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By Amanda Castro, Ellie Cook, Toby Meyjes, Anna Commander, and Hollie Silverman

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President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran just hours before a White House‑imposed deadline was set to expire, abruptly halting a standoff that had pushed global markets and foreign capitals to the brink.

The late‑hour decision followed days of escalating rhetoric and warnings about potential military action, marking a sharp pivot toward de‑escalation after a week of heightened tension.

Trump had threatened to wipe out a “whole civilization” as the United States struck military targets on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub. The intensifying rhetoric and expanding regional attacks underscored the fragile state of diplomacy ahead of Trump’s deadline for Tehran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

What To Know:

• Trump announced the ceasefire Tuesday night, less than two hours before the deadline.
• Iran agreed to the ceasefire.
• Trump warned that a “whole civilization” could be destroyed if Iran does not lift its blockade of the Strait by 8 p.m. Eastern.
• The U.S. hit military sites on Kharg Island, while Israel and Iran exchanged new rounds of strikes across the region.
• Israel’s military urged Iranians to avoid train travel after attacks on rail infrastructure, including a deadly strike on a bridge in Kashan.
• Iran targeted energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to both countries’ defense ministries.
• Trump dismissed a proposed 45‑day cease-fire mediated by Pakistan as “not good enough”; Iran rejected the truce outright.
• Tehran delivered a separate 10‑point plan through Pakistan, though it appears unlikely to resolve core disputes before the deadline.
• Oil prices briefly rose after Trump rejected the cease-fire proposal, with Brent Crude reaching about $111 a barrel.
• Britain is hosting a virtual meeting of more than 40 countries on securing postwar passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The Pentagon canceled a scheduled news conference amid the rapidly shifting military landscape.
• Civilian death tolls continue to climb across the region, with more than 1,600 reported killed in Iran and over 1,300 in Lebanon, according to local and rights groups.

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Apr 07, 2026 at 09:25 PM EDT

Abu Dhabi authorities respond to reported fire at Habshan gas-processing facility

The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced on X that authorities are responding to a reported "fire incident" at the facility.

"Further information will be provided in due course. The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid circulating rumors or unverified information," the post added in part.

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:04 PM EDT

Gas prices could reverse in 48-hours, GasBuddy official says

Parick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, posted to X on Tuesday night saying gas prices could start reversing nationally following Trump's ceasefire announcement.

"Gas prices could start reversing nationally in 48 hours or so- by a few cents every day," De Haan said. "Diesel prices may lag slightly- but where things stand now, diesel is NO longer likely to reach a record. National average gasoline could fall below $4 in ~1-2 weeks, diesel >$5 in 6-8 weeks"

He added in a follow up post that "these levels are tentative based on current markets, changes are highly likely as the situation unfolds."

View this post on X

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:50 PM EDT

Trump announces investigation into CNN over Iran ceasefire

Trump posted to Truth Social on Tuesday night saying, "The alleged Statement put out by CNN World News is a FRAUD, as CNN well knows. The false Statement was linked to a Fake News site (from Nigeria) and, of course, immediately picked up by CNN, and blared out as a 'legitimate' headline."

"The Official Statement by Iran was just released, and posted on TRUTH, below. Authorities are looking to determine whether or not a crime was committed on the issuance of the Fake CNN World Statement, or was it a sick rogue player? CNN is being ordered to immediately withdraw this Statement with full apologies for their, as usual, terrible 'reporting,' Trump added. "Results of the investigation will be announced in the near future. President DONALD J. TRUMP"

It is immediately unclear which report Trump was referring to in his post.

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:35 PM EDT

White House say negotiations will continue

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “President Trump’s words speak for themselves: this is a workable basis to negotiate, and those negotiations will continue.” The AP notes that it asked Leavitt for clarity on Trump's wording when he said the "10 point proposal from Iran" is "workable".

The AP reported that Leavitt added, “The truth is that President Trump and our powerful military got Iran to agree to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiations will continue”.

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:29 PM EDT

AOC says Trump “must be removed from office,” adding ceasefire announcement “changes nothing”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez blasted President Trump on X on Tuesday night after his post announcing the ceasefire with Iran, saying the statement "changes nothing."

"The President has threatened a genocide against the Iranian people, and is continuing to leverage that threat. He has launched a massive war of enormous risk and of catastrophic consequence without reason, rationale, nor Congressional authorization - which is as clear a violation of the Constitution as any. Each day this goes on, the risk and criminality of these actions escalate for our nation and the world," Ocasio-Cortez's statement adds.

"Moreover, this administration’s self enrichment, insider trading, and pure corruption off this chaos - from crypto currencies to predictive trading markets to bribe 'settlements' - has placed the Trump administration’s pursuit of personal wealth squarely against the wellbeing of our nation and its people. All of these incidents, and plenty more, have clearly driven our country past the threshold for impeachment or invocation of the 25th amendment."

The New York lawmaker concluded, "We cannot risk the world nor the wellbeing of our nation any longer. None of these considerations should be partisan, but shared in good faith by Americans of all backgrounds who care for the safety and stability of the United States. Whether by his Cabinet or Congress, the President must be removed from office. We are playing with the brink."

View this post on X

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:19 PM EDT

US has paused military strikes against Iran: Report

The United States military has paused strikes against Iran as Trump announced the ceasefire deal, the New York Times reported, citing a U.S. official.

The AP added that defensive measures are still in effect, also citing an official.

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:18 PM EDT

U.S. gas prices surge to $4.14 as Iran war drives market panic

The average price of U.S. regular gasoline climbed to $4.14 a gallon today, according to AAA, pushing fuel costs nearly 40% higher since the war in Iran began. The rapid rise marks one of the sharpest sustained increases in years and is already rippling through the broader economy.

CNN’s David Goldman described the market strain in stark terms, telling anchor Pamela Brown that traders are behaving as if fuel supplies are vanishing. “Imagine that you are on a desert island, and there’s only one bottle of water left. You would pay anything for that. That’s what’s going on in the market right now,” he said.

The spike isn’t limited to gasoline. Jet fuel prices are up 94% since February, a jump that analysts say will almost certainly translate into higher airfares for travelers as airlines absorb soaring operating costs.

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:11 PM EDT

Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan releases statement after ceasefire

Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif said in a post to X on Tuesday that he is "pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY."

Sharif later added that "We earnestly hope, that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!"

View this post on X

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:03 PM EDT

Lindsey Graham reacts to Trump’s ceasefire announcement: “Time will tell”

Republican Senator Graham posted about Trump's announcement regarding a ceasefire deal with Iran on X on Tuesday.

"Like everyone, I hope we can end the reign of terror of the Iranian regime through diplomacy. We must remember that the Strait of Hormuz was attacked by Iran after the start of the war, destroying freedom of navigation. Going forward, it is imperative Iran is not rewarded for this hostile act against the world." he said.

"As to an Iranian ten point proposal to end the war, I look forward to reviewing it at the appropriate time and its submission to Congress for a vote, like we did with the Obama JCPOA. I want to reaffirm that from my point of view, every ounce of the approximately 900 lbs. of highly enriched uranium has to be controlled by the U.S. and removed from Iran to prevent them in the future from having a dirty bomb or returning to the enrichment business - the Libyan model, for lack of a better phrase. Time will tell," Graham concluded.

Apr 07, 2026 at 07:57 PM EDT

Experts warn Iran infrastructure strikes could violate international law

As the Iran conflict widens, airstrikes on infrastructure across the Middle East — and open threats to hit oil facilities, power stations and desalination plants — are raising alarms among legal experts who say such actions could amount to war crimes if carried out.

Under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, parties to a conflict are prohibited from attacking objects essential to civilian survival. The treaties explicitly forbid strikes on food supplies, agricultural areas, livestock, drinking‑water installations and other resources that, if destroyed, would leave civilians without adequate food or water or force them to flee.

