Iran, US-Israel war Highlights: Pak Army Chief Asim Munir-led delegation reaches Tehran to convey US message, plan next talks

Two people have been killed after an Israeli drone strike hit a car near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

The agency said the vehicle was travelling in the area when it was struck, making it the latest in a series of attacks reported in southern Lebanon on the same morning.

Several other strikes were also reported in the region, with multiple casualties, though full details are still emerging.

A US-sanctioned Chinese tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing US blockade, according to Reuters.

The vessel, identified as Rich Starry, is the first ship to make it through and exit the Gulf since the blockade began.

Data from LSEG, MarineTraffic, and Kpler confirmed its movement through the strategic waterway.

The tanker is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, a company previously sanctioned by the United States for dealings linked to Iran.

It loaded its cargo at Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates before entering the Strait of Hormuz.

A prolonged US blockade around Iranian ports could strain the US Navy’s ability to maintain operations in other regions, according to a South Korean naval expert.

At least 15 US warships are currently positioned in the region and could be involved in enforcing the blockade, which began on Monday. But experts say maintaining an effective maritime cordon would require far greater naval and air support.

“Blockade line control, identifying and searching of ships, aerial surveillance, deterrence of Iranian high-speed boats or missile threats, and response to mines must all function together,” Yu Jihoon, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses and former South Korean submarine officer told CNN.

“Given that the US Navy has already been dispersing its operations across the Middle East, Indo-Pacific and Europe, the longer the blockade lasts, the more burdensome it may be for other theater operations,” he said.

US Vice President JD Vance has accused Iran of effectively shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “economic terrorism against the entire world.” Speaking to Fox News, he said Tehran has been threatening vessels passing through the key shipping route, warning that its actions are disrupting global trade.

Vance defended Washington’s response, saying the US naval blockade of Iranian ports is a direct countermeasure. “Well, as the president of the United States showed, two can play at that game,” he said. “If the Iranians are going to try to engage in economic terrorism, we’re going to abide by the simple principle that no Iranian ships are getting out, either.”

UK PM Keir Starmer is working to build an international coalition focused on securing the Strait of Hormuz once the fighting winds down. He told Parliament he plans to convene a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and dozens of countries to coordinate efforts on reopening the key oil route and ensuring freedom of navigation. The proposal also includes military planning to protect shipping lanes once conditions stabilise.

Keir Starmer is trying to strike a careful balance , staying out of direct conflict while not further straining ties with Donald Trump.

But that hasn’t been easy. Trump has openly criticised Starmer, even comparing him unfavourably to past British leaders like Winston Churchill.

Dozens of protesters were detained in New York City after a demonstration against US weapons support to Israel turned tense outside Senator Chuck Schumer’s office.

The protest, led by the group Jewish Voice for Peace, saw activists block traffic while demanding that Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand step in to stop the sale of US bombs to Israel.

Israeli bombardment has damaged Tebnin Governmental Hospital in southern Lebanon, with reports of casualties. Footage shows shattered glass, debris-filled corridors, and damaged vehicles outside, highlighting the growing civilian toll as strikes continue.

An activist set to join a Gaza-bound flotilla has criticised Israel’s blockade, saying people in the territory are still facing a severe humanitarian crisis despite months of what has been described as a ceasefire.

Violet Coco, one of 15 Australians taking part in what organisers call the largest flotilla yet, said basic supplies like food and medicine remain tightly controlled. “The borders are still heavily controlled by Israel, and food and medicine is still heavily controlled,” she said.

After failed Islamabad talks, Washington and Tehran are eyeing a second round of negotiations, possibly on Thursday. Pakistan may again host, though Geneva is also being considered.

The US and Iran are still in touch after their recent talks in Islamabad ended without a deal. There is now talk of a second round of negotiations, possibly as soon as this week.

US President Donald Trump said Iran “badly” wants to talk, a claim repeated by Vice President JD Vance, who led the earlier discussions. According to him, “there is a grand deal to be had,” though key gaps remain.

Hezbollah has strongly rejected the idea of these talks. Its leader, Naim Qassem, called the negotiations “futile” and urged the Lebanese government not to engage.

Instead, he said Lebanon should focus on confronting what he described as Israeli “aggression,” making it clear that the group is not ready to soften its stance.

The talks are expected to focus on three key issues. Stopping the fighting, dealing with Hezbollah, and building a broader peace framework. A possible ceasefire in Lebanon is also on the table. Israel has carried out heavy airstrikes and a ground offensive in recent weeks, and there is growing pressure to bring the violence to a halt.

