US President Donald Trump has urged for peace as a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has begun.
The truce follows a heavy bombing campaign by Israel against targets it says are linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.
“I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be an [sic] GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday night, Washington time.
The truce could boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the US and Israel after weeks of war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed to the ceasefire "to advance" peace efforts with Lebanon.
"We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon," he said.
The Lebanese state is not an active party in the conflict, but President Joseph Aoun welcomed the agreement.
Hezbollah said that any truce must apply "across all Lebanese territory and must not allow the Israeli enemy any freedom of movement".
Trump said in earlier social media posts that he held "excellent conversations" with Netanyahu and Aoun and planned to invite them both to the White House for "meaningful talks".
Read More‘Trump tax’ from Iran war blamed for soaring bills as Brits look for new home energy solutions
Reopening Strait of Hormuz is a ‘global responsibility’, Starmer says amid Trump blockade
Israel’s 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon goes into effect
Key Points
- Trump says he hopes Hezbollah 'acts nicely' during ceasefire
- Lebanon accuses Israel of breaking ceasefire
- Trump insists US economy booming despite 'our little diversion' to Iran
- Iran still has 'thousands' of missiles available, US lawmakers told
- Starmer to say opening Strait of Hormuz ‘global responsibility’
- US military to target Iranian ships worldwide
Lebanese Army says citizens fired weapons into the air after ceasefire went into effect
03:30 , Rachel DobkinThe Lebanese Army has said citizens fired weapons into the air after the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire went into effect early Friday morning local time.
“Following the ceasefire agreement entering into force, a number of citizens resorted to firing into the air using military weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, thereby endangering citizens' lives and causing damage to public and private property.
“The army command warns against this dangerous phenomenon and calls on citizens to adhere to the laws and refrain from firing under any circumstances. It also affirms that it will pursue those who fire, work to apprehend them, and refer them to the competent judiciary”, the Army said.
Hezbollah says it carried out nearly 60 military operations ahead of ceasefire
03:00 , Rachel DobkinHezbollah has said it carried out 56 military operations in the 24 hours before the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire took effect early Friday morning local time, Al Jazeera reported.
The Israeli military reported striking 380 Hezbollah targets ahead of the 10-day ceasefire, according to The New York Times.
Trump insists US economy booming despite 'our little diversion' to Iran
02:40 , Rachel DobkinDonald Trump has insisted that the US economy is booming despite “our little diversion” to Iran.
The US president said at an event in Las Vegas Thursday local time, that the economy is even better than that of his first term “despite our little diversion to the lovely country of Iran”.
Trump painted a rosy picture for Americans struggling at the pump as the Iran war causes oil prices to surge. The national average price of gas has risen to more than $4 per gallon as Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil.
Israel says it struck nearly 400 targets in Lebanon in the 24 hours leading up to ceasefire
02:30 , Rachel DobkinThe Israeli military has said it struck 380 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in the 24 hours leading up to the new ceasefire, The New York Times reported.
The 10-day pause in fighting started early Friday morning local time.
Lebanon accuses Israel of breaking ceasefire
02:09 , Rachel DobkinThe Lebanese Army has accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire shortly after it took effect.
“The army command renews its call to citizens to exercise caution in returning to the southern villages and towns, amid a number of violations of the agreement, with several Israeli attacks recorded, in addition to intermittent shelling targeting a number of villages”, the Army said.
The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire began early Friday morning local time.
The Israeli military earlier warned people in southern Lebanon not to go south of the Litani River, as its forces remain there during the ceasefire.
Military spokesman Avichay Adraee said Israeli troops remain in the area “in the face of Hezbollah’s ongoing terrorist activities”, per CNN.
In pictures: Hezbollah supporters celebrate Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
02:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Senior Hezbollah official says ceasefire is 'urgently needed,' but warned fighting would resume if deal collapses
01:30 , Rachel DobkinA senior Hezbollah official has said the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is “urgently needed,” but warned fighting would resume if the deal collapses.
The 10-day ceasefire is “essential, urgently needed and a demand shared by all”, Bilal Lakkiss, a senior member of Hezbollah’s central committee, told NBC News.
But the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group will continue fighting if the ceasefire collapses, the senior official warned.
