US Iran War News Live Highlights: 10 killed as Israel pounds Lebanon with fresh overnight strikes

Petrol, diesel prices hiked third time due to US-Iran war; sees increase by around 90 paise

Petrol and diesel prices were increased again on Saturday, marking the third hike in less than 10 days as global crude oil prices continue to surge amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Petrol prices were raised by up to 87 paise per litre, while diesel prices increased by as much as 91 paise per litre across major cities. In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 99.51 per litre, up from Rs 98.64, while diesel prices rose from Rs 91.58 to Rs 92.49 per litre.

Israel launches fresh strikes on Lebanon after deadly raids kill 10

Israel carried out fresh airstrikes in Lebanon, hours after earlier raids reportedly killed 10 people, with attacks targeting areas near the Syrian border and southern Lebanese cities despite an existing ceasefire with Hezbollah.

According to Lebanese media, five Israeli strikes hit the mountainous Nabi Sreij area on the outskirts of Brital shortly before midnight. The region had largely been spared from attacks since the April 17 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Two powerful explosions were heard in the southern city of Tyre after Israeli strikes targeted buildings on the city’s outskirts and inside urban areas, sending large plumes of smoke into the air, news agency AFP reported.

Ahead of the attacks, Lebanese civil defence teams and municipal police evacuated residents from affected neighbourhoods using loudspeakers to warn people to leave the area.

Israel’s military had earlier issued evacuation warnings through Arabic-language military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, who said Israeli forces were operating against Hezbollah targets.

Residents in the village of Burj Rahal and two areas of Tyre were instructed to evacuate because they were “located near Hezbollah facilities that the (Israeli military) is about to operate against”, Adraee said in a post on X.

The latest strikes come amid escalating cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and a ceasefire that has increasingly appeared fragile on the ground.

US Congresswoman vows vote to end America's role in Lebanon war as death toll tops 3,100

'This mass murder must end': Rashida Tlaib condemns Israeli attacks on Lebanon

US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has strongly criticised Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon after the reported death toll from Israeli attacks crossed 3,100 since March.

Responding to reports of mounting casualties, the Michigan Democrat said, “This mass murder must end.”

“The US is not a bystander in the Israeli military’s brutal invasion of Lebanon–it is an active participant,” Tlaib wrote in a post on X.

“I will force a vote in Congress to immediately end all US participation in this illegal and immoral war on Lebanon,” she added.

The remarks came after Lebanon’s Health Ministry said on Friday that at least 3,111 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since March 2, with the toll rising sharply in recent days.

Iranian-American group warns Trump against 'foolish war' as Iran strike fears grow

The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) has warned the Trump administration against escalating the conflict with Iran, saying a diplomatic solution remains possible even as reports emerge of potential US military strikes.

“Escalating the war on Iran rather than taking an off-ramp would be wrong morally, strategically and politically,” the advocacy group said in a post on X.

“A diplomatic off-ramp is available,” NIAC added, responding to reports that the Trump administration is preparing contingency plans for possible strikes on Iran if negotiations fail.

The group also pointed to growing domestic opposition within the United States to a wider conflict with Tehran.

“A clear majority of the American public and possible majority of Congress wants President Trump to take it. We hope the new drum beats are not signs that Washington is going to double down on a foolish war,” NIAC said.

The warning comes amid mounting political pressure on Trump and the Republican Party as the conflict with Iran continues to push up fuel prices and deepen economic concerns in the US. Recent surveys have also suggested that a majority of Americans do not support a prolonged war with Iran.

US Iran war: Trump weighs fresh Iran strikes as emergency diplomacy intensifies in Tehran

US President Donald Trump convened a high-level meeting with his national security team on Friday as he increasingly considers launching new military strikes against Iran unless last-minute negotiations produce a breakthrough, according to Axios.

The White House meeting came amid a frantic diplomatic push involving Pakistan and Qatar to prevent a renewed escalation in the US-Iran conflict. Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled to Tehran in what officials described as an eleventh-hour mediation effort, while a Qatari delegation also arrived in the Iranian capital to support ongoing talks.

