War, latest news. US-Iran negotiations, Vance in Islamabad tomorrow. New Israel-Lebanon negotiations on Thursday

An Iranian delegation is making preparations to reach Islamabad tomorrow for peace negotiations with the United States. This was indicated - as reported by the New York Times - by two senior officials of the Islamic republic with knowledge of the plans.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the influential political and military figure leading the talks, will be present if Vice President JD Vance is also present, the two officials said.

Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport, Rosaviatsiya, responsible for civil aviation, has lifted restrictions on flights to the United Arab Emirates and overflying Iran, imposed since the beginning of the war in the Middle East. Ria Novosti reports this, citing a statement from the Federal Agency. "Rosaviatsiya, taking into account the position of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revoked the recommendations to Russian airlines to suspend ticket sales for flights to and from the UAE. Restrictions on Russian airlines' flights through Iranian airspace have also been lifted,' the agency reported.

"The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is delicate and complex. We express concern about the forced interception of the ship in question by the United States. We hope that the parties concerned will strictly abide by the ceasefire agreement with a responsible attitude, avoid an escalation of tensions and create the necessary conditions for the resumption of normal transit through the strait." This was stated by Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Donald Trump would like to take part in deals with Iran in person, but he does not think it is necessary. Responding to those who asked him whether fighting will resume immediately if there is no agreement, Trump said: 'If there is no agreement, I expect it.

Iran's decision to not participate in the negotiations "has not changed" despite US President Donald Trump's announcement that an American delegation is on its way to Pakistan. This was pointed outby the Iranian news agency Tasnim, according to which Iran's participation is "conditional on the fulfilment of certain preconditions", starting with the question of the naval blockade which constitutes "a fundamental obstacle" to the negotiations.

In addition to the issue of the naval blockade, there are other excessive demands from the US side that "do not show a clear perspective" in view of the possible new talks, Tasnim added, according to which Tehran believes that as long as the US "comes to the negotiating table with the same miscalculations that led to their heavy defeat on the military field, the negotiations will only be a waste of time." "Iran," Tasnim continues, "also believes that media reports on the negotiations may be misleading and is ready to face a military confrontation and inflict further punishment on the US.

Donald Trump told Bloomberg news agency that an extension of the ceasefire with Iran is 'highly unlikely' unless an agreement is signed. The ceasefire expires on Wednesday, Trump highlighted.

Donald Trump is unsure about the participation of Iran's delegation in Pakistan's negotiations with the US and, to a specific question from Pbs News, replied that he did not know.

"I mean, they should be there. We had agreed to be there, even though they say otherwise. But no, it was all arranged. And we'll see if they'll be there or not," said the American president, "If they won't be there, that's OK too."

A second round of talks between US and Iranian delegations is scheduled for "Wednesday" in Islamabad, but the situation remains fluid. This is what sources familiar with the plans tell CNN, according to which Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to leave Washington for Pakistan on Tuesday. The White House told the American network that they "expect the delegation to leave soon, but it is unclear when". All of this news, CNN itself points out, comes after Donald Trump confirmed to the New York Post that the delegation of American negotiators, led by Vice President JD Vance, the tycoon's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, is "en route" and will be "there tonight, Islamabad time". Meanwhile, Fox News journalist Maria Bartiromo reported on live TV that she had spoken with the US president, who - she said - expects 'Iran to sign an agreement tomorrow night in Pakistan'.

"It was not Israel that convinced me about war with Iran, but the results of 7 October, which reinforced my lifelong conviction that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon." This was stated in a post on Truth Social by US President Donald Trump. The White House chief went on to reiterate his accusation of pundits and 'fake news' of telling 'lies' and spreading 'rigged' polls, just like the 2020 presidential election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media does not like to talk about, the results in Iran will be surprising," Trump added, "And if Iran's new leaders (regime change) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is positively considering its participation in potential peace talks with the United States, but that no final decision has yet been made. The Iranian official said that Pakistan, as mediator, is making positive efforts to end the US blockade and ensure Iran's participation in the talks.

epa12902572 Un aereo del governo statunitense si prepara ad atterrare alla base aerea di Nur Khan a Rawalpindi, in Pakistan, il 20 aprile 2026. Con l'avvicinarsi della scadenza del cessate il fuoco, i negoziatori statunitensi stanno tornando a Islamabad per un secondo ciclo di colloqui, nonostante un portavoce del Ministero degli Esteri iraniano abbia dichiarato che Teheran non ha intenzione di partecipare. EPA/STRINGER

Israel "has not yet finished the job" in Iran. This was stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a War Memorial Day ceremony in Jerusalem. The Times of Israel reports. The world recognises Israel's determination to defend itself and "to defend humanity from barbaric fanaticism", he said. Israel and the United States, Netanyahu added, 'are carrying the entire Western civilisation on their shoulders'.

