Crowds in Tehran celebrate the ceasefire on April 8, waving Iranian flags and raising a portrait of the Supreme Leader.
The ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran, which began on Wednesday, April 8, is set to expire on Wesnesday, April 22, with no indication of an extension. Donald Trump has warned that hostilities could resume if no agreement is reached, increasing uncertainty across the region.
Tensions remain high as Iran tightens control over key waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, while regional flashpoints in Lebanon and the Red Sea continue to add pressure to the fragile truce.
Iran has again shut the Strait of Hormuz after a brief reopening, with reports indicating it is using a “mosquito fleet” of fast attack boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to tighten control over the key shipping route, deterring vessel movement and escalating risks to global maritime traffic.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held discussions with Iran’s ambassador following a firing incident involving Indian-flagged vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, seeking firm assurances on the safety of merchant shipping.
Officials conveyed “deep concern” over the incident and urged Tehran to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage for vessels navigating the critical maritime route, which is vital for global energy supplies.
Two Pakistani security sources said negotiations between the United States and Iran are likely to take place before Friday, April 24, citing developments in Islamabad.
Speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, the sources pointed to the arrival of two US C-17 Globemaster aircraft at Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, near the capital.
They also noted that roads leading to Islamabad’s Red Zone have been temporarily closed, indicating heightened security, while major hotels including the Serena and Marriott are being cleared of guests with bookings suspended until Friday
The Israel Defense Forces said it eliminated more than 150 fighters from Hezbollah in the 24 hours before ceasefire understandings took effect.
In a statement, the IDF said it also struck around 300 military infrastructure sites during the same period.
The military added that those killed included Hezbollah commander Ali Rida Abbas, identified as the commander of the Bint Jbeil area, who it said had led multiple attacks against Israeli forces.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is not seeking war and is acting only in self-defence in response to attacks by the United States and Israel.
Speaking to state media, he accused Washington and Tel Aviv of targeting civilian infrastructure, calling the strikes violations of international law and citing them as examples of double standards on human rights.
“We have not attacked any country… we are simply defending ourselves legitimately,” he was quoted as saying by Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), adding that Iran is “peace-loving” but will respond to aggression.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has come to a complete standstill, with vessels diverting towards the Gulf of Oman, according to data cited by CNN.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned ships approaching the strait could be targeted. Reports also said an oil tanker was fired upon near Oman, while a container vessel sustained damage.
Iran has blocked a Chinese vessel from entering the Strait of Hormuz, forcing it to abruptly turn back — signalling tighter control over one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints despite ongoing claims of easing tensions.
The bulk carrier Sun Profit, owned and crewed by Chinese nationals, was refused entry and made a sudden U-turn near the restricted zone, according to a statement issued by Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai on April 19.
“Iran didn’t grant passage to a Chinese vessel… Contrary to popular belief, Iran doesn’t give blanket approval to Chinese ships,” the consulate said, stressing that even vessels linked to China are not guaranteed access through the strait.
Lebanon’s military said on Sunday it had reopened a major road and partially restored a bridge in the country’s south, as a 10-day truce between Hezbollah and Israel continues to hold.
In a statement, the Lebanese army said it had “fully reopened” the road linking the city of Nabatieh with the Khardali area, restoring a key connection for residents and transport in the south.
The military added that the Burj Rahal–Tyre bridge has been “partially reopened”, allowing limited movement as repair efforts continue.
Authorities said work is ongoing to rehabilitate the Tayr Falsay–Tyre bridge, which sustained damage during Israeli strikes.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz will stay shut as long as a US naval blockade is enforced. He stated that maritime movement would be restricted if Iran is denied passage, linking any reopening directly to the lifting of sanctions and military pressure.
Ghalibaf said the truce nearly collapsed after US attempts to carry out mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran views the move as a breach of the ceasefire, warning that such actions risk triggering renewed confrontation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is prepared to end the conflict “with dignity” but will not abandon its nuclear programme. He questioned Washington’s authority to restrict Iran’s rightsqɓ
Deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh confirmed that no date has been fixed for fresh negotiations, criticising the US for maintaining what he described as “maximalist” demands.
Separately, Geo TV quoted senior government sources as saying that no date has yet been set for the next round of talks between the United States and Iran, underscoring ongoing diplomatic uncertainty.
In southern Lebanon, Israeli operations have reportedly resumed despite the ceasefire environment. The Israeli military confirmed the death of a reservist and injuries to several soldiers following an explosive device attack.
Kuwait has called for accountability after an attack killed a French peacekeeper and injured others. The country reaffirmed support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and stressed the need to uphold international law.
Yemen’s Houthi movement warned it could close the Bab el-Mandeb if US actions undermine peace efforts, raising concerns over further disruption to global shipping lanes.
Maritime reports indicate that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stopped after Iranian forces fired on vessels and issued warnings that the route is under strict military control.
Qalibaf said Iranian forces intercepted around 180 drones and targeted a US F-35 Lightning II, describing the operation as evidence of growing military capability.
Iran’s deputy science minister Mehdi Abtahi said international internet access will be gradually restored, beginning with university professors before extending to other academic staff.
A 32-year-old employee of Emirates Airline has been detained in Dubai since March 8 over alleged publication of images related to Iranian attacks.
In Tel Aviv, Mayor Ron Huldai said more than 1,000 apartments are no longer fit for habitation due to damage caused by Iranian strikes, Channel 12 broadcaster reported.
This post was last modified on April 19, 2026 4:24 pm