“If the ceasefire is not sustained, this would mean that the resistance in Lebanon will respond, which in turn would lead to a renewed breakdown of the ceasefire”, Lakkiss said.
Trump says he hopes Hezbollah 'acts nicely' during ceasefire
Friday 17 April 2026 00:40 , Rachel DobkinUS President Trump has said he hopes Hezbollah “acts nicely” during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
“I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be an GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter”, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday night local time.
Trump again fumes at former MAGA faithful in lengthy rant including ‘sleazebag’ former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent
Friday 17 April 2026 00:20 , Graeme MassieUS President Donald Trump lashed out at conservative figures in a Truth Social rant on Thursday, slamming a host of former allies in the right-wing media and Joe Kent, the Trump administration counterterrorism chief who resigned in March and criticized the Iran war.
“He was really a SLEAZEBAG, and some would say, on top of it all, A LEAKER!” Trump wrote. “I don’t know whether or not that was true, but next time, NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! Kent is a LOSER, just like Tucker [Carlson], Candace [Owens], Megyn [Kelly] and the rest of them are LOSERS”.
Read more from Josh Marcus:
Trump fumes at ‘sleazebag’ former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent in online rant
Israeli military issues warning to people in southern Lebanon
Thursday 16 April 2026 23:52 , Graeme MassieThe Israeli military has warned people in southern Lebanon not to go south of the Litani River, as its forces remain there during the country’s ceasefire with Hezbollah.
Military spokesman Avichay Adraee said Israeli troops remain in the area “in the face of Hezbollah’s ongoing terrorist activities,” per CNN.
“For your safety and the safety of your family members – until further notice – you are requested not to move to the south of the Litani River,” Adraee said.
Iran still has 'thousands' of missiles available, US lawmakers told
Thursday 16 April 2026 23:28 , Graeme MassieIran still has “thousands of missiles” and attack drones it can use against US and allied forces in the Middle East, a senior US military official told lawmakers.
But Lt. Gen. James Adams, head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, told the House Armed Services subcommittee on Thursday that the US and Israeli bombing of Iran had caused “significant degradation of Iranian military capabilities.”
Full story: Donald Trump claims credit for 10-day Lebanon truce as Hegseth again threatens Iran
Thursday 16 April 2026 22:45 , Dan HaygarthIsrael and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, Donald Trump said on Thursday, as he claimed credit for solving his “10th war”.
The truce follows a month-long bombing campaign by Israel against targets it says are linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.
Lebanon, which has insisted on a ceasefire before engaging in more talks, says the Israeli army has killed more than 2,000 people in its country, including health workers and journalists, since the start of last month.
The president invited the leaders of both countries to the White House for the first such high-level talks since 1983.
Read more below:
Trump claims credit for 10-day Lebanon ceasefire as Hegseth threatens Iran
Starmer to say opening Strait of Hormuz ‘global responsibility’ at Paris meeting
Thursday 16 April 2026 22:30 , Dan Haygarth
Sir Keir Starmer will say reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a “global responsibility” as he co-hosts a gathering of world leaders in Paris on Friday.
The crucial shipping lane, through which a fifth of the world’s oil normally flows, has been closed by Iran as a response to America and Israel’s strikes.
In retaliation, US president Donald Trump has begun his own blockade of Iran’s oil ports, aimed at stemming Tehran’s fossil fuel income.
Sir Keir will arrive in Paris late on Friday morning to co-host a virtual meeting with Emmanuel Macron and then have lunch with the French president.
Around 40 countries and the International Maritime Organisation are expected to be on the call.
The prime minister is expected to tell the summit: “The unconditional and immediate reopening of the strait is a global responsibility, and we need to act to get global energy and trade flowing freely again.
“Emmanuel Macron and I are clear in our commitment to establish a multinational initiative to protect freedom of navigation.
“We must reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance operations to ensure a return to global stability and security.”
The call will focus on supporting the US-Iranian ceasefire and coming up with a plan to ensure the Strait of Hormuz can remain open to shipping after the Middle East war ends.
Iran will control Strait of Hormuz after war, says Biden adviser
Thursday 16 April 2026 22:15 , Dan Haygarth
Iran will maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict is resolved, reshaping global energy markets for the long term, Amos Hochstein, an energy and national security adviser to former president Joe Biden, said Thursday at Semafor World Economy in Washington, DC.
