President Trump said the United States is extending its cease-fire with Iran at Pakistan’s request as he waits for a unified proposal from Iran’s leaders.
The president also said the US military will continue its blockade of Iranian ports.
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian commander warned neighboring Arab countries to “say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East” if they allow the US to resume attacking Iran from their territory.
See a recap.
US treasury secretary doubles down on economic pressures on Iran — 11:37 p.m.
By the Associated Press
In a post on X Tuesday evening, Scott Bessent said the blockade of Iranian ports “directly targets the regime’s primary revenue lifelines” by constraining maritime trade.
“Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in,” Bessent said.
Kharg Island is considered the beating heart of Iran’s oil industry, through which 90 percent of its exports pass.
In line with previous statements about economic pressure efforts, Bessent also said Iranian funds would remain frozen and any person or vessel facilitating the flow of funds to Iran would risk US sanctions.
Iran holds rallies including a ballistic missile launcher — 10:58 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Iranian hard-liners rallied late Tuesday night as possible talks in Islamabad with the United States broke down, with members of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard apparently bringing a ballistic missile on a mobile launcher to one event.
Footage aired by Iranian state TV showed men carrying Kalashnikov-style assault rifles riding atop a missile that resembled a Qadr ballistic missile in Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Such Qadr missiles can release individual bomblets known as cluster munitions, which Iran used widely when attacking Israel during the war.
UAE thanks Trump for currency swap mention — 9:51 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The United Arab Emirates thanked Trump early Wednesday over his mention of a possible currency swap with their country as uncertainty remains over the Iran war.
A statement issued by the UAE’s Embassy in Washington appeared aimed at signaling the country remained financially secure after Trump’s comment.
“Any suggestion that the UAE requires external financial backing misreads the facts,” it said. “The UAE is one of the world’s most financially resilient economies, underpinned by more than $2 trillion in sovereign investment assets; more than $300 billion in foreign currency reserves held by the UAE’s central bank; and a banking sector with approximately $1.5 trillion in deposits.”
The UAE is an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
While able to export some oil through a pipeline to the Gulf of Oman, the continued chaos around the Strait of Hormuz has cut off a lot of its oil from reaching the market.
The war also has affected businesses in Dubai and the country’s long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad.
By the Associated Press
Trump offered a combative social media post Tuesday night after indefinitely extending a ceasefire in the Iran war after talks in Islamabad failed to materialize.
Writing on his Truth Social website, Trump contended that “Iran doesn’t want the Strait of Hormuz closed, they want it open” so they can sell their crude oil.
Trump said if he allowed that to happen, there “can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included!”
It’s unclear what the next step forward is to resume talks in Pakistan’s capital.
UN chief calls US announcement extending Iran ceasefire `an important step toward de-escalation’ — 8:34 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the U.S. announcement will create “critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States,” according to his spokesman.
“We encourage all parties to build on this momentum, refrain from actions that could undermine the cease-fire, and engage constructively in negotiations to reach a sustainable and lasting resolution,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said late Tuesday.
The secretary-general “fully supports” Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate U.S.-Iran talks and hopes its efforts “will contribute to creating conditions conducive to a comprehensive and durable resolution to the conflict,” Dujarric said.
UN nuclear watchdog chief welcomes ceasefire extension between Iran and US — 7:44 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters late Tuesday that the effort to end the war between Tehran and Washington is a “complex process” and that it’s important to allow “continuity” for that process to play out.
“I think it’s very important that an opportunity for peace is given,” he said.
Grossi, who is currently running to become the next U.N. secretary-general, also warned both sides that any peace deal must include the IAEA from the start to enforce oversight over Iran’s nuclear program.
Otherwise, he added, “you will have an illusion of an agreement.”
Talks to end the war present a new test for Iran’s leadership — 6:29 p.m.
By the Associated Press
US-Israeli bombardment eliminated Iran’s supreme leader and much of the nation’s top echelons, but the Islamic Republic’s leadership didn’t fall apart. Negotiations to end the war offer it a new test.
For decades, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei managed several powerful factions, bringing to heel those who challenged his authority.
It’s now unclear who wields that kind of authority over the civilian figures and powerful generals from the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard who appear to be in charge.
