War breaking news. Trump, talks with Iran possible as early as Friday. Lebanon, another French blue helmet dead

Iran has indicated that it has not yet decided whether to participate in a new round of talks with the US. "We started the negotiations in good faith and with seriousness, but the other side (the US ed.) has shown contempt and lack of good faith," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei was quoted as saying by Iranian state TV. A second round of talks, expected in the Pakistani capital Islamabad this week, has not yet been confirmed. Yesterday, US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, leaving the next steps for the resumption of talks uncertain. "Iran has not yet decided whether to participate in the new round of peace talks with the US scheduled for this week," Baqaei said.

President Donald Trump's extension of the ceasefire with Iran will only last 'three to five days', a White House official confirmed to Fox News. Trump announced the extension yesterday, giving Tehran more time to agree to resume peace talks. Should the ceasefire end without an agreement, Trump promised to destroy Iran's energy and transport infrastructure.

It is not true that on 18 April US President Donald Trump tried to 'access the nuclear codes' to strike Iran and that General Dan Caine, chief of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, prevented him from doing so. It is the White House that denies allegations that have gone viral. To Newsweek magazine, a spokesperson at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC explained that such a claim is false and criticised its circulation.

That thesis originated from comments made on 20 April by a former CIA official, Larry Johnson, during the Judging Freedom podcast. In that context Johnson quoted a 'report' from a White House meeting without describing it as unverified. The next day on his blog the former CIA official wrote: "I have no confirmation that the report is verified but my comment went viral." When asked for comment by Newsweek, Johnson explained that he does not reveal his sources.

US President Donald Trump intends to give Iran a limited amount of time to present a new negotiating proposal, CNN reported, citing US administration sources. According to the sources, the White House does not intend to extend the ceasefire indefinitely, and in fact Trump hesitated before authorising the extension decided on Tuesday. However, the administration also believes that there are splits within the Iranian leadership and there is still no consensus in Tehran on the position to be taken to give the negotiators the power to finalise an agreement. Trump's decision to give Tehran more time to present a 'unified proposal' would therefore reflect the Administration's desire to resolve the war through diplomatic means, as well as its reluctance to resume military strikes.

Un agente di polizia passa davanti a dei cartelloni pubblicitari nei pressi del Serena Hotel alla vigilia del secondo round di negoziati tra Stati Uniti e Iran, a Islamabad, in Pakistan, martedì 21 aprile 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) Associated Press / LaPresse Solo Italia e Spagna

A recession 'almost certain' if the war in Iran continues throughout the year. This was said by the president of Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, on the sidelines of the event 'India-Italy: Business Partner, Brighter Future', organised by Sole 24 Ore and Banco Bpm.

"In Sicily we are starting to register empty shelves". Emanuele Orsini, President of Confindustria, raised the alarm on the sidelines of his visit to the Milan Furniture Fair, citing a conversation with the president of Federdistribuzione. "This is why I say that Europe must wake up and must build a path. Reading that there are measures of advice on what to do about energy, I instead expect something different, namely to give measures to help those countries that are a little behind on energy'. Continuing, Orsini indicated the need for Italia to: "Quickly identify suitable areas for photovoltaic, wind and renewable energy and put everything feasible on the ground. We also trust that Europe can offer supranational guarantees to banks in the various states for the financing of new plants. New technologies, such as micro-nuclear, take ten years to develop: in the short term, if necessary, I also support the reopening of coal-fired power plants. I say this clearly: if this serves to ensure energy continuity for our companies, it must be done, as Germany is already doing,' Orsini concluded.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of a second soldier participating in the Unifil mission in Lebanon who was seriously wounded in the attack attributed to Hezbollah last Saturday. In a post on X Macron wrote: 'Corporal Anicet Girardin, repatriated yesterday from Lebanon where he had been seriously wounded by Hezbollah fighters, died this morning from his wounds. He died for France'. "The Nation, which will pay tribute tomorrow to Sergeant Florian Montorio", who died instantly "during the same ambush, salutes with emotion the memory of Corporal Anicet Girardin and his sacrifice and pays tribute to the exemplary commitment of our armed forces within Unifil, who work with courage and determination in the service of France and peace in Lebanon". In the attack on 18 April, two other soldiers were wounded.

Donald Trump says talks with Iran could be 'possible' as early as Friday. The New York Post reports this, citing a message received by the US president.