Another big issue is Hezbollah. There are fresh efforts to push for its disarmament, something Israel has long demanded. Alongside this, the idea of a wider, more lasting peace arrangement is also being explored.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil prices could continue rising until tanker traffic resumes through the Strait of Hormuz.

He expects prices to peak in the coming weeks once shipping stabilises, though fuel costs may stay elevated for some time.

“We’re going to see energy prices high, and maybe even rising” until “meaningful ship traffic” gets through the key waterway, Wright said during the Semafor World Economy conference. At that point, oil prices will “peak,” he added.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that recent US moves could have serious consequences for regional and global stability.

The warning came during a call reviewing developments after the ceasefire and recent US-Iran talks.

Lavrov welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated Moscow’s position that it should extend to Lebanon as well.

Russia also said it remains ready to help ease tensions and find solutions to the ongoing crisis.

The Israeli and Lebanese sides will be led by their ambassadors, Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh.

Officials said the discussions will centre on securing Israel’s northern border while supporting Lebanon’s efforts to reassert full control over its territory.

Washington has maintained that Israel’s conflict is with Hezbollah, not Lebanon, leaving room for dialogue between the two neighbours.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take part in direct talks between Israel and Lebanon on Tuesday, a State Department official confirmed.

The meeting, to be held at the State Department, will also include US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and senior official Michael Needham.

Amid rising tensions, Russia has renewed its offer to take custody of Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a potential deal.

The Kremlin said it remains ready to assist in de-escalating the situation, though no concrete steps have been taken yet.

Despite sanctions, Iran has developed alternative channels to sell oil, often outside the Strait of Hormuz.

This gives Tehran some breathing room, even as economic pressure builds.

The closure of the strait, a key artery for global oil, is already sending shockwaves through markets and trade.

Analysts say the disruption plays into Iran’s strategy, though it also raises questions about how long Tehran can sustain reduced oil exports.

Thousands took to the streets in Tehran, brushing off Donald Trump’s threats over blocking Iran’s energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Many protesters called the warnings hollow, pointing out that earlier threats, including strikes on infrastructure, never materialised.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia tweets, “On April 13, Russian Foreign Minister S.V. Lavrov held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister A. Araghchi. The head of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry emphasized the importance of preventing a recurrence of armed confrontation and once again confirmed Russia’s unwavering readiness to assist in resolving the crisis.”

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Monday made it clear that Tehran is taking steps to help Indian ships move safely through the Strait of Hormuz.

He said India and Iran share strong ties and that special arrangements are being made to ensure Indian vessels face no trouble in the sensitive region.

Speaking in Delhi, Fathali said, “For Indian ships, you know that we have a good relation with the Indian government… We want good preparation for Indian ships.”

Despite Trump’s claim that multiple countries would support the blockade, key European allies have stepped back.

The UK has said it will not participate, while Spain has criticised the move, calling it unnecessary.

Markets reacted immediately. Brent crude briefly crossed $114 per barrel before settling slightly lower, as fears of prolonged disruption to global oil supply grew.

Prices have been volatile since the conflict escalated earlier this year, with spikes driven by concerns over supply chains.

The US blockade came into effect at 10 a.m. ET, with President Donald Trump warning that any Iranian vessels approaching the restricted zone would face immediate action.

Iran responded with strong words. Military officials warned of retaliation and hinted at “new methods of warfare,” while also cautioning that key ports in the region could be at risk if tensions escalate further.

Iran’s parliament speaker made it clear the country would not back down under pressure.

During weekend negotiations, Iran proposed suspending uranium enrichment for up to five years. The US, however, is holding out for a much longer commitment — reportedly around 20 years.

Despite the gap, officials on both sides संकेत there is still some room for a deal, with discussions underway for another round of in-person talks.

Tensions between the United States and Iran took a sharper turn on Monday as Washington enforced a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, even as fragile diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.

The move comes days after talks between the two sides failed to produce a breakthrough, though communication channels remain open.

Fatih Birol said the agency stands ready to release oil stockpiles if needed as the war with Iran causes major disruption. Speaking at an Atlantic Council event, he said he hopes such action won’t be necessary but “we stand ready to act”. Birol added the conflict has caused the worst global energy disruption ever, with more than 80 oil and gas facilities damaged.

US President Donald Trump reiterated his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, saying the pontiff’s opposition was “wrong”.

He again described the pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” repeating remarks from an earlier social media post.

The comments follow Pope Leo’s statement that the Vatican’s calls for peace are rooted in the Gospel and that he does not fear the Trump administration.