Day 51: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

This live blog covered developments on Day 51 of the US-Israeli war on Iran. For a recap of Day 50, go here, and for Day 52 updates, click here.

• Iranian official says US ‘maximalist’ demands stall face-to-face talks
• Netanyahu is ‘destroying our society from inside’
• Top negotiator Ghalibaf touts Iran’s military capabilities
• Israeli army says soldier killed in southern Lebanon
• Iran's speaker says negotiations with US have progressed but far from final agreement

Israel warns 'full force' in Lebanon

Published: April 19, 2026 | 23:15GMT | by Web Desk

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said his military will use "full force" in Lebanon — even during the ongoing ceasefire — should Israeli troops face any threat from Hezbollah.

Lebanon's military said, meanwhile, it has reopened a road and bridge between the city of Nabatieh and Khardali that was damaged by Israeli strikes in the south.

Israeli army says image showing soldier smashing Jesus statue in south Lebanon is authentic

Published: April 19, 2026 | 22:09 GMT | by Web Desk

The Israeli army has now confirmed that the image showing an Israeli soldier using a jackhammer to smash the head of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon is authentic, Al Jazeera reported.

It added that an investigation has been opened.

Iran confirms US interdiction, seizure of Iranian vessel, says will retaliate ‘soon’

Published: April 19, 2026 | 22:09 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters confirmed an attack claimed by the US military on a ship in the Sea of Oman in a statement carried by semi-official Tasnim news agency, Al Jazeera reported.

“The aggressive America, by violating the ceasefire and committing maritime piracy, attacked one of Iran’s commercial ships in the waters of the Sea of Oman by firing upon it and disabling its navigation system by deploying several of its terrorist marines on the deck of the mentioned vessel”, it said, confirming that the ship had been seized.

“We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military,” it added.

Trump says US destroyer hit Iran cargo ship trying to evade blockade

Published: April 19, 2026 | 21:25 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump said that a US destroyer ship fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman that tried to evade a US naval blockade.

Trump posted on Truth Social that after the Iranian vessel, Touska, ignored warnings to stop, the guided missile destroyer USS Spruance "stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room."

"Right now, US Marines have custody of the vessel," the US president added, "and are seeing what's on board!"

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan says as long as the US naval blockade remains, ‘faultlines’ remain 

Published: April 19, 2026 | 20:47 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said that US “keep violating the international law, double down on your blockade, threaten Iran with further war crimes, insist on unreasonable demands, pace out with rethorics” in the name of diplomacy.

“As long as the naval blockade remains, faultlines remain,” he said.

Strait of Hormuz remains ‘critical threat’ zone, warns UKMTO

Published: April 19, 2026 | 20:03 GMT | by Web Desk

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reiterated that the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains “critical”.

UKMTO citied “navigation interference, blockade enforcement, mine reports, residual kinetic risk” in the key waterway. It also said that a “risk of attack” was present, citing attacks by Iranian forces on vessels in the strait yesterday.

The threat level in the Gulf of Oman also remains critical, UKMTO said, while in the southern and northern Red Seas, as well as in the Mediterranean, threat levels are “moderate”.

PM Sharif apprises President Pezeshkian of talks with regional leaders for peace
Published: April 19, 2026 | 18:15 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday apprised Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian about his own recent engagements with a number of world leaders, including the leadership of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye for peace in the region during his telephonic call, said a statement by the Prime Minister Office (PMO).

Both sides held a “warm and cordial” conversation that lasted for around forty-five minutes, said the statement, adding that two leaders engaged in detailed exchanges on the current regional situation.

The prime minister stated that these interactions were “most helpful” in building consensus in support of a sustained process of dialogue and diplomacy, aimed at bringing lasting peace to the war-ravaged region, as per the statement.

PM Sharif  thanked President Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for having sent their high-powered delegation, led by Iran's Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for talks in Islamabad on 11-12 April, 2026, added the statement.

PM Sharif also thanked the Iranian leadership for their constructive conversations with Pakistan Army Chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir during the latter’s visit to Tehran this week.

The prime minister reaffirmed that with the support of friends and partners,  Pakistan would remain fully committed to its honest and sincere efforts to advance regional peace and security. 

“He also conveyed his respectful regards for the Supreme Leader, His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei,” it added. 

President Pezeshkian thanked the prime minister and the CDF Asim Munir for Pakistan’s strong commitment to the success of the peace efforts, while affirming that relations between Iran and Pakistan would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead, added the statement.

Vance will lead US team to Iran talks in Pakistan: White House
Published: April 19, 2026 | 14:28 GMT | by AFP

US Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation for talks with Iran in Pakistan, a White House official said Sunday, after President Donald Trump indicated Vance would not make the trip.

Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will attend the talks, a White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity when asked about the makeup of the delegation after Trump's comments.