International courts have previously treated infrastructure attacks as potential war crimes. The International Criminal Court cited Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s electricity and fuel systems in arrest warrants issued for senior Russian officials in 2024. Judges also found “reasonable grounds” to believe that Israeli leaders deprived civilians in Gaza of indispensable resources — including food, water, fuel and electricity — in a separate set of warrants. Both governments deny wrongdoing.

Whether infrastructure can be considered a military target depends on strict criteria. International law allows attacks only on objects that make an “effective contribution” to military action and whose destruction offers a “definite military advantage.” Civilian sites that do not meet that threshold remain protected.

Any future legal case over the current Middle East conflict faces steep hurdles. Iran, Israel and the Gulf states are not members of the ICC, and deep divisions within the U.N. Security Council make a referral to The Hague unlikely. National courts could theoretically pursue cases under universal‑jurisdiction laws, but no such proceedings are publicly underway.

For now, legal experts say the warnings underscore the stakes as threats against civilian infrastructure continue to escalate.

Apr 07, 2026 at 07:52 PM EDT

All the times Trump gave a deadline only to extend it

President Donald Trump has pushed his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or agree to end the war from Monday to Tuesday, marking yet another shift in a series of extensions that have defined his approach over the past several weeks. He warned that without a deal, “Hell will reign down on them,” and later suggested the new 8 p.m. EDT cutoff would be final.

The pattern has become familiar: Trump sets a deadline, issues sweeping threats, then delays the ultimatum while insisting negotiations are progressing. His original cutoff was March 23, but it moved repeatedly as he alternated between praising diplomatic talks and threatening to destroy Iran’s infrastructure.

Iran rejected the latest ceasefire proposal, according to state-run IRNA. Soon after, Trump escalated his rhetoric, saying Iran would be left with “no bridges” and “no power plants” if it refused to comply. When asked about warnings from U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law, Trump said he was “not at all” concerned about committing war crimes.

Over recent weeks, Trump has threatened to obliterate Iranian power plants, oil wells, desalination facilities, and Kharg Island, while also using vulgar language to demand that Tehran “open the ****ing Strait.” On Monday, he claimed the entire country “can be taken out in one night,” insisting the U.S. military has a plan to destroy every bridge in Iran by midnight if necessary.

Diplomacy remains strained. Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, Iran’s envoy in Cairo, said Tehran no longer trusts the Trump administration after previous rounds of talks were followed by U.S. strikes. He said Iran would only accept an end to the war with guarantees it will not be attacked again. A regional official involved in the negotiations said discussions have not collapsed, but acknowledged the difficulty of the moment.

In Israel, Channel 13 broadcast a countdown clock to Trump’s Tuesday deadline, underscoring the sense of uncertainty as the hours tick down.

Apr 07, 2026 at 07:46 PM EDT

Iranian Foreign Minister releases statement following Trump’s ceasefire announcement

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi released a statement to X on Tuesday night saying in part, "If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations."

The post continued in part, "For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations."

View this post on X

Apr 07, 2026 at 07:44 PM EDT

WATCH: Would Trump’s Iran threats violate international law?

Apr 07, 2026 at 07:31 PM EDT

Pakistani official says hopes for de-escalation collapsed after rapid series of attacks

A senior Pakistani official said optimism for a breakthrough between the United States and Iran evaporated within hours on Tuesday, after a rapid sequence of violent incidents and President Donald Trump’s latest threat on social media.

According to the official, Pakistan believed as recently as earlier in the day that negotiations were moving toward “something concrete” that could open a path to de‑escalation. Islamabad has been deeply involved in shuttle diplomacy throughout the conflict.

That hope collapsed after four developments in quick succession: Israel’s strike on Iranian railway infrastructure, an attack on an Israeli consulate in Istanbul, a strike on Saudi oil facilities, and finally Trump’s warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran does not meet his deadline.

The Pakistani source said these events reflected the influence of actors on both sides who oppose any diplomatic settlement. Within Iran, elements of the IRGC are described as resistant to compromise, while in Washington, hard‑liners are also seen as pushing against a negotiated end to the war.

The official went further, saying Pakistan views Israel as the most determined opponent of a peace deal, arguing that it wants the United States to remain locked in the conflict and prefers a prolonged regional confrontation.

Apr 07, 2026 at 07:19 PM EDT

Iran accepts ceasefire deal

Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire in the ongoing war, according to a statement from the country’s Supreme National Security Council, marking a significant pause after weeks of escalating violence.

Iran accepted Pakistan’s ceasefire proposal following intense diplomatic efforts led by Islamabad, with last-minute intervention from China urging restraint and flexibility, according to three Iranian officials familiar with the negotiations. The move comes amid mounting concerns over the economic toll of the conflict, particularly widespread damage to critical infrastructure.

The New York Times reported that the ceasefire was approved by Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, citing three Iranian officials. The move signals a potential shift in tone as the country grapples with both internal and external pressures.

While the agreement offers a temporary reprieve, it remains unclear whether it could pave the way for longer-term negotiations or a broader resolution to the conflict.

Apr 07, 2026 at 07:05 PM EDT

Israel denies targeting synagogues after strike damages historic Tehran site

An Israeli official rejected claims Tuesday that Israel deliberately struck a synagogue in central Tehran, after Iranian media reported that a U.S.–Israeli airstrike destroyed the historic Rafi‑Nia Synagogue during Passover. “Israel doesn’t target synagogues,” the official told The Times of Israel, responding to accusations that the attack was aimed at a Jewish house of worship.

Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Ministry, in an internal assessment, noted conflicting accounts about the extent of the damage but said video verified by the Associated Press showed visible destruction consistent with Iranian reports. Iran’s Jewish community, estimated at 8,000 to 10,000 people, is one of the largest in the Middle East outside Israel.

Iranian outlets said the adjacent residential building was the intended target and that the synagogue was damaged because of the narrow streets surrounding it. Footage from IRIB News showed Hebrew prayer books scattered in the rubble. Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish representative in Iran’s parliament, condemned the strike’s timing during a major Jewish holiday, saying the community’s Torah scrolls were buried beneath debris.

Asked about the incident, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office framed the strike as part of its campaign against Iranian military assets, saying Iran fires missiles at civilians while Israel conducts “precision strikes on terror targets.”

The strike comes as President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Trump has threatened to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants if Tehran does not comply by 8 p.m. EST, calling the moment “one of the most important” in modern history. Iran has rejected ceasefire proposals and accused the U.S. and Israel of targeting symbolic and civilian sites, warning of severe retaliation if infrastructure is hit.

Apr 07, 2026 at 06:51 PM EDT

Donald Trump announces Iran War ceasefire: what to know

President Donald Trump said Tuesday night that he would pull back from earlier threats to expand U.S. attacks in Iran to include bridges, power plants and other civilian targets, provided Iran agrees to a two‑week ceasefire and reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran must agree to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz,” after which he would “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.”

The president has repeatedly set deadlines since the war began in February, warning of escalated military action if Iran failed to meet U.S. demands, only to back away from those threats as the deadlines approached.

READ IN FULL.

Apr 07, 2026 at 06:39 PM EDT

Trump’s deadline nears as his threats toward Iran grow more severe

President Donald Trump has spent the past two weeks escalating his warnings to Iran, setting and repeatedly extending deadlines for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to end the war. Over the weekend, he said that if Iran failed to comply by today, the country would be “living in Hell.” A short time ago, he intensified that rhetoric again, declaring that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” ahead of his 8 p.m. ET cutoff.

Trump’s threats began on March 21, when he vowed to “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants unless the strait was reopened within 48 hours. Iran insisted the waterway remained open to all but its “enemies,” and Trump briefly paused his plans after saying the two sides had held “productive conversations.” He then granted Iran additional time, first by five days and later by ten, pushing the deadline to April 6.

