War latest news. Ghalibaf leaves negotiations over internal disagreements. Nyt: US missile stockpiles dried up

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Islamabad. This was confirmed by the Iranian news agency Irna, after Pakistani sources had reported his arrival in Islamabad earlier in the day. The same Irna specifies that Araghchi will also visit Muscat and Moscow, while it is not specified whether he will also meet American representatives during these visits.

Washington, Apr. 24 (Adnkronos) - "We don't rely on Europe, but they need the Strait of Hormuz more than we do, and they need to start talking less and doing less elegant lecturing in Europe and put to sea. It's much more their fight than ours'. Thus Pete Hegseth lashed out at the Europeans during a press conference at the Pentagon, accusing Europe and Asia of having "benefited from our protection for decades, but now the time for mooching is over". "America and the free world deserve allies who are capable," he added, "who are loyal, who understand that being an ally is not a one-way street, but a two-way street.

Pete Hegseth echoed Donald Trump's criticism of European allies. "Europe and Asia have benefited from our protection for decades, but the time to take advantage of it for free is over," the defence secretary said in a briefing on the Iran war.

According to Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reports, Hezbollah launched explosive-laden drones at Israeli troops engaged in southern Lebanon today. The IDF claims that the drones exploded near its troops in the village of Qantara, located in the Israeli-controlled security zone, but there were no injuries.

"The terrorist organisation Hezbollah has once again flagrantly violated the ceasefire agreement," the IDF stated.

The Arabic-language spokesman for the Israel Defence Forces, Avichay Adraee, issued an evacuation order for the inhabitants of the village of Deir Ames, in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon, in the aftermath of the announcement of the three-week extension of the ceasefire.

"The activities of Hezbollah and its launching operations from your location force the Israeli army to act in the area where you live," reads the post on X. "For your safety and that of your family members, you must leave your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 metres away from the village.

Pakistani government sources told ANSA that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected in Islamabad this evening with a small delegation. Following important talks with the Pakistani mediation team, a second round of peace talks is planned in Islamabad between the US and Iran, the same government sources said. A US logistical and security team is already present in the Pakistani capital to facilitate the negotiation process.

Rebuilding trust between Abu Dhabi and Tehran will take "centuries". This is the prediction of the emirate president's advisor Anwar Gargash, after Iran, in retaliation to the US and Israeli attack, dragged the Gulf countries into war. "You cannot be attacked with 2,800 missiles and drones and then talk about trust. It will take centuries and centuries," said Gargash speaking at the ongoing World Policy Conference in Chantilly, near Paris.

According to government sources told Pakistani broadcaster Geo, an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad this evening for the second round of talks with the US.

Araghchi held telephone talks today with Pakistan's deputy premier and foreign minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the commander of the Pakistani army, federmarshal Asim Munir.

"I have not heard from Trump". Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said this at the press point on the sidelines of the work in Cyprus of the informal European Council. "As far as our relations with the United States are concerned they are always solid relations, as far as my relations with Donald Trump are concerned there is nothing particular that I am doing at the moment," Meloni added.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun began his meetings in Nicosia, where the informal summit of the European Council is underway, with talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This was reported in a note by the Lebanese presidency, stating that 'during the meeting, the current situation in Lebanon was discussed in light of the latest developments, as well as bilateral relations and how to develop them in all areas'.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, held separate telephone talks today with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the Commander of the Pakistan Army, Federal Marshal Asim Munir, "on regional developments and ceasefire issues" with the United States. This was announced by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Further reading

Trump's fog: strategy of chaos or American drift?

23 April 2026

The Iranian vice-president, Esmaeil Saqab Esfahani, warned the US that Iran will respond with the law of retaliation in the event of attacks on oil wells, according to the Iranian news agency Mehr.

'If the enemy makes another mistake, our strategy will be an eye for an eye. If any of our oil wells are hit, one of the oil facilities of the countries from whose territory we are attacked will be targeted,' Esfahani said, according to Mehr.

