Iran threatens to 'defend itself' against US strikes as talks continue amid escalating tensions | LIVE

Iran seeks release of frozen funds as US talks move closer to preliminary agreement, sources say

Efforts to reach a preliminary agreement between Iran and the United States have intensified, according to Iranian sources and a European official cited by Reuters, despite ongoing strikes between the two sides. The discussions reportedly focus on a mechanism for the release of frozen Iranian assets held in foreign banks.

The sources said Iran and the U.S. continue to exchange messages on the details of a proposed memorandum of understanding. While an overall political framework is said to have been reached, key technical issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding the release of tens of billions of dollars in frozen oil revenues.

According to one Iranian source, Tehran is seeking the release of around $6–12 billion in frozen funds, while Washington is reportedly pushing for a phased mechanism that would channel the money toward humanitarian goods rather than allowing direct transfers to Iran.

Iran says cease-fire 'virtually meaningless' after latest US strikes

The cease-fire between Tehran and Washington, which came into effect on April 8, is now “virtually meaningless,” Iran’s foreign ministry said Thursday after a new wave of U.S. strikes overnight.

“The illegal and criminal attacks carried out by the United States in recent hours not only constitute a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter ..., but also render the cease-fire virtually meaningless,” the ministry said in a statement.

While the strikes mainly targeted southern Iran, sites near the capital were also hit, including in Karaj, Nazarabad and Pishva, according to the Revolutionary Guards.

Israeli strikes continue in south Lebanon

Israeli artillery shelled the towns of Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil), Touline (Marjayoun), and Srifa (Sour), according to our correspondent.

The Israeli air force carried out airstrikes targeting Deir Kifa (Sour), Sawaneh (Marjayoun), Khirbit Silm, and Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil).

US denies Iran closed Strait of Hormuz after fresh strikes

The U.S. military on Wednesday denied Iran’s claims that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz following the latest American strikes.

“Commercial vessels continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz this evening,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.

Earlier, Iran’s military command had announced that “any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted,” while the Iranian navy claimed it had struck two ships.

Qatari negotiators leave Tehran

Qatari negotiators left Tehran on Thursday after talks with Iranian officials on a potential agreement continued into the early hours of the morning, a source told Reuters.

Jordan says it intercepted 20 Iranian missiles in 24 hours

The Jordanian army said it intercepted and destroyed 20 missiles launched from Iran over the past 24 hours.

“These projectiles targeted the kingdom’s territory and were neutralized by the Jordanian air force, with no casualties reported,” the army said. Earlier, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had fired 12 ballistic missiles at the U.S. base in al-Azraq, in northeastern Jordan.

Pakistan calls for 'negotiated solution' amid Gulf escalation

Pakistan, acting as a mediator in the U.S.-Iran conflict, on Thursday deplored the recent military “escalation” in the Middle East and renewed its call for dialogue.

“Diplomacy and dialogue must be the guiding principles to reach a negotiated settlement on all contentious issues,” foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in Islamabad.

At least 3 injured in overnight US strikes on Iran

At least three people were injured in the Tehran region following overnight U.S. strikes on Iran, the Fars news agency reported Thursday, citing a medical official.

“Three people were injured in incidents related to the brutal U.S. attacks in Tehran province,” the head of local emergency services said.

While the strikes mainly targeted southern Iran, sites near the capital were also hit, including in Karaj, Nazarabad and Pishva, according to the Revolutionary Guards.

US attack on vessel off Oman: 3 missing Indian sailors confirmed dead

The three Indian sailors reported missing after a U.S.-claimed attack Wednesday on a Palau-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, India’s shipping minister said Thursday.

“The deaths of three Indian sailors who were initially reported missing are now confirmed, following the recovery and identification of their bodies,” Sarbananda Sonowal said in a post on X.

Gulf: Pakistani mediator laments 'escalation,' calls for 'negotiated solution'

Pakistan, acting as a mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran, on Thursday deplored the recent military “escalation” in the Middle East and reiterated its call for a “negotiated solution.”