"After years of war, we have to be honest about the fact that the needle of the two-state solution has not moved much. Yet it remains the most viable path to a war-free Middle East'. This was stated by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas in her speech at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (Ahlc) on Palestine. "For the two-state solution to have a real chance, both sides must act," the EU diplomacy leader continued, calling on Israel to stop settlement expansion, punish settler crimes and release the withheld tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority. At the same time, "the Palestinian Authority must proceed with reforms," Kallas continued. In Gaza, "Hamas' refusal to disarm remains a major obstacle to peace," he adds, stressing that the Palestinian police and the International Stabilisation Force "must deploy in Gaza as soon as possible to prevent further consolidation of power by Hamas."

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today, during the opening ceremony of the Day of Remembrance for Fallen Israeli Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, that "today we have the strength and spirit to counterattack our enemies. Iran rose up against us to destroy us with atomic bombs, but we acted and foiled the murderous plot. Like a lion cub, the people rise up, like a lion roars'.

"The member states have put on the table the suspension" total "of the association agreement between the EU and Israel, which requires unanimity. At the same time, we already have other measures on the table, some of which require a qualified majority. First we have to assess whether it is possible to proceed in this direction to put pressure on Israel'. This was said by the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, at the end of the double meeting on the two-state solution in Brussels, on the eve of the European foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg.

The United States is working to extend the cease-fire in Lebanon. This was stated by the Speaker of the Beirut Parliament, Nabih Berri, to the Saudi daily 'Asharq al Awsat'.

The newspaper reported that Berri refused to reveal his position on direct negotiations with Israel, which are reportedly being planned by the Lebanese president.

At the heart of the talks with Iran is a non-negotiable demand: Iran must abandon any plans to develop nuclear weapons. "Get rid of nuclear weapons. It is very simple. There will be no nuclear weapons," he explained in an interview with the New York Post, adding that Iran has the potential to prosper if it complies. "It could be a wonderful country, it really could be," the tycoon said.

Russia remains committed to the agreements reached during the August 2025 meeting between the Russian and US presidents, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, in Anchorage, Alaska. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Evgheny Ivanov at a seminar. "Russia remains loyal to the agreements reached at the highest level during the Russian-US summit in Alaska," Ivanov was quoted by the Ria Novosti news agency as saying.

US President Donald Trump has contradicted US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, that fuel prices may not return to pre-Iran war levels before next year. "I think he's wrong, he's completely wrong," Trump said in a telephone interview with the US news outlet The Hill. Instead, the US president believes that prices will come down "as soon as" the war in the Middle East "ends".

"The talks should take place. I assume no one is playing games at this point." Donald Trump told the New York Post regarding the talks between Iran and the United States. JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner "are going, will arrive in the evening in Islamabad," Trump added, reiterating his readiness to meet with the Iranian leadership should the opportunity arise. "I have no problem meeting with them," he said.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, and his Pakistani counterpart, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, had a telephone conversation to discuss regional developments and ceasefire issues. This was reported by the Tehran Foreign Ministry, while a short while ago, US President Donald Trump announced that a US delegation led by Vice President Jd Vance is heading to Islamabad. The Iranian government has not yet clarified whether it will participate in a new round of negotiations with the US.

The US delegation led by JD Vance is en route to Pakistan and is expected to land in a few hours. Donald Trump told the New York Post.

Rising energy prices, falling confidence and expectations, rising sovereign rates: first impacts of war. Worsening scenario. These are the first words of the Congiuntura Flash analysis by the Centro studi di Confindustria. Oil prices are high, despite the fragile truce in the Middle East war. The impact of the energy shock can already be read in many data on the Italian economy: household confidence is falling, anticipating a slowdown in consumption; sovereign rates are rising; expectations on industry, which was trying to recover, are falling; services are also slowing down. Investments are holding up, which are still supported by the NRP in the first three months of 2026.

