Day 48: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

This live blog covered developments on Day 48 of the US-Israeli war on Iran. For a recap of Day 47, go here, and for Day 49 updates, click here.

• Trump says he 'might' go to Islamabad to sign Iran deal
• Ten-day ceasefire agreed by Israel and Lebanon takes effect
• Chinese foreign minister urges Iran to restore ‘normal navigation’ in Hormuz Strait
• Iran arrests four alleged Israeli spies: State media
• Amnesty official calls for immediate end to military cooperation with Israel

Trump says hopes Hezbollah 'acts nicely' during Lebanon-Israel ceasefire

Published: April 16, 2026 | 23:46GMT | By Web Desk

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he hopes militant group Hezbollah "acts nicely and well" during the 10-day ceasefire reached just hours earlier between Lebanon and Israel.

"I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as he arrived for a speech in Las Vegas. "It will be (a) GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!"

IMF warns of war's human impact far from Middle East

Published: April 16, 2026 | 23:17GMT | By Web Desk

IMF economists warned that the war in Iran could have “very, certainly severe” consequences far outside the region — especially for energy-importing countries.

"Oil-impacted importers, particularly non-resource-rich and fragile states, face deteriorating trade balances, rising living costs and limited buffers," warned Abebe Selassie, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director for Africa, at a press conference Thursday.

"The human consequences are almost certain to be severe," he added.

UN welcomes ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon

Published: April 16, 2026 | 21:14GMT | By Web Desk

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, commending the role of the United States in facilitating it. 

“I hope this will pave the way for negotiations towards a long-term solution to the conflict & contribute to ongoing efforts toward a lasting & comprehensive peace in the region,” he said in a post on X.

“I urge everyone to fully respect the ceasefire and to comply with international law at all times,” Guterres added. 

Ten-day ceasefire agreed by Israel and Lebanon takes effect

Published: April 16, 2026 | 21:14GMT | By Web Desk

A 10-day ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon took effect on Thursday after US President Donald Trump earlier announced the truce, adding that he hoped to host a historic meeting between the leaders of the two countries in the coming days.

The ceasefire officially took effect at midnight local time in Israel and Lebanon (2100 GMT). Israel has been fighting militant group Hezbollah since it launched rocket attacks in support of Iran last month.

Hezbollah has not officially said if it will recognise the ceasefire but one of its lawmakers told AFP on Thursday that the group would respect it if Israeli attacks on its militants stopped.

Iran foreign ministry welcomes ceasefire agreement in Lebanon: state media

Published: April 16, 2026 | 20:49GMT | By Web Desk

Iran's foreign ministry welcomed on Thursday the truce agreed between Israel and Lebanon, calling it part of the earlier two-week ceasefire deal struck between the Islamic republic and the United States to pause the Middle East war, state media reported.

Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei "welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon and noted that the cessation of the war in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire understanding between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan", state news agency IRNA posted on Telegram.

Saudi Arabia says welcomes ceasefire agreement in Lebanon

Published: April 16, 2026 | 19:53 GMT | By Web Desk

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry on Thursday welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been fighting militant group Hezbollah since last month.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's welcome of the announcement by... Trump of a ceasefire in brotherly Lebanon. It also commended the significant positive role played by President Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Republic, the Lebanese government headed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri," state news agency SPA reported.

Trump says Lebanon ceasefire includes Hezbollah

Published: April 16, 2026 | 18:45 GMT | By Web Desk

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that Lebanon’s ceasefire includes Hezbollah.

He also said he would meet Israel’s prime minister and Lebanon’s president in four or five days.

Trump says he 'might' go to Islamabad
Published: April 16, 2026 | 18:20 GMT | By Web Desk

US President Donald Trump said that he will visit Islamabad if a deal is signed with Iran

"If the deal is signed with Iran... I might go to Islamabad," he told reporters outside of the White House.

"The Field Marshal has been great, the Prime Minister has been really great in Pakistan. I might go, they want me," Trump added.

EU chief welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as 'a relief'

Published: April 16, 2026 | 17:13 GMT | By AFP

European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen welcomed a 10-day ceasefire declared Thursday between Israel and Lebanon that was announced by US President Donald Trump.

"This is a relief, as this conflict has already claimed far too many lives," von der Leyen wrote on X, adding that it must lead to "permanent peace".

"Europe will continue to call for the full respect of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," she said.