NATO plans to modernise its fleet of Awacs reconnaissance aircraft but will no longer rely on US-made aircraft. As Dpa writes, if only a year ago it was taken for granted that the US manufacturer Boeing would be awarded the contract for the construction of the new reconnaissance aircraft, now sources claim that in future aircraft of the Canadian manufacturer Bombardier, equipped with the GlobalEye reconnaissance and early warning system of the Swedish defence company Saab, will be used. The order is expected to include up to 12 Global 6000 or Global 6500 aircraft, worth several billion euros

The International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies are likely to remain under pressure until the end of 2027 due to disruptions and infrastructure damage caused by the US-Iran war. Energy prices have skyrocketed since Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to tanker traffic from the Gulf and began striking oil and gas targets in neighbouring countries in response to US and Israeli attacks. "The combined effect of short-term supply losses and slower capacity growth could result in a cumulative loss of about 120 billion cubic metres of LNG between 2026 and 2030," the Paris-based agency said in a new report. The IEA also said that nearly 20 per cent of LNG supplies have been lost due to the conflict and warned that new investments to increase production are likely to be delayed. "Although new liquefaction projects in other regions are expected to offset these losses over time, the impact will prolong the strain on markets until 2026 and 2027," the IEA said. Soaring prices could also depress gas demand, as many countries have already announced energy-saving measures that could boost demand for renewable energy sources. "Demand is set to play a key role in rebalancing the market, particularly in Asia, where the switch to alternative fuels is already increasing, in parallel with the adoption of energy saving measures," the agency said. Economists warn that persistently high prices could trigger widespread inflation that could undermine global growth if consumers reduce spending accordingly.

The war in Iran and the Middle East today, 24 April 2026.

The falls in petrol and diesel prices at the pump on the national network continue. Today's data - Friday 24 April 2026 - from the Fuel Price Observatory of the Ministry of Enterprise and Industry show the fifteenth consecutive day of average price reductions. Along the national road network, the average price in self-service mode is €1.736 per litre for petrol and €2.062 per litre for diesel. On the motorway network, on the other hand, the average self-service price is €1.786/litre for petrol and €2.117/litre for diesel.

Yesterday along the national road network, the average self-service price was €1.737/litre for petrol and €2.067/litre for diesel. On the motorway network, on the other hand, the average self-service price was €1.781/litre for petrol and €2.118/litre for diesel. Mimit points out that, based on European data, Italia is confirmed as the country with the lowest fuel price growth among the main European economies and, at the same time, records the second lowest percentage increase for both diesel (after Germany) and petrol (after Spain).

"I have long advocated the need for a substantial strengthening and application of the mutual support clause, enshrined in Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union, which obliges member states to provide assistance to any member state suffering an attack." This was said by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis upon arriving at the informal EU summit in Cyprus, assuring that Greece will use the European presidency "in the second half of 2027 to give even more prominence to this discussion". "Greece and many other European countries stood by Cyprus when it was attacked in the context of the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. This was the first concrete proof that Europe is able, on its own, to stand by member countries under threat," he pointed out.

President Donald Trump said he does not want to rush the end of the war with Iran while negotiations drag on. "I don't want to rush it," Trump said, adding that the Iranian leadership is in "chaos". During a meeting with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump also dismissed questions about whether the conflict is exceeding the four- to six-week duration he and his aides had initially envisaged for the war.

"We do not rely on e-mails. We rely on official documents and government positions, in this case of the United States". This was said by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on the sidelines of the informal EU summit in Cyprus, when asked about an internal Pentagon email - revealed in a Reuters exclusive - that would speculate on measures against Madrid, including a possible suspension from Nato, to punish it for its stance in the war with Iran.