Iran has reopened the two main civil airports in Tehran, the Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports, the country's aviation authority said in a statement quoted by Isna, after the closures caused by the war with the United States and Israel. The note added that, "starting Saturday", passenger flights will be possible from 10 airports across Iran.

In an interview with Afp, Hezbollah deputy Hassan Fadlallah assured that the Lebanese Shia movement will "break down the yellow line through resistance". "Any buffer zone or defensive line established by the Israeli army will be taken down," Fadlallah said, pointing out that "no one in Lebanon will be able to disarm the resistance". Regarding the new round of direct negotiations with Israel, scheduled for Thursday, the Hezbollah MP called on Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to "renounce new talks with Tel Aviv".

Israel and Lebanon will hold a second round of negotiations on Thursday. Israeli broadcaster Kan 11 reports this, citing diplomatic sources, without specifying the location of the meeting between the parties.

Russia welcomes all mediation efforts on the situation in the Middle East, as Moscow shares the same goals. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeniy Ivanov.

"We welcome all mediation efforts aimed at facilitating the resolution process. The Russian initiative to resume dialogue on the creation of a collective security system in the Gulf area, with the participation of all regional states concerned and the support of international mediators, is also aimed at resolving this issue,' Ivanov told the Pan-Russian Municipal Forum.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski commented on footage showing an IDF soldier intent on destroying a statue of Jesus. On X, he wrote: 'It is good that Minister Gideon Sa'ar quickly apologised, he had reason to do so'. He added: 'This soldier should be punished, but they should also be taught this during training. The IDF soldiers themselves admitted to committing war crimes. They did not only kill Palestinian civilians, but also their own hostages." Saar replied to Sikorski, stating that "what he wrote shows ignorance and a profound lack of understanding. Unfortunately, in every war, innocent people are injured, especially when terrorists use the civilian population as human shields. But there is no Western army that fights terrorism with greater precision and based on more accurate intelligence information than the Israel Defence Forces'. He added: "In fact, European citizens directly benefit from the results of IDF operations. I suggest that instead of preaching morality to others, you personally condemn the shameful anti-Semitic demonstration we witnessed last week in the Polish parliament. One must beware of irresponsible statements that can lead to dangerous situations'.

"Yesterday, like the vast majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms. The military authorities are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter and will take appropriately severe disciplinary measures against the perpetrator'. This is what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in a post on social X, after an image circulated on social media yesterday of an Israeli soldier destroying a statue of Jesus. "While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel is thriving unlike elsewhere in the Middle East," Netanyahu's post continues, "Israel is the only country in the region where the Christian population and standard of living is growing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that respects freedom of worship for all. We regret the incident and any pain it has caused believers in Lebanon and around the world."

Middle East, Kallas: do more to put two-state solution back on the table

"We must do more to ensure respect for human rights and accountability, protect the Palestinian people and put the two-state solution firmly back on the table. This is the only way for Palestinians and Israelis to live in security, dignity and peace," said European Foreign Policy High Representative Kaja Kallas today, opening the meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

US forces boarded and seized the Iranian-flagged merchant ship M/V Touska in the Arabian Sea after the destroyer USS Spruance disabled the freighter's propulsion with artillery fire. Courtesy: Centcom Source: Agenzia Vista / Alexander Jakhnagiev

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi today updated Iran's Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam on preparations for the upcoming peace talks in Islamabad during a meeting in the capital. The ministry reports that both stressed the need for a sustainable solution through diplomatic channels to reduce regional tensions. The meeting came just hours after Naqvi briefed US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker at the US Embassy on preparations for the talks. Naqvi was part of a delegation led by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir that travelled to Tehran last week to advance the peace process. The Iranian ambassador reportedly appreciated Pakistan's positive and constructive role in easing tensions.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announced the gradual resumption of foreign airline operations through Hamad International Airport, marking the reopening of the country's airspace to international carriers after extensive restrictions that began on 28 February. Flights in the region had been suspended or diverted following war-related tensions in Iran, which had led to the closure of airspace in several countries and the disruption of connections to Doha. The Authority explained that the decision came after a 'comprehensive assessment of the situation' to ensure full operations and safety. The reopening will be gradual and initially limited to certain companies.

