Day 52: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

This live blog covered developments on Day 52 of the US-Israeli war on Iran. For a recap of Day 51, go here, and for Day 53 updates, click here.

• Israel threatens force in Lebanon despite ceasefire tensions
• US seizes Iranian ship, escalating maritime confrontation
• Iran condemns blockade, warns retaliation soon
• Strait of Hormuz remains high-risk for shipping
• Diplomatic efforts continue with talks planned in Pakistan.

Trump says new Iran deal will be 'far better' than 2015 JCPOA

Published: April 20, 2026 | 22:13 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump said that the agreement currently under negotiation with Tehran will prove superior to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“The deal that we are making with Iran will be far better than the JCPOA,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, referring to the original pact as one of the "worst" agreements ever made regarding US security.

Iran to show 'new cards on battlefield' if war resumes: parliament speaker

Published: April 20, 2026 | 22:34 GMT | by AFP

Iran's parliament speaker warned that Tehran had "new cards" if war resumes with the United States and Israel, ahead of the expiration of a two-week ceasefire.

"We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the last two weeks we have been preparing to show new cards on the battlefield," Ghalibaf, Iran's top negotiator in talks with the United States, wrote on X.

Lebanon says 2,387 killed in Israel war

Published: April 20, 2026 | 21:13 GMT | by AFP

Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed at least 2,387 people since the war with Hezbollah erupted six weeks ago, a Lebanese government body said in a new toll.

Iran reopens airports in capital Tehran

Published: April 20, 2026 | 21:13 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran has reopened the Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports in the capital, Tehran, after weeks of war with the US and Israel had brought air traffic to a halt, Al Jazeera reported.

According to the ISNA news agency, the Civil Aviation Organisation will also give the greenlight to reopen the airports of Urmia, Kermanshah, Abadan, Shiraz, Kerman, Rasht, Yazd, Zahedan, Gorgan and Birjand from Saturday.

Trump says US-Iran ceasefire to expire ‘Wednesday evening Washington time’: Report

Published: April 20, 2026 | 21:13 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump has said that the ceasefire established on April 7 would expire “Wednesday evening Washington time,” Bloomberg reported.

However, the US president added that it was “highly unlikely that I’d extend it” if no deal is reached before then.

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US to host new talks between Israel, Lebanon on Thursday: US official

Published: April 20, 2026 | 20:43 GMT | by AFP

The United States will hold new talks between Israel and Lebanon aimed at encouraging an agreement, a US official told AFP, after the start of a shaky US-brokered ceasefire.

"We will continue to facilitate direct, good-faith discussions between the two governments," a State Department official said Monday on customary condition of anonymity.

Trump says will not lift blockade until deal with Iran

Published: April 20, 2026 | 19:37 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump has said the United States would not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until Tehran had agreed a peace deal to end the war.

"THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a 'DEAL,' is absolutely destroying Iran," Trump said on social media. "They are losing $500 Million Dollars a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run."

Traffic has again seized up in the Strait of Hormuz as both Tehran and Washington impose separate blockades.

US to host another round of Israel-Lebanon talks this week: sources
Published: April 20, 2026 | 16:17 GMT | by AFP

The US will organize a second round of ambassador-level talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials this Thursday, the State Department confirmed, as reported by Al Jazeera.

This new round follows initial talks on April 14, which were described as productive. The US remains committed to supporting continued dialogue and facilitating negotiations between the two governments.

Russia urges US-Iran to keep ceasefire, continue talks: ministry
Published: April 20, 2026 | 16:23 GMT | by AFP

Moscow on Monday called for the US-Iran ceasefire to be maintained and for diplomatic efforts to continue, after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart, a close Russian ally.

"The Russian side again emphasized the need to preserve the truce, which must be observed within the parameters initially agreed upon and announced by the Pakistani mediators," the foreign ministry said after the call between Lavrov and Iran's Abbas Araghchi.

"The importance was noted of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from spinning out of control and averting a relapse into armed confrontation," the ministry added.

Macron decries blocking Strait of Hormuz as 'mistake on both sides'
Published: April 20, 2026 | 15:52 GMT

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday denounced the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as "a mistake on both sides".

