Iran on Friday, April 10, set firm preconditions for negotiations with the United States (US), insisting that Israeli attacks on Lebanon must cease and its frozen assets be released before any dialogue begins, as diplomatic efforts intensify to stabilise the region.
In a post on X, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the two conditions must be met before negotiations can proceed, signalling Tehran’s hardened stance ahead of planned talks in Islamabad.
US President Donald Trump warned that American warships are being reloaded with advanced weapons and could be used “very effectively” against Iran if the talks in Pakistan fail to produce a deal.
In an interview with The New York Post, Trump said the US was “loading up the ships with the best ammunition” and warned that if negotiations collapse, Washington would deploy them. “If we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively,” he said.
He added, “We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon.”
Pope Leo criticises war, says military action ‘will not create freedom’
Pope Leo issued a thinly veiled criticism of the US-Israeli war on Iran, saying military action would not bring freedom or peace.
Writing on X, he said God “does not bless any conflict” and stressed that violence cannot create conditions for stability.
“God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs,” he said.
“Military action will not create space for freedom or times of peace, which comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples.”
Trump says Iran has ‘no cards’ ahead of talks
US President Donald Trump said Iran lacks leverage in the ongoing crisis, urging Tehran to negotiate.
In a post on X, Trump said Iran “has no cards” beyond what he described as a temporary extension involving international waterways, adding that “the only reason they are alive today is to negotiate”.
Kuwait reports drone strikes, injuries at National Guard sites
Kuwait’s military said Iranian drones targeted facilities linked to the National Guard, injuring personnel. Seven drones reportedly entered Kuwaiti airspace within 24 hours, with those wounded said to be in stable condition, pointing to a widening regional spillover.
Israeli strikes kill security personnel in Lebanon’s Nabatieh
Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have intensified, with at least 14 people killed in separate strikes in the Nabatieh governorate. Lebanese authorities confirmed that 12 state security personnel were among the dead after a security office was hit.
President Joseph Aoun condemned the targeting of state institutions, saying it would not deter Lebanon from defending its sovereignty.
Israel expels Spanish officials amid diplomatic row
Israel said it has expelled Spanish representatives from the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, tasked with overseeing the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video posted on X that the decision followed criticism from Spain, accusing it of defaming Israeli soldiers.
“Those who attack the State of Israel instead of terrorist regimes will not be our partners regarding the future of the region,” he said, adding that countries engaging in a “diplomatic war” against Israel would face consequences.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a long-time critic of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, called on the international community to condemn the latest strikes on Lebanon.
“Just today, Netanyahu has launched his fiercest attack against Lebanon since the offensive began. His contempt for life and international law is intolerable,” Sánchez said in a post on X.
Pakistan hosts US-Iran talks amid rising tensions
US and Iranian officials are expected to meet in Islamabad for talks aimed at converting a temporary ceasefire into a longer-term agreement, though tensions remain high.
US Vice President JD Vance said Washington was open to negotiations conducted in good faith but warned against any lack of sincerity. Reports indicate the US may demand the release of detained American citizens as part of the discussions.
Khawaja Asif calls Israel “evil” in deleted X post
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy after calling Israel “evil” and a “curse for humanity” in a post on X, which was later deleted, just hours before US and Iranian delegations were due to arrive in Islamabad.
Hezbollah warns Lebanon against concessions before talks
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem urged the Lebanese government to avoid offering concessions to Israel ahead of expected talks in Washington, warning against a return to previous arrangements.
Rockets fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel
Israeli Army Radio reported that around 30 rockets were launched from Lebanon towards northern Israel since early morning, underscoring continued cross-border hostilities.
Iran signals Hormuz control, proposes rial-based transit fees
Iran’s military said it remains on high alert due to repeated “breaches of trust” by the US and Israel, adding it would not relinquish control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s consulate in Mumbai said on X, citing the head of Parliament’s National Security Commission, that transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz would be paid in Iran’s national currency, the rial.
Friday prayers resume at Al-Aqsa after 40 days
Palestinian worshippers performed Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque for the first time in 40 days, following restrictions imposed after the outbreak of the US-Israel assault on Iran on February 28.
The developments highlight the fragility of ongoing diplomatic efforts, with Iran’s preconditions, continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and widening regional tensions threatening to derail prospects for a broader agreement.
