After US President Donald Trump cancelled senior officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s planned visit to Islamabad, Iran also dismissed entering “forced” negotiations with the US under pressure. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that Washington must first remove “operational obstacles, including the blockade” of ships traveling to and from Iranian ports to pave the way for a resolution.
Iran-US war latest news: Here’s what is happening on April 26
- President Donald Trump scrapped plans to send two of his top advisers to Pakistan for peace talks. Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, had departed Islamabad after holding talks with the country’s leadership.
- Iranian state media later reported that Araghchi was expected to return to Pakistan after his visit to Oman this weekend.
- Iran resumed commercial flights from Tehran’s international airport for the first time since the conflict with the US and Israel began about two months ago.
- Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will not enter into forced negotiations with the United States.
- Iran’s military has warned the US will experience the “reaction of Iran’s powerful armed forces” if the blockade of Iranian ports continues, the Tasnim news agency reported.
- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with India’s national security advisor, Ajit Doval, in Abu Dhabi, to discuss the current situation in West Asia and its implications for security.
- With the Trump administration enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, 37 ships were redirected by the US Navy. US Central Command also said that the tanker M/V Sevan intercepted in the Arabian Sea was escorted back toward Iran as part of the naval blockade.
- Russia and UAE called for Middle East peace talks resumption.
| Commodity / Asset | Brent Crude | WTI Crude | Natural Gas | Heating Oil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last Price | $106.50 | $96.86 | $2.58 | $4.02 |
| Today’s Change | +$4.59 (+4.50%) | +$1.01 (+1.05%) | -$0.03 (-1.26%) | +$0.03 (+0.80%) |
Jordan’s King Abdullah says US-Iran deal must ensure Arab security
Jordan’s King Abdullah II has said that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran must ensure the security of Arab states.
According to a statement from the royal court, Abdullah made the remarks during talks with Jarrah Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, where both sides discussed bilateral ties, expanding cooperation, and strengthening joint Arab efforts to support regional de-escalation.
“The security of the Gulf is fundamental to the security and stability of the region and the world,” Abdullah said.
Iran signals hard line on nuclear programme, Hormuz in message to US
Iranian state media say messages have been conveyed to the United States via Pakistan outlining Tehran’s non-negotiable positions on key issues.
According to Fars News Agency, the communication highlights Iran’s “red lines”, including its stance on nuclear matters and the Strait of Hormuz.
“Informed sources emphasise that Mr Abbas Araghchi is acting entirely within the framework of the specified red lines and the diplomatic duties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the report said.
The agency added that the messages are “unrelated to negotiations” and should be seen as an initiative by Tehran to clarify the regional situation.
Araghchi’s Pakistan visit not linked to nuclear talks: Iranian media
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s return to Pakistan is “unrelated to nuclear negotiations”, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad following talks over the weekend with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials on a proposed framework to end the ongoing conflict.
Tasnim said the visit is aimed at “continuing recent consultations”, adding that the discussions “have nothing to do with the nuclear issue”.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said Iran had made an “offer” intended to meet US demands, including ending its nuclear programme. Trump on Saturday cancelled a planned visit by his envoys to Islamabad after Araghchi travelled to Oman.
Trump said Iran can reach out to the US to negotiate end of war
President Donald Trump said in an interview on Fox News' "The Sunday Briefing" on Sunday that Iran can reach out to the United Stated if it wants to negotiate an end to the war between the two countries.
- via Reuters
Hezbollah warns against ceasefire claims, vows continued response to Israel
Lebanon-based group Hezbollah has condemned remarks by Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of misrepresenting the ceasefire situation and escalating tensions.
In a statement issued on Telegram, Hezbollah warned against what it described as attempts to implicate Lebanese authorities in a bilateral arrangement “solely between Washington and Netanyahu”, saying Lebanon had no role in shaping the agreement.
The group said its continued targeting of Israeli positions and settlements in northern Israel was a “legitimate response” to what it called persistent Israeli violations of the ceasefire since the truce was first announced.
Hezbollah added that the extension of the truce was expected to lead to a genuine cessation of hostilities, including an end to air strikes and destruction in southern Lebanon. Instead, it accused Israel of intensifying its attacks, alleging continued bombardment and breaches of international law.
There was no immediate response from Israeli officials to the statement.
Oil market recovery to take months even if Hormuz reopens, Russia says
Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has warned that global oil markets may take several months to return to previous levels, even if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
In an interview, Novak said the Middle East crisis has created a significant undersupply of energy that cannot be resolved quickly. “The crisis is very deep – a very large number of barrels of oil did not reach the market during this period, and a large number of ships have accumulated in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
He added that rebalancing supply and restoring normal market conditions would take time, estimating a recovery period of “several months”.
Araghchi departs from Oman, headed to Islamabad
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has departed the Omani capital Muscat and is returning to Islamabad, Iran’s foreign ministry said, confirming he will visit Pakistan again before travelling onward to Moscow.
Members of his delegation, who had earlier returned to Tehran following initial talks in Islamabad to seek guidance on efforts to end the war, are also expected to rejoin him later in the evening.