As the days passed, Trump’s language grew sharper. He warned that the United States would “blow up and completely obliterate” Iran’s power plants and oil wells if no agreement was reached. He claimed Iran had asked for a ceasefire — a claim Tehran denied — and said the U.S. was “blasting Iran into oblivion” and sending the country “back to the Stone Ages” until the strait reopened. By April 4, he was telling Iran’s leaders that “time is running out,” and on April 5 he used vulgar language to demand they “open the ****ing strait,” adding that Tuesday would be “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day” in Iran.

On April 6, Trump said he had even “worse” options than the destruction of energy sites and bridges, warning that “the entire country could be taken out in one night.” His latest statement — that a civilization could disappear “tonight” — marks the most extreme version of his threat yet, as the deadline approaches with no sign of a breakthrough.

Apr 07, 2026 at 06:26 PM EDT

China and Russia block Hormuz resolution despite majority support

A Bahrain‑sponsored resolution on safeguarding commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz failed at the U.N. Security Council after China and Russia exercised their veto power, overriding what would otherwise have been enough votes for adoption.

Eleven of the Council’s 15 members supported the measure, with Pakistan and Colombia abstaining. Under Security Council rules, the resolution had more than the required nine votes — but any veto from a permanent member kills a proposal outright.

The original draft invoked Chapter VII, which would have authorized member states to use force to reopen the strait. China and Russia strongly opposed that language, prompting weeks of negotiations and a significant softening of the text. The final version merely encouraged states to coordinate defensive efforts to protect commercial maritime traffic — a major shift from authorizing military action.

Bahrain had hoped the revised language would persuade Beijing and Moscow to abstain. Instead, both countries vetoed the measure, arguing it remained too critical of Iran. Their votes underscored the deep divisions within the Council and reaffirmed their role as reliable diplomatic backers of Tehran.

Apr 07, 2026 at 06:13 PM EDT

Canada urges all sides in Iran war to follow international law

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that every party involved in the Iran conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure cannot be targeted under any circumstances.

“Canada expects all parties in this conflict, in any conflict, to respect international laws, the rules of engagement, and that means not targeting, certainly civilians or civilian infrastructure,” Carney told reporters. He added that Ottawa has delivered this message “publicly and privately.”

Apr 07, 2026 at 06:00 PM EDT

Airstrikes destroy Tehran synagogue, Iranian media says

Overnight airstrikes on Tehran leveled a historic synagogue, Iranian state media reported Tuesday, marking one of the most significant cultural losses since the war began. The Rafi‑Nia Synagogue, home to valuable Torah scrolls and a longstanding center of Jewish life in the capital, was reduced to rubble.

Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, the Jewish community’s representative in Iran’s Parliament, told state broadcaster Press TV that the scrolls are now buried beneath the debris. The semiofficial ISNA news agency said the centuries‑old Torahs were likely severely damaged or destroyed.

Apr 07, 2026 at 05:47 PM EDT

UK reaffirms limits on U.S. use of British bases as Trump threatens massive strikes on Iran

The British government said Tuesday that Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains firm in restricting U.S. use of British military bases to defensive operations only, even as President Donald Trump threatens to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages.”

During a briefing with reporters, Starmer’s spokesman declined to say whether the UK had explicitly warned Washington not to launch strikes on civilian infrastructure—such as bridges or power plants—from British territory. But he made clear that Starmer has not lifted the limits previously placed on American bombers operating from bases including RAF Fairford, where U.S. B‑52 and B‑1 aircraft have been armed for missions into Iran.

Those restrictions have infuriated Trump, who for weeks has accused Starmer of weakness, mocked the capabilities of the British armed forces, and even threatened to pull the United States out of NATO over what he calls insufficient allied support in the war.

Starmer has repeatedly said the UK will not participate in “regime change from the skies,” citing public opposition to repeating the country’s role in the 2003 Iraq War. Still, in an effort to ease tensions with Washington, he has authorized U.S. strikes on Iranian missile launchers targeting British facilities in the Middle East, later expanding that permission to include Iranian forces attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The concessions have not softened Trump’s criticism. On Monday, he compared Starmer to Neville Chamberlain, accusing him of appeasement, and derided the British navy as a fleet of “toys.” He has also argued that European nations should secure the Strait of Hormuz without U.S. assistance.

Meanwhile,

Apr 07, 2026 at 05:34 PM EDT

Rep. Mike Lawler defends Trump’s Iran rhetoric, says threat targets infrastructure — not people

In an interview on CNN News Central, anchor John Berman pressed Rep. Mike Lawler (R‑NY) on President Donald Trump’s latest warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran does not meet U.S. demands before the 8 p.m. deadline.

Lawler repeatedly argued that Trump’s threat should not be taken literally, insisting the president was referring to energy and civilian infrastructure, not the destruction of Iran’s population.

“He is talking about the energy and civilian infrastructure,” Lawler said. “He’s not talking about obliterating innocent people.”

Berman challenged that interpretation, noting Trump’s language about a civilization “never to be brought back again.” Lawler maintained his position, saying the administration’s focus is on crippling Iran’s regime by targeting oil facilities, roads, bridges and other infrastructure if negotiations fail.

Lawler also defended Trump’s legal authority to continue the war, saying Congress had already rejected efforts to limit the president’s military powers. He credited the administration with destroying Iran’s ballistic missile program and naval fleet, and said the remaining issues involve the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s hardened stockpile of enriched uranium.

Pressed again on whether Congress should vote before the U.S. takes action that could “make a whole civilization die,” Lawler accused Berman of “parsing,” reiterating that the threat concerns infrastructure, not people.

With Trump’s deadline hours away, Lawler said the central question is whether the “remaining remnants” of Iran’s leadership will negotiate in good faith.

Apr 07, 2026 at 05:21 PM EDT

Israel confirms strikes on eight bridge sections across Iran

Hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces had hit railways and bridges inside Iran, the Israeli military confirmed on its Telegram channel that it carried out strikes on eight bridge sections it says were used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to move weapons and military equipment.

According to the military, the targeted bridge segments were spread across several key locations, including Tehran, Karaj, Tabriz, Kashan, and Qom. The strikes are part of Israel’s broader campaign to disrupt Iran’s internal transport routes, which it argues are central to the IRGC’s logistics network.

Apr 07, 2026 at 05:08 PM EDT

Sharif reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia after strike on oil facility

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by phone Tuesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity” with the kingdom after a strike on a Saudi oil facility earlier in the day, according to a government statement.

Sharif praised what he called Saudi Arabia’s restraint amid soaring regional tensions and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at de‑escalation. The statement said he commended the “wisdom and sagacity” of the Saudi leadership in managing the crisis.

During the call, Sharif also briefed the crown prince on Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts to ease the broader Middle East conflict. The Saudi leader, the statement added, welcomed Pakistan’s role and appreciated its push for a peaceful resolution.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:55 PM EDT

Qatar warns region near ‘spiral out of control’ as U.S. deadline looms

Qatar cautioned Tuesday that the Middle East is approaching a dangerous tipping point, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al‑Ansari saying the region is “close to a point where the situation could spiral out of control.”

Speaking to CNN, al‑Ansari was asked whether the war could be defused before President Donald Trump’s 8 p.m. ET deadline for Iran to accept a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said Doha has been urging all sides to find a way out of the conflict before it escalates further.

Al‑Ansari stressed that any agreement with Iran must be reached in coordination with all regional actors and “cannot exclude” any partner. Qatar, he said, seeks a settlement that establishes a new regional security framework backed by international guarantees and grounded in international law.

He also clarified that Qatar is not currently mediating between Washington and Tehran, despite its past role in regional diplomacy.

On the status of the Strait of Hormuz, al‑Ansari reiterated that the waterway is not under the control of any single state and should not be used as a tool of leverage by one country.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:42 PM EDT

Iranian diplomats mock Trump online after his expletive-filled strait threat

Iranian diplomatic missions around the world have launched a coordinated wave of online mockery after President Donald Trump issued an expletive‑laden ultimatum demanding that Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on bridges and power plants.