Iran is willing to participate in the second round of talks with the United States. This is according to two Pakistani officials, who said that the Iranian authorities have expressed their intention to send a delegation for a second round of talks in Islamabad this week. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to make statements to the media, said there is cautious optimism that delegations from both Iran and the US may travel to Islamabad. The sources also added that Pakistan will not release details of both sides' travel plans for security reasons and urged the media to avoid speculation about the timing of the talks, stressing that the process remains in flux.

"Peace and stability in the Middle East is a priority for the EU, which works closely with our key partners in the region such as Jordan". This was stated by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa via social media, adding that in this spirit "it is always a pleasure to count on the wisdom of King Abdullah II", with whom he spoke by phone to reiterate that the EU "stands by its partners in these difficult times and supports all ongoing diplomatic efforts". "The full and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a priority. We remain gravely concerned about the situation in Lebanon. The EU will continue to support the authorities to disarm Hezbollah as the only way to restore stability in Lebanon. We are ready to support the country with humanitarian and reconstruction aid,' Costa writes. "The situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, also remains a priority for us," he adds, amticipating that EU leaders "will engage with partners on the situation in the Middle East" at the informal summit in Cyprus, scheduled for this week.

According to Iran International, the President of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, sharply criticised opponents of a potential deal with the US during a meeting with his advisors. Ghalibaf, who also led the Iranian delegation in the latest negotiations with Washington, described figures such as Saeed Jalili, a member of Iran's National Security Council, and ultraconservative Iranian parliamentarian Amirhossein Sabeti as militia-like extremist actors who would destroy Iran. He added that the group is using state television and mobilising hardliners to intensify opposition to negotiations and a possible deal with the US. Finally, Ghalibaf expressed concern about his possible removal as parliamentary speaker and the possible ouster of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi from office.

India's Maritime Transport Ministry said the ship carryingcrude oil and 31 seafarers safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the same day two other Indian ships were forced to turn back after receiving reports of gunfire from Iran. The ministry added that the ship is expected to arrive in Mumbai on Wednesday. It also pointed out that so farten Indian-flagged ships have safely crossed the strait.

The Pakistani Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, informed the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, that preparations for the second round of talks between the US and Iran have been completed. This was reported in a post on X by the Interior Ministry in Islamabad. Stressing the "brotherly relations" between Pakistan and Iran, Naqvi reiterated that Islamabad favours a solution to the conflict between Washington and Tehran through dialogue. "A lasting solution to the conflict is a guarantee of stability and peace for the entire region," he pointed out.

In Jerusalem last Friday, female soldiers were obliged to wear long trousers during the five-kilometre Jerusalem Marathon, despite the heat wave, while male soldiers were not required to do so and wore shorts. It is the latest incident, reported by the Israeli media, on the clothing restrictions on female soldiers that is causing controversy. "Unfortunately, in the current reality, it is taken for granted that their rights are different from those of male soldiers, apparently for reasons of modesty," the mother of a female soldier told Channel 12. Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beytenu party, condemned the order, stating that "anyone who thinks that a female soldier wearing shorts is a problem is himself the problem. Yes to a Jewish state, no to coercion of the Haredi'. The episode occurred at a time of renewed criticism of religious coercion in the armed forces. Last week, writes the Times of Israel, the IDF court-martialled female soldiers and cut a third of their pay for wearing clothes deemed too skimpy when they arrived on base for leave. On social media, one of the mothers shared a photo of the ID card taken by her daughter, who had served as a commander in basic training for non-combat soldiers, together with some colleagues who were also finishing their military service. Three of the women in the photo were wearing a tank top, a short skirt and a short top, respectively.

"Negotiations with Tel Aviv are aimed at halting hostilities, ending the Israeli occupation in some regions of southern Lebanon and deploying the army within the borders recognised by the international community." This was stated by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in a statement released by the presidency office. Ahead of new talks with Israel, Aoun also added that Lebanon's former ambassador to Washington, Simon Karam, will head the Beirut delegation in "bilateral negotiations" that will be "separate" from other ongoing discussions, referring to the diplomatic standoff between Iran and the United States.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that the delegation tasked with negotiating with Israel will be led by former Ambassador Simon Karam, who previously handled talks with the Israelis under the ceasefire monitoring mechanism established in November 2024. "The bilateral negotiations will be conducted on behalf of Lebanon through a delegation led by Ambassador Simon Karam, and no one will participate in this mission in his place or in his stead," President Aoun said during a meeting in Baabda, according to a press release issued by the presidency. This was reported by L'Orient Le Jour.