Sources familiar with Trump’s thinking told Axios the president has grown increasingly frustrated with the pace of negotiations and was leaning towards military action by Thursday night after initially deciding earlier this week to give diplomacy more time.

Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles attended the meeting alongside Trump, where officials reportedly discussed the status of negotiations and possible scenarios if diplomacy collapses.

A US official briefed on the talks described the negotiations as “agonizing”, saying draft proposals were “going back and forth every day” with little progress.

US Iran war: Ivanka Trump targeted for assassination in IRGC linked plot, says report

An alleged assassination plot targeting Ivanka Trump, allegedly orchestrated by a suspect trained by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been uncovered, the New York Post reported citing sources.

According to the report, recently captured Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, 32, had allegedly pledged to kill Ivanka Trump and possessed a blueprint of her Florida residence. Sources told the newspaper that the alleged plot was linked to retaliation for the 2020 US drone strike in Baghdad ordered by Donald Trump that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

“After Qasem was killed, he [Al-Saadi] went around telling people ‘we need to kill Ivanka to burn down the house of Trump the way he burned down our house,'” the Post quoted Entifadh Qanbar, a former deputy military attaché in the Iraqi embassy in Washington saying.

Iran-Israel war: Lebanon says Israeli strikes kill 10

Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli strikes killed 10 people on Friday, including six rescue workers and a child, as cross-border hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group continued despite a ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, the ministry said a strike on Deir Qanun al-Nahr village near Tyre killed six people, among them two rescuers affiliated with the Risala Scouts association and a Syrian girl. The association is linked to the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement.

The ministry added that an earlier Israeli strike on the southern town of Hanaway killed four rescue workers from the Hezbollah-linked Islamic Health Committee.

Iran praises Tulsi Gabbard's work after her resignation

"We wish Abraham a swift and complete recovery. You have previously shown at times that you work for America and not Israel, and sometimes you spoke truths about Iran that Trump hated. It was a pity that someone like you worked with this government, which has sidelined America and is a proxy for Israel. Best wishes," Iran embassy said in a post on X.

US Iran war: US Navy official says Taiwan arms sales on 'pause' over Iran war

Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao said arms sales to Taiwan had been temporarily paused to ensure the American military retained adequate munitions for operations linked to Iran, though a source later denied any connection between the delay and the Middle East conflict.

Speaking at a congressional hearing on Taiwan’s stalled $14 billion weapons purchase, Cao said the pause was intended to “make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury,” adding that the US currently has sufficient supplies.

He further said foreign military sales would resume once the administration determines it is appropriate to proceed.

US prepares for new military strikes against Iran as talks continue, reports CBS News

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing for a possible new round of military strikes against Iran, even as indirect diplomatic efforts over the broader conflict continue, CBS reported.

According to the report, no final decision had been made by Friday afternoon. However, US defence and intelligence officials had begun updating recall rosters at overseas bases, while some military personnel reportedly cancelled Memorial Day weekend plans amid expectations of possible action.

Administration officials told CBS that the Pentagon remains on constant standby to execute any order issued by the president, while warning of serious consequences if Iran does not agree to a deal.

US Iran war: Iran accuses Persian Gulf and Jordan of aiding US offensive

"Despite the Security Council’s failure to hold the states along the southern shores of the Persian Gulf and Jordan accountable for their internationally unlawful acts against Iran, these governments, as responsible states, are obliged to fully compensate the Islamic Republic of Iran, including all material and moral damages resulting from their internationally unlawful actions," Amir-Saeid Iravani said in the letter, Iran International reported.

Maintaining respect for the negotiating team is duty of every politician, says Iranian president

"Preserving the level of diplomacy and maintaining respect and trust for the negotiating team is the duty and responsibility of every politician," he said.

US Iran war: Trump huddles with top advisers as Iran war option back on table, says report

Donald Trump convened a meeting with his senior national security team on Iran war, Axios reported citing two US officials.