"It is likely that, following the American decision to maintain a targeted blockade on Hormuz... the Iranian authorities changed their initial position... this is a mistake on both sides," Emmanuel Macron told journalists in Gdansk, Poland.

Oil jumps on Hormuz tensions, stocks retreat
Published: April 20, 2026 | 15:52 GMT | by AFP

World oil prices jumped Monday as traders reacted to Iran's weekend closure, again, of the Strait of Hormuz, and after the US Navy shot at and seized an Iranian cargo ship just outside the waterway.

Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate were both up nearly six percent, at $94 and $86 a barrel respectively

Trump ‘open’ to meeting Iranian leaders if peace talks progress
Published: April 20, 2026 | 15:01 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump expressed a willingness to meet with senior Iranian leaders if the US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan yield a breakthrough, the New York Post reported Monday.

In a brief interview with US publication, Trump dismissed concerns about the negotiations falling apart. “We’re supposed to have the talks,” he said, adding, “I would assume at this point nobody’s playing games.”

Trump outlined the key demand for the negotiations: Iran must abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Get rid of their nuclear weapons. That’s all very simple,” he said. “There will be no nuclear weapon.” He also emphasized that Iran has the potential to thrive if it complies. “Otherwise, a wonderful country — it truly could be,” he added.

China calls for ceasefire during talks with Saudi Crown Prince
Published: April 20, 2026 | 13:15 GMT | by Web Desk

China called for an immediate ceasefire on the Middle East War during a telephonic conversation between President Xi Jinping and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported Monday.

In a post on X (Twitter), Mao stated that Chinese President Xi spoke with the Saudi crown prince in a call that also marked the 10th anniversary of “China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic relations.”

China called for a “comprehensive ceasefire” and backed efforts to restore peace. It said disputes should be resolved through “political and diplomatic” channels. It also stated that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for normal passage, as this serves regional and international interests.

The spokesperson reported that China also expressed support for regional cooperation based on security, development and stability.

Iran reopens main airports in capital Tehran: aviation authority
Published: April 20, 2026 | 13:12 GMT | by AFP

Iran reopened its main Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports in capital Tehran on Monday, the country's aviation authority said, after closures caused by the weeks-long war with the United States and Israel.

"Authorization for passenger flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad Airport has been issued" from Monday, the Civil Aviation Organisation said in a statement, according to ISNA news agency.

It added that passenger flights from 10 airports across Iran "will also be possible from Saturday."

Russia ready to ‘help reach a peaceful settlement, Kremlin spokesperson says

Published: April 20, 2026 | 13:10 GMT | by Web Desk

Russia said the situation “around the” Middle East War was “very fragile and unpredictable” and indicated readiness “to help reach a peaceful settlement,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

In a post on X (Twitter), the Russian state media RT reported that the Kremlin spokesperson described the situation as “very fragile and unpredictable.” It said Russia is not currently a mediator in the negotiation process but is “certainly ready to provide any assistance required to come to a peaceful settlement.”

The Press Secretary for Russian President Vladimir Putin said such a scenario “could have much more negative consequences both for the security in the region and for the global economy. At the moment, the Russian Federation is not an intermediary in the negotiation process. As we have repeatedly stated at various levels, we are certainly ready to provide any required assistance to reach a peaceful settlement and an agreement.”

Israel talks aim to end hostilities, occupation: Lebanon president

Published: April 20, 2026 | 10:43 GMT | by AFP 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday that planned talks with Israel aim to end hostilities and the Israeli occupation in the south, as he named an ex-ambassador to the United States to lead the delegation.

"The choice to negotiate aims to stop hostilities, end the Israeli occupation of southern regions and deploy the (Lebanese) army all the way to the internationally recognized southern borders" with Israel, Aoun said in a statement.

A 10-day ceasefire pausing more than six weeks of war between Hezbollah and Israel started on Friday after being announced by US President Donald Trump.

More than 2,300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks and over a million displaced since Israel began its attack on Lebanon last month.

Aoun named former Lebanese ambassador to Washington Simon Karam to head the negotiations with Israel, and said "no one will share this task with Lebanon or take its place".

The truce in Lebanon was one of Iran's conditions for resuming talks with Washington to extend their separate ceasefire and work out the terms of a lasting peace.

The Lebanese president said Monday that the Israel-Lebanon talks will be "separate from any other negotiations", in an implicit reference to the US-Iran diplomacy.