Since 28 February, the day the US and Israel began their war in Iran, there have been1,245 cyber attacks involving 99 different threat actors and 14 countries. Of these, Israel is the most targeted country in terms of the number of attacks (603), while Iran and United Arab Emirates record the highest average severity. The most affected sectors are government/military/law enforcement, finance and media. But potentially at risk are businesses all over the world, including European and Italian ones. These are some of the data from Hackmanac, a platform that monitors and analyses cyber threats on a global level, which emerged during the webinar 'Ai, now: the new game of geopolitics', organised by the AI Think Tank of Assintel, the association of digital enterprises of Confcommercio. Again according to Hackmanac's data, Cyber attacks have increased exponentially in recent years until reaching 17,770 in 2025, marking an increase of +113% over the previous year. This escalation is not a sudden phenomenon: from 2018 to 2025, the number of detected cyber incidents grew by more than eleven times, with a particularly marked acceleration from 2023 onwards (+184%). They manifest themselves through different types of activities: public and demonstrative actions; influence and information manipulation operations; cyber espionage activities; sabotage or disruption operations, with the aim of compromising the business continuity of services, supply chains and infrastructures. The impact of these attacks does not stop in areas of direct conflict. Italian and European companies are exposed indirectly: through dependence on large American technology providers, supply chain vulnerability, exposure to disinformation campaigns and geopolitically oriented phishing. The risks concern the business continuity of services, reputation, management under conditions of high uncertainty and knock-on effects on customers, suppliers and international partners. At the centre of Assintel's webinar is also the ambivalent role of artificial intelligence in the cyber war: on the one hand an offensive tool, to automate attacks, evolve malware, make phishing and social engineering more effective, on the other hand a fundamental defensive lever, thanks to its ability to detect threats in real time, automate responses, analyse vulnerabilities and anticipate risk scenarios.

"We understand that the exception that the US has again granted is limited in time and scope, only to cargoes already at sea". This was said by an EU Commission spokesperson asked about the new US extension to the stop to sanctions on Russian oil. "The Commission is convinced that the oil price cap and the EU sanctions against Russia remain fully justified and relevant," he added. "However, even in the current volatile situation in oil markets, the oil price cap has proven effective in reducing Russian oil export revenues while maintaining market stability. Russia should not benefit from the war in Iran, as we have said here many times'.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told parliamentarians that the talks with Israel "are separate from any other negotiations", referring to the ceasefire talks between the US and Iran, specifying that he has "full hope that we will be able to save Lebanon".

According to Aoun, Lebanon is faced with two options: 'either the continuation of the war with all its humanitarian, social, economic and sovereignty repercussions, or negotiations to end this war and achieve lasting stability'.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that 'normal traffic' in the strategic Strait of Hormuz 'must be guaranteed'. This was reported by the state broadcaster Cctv, reporting on a phone call he had with the Saudi heir to the throne and 'de facto' leader of the Gulf monarchy, Mohammed bin Salman. In the conversation, Xi also reiterated that China 'supports an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire'.

The Iranian army gave an explanation as to why it did not react to yesterday's attack by US marines on an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Oman. The Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters, which oversees the operations of the Iranian regular army and Revolutionary Guards, said it refrained from attacking the marines because crew members were on board the Touska. "Due to the presence of some family members of the crew, they faced difficulties in protecting their lives and ensuring their safety, as they were in danger at all times," a statement read.

China's Foreign Ministry today expressed concern over the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged merchant ship yesterday. 'We hope that all parties concerned will adopt a responsible attitude, respect the ceasefire agreement and avoid escalating tensions or intensifying contradictions,' said spokesman Guo Jiakun, 'the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and ensuring its free passage serves the common interests of the countries in the region and the international community. China finally called for the resumption of normal operation of the waterway.

Regarding the conflict in Iran, 'we believe that the situation is very fragile and unpredictable, but we hope that the negotiation process will continue and that this will help to avoid a further scenario of violence. This could have had far more negative consequences for both regional security and the global economy'. This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and reported by the Russian news agency Interfax.