Lebanese PM 'welcomes' Israel ceasefire announced by Trump

Published: April 16, 2026 | 16:55 GMT | By AFP

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he "welcomes" US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 10-day ceasefire with Israel, which was due to start at 2100 GMT on Thursday evening.

Salam said he welcomes the ceasefire, "which is a key Lebanese demand that we have pursued since the very first day of the war" between Hezbollah and Israel, after Trump announced the temporary truce following phone calls with the presidents of the two countries.

"As I congratulate all Lebanese on this achievement, I pray for mercy upon the martyrs who have fallen, and I affirm my solidarity with their families," Salam said, thanking a number of European and Arab states for their "efforts" to reach a ceasefire.

Tehran doubts US good faith ahead of potential new talks: Iranian Media

Published: April 16, 2026 | 16:22 GMT | By Web Desk

Iranian semi-official news agency Tasnim reported that Tehran is still very doubtful of US “good faith”, stating that a potential second round of talks would be “unproductive.”

Trump says Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire

Published: April 16, 2026 | 15:40 GMT | By AFP

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said after speaking to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

"These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST," Trump said on his Truth Social network, without mentioning Lebanon's Hezbollah movement.

Lebanon president had phone call with Trump, thanked him for 'efforts' towards ceasefire

Published: April 16, 2026 | 15:10 GMT | By AFP

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a phone call with Donald Trump on Thursday during which he thanked the US leader for his "efforts" to secure a ceasefire with Israel, the presidency in Beirut said.

"President Aoun reiterated his thanks for the efforts Trump is making to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon and to secure lasting peace and stability as a prelude to implementing the peace process in the region," the statement said.

Lebanon president refused 'direct call' with Israel PM: official source

Published: April 16, 2026 | 14:08 GMT | By AFP

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejected a US request for a direct phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, an official source told AFP.

"The Lebanese president refused a direct call with Netanyahu and informed (US Secretary of State) Marco Rubio of this," adding that "the American side was understanding", the source said.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday the "leaders" of the two countries would speak the following day.

US warns to resume war in case if no deal

Published: April 16, 2026 | 13:36 GMT | By Web Desk

The US defense secretary said that American forces are ready to restart combat if Iran doesn’t agree to a deal, during a media briefing.

“We are watching you,” he addressed Iran.

"Let me be clear, this blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports," General Dan Caine, the top US military commander, said at a press conference with Hegseth.

Brazil says Trump has 'no right' to threaten countries

Published: April 16, 2026 | 12:31 GMT | By AFP

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized US President Donald Trump, saying the US leader has "no right" to threaten other nations, in an interview published in Spain on Thursday.

Lula's comments come after Trump this month warned that a "whole civilization will die" in Iran if the country did not open up the Strait of Hormuz.

"Trump has no right to wake up in the morning and threaten a country," Lula told the Spanish daily El Pais, recalling that the US Constitution divides authority over war and foreign policy between Congress and the president.

"It is essential that powerful leaders take greater responsibility in maintaining peace," the 80-year-old leftist president added.

Ceasefire in Lebanon 'as important' as in Iran: Iranian parliament speaker

Published: April 16, 2026 | 11:41 GMT | By AFP

Iran's prominent speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told his Lebanese counterpart on Thursday that a ceasefire in Lebanon was "as important" as in Iran, according to a statement posted on Telegram.

In talks to end the war between Iran and the United States, Ghalibaf said Tehran has "been striving to compel our enemies to establish a permanent ceasefire in all the conflict zones, in accordance with the agreement. For us, a ceasefire in Lebanon is just as important as a ceasefire in Iran," he said, in a phone conversation with Nabih Berri.

Pakistan a responsible state, sincere negotiator: Iranian ambassador 

Published: April 16, 2026 | 10:41 GMT | By Web Desk

Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad, said, "Pakistan is a responsible state and, as a sincere mediator, has begun efforts toward mediation." 

While speaking to Pakistan TV Digital on Thursday, he said, "We hope that, like the Islamic Republic of Iran, the other side will also respond to these serious and constructive efforts."

"We are entering the negotiations with complete seriousness and with the objective of achieving a positive outcome."

He said, "Our negotiating team is clearly defined. At the highest level, Dr Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, will head the negotiating team, while our Foreign Minister will serve as the second representative on our side."

"However, the final composition will depend on the level of the negotiating team from the other side," Dr Moghadam said.

