Satellite image of Iran’s Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center, where analysts believe a truck may have been moving highly enriched uranium into a tunnel. (Airbus Defence and Space via AP)
The ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran entered its 16th day on Thursday, April 23, as Washington demanded Tehran surrender enriched uranium while uncertainty persisted over the future of the truce.
The White House said President Donald Trump was awaiting a unified response from Iran on US proposals, while regional tensions continued to ripple through Lebanon, the Gulf and global energy markets.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied reports that Trump had imposed a three-to-five-day deadline for extending the ceasefire.
“The president hasn’t set a firm deadline,” she said, adding that Washington was still seeking a consolidated reply from Tehran.
However, Channel 12 reported that the US had privately indicated next Sunday as a target date for progress in negotiations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remained open to dialogue but accused Washington of undermining diplomacy through threats, blockades and breaches of commitments.
In a post on X, he said such measures were the main obstacles to genuine negotiations.
The Wall Street Journal reported that messages were still being exchanged through intermediaries, though with little progress, and that Iranian negotiators had hardened their stance after skipping planned talks in Islamabad.
Lebanese negotiators are seeking a one-month extension of the ceasefire with Israel as part of efforts to contain tensions with Hezbollah.
Reuters, citing an unnamed official, said Beirut wanted extra time to widen discussions. The Foreign Ministry also urged citizens to leave while commercial flights were still operating.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of repeatedly targeting journalists and obstructing rescue teams, saying the incidents could constitute war crimes.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported details of the killing of journalist Amal Khalil in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon, in an incident that drew further condemnation from Lebanese officials and renewed concerns over the safety of media workers covering the conflict.
Hezbollah said it attacked Israeli soldiers in the Qantara area of southern Lebanon in response to what it described as repeated ceasefire violations.
The group linked the strike to a recent Israeli raid on Yahmar al-Shaqif, where Lebanese state media reported deaths and injuries.
More than 50,000 homes in Lebanon were damaged or destroyed during the latest conflict, according to a government-backed assessment.
Chadi Abdallah, head of the National Council for Scientific Research, said 17,756 housing units were destroyed and 32,668 damaged during roughly 45 days of fighting.
US Central Command said American forces had ordered 31 vessels to turn back or return to port under the blockade imposed on Iran.
It added that US troops, sailors, marines, airmen, space personnel and Coast Guard members remained deployed across the Middle East.
The Pentagon announced that Navy Secretary John Phelan would leave office immediately without explanation.
His departure followed the earlier dismissal of Army Chief of Staff Randy George and two other senior officers.
CNN reported that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had been frustrated by delays in shipbuilding reforms and Phelan’s direct contact with Trump.
The United States Senate failed to pass a resolution seeking the withdrawal of US forces from combat operations against Iran.
Fifty-one senators voted against the proposal, while 46 supported it.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) condemned recent attacks and seizures involving commercial ships.
Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said nearly 20,000 seafarers were stranded in the Persian Gulf because of the worsening security situation.
Oil prices jumped after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed while the US naval blockade continued.
West Texas Intermediate rose 4.06 percent to USD 96.73 a barrel, while Brent crude gained 3.62 per cent to USD 105.63 before easing later in the session.
The New York Post reported that fresh US-Iran talks could resume within 36 to 72 hours, citing Pakistani sources.
The Financial Times reported that Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested to FIFA that Italy replace Iran at the next World Cup.
He said he raised the idea with Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, citing Italy’s four titles.
This post was last modified on April 23, 2026 8:12 am