“Diplomacy and dialogue must be the guiding principles to reach a negotiated settlement on all contentious issues,” Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a press briefing in Islamabad following overnight strikes in the Gulf.

Update on the situation in south Lebanon

More than 15 Israeli rockets targeted Qatrani (Jezzine), according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.

Israeli artillery shelling also hit Nabatieh, Kfar Roummane, Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya) and Nabatieh al-Fawqa.

Israeli warplanes carried out strikes on Wadi Borghoz (Hasbaya).

An Israeli drone struck Shehabieh, near a team from the Islamic Health Committee affiliated with Hezbollah.

Around 5 a.m., an Israeli drone carried out two strikes targeting a room inside a house and a car parked outside in the Maqassed neighborhood of Nabatieh, causing no injuries.

Israeli strikes overnight in south Lebanon and the Bekaa

Alongside ground operations, Israel carried out multiple airstrikes and artillery shelling across south Lebanon and the Bekaa.

Airstrikes hit Shaqra, Majdal Selm and Wadi Slouki, while artillery targeted Kfar Roummane and Toulin.

In the Bekaa, a drone strike in Hazin caused a fire in a wheat field and damaged nearby property. Earlier, air raids targeted Sohmor, Yohmor and Hama Zaleya.

In total, Israeli warplanes struck at least 34 localities in south Lebanon on Tuesday, while drones targeted 12 areas and artillery hit 17 others.

Hezbollah said it carried out nine attacks against Israeli troops and positions in occupied Lebanese villages, without targeting northern Israel.

Trump says US moved 100 million barrels of oil through Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. president said a “secret mission” enabled over 200 vessels to pass safely through the strategic waterway.

Israeli army continues its advance toward Nabatieh

Israeli army continues its advance toward Nabatieh, Arnoun and Yohmor al-Shaqif, as well as the Beaufort Castle.

They are now advancing toward Ali Taher hill, Kfar Tibnit and Nabatieh al-Fawqa.

Local sources reported hearing Israeli vehicles overnight in Nabatieh al-Fawqa. The advance was reportedly halted after Hezbollah fighters launched rocket fire.

Kuwait closes its airspace following Iranian attacks

The country’s civil aviation authority announced a temporary closure due to risks to civil

An Israeli military official said a major air base, identified as Ramat David in northern Israel, was struck during Iranian missile attacks on Sunday and Monday, though the extent of the impact remains unclear.

Health ministry reports 12 killed and 13 injured in three Israeli strikes on Tuesday in Tayr Debba, Haris and Saida.

Nine people, including a woman, were killed in a strike on Tayr Debba, while three were killed in Saida. Two rescuers were also injured in Haris.

The ministry had earlier reported 30 additional deaths and 82 injuries over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total since March 2 to at least 3,696 killed and 11,403 wounded.

Kuwait targeted by aerial attack, army says

Kuwait’s military said it was responding to an aerial attack after Iran announced strikes on two bases in the country.

“Air defense systems are currently engaging hostile aerial targets,” the army said.

Iran, hit again by US strikes, retaliates and vows to close the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States carried out fresh strikes on Iran early Thursday, prompting Tehran to announce retaliatory attacks against military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain and to threaten all vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the U.S. military, the strikes targeted “military surveillance facilities, communication systems and air defense sites” across Iran. They were launched after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Tehran of stalling negotiations.

Explosions were reported in Qeshm Island, Minab, Sirik and the port of Bandar Abbas.

In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they launched drones at Ali al-Salem and Ahmad al-Jaber bases in Kuwait, and at Sheikh Isa air base in Bahrain.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of developments in Lebanon

The south and the Bekaa continue to be heavily bombarded by the Israeli army, which occupies dozens of villages along the border.

We will also be following developments in Iran, after a new exchange of fire following the downing of a U.S. helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

Catch up on what you missed this morning and what to keep an eye out for today by reading our 👉Morning Brief.