Trump’s April 5 post — shared on Truth Social and X — warned that Tuesday would be “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day” in Iran if the waterway remained closed. The threat followed earlier remarks in which he said Iran would be sent “back to the Stone Ages” unless it agreed to a deal to end the war.

Tehran’s official response was restrained, dismissing the comments as “stupid.” But its embassies took a different approach, unleashing a global, tongue‑in‑cheek campaign aimed at belittling Trump’s rhetoric, mental fitness and language.

The most viral exchange centered on Trump’s demand to “Open the Strait.” The Iranian embassy in Zimbabwe replied: “We’ve lost the keys.” Embassies in South Africa, Bulgaria, and elsewhere piled on, extending the joke with references to hidden keys and even a pointed jab invoking Jeffrey Epstein, whose unsealed files have become a political flashpoint in Washington.

Several missions focused on Trump’s cognitive state. The embassy in South Africa urged U.S. officials to consider the 25th Amendment, while others shared posts from commentators calling Trump’s message “embarrassing.” In London, the Iranian embassy posted a Rumi poem about the danger of giving a sword to a madman, paired with a quote often attributed to Mark Twain.

Other embassies highlighted Trump’s profanity, with the mission in Austria slapping an “18+” warning over his post and reminding Washington that striking civilian infrastructure constitutes a war crime. Political cartoons circulated as well, including depictions of Trump as an emperor and as a delusional Don Quixote.

The online campaign comes as the region braces for Trump’s deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by early Wednesday. With tensions at their highest point in years, Iran’s diplomats appear intent on using humor to deflate the U.S. president’s threats — even as the stakes continue to rise.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:41 PM EDT

Rubio, Cooper discuss Iran’s regional attacks and Hormuz blockade, State Department says

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke Tuesday with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper about Iran’s escalating attacks across the Middle East and the growing strain on global energy routes, according to the State Department.

Deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the two diplomats focused on Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point that normally carries a significant share of the world’s oil shipments. Rubio and Cooper discussed what the department described as the urgent need for international coordination to keep commercial shipping moving and ensure energy supplies reach global markets.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:39 PM EDT

Only 10 ships passed through Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, far below normal levels

Just 10 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to new data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, underscoring how sharply traffic has collapsed amid the war in Iran. While not the lowest point of the conflict — several days in March saw zero transits — the figure remains a tiny fraction of the strait’s usual activity. Before the war, roughly 150 ships a day moved through the vital chokepoint.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:29 PM EDT

Pentagon expands Iran target list as pressure builds over war strategy: Report

The Pentagon is broadening the list of Iranian energy facilities it considers eligible for strikes, adding sites that supply fuel and electricity to both civilians and the military, according to multiple defense officials who spoke with Politico. The shift reflects an effort to maintain pressure on Tehran while avoiding accusations that the United States is deliberately targeting purely civilian infrastructure.

Officials say the revised list is emerging as U.S. and Israeli aircraft search for new targets after more than five weeks of near‑continuous strikes and as American ground forces surge into the region. By focusing on “dual‑use” facilities, planners argue the sites can be legally justified under the laws of war.

President Donald Trump has grown increasingly constrained as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to rattle the global economy and as the U.S. runs out of high‑value military targets. He has publicly threatened to destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran if Tehran does not reach a deal by Tuesday evening — a move that would raise serious legal and humanitarian concerns.

Inside the Pentagon, officials have debated how far the dual‑use rationale can stretch, particularly regarding facilities such as water desalination plants that serve both civilians and the military. The U.S. has already struck more than 13,000 targets in Iran, according to U.S. Central Command.

The White House has defended the expanded planning. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Pentagon’s job is to give the president “maximum optionality,” adding that Iran has until 8 p.m. Eastern time to reach an agreement or face devastating consequences.

Trump has argued that Iranians would support attacks on their own energy infrastructure in pursuit of political change, a claim critics reject. The Council on American‑Islamic Relations condemned the threats as “reckless” and showing disregard for civilian life.

Legal experts note that international humanitarian law allows strikes on dual‑use facilities under strict conditions, but warn that the line between military necessity and unlawful targeting can quickly blur. Oversight has also weakened: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sharply reduced the Pentagon offices responsible for minimizing civilian harm and cut the number of military lawyers who review targeting decisions.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:16 PM EDT

Lebanon death toll climbs past 1,500 as fighting with Hezbollah intensifies

More than 1,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since fighting erupted between Israel and Hezbollah last month, according to figures released by the country’s health ministry. The ministry said 1,530 people have died so far, including 102 women, 130 children, and 57 paramedics.

The number of Hezbollah fighters killed remains unclear, as the group has not provided updated casualty figures. More than 4,800 people have been wounded, and the conflict has displaced over 1 million residents, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

Israel says 11 of its soldiers have been killed in the cross‑border fighting.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:03 PM EDT

Iran may be proving Trump right—and that’s the problem

At first glance, Iran’s response to President Donald Trump’s threats of unprecedented destruction looks like defiance. Deadlines have passed. Tehran has not visibly folded. The war has not ended on Washington’s terms.

But that reading may be misleading. Iran is behaving less like a regime calling Trump’s bluff than one carefully avoiding it.

That points to a more uncomfortable possibility: Trump’s core strategic bet may be working abroad while becoming harder to sustain at home.

Trump has long embraced unpredictability as strategy, to keep opponents off-balance, whether in real estate or geopolitics.

In the Iran conflict, that instinct has hardened into something closer to doctrine: shifting ultimatums, maximalist threats, intermittent appeals to diplomacy and deliberate ambiguity about escalation.

This approach is often described as a modern version of the Cold War-era “madman theory,” the idea that adversaries concede when they believe a leader may act beyond conventional limits.

The latest deadline for Tehran—presented by Trump as final—embodies that logic: make a deal or risk devastating consequences for critical infrastructure.

Iran’s response suggests the theory is working.

Tehran has absorbed strikes, calibrated retaliation, and avoided actions that could trigger full regional escalation. At the same time, it has signaled openness to diplomacy through intermediaries.

Rather than daring Washington to act, Iranian leaders, despite rhetorical bombast, appear focused on not crossing an unknowable red line while preserving a path to negotiation.

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Apr 07, 2026 at 03:50 PM EDT

WATCH: CIA director says US deployed top-secret technology to rescue airman in Iran

Apr 07, 2026 at 03:37 PM EDT

Pakistan fears Saudi strike could derail Iran–U.S. diplomacy: Report

Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership is scrambling to keep alive a potential diplomatic opening between the United States, Israel, and Iran, but a senior Pakistani security source says a strike on key infrastructure in Saudi Arabia early Tuesday may have sharply reduced the chances of progress.

The source told CNN that Field Marshal Asim Munir, who maintains a close working relationship with President Donald Trump, is personally involved in efforts to sustain dialogue. But the attack on Saudi energy facilities — blamed on Iranian missiles and drones — has raised fears that any Saudi retaliation could collapse the process entirely and even draw Pakistan into the conflict under its mutual defense treaty with Riyadh.

“There are now concerns after Saudi Arabia was targeted that this could compromise the entire process,” the source said, adding that Islamabad is “very concerned about what will happen if Saudis retaliate.”

Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned the overnight strikes, mourning the loss of life and denouncing the damage to vital infrastructure. Saudi authorities have released few details, saying only that 18 drones were intercepted.

Pakistan has been serving as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran in recent weeks, relaying proposals and urging Iran to enter talks without preconditions. But with tensions rising, officials warn the window for diplomacy may be narrowing.

Apr 07, 2026 at 03:24 PM EDT

Schumer urges Republicans to reject Trump’s expanding Iran war

Sen. Chuck Schumer is intensifying pressure on Republicans to oppose President Donald Trump’s escalating military campaign against Iran, warning that lawmakers who refuse to act will bear responsibility for the consequences.