They have found unity — for now — by taking a tough line. But disagreements over how much to concede in negotiations with the U.S. could reveal fault lines as Pakistani mediators try to host a new round of talks.
After Israeli strikes killed Khamenei the first day of the war, his son Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded him.But doubts persist over the younger Khamenei’s role after reports he was wounded in the strikes. He has not appeared in public since.
At the center of power now is a politburo-like body known as the Supreme National Security Council, which includes Iran’s top civilian and military officials.
Vance will not be traveling to Pakistan on Tuesday — 5:34 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The White House said in a statement that in light of the president’s announcement that he was extending the ceasefire and awaiting a proposal from Iran, Vance and the US negotiating delegation would not be traveling to Pakistan on Tuesday.
The White House did not offer any additional updates on the possibility of in-person meetings.
Stocks slip and oil prices rise on uncertainty about US-Iran ceasefire talks — 5:06 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The S&P 500 erased an early rise to fall 0.6 percent after the US vice president called off his trip to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 293 points, or 0.6 percent, after erasing an earlier gain of 400 points, while the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.6 percent. Less than 10 minutes after the US stock market finished trading for the day, Trump said he would extend the ceasefire to give Iran time to submit a proposal to end the war.
Oil prices also wavered before Trump announced the extension, and the price for a barrel of Brent crude went from less than $95 to roughly $100 during the day. It settled at $98.48, up 3.1 percent.
The moves were mostly more modest than the vicious swings that rocked Wall Street earlier in the war.
Trump says the cease-fire extension is needed because Iranian leadership is ‘seriously fractured’ — 4:59 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president, in his social media post, also alluded to reported divisions within the Islamic Republic, saying they have come “not unexpectedly.”
Trump has repeatedly said over the course of the ceasefire that began on April 8 that his team is dealing with Iranian officials who want to make a deal, while acknowledging his decision to kill several top leaders has come with some complications.
“We’ve taken out their leaders, frankly, which does complicate things in one way, but these leaders are much more rational,” Trump said earlier Tuesday during an interview on CNBC.
Iran calls for the United Nations to condemn US seizures of its ships — 4:42 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Iranian mission to the UN sent a letter Tuesday asking for the world body and the Security Council to issue a “firm and unequivocal” condemnation of the US decision Sunday to attack and seize an Iranian-flagged cargo ship.
“This constitutes a grave breach of international law, a clear violation of the ceasefire, and an act of aggression marked by the hallmarks of piracy,” the mission posted on X. “Such reckless conduct directly endangers international navigation and undermines maritime safety and security.”
Washington had said the ship tried to evade the US naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump says US will continue its blockade or Iranian ports — 4:24 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump said he’s extending the cease-fire with Iran at Pakistan’s request as he waits for a “unified proposal” from the Islamic Republic, but that the US military will continue its blockade of Iranian ports.
Trump added that “he’s directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”
The president made the move even as the White House has put on hold Vice President JD Vance’s expected trip to Islamabad for a second round of talks as Tehran, at least for time being, is balking at further talks.
Cyprus says its offer to host direct Israel-Lebanon talks still stands — 3:44 p.m.
By the Associated Press
President Nikos Christodoulides told the AP that the island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean is ready to host talks, citing its “excellent relations” and trust across the region. He said Cyprus has hosted similar negotiations and will discuss the offer with Lebanon’s president at an EU summit later this week.
Hezbollah accuses Israel of breaching the cease-fire more than 200 times — 3:32 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group said in a statement Tuesday it had fired rockets and drones at Israeli forces for the first time since a 10-day truce took effect Friday “in response to the blatant and documented violations” by Israel, which it said include “attacks on civilians and the destruction of their homes and villages in southern Lebanon.”
Israeli officials have said they intend to maintain a buffer zone in southern Lebanon and the Israeli military has issued maps of an area it calls a “forward defense line,” which extends several miles into Lebanon, containing dozens of villages whose residents have not been allowed to return.
A senior Iranian commander threatens to destroy the region’s oil industry if war resumes with the US — 3:09 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Gen. Majid Mousavi, the aerospace chief for the Revolutionary Guard, said in comments on Iranian media that it would be a mistake to carry out “aggression” against Iran. He also said the region’s oil facilities would be harmed if neighboring countries allow the US to carry out attacks.
