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The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement aimed at extending their fragile ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, though major uncertainties remain as Israel continues military operations and refuses to pull back from occupied territory in Lebanon. Details of the understanding were not immediately made public. The deal is expected to allow the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global energy supplies. Iran, however, said the agreement would only take effect after it is formally signed, which Pakistan, acting as a key mediator, said would happen on Friday in Switzerland. Despite the announcement, the agreement quickly faced obstacles. Israel’s ongoing fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon continued, including Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday. Israel joined the US in launching the war on February 28. In its first response after the deal was announced, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not withdraw from territories it has seized in Lebanon under any interim arrangement. He said Israel intends to remain in occupied areas in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip indefinitely. Iran has linked progress on the deal to an end to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Katz also warned that any Iranian attack in response to Israeli strikes would trigger a strong Israeli retaliation. Over the past two and a half years, Israel has taken control of roughly 1,000 square kilometres of territory across Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, an area slightly smaller than New York City. The agreement between the US and Iran also sets a 60-day timeline to address Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its nuclear programme, a long-standing point of dispute. The issue had earlier been addressed in the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew during President Donald Trump’s first term, worsening tensions that later escalated into conflict. Trump, celebrating his 80th birthday, announced the development on social media and said the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened and a US naval blockade lifted. He later clarified that the opening would depend on the signing scheduled for Friday. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also confirmed the agreement on state television, saying Tehran would not begin implementing it until it is signed. He said the talks involved mediation by Qatar. The announcement was welcomed by several world leaders, including those in China and Europe, who said reopening the Strait of Hormuz was crucial for stabilising global energy prices and trade. Chinese officials urged both sides to proceed with signing the memorandum as planned. France said the agreement could help end hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, while urging all parties to respect the deal. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed hope that the signing would go ahead and said reopening the strait was essential for global stability, although some leaders, including Luxembourg’s foreign minister, remained cautious about the outcome. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the breakthrough, calling for efforts to restore free navigation in the strategic waterway and to build lasting peace in the region. Pakistan announced the agreement first, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying both sides had agreed to an immediate halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Pakistani officials said broader technical negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme would continue over the next 60 days, with the possibility of an extension if needed. Iranian state media, citing the Supreme National Security Council, said the war would end immediately once implementation begins and that the US blockade would be lifted in full. Qatari mediators later left Tehran after lengthy talks, while further preparatory meetings are expected in Doha this week. It remains unclear who will sign the agreement on Iran’s behalf. US Vice President JD Vance said preparations were still underway for Friday’s signing, adding that President Trump could also attend. However, some Republican lawmakers in the US expressed concern, including Senator Lindsey Graham, who said Iran’s interpretation of the deal appeared to differ from that of US negotiators.

US President Donald Trump has welcomed a newly announced agreement with Iran as a major diplomatic breakthrough, though uncertainty remains over key details that could determine whether the deal succeeds. Trump described the agreement as a “great deal” that would bring peace and stability to the Middle East. In a social media post on Sunday, he said the strategically important Strait of Hormuz would remain open to commercial shipping and that the United States would end its naval blockade. “Let the oil flow!” Trump wrote, expressing confidence that the agreement would help ease tensions in the region. However, many important questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and how the agreement will be implemented. US Vice President JD Vance said the deal includes provisions aimed at ensuring Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon and that Washington will be able to verify compliance. Despite those assurances, uncertainty remains over restrictions on uranium enrichment and the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Further discussions are expected during a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire, when technical negotiations will continue to address unresolved issues. Iran has also signalled caution. The country's Supreme National Security Council said final negotiations would not proceed until the other side fulfils its commitments under the memorandum of understanding. Analysts say how both sides interpret and implement those commitments will play a critical role in determining whether the agreement holds. The deal could also have significant implications for global energy markets. Experts warn that oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz are unlikely to return immediately to normal levels, as shipping backlogs, mine-clearing operations and production adjustments may take several weeks. Another key factor is Israel’s role in the region. According to reports, Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over military strikes in Lebanon that he believed could have jeopardised the nearly completed agreement. Although the deal survived that tension and was publicly announced, observers say renewed military action could threaten its stability. Any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could once again affect global energy supplies and international markets. The agreement may also have political implications inside the United States. Vance acknowledged that the conflict had contributed to higher energy prices, increasing financial pressure on many Americans. He expressed hope that energy costs would begin to decline following the agreement. Whether lower oil prices translate into broader economic relief could influence public opinion ahead of the upcoming congressional midterm elections. Recent polling suggests that many Americans remain dissatisfied with the state of the economy. Concerns over inflation, energy costs and household expenses continue to put pressure on the administration and the ruling Republican Party. Even so, the agreement is being viewed as a potentially important step toward reducing regional tensions and easing economic uncertainty, although its long-term success will depend on the outcome of upcoming negotiations and developments in the wider Middle East. With inputs from BBC

