonight, source tells CNN
Tuesday 7 April 2026 22:28 , Tara Cobham“Some good news is expected from both sides soon”, according to a regional source.
The source told CNN that a deal on the US’s war with Iran is set to be made tonight.
Pelosi and 70 other Democrats call for Trump's removal from office
Tuesday 7 April 2026 22:15 , Jane DaltonFormer House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is among at least 70 Democratic members of Congress now calling for President Trump’s removal from office under the 25th Amendment, according to The Independent’s review of their statements.
That’s up from 50 earlier on Tuesday.
Is Kharg Island Iran’s Achilles Heel? Why Trump has designs on tiny oil hub in the Persian Gulf
Tuesday 7 April 2026 22:00 , Bryony Gooch
Is Kharg Island Iran’s Achilles Heel? Why Trump has designs on tiny Gulf oil hub
'Heated negotiations' going on, says Trump
Tuesday 7 April 2026 21:40 , Jane DaltonPresident Trump has said his administration is in the midst of tough talks with Iran.
He declined to say how he was feeling about the impasse.
“I can't tell you, because right now we're in heated negotiations," he told Fox News.
Rubio and Cooper 'agree Hormuz must be opened'
Tuesday 7 April 2026 21:31 , Jane DaltonUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has spoken with UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper about the escalating Middle East crisis.
A US State Department spokesman said: “Secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke today with UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper about the Iranian regime’s ongoing attacks across the Middle East and the critical importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The secretary and foreign secretary agreed on the need for international efforts to ensure shipping can move freely and energy supplies can reach global markets.”
Trump brands Iranian 'human shields' illegal
Tuesday 7 April 2026 21:22 , Jane DaltonPresident Trump has sharply criticised Iran’s call for young people to line up as human shields around power plants.
“Totally illegal,” he said. “They’re not allowed to do that.”
In a brief phone call with NBC News, he declined to provide any update on negotiations with the Iranians.
As for what motivated him to post this morning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” — a comment that has drawn backlash from around the world — he would only say: “You’ll have to figure that out.”
Trump 'in heated negotiations' with Iran
Tuesday 7 April 2026 21:11 , Jane DaltonPresident Trump has reportedly told Fox News in the US that he is in "heated negotiations" with Iran at the moment.
BREAKING: President Trump reveals to FOX News that he's in a "heated negotiation" with Iran at the moment. pic.twitter.com/x9Ec1Gbjnl
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) April 7, 2026
Pictured: Memorial to Minab school children displayed in ceremony
Tuesday 7 April 2026 21:00 , Bryony Gooch
Trump 'aware of' two-week extension proposal
Tuesday 7 April 2026 20:53 , Jane DaltonPresident Trump has been made been aware of Pakistan’s proposal for a two-week extension and ceasefire, and a response will come, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Axios.
And a top Iranian official has told Reuters Tehran is positively reviewing Pakistan’s request for a two-week ceasefire.
Trump and Iran face Pakistan plea for two-week ceasefire
Tuesday 7 April 2026 20:37 , Jane DaltonPakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked Donald Trump to make a two-week extension to the deadline he imposed on Iran to end its blockade of Gulf oil.
He also urged both sides to observe a ceasefire for two weeks, saying diplomatic efforts to find a deal were going well.
Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
Watch: Iranians form human chains to protect infrastructure
Tuesday 7 April 2026 20:30 , Jane Dalton
Iranians unite in human chains to protect infrastructure amid Trump threats
Breaking: Pakistan asks Trump to extend deadline by two weeks
Tuesday 7 April 2026 20:26 , Jane DaltonBreaking news: Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif says he has asked US leader Donald Trump to extend his deadline for two weeks, and has asked Iran’s leaders to open the Strait of Hormuz for the same period as a goodwill gesture.
Pakistan has been a key mediator between the US and Iran.
HMS Dragon suffers technical hitch heading for UK Cyprus air bases
Tuesday 7 April 2026 20:12 , Jane Dalton
HMS Dragon docks due to technical issue after being sent to protect air bases
Farage turns on ally Trump over president’s latest Iran threat: ‘That is over the top in every single way’
Tuesday 7 April 2026 20:00 , Bryony Gooch
Farage turns on ally Trump over US president’s latest Iran threat
Pope says Trump threats unacceptable
Tuesday 7 April 2026 19:53 , Jane DaltonPope Leo has said threats against the population of Iran are "unacceptable", in an unusual appeal hours after President Trump’s latest threat shocked world leaders.
Leo, an outspoken critic of the war, called on citizens across the world to contact their political representatives and ask them to bring the expanding regional conflict to an end.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he hoped Trump would not go ahead with his latest threats.
"One does not erase a civilisation," Barrot told France 2 television.
Dozens of Democrats call for Trump to be removed from office
Tuesday 7 April 2026 19:45 , Jane DaltonAt least 50 Democratic members of Congress are calling on the Trump administration to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the president from office, according to The Independent’s review of lawmakers’ statements.