“If southern neighbors allow the enemy to use their facilities to attack Iran, they should say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East region,” he said.
The US has bases and troops in several countries across the region.
Vance’s trip to Pakistan for peace talks is on hold, US official says; comes as Iran hasn’t committed to attending — 2:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
A US official said the Vance trip to Islamabad for potential talks had been called off and put on hold, but cautioned that Trump could change his mind at any minute.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration deliberations, said Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected in Washington on Tuesday afternoon for consultations about how to proceed.
The official declined to predict what would happen if the current ceasefire expires without another meeting Islamabad but noted that Trump retains options short of restarting airstrikes.
6 Iranian women and 2 teenagers, mostly detained during January protests, are on Trump’s appeal for release — 1:36 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Bita Hemmati was sentenced to death in Tehran after taking part in the protests, according to the Washington-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran.
Mahboubeh Shabani was arrested in the city of Mashhad during the protests. She’s charged with “enmity of God,” which carries the death sentence, according to human rights monitor Hengaw.
Diana Taher Abadi and Ghazal Ghalandari are both 16, and were arrested separately in Karaj, west of Tehran, and Yasuj in southwestern Iran during the protests, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Venus Hossein Nejad, from the Bahai faith, was arrested in January from her workplace in southeast Iran. She was forced to confess on state TV and was accused with others of organizing protests and being members of a “satanic network and under the influence of Israel,” the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights said.
Golnar Naraqi, a 37-year-old emergency physician, was arrested in Tehran during the protests, according to a state-affiliated newspaper.
Two women were identified by Iranian social media as Ensieh Nejati and Panah Movahhedi Salamat. There was no immediate confirmed reports about their whereabouts.
Trump calls on Iran to release eight women ahead of potential Islamabad talks — 1:35 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president reposted a photo of six women and two teen girls on social media Tuesday morning that a conservative activist noted are facing prosecution by the Iranian government.
“I am sure that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm!” Trump posted. “Would be a great start to our negotiations!!!”
Five of those in the photo flagged by Trump were arrested during widespread anti-government protests earlier this year, according to human rights groups.
One of the women, from Iran’s minority Bahai faith, is accused of being part of a network described as “satanic and under the influence of Israel.”
Iranian media sites identified two others in Trump’s posting but did not offer details on why they were detained.
Despite a cease-fire, Israeli military says Hezbollah launched rockets at troops in Lebanon — 1:31 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The army said the rockets were fired at Israeli soldiers positioned in southern Lebanon and that it responded by striking the launcher.
This appears to be the first time Hezbollah fired on Israeli troops since a cease-fire took effect Friday, although the Iran-backed group said it detonated explosives Sunday targeting an Israeli convoy inside Lebanon.
“The launches constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” the army said.
Israel has left thousands of troops inside Lebanon during the 10-day truce.
The army says it also intercepted a drone launched from Lebanon before it crossed into Israeli territory.
There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.
US military seeks to boost spending on drones, air defenses and fighter jets — 12:40 p.m.
By the Associated Press
As part of Trump’s push to boost defense spending to $1.5 trillion in the 2027 budget, the Pentagon wants to triple spending on drones and related technology to more than $74 billion and invest over $30 billion into more critical munitions.
That includes missile interceptors, whose stockpiles have become critically low during the Iran war.
Military officials said the spending blueprint was developed ahead of the conflict in the Middle East. They also did not discuss how much they will request in additional funds for the war.
Drones and other unmanned vehicles have emerged as a key weapon in the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and top Pentagon officials say the US must significantly increase its funding of both drones and counter-drone systems.
Israel’s military says it has replaced a crucifix in southern Lebanon after a soldier smashed it down — 12:19 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The Israeli military posted a photo on social media of the replacement crucifix, which appeared smaller but more ornate than the original statue that a soldier was photographed destroying in southern Lebanon. Israel says two soldiers involved in the episode will be held for a month in military detention.
Tuesday’s post on X said troops worked with the local community in the Lebanese village of Debel to coordinate the replacement, which includes a metallic-sheened Jesus figure and four paintings of saints, one on each arm of the cross.
