Dubai: Iran reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying it will continue to block transit through the vital waterway as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in place. The escalating standoff threatens to deepen an energy shock and push the parties toward renewed conflict even as mediators say a deal may be within reach.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy said the strait would remain closed until the US blockade is lifted. Earlier, two Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on a tanker transiting the strait, the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported, saying the tanker and crew were safe but not identifying the vessel or destination.
A 10-day truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon appeared to be holding. The wider Middle East fighting, nearing two months, has caused heavy casualties: at least 3,000 dead in Iran, nearly 2,300 in Lebanon, 23 civilians and 15 soldiers in Israel, more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and 13 US service members killed. (Agencies)
April 19, 2026 — 5:08 pm
Iran wants lasting peace, says chief negotiator Qalibaf
Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator, told state television that Iran seeks “a lasting peace so that war is not repeated again.” Speaking days before a ceasefire deadline, he said fundamental mistrust of the United States remains, but that US and Iranian negotiators “reached a more realistic understanding of one another” during Islamabad talks.
April 19, 2026 — 5:08 pm
Israel says it killed Hezbollah commander just before the ceasefire
The Israeli army said strikes killed more than 150 Hezbollah fighters and named Ali Rida Abbas as Hezbollah’s commander in Bint Jbeil among the dead. The town saw intense clashes before the ceasefire. Israel provided no evidence and Hezbollah had not confirmed the commander’s death. The ceasefire took effect early Friday.
April 19, 2026 — 5:05 pm
Lebanon’s army reopens some roads in the south
The Lebanese army reopened the Khardali road linking Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun and the road from Tyre to Bourj Rahhal. It is also working to reopen other roads and repair a Litani River bridge in Tayr Filsay. Israel’s air force damaged several bridges during its recent operations; temporary bridges are being put in place after the 10-day truce.
April 19, 2026 — 4:04 pm
Parliament speaker reveals Hormuz standoff, warns US minesweeper was close to being targeted
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described tense behind-the-scenes negotiations with the US and said Iranian officials confronted the US delegation over naval activity in the Strait of Hormuz. He reiterated that “the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic” and said Tehran viewed US efforts to clear mines as a “violation of the ceasefire,” warning tensions nearly escalated, Al Jazeera reported.
April 19, 2026 — 12:15 pm
Trump, Iran cite progress in talks as uncertainty hangs over Strait
Iran’s top negotiator said talks with the US made progress but gaps remain on nuclear issues and the Strait. President Donald Trump said there were “very good conversations” with Tehran but warned against “blackmail” over the shipping channel. Neither side gave specifics ahead of a fragile ceasefire expiry. (Reuters)
April 19, 2026 — 11:21 am
Ahead of US-Iran talks, Pak authorities take stringent security measures
Pakistani authorities have tightened security for foreign delegates amid diplomatic efforts to host another round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The sides held rare direct talks on April 11–12 that ended without agreement; Pakistan is pressing to facilitate further negotiations for a final settlement. (PTI)
April 19, 2026 — 10:45 am
Hezbollah leader dismisses US-published ceasefire text
Naim Kassem of Hezbollah, speaking on al-Manar TV, rejected a US State Department-published paper described as the ceasefire text, calling it “an insult” and saying it had not been approved by the Lebanese government. The US text framed the 10-day truce as enabling “good-faith negotiations” toward a permanent peace and granted Israel the right to take necessary self-defence measures; it did not grant Lebanon or Hezbollah a similar right. Kassem insisted the truce should mean “a complete cessation of all hostilities” and warned Hezbollah would respond to violations. (AP)
April 19, 2026 — 9:44 am
UN chief condemns attack that killed French peacekeeper
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned an attack in southern Lebanon that killed a French peacekeeper and wounded three others. UNIFIL and France blamed Hezbollah; the group denied involvement. Two of the wounded were seriously injured, UNIFIL said. (AP)
April 19, 2026 — 9:43 am
Another Israeli soldier dies in combat
Israel’s military reported another soldier killed in southern Lebanon, the second announced in under 12 hours, bringing the military toll in Lebanon to 15. Several soldiers were wounded in the same incident. (AP)
