Watch: There's a ceasefire in Lebanon - but the fighting hasn't stopped

On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including two women and two children, marking the deadliest day since a US-mediated ceasefire began on April 16th. Lebanon's health ministry reported 37 others were wounded. Israel stated one of its soldiers was killed. Both Israel and Hezbollah accused each other of violating the ceasefire, which has seen a reduction in hostilities but not a complete cessation of attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Hezbollah's actions were dismantling the ceasefire, while Hezbollah vowed to continue attacks as long as Israel violated the terms and stated it would not rely on ineffective diplomacy or authorities. The Israeli military warned residents to evacuate seven towns beyond its occupied buffer zone, citing Hezbollah violations and stating it struck Hezbollah targets.

Israel has issued forced evacuation orders for seven towns in southern Lebanon, extending beyond its declared "buffer zone." This escalation comes amidst ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which Israel accuses of violating a US-brokered ceasefire. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that Hezbollah's actions are dismantling the ceasefire, prompting the evacuation notices for residents to move north and west. Hezbollah, however, rejects these allegations, claiming its continued attacks are a legitimate response to over 500 Israeli ceasefire violations. The group also stated it did not approve the ceasefire and has no say in its terms, criticizing its ineffectiveness. The ceasefire, initiated on April 16 and extended to mid-May, has seen a reduction in hostilities but continued exchanges of fire and mutual blame.

Lebanon's health ministry reported 14 deaths on Sunday, marking the bloodiest day in southern Lebanon since a ceasefire with Israel took effect over a week ago. Both Israel and Hezbollah accused each other of violating the fragile truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the military was actively targeting Hezbollah, while the group vowed to continue responding to perceived violations. These strikes follow repeated Israeli military actions in Lebanon since the April 17 ceasefire, which was recently extended for three weeks after a six-week conflict that included an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon.

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

Amidst an impasse on nuclear negotiations, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran can initiate contact if they wish to talk, but he sees no reason for a meeting unless Tehran agrees to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the country's planned direct talks with Israel, labeling them a "grave sin" that would destabilize Lebanon. Qassem urged Lebanese authorities to withdraw from this initiative, asserting it would not benefit the nation or its leaders. These developments highlight ongoing diplomatic tensions and regional security concerns in the Middle East.

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.

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.

As the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran nears expiration this week, Iran is reaffirming its threat to block ships in the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. does not lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf stated that Iran will continue to target commercial vessels in the critical waterway, through which a significant portion of the world's oil passes. This announcement follows an incident on Saturday where Iranian forces fired on ships attempting to transit the strait, forcing them to turn back. The situation threatens to escalate the global energy crisis and potentially lead to renewed conflict. Pakistani mediators are attempting to facilitate further negotiations between the U.S. and Iran before the ceasefire ends on Wednesday.

The United States will host a second round of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel on Thursday at the State Department. This follows the first meeting in decades between Lebanese and Israeli officials, which occurred on April 14. The negotiations are taking place despite regional tensions and a recent fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. The US State Department has expressed support for the discussions, emphasizing their commitment to facilitating good-faith engagement between the two governments. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has defended the negotiations as a necessary step to protect the country's rights, while Hezbollah has criticized them as futile concessions to Israel, demanding a national consensus on changing direction.

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.

The article reports on the chaotic lead-up to proposed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, following Iran's brief closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a ceasefire in Lebanon brokered by the US, Iran is hesitant to proceed without the fulfillment of its demands: an end to the US blockade on Iranian ports and progress on asset releases. The situation was exacerbated by President Trump's tweets, which inaccurately portrayed Iranian concessions and kept the blockade in place. This led to a backlash in Tehran and uncertainty about Iran's participation in the talks, raising concerns about the future of diplomatic efforts and potential military action. The article highlights distrust and miscommunication between the two nations.

US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran hours before it was set to expire at the request of Pakistan. The decision came after a last-minute appeal from Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Trump stated that the US naval blockade would continue, despite the extension. This reversal comes after Trump previously threatened to extend the ceasefire in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday. The move is seen as a temporary measure aimed at stabilizing the situation in Iran, where the government is reportedly "seriously fractured." A second round of talks between the US and Iranian representatives is expected to take place in Islamabad.