Pakistan's interior minister arrived in Tehran on Sunday in a renewed effort to help revive talks between Iran and the United States, as the US military said it shot down two more Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz after they posed a threat to international shipping. The latest development comes as Washington continues to push Tehran toward an agreement aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has put pressure on the global economy and raised concerns about worsening hunger in some of the world's most vulnerable countries. Although the most intense phase of the fighting ended with a preliminary ceasefire on April 8, the parties have yet to reach a lasting agreement to formally end the conflict. At the same time, clashes between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah continued despite the extension of a US-brokered ceasefire announced last week. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is visiting Tehran to deliver a message from Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. Khamenei has not appeared in public since becoming Iran's leader after the death of his father during the opening day of the war on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched a major bombardment campaign against Iran. Naqvi met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on Saturday and held talks with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, Iranian media reported. Officials did not disclose details of the message. Pakistan has previously said it is working with regional countries including Qatar, Turkey and Egypt to help narrow differences between Washington and Tehran, reduce tensions and support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, hopes for a sustained ceasefire in Lebanon appeared uncertain. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has rejected the US-mediated proposal and instead supports Tehran's position that any agreement to end the broader conflict should also include Lebanon. Israel said it carried out strikes on more than 150 Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon over the weekend, including rocket launchers and command centres. On Sunday, the Israeli military said at least five projectiles were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel. The projectiles were either intercepted or landed in open areas. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility but said it had attacked Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said two soldiers were killed during fighting in southern Lebanon on Saturday. The ongoing violence in Lebanon threatens efforts to secure a broader regional truce and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies. Disruptions in the waterway have already shaken international energy markets. Iran insists that any long-term ceasefire must also cover Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that military operations will continue until Israel believes Hezbollah no longer poses a security threat. In a related development, Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haikal travelled to Pakistan on Saturday at the invitation of Pakistan's army chief. Lebanese authorities did not provide further details about the visit. The US military said on Saturday it intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf Arab states, and later struck Iranian coastal radar sites used for surveillance. US Central Command said the drones posed an immediate threat to maritime traffic in the region. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, where US forces are stationed, as well as the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, according to IRNA. The US military said there were no reports of casualties among American personnel. Earlier this month, Iranian drone attacks heavily damaged a passenger terminal at Kuwait's main airport, killing one person and injuring dozens more. Washington has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports in response to Tehran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy exports. The conflict has driven up energy prices, creating political challenges for US President Donald Trump's Republican Party ahead of congressional midterm elections later this year.

Pakistan is preparing to host a second round of talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their ongoing conflict, but uncertainty remains as Tehran has not yet confirmed whether it will join the negotiations. The proposed talks come as a two-week ceasefire between the two sides is set to expire on Wednesday. Unlike the first round held in Islamabad on April 11, the upcoming discussions could continue for several days, with mediators hoping to reach a temporary agreement to extend the ceasefire and allow more time for a broader peace deal. However, rising tensions over the past 24 hours have cast doubt on Iran’s participation. US President Donald Trump said American representatives were heading to Pakistan for the talks, but also warned of possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure if no agreement is reached. He accused Iran of violating the ceasefire following recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate development, Trump said a US naval vessel intercepted an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it failed to respond to warnings. Iran has condemned the move, calling it piracy. Amid these developments, Pakistan has stepped up security and logistical preparations in Islamabad. Key hotels were cleared of guests, roads leading to the high-security Red Zone were sealed, and additional security personnel were deployed across the capital. Despite Pakistan’s efforts as a mediator, Iranian officials have expressed reservations about joining the talks. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan cited ongoing tensions, including the US naval blockade and threats of further attacks, as obstacles to meaningful negotiations. Iranian state media also dismissed reports of a confirmed second round of talks, blaming the lack of progress on what it described as shifting US positions and unrealistic demands. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing the need to continue dialogue to resolve the crisis. US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, are expected to be part of the delegation, although it remains unclear who will ultimately attend. Diplomatic sources say the immediate goal of the talks would be to extend the ceasefire rather than reach a final agreement. Officials noted that while progress has been made, a comprehensive deal would require more time and continued engagement from both sides. Source: Al jazeera  

