President Donald Trump said on Sunday that US officials will travel to Pakistan for fresh negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran, as a two-week ceasefire nears its expiry this week with no agreement yet in sight. There is still no clarity over who will be leading the delegation as Trump said JD Vance will not be going this time due to “security issues” but some reports quoted senior White House officials statig otherwise.
- Donald Trump said American negotiators will travel to Islamabad on Monday for a second round of talks with Iran, while reiterating a threat of severe military action if Tehran refuses a deal.
- Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is not seeking war and is acting in self-defence against attacks by the United States and Israel, emphasising Tehran’s commitment to peace and regional stability.
- The US military is deploying sea drones and other systems to scan the Strait of Hormuz for mines, aiming to restore commercial shipping through the crucial route, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
- Following reports of attack on Indian vessels, Iran’s diplomatic envoy was summoned by New Delhi to provide answers regarding the development.
- As per a statement released by the MEA, Indian officials have urged the Iranian ambassador to “convey India’s views to the authorities in Iran and resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait.”
- An Iranian official told CNN that a new round of negotiations between Iran and the US are scheduled to take place Monday in Pakistan.
- Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran would circle around the US taking control of the country’s nuclear material, even though Iranian officials have disputed the claim.
- A senior Iranian official called Trump’s claims about alleged concessions Iran is willing to make to the US “alternative facts,” denying suggestions that Iran had agreed to ship its stockpile of highly enriched Uranium to the US.
- The US outlined that Israel can act in self-defense but must halt offensive operations, while Lebanon is expected to curb Hezbollah attacks with international support.
- Pakistan intensified diplomatic outreach, including talks with Qatar’s leadership, urging de-escalation and coordinated global efforts.
- The US expanded its naval blockade on Iran, targeting ships and contraband while warning enforcement will continue “as long as it takes.”
- The US has warned of strikes on Iran’s energy sites, explored military supply support from automakers, and Pakistan may host further US-Iran talks.
- In Lebanon and Gaza, Israeli strikes continued, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage despite ceasefire efforts.
Iran pulls out of new talks, calls US demands 'excessive'
Iran has refused to take part in a second round of peace talks with the United States, citing what it described as Washington’s “excessive demands” and shifting positions, according to the official IRNA news agency.
Tehran said the US had imposed unrealistic expectations and repeatedly contradicted its own stance during negotiations, making further dialogue unproductive. It also pointed to the ongoing American naval blockade as a key reason for its decision, calling it a violation of the existing ceasefire agreement.
Talks with Iran progressing well despite public noise: Chris Wright
US Energy Secy Chris Wright said the United States is “not too far away from a deal,” signalling cautious optimism about ongoing diplomacy.
Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Wright noted that negotiations with Iran are continuing behind the scenes despite conflicting public signals, adding that talks appear to be progressing well.
He described Donald Trump as a “creative negotiator” who applies pressure and uncertainty as part of his strategy.
Wright also expressed confidence that the conflict could end on a positive note, while cautioning that resuming shipping through the Strait of Hormuz may take some time, though likely not too long once it reopens.
Iran rules out Pakistan talks, reports local news agency
Iran has said it will not send a negotiating delegation to Pakistan as long as a naval blockade remains in place, according to a report by the Tasnim news agency.
“The Iranian team has stressed that as long as Donald Trump’s announcement of a naval blockade against Iran remains in effect, there will be no negotiations,” Tasnim’s correspondent said.
The statement casts fresh uncertainty over planned diplomatic engagements, signalling that Tehran is unwilling to proceed with talks under what it views as coercive conditions.
JD Vance won’t lead US delegation to Islamabad talks, says Trump
US Vice President JD Vance will not lead the American delegation for the upcoming round of talks with Iran in Pakistan, citing security concerns, President Donald Trump said.
“It’s only because of security,” Trump told ABC News, adding, “JD’s great.”
The development marks a shift from earlier indications by US envoy to the United Nations Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who had suggested that Vance would head the delegation for negotiations scheduled in Islamabad from Monday.
The talks are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran amid heightened regional tensions.
Iran, Pakistan FMs discuss US-Israel war over a phone call
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation to discuss the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
According to a statement carried by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the two sides “exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations.”
Earlier, Donald Trump said in a social media post that US negotiators would travel to Pakistan on Monday for a second round of talks with Iran.
Trump says US team heading to Islamabad for Iran talks
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday that US representatives will be going to Islamabad "tomorrow night" for Iran negotiations.