"Lebanon is facing two options: either the continuation of the war, with all its humanitarian, social, economic, and sovereign repercussions, or negotiations to put an end to this war and achieve lasting stability," he said.

"I have chosen negotiations, and I am full of hope that we will be able to save Lebanon."

Qatar announces 'gradual resumption' of flights by foreign airlines

Published: April 20, 2026 | 10:43 GMT | by AFP 

Qatar's aviation authority announced on Monday that it would begin allowing flights from foreign airlines to land at its main airport for the first time since the start of the Middle East war.

"Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has issued a Notice to Airmen announcing the gradual resumption of operations for foreign airlines in the State of Qatar via Hamad International Airport," the body said in a statement.

Iranian president stresses pursuing diplomatic approach to reducing tensions 

Published: April 20, 2026 | 10:22 GMT | by Web Desk 

President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized the necessity of adopting a rational path to deal with regional and international developments, simultaneously by standing up to threats posed by the enemies to the Iranian nation, state-run IRNA news agency reported.

During his visit to the Ministry of Justice on Monday, Pezeshkian referred to the joint US-Israeli aggression against Iran, saying although the war is not in anyone’s interest, the country, while resisting threats, needs to pursue every rational and diplomatic approach to reduce tensions. 

No enmity with regional countries, says Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman

Published: April 20, 2026 | 09:17 GMT | by Web Desk 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran has no enmity with the countries of the region and its actions over the past 40 days have been solely legitimate defense against military aggressions by the United States and the Israeli regime, according to Iranian Tasnim News Agency.

Baqaei stressed that regional countries should, instead of projection, prevent the enemy from abusing their territory against their neighbors.

Normalization of traffic in Strait of Hormuz not possible: Iran

Published: April 20, 2026 | 09:17 GMT | by Web Desk

"The main factor of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is the military aggression by the US and Zionist regime since March 9, and the responsibility for the current situation lies directly with them," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated, according to Iranian Tasnim News Agency.

China urges all parties to resume peace talks

Published: April 20, 2026 | 08:58 GMT | by AFP

China expressed concern on Monday over the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged vessel that tried to evade a naval blockade, and urged all parties to resume peace talks.

"We express concern over the US side's forcible interception of the relevant vessel," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference when asked about the seizure, calling on countries involved to return to negotiations.

Iran recognizes Pakistan as sole official mediator in talks with US

Published: April 20, 2026 | 08:27 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Pakistan is currently the only official mediator in the diplomatic process, Iranian Tasnim News Agency reported.

No plans yet for further talks: Iran 

Published: April 20, 2026 | 07:27 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated on Monday that Tehran currently has no plans for a subsequent round of negotiations, Iranian Tasnim News Agency reported. 

Israel army warns Lebanese against returning to south

Published: April 20, 2026 | 07:27 GMT | by AFP

Israel's military on Monday warned Lebanese civilians against returning to dozens of villages in southern Lebanon, claiming Hezbollah's activities in the area were violating a ceasefire agreement struck last week.

Thousands of displaced residents have begun making their way back to parts of southern Lebanon since the truce between Israel and Lebanon took effect on Friday.

Since the ceasefire began, Lebanon's armed forces have reopened a key road linking the southern city of Nabatiyeh with the Khardali area after it was closed due to Israeli strikes.

They have also partially restored access to the Burj Rahal–Tyre bridge.

But the Israeli military on Monday urged civilians to avoid returning to numerous villages in the south.

"Hezbollah has continued its terrorist activity during the ceasefire in violation of the agreement; accordingly, the IDF remains deployed in the defensive area," the military's Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee said on X.

"For your safety and the safety of your families, and until further notice, we urge you not to move south of the Forward Defence Line," he said, referring to a boundary marking an area occupied by Israeli troops.

Iran says 95% of airport infrastructure still intact

Published: April 20, 2026 | 06:13 GMT | by Web Desk

Some 95% of Iran’s airport infrastructure is intact and operational, Al Jazeera reported, quoting The Fars news agency.

Secretary of the Association of Airlines said, at most, about 20 of the country’s aircraft have suffered serious damage.

The report comes as Iran prepares to reopen its airspace to commercial flights.