Schumer, a New York Democrat, has joined colleagues in forcing votes on measures that would bar Trump from launching additional strikes on Iran without explicit congressional authorization. Only a small number of Republicans have supported those efforts so far.

In a message posted on social media, Schumer said that any Republican who declines to vote “against this wanton war of choice owns every consequence” of Trump’s decisions. His remarks come as the administration threatens further attacks and Congress remains sharply divided over how to rein in presidential war powers.

Apr 07, 2026 at 03:11 PM EDT

Spain says Trump’s NATO threats pushing Europe toward new security plans

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Tuesday that recent U.S. criticism of NATO allies — along with President Donald Trump’s threat to withdraw from the alliance — is forcing European governments to consider alternative security arrangements.

The tension follows Europe’s refusal to send naval forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the start of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran. Trump’s response, suggesting he may pull the United States out of NATO, has plunged the alliance into uncertainty.

Albares told Spain’s La Sexta TV that the decision ultimately rests with Washington, but he emphasized that NATO allies stood with the United States after the September 11 attacks, underscoring the alliance’s history of mutual support. He said the U.S. administration’s recent statements are prompting Europe to rethink its own defense posture.

“NATO is a mutually beneficial alliance for both Europeans and Americans,” he said, adding that the shifting U.S. stance is pushing Europe to “take a leap” in strengthening its own sovereignty and security capabilities. “We must take our citizens’ security and dissuasion into our own hands,” he said.

Apr 07, 2026 at 02:58 PM EDT

Pakistani sources warn Iran–U.S. dialogue at risk after Saudi strikes: Reuters

Two Pakistani sources familiar with ongoing efforts to broker dialogue between the United States and Iran say the fragile process is now in jeopardy following Iran’s overnight strike on Saudi industrial facilities linked to U.S. companies.

One source, a senior security official, said the attack threatens to derail the indirect talks Pakistan has been facilitating. If Saudi Arabia chooses to retaliate, the source warned, negotiations would collapse entirely — and Pakistan could be pulled into the conflict under its defense pact with Riyadh.

A second source described Iran as “walking on thin ice,” adding that the next three to four hours would be critical in determining whether dialogue can continue.

Pakistan has served as the primary intermediary in recent weeks, passing proposals between Washington and Tehran, but there has been no sign of a breakthrough. According to the security official, Iran has shown some recent flexibility about joining talks, while simultaneously insisting on hard preconditions.

He said Islamabad is urging Tehran to enter negotiations without prior demands, hoping to preserve what remains of the diplomatic track as regional tensions escalate.

Apr 07, 2026 at 02:50 PM EDT

Pope condemns Trump’s warning to Iran as deadline nears

Pope Francis sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s latest threat to “destroy an entire Iranian civilization,” calling the language “truly unacceptable” as the U.S. deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches.

Apr 07, 2026 at 02:45 PM EDT

Mishustin says Middle East turmoil creates openings for Russia but domestic prices come first

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Tuesday that global supply disruptions caused by the Middle East war have created new trade openings for Moscow, even as he stressed that protecting domestic price stability remains the government’s top priority.

Speaking at a government meeting, Mishustin said the conflict has tightened global supplies of key commodities, giving Russia — the world’s second‑largest oil exporter, the largest wheat exporter, and a major supplier of fertilizers — an economic advantage. He argued that the current environment offers opportunities to strengthen export‑oriented industries and boost budget revenues.

Mishustin noted that Russia is well positioned to increase shipments of resources that have become scarce or could soon face shortages, including food‑related supplies. He also pointed to disruptions in global markets for urea, sulfur, and helium, all of which Russia produces in significant quantities.

Despite the potential windfall, Mishustin said the government must shield Russian consumers from external shocks. He cited recent bans on gasoline and nitrogen fertilizer exports as examples of measures designed to keep domestic prices in check.

“Our top priority remains protecting the domestic market,” he said.

Apr 07, 2026 at 02:32 PM EDT

Israel says it struck eight bridges across Iran as rail warnings intensify

The Israeli military said Tuesday it carried out strikes on eight bridges across Iran, describing the operation as part of its campaign to disrupt the country’s transportation network. While the military did not identify the specific locations, a graphic released alongside the announcement indicated the bridges were concentrated in northwestern Iran.

Earlier in the day, Iranian state media reported that at least three people were killed when a railway bridge in central Iran was hit in a separate strike. The incident came just hours after the Israeli military warned Iranians to avoid train travel nationwide until Tuesday evening, citing ongoing operations targeting rail infrastructure.

Apr 07, 2026 at 02:19 PM EDT

Iran, U.S. continue indirect messaging as Tehran warns of regional fallout

A senior Iranian source says Tehran and Washington are still exchanging messages through Pakistan, even as the two sides publicly insist the other must shift its position before any talks can begin.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Iran will not show flexibility “as long as Washington continues to demand its surrender under pressure.” He added that Qatar relayed a message on Monday warning that if the United States strikes Iran’s power plants, “the entire region and Saudi Arabia will fall into complete darkness with Iran’s retaliatory strikes.”

According to the source, the U.S. priority remains the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has refused to do “in exchange for empty promises.” He also cautioned that if the conflict escalates further, Iran’s allies could move to close the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait

Apr 07, 2026 at 02:06 PM EDT

Israeli forces, settlers escalate West Bank actions as global focus stays on Iran War

While international attention remains fixed on the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran, Israeli forces and settlers continued a wave of raids and confrontations across the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to reports from the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

In the Nablus area, Israeli forces detained eight Palestinians during overnight operations. Troops also moved into Tubas, deploying military vehicles throughout several neighborhoods. In Silwan, south of Al‑Aqsa Mosque, two Palestinian brothers were compelled by Israeli authorities to demolish their own homes.

Settler groups carried out multiple incursions as well, including a raid on the shrine of Prophet Ghaith in Deir Ammar near Ramallah. Other settler groups entered the al‑Jarba area near Arrabeh, as well as the villages of Masliya and Raba south of Jenin, and the town of Zababdeh, where they vandalized Palestinian property.

Israeli forces also detained five Palestinians — including a child — during a raid on Beit Ummar north of Hebron, and arrested another young man from Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem, later setting up a military checkpoint at the city’s northern entrance.

Apr 07, 2026 at 01:53 PM EDT

U.S. gas prices rise again as Iran war pushes market toward crisis levels

The average price of a gallon of U.S. regular gas rose another 2 cents on Tuesday, reaching $4.14, according to AAA. Prices are now up 39% since the start of the war in Iran, extending a nearly uninterrupted climb that began on March 1.

Last week, the national average crossed $4 for the first time since 2022. Since early March, pump prices have fallen only three times — each by such a tiny fraction of a cent that the daily average remained unchanged when rounded.

The latest increase comes as President Donald Trump warns he will order strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. The strait, closed since the war began, normally carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Oil futures were only slightly higher Tuesday morning as traders waited to see whether Trump would enforce the deadline or reverse course, as he has at earlier points in the conflict — reversals that triggered sharp drops in crude prices.

Although the United States imports relatively little Middle Eastern oil, the strait’s closure has roiled global commodity markets that ultimately set U.S. fuel prices. Even if the waterway reopens and crude prices fall, analysts say it could take weeks before relief reaches drivers at the pump.

Apr 07, 2026 at 01:40 PM EDT

Pakistan’s military warns Saudi attacks threaten fragile diplomacy

Pakistan’s military voiced support on Tuesday for government‑led efforts to end the widening Middle East conflict, urging restraint as it condemned recent strikes on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical and industrial sites.

The comments followed a meeting of senior commanders chaired by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to a statement from the military. The forum described the attacks on Saudi facilities as an “unnecessary escalation” that risks undermining ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

Commanders noted that Saudi Arabia’s restraint, “despite grave provocations,” has helped sustain space for mediation and dialogue. Continued strikes, they warned, could damage the “conducive environment” required for negotiations and derail attempts to steer the crisis toward a peaceful resolution.