"We're offering a very fair and reasonable deal, and I hope they take it because, if they don't, the United States is going to knock out every single power plant, and every single bridge, in Iran," Trump wrote.
US President flags “serious violation” by Iran, says talks still on track
Donald Trump has accused Iran of committing a “serious violation” of the ceasefire, but said he still believes a peace deal can be reached, according to remarks shared by Jonathan Karl on X.
Karl said Trump struck an assertive tone about the outcome of the talks, quoting him as saying: “It will happen. One way or another. The nice way or the hard way. It’s going to happen. You can quote me.”
Iran turns back two tankers in Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade
Iran has turned back two tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after issuing warnings, citing the ongoing maritime blockade by the United States.
The vessels, sailing under the flags of Botswana and Angola, were forced to change course following what Tasnim News Agency described as “unauthorised transit” through the critical route.
Iran said it had tightened control over the strait and warned that the vital energy corridor was once again closed, while Donald Trump said Tehran could not “blackmail” Washington by shutting the waterway.
150 killed before truce: Israel’s claim on Hezbollah losses
The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out a series of strikes that killed more than 150 fighters from Hezbollah, including a senior commander, as fighting raged in southern Lebanon ahead of a ceasefire.
In a statement, the military said those killed included Ali Rida Abbas, identified as Hezbollah’s commander in Bint Jbeil, an area that saw intense clashes in the days leading up to the truce.
Israel did not provide evidence to substantiate the claims, and Hezbollah had not immediately confirmed the death of the commander.
A ceasefire between the two sides came into effect early Friday.
US deploys sea drones to scan Hormuz for mines: Report
The United States military is deploying sea drones and other assets to scan the Strait of Hormuz for mines in a bid to restore commercial shipping, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Citing an unnamed US defence official, the report said the operation combines “manned and unmanned capabilities” to detect and neutralise potential threats in the vital oil transit route.
Military analysts told the newspaper that initial scans for mines could be completed relatively quickly. Once any ordnance is identified, specialised unmanned systems could be deployed to destroy it.
“You can get a small channel in that area surveyed in days, not weeks, using unmanned underwater vehicles,” former US Navy vice admiral Kevin Donegan was quoted as saying.
Energy jitters rise as traffic halts in Strait of Hormuz
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz came to a halt on Sunday after Iran reasserted control over the vital route for global energy flows, just days before a fragile ceasefire with the United States was due to expire.
Even as tensions persisted, Iran’s chief negotiator said recent talks with Washington had shown progress, while Donald Trump described the exchanges as “very good conversations” with Tehran.
Iran claims crackdown on US, Israel, UK-linked espionage cells
Iran’s intelligence authorities say they have dismantled multiple “espionage and sabotage networks” in the southeastern city of Kerman, alleging links to the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom.
According to official statements, 51 individuals were arrested on charges including intelligence gathering, organising armed groups and inciting unrest. Authorities said several “spy cells” and affiliated groups had also been identified and neutralised.
The reported crackdown is part of a broader pattern of heightened internal security measures amid ongoing regional tensions, with Iranian agencies frequently announcing arrests linked to alleged foreign-backed networks.
Iran rejects uranium handover, sets conditions for US negotiations
Iran is not ready to enter a fresh round of direct talks with the United States, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said, citing Washington’s continued push for what he called “maximalist” demands.
Speaking at a diplomacy forum in Turkey, Khatibzadeh rejected suggestions that Tehran would hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium, calling the proposal a “non-starter.” He said that while messages have been exchanged between the two sides, key disagreements remain unresolved.
Iran is seeking a framework agreement before any face-to-face negotiations, he added, urging Washington to address concerns around sanctions, which he described as harmful and unjust.
Khatibzadeh also maintained that Iran’s actions are defensive and warned it would respond to any aggression. While backing a broader ceasefire that includes Lebanon, he criticised inconsistencies in its implementation. He added that any future deal could include new arrangements to ensure safe civilian passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pete Hegseth denies food shortage reports on US warships in Strait of Hormuz
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has dismissed reports of food shortages aboard two primary American naval vessels currently deployed in the Strait of Hormuz. He compared the reporters who reported this to the Pharisees, the biblical Jewish group that opposed Jesus.
Hegseth characterised the allegations as misleading, following the circulation of unverified claims suggesting that sailors were experiencing significant hunger and poor meal standards.
The controversy was sparked by accounts purportedly from crew members, who claimed they were "hungry all the time" due to a lack of adequate provisions.
Addressing the issue on social media, Hegseth defended the military's logistics and criticised the media coverage surrounding the incident.