Christians are estimated to make up around a third of Lebanon’s population of roughly 5.5 million people. Thousands of Christians were displaced from their homes in the country’s south during the war.
EU diplomats agree to new sanctions targeted Iranians obstructing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz — 11:59 a.m.
By the Associated Press
“Today we also reach the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime, to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation,” said the 27-nation European Union’sforeign policy chief Kaja Kallas after the Tuesday gathering in Luxembourg.
“Freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. Daily U-turns where the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed, are reckless. Transit through the strait must remain free of charge,” she said, referring to Iran’s charging for safe passage on the Strait of Hormuz.
Kallas said the EU’s maritime security mission would be “the quickest way” to ensure safe transit in the Persian Gulf after peace is settled.
Vance is still in Washington — 11:54 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The vice president was participating in policy meetings at the White House on Wednesday morning, according to a White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The vice president’s office and the White House on Tuesday did not respond to messages inquiring about whether he still intends to travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran.
Iran-allied Yemeni rebels warn against escalation in the region — 11:52 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Even if the US-Iran cease-fire holds and the current war ends, the leader of Yemen’s Houthi rebel group said “there is no doubt that further rounds of fighting are coming, as it is merely a truce within a continuous conflict with the enemy.”
In a televised speech Tuesday, Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned that escalation in the region is “possibly high” as the “fragile” cease-fire is nearing an end.
A Houthi missile attack on Israel last month raised concern that Iran’s ally in Yemen may again try to block Red Sea shipping routes, as it did during the war in Gaza.
Gulf shipping crews are stranded amid maritime attacks, UN agency warns — 11:35 a.m.
By the Associated Press
At least 10 seafarers have been killed and several more severely injured in a series of attacks on commercial vessels around the Persian Gulf since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran, according to the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for regulating global shipping.
IMO spokesperson Natasha Brown said the agency has confirmed 25 attacks on commercial shipping since Feb. 28. Hundreds of ships have been stranded in the Persian Gulf since.
“Around 20,000 civilian seafarers remain aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf, facing dwindling supplies, fatigue and severe psychological stress,” Brown added.
Following an extraordinary council session in March, the IMO said it is working with “relevant states on the development of a safe passage framework” to evacuate stranded crews, while coordinating access to supplies.
Pentagon wants to spend billions for more crucial missile interceptors — 10:51 a.m.
By the Associated Press
US military officials said that the Pentagon’s budget calls for spending more than $30 billion to buy more critical munitions, including missile interceptors, whose stockpiles have become critically low during the Iran war.
The supplies under the most strain are the Patriot air defense systems and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, interceptors. The THAAD system is designed for defeating medium-range ballistic missiles, while the Patriot system is for taking down short-range ballistic missiles and crewed aircraft.
The $30 billion budget item will also purchase long-range Precision Strike Missiles and Mid-Range Capability missile systems that are used by the US Army.
A new budget request from the Pentagon would triple spending on drone technology — 10:50 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The $1.5 trillion budget proposal detailed Tuesday by defense officials would allocate nearly $54 billion for military drones and related technology, as well as $21 billion for weapons systems designed to take down enemy drones.
Drones and other unmanned vehicles have emerged as a key weapon in wars in Ukraine and Iran, and top Pentagon officials say the U.S. must significantly increase its funding of both drones and counter-drone systems.
“Drone warfare is rapidly reshaping the modern battlefield,” Jules Hurst III, the acting undersecretary of defense, comptroller, told reporters during a budget briefing at the Pentagon.
“This budget is the largest investment in drone warfare and counter-drone technology in US history.”
Israel disciplines 2 soldiers for destruction of Jesus statue — 10:18 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israel’s military sentenced two soldiers to 30 days in jail and removed them from combat duty for smashing a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon.
One of the soldiers sledgehammered the statue to the ground. The other filmed the destruction.
The military said it had summoned six additional soldiers who stood by without intervening for conversations with higher-ups.
The incident drew worldwide attention and condemnations from Christian religious leaders.
Iran’s leadership survived US-Israeli bombardment, but talks to end the war present a new challenge — 10:05 a.m.