Israel said Tuesday it carried out fresh airstrikes targeting Iranian missile launchers and a nuclear research facility in Tehran, as Iran broadened its counterattacks against Israel and across the Gulf, including drone strikes on U.S. diplomatic missions and disruptions to energy supplies and air travel. On the fourth day of the conflict, which US President Donald Trump indicated could continue for weeks, the death toll in Iran has climbed to nearly 800. Among those killed, Trump said, were individuals the United States had viewed as possible future leaders of the country. Blasts were reported Tuesday in Tehran and in Lebanon, where Israel said it launched retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah fighters. Drone attacks targeted the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Consulate in the United Arab Emirates. Iran has fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel since the fighting began, though Israeli defenses have intercepted most of them. Eleven people have been killed in Israel. The Pentagon also confirmed that four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone strike Sunday on a command facility in Kuwait. Two additional service members died in the same attack. The escalating exchanges have fueled uncertainty over how and when the conflict might conclude. US officials have outlined a range of objectives, including dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, destroying its naval assets, preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons and halting its support for allied armed groups in the region. Although the initial US-Israeli assault killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Trump at one stage encouraged Iranians to rise up against their government, senior officials have since clarified that regime change is not an official goal of the campaign. Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump appeared to temper expectations that the war would bring an end to Iran’s clerical leadership. He suggested that a successor emerging from within the existing system might be the most viable option once military operations conclude. Trump also said that Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah living in exile, has not been seriously considered by his administration as a potential leader. Regarding possible alternatives inside Iran, Trump said, “The people we had in mind are dead,” adding that there was a risk that any replacement could prove as hardline as the previous leadership. Iranian authorities are now moving to select a new supreme leader following Khamenei’s 37-year rule. It marks only the second such transition since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Those seen as potential successors range from staunch hardliners advocating continued confrontation with the West to reformists favoring diplomatic engagement.

A survey carried out shortly after the United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran suggests that only about a quarter of Americans support the attacks, highlighting weak public approval amid a widening regional conflict. The Reuters–Ipsos poll was conducted from Saturday to Sunday, before President Donald Trump’s administration confirmed that the first US troops had been killed. Results showed that just one in four respondents approved of the US-Israeli strikes. The early findings could influence how the Trump administration and US lawmakers proceed in the coming days, particularly with a difficult midterm election season approaching. On Sunday, Trump vowed to press ahead with what he called a “righteous mission” until “all objectives are achieved”. Referring to the three US service members confirmed killed, he said that “there will likely be more before it ends”. After a US-Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump again portrayed Iran as an existential danger, claiming its leaders “have waged war against civilization itself”. The poll indicated that many Americans do not share that view. About 43 percent of respondents said they disapproved of the war, while 29 percent were unsure. Republican support was higher but still mixed, with 55 percent approving, 13 percent opposing and 32 percent undecided. Notably, around 42 percent of Republicans said they would be less likely to support the operation if it resulted in “US troops in the Middle East being killed or injured”. Among Democrats, opposition was overwhelming, with 74 percent disapproving, 7 percent approving and 19 percent unsure. The survey, released Sunday, comes as Republican lawmakers have largely rallied behind Trump’s stance on Iran, despite concerns it contradicts his campaign pledge to end “endless wars” and limit US intervention abroad under an “America First” agenda. Some conservative commentators have warned of political risks. “If this war is a swift, easy, and decisive victory, most of them will get over it,” Blake Neff, a former producer for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, wrote on X. “But if the war is anything else, there will be a lot of anger.” He added that “success can override bad explanations. So we must pray for success.” Speaking to Al Jazeera, Doug Bandow, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, said confirmation of US military deaths “brings home the cost of the war”.“Americans, by a very large margin, don’t want to be tied up in an ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” he said. “The fact that Americans have died suddenly shows this is not just a video game from the standpoint of America.” Beyond the three US personnel killed, at least 201 people have died in Iran, nine in Israel, two in Iraq, three in the United Arab Emirates and one in Kuwait. The conflict has also threatened key trade routes, prompting several companies to suspend shipments. Tehran refuses negotiations; Israeli air strikes kill 31 in Lebanon The poll also found that 45 percent of respondents, including 34 percent of Republicans and 44 percent of independents, would be less likely to back the campaign if fuel prices rose in the US. Democrats are closely watching public opinion as the November midterms approach, with affordability central to their campaign messaging. They have criticised Trump’s military actions, including the US abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, as out of step with his promises. Democratic reactions to the Iran strikes have varied, with some praising the action, others welcoming Khamenei’s death while questioning the justification, and several openly condemning the attacks. On Sunday, multiple Democrats said the deaths of US soldiers highlighted the need for a war powers resolution requiring congressional approval before further military action.“I’m thinking of the brave American soldiers killed today,” Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote on X. “They should still be with us.”“Trump said he would keep us out of war. This is his war of choice.” A vote on the resolution is expected early this week.