"The US Navy is correct. More FAKE NEWS from the Pharisee Press. My team confirmed the logistics stats for the Lincoln & Tripoli. Both have 30+ days of Class I supplies (food) on board. NavCent monitors this every day, for every ship," Hegseth posted on X.
Iran doubles down - Strait will remain closed
“It is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while we cannot,” said Iran’s parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf.
Iranian Parliament Speaker claims forces neutralised 180 drones, targeted US stealth jet
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has highlighted what he described as the Islamic Republic's growing military capability, claiming that its forces neutralised around 180 drones and targeted a US F-35 stealth fighter jet.
According to reports by Al Jazeera, citing Iran's Mizan News Agency, Ghalibaf made the remarks while briefing officials on the current status of indirect negotiations with Washington.
The Speaker said the reported engagement with the advanced stealth aircraft reflected deliberate planning and technical capability."Hitting the F-35 is not a one-off event; it is an operation across various dimensions of technical and design capabilities," Ghalibaf asserted in comments released by the Mizan News Agency, the judiciary's formal media wing.
'Strait of Hormuz is still closed': Iranian Embassy in South Africa mocks Donald Trump
The Iranian Embassy in South Africa has launched a biting social media attack on US President Donald Trump, using a viral maritime audio clip to label him an "idiot". The diplomatic row erupted following the circulation of a video purportedly capturing radio communications from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy.
"This is Iranian Sepah Navy calling on channel 16, Strait of Hormuz is still closed, we will open it by the order of our Imam Khamenei, not by the tweets of some idiot," the radio communication announced.
Some social media accounts had claimed the attack was directed at Iran's own Foreign Minister.
"You idiot, he meant your Idiot President, Trump. Just google 'idiot'--you'll understand who it is," retorted the Iranian mission in Pretoria.
Fresh talks in Pakistan? Security ramped up around Islamabad
Despite no official announcement about a second round of talks between the US and Iran, Pakistani authorities have begun taking stringent security measures for the safety of foreign delegates.
More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed and over 600 checkpoints have been established across Rawalpindi, the sprawling city adjacent to Islamabad, the Express Tribune newspaper reported.
The security protocol is also being implemented in the capital city ahead of the possible talks. Authorities have announced that from Sunday midnight, several sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed.
Iran to reopen airspace in phased "four-stage" plan
According to the Tasnim News Agency, Iran is preparing to reopen its national airspace in a phased, four-stage plan. The report cited the deputy director of Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation to indicate that flight operations would resume in a graduated manner, moving from the eastern regions of the country towards the west.
The initial phase of this plan will see the airspace opened specifically for transit flights. This will be followed by the second stage, which focuses on the resumption of services from airports located in the country's east.
The third phase will extend permissions to major airports, including Mehrabad International Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport, enabling broader domestic and international flight operations.
In the final stage, additional Western aviation hubs will be gradually reopened, completing the nationwide restoration of air connectivity.
Kamala Harris says Trump 'pulled into' Iran war by Netanyahu
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump, alleging that he was "pulled into" a military conflict with Iran by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and calling it a "feeble attempt" to distract from the "Epstein files."
Speaking at an event hosted by the Michigan Democratic Women's Caucus on Saturday, Harris characterised the hostilities as a war that "the American people do not want."
During her address in Detroit, Harris further scrutinised the administration's motives, accusing Trump of utilising "Operation Epic Fury" as a diversion from domestic controversies.
Ceasefire deadline looms but US, Iran ffar from final agreement'
Iran’s parliamentary speaker and top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, told state television in an interviewthat the US and Tehran had a long way to go before reaching an agreement.
“On some issues, conclusions have been reached in the negotiations, and on others not; we are still far from a final agreement,” Ghalibaf said.
Israel says another soldier has died in combat in southern Lebanon
It was the second death announced in under twelve hours and brought the total number of soldiers killed in Lebanon to 15. The Israeli military said another soldier was badly wounded in the same incident, along with four moderately wounded and four lightly injured.
It was the second soldier to die since the ceasefire. The first died because of wounds sustained during combat, the military said.
Iran envoy reiterates 'very strong' ties with India after shooting incident
Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, told ANI that he did not know anything about the shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
""The relationship between Iran and India is very strong and I don't know anything about this event which you mentioned and we hope that it will be okay and it will be solved...We don't want this war. We want peace, and we hope that the other side will also follow peace so that we can have a peaceful area," he said.
