Iran war: The situation across the region continues to shift, and the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a key pressure point for both security and global trade. The United States has stepped up enforcement measures, while Israel continues operations along the Lebanon front.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Washington signalling continued engagement with Tehran even as sanctions pressure intensifies and regional actors push for de-escalation.
Iran war LIVE UPDATES | April 16
'Launchers locked on warships': Iran Supreme Leader's adviser warns US over Hormuz Strait blockade
Military adviser of Iran's Supreme Leader, Mohsen Rezaei, on Thursday issued a sharp warning against any US naval blockade efforts targeting Iran, stating the military of the Islamic Republic was ready if directly threatened by US naval assets, Iranian state media Press TV reported. According to Press TV, citing a televised interview, Rezaei said, "Pressure must increase. Our launchers are now locked on the warships, and we will sink them all."
Referring to US efforts to impose a naval blockade on Iran, Rezaei claimed the move would fail, asserting that Iran could counter such actions.
"Just as the United States suffered a historic defeat in trying to open the Strait of Hormuz, it is also doomed to fail in the naval blockade," he added, as quoted by Press TV.
He further stated that Iran's armed forces would not allow any success of a US-led blockade and claimed that Tehran possessed "major untapped leverage" to respond.
Russian FM criticises US' diplomatic approach, suggests Washington should prioritise dialogue over confrontation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday criticised Washington's diplomatic approach, suggesting that the United States should prioritise communication over confrontation when dealing with foreign administrations.
In a post on X, the Russian Foreign Ministry quoted Lavrov as stating, "I would advise the US, in every case where it dislikes a particular government, to begin by engaging it in dialogue."
He further noted that international partners have consistently shown a willingness to negotiate with Washington. Lavrov asserted that "no country has ever refused dialogue with the US," highlighting that the breakdown in relations often stems from American policy shifts rather than a lack of cooperation from other states. Furthering his critique of the United States' track record in international diplomacy, the Foreign Minister claimed that the onus of broken commitments lies with Washington. "It was the US, however, that first made agreements & then walked away from them," Lavrov stated.
Tehran calls Iran ‘unsanctionable’, dismisses US pressure
The IRGC official also dismissed Washington’s strategy, saying the US “does not realise that Iran is an unsanctionable country”.
He added that the naval blockade imposed by President Donald Trump would not be sustainable in the long run.
Iran says US blockade could breach ceasefire terms
Javani said the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports and restrictions on maritime movement could amount to a breach of ceasefire understandings.
“Continuation of US actions… would constitute a violation of the ceasefire and provoke a response,” he said, according to Iranian state media.
IRGC warns of military response over US naval actions
A senior Iranian military official has warned that continued US naval actions in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman could trigger a response from Iran’s armed forces.
Brigadier General Yadollah Javani, Deputy Political Chief of the IRGC, said such moves would be seen as a violation of the ceasefire framework.
Israel reiterates push to dismantle armed groups in Lebanon
Israel has maintained that any agreement must include the disarmament of non-state armed groups and the dismantling of militant infrastructure in Lebanon.
Lebanon, meanwhile, has stressed the need for a ceasefire and measures to address the humanitarian situation.
US-backed Israel-Lebanon talks aim for broader peace framework
The United States has said recent talks between Israel and Lebanon are aimed at moving beyond ceasefire arrangements towards a broader peace and security framework.
Officials said discussions included security cooperation, reconstruction and long-term stability measures.
Netanyahu set for rare contact with Lebanese President
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, according to reports.
The planned contact comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions along the Israel-Lebanon front.
Pakistan steps up mediation as Munir shuttles between Tehran and Washington
Pakistan’s Army chief Asim Munir is expected to travel to Washington after his Tehran visit as part of ongoing mediation efforts.
His visit is being seen as an attempt to revive stalled negotiations after earlier talks ended without a breakthrough.
Key sticking points remain on uranium limits and stockpile
Despite progress signals, major differences persist over the duration of a potential uranium enrichment freeze, with proposals ranging from five to 20 years.
