The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is entering a sharper, more volatile phase. Washington has put out a final warning, while Tehran has made it clear it won’t come to the table under pressure. The messaging overnight has only hardened, with little to suggest any immediate diplomatic opening.
As the US deadline approaches, the conflict is no longer just about strikes and counter-strikes. It is now spilling into questions of oil routes, civilian infrastructure and wider regional stability. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of it all, and what happens next could set the tone for the days ahead.
Updates: Middle East conflict — April 7
China, Russia veto UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday failed to adopt a resolution sponsored by Bahrain and aimed at compelling Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz after it was vetoed by permanent members China and Russia.
After the vote, the resolution had 11 yes votes, two no votes and two abstentions.
"They are threatening the entire world with energy shortages, disrupted supply chains, and possibly even famine," U.S. ambassador Michael G Waltz told the council after the vote.
India urges nationals in Iran to stay put where they are as Trump's deadline looms
"In view of the rapidly evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran are advised to stay put where they are, shelter in place and avoid further movements. Any movement within Iran and to the border crossings of Iran may be considered only in close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and after obtaining explicit guidance of the Embassy": MEA
https://twitter.com/ani/status/2041522634018672861
'US accomplished its military objectives in Iran, conclusion of war up to Iranians': JD Vance
United States had “largely accomplished its military objectives” and that “as the president has said, very shortly this war is going to conclude," said US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday.
He further added that “the nature of the conclusion is ultimately up to the Iranians.”
When asked what if Iran doesn’t agree to the deal before President Trump’s Tuesday deadline, Vance added, “We are going to find out” what happens.
US strikes Iran's Kharg Island as Trump threatens to end Iranian civilisation
US military has conducted fresh strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, according to US media reports. The strikes, however, didn't target oil infrastructure.
'A whole civilisation will die tonight,' warns Trump as Iran yet to agree to a deal
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that "a whole civilisation will die tonight" in Iran if the country doesn't make a deal before his Tuesday 8:00 PM deadline.
“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen," Trump said on Truth Social.
Speculation grows over missile origin in jet downing
Rubin also pointed to emerging claims that the missile used to down the US F-15 may not have been Iranian.
He said there are rumours it could have been supplied by Turkey. If confirmed, it could trigger wider tensions within NATO.
‘Paper tiger’: Rubin questions Iran’s military strength
Rubin argued that the success of the operation exposes weaknesses in Iran’s military.
“The fact that we were able to do this… shows how potent the American military is,” he said, describing Iran’s capabilities as overstated.
Analyst calls rescue mission proof of US military edge
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has described the US rescue operation inside Iran as a clear demonstration of military capability.
He said the mission showed a level of reach and coordination unmatched by any other country.
MSMEs, retail borrowers may face delayed stress
The report warns that deeper impact may emerge over the coming quarters.
Payment delays, supplier strain and job disruptions could hit MSMEs and retail borrowers, eventually affecting asset quality in banks.
It also flags a “double bind” for households, with both income uncertainty and inflation pressures building simultaneously.
West Asia conflict may hit India’s financial system: EY
The ripple effects of the conflict are beginning to show up in India as well.
An EY analysis says the financial sector could face layered stress — from rising costs and supply disruptions to tighter liquidity across businesses.
Early signs are already visible, including stretched working capital cycles and pressure on margins.
‘Ready to sacrifice’: Iran president signals hardening stance
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has struck a defiant tone as the US deadline approaches, saying millions of Iranians are ready to defend the country.
“Over 14 million… have declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives,” he wrote on X, adding that he too stands ready.
The statement reflects a broader shift in messaging inside Iran as pressure from Washington intensifies.
Hormuz disruption undercuts ‘victory’ narrative
With the Strait of Hormuz still under pressure, Rubin said the situation on the ground does not match claims of success.
The waterway remains central to global energy supply, and continued disruption is raising concerns across international markets.
Key war goals remain unclear, says expert
Rubin pointed to three unresolved issues: Iran’s nuclear stockpile, its missile capability, and the future of its government.
He also noted that US objectives appear to shift frequently, making it difficult to measure success.
Analyst questions US claims of success in campaign
Doubts are also emerging over Washington’s claims that its military objectives have been met.
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said it is “hard to say the United States has won” while Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy strikes could trigger wider regional fallout
The same report flags the risk of escalation beyond Iran.
If its infrastructure is hit, Tehran could retaliate against desalination plants across the Gulf, which supply the majority of drinking water in the region, or target Israel’s water systems.
The fallout, it warns, could extend far beyond the immediate conflict.