The administration of US President Donald Trump would continue to work on a sort of list of 'good' and 'bad' countries within NATO, with the aim of rewarding the most aligned allies and penalising those that did not support the recent war against Iran. This was confirmed to Politico by European and US diplomatic sources, according to whom the plan includes a classification of members according to their military contribution and support for Washington-led operations. The initiative is a further sign of the growing tensions within the Alliance, already tested by the positions of Trump, who continues to speculate on a US withdrawal and put forward controversial proposals such as the annexation of Greenland. The idea of distinguishing between 'model allies' and other countries had already been put forward by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who had spoken of 'preferential treatment' for the states that contribute most to collective defence, while the others could face consequences.

Further reading

Nato, Rutte: 'Trump is disappointed in allies'. US president: 'They were not there when we needed them'

09 April 2026

The Iranian news agency Tasnim, close to the Revolutionary Guards, reiterated its belief that the Gulf Arab states remain vulnerable to the cutting of submarine data cables in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the agency, 'the simultaneous damage of several main cables, whether by accident or deliberate action, could cause severe power outages throughout the Persian Gulf'. Numerous submarine cables cross the Straits. The region has already suffered power outages following repeated damage to submarine cables in the Red Sea. In the past, Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels had threatened the cables.

Further reading

Hormuz, not just oil: danger rises over tlc submarine cables

15 April 2026

The war in Iran also drives up condom prices. Karex, the giant that produces one-fifth of the world's condoms, announced a 30% price increase due to supply chain problems caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and rising production costs. According to the Financial Times, Karex produces about 5 billion condoms a year at its plants in Malaysia and Thailand

During the talks scheduled in Washington tomorrow with Israel, Lebanon will ask for a one-month extension of the truce. Afp reports this, citing an official source. 'Beirut will demand an extension of the ceasefire and a cessation by Tel Aviv of demolition and destruction operations in the areas where it is present,' the source said. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on the other hand, said that 'contacts are underway to extend the ceasefire', due to expire on Sunday, 'by ten days'.

The Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, received the Iranian Ambassador in Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam. This was reported by al-Arabiya, stating that the meeting focused on developments in the regional situation and ongoing peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump is willing to grant another three to five days of ceasefire to the Iranians, a short period of time to agree on a coherent counterproposal, failing which the ceasefire he extended yesterday will end. Writing about this is the Axios website, analysing with the help of three US officials the behind the scenes of the announcement on the ceasefire extension. 'It will not be indefinite,' they clarify. The president's decision is explained by the fact that Trump's negotiators still believe it is possible to reach an agreement to end the war and address the issue of what remains of Iran's nuclear programme. However, they also fear they will not find anyone in Tehran with the authority to give the green light to the deal. Supreme Guide Mojtaba Khamenei barely communicates. The generals of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who now control the country, and Iranian civilian negotiators are openly at odds over the strategy to be followed. "We have seen that there is a clear divide within Iran between the negotiators and the military, with neither side having access to the Supreme Leader, who is unresponsive," explains a US official. These divisions began to emerge after the first round of talks in Islamabad, when it became clear that the IRGC commander, General Ahmad Vahidi, and his deputies had rejected much of what the Iranian negotiators had discussed.

The rift came fully out into the open last Friday, when Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the IRGC refused to implement it - and began publicly attacking him. In the following days, Iran gave no substantive response to the latest US proposal and refused to engage in a second round of talks in Pakistan.

Iranian media report that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Irgc) has targeted three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The Pasdaran-affiliated Fars news agency, quoted by the BBC, says that the ship Euphoria was hit and is now stranded off the Iranian coast. The Iranian media also claim that the Msc Francesca and Epaminondas have been 'seized' and are heading towards the Iranian coast, citing a statement from the Irgc Navy.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the two vessels previously fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Tasnim news agency, reported by Sky News Uk, the two ships were 'non-compliant' and were identified as the container ship Msc Francesca and the Epaminondas. The two ships were 'escorted to the Iranian coast', it added. Tasnim further stated that the ships had 'endangered maritime safety by operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems'.

"In the conversation I had just now with the foreign minister of Iran, I reiterated to him the need to continue the Islamabad dialogue, to reach a peace agreement and I reiterated the importance of freedom of movement in Hormuz". This was said by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at a press point with Polish counterpart Radoslav Sikorski in Rome. To Araghchi "I reiterated the importance of protecting the countries in the Gulf area and that of finding an agreement in Iran as well. I reiterated the importance of not proceeding with the military use of nuclear power. These are fundamental elements'. For Lebanon too, 'I insisted on the need to push Hezbollah to come to an agreement and no longer attack Israel' and 'I reiterated that we are also ready to host talks between Lebanon and Israel in Italia to find a positive agreement. So we are working for peace and, I repeat, for us freedom of navigation in Hormuz is fundamental,' he added.

