Lebanon health ministry says Israeli strikes kill 14 in deadliest day since ceasefire began
On Sunday, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed 1
On Sunday, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed 1
Israel has issued forced evacuation orders for seven towns in southern
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes in the country’
Despite a United States-brokered ceasefire that commenced twelve days ago, hostilities persist between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The agreement, intended to halt the conflict, has not fully stopped the fighting. This ongoing engagement highlights the challenges in enforcing such agreements in the region. The situation remains tense as both parties continue to exchange fire, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire. The specific reasons for the continued fighting are not detailed, but the core issue is the ongoing military actions despite the diplomatic effort.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to forcefully attack Hezbollah targets in
Israel and Hezbollah are still fighting in Lebanon.
A US-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon began 12 days ago.
The ceasefire agreement was brokered by the United States.
The Israeli military had invaded the country’s south, eliminating much of the group’s senior leadership, including longtime Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.
— Published On 28 Apr 2026
Israel has threatened to 'burn' all of Lebanon after Hezbollah reiterated its defiance and rejection of peace talks.
— Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz
Pakistan is prepared to host a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, aimed at extending the current ceasefire and securing a longer-term peace agreement. The proposed multi-day negotiations seek to establish a memorandum of understanding that would prolong the ceasefire, potentially for up to 60 days. However, Iran has not yet confirmed its participation in the talks, creating uncertainty due to escalating tensions. US President Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire after Iranian gunboats fired on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to bomb Iranian energy facilities if a deal is not reached. The current ceasefire deadline is approaching on Wednesday.
President Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, initially set to expire Wednesday, to allow Iran more time to develop a unified proposal to end the ongoing war. The decision followed a day of diplomatic uncertainty, including the postponement of a planned trip by Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad for peace talks mediated by Pakistan. While Vance never officially announced the trip, Iran also never committed to attending the talks. Trump's decision marks the second time in recent weeks he has delayed escalating the conflict. The extension's duration was not specified, unlike a previous two-week ceasefire deadline. Trump announced the extension via Truth Social, citing a request from Pakistan.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that upcoming talks with Israel are intended to end hostilities and the occupation of southern Lebanon. These negotiations, scheduled for a second round this Thursday, have been criticized by Hezbollah, who rejects the Lebanese government's involvement. The talks follow a recent 10-day truce brokered by US President Donald Trump, which paused fighting between Hezbollah and Israel after over six weeks of conflict. The broader context is the ongoing war in the Middle East. The purpose of the talks is to de-escalate tensions and resolve territorial disputes between Lebanon and Israel.
Following a ceasefire after weeks of intensified Israeli strikes on Lebanon that began on April 17, 2026, Israel's creation of a "Yellow Line," a military zone approximately 10km inside southern Lebanon, is raising concerns about potential ceasefire violations. Israel intends to maintain military control over this zone, citing the need to root out Hezbollah. Lebanon and Hezbollah reject the "Yellow Line," viewing it as an occupation of sovereign territory and a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The situation is drawing comparisons to Gaza, where Israel has created similar zones. Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that Israeli forces will remain in the security buffer zone.
With a ceasefire deadline looming, intense efforts are underway to bring the US and Iran together for talks in Pakistan. Donald Trump stated he's prepared to renew attacks if progress isn't made, while Iran insists it won't negotiate under threat and is preparing to respond. Disagreements exist over the ceasefire's exact expiration and the nature of negotiations. A previous round of talks in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway closed by Iran, exacerbating a global energy crisis. The US has increased pressure through port blockades and vessel seizures, escalating tensions further.
Hezbollah and Israel exchanged fire on Tuesday, potentially jeopardizing a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US that began last Thursday. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing rockets and drones into northern Israel, citing Israeli violations of the truce. The Israeli military reported that Hezbollah launched rockets towards its troops in southern Lebanon, calling it a violation of the agreement. The incidents occurred ahead of planned US-mediated talks between the Israeli and Lebanese governments this week. Israel maintains a military presence in a 5-10 km strip of Lebanese territory along the border, aiming to establish a buffer zone against Hezbollah attacks.
Donald Trump stated that the US is likely to resume bombing Iran as the 14-day ceasefire deadline approaches without a deal. He accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and indicated a readiness for military action, while also suggesting that negotiations are still possible with talks planned in Islamabad. Trump defended past military actions, claiming the obliteration of Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran insists it will not negotiate under threats and will respond decisively to renewed hostilities. The situation has created instability in global energy markets, with warnings of a potential crisis.
