Updated At : 04:37 PM Apr 24, 2026 IST
PTI
Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in a village in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army operates in it as seen from the Israeli side of the border on Thursday. Image credit/Reuters
Tensions in the standoff between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz escalated Friday after US President Donald Trump said he ordered US forces to “shoot and kill” Iranian small boats in the strait. Iran rejected Trump’s assertion that there is disarray within its leadership.
The confrontation has effectively seized up almost all exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s traded oil passes in peacetime, with no clear end in sight.
Sanchez sidesteps Spain-US dispute at NATO, brushing off reported Pentagon email
April 24, 2026 4:37 pm
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declined to engage in a spat with the US over reports the Pentagon is considering penalties for NATO members that do not back American operations in the Iran war. Spain, which has denied US forces use of its bases or airspace, says US-Israeli actions violate international law. France and the UK have also withheld full support. Reuters reported an unidentified US official saying a Defence Department email floated suspending Spain from NATO. AP
Sterling edges up but heads for weekly loss as Iran tensions overshadow UK data
April 24, 2026 4:07 pm
The pound rose slightly to $1.348 on Friday but was set for a weekly loss as markets focused on stalled US-Iran peace talks. UK retail sales for March beat expectations, with higher fuel sales driven by motorists worried about price spikes after the Iran war began. Investec economists noted March consumer spending remained robust despite uncertainty.
Pentagon email floats suspending Spain from NATO, other steps over Iran rift, source says
April 24, 2026 3:58 pm
An internal Pentagon note outlined options to punish allies perceived as unsupportive of US operations in the Iran war, including suspending Spain from NATO and reconsidering US positions linked to Britain’s Falklands claim, a US official told Reuters, citing frustration over denied access and basing rights.
Islamabad remains shut for heavy traffic amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks
April 24, 2026 3:49 pm
Pakistan’s capital remained closed to heavy traffic as authorities awaited a possible visit by top US and Iranian leaders for stalled peace talks. More than 10,000 security personnel were deployed; no schedule for leaders’ arrivals has been announced. PTI
China rejects Trump accusation that intercepted Iran ship was ‘gift from China’
April 24, 2026 1:30 pm
Beijing denied President Trump’s claim that an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, intercepted by US forces, was a “gift from China.” The US said it seized the ship for allegedly evading a blockade of Iranian ports; Iran vowed retaliation, calling the action “armed piracy.” Reuters
‘Israel prepared to renew war against Iran, awaiting US green light,’ says Defence Minister
April 24, 2026 12:25 pm
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel is ready to escalate operations against Iran but is awaiting US approval to proceed, the Jerusalem Post reported. ANI
‘Clock is ticking’; Trump’s new ultimatum to Iran
April 24, 2026 11:37 am
Trump posted on Truth Social that he is under little pressure and that time favors the US, warning that “the clock is ticking” for Iran and suggesting a deal will be made only if it benefits the United States. ANI
Israel continues to pound the Iranian-backed Hezbollah
April 24, 2026 9:47 am
Despite a ceasefire extension, fighting persisted in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces struck Hezbollah positions following some of the conflict’s deadliest days since an April 16 halt to fighting. Reuters
Mojtaba Khamenei rejects Trump’s claim of disarray in Iranian leadership
April 24, 2026 9:44 am
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed Trump’s suggestion of leadership disarray as enemy propaganda aimed at undermining unity and security, saying unity will strengthen while enemies will be humiliated. He has remained out of public view since succeeding his father, who was killed by US strikes early in the war. Reuters
Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked, choking global energy supply
April 24, 2026 9:42 am
Trump said the US Navy has orders to target Iranian boats laying mines in the strait and claimed US forces could quickly cripple any Iranian weapons refurbishments. Navigation, however, remained effectively blocked after Iran captured two large cargo ships, underscoring US difficulties in controlling the passage and ongoing risks to oil markets. Reuters
Guyana says tanker seized by US ‘fraudulently’ flying Guyana flag
April 24, 2026 8:55 am
Guyana said a tanker seized by the US in Asia for allegedly carrying sanctioned Iranian crude was “fraudulently flying the Guyana flag.” AP
Iran’s central bank confirms Hormuz toll revenue deposited in cash
April 24, 2026 8:50 am
Iran’s central bank said toll revenue collected from newly imposed transit fees for vessels passing the Strait of Hormuz has been deposited in cash, rebutting earlier reports that payments were being made in cryptocurrencies. State media reported the confirmation.
Trump answers big nuclear use question
April 24, 2026 8:48 am
Responding to questions about nuclear strikes on Iran, Trump told reporters he would not use nuclear weapons, saying conventional strikes have already “decimated” Iran and asserting that nuclear weapons should never be used by anybody.
Lebanon-Israel ceasefire extended by 3 weeks after Oval Office meeting
April 24, 2026 8:17 am
Lebanon and Israel extended a ceasefire for three weeks following a White House meeting, Trump said. He hosted Israel’s ambassador and Lebanon’s ambassador for US-facilitated talks after recent Israeli strikes killed several people, including a journalist. Reuters