During his previous visit, Araghchi held meetings with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussions focused on bilateral ties and regional developments.
Israeli strikes reported across southern Lebanon; casualties confirmed
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported a series of Israeli attacks across southern parts of the country within the past hour, with casualties and damage recorded in multiple locations.
At least one person was killed and three others were wounded in a strike on Qalawiya, the agency said. Israeli forces also reportedly demolished homes in the area between Yaroun and Bint Jbeil.
Air raids were reported on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while Israeli forces also struck a roundabout in Kafr Tibnit. The agency said an unspecified number of casualties resulted from the latter attack.
Netanyahu says Hezbollah actions ‘dismantling’ Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Hezbollah’s actions in Lebanon are effectively “dismantling” the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
“It must be understood that Hezbollah’s violations are, in practice, dismantling the ceasefire,” Netanyahu said during a weekly cabinet meeting.
The ceasefire was extended by three weeks on Thursday.
Hezbollah rejected the allegations as “meaningless”, accusing Israel of breaching the truce through continued strikes and maintaining a territorial presence. The group said its actions were defensive responses to Israeli violations.
Iran executes man convicted of Jaish al-Adl links, judiciary says
Iran has executed a man convicted of membership in Jaish al-Adl and involvement in attacks in the country’s southeast, state media reported on Sunday.
According to Press TV, citing the judiciary, the convict — identified as Amer Ramesh — was executed early Sunday after his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court and all legal procedures were completed.
Iran’s judiciary said he had carried out “terrorist acts” in Sistan and Baluchestan. He was arrested during a counterterrorism operation in the Pir Sohrab rural district of Chabahar County.
A provincial Revolutionary Court had convicted Ramesh of planting bombs, carrying out surprise attacks on law enforcement forces, and membership in Jaish al-Adl, as well as links to a militant network led by fugitive Abdul-Ghaffar Naqshbandi.
Pakistan says Iran talks ongoing as Araghchi expected back in Islamabad
Pakistani officials say the expected return of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad is part of an ongoing diplomatic process, not a sign of any breakdown in talks.
After leaving Islamabad, Araghchi travelled to Oman, where he held high-level consultations. Following those discussions, he is now expected to return to Islamabad on Sunday, officials said.
Iran hardens stance on Hormuz, signals no return to status quo
Iran has said it will not restore the Strait of Hormuz to its previous status, with Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad describing the decision as a directive from the country’s leadership.
“We will not return the Strait of Hormuz to its previous state; this is an order from the leadership,” he said on Sunday.
Nikzad also criticised Donald Trump, calling it contradictory to claim Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been destroyed while continuing to oppose Tehran’s right to maintain nuclear facilities.
US-Iran ship seizures breach international law, says International Chamber of Shipping
Tit-for-tat seizures of commercial vessels by the United States and Iran breach international law, a global shipping body has said.
John Stawpert of the International Chamber of Shipping told Al Jazeera that seafarers must be allowed to operate “freely and without persecution”.
He said the detentions violate the principle of freedom of navigation under international law and should not be used as political tools. “All these people are doing is transporting trade,” Stawpert said, adding that vessels are being seized “ultimately for political ends, to prove a political point”.
“These are innocent seafarers and they should be allowed to go about their jobs without fear of, essentially, imprisonment,” he said.
Oman steps up mediation as Sultan meets Iran FM
In a quiet but consequential diplomatic move, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said held talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat, focusing on efforts to de-escalate the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran and stabilise the wider region.
According to the Oman News Agency, the discussions centred on the evolving regional situation, mediation initiatives and pathways to end the conflict. Oman has positioned itself as a diplomatic bridge in the crisis, hosting talks while strongly condemning recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran as illegal and destabilising.
During the meeting, Araghchi was briefed on the Sultan’s proposals aimed at achieving sustainable political solutions and reducing the humanitarian and geopolitical fallout of the conflict. Sultan Haitham emphasised the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, framing them as essential tools to rebuild stability and lay the groundwork for lasting peace.
Araghchi, in turn, expressed Tehran’s appreciation for Oman’s continued mediation efforts, particularly its role in fostering dialogue and promoting regional security at a time of heightened tensions.
Iran internet blackout nears third month
"The internet blackout in Iran is now on its 58th consecutive day, continuing in its ninth week past the 1368 hour mark. The ongoing measure remains in effect, impeding independent reporting and documentation nationwide," online monitoring group NetBlocks wrote on X.
Netanyahu 'shocked' by shooting at event attended by Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday morning that he was shocked by what he called an “attempted assassination” at an event attended by Trump.
“We send our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and salute the US Secret Service for their swift and decisive action,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has met Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi in Muscat. Both sides discussed the regional situation and mediation efforts aimed at ending the Iran war. According to an update from the Oman News Agency, they spoke about “developments in the regional situation, mediation efforts, and endeavors aimed at ending conflicts".