Apr 07, 2026 at 01:27 PM EDT

WATCH: Donald Trump reacts to ‘war crimes’ accusations over his Iran threats

Apr 07, 2026 at 01:14 PM EDT

Netanyahu says strikes targeted IRGC weapons transport network

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that recent Israeli strikes inside Iran were approved in coordination with Defense Minister Israel Katz and were aimed at disrupting what Israel claims is an IRGC‑run system for moving weapons‑related materials.

In a statement released by his office, Netanyahu asserted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been using targeted sites to transport components used in weapons production. He emphasized that the operation was directed at the Iranian government and its military apparatus, not civilians.

“This is no longer the same Iran, nor is it the same Israel. We are changing the balance of power from one end to the other,” Netanyahu said.

Apr 07, 2026 at 01:01 PM EDT

Marjorie Taylor Green condemns Trump’s threat to ‘destroy a whole civilization’

Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green, who once stood among President Donald Trump’s strongest defenders in the House, has sharply denounced his latest threat to wipe out “a whole civilization” in Iran, calling the rhetoric dangerous and unacceptable.

“Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness,” she wrote on X, urging members of the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

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Apr 07, 2026 at 12:48 PM EDT

Why Kharg Island matters as reports of new explosions emerge

As Iranian media reports fresh explosions on Kharg Island, analysts are once again pointing to why the tiny outpost is one of the most strategically sensitive locations in the region.

Though only about a third the size of Manhattan, Kharg is the backbone of Iran’s oil economy, handling roughly 90% of the country’s crude exports. Positioned at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, it sits close to Iran’s major oil fields and far from the Strait of Hormuz, yet remains central to the country’s export system.

Millions of barrels of crude from fields such as Ahvaz, Marun, and Gachsaran flow daily through pipelines to the island, long nicknamed the “Forbidden Island” because of its heavy military restrictions. Its deep‑water jetties allow supertankers to dock, making it indispensable for global energy flows.

Kharg also holds vast storage capacity — estimated at around 30 million barrels — with roughly 18 million barrels currently stored there, according to data cited by Reuters.

The island has already been the focus of major military action. Last month, President Donald Trump said the U.S. carried out one of the most powerful bombing raids in the region’s history, destroying military assets while avoiding oil infrastructure. U.S. officials have also weighed whether seizing the island could pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In recent weeks, Iran has reinforced Kharg with additional troops, air defenses, and defensive measures, anticipating the possibility of a U.S. operation.

Apr 07, 2026 at 12:35 PM EDT

U.S. oil prices double in 2026 as Kharg Island strike fuels market shock

U.S. oil prices have now doubled since the start of 2026, surging to levels not seen in years after the United States struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key hub for the country’s oil exports.

U.S. crude rose another 3% in recent trading to about $116 a barrel, briefly touching $116.56. Prices had been relatively steady earlier in the day before Iranian media reported explosions on the island, prompting an immediate market reaction.

A U.S. official told CNN that the strikes were aimed at military sites only, not oil infrastructure. Even so, the operation rattled traders already on edge over the widening conflict and the threat of further disruptions to global supply.

At the start of the year, U.S. oil futures were trading near $57 a barrel. The roughly 102% jump since then underscores the scale of the supply crisis triggered by the escalating confrontation with Iran and the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil transit route.

Apr 07, 2026 at 12:22 PM EDT

IRGC claims strikes on Saudi petrochemical sites in retaliation for Shiraz attack

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has carried out attacks on petrochemical facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail region, framing the operation as retaliation for earlier Israeli strikes on a petrochemical plant in Shiraz.

According to the IRGC, the targets included sites operated by what it described as American companies in Jubail — naming Sadra, ExxonMobil, and Dark Chemical — which it said were hit with a combination of missiles and drones. The group also claimed to have struck a petrochemical complex in Juaymah belonging to the U.S.-based firm Shourdan Phillips using medium‑range weapons.

Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that any U.S. attack on Iranian power plants, bridges, or other civilian infrastructure would prompt a reciprocal response across the region. Those threats intensified after President Donald Trump set a Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face expanded U.S. strikes.

Apr 07, 2026 at 12:09 PM EDT

Strike on Tehran’s Grand Bazaar kills one, damages historic market

A strike on Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on Tuesday killed at least one person and destroyed several shops, according to Jalal Maleki, a spokesperson for the city’s fire department, in comments carried by Iranian state media. Authorities have not yet identified who carried out the attack.

The Grand Bazaar, a vast commercial hub stretching for miles through central Tehran, is one of the city’s most iconic and heavily trafficked sites. Its dense network of covered corridors houses thousands of shops and has long been a symbol of the capital’s economic and cultural life.

Iran previously notified UNESCO that earlier U.S.–Israeli strikes had damaged parts of the historic complex, as well as the nearby Golestan Palace, a World Heritage site.

Apr 07, 2026 at 12:03 PM EDT

Iran confirms no damage to Kharg Island oil facilities after overnight strike

Iranian media reported Tuesday that Kharg Island’s oil infrastructure remains intact, confirming earlier statements from a U.S. official that the latest attack did not affect the country’s critical export terminals.

The semiofficial Mehr News Agency, citing local sources, said the situation on the island is “under control” and that no infrastructure sites were damaged. It added that operations at Kharg’s oil facilities continue without disruption.

Kharg Island is Iran’s most important energy hub, handling the vast majority of its crude exports. The site has been a focal point of concern throughout the conflict, with analysts warning that any significant damage could further destabilize global oil markets.

Apr 07, 2026 at 12:02 PM EDT

China vetoes Bahrain’s Hormuz shipping resolution at U.N. Security Council

China on Tuesday vetoed a Bahraini‑drafted U.N. Security Council resolution that urged countries to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, blocking the measure despite broad support from other members.

The 15‑member Council voted 11 in favor, two against, and two abstentions, but the resolution failed because a permanent member cast a negative vote.

“The draft resolution has not been adopted, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Council,” Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said after the vote.

Apr 07, 2026 at 11:56 AM EDT

Israeli strikes target Iran’s transport network, source says

Israel is striking transportation routes across Iran, including major highways, rail lines, and bridges, according to an Israeli source cited by CNN. The source said Israel views these corridors as key channels used by Iran to move ammunition, missiles, and launch systems by truck.

The intensified campaign comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a public warning on Tuesday, urging Iranians to avoid train travel nationwide, citing ongoing military activity and potential risks to rail infrastructure.

Apr 07, 2026 at 11:43 AM EDT

Israel, U.S. condemn armed attack near Israeli consulate in Istanbul

Israel and the United States sharply condemned an attack near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, after a gunman was killed and two others were injured in a shootout with Turkish police.

In a statement, Israel’s foreign ministry called the incident a “terrorist attack” and praised Turkish authorities for their rapid intervention. “We appreciate the Turkish security forces’ swift action in thwarting this attack,” the ministry said, adding that Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide face persistent threats. “Terror will not deter us.”

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack also denounced the assault, saying his government condemns it “in the strongest terms.” He described attacks on diplomatic facilities as assaults on the international system itself, commending Turkish forces for their “decisive response.”

Apr 07, 2026 at 11:30 AM EDT

Qatar airs footage of undetonated Iranian drone neutralized over its territory

State broadcaster Al Araby TV Qatar has aired new footage showing Qatar’s Ministry of Interior responding to the aftermath of recent Iranian attacks, including the safe neutralization of an undetonated Iranian drone discovered over Qatari territory.

The video, shared by Doha News, shows security teams securing the site and handling the drone as part of broader emergency operations following multiple projectiles launched at the country.

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Apr 07, 2026 at 11:17 AM EDT

Qatari spokesperson warns diplomatic window is ‘rapidly closing’

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al‑Ansari warned on Tuesday that the region is approaching a dangerous tipping point, saying the opportunity for a diplomatic resolution is “rapidly closing” as hostilities intensify.