Another key issue under discussion is the handling of Iran’s estimated stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with options including transfer to a third country or reducing enrichment levels.
Pakistan sees ‘major breakthrough’ possible in US-Iran talks
Pakistani officials have expressed hope of a “major breakthrough” in ongoing US-Iran talks, particularly on Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to reports.
The optimism comes as backchannel communication continues and preparations are under way for a possible second round of negotiations.
Senate rejects bid to block arms sales to Israel
The Senate has also voted down attempts to block US arms sales to Israel, including a $295 million equipment deal and a separate proposal involving heavy bombs.
Despite significant Democratic backing, both measures failed to pass.
US lawmakers divided as war powers debate continues
The vote saw rare cross-party positions, with Democrat John Fetterman opposing the measure alongside Republicans, while Republican Rand Paul backed it.
Some lawmakers indicated the issue could return if the conflict stretches beyond 60 to 90 days.
Senate blocks move to curb Trump’s war powers on Iran
The US Senate has rejected, for the fourth time this year, a proposal requiring congressional approval for future military action against Iran.
The resolution failed in a 47-52 vote, reflecting continued divisions in Washington over the scope of presidential war powers.
US says Iran rejected deal terms before blockade shift
Miller said the US moved to impose the blockade after finding Iran’s terms “not satisfactory” during earlier negotiations following a ceasefire.
He claimed the shift marked a reset in strategy after Tehran declined what Washington described as an opportunity to reach an agreement.
White House says blockade is ‘squeezing the economic life’ out of Iran
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has defended the US naval blockade, saying it is “squeezing the economic life out of the Iranian regime”.
He said President Donald Trump wants a deal but will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, adding that Washington now holds the upper hand in the conflict.
Iran says it is now ‘setting the preconditions’ in talks
Rezaei also suggested a shift in negotiating dynamics, saying Iran was no longer accepting externally imposed terms.
“Unlike previous talks where the other side set the terms, Iran is now setting the preconditions,” he said.
Tehran signals readiness for prolonged conflict
Rezaei said Iran was prepared for a long-term confrontation, contrasting it with what he claimed was US reluctance for a prolonged war.
“Unlike the US, which fears prolonged war, Iran is fully prepared and experienced in long-term war,” he said, according to Iranian state media.
Iran says it won’t leave Strait of Hormuz until ‘rights are secured’
Iran’s Supreme Leader’s military adviser Mohsen Rezaei has said Tehran will not withdraw from the Strait of Hormuz until its “rights are fully secured”.
He described the waterway as a key leverage point and signalled that Iran would continue asserting its position despite the ongoing US naval blockade.
Japan signals readiness to support de-escalation efforts
Japan has expressed concern over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and indicated its willingness to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring stability.
The discussions also covered the economic and security impact of disruptions to maritime traffic.
Iran blames US-Israel actions for Hormuz instability
In a separate call with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Araghchi said the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz was a direct result of US and Israeli actions.
He urged all countries to adopt a “responsible approach” to prevent further escalation in the region.
China backs diplomacy, praises Iran’s ‘resistance’
China has reiterated its support for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressing readiness to facilitate talks.
According to Iranian state media, Wang also praised Iran’s “resistance and self-confidence” during the recent hostilities.
Tehran slams US move at UN, calls Hormuz resolution ‘irrational’
Araghchi also criticised Washington’s proposed resolution at the UN Security Council on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “irrational and unilateral”.
He said opposition from China and Russia had helped prevent further escalation at the international level.
Iran warns of ‘dangerous consequences’ over US blockade in Gulf
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has warned of “dangerous consequences” over what he described as provocative US actions in the Persian Gulf, referring to the naval blockade on Iranian ports.
During a call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Araghchi said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz risked becoming “more complicated” if tensions escalate further.
Market report flags Iran war impact across oil, metals and agriculture
A Yes Securities report has said speculative positioning has turned sharply bullish across several commodities due to geopolitical risk linked to West Asia.