Pakistan, Iran agree to deepen high-level contact on regional issues

Published: April 19, 2026 | 13:13 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Sunday he spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as regional tensions rise, stressing the need for continued dialogue to resolve ongoing issues.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office, the deputy prime minister stated that “continued dialogue and engagement” was essential to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact and coordinated a planned phone call later on Sunday between Iran’s president and Pakistan’s prime minister, the statement said.

Spain urges EU to end association agreement with Israel
Published: April 19, 2026 | 12:42 GMT | by AFP

Spain will ask the European Union to end its association agreement with Israel over reported violations of international law, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Sunday.

"On Tuesday, Spain's government will present a proposal to the EU that the European Union break off its association agreement with Israel", which has been in place since June 2000, Sanchez told a political rally in Andalusia.

He stated Israel "violates international law" and therefore "cannot be a partner of the European Union ... it's as simple as that".

France's Macron to meet with Lebanon's PM in Paris on Tuesday: Elysee
Published: April 19, 2026 | 12:45 GMT | by AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Tuesday meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Paris, the Elysee said, as a fragile 10-day truce holds between Israel and Hezbollah.

The visit highlights Macron's commitment to seeing "full and complete respect for the ceasefire in Lebanon" as well as France's support for Lebanon's "territorial integrity", the president's office said on Sunday.

Iran foreign ministry says US naval blockade 'violation' of ceasefire
Published: April 19, 2026 | 14:50 GMT | by AFP

Iran's foreign ministry said Sunday that the US naval blockade on Iranian ports is a violation of the ceasefire as well as an "unlawful and criminal" act.

"The United States' so-called 'blockade' of Iran's ports or coastline is not only a violation of Pakistani-mediated ceasefire but also both unlawful and criminal," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a post on X, just as US President Donald Trump also accused Iran of ceasefire violations by firing on ships.

"Moreover, by deliberately inflicting collective punishment on the Iranian population, it amounts to war crime and crime against humanity," Baqaei added.

Israel says to use 'full force' in Lebanon despite truce if soldiers face threat
Published: April 19, 2026 | 12:54 GMT | by AFP

Defence Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that the military had been instructed to use "full force" in Lebanon – even during the ongoing ceasefire – should Israeli troops face any threat.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to act with full force, both on the ground and from the air, including during the ceasefire, in order to protect our soldiers in Lebanon from any threat," Katz said at a function in the occupied West Bank.

He said that the military had also been ordered "to remove the houses in the (frontline) villages near the border that served in every respect as Hezbollah terror outposts and threatened Israeli communities," Katz added.

Trump says his representatives heading to Islamabad for talks on Monday

Published: April 19, 2026 | 12:22 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he is sending representatives to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations with Iran.

In a social media post, Trump claimed that Iran fired “bullets” in the Strait of Hormuz the previous day in what he called a “total violation” of a ceasefire agreement. He claimed the attack targeted vessels including a French ship and a British freighter.

Trump also said Iran had announced plans to close the strategic waterway, adding that US actions had already effectively shut it down. He stated that the disruption was costing Iran “$500 million a day” while having no economic impact on the United States.

He said American ships were currently heading to US ports in Texas, Louisiana and Alaska.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable deal,” Trump wrote, warning that if Iran rejects it, the United States would target “every single power plant” and “every single bridge” in the country. He added, “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!”

Iran to resume international flights from Mashhad airport on Monday
Published: April 19, 2026 | 11:53 GMT | By AFP

Iran will resume international flights on Monday from Mashhad airport in the country's northeast, its civil aviation authority said.

"Permission to operate international passenger flights at Mashhad Airport has been issued, starting tomorrow," state TV said, quoting the Civil Aviation Organization.

The organization later said travelers can now "purchase tickets for international routes to and from Mashhad Airport," according to the official IRNA news agency.

Iranian airports have been closed since the outbreak of war with Israel and the United States on February 28.

The Civil Aviation Organization had said earlier that it would start a phased reopening of Iran's airspace, beginning with transit flights, followed by operations from eastern airports.

Airports in Tehran – Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports – are expected to reopen in the third phase, with western airports resuming operations in the final phase.

Turkey 'optimistic' Middle East ceasefire will be extended
Published: April 19, 2026 | 11:50 GMT

Turkey said on Sunday it remained "optimistic" that a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States that expires on Wednesday, would be extended, allowing more time for talks between the sides.

Pakistan is leading preparations for more high-level US-Iran peace talks after a first round ended without agreement last weekend,

Turkey, alongside Egypt, has expressed strong support for the Pakistan-led initiative on prolonging negotiations and preventing a return to hostilities.

"No one wants to see a new war break out when the ceasefire expires next week. We hope ... the parties will extend the ceasefire," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at the closing of a three-day diplomacy forum in the southern Antalya province.