US President Donald Trump has extended a ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits its latest proposal and talks are concluded. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place, despite Iran's insistence that it undermines the ceasefire. Violence continues across the region, including Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that have wounded civilians and damaged homes. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that oil production in the Middle East could be targeted if attacks are launched from Gulf neighbours' territory. The US has imposed new sanctions linked to Iran's weapons programmes, while the European Union is expanding its own measures. Talks between Israel and Lebanon are set to take place in Washington, DC, with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pushing for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon's territory.

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.

Pakistan is mediating efforts to facilitate a second round of talks between the US and Iran following a fragile ceasefire in their ongoing war, which has resulted in over 4,000 deaths. A Pakistani delegation, led by its military chief, traveled to Tehran carrying a message from Washington. The first round of talks, held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, involved direct and indirect exchanges between US and Iranian officials, focusing on issues like Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief. These talks, however, concluded without an agreement. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is seeking support from Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to prevent a return to war, while the US President has indicated a second round of talks may occur soon.

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.

The United States and Iran announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial vessels after a nearly seven-week blockade. The announcement follows a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Strait will remain open for the duration of the 10-day truce. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway, had been blocked due to conflict initiated by the US and Israel in late February, causing disruptions to global shipping and rising energy prices. President Trump confirmed the opening on social media, while Araghchi posted a similar message.

On day 48 of the US-Iran conflict in April 2026, efforts to revive negotiations are intensifying, with Pakistan playing a key mediating role. A Pakistani delegation is in Tehran to relay messages from the US, while Pakistan's Prime Minister is on a regional tour including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Despite optimism from Washington about a new round of talks in Islamabad, tensions remain high. Iran warns it may expand its response to the US naval blockade, and divisions persist in the US government regarding congressional approval for the war. Iran has expressed openness to nuclear transparency if the US is serious about a deal, but distrust is fueled by new US sanctions and the blockade.

An Iranian general threatened to halt Red Sea traffic if the U.S. military continues its blockade of Iranian ports. The warning, issued by Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, stated that the blockade creates insecurity for Iranian commercial vessels and could violate the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. He asserted that Iran would not allow exports or imports in the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Red Sea if the blockade persists. The U.S. Central Command reported stopping nine vessels attempting to break the blockade, all of which were oil tankers. The White House stated that the blockade is effective and that the U.S. has made its redlines clear to Iran.

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.

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.

France and Britain announced they will lead a multinational maritime mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The defensive force will only be deployed once a lasting peace agreement is reached in the region. The announcement was made during international talks in Paris, co-chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, focused on trade through the crucial shipping route. Forty-nine countries from Europe and Asia participated in the conference, though the United States and Iran did not attend. The initiative follows an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after the start of the war with the US and Israel, which caused global economic concerns. Iran's Foreign Minister later stated the Strait of Hormuz was open to commercial vessels as long as the ceasefire holds.

Over 10,000 US troops are currently enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports as of April 2026. The US military has issued warnings to Iran-linked ships, stating that force, including warning shots and potential boarding, could be used if they attempt to breach the blockade. In the first three days of the operation, 14 ships turned around to avoid confrontation. Vessels approaching the blockade, which is enforced in Iranian territorial seas and international waters, receive warnings via radio broadcast. The US Central Command has stated its readiness to use necessary force to ensure compliance with the blockade.

In April 2026, US Vice President JD Vance stated he anticipates "positive" negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan. Vance, leading a US delegation, said Donald Trump provided "clear guidelines" for the talks. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ending the war. The location for the talks is Islamabad.

Former US envoys involved in the JCPOA nuclear agreement say the recent US-Israeli attack on Iran and Iran's subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have strengthened Iran's position in nuclear negotiations. These envoys argue that Iran's ability to close the strait, a vital economic waterway, provides them with a powerful deterrent, potentially lessening the perceived need for a nuclear weapon. They believe this new leverage makes it more difficult for the US to pressure Iran to limit its nuclear program. A US delegation, led by JD Vance, is scheduled to meet with Iranian negotiators in Islamabad, Pakistan, to discuss the situation. The US seeks a resolution, but lacks a clear plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

US officials claim Iran is unable to locate and remove mines it laid in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply. This inability is hindering negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad aimed at ending the war. The US demands the strait's immediate opening as a condition for sustaining the current ceasefire, while Iran's Foreign Minister alluded to "technical limitations" in demining. Iran mined the strait last month following a declaration of war by the US and Israel, disrupting maritime traffic. The US lacks precise knowledge of the mines' locations, and neither country currently possesses the capacity for rapid demining, further complicating the situation and threatening to derail truce talks.

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.