The brokerage said energy markets were heavily positioned for disruption, while metals such as aluminium and agricultural commodities like soybeans and cotton were also seeing heightened speculative activity.
WHO records 133 attacks on healthcare in Lebanon
Tedros said the WHO has recorded 133 attacks on healthcare since the conflict began, with 88 deaths and 206 injuries.
He added that 15 hospitals and seven primary healthcare centres had been damaged, while five hospitals and 56 primary healthcare centres were forced to shut down.
WHO says Lebanon hospital under severe strain after strikes
The World Health Organization has said Lebanon’s Tebnine Government Hospital is under severe strain after being damaged in two nearby strikes earlier this week.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 11 health workers were injured and key parts of the hospital, including the emergency department and pharmacy, suffered major damage.
Hezbollah claims fresh drone attacks near Nahariya
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for two drone attacks targeting Israeli military positions and a settlement near Nahariya in northern Israel.
The group also said it had carried out 39 military operations over the past 24 hours, including attacks on troop positions, settlements and military vehicles.
FIFA chief says Iran will play at 2026 World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has backed Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security concerns.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino said, adding that sports should remain outside politics and that the players had earned their place.
UN chief calls for dialogue, de-escalation and respect for law
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent dialogue and de-escalation amid what he described as “profound geopolitical tensions”.
He also reiterated that international law applies to all states without exception and stressed the need to preserve freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz.
US energy secretary says Iran conflict may ease within weeks
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said he expects the conflict involving Iran to ease within weeks, while maintaining that the economic fallout, especially on oil, will remain limited.
He said Washington and its partners were already coordinating supply responses and that the US remained well placed to cushion energy shocks through domestic output and exports.
White House says blockade is ‘squeezing the economic life’ out of Iran
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has defended the US naval blockade on Iran, saying the embargo is “squeezing the economic life out of the Iranian regime”.
Miller said President Donald Trump wants peace and a deal, but would not allow Iran to pursue nuclear weapons, while arguing that Washington now holds the upper hand.
Iran welcomes Pakistan army chief as talks push continues
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has welcomed Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir to Tehran, thanking Islamabad for its role in facilitating dialogue.
The visit is being seen as part of a renewed attempt to revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran after earlier talks failed to produce a breakthrough.
Iran asks regional countries not to let territory be used for attacks
Iran has accused the United States and Israel of destabilising the Gulf and urged neighbouring countries to ensure their territory is not used for attacks on Tehran.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said regional ties should be based on “good neighbourliness and friendship” and insisted that the alleged misuse of land, sea and airspace against Iran “must certainly be stopped”.
Pakistan renews diplomatic push in meeting with Saudi Crown Prince
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Islamabad’s push for dialogue between Washington and Tehran during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.
Sharif said Pakistan remained committed to encouraging both sides towards an agreement aimed at ending hostilities and securing long-term peace in the region.
Trump announces ‘historic’ Israel-Lebanon talks
US President Donald Trump has said Israel and Lebanon are set to hold “historic” talks, which would mark the first such high-level engagement between the two sides in more than three decades.
The announcement follows a trilateral meeting hosted by the US, where both sides discussed a possible path towards ceasefire, security cooperation and a wider peace framework.
US says Lebanon track separate from Iran negotiations
The United States has clarified that any possible ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is not part of its negotiations with Iran.
A senior administration official said Washington had “not asked for” a truce in Lebanon, though President Trump would welcome an end to hostilities as part of a broader peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Pope Leo renews peace call as Trump sharpens criticism
Pope Leo XIV has called for a peace rooted in justice and compassion, urging the world to reject violence amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
“Let us reject the logic of violence and war, and embrace peace founded on love and justice,” the Pontiff said in a post on X.
The appeal came as US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of the Pope over his remarks on Iran, saying it was “absolutely unacceptable” for Tehran to acquire a nuclear bomb.
Exhibition in Delhi highlights Minab school tragedy
An exhibition in New Delhi is displaying drawings recovered from the rubble of a school in Minab, where over 170 civilians were killed in an early strike.