According to a report in theFinancial Times, which cites the Vortexa monitoring group, at least 34 Iranian-linked tankers have circumvented the US blockade since the start of the measure. According to the report, 19 of the vessels exited the Persian Gulf through the blockade, while 15 ent in from the Arabian Sea on their way to Iran. Six of the departing tankers carried Iranian crude oil, with a total cargo of approximately 10.7 million barrels. Based on an assumed price of $10 compared to Brent oil, it is estimated that the shipments may have generated a turnover of about $910 million. Iranian oil is usually sold at a discount because it is subject to sanctions.

"Another cargo ship was targeted. It seems that this container ship did not pay attention to the warnings of the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces and was therefore targeted'. The Iranian Tasnim news agency writes this. "This is the second ship that has been targeted by the Iranian armed forces since the early hours of today," the agency adds.

TheJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called for the maintenance of close international coordination to foster genuine de-escalation in the Middle East and ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, also pointing to the stability of energy supplies and critical materials as a central interest for the Asia-Pacific.

This was reported by Takaichi herself in a message posted on X after a telephone conversation with New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The PM explained that, at the beginning of the conversation, the two leaders confirmed 'the importance of continuing close communication in order for de-escalation to be truly achieved', including 'the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz', and also emphasised, in light of the current energy situation in the Asia-Pacific, the importance of stable supplies of energy and critical materials.

"If the war in the Gulf had ended quickly we would be at 0.5 per cent of GDP. If we continued like this for another three months we would be at zero, but if we reach the end of the year the risk of recession is almost a certainty". This was said by the president of Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, on the sidelines of the Italy-India summit organised by Il Sole 24 Ore with Banco Bpm, speaking about the impact of the war in Iran on the growth of the Italian economy.

Donald Trump surprisingly extended the ceasefire with Iran, due to expire today, to a date to be determined, saying he was awaiting a 'unified diplomatic proposal from leaders representing' Tehran. Trump said he extended the ceasefire at the request of the mediator Pakistan and suggested there would be divisions in the Iranian leadership. Islamabad confirmed the request and thanked Trump for granting it.

But sceptical signals came from Iran in the immediate aftermath and negotiations appear to be on stand-by, with the arrival of Vice President JD Vance and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf in Islamabad postponed for now. Although Vance's trip has not been formally cancelled.

"Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani discussed by phone the latest situation of regional developments and issues related to ceasefire and diplomacy exchanging views." Araghchi writes this on social media.

BRUSSELS - Divisions still remain among the Twenty-Seven over the possibility of sanctioning Israel for its acts of war in Gaza and Lebanon. Yesterday's discussion among the foreign ministers in Luxembourg highlighted the growing pressure from some member states, but for now the idea of suspending the Association Agreement in whole or in part is not gaining the necessary support. That said, sanctions against extremist settlers could be decided once the new Hungarian government is in place.

"Some countries have proposed the suspension of the Association Agreement, either in part or in full," explained High Representative Kaja Kallas at a press conference at the end of the ministerial meeting yesterday. Others have opposed it (...) Suspending at least part of the arrangement requires a qualified majority of countries in favour. It will take a change of attitude of some countries to possibly achieve this goal'.

The British Centre for Maritime Trade Operations (Ukmto) received a report of an incident that occurred 8 nautical miles west of Iran. The master of a departing cargo ship reported that he had been targeted by gunfire and was now stationary at sea. The crew is safe and accounted for.

The Israeli Air Force struck and killed two Hezbollah militants yesterday who had crossed the ceasefire line in southern Lebanon. This was reported by the IDF, pointing out that the two officers had been spotted by troops of the 7th Armoured Brigade near the Wadi Saluki creek. The IDF pointed out that the officers "crossed the forward line of defence and approached the troops in a manner that posed an immediate threat". The Israeli Air Force then struck and "eliminated the terrorists to remove the threat", the military claimed. A 10-day ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, went into effect at midnight Thursday-Friday, largely ending six weeks of war between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah that erupted in the wake of the US-Iran conflict.

China today welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the US and Iran, emphasising that the regional situation is at a crucial stage of transition between war and peace and that the top priority remains avoiding a resumption of hostilities.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, at the daily press conference in Beijing, said that 'the current regional situation is in a crucial transition phase between war and peace' and that 'the urgency of the moment remains to do everything possible to avoid a resumption of the conflict'.