Araghchi reportedly listened to Al Said’s ideas on how to reach “sustainable political solutions and limit the repercussions of crises on the peoples of the region". Meanwhile Al Said stressed “the importance of prioritizing the language of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing issues, contributing to the consolidation of the foundations of peace”.
Araghchi also “expressed his country’s appreciation” for Oman's efforts in “supporting dialogue efforts and enhancing endeavors for security and stability in the region, especially amid the current regional challenges”.
Israeli attacks kill at least four Palestinians in Gaza
Israeli military attacks killed at least four Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, health officials in the enclave said.
Medics said an airstrike carried out by Israel's forces killed one person near the central village of Al-Mughraqa, while Israeli gunfire and tank shelling killed two others near Gaza City.
In another incident, Israeli forces shot and killed a 40-year-old woman in Khan Younis, in the south of the territory, health officials said.
The Israeli military said it was looking into the reported strikes. Separately, it said it had struck and killed several Hamas militants in Gaza since Friday.
Islamabad returns to normal life
Life began returning to normal in Pakistan’s capital on Sunday morning.
Authorities in Islamabad eased near-lockdown measures imposed during a week of heightened security prior to planned ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran.
The restrictions enforced across Islamabad and the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi disrupted daily life for hundreds of thousands. Commuters were forced to make long detours, traffic thinned along major arteries and parents struggled to reach schools.
By Sunday, barriers were being lifted and traffic was gradually building on the city’s main roads. Residents described a sense of relief after days of gridlock and uncertainty.
The government said in a social media post late Saturday that tourist destinations, parks and bus terminals were being reopened.
Security remained tight around the heavily guarded Red Zone, home to key government buildings and the site where U.S.-Iran talks were held earlier this month.
Trump says US hunting for explosive mines in Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump has said that the US Navy is clearing Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Experts say sweeping for underwater explosives could take months despite a tenuous ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Any future claims that the US cleared the waterway – where 20% of the world’s oil typically passes – might fail to convince commercial freighters and their insurers that it’s finally safe.
'Not some soulless real estate deal': Iran Embassy lashes out at US and Israel
UAE president and Indian NSA discuss regional stability
According to an update from the WAM news agency, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Indian national security adviser, Ajit Doval, in Abu Dhabi. They reportedly discussed the situation in the Middle East and its implications for regional and international security, stability, and global energy security.
White House press dinner shooting linked to Iran war? Trump says...
US President Donald Trump has dismissed the possibility of there being any link between the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting and the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
"Don’t think so” he told reporters when asked.
The suspected gunman is in custody and investigation remains underway.
Shooting won't 'deter me from winning war in Iran': Trump
US President Donald Trump said that the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner will not deter him from winning the Iran war.
“It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran. I don’t know if that had anything to do with it, I really don’t think so, based on what we know,” Trump told reporters in a briefing at the White House.
Araghchi to 'return' to Pakistan after Oman visit
A report by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will return to Pakistan after his current visit to Oman on his way to visiting Russia.
The report said he was expected to be back in Islamabad on Sunday and would join other members of his delegation who had gone to Tehran for consultations and “instructions on the topics related to the end of the war.”
Iran executes man linked to militant group
Iran executed a man convicted of being a member of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl and carrying out attacks on Iranian security forces, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.
Authorities identified the man as Amer Ramesh, saying he had been arrested in a counter-terrorism operation in southeastern Iran and charged with armed rebellion, including being involved in bombings and ambushes targeting military personnel.
Jaish al-Adl is an extremist Sunni Muslim militant group active in Iran's poorest region, Sistan-Baluchestan.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Iran will not enter into negotiations under pressure, threats, and siege, Mehr News Agency reported on Sunday.
During his telephonic conversation with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian, criticized continued violations and coercive behaviour by the US during both the negotiations and the ceasefire period, the Mehr News Agency report revealed.
The Iranian President stated that actions related to Washington's so-called maritime restrictions on Iran constitute a clear breach of the ceasefire understandings and are inconsistent with the United Nations Charter. Such measures, he said, together with threatening rhetoric, have heightened doubts regarding the US commitment to the diplomatic process.
Pezeshkian demands US lift blockade on Iranian ports before talks begin: Report
According to a Reuters update Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by phone that Tehran would not enter "imposed negotiations" under threats or blockade. A statement from the Iranian government quoted Pezeshkian as saying that the US should first remove "operational obstacles"--- including its blockade on Iranian ports --- before negotiators can lay any groundwork to resolve the conflict.
Araqchi described his visit to Pakistan as "very fruitful."
An Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad told Reuters that Tehran would not accept "maximalist demands" from the United States.
Trump breaks silence after shooting incident during White House Correspondents’ Dinner
"Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again," he wrote on Truth Social.
Reports of possible shots fired at White House dinner
After Trump cancelled the scheduled trip to Pakistan, he and numerous other top US officials came together for the annual White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday night (US time). The event was abruptly paused amid claims of shots being fired at the scene. Media reports and videos indicated that the US president, the first lady, Vice President JD Vance and many others were immediately rushed off stage by armed Secret Service agents, while other guest were urged to duck for safety.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries.