US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: 'Trump failed across all fronts'—IRGC issues warning over potential military action against Iran

US Iran war: 'Trump failed across all fronts'- IRGC issues warning over potential military action against Iran

Iran’s IRGC Navy has warned that any potential attack by its adversaries would be met with a response “beyond their calculations,” according to remarks by the force’s political deputy reported by Fars News Agency.

The official claimed former US President Donald Trump failed in all objectives against Iran, including attempts at regime change, gaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, and seizing Iran’s uranium resources.

He further said efforts to install a leadership aligned with the United States had not only failed but had instead strengthened the Islamic Republic’s leadership. The IRGC Navy also asserted that Iran’s latest military planning demonstrates its dominance over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

US Iran war: Sirens sound in northern Israel amid suspected aerial infiltration

The Israeli army said sirens were activated in northern Israel after what it described as a “hostile aircraft infiltration” in the Kiryat Shmona area. Residents were alerted as defence systems responded to the threat. Authorities said they were assessing the situation, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Iran Israel war: Trump peace talks linked to market stability, says Washington correspondent

US President Donald Trump’s push for a peace deal in the Middle East may also be aimed at stabilising financial markets, according to reporting from Washington.

Trump has argued that oil prices and global markets are reacting sharply to the conflict, warning that crude could spike significantly. However, correspondent Alan Fisher noted that while Trump expects Iran to be near collapse, there is no clear sign from Tehran of willingness to concede.

Analysts in Washington suggest the broader economic impact of the conflict is shaping US diplomatic urgency alongside security concerns.

US Iran war: Hezbollah claims 17 strikes on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon

Hezbollah said its fighters carried out 17 targeted strikes on Israeli forces operating inside Lebanese territory.

In a statement, the group said it hit gatherings of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles across several locations including Qantara, Biyyada, Taybeh, Naqoura, Rishaf and Aita al-Shaab using drone and rocket attacks. It also claimed strikes on military hardware, including a personnel carrier and a newly established command centre.

US Iran war: Iran to respond Thursday on US war-ending proposal amid push for deal

Iran is expected to hand over its response on Thursday to mediators regarding the latest US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to a regional source quoted by CNN.

The development comes amid signs that Washington and Tehran may be moving closer towards a broader agreement after weeks of stalled negotiations and escalating tensions in the region.

Iran earlier said the US proposal was “still being considered”, while reports suggested the White House believes progress is being made toward a possible framework deal.

According to Axios, the proposed understanding could include provisions such as limits on Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme, sanctions relief, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan, which is involved in mediation efforts, said it was working to help convert the current ceasefire into a “permanent end to this war”.

Iran war: UN says Lebanon situation ‘highly volatile’ despite ceasefire

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that the humanitarian situation in Lebanon “remains highly volatile despite the ceasefire”, with civilians continuing to bear the impact of ongoing hostilities.

More than 2,700 people have been killed in Lebanon since March 2, with strikes continuing to drive up the death toll. The agency noted renewed violence, including Israel’s bombing of Beirut’s southern suburbs this week, which killed at least 13 people across the country.

US Iran war: Israeli army intercepts aerial target from Lebanon, no casualties reported

The Israeli army said it intercepted a “suspicious aerial target” launched from Lebanon towards Israeli territory, triggering sirens across Manara, Margaliot and Kiryat Shmona. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage following the incident and further checks were underway.

Iran war news: Hamas leader confirms son wounded in Israeli strike on Gaza City

Leader of Hamas’s political bureau Hamas Khalil al-Hayya has confirmed that his son was wounded in an Israeli strike on Gaza City’s Daraj neighbourhood, as reported by Al Jazeera.

At least one person was killed and 10 others injured in the attack.

Al-Hayya said the strike was part of continued Israeli operations against Palestinians, adding: “This criminal attack is an extension of the Zionist aggression against our people everywhere… Neither the killing of our sons nor the martyrdom of our leaders will intimidate us.”

US Iran war: Iran says ports ready to support ships in Strait of Hormuz amid tensions

Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation has said the country’s ports are “fully ready” to provide maritime, technical and medical support to commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, according to state-run IRNA.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump paused the US military’s “Project Freedom” operation to escort ships through the waterway, citing progress in talks with Tehran.

Iran war updates: Israeli air strike kills three in southern Lebanon’s Ansariyeh

At least three people were killed and seven others wounded in an Israeli air strike on the town of Ansariyeh in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. Rescue teams were deployed to the area as authorities assessed the extent of damage from the strike.

Iran war: US warplane fires on Iran-flagged tanker in Gulf of Oman, disables vessel

The US military has said it fired on an Iran-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to breach a blockade.

According to CENTCOM, the ship ignored warnings, prompting action: “[The aircraft] disabled the tanker’s rudder by firing several rounds from [its] 20mm cannon gun.”
The military added that the vessel is “no longer transiting to Iran”.

Iran war news: Trump will not be ‘rushed into bad deal’ with Iran: US State Department

The US State Department has said President Donald Trump remains committed to diplomacy with Iran but will not rush into an unfavourable agreement.

Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said: “Trump is going to make a good deal for the American people… Make no mistake that Trump means what he says when he says the Iranian regime can never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.”

US Iran war: One killed in Israeli strike on Gaza City, multiple casualties reported

At least one person has been killed in an Israeli air strike in central Gaza City, according to Wafa news agency.

The report said: “An Israeli aircraft targeted a group of Palestinians near the Jabalia bus station… killing one person and injuring others.”

Since dawn, at least nine people have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza.

Iran war: Israeli attacks continue in Lebanon despite ceasefire; Hezbollah responds

Israeli forces have continued strikes across Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire, targeting areas including Beirut’s southern suburbs and the Bekaa Valley.

The Israeli military said it was targeting a Hezbollah commander, while the group has responded with strikes on northern Israel and Israeli forces.

More than 2,700 people have been killed in Lebanon since fighting resumed on March 2, including dozens after the April 17 ceasefire.

US Iran war: Macron condemns ‘unjustified strikes’ on UAE in call with Iran’s president

French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing concern over rising tensions and recent attacks.

In a statement, Macron said he condemned the “unjustified strikes against Emirati civilian infrastructure and several ships” and called for de-escalation. “I have invited the Iranian President to seize this opportunity, and I intend to discuss this matter with President Trump,” he added.

Iran war news: Hamas leader’s son seriously injured in Israeli strike on Gaza City

An Israeli attack on Gaza City has left the son of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya seriously injured, according to sources on the ground. The strike is part of ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza amid escalating tensions in the region.

US Iran war: Ensuring Iran has no nuclear weapon ‘fundamental for peace’ - US State Department

The US State Department has reiterated its stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, warning of serious global consequences if Tehran acquires such capabilities.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, spokesperson Tommy Pigott said: “Ensuring Iran does not obtain nuclear weapon is a fundamental part for peace in the region and around the world.”

Israel Iran war: Israel targets Hezbollah top commander in Beirut

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military struck Beirut on Wednesday, targeting a top Hezbollah commander.

"The Israeli army has struck in Beirut to target the commander of Hezbollah's Radwan force, in an attempt to neutralise him," a joint statement issued by Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

"Radwan operatives, under his command, were responsible for firing at Israeli communities and for attacks on Israeli soldiers," the statement said, without naming the commander.

Israel Iran war: 'Ready for all scenarios regarding Iran,' says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday his country was "prepared for all scenarios" in dealing with Iran, in a video statement released by his office.

"We are... prepared for all scenarios, and those are the instructions I have given to the army and our security services," Netanyahu said in the video released at the start of a security cabinet meeting.

US Iran War: US fighter jet prevents Iranian vessel trying to breah blockade

An American fighter jet shot out the rudder of an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday as it tried to breach the US blockade of Iran’s ports, the American military said in a social media post.

The attack occurred as Iran and the US are officially in a ceasefire and as the two countries appear to be moving closer to an initial agreement to end the war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is trying to pressure Tehran with threats of a new wave of bombing if a deal is not reached.

American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the ship it was violating the blockade, U.S. Central Command said in its post.

Iran War News: Protester comes down from atop Washington bridge ending 5-day 'protest' Iran war, AI

A protester who camped out atop one of Washington’s bridges for five days came down Wednesday morning, ending his stand against AI and the war in Iran.

Guido Reichstadter, a Florida-based activist, was seen coming down from one of the arches of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge where he had been camped since May 1. His presence caused periodic traffic jams as Washington police closed lanes and negotiated with him.

Reichstadter’s X account showed photos from atop one of the arches where he had pitched a tent. He announced on the site Tuesday that he would be coming down and expected to be arrested.

“I hope that this action has offered something to motivate and inspire you, and that it can serve as fuel for greater commitment and action in the cause of peace and in the fight for our future,” he wrote.

Washington police charged Reichstadter with crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, unlawful entry and failure to obey an officer.

He staged a similar protest atop the same bridge in 2022 against a Supreme Court decision.

Iran War News: Middle East war to be 'biggest test' of India’s macro resilience, report says

Energy price spikes and supply constraints from the Middle East war are feeding into broader economic stress for India and marks the largest energy shock on record for India, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from S&P Global India said India’s post‑COVID fiscal consolidation such as cutting the fiscal deficit from 9.2 per cent of GDP in FY2021 to 4.4 per cent in FY2025‑26 — now faces its toughest challenge.

"The Middle East war represents the biggest test of India’s resilience in recent years, with the largest energy shock on record triggering spillovers into freight and insurance costs, supply chains and fertilizers," it said.

The conflict has put a spotlight on energy and food security reforms linked to India’s goals of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the report added.

The current energy crisis underscores the need for a reliable and resilient energy system. While policymakers and regulators can accelerate the reform agenda, the pace of change will be dictated by the Indian energy market’s dependence on global energy flows and supply chains.

The shock could be an opportunity to address tactical issues and remove roadblocks, to help achieve its longer-term economic growth and sustainability goal, it added.

US Iran War: US seeking Iran's surrender through naval blockade, says Ghalibaf

Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Wednesday that Washington was seeking Tehran's surrender through various means, including a naval blockade.

"The enemy, in its new design, is seeking, through a naval blockade, economic pressure and media manipulation, to destroy the country's cohesion in order to force us to surrender," Ghalibaf said in a voice message published on his official Telegram channel.

The influential speaker of the Iranian parliament did not elaborate on the prospects for a peace plan with the United States, as Tehran continues to review elements of a US proposal.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Wednesday that Tehran would convey its position to key mediator Pakistan after "finalising its views".

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump had said he wanted the war to be "at an end", while vowing more intense attacks on Iran if it did not agree to conditions set by Washington.

US Iran War: Trump says deal with Iran 'possible' before his China visit next week

President Donald Trump expressed optimism about striking a deal with Iran, which could include Iran exporting its highly enriched uranium to the United States, in a phone call Wednesday morning with PBS News.

Trump said he feels the US is closing in on a deal, "but I felt that way before with them, so we'll see what happens."

The president said it's possible a deal could be struck to end the war before his trip to China next week.

"I think it's got a very good chance of ending, and if it doesn't end, we have to go back to bombing the hell out of them," Trump told White House correspondent Liz Landers.

The call came hours after Trump posted on Truth Social that a mission to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz would be "paused" as the countries got closer to a deal.

Iran War News: Oil slides, global stocks rally on hopes of US-Iran deal reopening Hormuz

Oil prices fell sharply on Wednesday while equity markets surged globally, driven by optimism that the United States and Iran may be close to an agreement that could restore crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, dropped 5.8 per cent to $103.54 a barrel, retreating from levels above $115 earlier in the week. The decline followed remarks by Donald Trump, who suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be “OPEN TO ALL” if Iran agrees to a proposed deal, though he did not elaborate on the specifics.

Iran War News: French carrier group moves south of Suez ahead of conditional Hormuz mission with UK

France's aircraft carrier strike group is moving south of the Suez Canal and into the Red Sea in preparation for a potential future mission as part of a French-British plan for the Strait of Hormuz, the French armed forces said Wednesday.

The southward repositioning of the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle and its escorts is the latest stage of a Middle East deployment first announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in a televised address on March 3, the day before Iran closed the strait.

The move south of Suez puts France's only carrier closer to the Persian Gulf chokepoint where a fifth of the world's oil normally transits and where Iran has effectively halted commercial traffic since early March.

“Going south of Suez is new for us,” Col Guillaume Vernet, spokesman for the French armed forces chief of staff, told The Associated Press. “Geographically, it's closer to the Strait of Hormuz and will therefore enable us to react faster, once the conditions are met.”

But Vernet stressed that the wider Hormuz coalition — drawn up by France, Britain and more than 50 nations — will not begin operating until two thresholds are cleared: The threat to shipping must come down, and the maritime industry must be reassured enough to use the strait. Even then, he said, any operation would require the agreement of neighbouring countries.

“Today the Strait of Hormuz is stuck because of the threat, and the insurance premiums are so high. Not a single ship will jeopardize their trip or go there,” he said.

The French operation is distinct from “Project Freedom,” the US escort mission launched Sunday, which has already drawn Iranian fire and threats to the April 8 ceasefire. “It's a mission that is distinct from the US mission,” Vernet said, calling the French-British plan defensive and consistent with international law.

Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted more than 50 countries at a Paris summit on April 16, and military planners from over 30 nations finalised operational details at a UK-hosted conference April 22-23. “Planning has been done and is ready to go,” Vernet said.

Iran shut the strait on March 4 after joint US and Israeli strikes that began Feb 28 killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. War-risk insurance premiums have since risen four to five times above preconflict levels, according to industry estimates, and around 2,000 ships remain stranded in the Gulf.

Israel Iran war: Netanyahu to speak with Trump admin officials to 'better understand' Iran negotiations, report says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding talks on Wednesday with officials in the Trump administration in order to better understand the latest developments in the negotiations between the US and Iran, CNN reported.

A source told CNN that Netanyahu is seeking updates on the state of the negotiations and aims to understand what is currently on the table. Israel is concerned, the source said, about potential last minute US concessions aimed at securing an agreement to end the war with Iran.

It’s unclear with whom Netanyahu has spoken. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment.

A US official told CNN that Netanyahu has regularly spoken to US officials to stay updated on negotiations between the US and Iran.

Israel is particularly worried about the possible lifting of economic sanctions on Iran, the source said, and is pushing for restrictions to be imposed on Iran’s proxy network as well as its ballistic missile program. In addition, Israel wants to ensure that any agreement preserves the Israeli military’s freedom of action against regional threats.

US Iran War: US proposal to end war under review, says Iran

Iran foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Wednesday that a US proposal to end the war is still "under review" by Tehran, local media reported.

"The US plan and proposal are still under review by Iran," Baqaei told ISNA news agency, adding Tehran will convey its views to key mediator Pakistan after "finalising its views."

US President Donald Trump said earlier Wednesday that he wanted the war to be "at an end", while vowing more intensive attacks on Iran if it did not agree to conditions.

Iran War News: Iran rejects UAE's claims of missile, drone attacks

Israel Iran War: 'On alert to resume operation in Iran,' says Israel's military chief

Israel's army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited troops in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, vowing to dismantle Hezbollah and saying the military was prepared to launch a new offensive against Iran if needed.

"We will seize every opportunity to deepen the dismantling of Hezbollah and continue weakening it," Zamir told soldiers in the area of the Lebanese town of Khiam.

He added that the military was also "on high alert to return to a powerful and broad operation that will enable us to deepen our achievements and further weaken the Iranian regime."

Iran War News: 'No shortage of LPG and fuel supplies,' government says

The government on Wednesday said it is making "every possible effort" to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG, crude oil and natural gas amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, while cautioning against panic buying at retail fuel outlets.

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, "Our imports are affected due to the West Asia crisis, whether it is LPG or crude or natural gas. But the Indian government is trying to ensure that domestic supply, domestic LPG consumers are provided with 100% supply."

She added that "70% of the commercial supply is being provided" even as authorities continue efforts to maintain stable fuel availability across the country.

Sharma said the distribution of domestic cooking gas remains normal despite supply concerns linked to the geopolitical situation.

"I would like to say that the distribution of domestic cooking LPG is normal. No dry-out has been reported on LPG distributors," she said.

Highlighting the scale of ongoing supply operations, Sharma said around "87,28,000 LPG cylinders were delivered in the last two days" against bookings of nearly "88,82,000".

US Iran War: Iran says passage through Strait of Hormuz possible under 'new procedures' after US pauses 'Project Freedom'

Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is possible under “new procedures” following the pausing of a short-lived US military operation in the waterway, the Revolutionary Guards’ Navy said on Wednesday, according to Iranian media.

This appears to be Iran’s first reaction to Washington suspending “Project Freedom,” an operation to help guide commercial ships through the strait, which has been under Iranian and US blockades during the course of the war. The US launched the mission on Sunday but halted it on Tuesday, citing progress in peace talks.

The statement did not specify what the new procedures were, but thanked captains and ship owners stationed in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman for their cooperation regarding passage through the waterway “in accordance with Iran’s regulations.”

Iran has claimed sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and announced plans to charge vessels for safe transit through the strategic waterway. Many world leaders have warned such a plan would be illegal under maritime law and set a dangerous precedent.

Intransigence from Iran on this matter could threaten a renewed diplomatic push to end the war.

'No incident involving India seafarers in last 48 hours': Shipping ministry

Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director of Shipping at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said on Wednesday that all Indian seafarers continue to be safe in the region, and no incident involving an Indian-flagged vessel has been reported since the last briefing in the past 48 hours.

Sharma, while speaking at an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, said that the Ministry has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,999 seafarers, including 23 in the last 48 hours from the Gulf.

"The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations. I am happy to state that all Indian seafarers continue to be safe in the region, and no incident involving an Indian-flagged vessel has been reported since the last briefing in the past 48 hours. No incident has also been reported on any foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian seafarers," he said.

"The control room set up at DG Shipping has handled 8,570 calls and more than 18,732 emails. In the past 48 hours, a total of 156 calls and 668 emails have been received. The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping, has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,999 seafarers, including 23 in the last 48 hours, from various locations across the Gulf region. Port operations across India remain normal, and no congestion has been reported," he added.

US Iran War: Trump warns Iran of bombing of 'much higher level'

Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran. If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before. Thank you for your attention to this matter: Donald Trump on Truth Social

Israel Iran War: Commodity ship transits in Hormuz at lowest level since start of war, data shows

Commodity ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell this week to its lowest level since the beginning of the war despite a brief US attempt to reopen the strategic waterway, according to data from marine analytics firm Kpler.

Kpler, which tracks only commodity-carrying vessels, recorded just one transit on Monday and none on Tuesday, the fewest seen since the start of the war triggered by a wave of US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Around 120 vessels transit the strait daily in peacetime, according to maritime news outlet Lloyd's List.

Before the war, the strait handled roughly one-fifth of global hydrocarbon exports, alongside other key commodities.

But traffic has been hammered by Iran's chokehold on the strait -- which was imposed at the start of the war and has allowed only limited passage -- as well as a retaliatory US blockade of Iranian ports.

Iran War News: China urges Iran to open Strait of Hormuz 'as soon as possible'

China on Wednesday called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible" as it appreciated Tehran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, a prime demand of US President Donald Trump to end the war against the Islamic Republic.

"On the issue of the Strait, the international community shares a common concern over restoring normal and secure navigation through the Strait, and China hopes relevant parties will respond as soon as possible to the strong call from the international community," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during their talks in Beijing.

US Iran War: IDF says striking Hezbollah 'terror infrastructure' in Lebanon

Israel's army said Wednesday it had begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas of Lebanon, despite a truce with the neighbouring country intended to halt fighting with the Iran-backed militant group.

"The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites in several areas in Lebanon," a military statement said.

It came shortly after the army reported "several incidents" during which drones exploded near Israeli soldiers operating in Lebanon's south. The strikes also follow a new Israeli evacuation warning for a dozen villages in south Lebanon issued earlier.

Israel Iran War: Four killed in fresh Israeli strike, says Lebanon health ministry

An Israeli strike in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa valley on Wednesday killed four people, Lebanon's health ministry said, with local media reporting the attack took place before the Israeli army issued a warning to evacuate the area along with 11 other towns.

"An Israeli enemy raid on the town of Zellaya in West Bekaa resulted in four martyrs, including two women and an elderly man," the ministry said.

As per Lebanese state media, the attack struck the house of the town's mayor, killing him and three members of his family.

US Iran War: French shipping firm says vessel hit in Strait of Hormuz

French shipping company CMA CGM said Wednesday one of its vessels had been hit by an attack in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The CMA CGM San Antonio was the target of an attack yesterday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in injuries among crew members and damage to the vessel," the shipping firm said, adding those injured had been evacuated for treatment.

President Emmanuel Macron said France was "in no way the target", according to government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon.

The Maltese-flagged vessel was not sailing under a French flag and was manned by a Philippine crew, she said, adding France extended its "solidarity" to those on board.

The vessel was attacked a day after US President Donald Trump launched the so-called "Project Freedom" to help vessels leave the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran War News: China will play 'greater role' in ending Middle East war, says foreign minister Wang Yi

China's foreign minister Wang Yi said Beijing would play a "greater role" in ending hostilities in the Middle East during talks with his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday, a week before US President Donald Trump is due to meet Xi Jinping.

China "will work harder to ease tensions and end the fighting, continue to support the launch of peace talks, and play a greater role in restoring peace and tranquility to the Middle East", Wang told Iran's Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.

"China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay, that it is even more unacceptable to restart hostilities, and that continuing to negotiate remains essential," Wang said, according to a statement from his ministry after the talks.

Iran news: What proposed memo to end US-Iran war says

Washington believes it is close to reaching an agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war, US news outlet Axios reported Wednesday, citing two US officials.

According to Axios, the two sides are close to agreeing on a "one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations."

It said the deal would involve Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment and the United States agreeing to release billions of dollars of frozen Iranian funds.

Iran war news: Oil prices tumble over 5%

Oil prices plunged on Wednesday on fresh hopes of the United States and Iran reaching a peace deal to end the Middle East war.

International benchmark Brent North Sea crude dived 6.2% to $103.04 per barrel.

The main US contract West Texas Intermediate slid 6.4% to $95.68 per barrel.

Iran news: US and Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war, Axios reports

The United States and Iran are close to reaching a preliminary agreement to end the war, with discussions focused on a one-page memorandum of understanding, according to an Axios report. The proposed framework would pave the way for more detailed nuclear negotiations and include key measures such as a moratorium on Iran’s nuclear enrichment, potential US sanctions relief, and the release of frozen Iranian funds. The report noted that “nothing has been agreed yet,” but described the talks as the closest both sides have come to a deal since the conflict began, with responses from Iran expected within 48 hours.

Iran war news: Pakistan claims Trump paused war with Iran at its request

In a social media post on X, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif said, "I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump's gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my dear brother Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.

"Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. We are very hopeful that the curent momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond," he added.

Iran news: China urges immediate end to Middle East conflict, calls for Hormuz reopening

China has called for an immediate and "complete" cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, stressing the urgency of de-escalation amid ongoing tensions. During talks in Beijing with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi also urged both the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at the earliest. Wang said, “a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay… and continuing to negotiate remains essential,” while warning against any renewed escalation in the region.

Iran war news: Trump says Iran 'wants peace'

Amid ongoing conflict, Trump has claimed that Iran is seeking peace, despite continued tensions and military activity. Speaking to reporters, he said Iran’s capabilities had been weakened and suggested that diplomatic momentum was building. “Great Progress has been made,” he reiterated, even as both sides maintain pressure. The conflict, which has spread across the region and disrupted global supply chains, continues to weigh on economies and political calculations, particularly ahead of US elections.

Iran US war news: Global markets react as oil prices dip on deal optimism

Oil prices have dipped following signals of progress in US-Iran negotiations, reflecting cautious market optimism. Brent crude fell over 1% after a sharper drop in the previous session, while US crude also declined. The reaction came after Trump’s claim of “great progress” and the temporary pause in naval escorts. However, with the Strait of Hormuz still largely blocked and tensions unresolved, analysts warn that volatility is likely to continue in global energy markets.

Iran US war news: Iran seeks 'fair and comprehensive agreement' in talks with US

Iran has said it will only accept a "fair and comprehensive agreement" in its ongoing negotiations with the United States to end the conflict. Iran foreign minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that Tehran would not compromise on its core interests, stating, “We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests… We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement.”

Iran-Israel war news: Israel issues evacuation warning for villages in south Lebanon ahead of possible strikes

Israel’s military on Wednesday warned residents in a dozen villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately, signalling possible renewed strikes despite an existing truce aimed at halting clashes with Iran-backed Hezbollah. In a message posted in Arabic, military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said, “For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move away… by at least 1,000 metres into open areas.” The warning comes amid rising tensions along the border.

Israel Iran war: Iran's president says Tehran ready for dialogue within international law framework

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister-Designate Ali al-Zaidi, during which Pezeshkian said Iran is ready for dialogue within the framework of international law, but will not acquiesce to force.

Pezeshkian said that "our problem is that on the one hand, the United States is pursuing a policy of maximum pressure against our country, and on the other hand, it expects Iran to come to the negotiating table and ultimately surrender to its unilateral demands ... such an equation is impossible," read a statement published by Pezeshkian's office on Tuesday (Local time).

He noted that Iran fundamentally does not consider war and insecurity to be favourable options, reports Xinhua news agency.

Pezeshkian stressed that Iran must not deprive itself of nuclear technology, saying the United States speaks in a way as if Iran must not have a nuclear industry, and imposes extra pressure on the country by putting forward excessive demands.

He added that in all previous negotiations, Iran was fully ready to provide, within the framework of international regulations and global monitoring, whatever was deemed necessary under international norms to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.

Al-Zaidi, for his part, voiced Iraq's readiness to mediate between Iran and the United States to contain regional crises, read a statement from Al-Zaidi's media office.

According to the Iraqi statement, the two sides also agreed to exchange official visits in the coming period to strengthen bilateral ties.