BRUSSELS - The world has suddenly become more uncertain and hostile, and the risk of an American disengagement from the European theatre is palpable. The very survival of NATO is now dramatically in doubt. The European Union is adapting, albeit too slowly according to some. The most optimistic remember that the Treaties contain an instrument that could in fact replace the Atlantic Alliance in guaranteeing the continent's security: the mutual defence clause.

The delicate principle is contained in Article 42.7 of the Treaties. It provides that in the event of 'armed aggression' by a member country, the partners have 'an obligation to aid and assist by all means in their power', in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognises legitimate defence. It also states: 'Commitments and cooperation in this area shall remain consistent with commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation'.

"The crisis caused in the Middle East by the illegal war demonstrates the failure of brute force and the need to respect international law and to safeguard and strengthen the multilateral order", "the law of the strongest makes the world weaker". This was said by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arriving at the informal summit of EU leaders in Nicosia, Cyprus.

The consequences of the Middle East war on liquefied natural gas (LNG) production will be felt for at least two years and the market will remain "tight" in 2026 and 2027, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned on Friday. Damage to gas liquefaction infrastructure in Qatar, in particular, is expected to delay by at least two years the impact of an expansion of global LNG production, the IEA estimated in a report published today.

"Yesterday everyone was very clear that freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. Therefore, the Strait ofHormuz must be opened without any tolls": this was reiterated today by the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, upon her arrival for the second day of the informal European Council summit in Cyprus.

The price of Brent oil, the European benchmark, rose 0.1% around 8.15 a.m. this morning, settling above $105 a barrel before European stock markets opened, up from $72 before the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran. Meanwhile, the price of US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (Wti) oil fell 0.1% to $95.73 per barrel. The US decision to maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, despite hopes of resuming negotiations on a peace deal with Iran, led to a surge in oil prices in recent days, with Brent crude set to post a double-digit increase this week, close to 18%.

On the energy crisis, "we need the Member States to show what individual situations they are facing with our citizens. They need security. They need to make sure they don't have to foot the bill. We need to make sure that they understand that this is a crisis that Europe did not start, but is facing, and so the message they need is security, stability, calm and confidence that we will protect our citizens". So says the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, on her arrival at the informal European Council in Nicosia, Cyprus.

On Thursday, in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump answered reporters' questions about the conflict with Iran.

"I am and will always be incredibly grateful to everyone who worked for my release when I was taken hostage by an armed faction in Iraq this month. So many people - including, but not limited to, government officials, press freedom organisations, and my wonderful community of fellow journalists and friends - put immense effort into ensuring that my case would continue to receive great attention. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart'. This was written in a post on X by journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted on 31 March by the Iranian-backed Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah militia and whose release was announced on 7 April.

From the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel to date, to Lebanon's economy the war has already cost more than $20 billion. "From road infrastructure to tourism, from agriculture to water and electricity pipelines, and even destroyed homes," explains Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani, in Rimini for the Macfrut fair, where he signed a cooperation agreement with his Italia counterpart Francesco Lollobrigida.

If the damage caused by the conflict started two and a half years ago, with Israel's first responses to Hezbollah attacks, the bulk of the destruction came when the Iran war broke out and Israeli IDF troops invaded South Lebanon.

The war with Iran has significantly reduced the US military's arms stockpile, while the cost of the conflict is almost a billion dollars a day. This is what the New York Times reports today.

According to the newspaper, since the start of the war with Iran on 28 February, the US has deployed about 1,100 long-range stealth cruise missiles designed for a war with China, almost the same number as US forces have today, and over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles, which is about 10 times the number they purchase each year. In addition, the Pentagon has deployed more than 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles, at a cost of more than $4 million each, and more than 1,000 Precision Strike and Atacms missiles, leaving the stockpile at worryingly low levels, according to internal defence department estimates and congressional officials.

An internal Pentagon email outlines the options available to the US to 'punish' NATO allies who, according to Washington, have failed to provide support for the conflict against Iran. This was revealed to the Reuters news agency by a US official, pointing out that the email mentions the ssuspension of Spain from the alliance, the review of the US position regarding British claims on the Falkland Islands, and the suspension of 'difficult' countries from important or prestigious positions within NATO.