The US Central Command (Centcom) published in a social X post the video of the boarding of the Iranian-flagged ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman. "US marines departed from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) aboard helicopters and flew over the Arabian Sea to board and seize the M/V Touska," the post reads, "The marines lowered themselves with ropes onto the Iranian-flagged ship on 19 April, after the missile-launching destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) had disabled the Touska's propulsion system because the merchant ship had failed to comply with repeated warnings from US forces over a six-hour period'.

Tehran will "take necessary measures" against US forces in response to the US Navy's seizure of an Iranian-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. This was stated by Iran's central military command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, emphasising that the Revolutionary Guard forces were "ready to respond after American commandos raided the Iranian merchant ship". According to Khatam al-Anbiya's note, quoted by the Isna news agency, the Iranian forces had imposed 'self-imposed restrictions' due to the presence on board of family members of the crew who 'were in danger'

"At no stage in the current or previous negotiations was the transfer of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States or any other country discussed." This was stated by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, as reported by Iran International. "Just as our soil is sacred and important to us, enriched uranium is also important to us," he added.

In the Netherlands, the national plan for the energy crisis fuelled by the crisis in the Middle East was triggered. This is the first time it has been activated since its introduction after the shock of the war in Ukraine. Phase one - Dutch media report - has no immediate effect, but marks an increase in alertness, with the strengthening of supply monitoring and coordination with the most energy-intensive sectors, such as transport and agriculture. As the situation worsens, stronger measures are planned, including reduced speed limits on motorways and car-free Sundays. Premier Rob Jetten is expected to announce aid to curb the effects of high energy prices soon, including possible tax breaks for motorists.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran has not yet decided whether to participate in the new round of talks with the US.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee, opens up in an interview with Al Jazeera to Iranian presence at the talks in Islamabad but under certain conditions. Iran, he says, has decided to continue talks with the US, but this "does not mean negotiating at any cost" or accepting "any approach taken by the other side". Iran has set red lines, and these "must be respected", he said. Asked whether Iran will send a delegation to Islamabad, Aziz said it depends on whether Tehran receives "positive signals"

Iranian President Pezeshkian attempts to ease tensions after the weekend escalation between the US and Iran. "War is in nobody's interest and, while resisting threats, every rational and diplomatic path should be taken to reduce tensions," he said, according to state news agency Irna. The Iranian president added, however, that 'distrust of the enemy and vigilance in interactions are an undeniable necessity'.

Further reading

The possible split between the political wing of the regime and the military wing in Iran

08 March 2026

The head of Iranian forensic medicine says that at least 3,375 people have been killed in the country's war against Israel and the United States. The figure was provided by Abbas Masjedi, head of the Iranian Forensic Medicine Organisation. Masjedi, quoted by the judiciary-linked Mizan news agency and other media, said that only four of the victims remain unidentified. His statements did not specify the breakdown of the victims between civilians and security forces, merely indicating that 2,875 were men and 496 women. Masjedi specified that 383 of the deceased were children aged 18 and under. The figures provided by Masjedi raised doubts as to whether they included members of the security forces, particularly in light of the intensity of the bombings that targeted military bases and arsenals in the country.

"American terrorists a few hours ago attacked an Iranian container ship named Touska, which was headed to Iran from China in the Gulf of Oman. After the American attack, Iranian forces in turn attacked some American military ships with drones. Iran will respond to any action by the Americans with due retaliation'. This was written by the Iranian Tasnim agency.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei suffered a minor leg injury during Israeli-American air raids against his residential compound, according to a senior Iranian official. Iran International writes. Azim Ebrahimpour stated that Mojtaba Khamenei was inside the complex at the time of the attack and was slightly injured by the shockwave of a missile. He also stated that reports of other injuries were false and that speculation about his state of health was intended to be divisive.

La gente passa davanti ai manifesti del nuovo leader supremo iraniano, Mojtaba Khamenei, affissi lungo una strada di Isfahan, in Iran, il 24 marzo 2026. REUTERS/Alaa Al Marjani

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned financial market participants against being influenced by the 'bureaucracy of US officials' ahead of the reopening of the oil market. "Trading oil digitally by following the vibrations is like hedging against fluctuations in government bonds during the Strait of Hormuz crisis," he said on his X account, adding, "Both are a house of cards, which only works on paper." "Difference: oil at least has a benchmark Brent contract. Government bonds? Vibrations to no end. Eucrbrdt Gp index," added the head of Iran's negotiating team in Islamabad talks with the US.