Fears of water crisis, disease outbreak if grid hit
The report highlights the “water-energy nexus” in Iran, where electricity powers water supply systems.
A collapse of the grid could cut access to drinking water, disrupt hospitals and sanitation, and lead to outbreaks of disease, with children among the most vulnerable.
It also warns that any such move could unite public opinion inside Iran against the US.
Report warns targeting power plants could backfire
A new analysis by the Atlantic Council has cautioned against the idea of striking Iran’s power and water infrastructure.
The report argues such attacks would do little to weaken Iran’s military, which relies on separate, hardened systems, but could cause severe humanitarian fallout.
Instead of ending the war, it said, targeting civilian grids could prolong the conflict and trigger wider instability.
US may hold off strikes if deal looks likely: Report
Even as the deadline looms, there are signs Washington could pause if talks move forward.
According to Axios, a senior administration official said Trump may “hold off” if a deal appears close, though the final call rests with him alone.
A defence official, however, was quoted as saying they were “sceptical” about any further extension this time.
Cultural pushback emerges as tensions rise
The recital appears to be part of a wider symbolic response inside Iran, as public messaging begins to push back against threats to civilian infrastructure.
Authorities have already called on citizens to gather around key sites, with officials framing such installations as national assets that must be protected.
Iranian musician performs at power plant amid strike threats
In a striking moment on the ground, Iranian musician Ali Ghamsari performed a tar recital outside the Damavand power plant, one of the sites reportedly under threat.
Sitting on a mat, playing the traditional instrument, Ghamsari said he hoped the music could “help keep the lights in homes from going out”.
The performance comes as US warnings around Iran’s energy infrastructure grow sharper ahead of the deadline.
US continues to push ‘no deal, no restraint’ messaging
Washington has maintained its hardline stance ahead of the deadline, reiterating that failure to reach a deal could trigger sweeping strikes on infrastructure.
The messaging remains consistent: reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face escalation.
Report claims Iran’s Supreme Leader in ‘severe condition’
A report by The Times UK claims Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is undergoing treatment in Qom and is “unable to be involved in decision-making”.
The report, based on intelligence shared with Gulf allies, said he is in a “severe” condition, though there has been no official confirmation from Tehran.
US signals biggest strike wave since start of operation
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has warned that the current phase could see the largest volume of strikes since the beginning of Operation Fury.
“Today will be the largest… tomorrow even more than today,” he said, cautioning Iran to “choose wisely”.
Trump warns of action against ‘leaker’ during rescue mission
US President Donald Trump said authorities are trying to identify a “leaker” who disclosed sensitive information during the rescue operation in Iran.
“We’re looking very hard to find that leaker,” he said, adding that the administration could take legal action against the media organisation involved.
Trump claimed the leak made the mission “much more difficult” by alerting Iranian authorities.
Iran calls for ‘human chains’ around power plants amid US threats
In a striking development, Iran’s Deputy Sports Minister Alireza Rahimi has urged citizens — including athletes and students — to form “human chains” around power plants.
“These are our wealth and belongings,” he said, calling it a symbolic move to deter possible US strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The call comes after repeated warnings from Washington targeting bridges and power facilities.
CIA’s deception campaign key to locating stranded US airman
Fresh details have emerged on how US intelligence tracked down the second stranded airman inside Iran.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the effort relied on both human intelligence and advanced surveillance, calling it “like hunting for a single grain of sand in the middle of a desert”.
Officials said the airman remained hidden for nearly two days before being located, with the CIA running a deception campaign to keep Iranian forces off track.
Iran’s leadership vows resistance after senior killing
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei condemned the killing of a senior IRGC intelligence official, calling it part of a pattern of “assassinations and crimes”.
He said such actions would not change Iran’s course.
Iran condemns attack on university, vows response
Iran has accused the US and Israel of targeting Sharif University in Tehran, damaging key facilities.
It also said its forces have struck Israeli energy sites and US-linked assets in response.
UN flags concern over threats to civilian infrastructure
The United Nations has expressed alarm over US rhetoric targeting Iran’s infrastructure.
A UN spokesperson said attacks on civilian infrastructure would violate international law and urged all sides to de-escalate.
Iran’s president calls for regional unity, rejects foreign presence
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not seek conflict with Muslim nations and called for regional cooperation.
“We are not seeking turmoil… we do not want instability in the region,” he said, urging neighbours to resolve issues internally.
Political pressure building ahead of US elections
Former diplomat Yogendra Kumar said domestic political pressures may be shaping US decisions.