US Iran war: 'Some progress made but no deal until war ends, says IRGC outlet

“Some progress has been made on certain issues compared to before, but no agreement will be reached until all disputed issues are resolved," the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News reported citing source close to Iran's negotiating team.

“The current focus is on the issue of ending the war, and until that is finalized, no other issue will be negotiated. Talks and consultations over disputed issues are still ongoing, and no final result has yet been reached. The Pakistani mediator is still exchanging messages between the sides," the source added.

US Iran war: Qatari delegation meets Iran's Araghchi as Iran says Pakistan leads mediation

A Qatari delegation held talks with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan continues to play the lead mediating role in the ongoing Iran-US negotiations.

US Iran war: Tehran says US uranium handover demand will kill the deal, says report

Iran says peace negotiations with the United States face “deep and significant” differences and it’s difficult to say if a deal can be reached over the next “weeks or months”, Al Jazeera reported.

Third Qatari LNG tanker heads through Hormuz to China, reports Al Jazeera

A third Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker is currently passing through the Strait of Hormuz en route to China, according to ship-tracking data, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by a Qatari delegation in Tehran to help broker an end to the conflict with Iran.

The transit comes as shipping movement through the strategic waterway remains irregular. It is also the third such passage by a Qatari LNG vessel in nearly two weeks under arrangements linked to Iran-Pakistan coordination.

US Iran war: 'Reached decisive situation' - Iran calls current situation in peace talks ‘turning point’

“The current process and the presence of senior Pakistani officials in Tehran means that we have reached a turning point or a decisive situation,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil ⁠Baghaei.

“The reason we don’t talk about the details of nuclear-related discussions is clear. We have done this twice, and the other party’s greed led us into war. We cannot ignore this experience,” said Baghaei.

“Regarding nuclear issues, the matter is very clear – we are a member of the NPT [Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty] and we have the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes,” he added.

US Iran war: Iran downplays chances of deal despite Pakistani top general's arrival, reports Iran International

"Despite becoming more frequent, such exchanges are a continuation of the same diplomatic process. We cannot necessarily say we have reached a point where a deal is near," said Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson.

US Iran war: Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir reaches Tehran

Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday reached Tehran for a crucial visit to expedite efforts for a deal between the US and Iran to end the war in the region, the army said.

According to a statement issued by the army, Munir's visit is "part of ongoing mediation efforts".

On arrival, he was received and warmly welcomed by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni at the airport. Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi was also present at the airport, according to the army.

His second visit to Tehran in little more than a month comes after progress was reported in talks held by Naqvi, who has been in Iran since Wednesday, with top Iranian leadership, including twice with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to sources.

Field Marshal Munir will meet with important Iranian dignitaries and discuss the ongoing Iran-US talks, regional peace and stability, and other matters of mutual interest during the visit, sources said.

Separately, Iran's state-run Press TV reported that Field Marshal Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday to discuss ongoing Iran-US negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Iran war news: Iran slams German president for 'unnecessary war' remark

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Friday strongly responded to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's characterisation of the ongoing West Asia conflict as an "unnecessary war", asserting that the United Nations Charter does not recognise any concept of a "necessary war."

In a post on X, Baqaei said the current regional crisis stems directly from the United States' "unlawful and capricious withdrawal" in May 2018 from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which imposes strict, verifiable restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions, arguing that the escalation could have been avoided.

Baqaei added that the UN Charter does not permit states to justify the use of force against sovereign nations based on "arbitrary and whimsical decisions of aggressors".

"It is true that the current crisis confronting our region and the world stems directly from the United States' unlawful and capricious withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018; It is also true that this imposed war could and should have been avoided. However, the UN Charter does not recognise any notion of a "necessary war" that would grant States the right to use force against another sovereign nation based on the arbitrary & whimsical decisions of aggressors," he stated in his post.

Baqaei further rejected attempts to describe the situation as an "unnecessary war," stating that such framing undermines the gravity of the situation.

"The American-Israeli attack on Iran cannot be downplayed or reframed as merely an 'unnecessary war'," his post added.