By the Associated Press
After US-Israeli bombardment eliminated Iran’s supreme leader and much of its top echelons, the Islamic Republic’s leadership didn’t fall apart — but negotiations to end the war offer a new test.
For decades, the supreme leader successfully managed several powerful factions, bringing to heel those who challenged his authority while listening to rival opinions. It’s now unclear who wields that kind of authority over the collection of civilian figures and powerful generals from the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard who appear to be in charge.
They have found unity — for now — by taking a tough line. But disagreements over how much to concede in negotiations with the United States could reveal fault lines, as Pakistani mediators try to host a new round of talks this week.
The possible UAE currency swap is about ensuring access to American dollars — 9:55 a.m.
By the Associated Press
When Trump suggested he backs the possibility of a currency swap with the United Arab Emirates, it’s a sign that he is looking to help stabilize that country’s economy in the wake of the disruptions caused by the Iran War.
In a currency swap, a foreign country’s currency is used as collateral for a loan in US dollars. That would enable the UAE to engage in dollar transactions that are at the core of global commerce.
The swap doesn’t necessarily involve transferring tax dollars and can even generate a profit.
The US has engaged in currency swaps in the past with many European countries, Japan, and the Trump administration last year opened a credit line for Argentina.
Pakistan calls for Iran ceasefire extension in meeting with US diplomat — 9:54 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker on Tuesday, urging that Washington and Iran extend the cease-fire and pursue diplomacy, the Foreign Ministry said.
In a statement, it said Ishaq Dar “underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability.”
Baker, in response, conveyed Washington’s appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in supporting regional peace and facilitating dialogue, the statement said.
More on the UAE as US weighs offering it a currency swap — 9:31 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The United Arab Emirates, an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikdoms on the Arabian Peninsula that’s home to Dubai, became wealthy from its oil deposits. It pegs its currency, the dirham, to the US dollar.
While it has been able to send some of its oil out via a pipeline to the Gulf of Oman, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has squeezed the country’s oil exports.
The UAE has an estimated $2.5 trillion in savings and sovereign wealth funds, but may be seeking the swap to “bolster investor confidence in the UAE’s financial position if the war were to drag on,” said Jason Tuvey, an analyst at Capital Economics.
Trump says administration is weighing currency swap for UAE — 9:28 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump confirmed in his CNBC interview that he’s considering a request from the United Arab Emirates Central bank for a currency swap to help secure dollar liquidity for the oil-rich economy that’s been rattled by the Iran conflict.
The president expressed surprise that the nation needs assistance, but made clear he was open to the prospect of making the move to help meet his ally’s concerns.
“I mean I’m surprised because they are really rich,” Trump said. He added, “You know, they’re very good for this country. So, yeah, if I could help them, I would.”
Trump says he doesn’t want to extend Iran cease-fire if talks with US progress — 8:57 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump was responding to a question during a live telephone interview Tuesday on CNBC, a business news network
Asked if he would continue the ceasefire if there’s progress in the next round of Iran talks, Trump said, “Well, I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time.” He said Iran “had a choice” and “they have to negotiate.”
But it remained unclear when the ceasefire actually expires. Tuesday night was the deadline when the pause was announced two weeks ago, but Trump told Bloomberg News the ceasefire will expire Wednesday night.
Trump says he’s ready to resume Iran bombardment if talks don’t go well — 8:57 a.m.
By the Associated Press
In an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” Tuesday morning, Trump was asked directly if he’d resume strikes if there isn’t progress in the coming talks in Islamabad.
“Well, I expect to be bombing because I think that’s a better attitude to go in with,” Trump said. “But, you know, we’re ready to go. I mean, the military is raring to go.”
Pakistan says it tests locally made anti-ship cruise missile — 8:32 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The navy says it successfully conducted a live firing of the Taimoor air-launched missile.
The announcement comes amid the Pakistani navy’s ongoing efforts to escort merchant vessels transiting key routes including the Strait of Hormuz.
US forces board an oil tanker previously sanctioned for smuggling Iranian crude oil — 7:45 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Pentagon on social media says US forces “conducted a right-of-visit maritime interdiction” and boarded the M/T Tifani “without incident.” Ship-tracking data showed the Tifani in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The announcement described the incident as happening overnight. The statement adds that “international waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels.”