The display is open at the Iranian Embassy from April 15 to 21.
Iran pushes regional unity, rejects external influence
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not seek conflict with Muslim nations and called for an “Islamic security framework” in the region.
He urged neighbouring countries to resolve differences internally and reduce reliance on external powers.
Iran calls conflict an ‘individual war’
Iranian cleric Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi said the conflict was driven by Israeli leadership and criticised the US-Israel alliance.
“This is an individual war,” he said, adding that military action had failed to achieve its objectives.
Pakistan steps up diplomatic outreach
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of a broader regional visit aimed at strengthening ties and addressing the crisis.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief has travelled to Tehran to push for renewed US-Iran talks.
UAE summons Iraqi diplomat over attacks
The UAE summoned Iraq’s charge d’affaires, issuing a protest over recent attacks originating from Iraqi territory.
The move follows similar actions by the US and Saudi Arabia.
Qatar urges de-escalation in call with Trump
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke with US President Donald Trump, stressing the need to prevent further escalation.
Both leaders discussed the impact of tensions on global energy markets and supply chains.
Pakistan likely to host next round of talks
The US indicated that Pakistan may host the next round of negotiations, continuing its role as the primary mediator.
Officials said maintaining a streamlined channel through Islamabad remains a priority.
Talks remain ‘productive’, no ceasefire extension sought
The White House said negotiations with Iran are ongoing and “productive,” while denying reports that it has formally sought to extend the ceasefire.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said discussions are continuing at multiple levels, with cautious optimism about a deal.
Fuel price outlook tied to Hormuz reopening
The US administration said lower fuel prices will depend on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and progress in negotiations.
Bessent said oil production could resume quickly once shipping routes stabilise, adding current volatility is part of a “short-term disruption.”
US to tighten oil sanctions, ends temporary relief
Washington said it will not renew a general licence that allowed limited transactions involving Iranian oil already at sea.
Fresh sanctions have also been imposed on networks linked to Iranian oil transport, as part of a broader “maximum pressure” strategy.
US signals sanctions escalation, targets China links
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of possible secondary sanctions on Chinese banks if found facilitating Iranian financial flows.
He said China had been purchasing over 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports and that the blockade could disrupt this flow.
Full maritime blockade in place across Iranian ports
US forces say they have effectively halted maritime trade to and from Iran within 36 hours of launching the blockade.
The move is aimed at isolating Iran economically, while maintaining passage for non-Iranian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
US enforces naval blockade, turns back Iranian vessel
The US Central Command said a guided-missile destroyer forced an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel to return after it attempted to bypass restrictions.
“Ten vessels have now been turned around and ZERO ships have broken through,” CENTCOM said.
Healthcare system under strain after repeated strikes
The World Health Organization said Lebanon’s Tebnine Government Hospital has been damaged in recent strikes, with 11 health workers injured.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the emergency department and key equipment were affected, though services remain functional with support.
The WHO has recorded 133 attacks on healthcare since the conflict began, with dozens of facilities damaged or forced to shut.
Lebanese group claims 39 operations in 24 hours
A Lebanese armed group has claimed carrying out 39 military operations targeting Israeli positions, troop concentrations and vehicles along the border.
The escalation reflects continued intensity on the Lebanon front.
Civilian casualties reported in Lebanon strikes
At least five people, including two children, were killed in an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon’s Ansariyeh, with several others injured, according to reports.
Residents in parts of southern Lebanon have been advised to evacuate amid continued exchanges of fire.
Israel pushes Hezbollah fight, signals long-term goals in Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon are ongoing, with a focus on key strongholds like Bint Jbeil.
“We are going to eliminate this large Hezbollah stronghold,” he said, adding that Israel is also pursuing talks aimed at dismantling Hezbollah and achieving “sustainable peace.”
Nepali national released from Iranian custody near Hormuz
A Nepali seaman detained near the Strait of Hormuz has been released following a court order in Iran.
Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said efforts are underway to facilitate his return, with officials coordinating through diplomatic channels.