US Iran war: Iran foreign ministry spokesperson to also be spokesperson of delegation holding peace talks with US

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Friday appointed the spokesperson in Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baqaei, as the official spokesperson of the Iranian negotiating team for peace talks with the US aimed at achieving a complete solution to the crisis in West Asia.

As per state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Ghalibaf, who heads the negotiating team for the peace efforts, issued a decree naming Baqaei as the team's official spokesperson.

The decree described Baqaei as "one of the revolutionary forces and an expert in international law", highlighting his experience in diplomacy and his current role as spokesperson of Iran's Foreign Ministry.

It further stated that Baqaei is expected to play a key role in "clarifying and explaining the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the world" and addressing public queries regarding the negotiations.

"I hereby appoint Your Excellency, who is one of the revolutionary forces and an expert in international law, has appropriate experience in the field of diplomacy, and is also responsible for the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the spokesperson for the Minab 168 negotiating delegation," the decree read as quoted by IRIB.

"I hope that with the care and responsibility that I have come to expect from you, you will be successful in clarifying the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the world and answering the questions of the noble and brave people of Iran in this battleground," it added.

Iran war news: UAE joins Saudis, Qatar in urging Trump against fresh Iran war

The United Arab Emirates has joined Saudi Arabia and Qatar in urging US President Donald Trump to avoid restarting military action against Iran and instead give diplomacy a chance, according to people familiar with the matter.

The outreach reflects growing concerns among Gulf states that renewed hostilities could trigger fresh retaliation from Tehran and plunge regional economies into turmoil. In separate conversations with Trump, leaders of the three US allies argued that military action would not achieve Washington’s long-standing objectives with Iran, the people said. Read full story

Iran war news: 10 killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon Friday killed 10 people, including six paramedics and a Syrian girl, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said, the latest in near-daily attacks from both sides that have not stopped despite the fragile, US-brokered ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.

The first strike hit the village of Hanouiyeh, killing four paramedics working for Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Association and wounding two others including one paramedic, the ministry said.

Another strike Friday morning on the village of Deir Qanoun al Nahr in the coastal Tyre province killed six people, including a Syrian child and two paramedics from the Al-Rissala Scouts Association, a paramedic group affiliated with Hezbollah’s ally, the Amal movement, the ministry said. An additional six people were injured, including three paramedics and a Syrian woman.

The health ministry said the two attacks “violated” international law.

On Thursday, the World Health Organization reported 169 confirmed attacks on healthcare workers and facilities in Lebanon, resulting in 116 deaths, since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began.

The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment. It has previously accused the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group of using ambulances as cover for militant activities, without offering evidence.

US Iran war: MQ-9 drones emerge as key US strike asset in Iran operations

The US Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper drones emerged as one of the most heavily used platforms during recent operations linked to Iran, senior Air Force officials told lawmakers this week, describing the unmanned aircraft as a critical force multiplier in combat missions across the Middle East.

Speaking before Congressional committees this week, Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach said the MQ-9 had played a major operational role during Operation Epic Fury, underlining the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.

"For Epic Fury, perhaps maybe the most valuable player was unmanned and that's the MQ-9," Wilsbach told lawmakers during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee.

"We've made many, many strikes. I don't want to say how many because the number's classified, but no other platform is even close to the MQ-9."

The comments came as the Department of the Air Force defended its proposed FY2027 budget before both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees amid growing debate in Washington over future air combat strategy, unmanned systems and readiness.

Wilsbach said the MQ-9 provided "a lot of utility" while reducing risks to pilots and crews.

He added that unmanned systems were becoming increasingly central to US military operations, although he cautioned that fully autonomous combat aviation was still some distance away.

US Iran war: EU moves to sanction Iran over Strait of Hormuz blockade

European Union nations moved Friday towards imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and others responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz, the EU said.

Tehran effectively closed the key shipping lane for global gas and oil in retaliation to US-Israeli strikes launched in February.

Deeming the blockade "contrary to international law", EU governments took a technical step to extend the scope of its existing Iran sanctions regime allowing for more individuals to be targeted under it.

"The EU will now be able to introduce further restrictive measures in response to Iran's actions undermining the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," the European Council representing EU nations said.

Brussels' punitive measures on Iran previously targeted the country's military support for Russia in its war against Ukraine and for armed groups across the Middle East.

Iran war news: US stocks rise, extending rally

Wall Street stocks rose early Friday, extending a strong period for equities propelled by optimism over corporate earnings and the prospects of a resolution to the Middle East war.

Oil prices edged higher while US Treasury bond yields retreated.

About 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.7 percent at 50,643.74.

The broad-based S&P 500 gained 0.6 percent to 7,492.84, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 0.4 percent to 26,413.65.

Major US indices have been on a tear since late March, riding higher on a strong first-quarter earnings season and expectations that the US-Israel war against Iran will end and oil prices will retreat.

US Iran war: Asim Munir leaves for Tehran amidst efforts to end US-Iran war

Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday left for a crucial visit to Tehran amidst efforts to broker a peace deal between the US and Iran to end the war in the region, according to security sources.

His second visit to Tehran in little more than a month comes after progress was reported in talks held by interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has been in Iran since Wednesday, with top Iranian leadership, including twice with foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, according to sources.

Munir will meet with important Iranian dignitaries and discuss Iran-US talks, peace in the region and other important issues during his visit to Iran, they said.

Separately, Iran's state-run Press TV quoted the official IRNA news agency as saying that Munir is en route to Tehran to hold talks with Iranian officials.

His visit comes after Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, when asked about it, said he could "neither deny nor confirm" reports about a “high-level delegation” visiting Iran from Pakistan.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Thursday said he believed that “Pakistanis will be travelling to Tehran today”, while Naqvi was already in Tehran and holding meetings with the political leadership.

US Iran war: Lebanon army says soldiers 'loyal' after US sanctions one over alleged Hezbollah links

Lebanon's military said Friday its soldiers were loyal to the institution after the US announced sanctions that included an officer accused of sharing information with Hezbollah.

The army said that "all officers and members of the military institution are performing their national duties with utmost professionalism, responsibility, and discipline".

The sanctions came after the US hosted three rounds of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel aimed at ending the war that began after Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2 and determining the future of relations between the two countries.

Those sanctioned include Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, three Hezbollah lawmakers, and a former minister and two figures from the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement.

They also target army colonel Samir Hamadi, and Khattar Nasser Eldin, a general security officer, marking the first time that officers are sanctioned in Lebanon.

The US accused them of "obstructing the peace process in Lebanon."

'Slight progress in talks with Iran': Marco Rubio

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said Friday there was “slight progress” during talks with Iran amid uncertainty about whether a deal will be reached or war will resume.

He spoke days after President Donald Trump said he was holding off on a military strike against the Islamic Republic because “serious negotiations” were underway. Trump has been threatening for weeks that the ceasefire reached in mid-April could end if Iran does not make a deal, with shifting parameters for striking such an agreement.

Rubio spoke ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, where the military alliance is expected to discuss what role it could play in helping police the Strait of Hormuz once the war is over.

Rubio said he did not want to exaggerate the progress, saying there had been “a little bit of movement and that's good.” He said the conversations were ongoing. In recent weeks there have been repeated claims of progress, but a deal has stayed out of reach.

Iran war news: Middle East war casts shadow over million-strong hajj pilgrimage

More than a million Muslims are gathering in Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage overshadowed by the Middle East war, as animosity smoulders across the region despite a fragile ceasefire.

This year's rites, drawing Muslim worshippers from across the world, including Iran, follow waves of Iranian attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours.

Saudi officials are keen to keep conflict far from the minds of visitors, who have travelled long distances for one of the world's biggest annual pilgrimages.

The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.

As of this week, more than 1.2 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the multi-day pilgrimage starting Monday, officials said.

Because of the "wartime situation", only about 30,000 Iranian pilgrims out of an expected 86,700 had travelled to Saudi Arabia for hajj, according to the IRNA state news agency.

US Iran war: Pak-mediated draft deal could be announced within hours, report says

The final draft of a possible agreement between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, is expected to be announced within hours, Al Arabiya sources said on Friday.

Iran war news: Oil, stocks gain as investors weigh Mideast peace prospects

Oil prices and stock markets jumped Friday as traders tracked headlines on the chances for peace in the Middle East, while also eyeing mixed corporate earnings and some positive economic data.

European equities posted solid gains in midday deals after Asia closed out the week higher.

World oil prices rose around two percent and the dollar climbed against main rivals.

"Nobody really knows where these [US-Iran] negotiations are heading, but for now, markets are doing what they often do when a potential geopolitical off-ramp appears -- tentatively moving as if the good news could be around the corner," said Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

The US and Iran have a "50-50" chance of reaching an agreement that would free up the Strait of Hormuz, according to a senior UAE official.

US Iran war: 'No country should accept Iran's tolling system for Hormuz': Marco Rubio

Asserting Washington's firm stance on global maritime security, US secretary of state Marco Rubio has redoubled pressure on Tehran, identifying its aggressive manoeuvres in vital trade corridors as a non-negotiable hurdle in ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Rubio, who is in Helsingborg, Sweden, highlighted that ensuring unhindered freedom of navigation remains a primary objective for the international community.

Rubio said another major issue to be addressed in negotiations is Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz.

The top American diplomat exposed Tehran's efforts to institutionalise its maritime restrictions by seeking regional partnerships to legitimise commercial shipping levies.

He said Iran is "trying to create a tolling system" and to convince Oman to join the system.

Condemning the strategy as an unacceptable breach of international maritime law, Rubio issued a stern warning against compliance with the blockaded waterway's proposed transit fees.

"There is not a country in the world that should accept that," Rubio said.

The explicit warning comes as the US secretary of state told reporters at the NATO foreign ministers' gathering in Sweden that unilateral disruptions to energy and cargo lifelines will not be tolerated.

Iran war news: Pak interior minister holds fresh talks with Iranian foreign minister

Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Friday for the second time within 24 hours to review proposals aimed at ending the war between the United States and Iran.

Naqvi and Araghchi discussed detailed proposals aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict, Geo News reported, quoting Iran's official media.

It added that the two leaders also reviewed possible mechanisms for establishing long-term stability and peace in the region.

Citing sources, the channel reported that Naqvi will continue his stay in Tehran on Friday and hold a series of important meetings related to ongoing US-Iran negotiations and discussions on regional diplomatic efforts.

Iran war news: Iran’s near-total internet shutdown enters 84rd day

Iran’s near-total internet blackout has now stretched into its 84th day, with international connectivity remaining largely severed for more than 1,992 hours, internet watchdog NetBlocks said.

The Iranian government imposed the shutdown nationwide within hours of the outbreak of war on February 28. The blackout followed another major 20-day internet outage earlier this year during anti-government protests in January.

US Iran war: Trump 'disappointment' with Nato over Iran must be 'addressed', says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that President Donald Trump's "disappointment" with America's allies over a lack of support in the Iran war would need to be "addressed".

"The president's views, frankly disappointment, at some of our Nato allies and their response to our operations in the Middle East -- they're well documented -- that will have to be addressed, that won't be solved or addressed today," Rubio said before meeting his alliance counterparts in Sweden.

Iran War News: UAE official says '50-50' chance of US-Iran agreement on Hormuz strait

The US and Iran have just a "50-50" chance of reaching an agreement that would free up the Strait of Hormuz, a senior UAE official said on Friday.

Iranian officials "have missed a lot of chances over the years because there's a tendency to overestimate their cards", said presidential adviser Anwar Gargash.

"I hope they don't do that this time."

Iran War News: UAE official urges Iran not to 'overestimate their cards' in negotiations

US Iran war: Rubio says US decisions on Europe troops are 'not punitive'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that troop shifts by Washington in Europe were not aimed at punishing allies for a lack of support over Iran.