“There’s a certain kind of pressure building up,” he said, noting the upcoming US midterm elections and reluctance to deploy ground troops.
Trump criticises allies, praises Gulf partners
Trump said countries like Japan, South Korea and NATO allies had not supported the US adequately in the conflict.
He, however, praised Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, for their support.
US considering options to secure Iranian oil
Trump said the US could secure Iranian oil as part of the conflict’s outcome, citing previous actions in Venezuela.
“If I had my choice… I’m a businessman first,” he said.
Warning to US: ground attack is a ‘red line’
An Iranian military source warned that any US ground invasion would cross a red line.
“A surprise awaits,” the source said, adding that Iran would respond strongly to any such move.
Iran claims strikes on Israeli and US targets
Iran said its forces have struck multiple targets, including infrastructure in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Be’er Sheva, as well as US-linked facilities in the region.
It also claimed attacks on US bases in Kuwait and command centres in Baghdad.
Iran dismisses Trump’s threats as ‘reckless rhetoric’
Iranian military leadership said US threats would not affect ongoing operations.
“The reckless threats and baseless rhetoric… will not affect continued offensive operations,” a spokesperson said, according to state media.
Tehran vows continued retaliation against US and Israel
Iran says it will continue responding to attacks by targeting US assets and Israeli infrastructure.
Officials indicated that the objective is to reduce Washington’s ability to sustain air operations over Iran.
Iran accuses US of targeting civilian infrastructure
Sadeqi alleged that US strikes have hit universities, research centres, vaccination facilities and bridges.
She warned that further escalation could involve more civilian infrastructure being targeted.
Iran rejects negotiations under threat: Academic
Setareh Sadeqi, Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran, said Iran will not negotiate while under military pressure.
“It’s like pointing a gun at our head and asking us to negotiate… that will never work for Iran,” she told ANI.
She added that Iran does not want a ceasefire under current conditions.
Trump floats idea of taking Iranian oil as ‘spoils’ of war
Trump said the US could take control of Iranian oil resources as part of the outcome of the conflict.
“To the victor belong the spoils… why shouldn’t we?” he said, framing it as a potential economic return for military action.
Hormuz emerges as key flashpoint in negotiations
The Strait of Hormuz has become central to US demands, with Trump insisting on “free traffic of oil” as part of any deal.
He warned that even minimal disruption, such as sea mines, could halt global shipping through the narrow route.
Trump hints at ‘regime change’, says war could end quickly
Trump suggested that political changes are underway in Iran and hinted at a possible “regime change”.
He said the war could end quickly if Iran agrees to US conditions, while also indicating ongoing negotiations with “more reasonable” interlocutors.
US signals military dominance, warns adversaries
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the rescue mission demonstrated America’s unmatched military capability.
“These are not routine operations… conducted in the heart of enemy territory,” he said, adding that the mission showcased precision and reach.
Trump defends risky rescue despite internal opposition
Trump said some military officials opposed the rescue mission due to the high risk of casualties.
“Hundreds of people could have been killed,” he said, adding that he approved the operation despite concerns.
CIA used deception to throw off Iranian forces
US intelligence played a key role here. Officials say deception tactics were used to keep Iranian search teams guessing while the rescue unfolded.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the operation involved tracking the airman while simultaneously misleading Iranian forces, calling it a “race against the clock”.
High-risk rescue mission brings back two US airmen
A large-scale US military operation rescued two crew members stranded inside Iran after their aircraft was shot down.
The operation pulled in more than 100 aircraft – fighters, bombers and rescue teams. Both airmen were eventually brought back safely. No American casualties were reported.
Over 10,000 combat flights, 13,000 strikes: US outlines scale of campaign
Trump said US forces have conducted more than 10,000 combat flights and struck over 13,000 targets across Iran in the past 37 days.
He described the scale of operations as “unheard of”, while confirming that a US F-15 fighter jet was downed, the first such loss in the campaign.
‘Take Iran out in one night’: Trump escalates warning
Trump has repeatedly warned that the US has the capability to destroy Iran in a single night, suggesting that such action could come as early as Tuesday.
In a social media post, he warned Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and strike a deal, or face severe consequences targeting infrastructure.
US sets ultimatum as deadline window closes
US President Donald Trump has given Iran a final deadline to reach a deal by Tuesday, 8:00 PM Eastern Time, warning of sweeping strikes if talks fail.
“This is a critical period… they have till tomorrow… after that, they are going to have no bridges… no power plants,” Trump said during a White House briefing.
He added that Washington had already extended the timeline once, giving Tehran additional time to respond.