US officials are hosting talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, as a fragile ceasefire holds for now. The meeting, hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, brings together senior US officials and their counterparts from both countries. The central question remains: what happens to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terror organization? A US-brokered ceasefire was reached in mid-April, but the underlying conflict has not been resolved. The latest escalation began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel's northern border, prompting a response from Israel with sustained air and ground operations across southern Lebanon. The talks aim to address the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament, which has derailed previous attempts at a lasting deal.
The ceasefire was “meaningless in light of Israel’s insistence on hostile acts, including assassinations, shelling, and gunfire”.
— Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad
Israel was “maintaining full freedom of action against any threat” and claimed Hezbollah was “trying to sabotage” the pause.
— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel and Lebanon are returning to U.S.-brokered talks in Washington.
— Fox News
The central question is what happens to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terror organization.
— Fox News
The latest escalation began March 2, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel’s northern border.
— Fox News
According to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, set to begin Thursday at 5 PM EST. The announcement follows communication between Trump and the leaders of both countries, Benjamin Netanyahu and Joseph Aoun. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the truce, stating it was a primary goal of recent meetings between Lebanese and Israeli officials in the U.S. Lebanon was drawn into the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The conflict has resulted in over 2,196 deaths in Lebanon, thousands of injuries, and the displacement of over one million people. Trump intends to invite both leaders to direct talks to resolve their differences.
US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, concluded without an agreement on April 12, 2026, raising concerns about the future of the existing truce set to expire on April 22. Both sides blamed each other for the failure of the negotiations, which aimed to resolve the conflict following a 40-day war that began on February 28. The US, along with Israel, initiated the war with the goal of dismantling Iran's nuclear and missile programs and its support for regional proxy groups, presenting a 15-point plan that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran countered with a 10-point plan demanding control over the Strait, an end to attacks on its proxies, and compensation for war damages. With no resolution reached, negotiators are returning to their respective capitals to reassess their positions, and the possibility of renewed conflict remains.
Donald Trump stated that US-Iran peace talks could resume in Islamabad within the next two days, praising Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for his mediation efforts. Trump indicated a greater inclination to return to Pakistan for negotiations due to Munir's involvement. These comments followed a previous round of talks in Islamabad that ended with the US side walking out, citing Iran's lack of commitment regarding nuclear weapons. The US subsequently declared a naval blockade on ships using Iranian ports, leading to some vessels rerouting. Islamabad is working to arrange a meeting before the ceasefire ends on April 22nd.
Following a brief reopening, Iran reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, citing the continuation of a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. This reversal came after U.S. President Trump stated the blockade would remain until Iran agrees to a deal with the U.S., including on its nuclear program. Iran's military command stated that control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state under strict management. The Strait is a critical waterway for global oil supply, and further restrictions could exacerbate the existing energy crisis. Control of the strait has been a point of leverage for Iran, prompting the U.S. to initiate a blockade on Iranian ports as part of an effort to force Iran to accept a ceasefire to end the war between Israel, the U.S. and Iran.
On day 49 of the US-Iran conflict, a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has begun, leading to celebrations in Lebanon and potential talks for a longer-term deal. US President Trump claims an agreement to end the war with Iran is near, while Iran welcomes the truce as part of broader efforts to pause the regional conflict. Despite progress in US-Iran talks, key differences remain, and both sides are preparing for either a deal or a return to war. Trump has invited the Israeli and Lebanese leaders to the White House. An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed seven people hours before the ceasefire. While Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu sees the truce as an opportunity for peace, the disarmament of Hezbollah remains a condition, and analysts say Israel lacks the capacity to fully occupy Lebanon.
On day 47 of the US-Iran conflict in April 2026, despite a US naval blockade, President Trump indicated potential second-round talks with Iran, possibly in Pakistan. The IMF warned of a global recession if the conflict escalates. The Red Cross delivered humanitarian aid to Iran, marking the first such delivery since the war began. The US Treasury will end a waiver allowing the sale of Iranian oil. Rare US-brokered talks occurred between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington, DC, addressing ceasefire demands and Hezbollah disarmament. Negotiations are stalled over uranium enrichment moratorium length, with the US seeking 20 years and Iran proposing five. Iran estimates $270 billion in war losses and plans to seek reparations.
US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, during a two-week ceasefire in their ongoing war, ended without an agreement on April 11, 2026. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf blamed the US for the failure, while US Vice President JD Vance stated the lack of a deal was worse for Iran. The talks, the first high-level direct engagement since 1979, revealed deep divisions regarding Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused a global energy crisis. The US stated that a key sticking point was Iran's refusal to commit to not developing nuclear weapons. The talks, mediated by Pakistan, lasted over 21 hours.