“Regardless of how the war ends, Iran will have control of the Strait of Hormuz,” said Hochstein.
“Once you get that genie out of the bottle, it doesn’t come back in.”
No matter what is in the “ultimate end-of-war documents,” Tehran now knows it has leverage against the US and its neighbours in the region, he said.
“They are going to want to keep that piece of leverage, and they won’t give it up.”
Israeli-Lebanon ceasefire begins
Thursday 16 April 2026 22:03 , Dan HaygarthThe Israeli-Lebanon ceasefire has begun.
Lebanese president Joseph Aoun has welcomed the agreement and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his nation agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, a truce that could pause fighting with the Hezbollah militant group and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war.
US president Donald Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
However, Israel has not been fighting with Lebanon itself, but rather with the Iranian-backed militants inside the country.
Hezbollah said in a statement that any truce must apply "across all Lebanese territory and must not allow the Israeli enemy any freedom of movement".
Netanyahu said he agreed to the ceasefire "to advance" peace efforts with Lebanon.
"We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon," he said in a video message.
Full story: ‘I’m sure the Pope is a great guy’: Trump insists he’s not warring with Leo but then spreads lie about Catholic leader
Thursday 16 April 2026 21:40 , Dan HaygarthPresident Donald Trump on Thursday claimed to not have any beef with Pope Leo XIV and suggested that his multiple attacks against the American-born Bishop of Rome are merely the product of a disagreement over Iran’s nuclear weapons program — something the pontiff has never spoken publicly about.
Full story:
Trump insists he’s not warring with Leo but then spreads lie about Catholic leader
US military to target Iranian ships worldwide
Thursday 16 April 2026 21:20 , Jane DaltonThe US military has widened its efforts beyond the blockade of Iran's ports to allow its forces around the world to stop any ship tied to Tehran or those suspected of carrying supplies that could help its government, from weapons to oil, metals and electronics.
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, specifically pointed to operations in the Pacific, saying the US would be targeting vessels that left before the blockade began earlier this week outside the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for energy and other shipments.
US forces in other areas of responsibility "will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran", he told reporters at the Pentagon.
The military also detailed an expansive list of goods that it considers contraband, declaring that it will board, search and seize them from merchant vessels "regardless of location".
A notice published on Thursday says any "goods that are destined for an enemy and that may be susceptible to use in armed conflict" are "subject to capture at any place beyond neutral territory".
Israel and Lebanon ceasefire explained
Thursday 16 April 2026 21:06 , Dan HaygarthIsrael has agreed to a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, a truce that could pause fighting with the Hezbollah militant group and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war.
US president Donald Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
However, Israel has not been fighting with Lebanon itself, but rather with the Iranian-backed militants inside the country.
Hezbollah said in a statement that any truce must apply "across all Lebanese territory and must not allow the Israeli enemy any freedom of movement".
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed to the ceasefire "to advance" peace efforts with Lebanon.
"We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon," he said in a video message.
Israeli forces have engaged in fierce battles with Hezbollah in the border area.
Israeli troops have pushed into southern Lebanon to create what officials have called a "security zone", which Netanyahu has said will extend at least 8km to 10km (five to six miles) into Lebanon.
Hezbollah said that "Israeli occupation on our land grants Lebanon and its people the right to resist it, and this matter will be determined based on how developments unfold", a stance that could complicate the ceasefire.
Netanyahu said Israeli troops will stay in an expanded security zone in southern Lebanon "much stronger, more extensive and more continuous than before".
"That is where we are, and we are not leaving," he said.
Trump posted the ceasefire announcement on his Truth Social platform, saying it was to begin at 5pm Eastern time (9pm GMT, 10pm UK time).
The announcement comes two days after the countries held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington.
Hezbollah had opposed direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.
Lebanon has insisted on a ceasefire to stop the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah before engaging in more talks, while vowing to commit to disarming the group.
Israel and Lebanon have technically been at war since Israel was established in 1948, and Lebanon remains deeply divided over diplomatic engagement with Israel.
Trump also invited the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House for what he said would be "the first meaningful talks" between the countries since 1983.