Lebanon state media: Israeli military destroys key bridge in south

Published: April 16, 2026 | 10:41 GMT | By AFP

The Israeli military carried out two strikes against a key bridge in the south of Lebanon on Thursday, destroying it, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

"Enemy aircraft carried out two consecutive strikes on the Qasmieh bridge, the last bridge between the Tyre and Sidon regions, completely destroying it," the NNA said.

Lebanon president stresses importance of a ceasefire before talks with Israel

Published: April 16, 2026 | 10:32 GMT | By AFP

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday stressed the importance of a ceasefire before any direct negotiations with Israel, ahead of possible talks with Israel's leader that Beirut has not confirmed will take place.

"The ceasefire requested by Lebanon with Israel is the natural starting point for direct negotiations between the two countries," Aoun said in a statement.

His comments came after US President Donald Trump announced the "leaders" of Israel and Lebanon would talk on Thursday, which an Israeli minister confirmed.

Netanyahu will speak with Lebanese president Aoun: Israeli minister

Published: April 16, 2026 | 07:32 GMT | By AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday, according to Israel's Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party.

"The prime minister will speak for the first time with the president of Lebanon after so many years of a complete breakdown in dialogue between the two countries," Gamliel told Israeli Army Radio on Thursday. 

"This move will hopefully ultimately lead to prosperity and flourishing for Lebanon as a state," she added.

10 vessels turned around at the Strait, CENTCOM says

Published: April 16, 2026 | 07:32 GMT | By Web Desk

US Central Command said Wednesday that no vessels have made it past its forces during the first 48 hours of the blockade, AP reported.

It noted that 10 vessels have complied with directions to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or Iran’s coastal area. 

Navy warships are telling merchant ships that they are ready to board them and use force to compel compliance.

China denies arming Iran, warns US against tariff hikes over 'fabricated' claims

Published: April 16, 2026 | 07:27 GMT | By Web Desk

In reply to a question, concerning reports claiming China has provided military support to Iran, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, stated in a press conference on April 14: "China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with China’s laws and regulations on export control and due international obligations."

"Relevant media reports are purely fabricated."

"If the U.S. goes ahead with the tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures," he added. 

US Senate rejects Sanders' resolutions to block arms sales to Israel

Published: April 16, 2026 | 05:45 GMT | By Web Desk

The US Senate rejected two resolutions Wednesday introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to block nearly $500 million in arms sales to Israel, 

according to Anadolu Agency.

By a vote of 40-59, the Senate did not agree to the motion to discharge SJ Res. 32 to prohibit the $295 million sale of armored bulldozers.

A second resolution -- SJ Res. 138 to block the $151.8 million sale of 1,000-pound bombs -- was also rejected by a vote of 36-63.

In his address on the Senate floor before the vote, Sanders said the American people do not want the US to continue spending billions of dollars in support of "illegal, horrific and expansionist war policies" of Israel.

"More than 80% of Democratic caucus stood with American people, voted to block US military aid to Netanyahu," Sanders said.

Chinese FM holds phone conversation with Iranian counterpart

Published: April 16, 2026 | 04:45 GMT | By Web Desk

Chinese FM Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said a post shared by Lin Jian, spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China on Thursday. 

"The current situation has reached a critical stage between war and peace, and a window for peace is opening."

The post said, "China supports maintaining the momentum of ceasefire and peace talks."

"Iran’s sovereignty, security and legitimate rights as a country along the Strait of Hormuz should be respected and safeguarded, and the freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait should be guaranteed."

Jiang's post further said, "China stands ready to act in the spirit of President Xi’s four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, continue to promote de-escalation of the situation, facilitate the improvement of relations among regional countries, and play a constructive role in ultimately achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East."

Australia secures extra 100M liters of diesel

Published: April 16, 2026 | 04:45 GMT | By AFP

Australia has secured an additional supply of some 100 million liters of diesel from Brunei and South Korea, as the country looked to boost precarious reserves, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday.

"I can announce that my government has secured an additional 100 million liters of diesel from two shipments. One from Brunei, where I was yesterday, and one from South Korea," the premier told a press conference in Malaysia.

Trump says Israel and Lebanon leaders to hold talks Thursday

Published: April 16, 2026 | 03:59 GMT | By AFP

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak Thursday, after they held a high-level face-to-face meeting in Washington Tuesday -- the first such negotiation since 1993.

"Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow," Trump wrote without specifying who will be involved or offering further details.

Chinese foreign minister urges Iran to restore ‘normal navigation’ in Hormuz Strait

Published: April 16, 2026 | 03:19 GMT | By Web Desk

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to work to restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement, according to Al Jazeera.