Regional officials say the US and Iran signal they’ll attend a new round of cease-fire talks — 7:25 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Neither the US nor Iran have publicly confirmed the timing of talks. Iranian state television has denied any official is already in Pakistan’s capital. Pakistan-led mediators received confirmation that the top negotiators, US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, will arrive in Islamabad early Wednesday, the officials told The Associated Press. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.
A two-week cease-fire is due to expire.
Germany calls on Iran to head to Pakistan for talks — 7:25 a.m.
By the Associated Press
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul says that “we are now urgently calling on Iran to come to Islamabad and engage in constructive negotiations with the United States.”
Wadephul was speaking on the sidelines of a European Union foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg.
He pointed out that US Vice President JD Vance is ready to travel to Pakistan, and that “Iran should now take this outstretched hand in the interest of its own people.”
‘Most severe energy crisis in a generation,’ Guterres says — 7:23 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The conflict in the Middle East has triggered “the most severe energy crisis in a generation,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres says.
“Fossil fuels are not just wrecking our planet, they are holding economies hostage,” he said remotely from New York to a climate conference in Berlin.
Guterres said that the energy crisis should be solved without exacerbating the climate crisis and that can be done by investing in homegrown renewables, developing the infrastructure to support them and providing financing for less developed economies to transition away from fossil fuels.
UN climate chief warns of fuel price chaos — 7:23 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Iran war has locked the world in much higher fossil fuel costs for months and likely years to come, UN climate chief Simon Stiell says.
“Fossil fuel driven stagflation is now stalking economies, driving up prices, driving down growth, pushing budgets deeper into the quagmire of debt and stripping away governments’ policy options and autonomy,” he said in Berlin.
He referred to climate change and fuel price chaos as “twin reapers,” and said that climate cooperation and faster investments in clean energy were needed to overcome this challenge.
15 bridges hit in Lebanon since war started — 7:22 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Lebanon’s public works and transport minister says the bridges have been either damaged or destroyed during the latest war.
Fayez Rasamny has told the local LBC TV channel that the government still doesn’t have a final damage estimate. But he believes that the losses could be between $7-8 billion.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war, which began around seven weeks ago, has been halted by a 10-day cease-fire that went into effect last week.
Israeli strikes kill 5 in Gaza — 5:04 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israeli strikes killed at least five people in the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, hospital authorities said.
The dead include four suspected militants who were killed when a drone strike hit a security point just after midnight in the southern city of Khan Younis, the Nasser hospital said.
Another man was wounded in the strike, it said.
Israel’s military didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The militant-manned point was around 2.5 miles west of the so-called Yellow Line, separating the Israeli-controlled areas from the rest of Gaza, according to relatives of those killed.
In the northern town of Beit Lahiya, a 30-year-old woman was killed when the Israeli navy opened fire toward tents sheltering displaced people early Tuesday, the Shifa hospital said.
The Israeli military said it wasn’t aware of attacks in Beit Lahiya.
The deaths were the latest among Palestinians in Gaza since a fragile October ceasefire deal took hold to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas.
China says war is at ‘critical stage of transition,’ calls for further negotiations — 4:48 a.m.
By the Associated Press
China said it hopes all parties can maintain the momentum for peace talks, as the two-week cease-fire in the Iran war is set to expire Wednesday.
“The current situation is at a critical stage of transition between war and peace. At such a moment, it is all the more necessary for all parties to show the utmost sincerity, remain committed to a political solution, maintain the momentum of the cease-fire and negotiations,” said China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
China’s Xi Jinping called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz Monday.
While it’s not directly involved in ongoing mediation efforts, diplomats have said China had pressed for Iran to attend the first round of negotiations.
Pakistan says China supports efforts to facilitate US-Iran talks — 4:40 a.m.
By the Associated Press
China has expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate engagement between the United States and Iran for peace and stability in the region and beyond, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
The ministry said Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong conveyed the message during a meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, where both sides discussed the latest regional developments.
Dar reaffirmed the “all-weather” Pakistan-China strategic cooperative partnership, underscoring strong bilateral ties and the importance of continued high-level exchanges, the statement said.