Netanyahu confirms Israeli ceasefire in Lebanon
Thursday 16 April 2026 21:00 , Jane DaltonIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his country has agreed to a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, a truce that could suspend fighting with the Hezbollah militant group and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran and the United States and Israel.
Mr Netanyahu said he agreed to the ceasefire "to advance" peace efforts with Lebanon.
"We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon," he said in a video message.
US president Donald Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
However, Israel has not been fighting with Lebanon itself, but rather with the Iranian-backed militants inside the country.
Hezbollah said any truce must apply "across all Lebanese territory and must not allow the Israeli enemy any freedom of movement".
Watch: Trump claims Pope said Iran can have a nuclear weapon
Thursday 16 April 2026 20:00 , Daniel HaygarthTrump claims Iran has agreed not to have nuclear weapons for 20 years at least
Thursday 16 April 2026 19:58 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump has claimed Iran has agreed to not possess nuclear weapons for more than 20 years.
He said on Thursday: "It's looking very good that we're going to make a deal with Iran and it's going to be a good deal, it's going to be a deal with no nuclear weapons...
"We have a very powerful statement, beyond 20 years, that they will not have nuclear weapons.”
He added: “Let's be honest, there's no 20 year limit."
Trump says Lebanon-Israel leaders could meet at White House
Thursday 16 April 2026 19:43 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump said on Thursday after announcing a 10-day Lebanon-Israel ceasefire that leaders of the two countries could meet at the White House over the next week or two. Trump spoke to both leaders as the ceasefire was announced. He said he was working on a longer term deal.
“It's very exciting. I think we're going to have a deal where we're going to have a meeting, first time in 44 years, and Lebanon will be meeting with Israel, and they're probably going to do it at the White House over the next week or two," Trump said.
Deal with Iran close, Trump says
Thursday 16 April 2026 19:12 , Daniel Haygarth
Trump told reporters on Thursday: "We're going to see what happens, but I think we're very close to making a deal with Iran.
“You'll be the first to know, but I think we have, if that happens, oil goes way down, prices go way down, inflation goes way down, and you're going to have much more importantly than even that, you won't have nuclear holocaust."
Trump explains his feud with the Pope: 'I have a right to disagree'
Thursday 16 April 2026 19:10 , Dan HaygarthAsked why he is fighting with the Pope, Trump said that the pontiff “said Iran can have a nuclear weapon”, which is not true.
The Pope has called for a world free from nuclear weapons.
The US president told reporters this evening: “I have to do what's right. The Pope has to understand that very simple. I have nothing against the Pope, his brothers, Maga all the way. I like his brother, Louis. I'm not fighting with him.
“The Pope made a statement. He says Iran can have a nuclear weapon. I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And if the Pope looked at the 42,000 people that were killed over the last two or three months as a protester with no weapons, no nothing. I mean, you take a look at that, disagree with the. I have a right to disagree with the Pope.
“The Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants, but I can disagree. I think that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.
“If they do the whole world would be a jeopardy the Middle East will be blown up, and the whole world will be at jeopardy. We're very close to making a deal. That'll be a great thing. The Pope has to understand. Iran has killed more than 42,000 people over the last few months.
“Think of it. Protesters without guns without anything. They were totally unarmed protesters. The Pope has understand that this is the real world. It's a nasty world. But as far as the Pope and saying what he wants, he can do that.
“Now I know the Pope's brother. He is a big, Maga person. He's got Maga all over his house. His name is Louis. He's actually a great guy. And I'm sure the Pope is a great guy, I haven't met him but I disagree with the Pope, if the Pope would allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump says 'Pope must understand' about Iran
Thursday 16 April 2026 19:05 , Dan HaygarthThe president told reporters today: “The blockade is amazing, it's holding up very strong, very powerfully, and I think we're making a lot of progress in that, but the Pope has understand Iran, very simple, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, the world would be in great danger."
"Iran wants to make a deal, and we're dealing very nicely with them. We've got to have no nuclear weapons if we do, that's a big factor, and they're willing to do things today that they weren't willing to do two months ago."
Watch: UK economy grew faster than expected before Iran war
Thursday 16 April 2026 18:28 , Dan HaygarthUK in ‘worst-case scenario’ planning for food shortages as a result of Iran war
Thursday 16 April 2026 18:05 , Daniel HaygarthThe UK could see shortages of key supermarket goods this summer if the Iran war continues, a leaked government document has revealed.