US President Donald Trump has warned that additional American casualties are likely as US military operations against Iran continue until all objectives are achieved, amid a rapidly escalating regional conflict. US Central Command earlier confirmed that three US service members have been killed in action, while five others were seriously wounded during the ongoing operations. Trump acknowledged the growing human cost, noting that the campaign would continue despite the risks. Iranian authorities reported that at least 153 people, including children, were killed after a strike hit a school inside Iran. In Israel, medical services said nine people were killed in a missile strike on the city of Beit Shemesh. Iran’s foreign minister said a new national leader could be selected within “a day or two” following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli air strikes. The conflict has also spread beyond Iran and Israel. The British Ministry of Defence said a UK Royal Air Force base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was targeted in a suspected drone strike on Sunday night, though no casualties were reported. In Lebanon, residents of Beirut were woken by explosions after Israel launched strikes on Hezbollah targets in response to rocket fire from the Iran-backed group. Hezbollah said it fired missiles and drones at northern Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s killing, describing its actions as self-defence. Israel accused Hezbollah of acting on Iran’s behalf and warned it would respond forcefully to further attacks. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged all sides to refrain from launching rockets from southern Lebanon, warning that such actions threaten national security and risk further Israeli strikes. Iran has also carried out retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said they intercepted dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, while explosions were reported near key facilities in Dubai, Doha and Manama. The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the attacks, accusing Iran of violating international law and warning it would take necessary measures to defend member states. Blasts were reported in Tehran as internet access remained restricted, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage. Meanwhile, Iran launched strikes on targets in Iraq, including areas near Erbil’s international airport, which US Central Command said was among the intended targets. The widening conflict has rattled global markets. Oil prices surged when Asian markets opened on Monday, with Brent crude and US benchmark oil jumping by more than 10 percent before easing slightly. Senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are scheduled to brief Congress on the situation on Tuesday as international concern grows over the risk of a prolonged and wider war in the Middle East.   With inputs from BBC