"The United States continues to have global commitments that it needs to meet in terms of our force deployment, and that constantly requires us to reexamine where we put troops. This is not a punitive thing, it's just something that's ongoing," Rubio told reporters ahead of talks in Sweden with his NATO counterparts.

Iran War News: Pak interior minister meets Iranian foreign minister for 2nd time

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi held another meeting with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran amid the ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran, the Tasnim News reported.

Naqvi met Abbas Araghchi to mediate between the US and Iran so both parties can move an inch closer towards ending the West Asia conflict.

Currently, Tehran is reviewing the proposal from the American side delivered via Pakistani mediators. Iran is yet to make a formal answer to the proposal. An Iranian official earlier told Al Jazeera that negotiators were "very close" to reaching an understanding.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided crucial insights into Washington's perspective on the current engagement. "So hopefully that will advance this further," he stated, referring to the upcoming deliberations in the Iranian capital.

Rubio underscored the US administration's primary focus on securing a robust agreement, "The President's preference is to do a good deal, that's his preference. It's always been his preference. If we can get a good deal done, that would be great," Rubio said.

US Iran war: US pauses Taiwan arms sales to prioritise munitions for Iran operations: Navy official

The United States has temporarily paused arms sales to Taiwan to ensure adequate munitions for operations linked to the Iran conflict, acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao said on Thursday.

Speaking during a congressional hearing, Cao was asked about the delayed USD 14 billion weapons package for Taiwan.

“Right now we're doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury -- which we have plenty,” he said.

“But, we're just making sure we have everything, then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary,” Cao added.

The remarks come amid ongoing US military operations connected to the Iran conflict under “Operation Epic Fury”.

The US State Department and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

However, Taiwan downplayed concerns over the reported pause. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said on Friday that there was “no information indicating that the US intends to make any adjustments to this arms sale.”

Iran War News: Crude oil prices could hit $200 per barrel if Strait of Hormuz remains closed, says report

Global crude oil prices could rise to $200 per barrel in the worst-case scenario if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, warned a report from Wood Mackenzie.

Global energy markets have been on edge since the start of the Iran war in February. Oil prices have shot up, sending shockwaves across the globe as worries mount around higher inflation and interest rate hikes.

The report elaborated three possible scenarios with different timelines on opening the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent impact on oil and gas supply, prices, energy demand and the broader global economy.

The uncertainty around the Strait has put the supply chains at risk with repercussions that could hit economies hard. More than 11 million barrels per day of Gulf crude and condensate production is currently curtailed, and over 80 million tonnes per annum of LNG supply, which form 20% of global supply, is affected, the report said.

"The Strait of Hormuz is the most critical chokepoint in global energy markets, and a prolonged closure would become far more than an energy crisis," said Peter Martin, head of economics at Wood Mackenzie.

"The longer disruption persists, the greater the impact on energy prices, industrial activity, trade flows and global economic growth," he added.

US Iran war: Iran condemns 'illegal' US sanctions on Lebanon ambassador-designate

Iran's foreign ministry condemned what it called "illegal" US sanctions on Tehran's ambassador-designate to Lebanon, according to a ministry statement. The ministry "strongly condemned the illegal and unjustified action by the US Treasury Department in sanctioning Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, Iran's designated ambassador to Beirut," the statement said.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on Hezbollah-linked individuals as well as the Iranian diplomat over Lebanon-related activities.

The foreign ministry described the move as "another example of the rogue behaviour and disregard of the US ruling establishment for the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter".

Lebanon had declared Sheibani persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country in March, but it is not known whether he ever departed from Beirut.

The move came after Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war on March 2 when it began striking Israel in response to US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Iran also condemned the US sanctions on Hezbollah MPs in Lebanon.

"These despicable measures are aimed at undermining Lebanon's national sovereignty and sowing discord within Lebanese society, and are a sign of the continued complicity of the US ruling establishment with the aggressive and occupying Zionist regime (Israel)," the statement said.