Officials have put together contingency plans for a “reasonable worst-case scenario”, highlighting that the closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route could lead to carbon dioxide shortages.
The secret analysis – first reported by The Times – was codenamed “Exercise Turnstone” and was run by the government’s emergency committee, Cobra.
Read more:
UK in ‘worst-case scenario’ planning for food shortages as a result of Iran war
Recap: Trump says Israel and Lebanon agree to ceasefire
Thursday 16 April 2026 17:49 , Daniel HaygarthIsrael and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, Donald Trump has announced, two days after the countries held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington.
The truce, that Trump said was scheduled to begin on Thursday evening, follows more than a month of war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.
Lebanon has insisted on a ceasefire to stop the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah before engaging in more talks, while vowing to commit to disarming the group.
The president also invited the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House for the countries' first high-level talks since 1983.
"Both sides want to see PEACE, and I believe that will happen, quickly," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Lebanon and Israel signed an agreement in 1983 saying Lebanon would formally recognise Israel, and Israel would withdraw from Lebanon. The deal fell apart during Lebanon's civil war and was formally rescinded a year later.
Trump said the pause in fighting followed "excellent" conversations with Lebanese president Joseph Aoun and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He said he has directed vice president JD Vance and others to work with Israel and Lebanon to "achieve a Lasting peace".
Trump invites leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House
Thursday 16 April 2026 17:22 , Dan HaygarthAdding to his earlier post on Truth Social, the president wrote: “In addition to the statement just issued, I will be inviting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, to the White House for the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983, a very long time ago.
“Both sides want to see PEACE, and I believe that will happen, quickly! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Hezbollah lawmaker says Iran envoy briefed group on possible short-term ceasefire
Thursday 16 April 2026 17:14 , Dan HaygarthSenior Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said the group had been briefed on a possible short-term ceasefire to start on Thursday night by Iran's ambassador to Beirut.
Fadlallah spoke to Reuters minutes before Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire would start at 5p.m. US eastern time (9pm GMT).
When asked whether Hezbollah would abide by a possible truce, Fadlallah said everything depended on Israel halting all forms of hostilities.
Comment: Trump’s AI Jesus post shows he truly believes he is a God - America is in grave danger
Thursday 16 April 2026 17:07 , Daniel HaygarthThe US president now believes he is ruling by divine right, putting America on course for catastrophe, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley.
Trump truly believes he is a God - America is in grave danger
Stephen Miller warns US blockage of Iranian ports could go on 'indefinitely' if Iran doesn't make a deal with Trump
Thursday 16 April 2026 16:47 , Dan HaygarthBreaking: Trump says Israel and Lebanon to begin ceasefire from tonight
Thursday 16 April 2026 16:44 , Dan HaygarthDonald Trump has said Israel and Lebanon will begin a ceasefire from tonight.
He posted on Truth Social: “I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel. These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST.
“On Tuesday, the two Countries met for the first time in 34 years here in Washington, D.C., with our Great Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
“I have directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin’ Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a Lasting PEACE.
“It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let’s, GET IT DONE! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Europe only has six weeks of jet fuel supply left, energy chief warns
Thursday 16 April 2026 16:30 , Maira ButtEurope only has around six weeks of jet fuel supply left, an energy chief has warned, in what he fears could be “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced”.
Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency, added flight cancellations will begin “soon” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid the Iran war, potentially plunging summer holidays into chaos.
It comes as easyJet announced it expected a headline loss of between £540 million and £560 million before tax for the six months to the end of March, with the airline having spent an extra £25 million on jet fuel last month.
Harriette Boucher reports:
Europe only has six weeks of jet fuel supply left, energy chief warns
Ceasefire could be announced on Thursday night, says Israeli defence official
Thursday 16 April 2026 16:09 , Maira ButtAn Israeli defence official has told Axios that a ceasefire could be announced on Thursday night.
It follows a phone call between Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun and President Donald Trump.
Aoun thanked Trump for his efforts to secure a ceasefire.
Officials told Reuters that the call took place on Thursday and marks the first time that the leaders have been in direct contact.
