The two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in place, but new disagreements over its terms have exposed a fresh strain ahead of direct talks in Islamabad.
As Washington, Tehran and Tel Aviv trade warnings over Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme, backchannel diplomacy involving Pakistan has also come into sharper focus.
Updates: Middle East tensions – April 9
Since 28 Feb, around 8,15,000 passengers travelled to India from West Asia amid conflict: MEA
Since the inception of the conflict in West Asia on February 28, after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, around 8,15,000 passengers have travelled to India from the region as hostilities escalated, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Thursday.
According to an official release on the inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in the region, officials from the MEA said that India continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and remains actively engaged with countries across the region to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens.
The officials noted that despite airspace restrictions in the region, flights from countries where operations remain feasible are continuing.
"Flights continue to operate from countries where airspace remains open. Since 28 February, around 8,15,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India," the release stated. (ANI)
Netanyahu says Israel will continue strikes on Hezbollah ‘wherever required’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will continue targeting Hezbollah positions across Lebanon, signalling no let-up in operations despite the ceasefire with Iran.
“We continue to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination,” he said, confirming the killing of Ali Youssef Kharshi in Beirut.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces also hit multiple sites overnight, including weapons depots, launchers and crossings used to transfer arms.
“Our message is clear: Whoever acts against Israeli civilians—will be struck,” he said, adding that operations will continue until “full security" restored in northern Israel.
Netanyahu says Israel will continue strikes on Hezbollah ‘wherever required’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will continue targeting Hezbollah positions across Lebanon, signalling no let-up in operations despite the ceasefire with Iran.
“We continue to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination,” he said, confirming the killing of Ali Youssef Kharshi in Beirut.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces also hit multiple sites overnight, including weapons depots, launchers and crossings used to transfer arms.
“Our message is clear: Whoever acts against Israeli civilians—will be struck,” he said, adding that operations will continue until “full security" restored in northern Israel.
Regional diplomacy intensifies as talks near
El-Gamal said Gulf states are likely to remain actively involved in mediation efforts alongside countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Oman.
She stressed that any final agreement would need to include long-term regional security provisions.
Gulf countries wary, seek security guarantees
She added that Gulf nations, which opposed the war, are now pushing for security guarantees in any final agreement.
Countries in the region are concerned about future attacks and want assurances that Iran cannot disrupt the Strait of Hormuz or target energy infrastructure again.
Pressure on Israel over Lebanon will be key test
El-Gamal said a key question will be whether the US pressures Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt strikes in Lebanon.
“Already Israel said that the ceasefire doesn't apply to Lebanon… we'll have to wait and see what kind of pressure the US puts,” she said.
US, Israel interests may diverge as talks begin: Ex-Pentagon adviser
Former Pentagon Middle East adviser Jasmine El-Gamal said upcoming talks led by US Vice President JD Vance could mark a shift in approach.
She noted that US and Israeli interests are not fully aligned and may diverge as negotiations progress.
“The things that Israel wants… are not the things that the US necessarily wants,” she said, adding that Israel seeks dominance in the region while Washington prioritises stability.
Israel says Hezbollah leader’s nephew killed in Beirut strike
Israel said it killed the nephew of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem in an overnight strike on Beirut.
“The IDF struck in the Beirut area and eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem,” the military said.
The strike adds to a series of targeted operations in Lebanon despite the ongoing ceasefire with Iran.
Iran delegation to reach Islamabad for talks tonight
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said a delegation will travel to Islamabad for talks based on Tehran’s 10-point plan.
He noted that the visit is taking place despite “scepticism” within Iran over attempts to “sabotage the diplomatic initiative.”
Iran delegation to reach Islamabad for talks tonight
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said a delegation will travel to Islamabad for talks based on Tehran’s 10-point plan.
He noted that the visit is taking place despite “scepticism” within Iran over attempts to “sabotage the diplomatic initiative.”
EU backs mediation, credits Pakistan for ceasefire role
Kallas confirmed she spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, thanking Islamabad for helping broker the initial deal.
She said mediation efforts must continue, warning that the underlying causes of the conflict remain unresolved.
EU steps in with push for long-term peace deal
European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas has launched a diplomatic push in Saudi Arabia to extend the fragile truce into a lasting agreement.
She said the ceasefire offers a chance to “stop missiles” and “restart shipping,” while stressing the need for stronger EU-Gulf cooperation.
Iran calls ceasefire a ‘strategic victory’, questions US intent
An Iranian academic has described the ceasefire as a strategic win for Tehran, arguing that Washington has effectively acknowledged Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohsen Farkhani, Assistant Professor at Isfahan University, said Trump’s claim of reopening the strait implies acceptance of Iran’s position.
He added that Iran remains cautious, saying the country is in a “standby situation” to see whether the US honours its commitments or “betrays” the process again.
US reiterates key conditions: no nuclear weapons, open Hormuz
Trump also underlined the core terms of the understanding, saying there would be “NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS” and that the Strait of Hormuz “WILL BE OPEN & SAFE.”
‘If deal fails, the shootin’ starts’: Trump issues stark warning
In a strongly worded message, Trump warned that failure to comply with the agreement would trigger renewed military action.
“If for any reason it is not… then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” he said.
Trump warns US military presence will continue
US President Donald Trump has said American forces will remain deployed in and around Iran until a “real agreement” is fully implemented.
He said the deployment includes ships, aircraft, personnel and additional weaponry as required.
Confusion deepens as US, Israel reject Lebanon inclusion
The claim contradicts positions taken by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both of whom have said Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire.
The divergence has added to uncertainty over the scope and enforceability of the truce.