US Iran war: Israel fears surprise Iranian strike amid ceasefire talks with US: Report

Israel fears Iran could launch a surprise missile and drone attack targeting Gulf countries and Israel even as Tehran and Washington continue indirect ceasefire negotiations, according to a report by the *Jerusalem Post* citing intelligence officials.

The possibility of a preemptive Iranian strike was discussed during a high-level security assessment attended by senior Israeli military officials and defence minister Israel Katz, the report said.

According to security officials, Iran may attempt to strike before the United States and Israel conclude that diplomacy has failed and move towards direct military action. Officials reportedly compared the potential operation to the opening phases of “Operation Epic Fury” and “Operation Roaring Lion.”

The development comes amid growing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and reported differences between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on how aggressively Tehran should be confronted.

The *Jerusalem Post* reported that the Israeli Air Force and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Operations Directorate, led by Maj Gen Hidai Zilberman, have held discussions with American counterparts to strengthen operational preparedness and intelligence-sharing related to unusual Iranian military movements.

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir has conducted consultations with top commanders as part of a broader review of possible defensive and offensive scenarios. Zamir has also remained in contact with senior American military officials regarding a coordinated response in case Iran launches an attack.

According to Walla News, Israeli and US officials recently carried out a comprehensive review following joint military operations to improve the detection, identification and interception of Iranian threats.

The review reportedly led to deeper cooperation between the US and Israeli militaries in areas such as missile interception systems, operational coordination, technology integration, software upgrades and troop reinforcements.

Reports further claimed that shipments of US military equipment to Israel have increased significantly over the past month.

Trump has repeatedly stressed that the United States will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

“We will get it. We don't need it, we don't want it. We'll probably destroy it after we get it, but we're not going to let them have it,” Trump told reporters, referring to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Iran is believed to possess around 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, which experts say could potentially be used for weapons development if further refined. Neutralising or securing that stockpile remains central to Washington’s military and diplomatic strategy toward Tehran.

Both the United States and Israel have consistently described Iran’s nuclear programme as a major security threat. Israel, in particular, has strongly opposed Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in international forums, citing longstanding regional hostility and security concerns.

Iran War News: Israeli strike kills 2 in south Lebanon: military

The Israeli military carried out an airstrike in south Lebanon, killing two people it said on Friday were armed and "moving in a suspicious manner" in an area where it is fighting Hezbollah.

Israel and the Iran-backed group have been regularly trading fire in the country's south despite a ceasefire, which was extended by Israeli and Lebanese authorities last week.

"A short while ago, IDF surveillance identified two armed individuals moving in a suspicious manner hundreds of meters from Israeli territory, in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military posted on Telegram.

"Following their identification and continuous monitoring by the IDF, the armed individuals were struck and eliminated in an aerial strike," the post said.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported overnight strikes in southern Tyre district had killed four and injured two medics at an Islamic Health Committee site.

Since a truce began on April 17, Israel has continued to launch strikes, carry out demolitions and issue evacuation orders in south Lebanon, saying it is targeting Hezbollah, which has also kept up attacks.

Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel on March 2 in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.

Iran War News: Israel fears surprise Iranian attack amid ceasefire talks

President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade and vowed that Washington would recover Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, warning Tehran against pursuing a nuclear weapon.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said, "We have total control of Strait of Hormuz with our blockade. Iran will not get nuclear weapon or we’ll do something drastic."

Trump reiterated that the US would not allow Iran to retain near-weapons-grade nuclear material, which American officials believe was hidden underground following US and Israeli airstrikes nearly a year ago.

"We will get it. We don't need it, we don't want it. We'll probably destroy it after we get it, but we're not going to let them have it."

Iran is believed to possess around 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, considered sufficient for potential weapons development if further refined. Retrieving or neutralising the stockpile remains a central objective of Trump’s military and diplomatic strategy towards Tehran.

US Iran War: US Navy fighter jets launch from USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian Sea amid Iran blockade operations; watch video