Analysis: Pete Hegseth’s panicky, angry, weirdly religious Iran war briefing was painful to watch
Thursday 16 April 2026 15:50 , Maira ButtI’’m starting to feel sorry for Pete Hegseth. Week after week, the defense secretary turns up at 8 a.m. sharp to defend the latest disaster in the Iran war — and week after week, he gets more angry about it, more visibly desperate, and more bizarrely religious.
Hegseth is quite clearly a man who wants to cosplay as Captain America but instead keeps wandering onto the set of Joker. “This is not a fair fight,” he said at the podium today, supposedly directly addressing Iran. “We are locked and loaded… We’d rather not have to do it… You don’t have a Navy or real domain awareness! You can’t control anything!”
If that weren’t enough, he then dabbled in threatening war crimes again: Iran will have “blockades and bombs falling on infrastructure, power and electricity” if they don’t sign a deal, he added. Truly, diplomacy at its finest.
Holly Baxter reports:
Pete Hegseth’s panicky, angry Iran war briefing was painful to watch
Watch: Hegseth compares media to Pharisees in the Bible for 'negative' press on Iran war
Thursday 16 April 2026 15:20 , Maira ButtIran deploys powerful Chinese spy satellite to target US bases in Middle East
Thursday 16 April 2026 15:00 , Maira ButtIran acquired a powerful Chinese spy satellite, giving it a powerful capability to target US military bases across the Middle East, according to a Financial Times investigation.
Leaked Iranian documents show that the TEE-01B satellite was purchased by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 2024 for around $36.6m, shortly after China had launched it into space.
UK police arrest three after attempted arson at Persian language media office
Thursday 16 April 2026 14:40 , Maira ButtThree men have been arrested in connection with an attempted arson attack on the building of a Persian language media organisation in northwest London, British police said on Thursday.
One boy aged 16 and two men aged 19 and 21 were arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life and taken into police custody where they remain on Wednesday.
Police said the incident was not being treated as terrorism.
Full story: Pope Leo says world ‘being ravaged by handful of tyrants’ after Trump attacks
Thursday 16 April 2026 14:20 , Maira ButtPope Leo has said that the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” amid a deepening row over the war in Iran with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on a visit to Cameroon, the pontiff blasted leaders who spend billions on wars in unusually forceful remarks.
Leo, the first American pope, also decried leaders who used religious language to justify wars and urged a "decisive change of course".
Pope Leo says world ‘being ravaged by handful of tyrants’ after Trump attacks
Archbishop of Canterbury backs Pope Leo's call for peace
Thursday 16 April 2026 14:00 , Maira ButtThe Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, said on Thursday that she stood with Pope Leo in his “courageous call for a kingdom of peace”.
“I stand with my brother in Christ, His Holiness Pope XIV, in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace,” Mullally said in a statement on Thursday.
“It is the calling of every Christian – and of all people of faith and goodwill – to work and pray for peace. We must also urge all those entrusted with political authority to pursue every possible peaceful and just means of resolving conflict.”
Iran' supreme leader believed to be alive - Hegseth
Thursday 16 April 2026 13:41 , Alex CroftPete Hegseth has said that Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, is believed to be wounded but alive.
He was also asked about support for the US in managing the Strait of Hormuz, and said he would welcome support from other countries in the region.
Recap: White House denies U.S. requested ceasefire, says new talks may happen in Pakistan
Wednesday 15 April 2026 22:12 , Daniel HaygarthReports that the White House has requested a ceasefire in the Iran war are wrong, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday but added that discussions about a second round of talks with the Iranians were ongoing and productive.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said any fresh talks would likely be in Pakistan again as it has emerged as the "only mediator" in the effort to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
"These conversations are productive and ongoing, and that's where we are right now. I've also seen some reporting about the potentiality for in-person discussions.
“Again, those discussions are being had, but nothing is official until you hear it from us here at the White House, but we feel good about the prospects of a deal," Leavitt said.
Asked if her country had requested an extension of the ceasefire, she said: "I saw some reporting - again, bad reporting - this morning that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true.”
Watch: US Central Command says naval blockade is being enforced in Gulf of Oman
Wednesday 15 April 2026 22:05 , Daniel HaygarthUS targets Iran's oil transportation infrastructure with sanctions
Wednesday 15 April 2026 21:45 , Dan HaygarthThe US Treasury Department has said it is targeting Iran's oil transportation infrastructure by imposing sanctions on more than two dozen individuals, companies, and vessels.