The House and Senate are still on recess, and vice-president JD Vance is overseas, so there would not be any imminent action, if any was even possible.
Iraqi kidnappers promise to free US journalist
Tuesday 7 April 2026 19:30 , Jane DaltonA powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia, Kataib Hezbollah, says it will release American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad last week.
The group said its decision came "in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister" of Iraq, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
It added: "This initiative will not be repeated in the future".
Kataib Hezbollah had not previously acknowledged that it was responsible for Kittleson's abduction.
Kittleson, 49, a freelance journalist, had entered Iraq shortly before her abduction. US officials say they warned her numerous times of threats against her but that she did not want to leave.
Watch: IDF says it struck eight bridge segments used for military transport in Iran
Tuesday 7 April 2026 19:00 , Bryony GoochTop Democrat on House Foreign Affairs Committee calls Trump's threats 'a war crime'
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:57 , Tara CobhamThe top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee has said Donald Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian civilian infrastructure “is a war crime”.
Rep. Greg Meeks said: “Threatening to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges is not a strategy, it is a war crime. This is not who we are. These threats are reckless, they are illegal under international humanitarian law, and they put nearly 100 million Iranian civilians at risk of catastrophic harm.
“The president’s threats raise urgent questions this administration has not answered: Has it fully considered the scale of potential Iranian retaliation against U.S. personnel and partners in the region? Has it assessed the likelihood of massive refugee flows or food shortages that could destabilize neighboring countries and strain our allies? Has it accounted for the impact on global energy markets and rising costs for American families at the gas pump? I believe the administration has not bothered to plan for any of these contingencies, just as it has failed to plan for Trump’s war of choice.
“At this critical moment, the United States must pursue immediate de-escalation and a coordinated diplomatic strategy with our allies. We cannot allow Iran to simply reset to a dangerous status quo -- but the answer is not to threaten war crimes and isolate us from every partner we need to end this conflict.
“There is still time to change course. But threatening to destroy a nation of 100 million people without a strategy, without allied coordination, and without a plan for what comes next is not strength. It is recklessness that America and the region will pay for long after this president is gone.”
Retired Army general says US may need ‘Nuremberg’ like trials for Trump’s ‘illegal orders’ in Iran war
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:55 , Tara CobhamA retired U.S. Army General has warned that Donald Trump’s actions in the war with Iran may lead to serious consequences for the president and all those who follow his “illegal” orders.
“I’m old enough to remember the Nuremberg trials and how we’ve held the Germans accountable after… the atrocities they committed during World War II,” Brigadier General Steve Anderson told CNN Tuesday.
“And I’d hate to think… five, 10 years from now, we’d be doing the same kind of thing with American soldiers and leaders that made decisions that were being directed by the president of the United States that are illegal.”
Mike Bedigan reports:
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Retired general says US may need ‘Nuremberg’ like trials for Trump’s action in Iran
Watch: Rubio walks away when asked if Trump threats would constitute war crimes
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:38 , Tara CobhamJustice Dept has provided counsel to White House on Iran, acting attorney general Blanche says
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:38 , Tara CobhamActing Attorney General Todd Blanche was asked during a press conference just now whether the US Department of Justice has a position on Donald Trump’s threats and criticisms that they constitute a war crime.
The Justice Department, “as it always does, supports the Department of War, the White House, Department of State and our intelligence communities, and provides counsel to them, and we’ve been doing that as you’d expect.”
Cost of Trump’s war estimated at $500m a day
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:29 , Jane Dalton
Cost of Trump’s Iran war is now estimated to be $500 million a day
Madagascar declares state of emergency over energy situation due to Iran war
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:17 , Tara CobhamMadagascar has declared a nationwide state of energy emergency for 15 days due to the fallout of the Iran war, its cabinet said on Tuesday.
Portugal says US uses Azores base on condition no civilian infrastructure targeted
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:17 , Tara CobhamPortugal said it had authorised 76 landings by US aircraft at the Lajes air base in the Azores and 25 overflights of its territory since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, on condition they were not used to bomb civilian infrastructure.
Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel told a parliamentary hearing the US had complied with the condition, in the spirit of "loyal cooperation" between the two ato allies, but said that on several occasions landings had also been refused.
Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland have restricted or refused US military aircraft access to their airspace or bases in connection with the war in Iran.
US president Donald Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. on Tuesday in Washington - 3.30am on Wednesday in Tehran - to end its blockade of Gulf oil or see the U.S. destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran.
"We are against any attack on civilian infrastructure, and we made that a condition for the use of the Lajes air base," Rangel said, explaining that Lisbon grants authorisation to use the base for military action in the event of an attack on the United States, provided the response is "necessary and proportional" and does not target civilians.
"The Portuguese government has always made a point of handling this transparently. We say when we authorise it and when there are transits of US aircraft, other (European) governments do as they see fit," Rangel said, reiterating that Portugal supports a diplomatic resolution of the Iran conflict.