According to the source, the email circulated in the Pentagon's upper echelons does not mention the closure of US bases in Europe or US withdrawal from the alliance.

Three weeks of ceasefire extension to try to reach a final peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon: this is the outcome of the second round of talks between the two countries' ambassadors in Washington, hosted at the White House, with Donald Trump attending part of the meeting. The initial ten-day truce, which came into effect on Friday 17 April, was due to expire next Monday. 'We had a very good meeting with the top officials of Lebanon and Israel, and I think the president of Lebanon and the prime minister of Israel, over the next couple of weeks, will be coming here,' the US president said, 'They've agreed on an additional three weeks of, I guess, no shooting, a ceasefire, no more shooting. We will see. Hopefully that will happen. It won't happen directly between them, but we still have to take Hezbollah into account'. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hosted the first round of talks at the State Department on 16 April, Trump's involvement made it possible to extend the truce for another twenty-one days. "The president wanted to be personally involved, and I'm glad he was, because that made it possible to get this extension and it gives everyone time to continue working for what will be a lasting peace between two countries that want to live in peace," Rubio said in the Oval Office. Trump, at the time of the announcement, which he had also anticipated shortly before on Truth Social, was flanked by Rubio, Vice-President JD Vance, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad, the latter two diplomats having met last week at the State Department.

The US State Department announced a $10 million reward for information concerning the leader of the Iraqi Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada (Kss) militia, Hashim Finyan Rahim Al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walae.

In a note, Washington accused Al-Walae of leading a pro-Iranian group whose members "have killed Iraqi civilians and attacked American diplomatic posts in Iraq, as well as American bases and military personnel in Iraq and Syria".

The ceasefire in Lebanon "is not 100 per cent". The Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Dannon, told CNN, expressing doubts about the Lebanese government's ability to enforce the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates.

'I have to be honest,' Dannon said, 'the Lebanese government has no control over Hezbollah, which is firing rockets in an attempt to sabotage the ceasefire. And Israel must react. Whenever we perceive a threat, we act'.

The US has used so much ammunition in Iran that some Trump administration officials increasingly believe that America would not be able to fully implement contingency plans to defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion, should it occur in the short term. The Wall Street Journal reports this, citing official US sources. The US has launched over 1,000 long-range Tomahawk missiles since the start of the war with Iran on 28 February, in addition to 1,500-2,000 critical air defence missiles (such as Thaad, Patriot, and Standard Missile interceptors), according to officials.

US President Donald Trump said he expects the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to meet with him within the next two weeks, expressing confidence that a permanent peace agreement can be reached within the year. The ceasefire has been extended by three weeks. 'I think there is a very good chance. I think it should be an easy goal to achieve," Trump said, in the opening lines of the meeting hosted at the White House between the ambassadors of the two countries, engaged in a second round of negotiations for a possible peace agreement.

'I'm not thinking about it that much'. This is how US President Donald Trump responded when asked what he thought about the possibility of Italia participating instead of Iran in the upcoming World Cup, as suggested by the tycoon's special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, in the Financial Times report. "No communication from the US has told them (Iran, ed) that they can't come," added Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who was invited to respond by Trump. "However, I don't know where this rumour came from," Rubio added. Green light for athletes, but 'we don't want people linked to the Pasdaran'. (

The US military is preparing contingency plans to strike Iranian defences in the Strait of Hormuz should the fragile ceasefire collapse. This is reported by CNN, according to US officials, who say the focus is on neutralising Iranian mines, fast attack boats and coastal threats in order to keep open the arm of the sea through which 20% of the world's oil transits. "The US military continues to provide options to President Trump and all options remain on the table," commented a Pentagon official, on target planning.

Further reading

All the troubles of Trump, mired in Iran war

24 April 2026