"There is a push by the international community to secure Hormuz and ensure that free and peaceful navigation of goods can resume at full speed. Italia, which has one of the best navies in the world, could think about mine-hunting assets. For 20 days I have been telling the head of Defence and the Navy to be ready with two ships. But to send them we need the end of hostilities, because nobody wants to enter a war'. Thus Guido Crosetto,Minister of Defence, in an interview with Il Corriere della Sera. As for the fact that it will take years for the flow of oil and gas to return to what it was before the conflict, the minister explained: 'But no, once you have guaranteed security, the ships move. The flows could resume immediately, almost as fast as before. For the damaged liquid gas plant in Qatar, on the other hand, it could take up to three years. The question is when it will be possible to send the ships. The international community will only be able to enter Hormuz after the truce, so as not to be in a war zone. And the Italia government will go through the parliamentary vote, which for us is a due, obligatory, fundamental step'. In the meantime, the opposition is asking for a clear UN mandate: 'The first country to ask for UN intervention, months ago and on my explicit declaration, was Italia and not only for the war in Iran. I'm glad that the opposition is getting there too. I hope there will be a UN aegis, but I will not be formalised if there will be 42 nations with a mandate and a multilateral peacekeeping force. And I don't think that when faced with an international mission, Parliament can make any distinctions'.

Whether or not Iran sends a delegation to Islamabad will depend on whether Tehran receives positive signals. This is what Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, said when speaking to Al-Jazeera about the prospects of talks with the US. The MP, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said that Iran has decided to continue talks with the US, but that this "does not mean negotiating at any cost" and accepting any "approach taken by the other side". Asked whether Iran would send a delegation to Pakistan, Aziz said: 'We have never feared the principle of negotiation. Perhaps today or tomorrow, after further evaluation, we will consider it likely, assuming a positive signal comes from the US negotiating delegation and the messages it has received from Iran'. Iran has set red lines and these 'must be respected', he concluded.

Il personale di sicurezza monta la guardia mentre il Pakistan si prepara ad ospitare un secondo ciclo di colloqui di pace tra Stati Uniti e Iran a Islamabad, in Pakistan, il 19 aprile 2026. Islamabad era sottoposta a rigide misure di sicurezza, con le principali strade chiuse al traffico e i trasporti pubblici sospesi, mentre il Pakistan si preparava ad ospitare un possibile secondo ciclo di colloqui di pace tra Stati Uniti e Iran. EPA/SOHAIL SHAHZAD

The US Central Command, Centcom, shared footage showing marines lowering themselves with ropes onto the Iranian-flagged ship Touska and taking control of the vessel. "US Marines descended from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli by helicopter and crossed the Arabian Sea to board and seize the M/V Touska,'' reads the Centcom's 'X' account as the naval blockade decided by US President Donald Trump continues.

Iran promises to 'respond soon' to the US seizure of a cargo ship that was attempting to force a blockade in the Gulf of Oman. "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon react and take retaliatory measures against this act of armed piracy and against the US military," Tehran's General Staff spokesman writes on Telegram, accusing the US of 'violating the ceasefire'.

US President Donald Trump said that the US has seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. This is the first interception since a naval blockade began last week. Trump claims the ship ignored warnings and was stopped by a US Navy destroyer.

As the effects of the war in the Middle East continue to disrupt oil markets, the latest monthly report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on oil markets shows how the severe supply shock is now weighing on global demand. According to the Report, global oil supply fell by 10% in March, to 97 million barrels per day, due to attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East and the collapse of maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

To mitigate the immediate impact of these supply disruptions, consumers and refiners drew on oil stocks. However, where stocks are not sufficient to completely fill the gap, demand has taken a hit. In particular, petrochemical producers in Asia reduced production rates due to the depletion of raw materials. Households and businesses using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were also affected, while flight cancellations in the Middle East and parts of Asia and Europe led to a sharp drop in aviation fuel consumption. As a result, the IEA report predicts that global oil demand will contract by 80,000 barrels per day this year.

Further reading

Oil, IEA tries to curb rally: ready for new stock releases

16 March 2026