Pope Leo downplays feud with Trump, JD Vance responds
Pope Leo sought to downplay his feud with US President Donald Trump on Saturday, saying reporting about his recent comments had "not been accurate in all its aspects". Reuters quoted hi as telling reporters that the statement decrying that the world was being "ravaged by a handful of tyrants" was not aimed at Trump. Leo said that speech "was prepared two weeks ago, well before the president ever commented on myself and on the message of peace that I am promoting".
Vice President JD Vance, who had criticized the pope's remarks last week, welcomed his latest comments.
"I am grateful to Pope Leo for saying this. While the media narrative constantly gins up conflict — and yes, real disagreements have happened and will happen — the reality is often much more complicated," Vice President JD Vance posted on X.
Trump had lashed out at the Pope on Sunday --- calling him "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" in a Truth Social post . He also posted an AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism even from some religious conservatives who typically support him.
The post was removed on Monday morning.
Pope Leo told Reuters on Monday that he would keep speaking out about the war, and Trump reiterated his criticism on Tuesday.
On Thursday, Pope Leo blasted leaders who spend billions on wars and said the world was "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants", though he did not mention Trump directly again.
US to expand blockade on Iranian ships?
According to the US Central Command, there are more than 12 warships involved in the US blockade of Iranian ports. The operation involves about 10,000 airmen, Marines and soldiers, and several aircraft flying overhead. Military handles on X have shared numerous photos and videos, and CENTCOM claims it has already turned back 23 ships that were either Iranian or linked to Iran.
Speculative media reports suggest that the US blockade might widen in the coming days. Details remain scarce, but an Al Jazeera update suggested that America might be seeking to broaden its curbs to include Iranian-linked ships that are elsewhere in the world.
The US has done something similar with Venezuela in the past --- boarding and interdicting vessels that it thought were carrying Venezuelan oil and that were under sanctions in other oceans.
Trump says Israel a ‘great ally of US’ that ‘knows how to win’
US President Donald Trump praised Israel greatly on Sunday morning --- a day after he insisted that "enough was enough" and said Israel had been “prohibited” from bombing Lebanon. The missive did not seem to have much impact with Al Jazeera and other publications reporting fresh ceasefire violations by Israel in southern Lebanon.
"Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally of the United States of America. “They are Courageous, Bold, Loyal, and Smart and, unlike others that have shown their true colors in a moment of conflict and stress, Israel fights hard, and knows how to WIN!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
Trump warning against 'blackmail' over Strait of Hormuz
Iran had announced on Friday that it was reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a separate US-brokered 10-day ceasefire agreement on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon. But Tehran reversed course on Saturday to reassert control over the Strait. Iran said it was responding to a continued US blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of the ceasefire.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran's navy was ready to inflict "new bitter defeats" on its enemies. Trump called the move "blackmail" even as he praised the talks.
'Unconditional transit' in Hormuz is 'fiction' that 'sailed' after US-Israeli 'aggression': Iran
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei strongly criticised the European Union's stance on transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz --- accusing it of double standards and "hypocrisy" on international law. He was responding to remarks by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasising the need to keep the strategic waterway open under international law.
"Oh, that 'international law'?! The one that the EU dusts off to lecture others while quietly green-lighting a U.S.-Israeli war of aggression--and looking the other way on atrocities against Iranians?! Spare the sermons; Europe's chronic failure to practice what it preaches has turned its 'international law' talk into peak hypocrisy," came the retort from Baghaei.
Ghalibaf says all enemy plans failed - 'Iran is not Venezuela'
According to an Al Jazeera report, Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has hailed the Iranian victory over America. Press TV quoted him as saying that the 'enemy' has failed in multiple objectives, including attempts to weaken Iran's air force and missile capabilities, destroy its navy, launch a ground offensive, and open the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that none of these goals was achieved.
"The enemy has not achieved its goals through issuing warnings and setting deadlines, and therefore, has begun sending messages through intermediaries," Al Jazeera reported him as saying.
He added that Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire to allow the US to meet its demands, while US President Donald Trump accepted it because "we were the victors on the battlefield".
"Trump did not achieve his goal of changing the regime and destroying our offensive and missile capabilities, and Iran is not Venezuela," he added, Al Jazeera reported.
US and Iran 'far from a final agreement': Ghalibaf
Iran's parliamentary speaker and top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said in a state TV interview on Saturday that the US and Iran were "far from a final agreement."
“On some issues, conclusions have been reached in the negotiations, and on others not; we are still far from a final agreement,” Ghalibaf said.
Re-asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, Ghalibaf viewed the situation as a strategic win for Tehran.
“We have not destroyed the enemy—they still possess money and weapons—but strategically, they have been defeated in the face of us,” he said.