Iran retaliates against US naval aggression in Gulf of Oman: State media

Published: April 20, 2026 | 05:32 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian forces launched drone strikes on US military vessels in the Gulf of Oman after US attacked an Iranian container ship, the Toska, en route from China to Iran, according to Iranian state-run Tasnim News Agency.

Earlier, the US Centcom in a post on X on Monday, stated, "US Marines depart amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) by helicopter and transit over the Arabian Sea to board and seize M/V Touska."

"The Marines rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel, April 19, after guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled Touska’s propulsion when the commercial ship failed to comply with repeated warnings from US forces over a six-hour period," the post said.

Top lawmaker says Iran will continue talks, but has set red lines

Published: April 20, 2026 | 05:14 GMT | by Web Desk

Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, on the prospect of talks with the US, said Iran has decided to continue talks with the US, but this “does not mean to negotiate at any cost” and to accept any “approach the other party practices”, Al Jazeera reported.

Iran has set red lines, and these “must be observed”, he said.

Security of Hormuz strait not free, says Iranian vice president 

Published: April 20, 2026 | 04:18 GMT | by Web Desk

The First Vice President of Iran, Dr Aref, said, "The security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free. One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others."

"The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone."

"Stability in global fuel prices depends on a guaranteed and lasting end to the economic and military pressure against Iran and its allies," he  was quoted as saying.

US begins Philippines war games in thick of Middle East conflict

Published: April 20, 2026 | 04:18 GMT | by AFP

Thousands of American and Philippine troops, joined for the first time by a significant contingent of Japanese forces, began annual military exercises Monday set against the backdrop of the Middle East war.

The war games will feature live-fire exercises in the north of the country. More than 17,000 soldiers, airmen and sailors are taking part in the 19-day Balikatan, or Shoulder to Shoulder, exercises -- about the same number as last year's edition -- including contingents from Australia, New Zealand, France and Canada.

"Balikatan... represents an opportunity to showcase our ironclad alliance with the Philippines and demonstrate our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," US exercise spokesman Colonel Robert Bunn said ahead of Monday's opening ceremony.

Bunn added that US troop levels he described as "one of the largest deployments" in years would be unaffected by the ongoing Middle East war his country is waging, while declining to provide specific numbers.

Balikatan comes as Iran and the United States, along with Israel, are just days away from the end of the two-week ceasefire that halted the Middle East war, ignited by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

The conflict has sparked a global energy crisis that has left import-dependent Philippines reeling.

US oil benchmark surges 7.5% as Middle East conflict escalates

Published: April 20, 2026 | 00:15 GMT | by Web Desk

The benchmark US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), surged 7.5% on Monday, as Iran accused the United States of having broken a ceasefire in place since early April.

WTI crude was trading up 7.5% at $90.17 per barrel, while international oil benchmark Brent North Sea crude gained 6.5% to $96.27 per barrel.

Iran's military said a US destroyer fired on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman that tried to evade a US naval blockade.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, has been virtually closed since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

'We are conducting negotiations': Iran’s parliament speaker 

Published: April 20, 2026 | 03:11 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Tehran does not trust its adversaries and warned the war could escalate at any moment, Middle East Eye reported, citing the Iranian Mehr News Agency.

“We do not trust the enemy, for he may escalate the war at any moment,” he said, adding that Iran is engaged in negotiations but remains ready to act.

“We are conducting negotiations, but we are prepared to take the necessary measures,” Ghalibaf said.

“The last war was imposed on us by American cunning in the midst of negotiations, but we gained experience from the 12-day war.”

US destroyer fires on, seizes Iran cargo ship trying to evade blockade

Published: April 20, 2026 | 01:21 GMT | by Web Desk

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

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."

Separately, the US Central Command released footage of enforcing naval "blockade measures against an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to sail toward an Iranian port."

Over 20 vessels passed through Strait of Hormuz on Saturday

Published: April 20, 2026 | 02:57 GMT | by Web Desk

Data from shipping analytics firm Kpler shows that more than 20 vessels passed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, marking the highest number of ships crossing the waterway since the war on Iran began on March 1.

Of the vessels that successfully transited on Saturday, five had most recently taken on Iranian cargoes consisting of metals and various oil products.

This group included three liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, with two destined for China and India, the data shows.

The other vessels that departed included those carrying products from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.