“We are close to the point where the situation in the region could spiral out of control,” he said, stressing that the prolonged conflict benefits no state. “There are no winners if this war continues.”

Al‑Ansari condemned recent strikes on essential services, saying that “attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure by any party should not be accepted.” He also addressed rising tensions over regional waterways, including the world’s most critical oil transit route.

“Hormuz is a natural strait, not a canal, and all countries in the region have the right to use it freely,” he said.

Apr 07, 2026 at 11:04 AM EDT

Pakistan says U.S.–Iran back-channel efforts still alive as deadline looms: Report

Efforts to broker dialogue between the United States and Iran are continuing despite intensifying strikes and a fast‑approaching deadline set by President Donald Trump, according to two Pakistani sources who spoke with Reuters.

Pakistan has emerged as one of the few channels of communication between the two sides, with its military and diplomatic officials working to keep talks alive.

Apr 07, 2026 at 10:59 AM EDT

U.S. Embassy in Bahrain orders Americans to shelter in place as strikes continue

The U.S. Embassy in Manama has directed all American government employees in Bahrain to shelter in place and is urging U.S. citizens across the country to do the same, according to a State Department alert posted on X.

The guidance instructs individuals to stay inside secure structures, avoid windows, and ensure they have adequate supplies of food, water, medications and other essentials. The embassy has also suspended all routine consular services amid the heightened threat environment.

Bahrain has been struck multiple times during the ongoing war with Iran. The island nation — linked to Saudi Arabia by causeway — hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet

Apr 07, 2026 at 10:51 AM EDT

WATCH: Pete Hegseth claims ‘largest volume of strikes on Iran’ imminent

Apr 07, 2026 at 10:47 AM EDT

Iranians form human chains to protect infrastructure after Trump threats

Crowds across Iran gathered on Tuesday to form human chains around bridges and power plants after President Donald Trump threatened to destroy key infrastructure unless Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz, according to images and videos shared by state and local media.

Many demonstrators waved the Iranian flag or held posters of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader killed in the opening days of the U.S.–Israeli war. In Kermanshah, photos from the semiofficial Mehr news agency showed protesters outside a power plant holding a banner declaring that attacks on electricity infrastructure constitute a war crime. Farther north, outside the Semnan power plant, crowds chanted “Death to America. Death to Israel,” according to footage posted by the reformist newspaper Shargh.

Iran’s government has organized rallies throughout the conflict, though it remains unclear whether Tuesday’s demonstrations were spontaneous or state‑directed.

Apr 07, 2026 at 10:44 AM EDT

White House says Vance did not suggest nuclear use in Iran threat

The Trump administration moved quickly on Tuesday to clarify Vice President JD Vance’s remarks after President Donald Trump warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran refuses to meet U.S. demands.

In a statement posted on X, the government said “nothing” Vance said implies the use of nuclear weapons, pushing back on speculation that the vice president had endorsed or hinted at such an option.

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Apr 07, 2026 at 10:38 AM EDT

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns it will match any U.S. strike

Iranian state‑linked outlets are amplifying a new statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which warned that it will retaliate directly if the United States carries out strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure.

The warning comes as President Donald Trump says he is prepared to hit power plants, bridges, and other non‑military sites within hours unless Iran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping corridor.

According to the IRGC statement, any U.S. attack on civilian facilities would trigger a response aimed at depriving America and its regional partners of “oil and gas for many years.” The group also claimed U.S. leaders were underestimating the range of Iranian forces and said retaliation would not be confined to the Middle East if Washington crossed what it called Iran’s “red lines.”

Apr 07, 2026 at 10:35 AM EDT

Global powers weigh options as Hormuz crisis deepens

The looming deadline set by President Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has drawn urgent attention from governments worldwide, many of which rely on the waterway for energy supplies. With Iran showing no sign of easing its blockade, military planners from more than three dozen countries were expected to meet Tuesday to discuss how to secure shipping lanes once the conflict subsides.

The United States is not participating in the meeting, hosted by Britain, but several Western and Gulf nations have already condemned Iran’s disruption of maritime traffic and the escalating attacks on civilian infrastructure. A separate virtual gathering last week brought together representatives from over 40 countries, who jointly criticized the widening humanitarian toll.

Amid the diplomatic activity, Iran and the United States have exchanged proposals through mediators. Tehran’s 10‑point plan seeks protection from future attacks and an end to Israeli operations against Hezbollah, while offering to reopen the strait and levy a shipping fee to fund reconstruction. Trump acknowledged the proposal as progress but said it remains insufficient.

Countries facing energy shortages are watching closely. Japan’s prime minister told lawmakers she intends to open direct talks with Iran, while Italy has proposed a U.N.-backed humanitarian corridor to prevent shortages of essential goods.

As the deadline approaches, the gap between the two sides remains wide — but the flurry of diplomatic engagement suggests that the search for an off‑ramp is far from over.

Apr 07, 2026 at 10:22 AM EDT

Pakistan steps into center stage as U.S.–Iran talks stall

As the United States and Iran edge closer to a potential confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan has emerged as the most active mediator attempting to bridge the divide. President Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the waterway expires Tuesday evening, and neither side has publicly softened its position.

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has become a key intermediary, relaying messages between Washington and Tehran. Officials familiar with the talks say Munir maintains strong ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, giving him unusual access at a moment of heightened mistrust.

Tehran’s newly announced 10‑point plan, delivered through Pakistan, calls for security guarantees and an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah. In exchange, Iran would lift its blockade and impose a shared shipping fee with Oman to fund reconstruction. The United States has not released details of its own earlier proposal, though officials say it addressed nuclear issues and maritime security.

While Trump described Iran’s latest offer as meaningful, he insisted it does not meet U.S. requirements. Pakistan and several regional partners have also proposed a 45‑day cease-fire, but Iran has rejected the idea, and the White House says Trump has not approved it.

Apr 07, 2026 at 10:19 AM EDT

UN Security Council to vote on softened Hormuz resolution

The UN Security Council is set to vote at 11 a.m. Tuesday on a Bahrain‑sponsored resolution addressing the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, after key provisions authorizing military force were removed to avoid a veto, diplomats say.

The original draft sought explicit approval for action against Iran to reopen the waterway, which has been effectively closed since the start of the U.S.–Israeli war with Tehran. That language faced firm resistance from China and Russia, prompting negotiators to scale it back.

The revised text now strongly encourages countries with major interests in the strait to coordinate defensive efforts to keep the channel open, rather than granting any mandate for force.

Apr 07, 2026 at 10:09 AM EDT

Diplomatic paths emerge as Trump’s Strait deadline nears

With only hours left before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, both governments are signaling that negotiations remain possible even as tensions escalate. Trump has warned that failure to lift the blockade could trigger U.S. strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, a threat that has drawn international concern.

Despite the standoff, each side has floated proposals that could form the basis of talks. Iranian state media reported Monday that Tehran submitted a 10‑point plan through Pakistan, seeking guarantees against future attacks and an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah. In return, Iran would reopen the strait and impose a transit fee of roughly $2 million per ship, shared with Oman, to help rebuild damaged infrastructure.

Trump called the proposal “a significant step” but said it fell short of U.S. expectations. Washington is also pursuing its own diplomatic track, with Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner involved in discussions. Iran has indicated it is willing to attend talks in Islamabad, even after rejecting a previous 15‑point U.S. plan.

Mediation efforts are being led by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who has maintained communication with both sides. Regional powers including Egypt and Turkey have also urged Iran to engage constructively.

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:56 AM EDT

US strikes hit Kharg Island but avoid oil sites, Vance says

Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the United States carried out strikes on Kharg Island, describing them as limited attacks on military positions rather than a shift in broader strategy toward Iran.

Vance said the operation focused solely on designated military targets. “We were going to strike some military targets on Kharg Island, and I believe we have done so,” he said, emphasizing that the administration has not moved to hit energy infrastructure.