Iran state TV says ‘no delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad ... so far’ — 4:27 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Iranian state television on Tuesday issued an on-screen alert saying that “no delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad ... so far” as speculation about possible talks with the United States grows.
The on-screen alert likely reflects the internal debate ongoing within Iran’s theocracy as it weighs how to respond to the US Navy’s seizure of an Iranian container ship over the weekend.
Iranian state TV long has been controlled by hard-liners within Iran’s theocracy.
So far, no official has acknowledged that a delegation will be heading to Islamabad, where officials have been on standby for days now for the possible talks.
Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead an American team to the talks.
Iran has offered no word on who could lead its delegation.
Last time, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf led the Iranian side.
Thousands of security personnel deploy in Islamabad — 4:20 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Security has been tightened across Pakistan’s capital, where authorities have deployed thousands of personnel and increased patrols along routes leading to the airport, as US and Iranian delegations are expected to arrive this week for the second round of talks, witnesses and officials said Tuesday.
Security arrangements appear stricter than those put in place during the first round of talks held in the capital on April 11 and 12, following diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and regional countries, including China, to ease tensions in the region.
Pakistan has not announced final dates for the talks, however.
Analysts say the scale of the security measures suggests the possibility of high-level participation if negotiations make progress.
“The arrangements this time are markedly different from those during the first round,” said Syed Mohammad Ali, an Islamabad-based security analyst.
“Pakistan appears to be preparing for the possibility of visits by top US and Iranian leaders if the talks advance to a stage where an agreement
European transportation ministers meet on energy, jet fuel concerns — 4:03 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Transportation ministers from across the 27-nation European Union are meeting in Brussels Tuesday to discuss spiking energy prices because of the war in Iran, and how to protect consumers at home and at the pump after the head of the International Energy Agency warned that Europe has “maybe six weeks” supply left of jet fuel.
“This evolving geopolitical crisis in the Middle East has highlighted that Europe may have a short-term issue in supply of fuel,” said Cyprus Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, who is chairing the virtual meeting.
He said that currently there is currently no crisis, but that the bloc must prepare for the possibility of shortages.
“If this ever happens, it will affect connectivity, it will affect every citizen in the Union,” Vafeades said.
“We need to be ready to avoid queues at the gas stations if this ever happens.”
Pakistan’s top diplomat speaks with Egyptian counterpart — 3:52 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday spoke with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, to discuss the latest regional developments, as part of a diplomatic push linked to a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said both leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and engagement for peace and stability and agreed to remain in close contact.
The statement gave no further details.
While Pakistani officials have expressed confidence that Iran will send a delegation late Tuesday night, there has been no formal announcement from Tehran.
Trump said over the weekend that he is sending a US delegation to Pakistan.
By the Associated Press
Russia’s Transport Ministry announced Monday that Rosaviatsia, Russia’s civil aviation authority, “lifted recommendations for Russian airlines to temporary halt sales of tickets to flights to and from the UAE,” Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported.
Restrictions on flights via Iranian airspace have also been lifted, the report quoted the ministry as saying in an online statement.
Flights to Iranian airports and transit flights over the country will be carried out with recommendations from local aviation authorities taken into account, the report said.
Restrictions on flights to the Middle East were introduced in February.
Man hanged over January protests in Iran — 2:46 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Iran says it hanged a man convicted over allegedly setting fire to a mosque in northern Tehran during nationwide protests in January.
The judiciary’s Mizan news agency on Tuesday identified the man as Amir Ali Mir Jafari.
There was no immediate information about Jafari among activists who follow Iran.
Iran has been accused of repeatedly holding closed-door trials against suspects who can’t challenge the evidence placed against them.
Iran already has hanged people from the January protests, something that President Trump had described as a red line before the recent war.
By the Associated Press
Shares are mixed in Asia and oil prices have slipped following the latest rise of US-Iran tensions.
The lackluster start to trading Tuesday followed a modest retreat on Wall Street.
On Monday, the S&P 500 slipped 0.2 percent from its all-time high and the Dow industrials edged less than 0.1 percent lower. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.3 percent.
The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil remains above $95.