The sanctions target a network of Iranian oil shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the Treasury Department said in a statement. Hossein Shamkhani is the son of Ali Shamkhani, a key figure in Iran's security and nuclear policymaking who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on 28 February.
"Treasury is moving aggressively with Economic Fury by targeting regime elites like the Shamkhani family that attempt to profit at the expense of the Iranian people," treasury secretary Scott Bessent said in the statement.
The Treasury Department is also sanctioning Iranian national Seyed Naiemaei Badroddin Moosavi, who it alleges to be a financier to Hezbollah, and three companies linked to a money laundering scheme involving the sale of Iranian oil in exchange for Venezuelan gold.
Recap: Talks ongoing about fresh negotiations, White House says
Wednesday 15 April 2026 21:30 , Daniel HaygarthTalks are ongoing about holding fresh face-to-face negotiations between the US and Iran, the White House has said.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “discussions are being had” although nothing was yet confirmed.
She added: “But we feel good about the prospects of a deal.
“It’s obviously in the best interest of Iran to meet the president’s demands. I think he’s made his red lines in these negotiations very clear to the other side.”
Previous negotiations broke down over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, the US said.
Any future talks are again likely to be held in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, she said.
‘Strait of Vermouth’: Democrats roast two Trump cabinet members with one post after Bessent’s press briefing botch
Wednesday 15 April 2026 21:15 , Dan Haygarth
Dems roast two Trump cabinet members with one post after Bessent’s briefing botch
Senate votes against restraining Trump on Iran
Wednesday 15 April 2026 21:00 , Jane Dalton
Senate votes down restraining Trump on Iran after Fetterman crosses Democrats again
Economic pain is short-term, White House insists
Wednesday 15 April 2026 20:45 , Jane DaltonA global economic shock caused by the Iran conflict has been dismissed by the White House as "short-term disruption".
The Trump administration insisted it would deliver the long-term benefit of preventing Tehran getting a nuclear weapon, which was "a good thing for people all over the world".
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said: "The message is the short-term volatility for long-term gain."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "This is short-term disruption for the long-term strategic goal of the United States to ensure that the world's leading state sponsor of terror cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.
"That's a good thing for the American people. That's a good thing for people all over the world.
"As soon as the operation and now the negotiations with Iran conclude and the Strait (of Hormuz) is reopened, we do expect gas prices to decrease."
She added: "Of course we have this short-term disruption, but again, it's for the long-term strategic goal of ensuring that these terrorists cannot possess a nuclear bomb."
US targets Iran's oil transportation infrastructure with sanctions
Wednesday 15 April 2026 20:20 , Jane DaltonThe US Treasury says it is targeting Iran's oil transportation infrastructure by imposing sanctions on more than two dozen individuals, companies and vessels.
The sanctions target a network of Iranian oil shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, who is the son of Ali Shamkhani, a key figure in Iran's security and nuclear policymaking who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February.
"Treasury is moving aggressively with Economic Fury by targeting regime elites like the Shamkhani family that attempt to profit at the expense of the Iranian people," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The Treasury Department is also sanctioning Iranian national Seyed Naiemaei Badroddin Moosavi, who it alleges to be a financier to Hezbollah, and three companies linked to a money-laundering scheme involving the sale of Iranian oil in exchange for Venezuelan gold.
Iran 'offers proposal allowing ships to exit Oman side of Hormuz'
Wednesday 15 April 2026 19:56 , ReutersIran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the United States, provided a deal is clinched to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said.
The source said Iran could be willing to let ships use the other side of the narrow strait in Omani waters without any hindrance.
The source did not say whether Iran would also agree to clear any mines it may have placed in that stretch of water or whether all ships – even those linked to Israel – would be allowed to pass freely.
But the source added that the proposal hinged on whether Washington was prepared to meet Tehran's demands, a condition that was central to any potential breakthrough with the Strait of Hormuz.
A so-called two-way traffic-separation scheme, which was adopted in 1968 with agreement of countries in the region, created the current ship routing system that splits sailing corridors through Iranian and Omani waters.