Pakistan envoy says Lebanon covered in ceasefire, contradicts US-Israel stance
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has said the ceasefire understanding included Lebanon, even as Israeli strikes continued.
“The description and understanding have come from the highest level in Pakistan… affording a ceasefire for two weeks,” he told CNN, calling the agreement “authentic.”
He acknowledged, however, that ceasefires can be disrupted, citing past instances.
Israel struck 100 targets in 10 minutes: Report
Israeli forces hit around 100 targets across Lebanon within a span of 10 minutes, in one of the most intense waves of attacks so far.
The strikes triggered mass casualties and widespread destruction across affected areas.
Syria calls Israeli strikes ‘violation of international law’
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the attacks, saying Israel violated international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.
It called for an immediate ceasefire and urged the international community to act against what it described as repeated violations.
Israel says Lebanon not part of ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.
US Vice President JD Vance echoed the position, stating, “We never made that promise.”
Hezbollah fires rockets, cites ceasefire violations
Hezbollah said it launched rockets at the Manara settlement in northern Israel in response to Israeli actions.
“This response will continue until the Israeli-American aggression against our country and our people stops,” the group said.
Israeli media reported intercepting at least one rocket.
Lebanon declares mourning after 254 killed in Israeli strikes
Lebanon has declared a day of mourning after Israeli attacks killed at least 254 people and injured more than 1,165 in a single day.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the government is mobilising “all of Lebanon’s political and diplomatic resources to stop the Israeli killing machine.”
Iran reiterates warning: ceasefire or escalation
Tehran has doubled down on its stance, warning that continued Israeli actions could derail the ceasefire and trigger renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel backs ceasefire but continues Lebanon operations
Israel’s ambassador to India Reuven Azar said Tel Aviv supports the ceasefire with Iran but will continue operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
He stressed that removing “Hezbollah infrastructure” remains a priority.
White House clarifies ‘two 10-point plans’ from Iran
The US said Iran initially presented a proposal that was “unserious” and “thrown in the garbage.”
A revised version was later accepted as a workable basis for negotiations aligned with US conditions.
Iran issues fresh warning to US over Israel link
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington must choose between a ceasefire or continuing the war “via Israel.”
“The ball is in the US court,” he said, warning that continued strikes in Lebanon could collapse the agreement.
JD Vance warns deal hinges on Hormuz reopening
US Vice President JD Vance said the ceasefire depends on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“If we don’t see that happening, the President is not going to abide by our terms,” he warned.
Lebanon excluded from ceasefire, US reiterates
The White House has firmly stated that Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire agreement.
Officials said this position had been clearly communicated to all parties.
Israel signals readiness to resume fighting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel is prepared to “return to combat at any moment.”
He said the ceasefire is only a “milestone” and not the end of operations.
Spain PM demands Lebanon be included in ceasefire
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticised Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon and called for its inclusion in the ceasefire.
He said the attacks reflected “contempt for life and international law” and urged the European Union to respond.
US claims military pressure forced Iran to agree
Washington has maintained that its military campaign, 'Operation Epic Fury', created the leverage that led Iran to accept a ceasefire.
Officials said the strikes significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
‘Fragile truce’: US cautions ahead of talks
Officials have repeatedly warned that the ceasefire is unstable, despite early signs of compliance.
“This is a fragile truce. Ceasefires are fragile by nature,” the White House said.
US dispatches JD Vance-led team to Islamabad
The White House has confirmed that Vice President JD Vance will lead a high-level delegation to Islamabad for talks with Iran.
The team will include Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with negotiations set to begin this weekend.
Pakistan PM’s messaging aligned with Washington: NYT
A separate The New York Times report said Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s public messaging was cleared by the White House before being posted.
The move suggested deeper coordination between Islamabad and Washington than publicly acknowledged.
Pakistan emerges as key backchannel in ceasefire push
A report by the Financial Times said the White House used Pakistan as a primary channel to reach Iran during ceasefire negotiations.
Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly coordinated closely with US officials, transmitting proposals between Washington and Tehran.
Islamabad also shared a US-drafted 15-point plan, alongside Iranian counter-proposals, as talks progressed behind the scenes.
Iran accuses US of violating peace framework
Tehran has alleged that Washington has already breached three clauses of the proposed negotiation framework.
These include ceasefire violations linked to Lebanon, a drone incursion into Iranian airspace, and denial of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment.
Iran said such actions make negotiations “unreasonable” even before they begin.
US keeps forces ready despite ceasefire
Washington has decided against any immediate troop drawdown, keeping forces on standby in the region.
Officials warned that the ceasefire is fragile and could break down, especially given disruptions in Iran’s command structure after strikes.
White House defends Trump’s rhetoric as ‘result-driven’
Facing criticism over aggressive language, the White House said President Donald Trump’s warnings helped force Iran into a ceasefire.
Officials argued that “tough rhetoric” created the pressure needed to bring Tehran to the negotiating table.
US sets nuclear red line ahead of talks
The United States has made it clear that Iran must end uranium enrichment within its territory as part of any future deal.
“The President’s red lines… have not changed,” the White House said, stressing that the issue will be central in upcoming negotiations.
Hormuz reopening made central to ceasefire
Washington has tied the ceasefire directly to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a non-negotiable condition.
The White House said there were early signs of increased shipping movement, even as it warned the truce remains unstable.
China link emerges in US-Iran ceasefire push
The White House confirmed it held high-level conversations with China during the conflict.
Officials said Washington and Beijing maintained communication as tensions escalated, pointing to efforts to prevent further instability.