The United States has stepped up the movement of military aircraft and naval assets across Europe and towards the Middle East amid reports that President Donald Trump is weighing possible military action against Iran, while new satellite images indicate Tehran is reinforcing a sensitive military facility. Flight-tracking data reviewed by BBC Verify show a surge in US military aircraft activity, including refuelling tankers, surveillance planes and transport aircraft operating from bases in Spain, Greece and Italy and heading towards the eastern Mediterranean and Gulf region. Analysts say the scale and pace of these movements are unusually high and suggest preparations for large-scale air operations. Among the aircraft observed were KC-135 aerial refuelling tankers, E-3 surveillance jets and C-17 transport planes operated by the US Air Force. Data from Flightradar24 also indicated that HC-130J aircraft were flying from Europe to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key hub for US operations in the region. At the same time, satellite imagery analysed by the Institute for Science and International Security shows Iran has added new layers of protection to a facility at the Parchin military site near Tehran. Images reveal that a concrete shell covering a newly built structure has been sealed with earth, with nearby soil piles suggesting the site could be further buried and transformed into a hardened bunker. The Washington-based think tank assessed that the arched building may house a high-explosives test chamber and said the additional fortifications point to strategic importance. Parchin has previously been linked by Western analysts to explosives manufacturing and, historically, to nuclear-related testing. Separately, Iranian state television broadcast footage of naval drills conducted jointly with Russia, including a simulated ship rescue operation. Satellite images showed a Russian navy warship docked at the Bandar Abbas military port. However, experts said the exercises were likely scheduled well in advance and were not necessarily connected to current tensions with Washington. US military movements have also included the reported presence of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford near Morocco, reinforcing assessments that Washington is positioning forces across multiple theatres. Defence analysts cautioned that the highly visible nature of the deployments means the US has lost the element of surprise, potentially requiring a broader or more sustained campaign if military action were to be launched. Meanwhile, Trump has again criticised the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia military base, marking his third change of position on the deal within a year. US officials have not confirmed any imminent strike, but the combination of intensified military movements and Iran’s fortification work has heightened regional and international concern over a possible escalation.   With inputs from BBC

Iran has warned it would respond immediately and forcefully to any attack by the United States, as tensions escalated following fresh warnings from US President Donald Trump over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the European Union’s decision to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Iranian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said US military assets in the region, including aircraft carriers in the Gulf, are within the range of Iran’s medium-range missiles and have what he described as serious vulnerabilities. He said any hostile action would prompt an instant response. The warning came after President Trump said time was running out for Iran to reach a nuclear agreement with Washington. The EU’s move to blacklist the IRGC further added to pressure on Tehran, drawing strong criticism from Iranian officials. Ali Shamkhani, a senior security official and representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Iran would take immediate countermeasures in response to the EU decision. In a social media post, he accused Western countries of applying double standards by supporting Israel’s war in Gaza while labelling the IRGC’s actions against extremist groups as terrorism. Meanwhile, regional diplomacy intensified amid fears of a wider conflict. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkiye was ready to help de-escalate tensions between Iran and the US, holding a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and offering to play a facilitating role. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Istanbul on Friday for talks with Turkish leaders, focusing on bilateral relations and growing regional and international challenges. He criticised the EU’s decision on the IRGC, calling it a strategic mistake. Oil markets reacted to the rising tensions, with prices easing after recent gains as investors reassessed the likelihood of imminent military action. Analysts said any potential conflict was likely to be limited, reducing fears of major supply disruptions. Iran has also reported arrests linked to recent antigovernment protests in southern Tehran, as authorities continue a crackdown that began late last year. Despite diplomatic contacts, analysts say Washington and Tehran remain far apart on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear activities and missile programme, raising concerns that the standoff could further intensify.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

Iran’s supreme leader on Tuesday pushed back against US criticism of the country’s nuclear program, saying that Tehran won’t seek permission from anyone to enrich uranium and calling American statements “nonsense.” “They say, ‘We won’t allow Iran to enrich uranium.’ That’s way out of line,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said during a memorial for late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last year, AP reports. “No one in Iran is waiting for their permission. The Islamic Republic has its own policies and direction — and it will stick to them.” Khamenei’s remarks came as indirect talks between Iran and the US reportedly continue, though he expressed doubt about their outcome. Trump and US administration used power for massacre in Gaza: Ayatollah Khamenei “Yes, indirect negotiations were held during Raisi’s time too, just like now,” he said. “But they didn’t go anywhere — and we don’t expect much from the current ones either. Who knows what will happen.” His comments reflect Tehran’s growing frustration with the stalled nuclear discussions, as well as the broader tensions that have defined US-Iran relations in recent years. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told the state-run IRNA news agency that “no definitive decision has been made about the next round of negotiations,” adding that “the Islamic Republic of Iran is reviewing the matter while considering the US side’s contradictory and constantly changing positions.” IRNA also reported that Kazem Gharibabadi, the deputy foreign minister, said that Tehran had received a proposal regarding the next round of indirect talks with Washington and was currently reviewing it.