The Navy is ready to deploy its own units for a possible mining operation in the Strait of Hormuz, an area in which Italia is claimed to be one of the reference navies, but such an intervention could only take place 'once hostilities have ended', because these are 'very delicate' operations that should only be conducted in a non-conflictual context. This was stated today by the Navy's chief of staff, Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, during a hearing in the Defence Commission.

"I say that the Navy is ready to carry out a demining operation. Obviously these operations must be done in a non-conflict situation, because they are very delicate and, like all operations in sensitive areas, involve risks," the admiral said. "Therefore the intervention of minesweepers, but not only Italians, also of all other nations, in a mined area must be done when hostilities are over."

"Trump's extension of the ceasefire means nothing" except "buying time for a surprise attack". This was written in X Mahdi Mohammadi, an advisor to the Speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arguing that the 'siege' imposed by the US 'is no different from a bombing' and requires 'a military response'.

"It is time for Iran to take the initiative," he concluded.

I manifestanti a terra espongono immagini satiriche (da sinistra a destra) del presidente filippino Ferdinand Marcos Jr., del presidente degli Stati Uniti Donald Trump e del primo ministro israeliano Benjamin Netanyahu durante una manifestazione lungo una strada che conduce all’ambasciata degli Stati Uniti a Manila, nelle Filippine, il 22 aprile 2026. I manifestanti hanno espresso la loro opposizione al ruolo degli Stati Uniti e di Israele nel conflitto mediorientale contro l'Iran, poiché le continue tensioni hanno avuto ripercussioni sui mercati internazionali e causato un significativo aumento dei prezzi globali del petrolio. EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA

The Trump administration suspended dollar shipments to Iraq and froze security cooperation programmes with its armed forces, increasing pressure on Baghdad to dismantle powerful Iranian-backed militias, Iraqi and US officials said.

A cargo plane carrying nearly $500 million in US banknotes, the proceeds of Iraqi oil sales from the accounts of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was recently blocked by Treasury Department officials because of US concerns about militias, officials said.

The UK and France are bringing together military strategists from some 30 countries to work out the details of a mission to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz when this important sea route is reopened. The British Ministry of Defence John Healey said the two-day meeting at a UK command and control centre in London is aimed at 'turning diplomatic consensus into a detailed military plan'. The plan envisages an international mission to protect merchant ships, mine zones and provide reassurance, and depends on achieving a 'sustainable' ceasefire in the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran. Several countries, including France and the UK, have pledged to send ships and drones for demining. Despite scepticism about the actual implementation of the plan, Healey said he was 'confident that concrete progress can be made in the next couple of days'.

European stock exchanges started the session in positive territory. Cautious optimism returned to the markets after US President Donald Trump announced the extension of the truce with Iran. Also in the spotlight were developments over the Strait of Hormuz. Frankfurt (+0.42%), Paris (+0.4%) and London (+0.11%) started higher.

Further reading

EU stock exchanges pay for Iran fears and do not take advantage of Wall Street rally. Milan -0.2%, oil at $100

22 April 2026

"Iran's strategic reserves of essential goods and foodstuffs have been replenished and the market enjoys complete stability, despite the sanctions, import restrictions and problems that arose in the southern ports during the war and the blockade." This was stated by Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri last night. "We have planned intensive domestic production, as well as alternative import routes, since, due to the vastness of Iran's territory, we have the ability to import from different borders with our neighbouring countries," he added, quoted by the Isna news agency, saying that "Iran enjoys food security, as about85% of its agricultural products and essential goods are produced within the country."

"In response to the repeated threats by the US president and the commanders of that country's aggressive and terrorist army, we warn that our powerful forces have long been in a state of full readiness and will keep their finger on the trigger, in case of aggression or action against Iran." This was stated by thespokesman of the Khatamolanbia Command, Ebrahim Zolfaghari. "In the event of aggression, the Iranian forces will immediately attack the pre-determined targets and give another lesson to the aggressive United States and the Zionist child-murdering regime, more severely than before," he added, as reported by Tasnim.

"We are at full readiness to continue the fight against the enemies and, if the aggression is repeated, we will inflict devastating blows, beyond imagination, on their infrastructure in the region." This was stated in a statement by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards, on the anniversary of the founding of the paramilitary force. Iran International reports.