"I hope there'll be an extension. I am optimistic," he said.

Turkiye FM accuses Israel of trying to create 'fait accompli' in Lebanon

Published: April 19, 2026 | 11:09 GMT | by AFP

Turkiye on Sunday accused Israel of seeking to create a "fait accompli" in Lebanon despite an agreed ceasefire, with the foreign minister denouncing "Israeli expansionism".

"The ongoing Iran–United States negotiations seem to be overshadowing this situation (in Lebanon). Israel appears to be trying to take advantage of this distraction to create a fait accompli," Hakan Fidan said.

On Saturday, Fidan said Israel was attempting to occupy new territories.

We are peace seekers, not warmongers, says Iranian president

Published: April 19, 2026 | 08:57 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said, "Iran’s enemies say Iranians should not be allowed to exercise their rights. Who are you to decide that?"

"No free person would submit to injustice. We are not warmongers; we are peace-seekers and are only defending ourselves," he said, according to Iranian state-run Press TV.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Baghaei strongly condemned the EU for its "hypocritical" use of international law after the bloc's foreign policy chief called for the free passage of ships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Lebanese army restores road, bridge damaged by Israeli strikes

Published: April 19, 2026 | 07:23 GMT | by AFP

Lebanon's military said Sunday it had reopened a road and bridge damaged by Israeli strikes in the country's south, as a 10-day truce holds between Hezbollah and Israel.

In a statement, the military said it "fully reopened" a road linking the city of Nabatieh with the Khardali area, and had "partially reopened the Burj Rahal-Tyre bridge".

"Work is also underway to rehabilitate the Tayr Falsay-Tyre bridge... following damage caused by the Israeli aggression," the army added.

Israeli strikes on bridges that cross Lebanon's Litani river, which flows around 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Israel, have largely cut off the area south of the waterway from the rest of Lebanon, according to the army.

On Friday a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect after the first direct talks between the two sides in decades, bringing a pause to weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed nearly 2,300 people and displaced more than a million.

Since the truce began, Lebanon's military and local authorities have been working to reopen roads that were blocked due to Israeli strikes.

Iranian official says US ‘maximalist’ demands stall face-to-face talks

Published: April 19, 2026 | 06:21 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran is not yet ready to hold a new round of face-to-face talks with US officials, a senior Iranian official said Saturday, citing Washington’s refusal to abandon “maximalist” demands on key issues.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh also said his country will not hand over its enriched uranium to the United States, rejecting claims made by US President Donald Trump, according to The Associated Press.

“I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to United States,” Khatibzadeh said. 

“This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we’re not going to accept things that are nonstarters.”

Netanyahu is ‘destroying our society from inside’

Published: April 19, 2026 | 05:59 GMT | by Web Desk

Protests against the Israeli PM and his government took place in central Tel Aviv on Sunday night, Al Jazeera reported.

One of those protesters, Raphaelle Pneina, said she had been coming every week as she believed Netanyahu was “destroying our society from inside” as well as “destroying” Israel’s relations with European nations and the US.

Top negotiator Ghalibaf touts Iran’s military capabilities

Published: April 19, 2026 | 05:55 GMT | by Web Desk

Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iranian forces had struck 180 drones and a F-35 fighter jet, Al Jazeera reported citing Iranian top negotiator's remarks made to state media.

“Hitting the F-35 is not a one-off event; it is an operation across various dimensions of technical and design capabilities,” Ghalibaf said in remarks carried by the Mizan News Agency, the official news outlet of Iran’s judiciary.

“The missile that exploded near the F-35 made the enemy realize what capabilities we possess and in what direction we are heading.”

US military officials said last month that a F-35 fighter jet involved in combat operations over Iran made an emergency landing at an airbase in the region.

Israeli army says soldier killed in southern Lebanon

Published: April 19, 2026 | 03:35 GMT | by AFP

Israel's military said on Sunday that a soldier died during combat in southern Lebanon, where a temporary ceasefire had come into effect this week.

"Lidor Porat, aged 31, from Ashdod, a soldier in the 7106th Battalion, 769th Regional Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said in a statement, without providing further details.

The total Israeli army death toll in the six-week war between Israel and Hezbollah was now 15, according to an AFP tally based on military figures.

It was the second death announced by Israel of a soldier in southern Lebanon since the start of a 10-day truce announced by the United States began on Friday -- part of wider efforts to bring a permanent end to the Middle East war.

Iran's speaker says negotiations with US have progressed but far from final agreement

Published: April 19, 2026 | 00:15 GMT | by AFP

Progress had been made in negotiations with the United States to end the war, Iran's parliamentary speaker said on Saturday night, but added the sides were still far from an agreement.

"We are still far from the final discussion," Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is also one of Iran's negotiators, said in a national televised address, adding, "We made progress in the negotiations, but there are many gaps and some fundamental points remain."