Wang conveyed in the call on Wednesday that while Iran’s sovereignty and security in the strait should be respected and safeguarded, freedom and safety of navigation must also be guaranteed.

Wang added that there is broad international interest in restoring normal navigation through the waterway, and China is willing to continue efforts to ease tensions and promote improved relations among countries in the region.

Iran arrests four alleged Israeli spies: State media

Published: April 16, 2026 | 03:16 GMT | By Web Desk

Iran arrested four suspected Israeli spies, state media reported on Thursday.

It came as US officials discuss possible peace talks with Iran after US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28 engulfed the Middle East in war.

"The four agents linked to the Mossad were apprehended in Gilan governorate" in northern Iran, IRNA reported, citing a statement from Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

The Mossad is Israel's foreign intelligence agency.

"The arrestees had provided Mossad intelligence officers with images and locations of some sensitive and critical military and security sites via the internet", it said.

The suspects have been handed over to judicial authorities, the report added.

Amnesty official calls for immediate end to military cooperation with Israel

Published: April 16, 2026 | 00:01 GMT | By Web Desk

Amnesty International’s senior director for research, advocacy, policy, and campaigns, Erika Guevara Rosas, said that “Israel continues to defy international law” through a series of systematic violations across the region, Al Jazeera reported.

Writing on X, Rosas stated that these violations included “genocide in Gaza, escalating violence and illegal settlements in the West Bank, apartheid and occupation, and attacks and mass displacement in Lebanon.”

She warned that “any military cooperation with Israel risks complicity in international crimes.” Specifically addressing Rome, she argued that the “Italian government must act, starting by supporting the suspension of the EU‑Israel Association Agreement, as demanded by over one million Europeans.”

Rosas concluded by emphasising that “words are no longer enough” and insisted that states “take decisive action to stop Israel’s genocide and systematic human rights violations.”

US rejected Russian proposal to take all of Iran’s enriched uranium, says Kremlin

Published: April 16, 2026 | 01:15 GMT | By Web Desk

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, has said that the United States rejected its proposal that Russia take up all of Iran’s ‌enriched uranium out of the country in its bid to help resolve the hostilities in the Middle East, Al Jazeera reported.

Russia first proposed last June that it take control of Iran’s uranium stock, but no action was taken. According to Reuters, Russia issued the proposal again this week.

“Russia was prepared to accept Iran’s enriched uranium on its territory,” state news agency RIA said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the Indian television channel India Today.

“This would be a good decision. But unfortunately, the American side rejected this proposal.”

“Although President Putin is ready to return to this initiative, should it be needed by the countries concerned. Perhaps in this context, there is merit in recalling the very beginning of the story in the Gulf,” the spokesperson told India Today

FIFA chief says ‘Iranian team coming for sure’ to play in US

Published: April 16, 2026 | 00:06 GMT | By Web Desk

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that “the Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” to play in the US despite the ongoing war, Al Jazeera reported.

It comes four days after we reported that FIFA had turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments.

Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”

Tehran weighs next steps in US talks following Pakistani mediation

Published: April 15, 2026 | 22:05 GMT | By AFP

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reports that Iran will conduct a formal evaluation to determine whether it will participate in the next round of negotiations with the United States after a scheduled high-level meeting between Iranian officials and a Pakistani delegation led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday, Al Jazeera reported.

Tasnim quoted an anonymous “informed” source, who noted that while the ceasefire in Lebanon was viewed as a “positive signal” for Iran’s decision-making process, any further progress remained dependent on US conduct.

The source emphasised that Washington was required to adhere to a “logical framework” for the talks and warned against obstructing the diplomatic path through excessive demands or the violation of commitments made prior to the ceasefire.

Iran supreme leader's adviser threatens to sink US ships in Hormuz strait

Published: April 15, 2026 | 21:12 GMT | By AFP

The military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned that Iran would sink American ships in the Strait of Hormuz if the United States decided to "police" the key shipping bottleneck.

The US is imposing a military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran blocked shipping for over six weeks of war in a conflict which is on hold as a fragile two-week ceasefire remains in place.

"Mr Trump wants to become the police of the Strait of Hormuz. Is this really your job? Is this the job of a powerful army like the US?" Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards who was named as a military adviser by Khamenei last month, told state TV.

"These ships of yours will be sunk by our first missiles and have created a great danger for the US military. They can definitely be exposed to our missiles, and we can destroy them," Rezaei, wearing his military uniform, told the state broadcaster.