Iran todayhanged another man for alleged links to Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency. The Mizan news agency, linked to the Iranian judiciary, announced the execution of Mehdi Farid, described as an employee of a 'sensitive state organisation' who passed on information to the Israeli spy agency. Farid was sentenced in the Iranian province of Qom.

"The US must cease its 'violation of the ceasefire' before any new round of negotiations". This was stated by Iranian Ambassador to the UN Amir-Saeid Iravani to Iranian media outlet Shargh, as reported by Al-Jazeera. "As soon as the blockade is lifted, the next round of negotiations will be held in Islamabad," he added, "Iran is ready for any scenario. We did not initiate the military aggression. If they seek a political solution, we are ready. If they seek war, Iran is ready for that too'.

Un manifestante tiene in mano un cartello contro il presidente degli Stati Uniti Donald Trump durante una manifestazione lungo una strada che conduce all'ambasciata statunitense a Manila, nelle Filippine, il 22 aprile 2026. I manifestanti hanno espresso la loro opposizione al ruolo degli Stati Uniti e di Israele nel conflitto mediorientale contro l'Iran, poiché le continue tensioni hanno influito sui mercati internazionali e causato un notevole aumento dei prezzi mondiali del petrolio. EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA

'As long as the United States does not completely end the freedom of navigation of ships to and from Iran and vice versa, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control and unchanged from its previous state'. This was stated, according to the Iranian Fars news agency, by the spokesman of the Central Headquarters Khatam al-Anbiya (Pbuh) regarding the container ship targeted by a Pasdaran ship off the coast of Oman. According to Fars, the operation in the Strait of Hormuz was an 'enforcement' action, carried out following the 'violation of the ceasefire by the United States and the continuation of the naval siege on Iran, as well as the boarding of an Iranian ship'.

A container ship was hit by Iranian gunfire off the coast of Oman, sustaining damage but causing no casualties, according to British maritime safety agency Ukmto. "The vessel was approached by an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps patrol boat, without radio warning, which then opened fire at the vessel, causing significant damage to the bridge. No fires or environmental impacts were reported,' the Ukmto said, adding that the crew was 'safe and sound'.

For the time being, the ceasefire still seems to be holding, after US President Donald Trump announced the extension of the truce, while maintaining the blockade of Iranian ports. Two weeks after 8 April, when the ceasefire went into effect, Iran had warned that the truce would expire at midnight on Tuesday night. The US President had mentioned Wednesday evening, Washington time. However, Donald Trump announced that he had extended the cessation of hostilities at the request of Pakistani mediators, until 'Iran presents a proposal' to end the conflict. In a message on Truth Social, he cited divisions at the highest levels of Iranian power. Trump also stated that the Iranian regime wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened. But should the US lift the blockade, "there will never be a deal with Iran unless we destroy the rest of their country, including their leaders!" he stated.

"A man named Mehdi Farid was executed this morning for espionage on behalf of the Zionist regime, for passing on sensitive information about Iran to the Israeli Mossad." This was stated by the Iranian judiciary in a press release issued this morning

An Israeli attack in the Lebanese Bekaa region left one person dead and two wounded, according to Lebanese state media reports, despite the ongoing truce between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. "One person was killed and two others wounded following an attack conducted by an enemy drone at dawn on the outskirts of Al-Jabur in western Bekaa," Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported. Yesterday, Hezbollah claimed to have launched rockets and attack drones against a site in northern Israel in response to Israel's 'blatant' ceasefire violations, which it said included 'attacks on civilians and the destruction of their homes and villages'.

"Iran is collapsing financially! They want the Strait of Hormuz reopened immediately, they are running out of money! They are losing $500 million a day. Military and police complain they are not getting paid. SOS!!!" Thus on Truth US President Donald Trump.

Iran is ready to negotiate 'immediately' with the United States once Washington lifts the naval blockade. This was stated by Iran's ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani, according to Tasnim news agency.

Iravani said Tehran is willing to resume talks immediately after the US naval blockade ends, stressing, however, that the US must first stop what he called 'ceasefire violations'.

Donald Trump extends 'ceasefire until such time as Iran's proposal is submitted' and 'discussions are concluded, one way or the other'. Trump states this on his social Truth.

US President Donald Trump said that the end of the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would make any agreement with Iran impossible.

"Four days ago some people approached me and said, 'Sir, Iran wants to reopen the strait immediately.' But if we did that, there could never be a deal with Iran unless we blew up the rest of their country, including their leaders,'" Trump wrote today on Truth Social.

Further reading

War breaking news. Trump extends truce until Iran submits proposal

21 April 2026