He added that any decision to target Iran’s civilian or industrial sites hinges on whether Tehran presents a proposal Washington considers viable. “We’re not going to strike energy and infrastructure targets until the Iranians either make a proposal that we can get behind or don’t make a proposal,” he said.

Vance stressed that the Kharg Island strikes should not be interpreted as a strategic pivot. “I don’t think the news in Kharg Island represents a change in strategy, or represents any change from the President of the United States,” he said.

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:43 AM EDT

Vance says U.S. has met most war goals, predicts conflict will end ‘very shortly’

Vice President JD Vance said the United States has “largely accomplished its military objectives” in the war and echoed President Donald Trump’s assertion that the conflict is nearing its end. Speaking while traveling in Hungary, Vance said the administration expects the war to conclude “very shortly,” though he stressed that “the nature of the conclusion is ultimately up to the Iranians.”

He outlined one possible outcome in which Iran agrees to a deal before Trump’s Tuesday deadline. If no agreement is reached, Vance said, “We are going to find out” what follows.

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:36 AM EDT

Macron says two French citizens detained in Iran are returning home

President Emmanuel Macron announced that Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French nationals held in Iran for more than three years, have left the country and are on their way back to France. The pair had been convicted on espionage charges that French officials repeatedly dismissed as unfounded.

Kohler and Paris were released from prison in November but remained at the French embassy in Tehran while negotiations continued. Macron said their departure was made possible through sustained diplomatic efforts.

“We would like to thank the Omani authorities for their mediation efforts, as well as the government agencies and citizens who worked tirelessly to facilitate their return,” he wrote on social media.

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:33 AM EDT

Vance appears to confirm Kharg Island strike targeted only military sites

Vice President JD Vance said his understanding is that the United States carried out a limited strike on Kharg Island, aimed solely at military positions.

Responding to a question about the reported operation, Vance said, “My understanding is that we were to strike some military targets on Kharg Island. I believe we’ve done so.”

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:30 AM EDT

Iran halts train services on two major rail lines after Israeli warning

Iranian authorities have suspended operations on the Southern and Zagros railway lines until further notice, according to state media reports on Tuesday. The shutdown affects two of the country’s key transport corridors and comes amid heightened regional tensions.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military issued a public warning urging people in Iran to avoid traveling by train until 9 p.m. local time, citing unspecified security concerns. The rare advisory from Israel was followed within hours by Iran’s announcement of the service halt.

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:19 AM EDT

Vance predicts intense diplomacy ahead of Trump’s deadline on Iran

Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that he expects “a lot of negotiation” in the final hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face U.S. strikes on civilian infrastructure.

Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Vance said the administration would soon learn whether Iran is prepared to accept terms the White House considers acceptable. “The president has set a deadline for about 12 hours from now in the United States, we’re going to find out,” he said, adding that he remains hopeful diplomacy can produce “a good resolution.”

Around the same time, Trump posted a stark message on his Truth Social platform, warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” a statement that echoed earlier threats to destroy Iran’s power grid, bridges, and other critical sites. He has repeatedly dismissed concerns that such actions could constitute war crimes under international law.

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:17 AM EDT

Sharjah says Iranian missile strike injures two in telecom facility incident

Authorities in Sharjah say they are responding to an incident involving an Iranian ballistic missile that struck an administrative building belonging to a telecommunications company.

According to the emirate’s government media office, two Pakistani nationals sustained moderate injuries when the missile hit the site. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment as emergency teams secured the area and assessed the damage.

Apr 07, 2026 at 09:04 AM EDT

Hezbollah says fighters clashing with Israeli forces near Bint Jbeil

Hezbollah says its fighters are engaged in intense clashes with an Israeli force on the eastern outskirts of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, describing the confrontation as ongoing and “violent.”

In a statement, the group said its units were using light and medium weapons alongside rocket fire and artillery shells as Israeli troops pushed toward the area.

The Israeli military reported earlier that 36 soldiers have been injured in Lebanon over the past two days amid escalating ground operations and cross‑border fire.

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:39 AM EDT

Trump: ‘A whole civilization will die tonight’

President Trump has said a "whole civilization will die tonight," appearing to confirm Iranian and American officials have not reached a deal as Trump's deadline for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz nears.

Trump said in a post to Truth Social on Tuesday: "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!"

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:17 AM EDT

29 ships passed through Strait of Hormuz in last two days: Iranian media

At total of 29 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 48 hours "with Iranian permission," according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.

Less than half a day now remains until Trump's deadline for Iran to fully reopen the vital waterway. Some ships from countries Iran doesn't consider aligned with the U.S. or Israel have passed through the strait in recent days, although still far fewer than the total number of vessels that typically transit through the area.

Apr 07, 2026 at 08:10 AM EDT

Iran’s Kharg Island hit: Reports

Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency is now reporting that multiple strikes have hit Iran's Kharg Island, which is vital for Iran's oil exports in the Gulf and for the country's economy.

An anonymous U.S. official had reportedly told the Axios outlet the U.S. military targeted the island on Tuesday.

Apr 07, 2026 at 06:49 AM EDT

Bahrain gives updated figures on Iranian drone, missile intercepts

Bahrain's military has just published new figures, saying the Gulf state has intercepted a total of 188 missiles and 477 drones since the start of the war on February 28.

This is an increase of 9 drones since the kingdom's Monday update.

Apr 07, 2026 at 06:10 AM EDT

US denies Iranian claim it targeted US ship

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, has said an Iranian claim that a missile attack forced one of its ships to move toward the southern Indian Ocean is false.

"The USS Tripoli was not subjected to any attack and continues sailing in the Arabian Sea," CENTCOM said.

The USS Tripoli is an amphibious assault ship, which is essentially a small aircraft carrier ferrying troops, helicopters and advanced fighter jets to an area. The Tripoli is one of several ships that travel with the U.S.'s 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, made up of thousands of Marines currently deployed in the Middle East.

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Apr 07, 2026 at 05:32 AM EDT

Why are Iran’s petrochemical plants war targets?

Israel has said it has targeted three Iranian petrochemical sites in a handful of days, including the country's largest facility.

Israel says it has targeted complexes in the southwestern city of Shiraz, southern area of Asaluyeh and in Mahshahr, western Iran, since Saturday.

Petrochemicals are key for Iran to be able to make explosives and design its ballistic missiles. Petrochemicals are also widely used across most industries.

Apr 07, 2026 at 05:12 AM EDT

Israel warns Iranians not to travel by train on Tuesday

The Israeli military's Farsi-language page has issued an "urgent warning" to Iranians travelling by train or near railway infrastructure to stay away from the transport links until 9 p.m. local time (12:30 p.m. ET).

"Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life," the IDF said.

Publicly-available warnings are typically published by the IDF ahead of strikes on a particular area where civilians could be in harm's way.

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Apr 07, 2026 at 04:57 AM EDT

Iranian attacks target UAE overnight

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said its air defenses were shooting down incoming Iranian drones and both ballistic and cruise missiles overnight into Tuesday.

Emirati authorities did not specify how many drones and missiles targeted the country.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:45 AM EDT

Saudi Arabia reports new drone, missile attacks

Saudi authorities say the Gulf state intercepted 18 drones over its territory in the past few hours.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the kingdom's defense ministry had said air defenses destroyed seven Iranian ballistic missiles launched toward the east of the country.

The debris from the ballistic missiles fell around energy sites, with officials assessing the damage, Riyadh said.

Apr 07, 2026 at 04:33 AM EDT

Israel attacks Iranian petrochemical plant

Israel's military has said it attacked another Iranian petrochemical site, this time in the southwestern city of Shiraz.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the facility was used to produce nitric acid, which Iran uses to make explosives and is key for its ballistic missile programs.

Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, had said on Sunday the IDF had "powerfully struck the largest petrochemical facility in Iran," identified as a site in the southern city of Asaluyeh.

The previous day, Israel struck a petrochemical site in Mahshahr, part of western Iran close to its border with Iraq.

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