Trump said Iran and the US would jointly dig up enriched uranium and transfer it to the US.
— Donald Trump
Trump claimed Iran had agreed to stop enriching uranium on its soil.
— Donald Trump
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz is once again heavily restricted.
— Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the IRGC
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected all of Trump’s claims.
— Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Trump said the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was completely unrelated to Iran.
— Donald Trump
Tensions are high before planned US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, scheduled for Saturday, aimed at resolving the US-Israel war with Iran. An Iranian official stated that conditions of a previous agreement, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian assets, have not been met, potentially derailing negotiations. The Iranian military warned of action due to perceived breaches of trust by the US and Israel. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated threats of military action against Iran if a deal isn't reached, signaling a hardline stance going into the negotiations. The US delegation has already departed for Pakistan.
Negotiations between the US and Iran are set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday, aimed at resolving the month-long Middle East conflict under a fragile two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. US Vice-President J.D. Vance is leading the American delegation, while Iran's delegation is headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran has set preconditions for the talks, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen assets. US President Trump has pressured Iran to meet US demands, warning of potential military action if diplomacy fails, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed hope for constructive engagement and a lasting solution to the conflict.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance is leading a delegation to Islamabad, Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials, the first such meeting since the recent outbreak of war. The talks, brokered by Pakistan, aim to solidify a fragile ceasefire between Iran and its adversaries. The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has preconditions for negotiation, including an Israeli ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets. Security has been heightened in Islamabad for the meeting, with road closures and residents urged to stay indoors. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a "make-or-break" moment in shifting from a temporary ceasefire to a lasting settlement.
A fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict is in jeopardy as of Wednesday, with both sides disagreeing on its terms. Iran and Pakistan claim the agreement includes Lebanon, while Israel denies this and has intensified its attacks there, killing at least 254 people. In response to Israel's actions and U.S. demands regarding uranium enrichment, Iran has halted oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing a ceasefire breach. The U.S. denies the closure and insists the strait must reopen, while acknowledging a potential misunderstanding regarding Lebanon's inclusion in the ceasefire. Despite the tensions, the U.S. expresses continued hope for the agreement's success.
On day 41 of the Iran war, Lebanon declared a national day of mourning following Israeli attacks that killed at least 254 people. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is seeking diplomatic intervention to halt the violence. While a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan was believed to include Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Vice President JD Vance stated it does not. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insists the ceasefire covers Lebanon, warning of continued war if attacks persist. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian demands a halt to Israeli attacks in Lebanon as part of Iran's ceasefire conditions. However, a US official stated that Iran's publicly released 10-point ceasefire plan differs from the agreement made with the White House.
Amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, US-Iran ceasefire talks are threatened. The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, killed at least 300 people and injured over 1,150. Talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday, with US Vice President JD Vance attending. Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that "time is running out" due to Israel's continued actions. The purpose of the talks is to establish a ceasefire between the US and Iran.
US Vice President JD Vance is leading a US delegation in Pakistan to negotiate an end to the war in Iran. President Trump has publicly placed the responsibility for the success of these talks on Vance, while also indicating he will take credit if a deal is reached. Vance faces a complex diplomatic challenge, needing to satisfy the interests of the US, Iran, Israel, European allies, and Trump's political base, all of whom have differing objectives and distrust each other. The negotiations aim to achieve a permanent agreement after a six-week military campaign that has destabilized the Middle East and the global economy. The outcome of these talks could significantly impact Vance's political future, especially regarding a potential presidential run in 2028.
The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, setting a deadline for a final agreement between the two nations. This truce also coincides with the approaching expiration of the 60-day legal limit imposed by the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional authorization for military action. The Trump administration initiated the war powers notification on March 2nd, following joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28th. The War Powers Resolution mandates that the President consult Congress before engaging in hostilities and withdraw forces within 60 days without congressional approval. The looming deadline raises questions about the future of the conflict if a diplomatic resolution is not reached before the legal limit expires around May 1st.
Peace talks between Iran and the US began in Islamabad.
— Article
US and Iranian officials were “sitting directly at the same table”.
— Pakistani state TV
JD Vance is leading the American delegation.
— Article
Iran’s negotiators are headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi.
— Article
The US was “now starting the process of clearing out the strait of Hormuz”.
— Donald Trump