Lajes Air Base is a strategic hub that hosts the 65th Air Base Wing of the US Air Force, providing base and en route support for US, Nato and allied operations.
UK’s HMS Dragon forced to dock in the Mediterranean after being sent to protect Britain’s air bases in Cyprus
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:12 , Tara CobhamHMS Dragon, which has been despatched to protect Britain’s air bases in Cyprus amid the Iran war, has docked in the Mediterranean after suffering technical issues.
The Royal Navy type-45 destroyer will still be able to sail at short notice “if required”, the Ministry of Defence said.
“HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance,” an MoJ spokesperson said.
Read more here:
UK’s HMS Dragon forced to dock after being sent to protect air bases in Cyprus
The dubious justification behind the Pentagon’s potential plan to attack Iran’s water treatment plants
Tuesday 7 April 2026 18:00 , Bryony Gooch
The dubious justification the Pentagon is weighing to attack Iran’s infrastructure
Tehran attacks threaten talks ahead of deadline, sources say
Tuesday 7 April 2026 17:27 , ReutersTalks between the United States and Iran were at risk of being derailed following Tehran's attacks on Saudi Arabian industrial facilities, two Pakistani sources say, as the hours before President Trump's threat to unleash "hell" on the nation dwindled.
The next few hours of talks are critical, one of the sources said.
Mr Trump has given Iran until 8 pm in Washington - 1am in the UK and 3.30am in Tehran - to end its blockade of Gulf oil or risk the US destroying every bridge and power plant in Iran.
Iran has vowed to retaliate against US allies in the Gulf, whose desert cities would be uninhabitable without power or water.
Qatar minister warns Iran war 'very close to spiraling out of control'
Tuesday 7 April 2026 17:00 , Bryony GoochInside the Bab al-Mandab – the key shipping route under Houthi threat
Tuesday 7 April 2026 16:45 , Bryony GoochAmid renewed threats on the Bab al-Mandab strait, here is what we know about the key waterway that could be closed amid fresh escalations in the Middle East.
Read more here:
The key shipping route under Houthi threat that could impact the global economy
Kharg Island sees no disruption to oil facilities - Iran state media
Tuesday 7 April 2026 16:43 , Bryony GoochIran’s Kharg Island has seen no disruption to its oil facilities, state media organisation Mehr News Agency said, citing sources.
The agency added that the situation on the island was under control, with no damage to infrastructure following a strike by the US.
A US official confirmed the attacks on over 50 military targets in comments to the Wall Street Journal.
Tehran and Paris trade national in new agreement
Tuesday 7 April 2026 16:30 , Bryony GoochTehran and Paris have reached an agreement to release two French nationals held in Iran, the country’s official IRNA news agency has reported.
It comes in exchange for the release of an Iranian national held in France.
Breaking: Diplomatic channels between Iran and the US are not closed
Tuesday 7 April 2026 16:27 , Bryony GoochDiplomatic and indirect communication channels between Iran and the US are not closed, state media Tehran Times has reported, after earlier the outlet said they were.
It comes as the deadline to agree to the ceasefire deal looms at 8pm EDT (12am GMT/1am BST).
Iran's allies could close Bab al-Mandab if escalation continues
Tuesday 7 April 2026 16:19 , Bryony GoochIran and the United States continue to exchange messages through Pakistan, a senior Iranian source told Reuters on Tuesday, but Tehran will not show flexibility as long as Washington continues to demand its "surrender under pressure".
The senior Iranian source, who asked not to be named, said Qatar on Monday had conveyed Tehran's message to the United States and regional countries that if Washington attacks Iran's power plants, "the entire region and Saudi Arabia will fall into complete darkness with Iran's retaliatory strikes".
He also warned that "if the situation gets out of control, Iran’s allies will also close the Bab al-Mandab Strait".
Iranian civilians welcome bombing because it means 'their oppressors are losing' says White House
Tuesday 7 April 2026 16:16 , Bryony GoochA White House spokesperson has told The Independent that Iranian civilians welcome the sound of bombs because it means the regime is losing.
“The Iranian regime has committed egregious human rights abuses against its own citizens for 47 years, just murdered tens of thousands of protestors in January, and has indiscriminately targeted civilians across the region in order to cause as much death as possible throughout this conflict,” said Anna Kelly, a spokesperson.
“As President Trump said today, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing.
“The President will always stand with innocent civilians while annihilating the terrorists responsible for threatening our country and the entire world with a nuclear weapon. Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.”
Watch: Vance: 'President's leadership is defence of Western civilisation'
Tuesday 7 April 2026 16:10 , Jane DaltonAmericans in Bahrain advised to shelter until further notice.
Tuesday 7 April 2026 16:00 , Bryony GoochAll Americans in Bahrain are advised to shelter in place until further notice, the US state department said on Tuesday.
It comes after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared ”restraint is over”, threatening a response “beyond the region” and long-term disruption of global oil and gas supplies if the US further escalated the conflict.
