Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: Trump says Islamabad talks could resume over next 2 days
A man rides his motorbike past a billboard installed alongside a road as Pakistan prepares to host the U.S. and Iran for peace talks, in Islamabad. (REUTERS)
US-Iran Talks LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a high-stakes, 40-minute phone conversation on Tuesday, reviewing the “substantial progress” of the India-US strategic partnership amid a rapidly deteriorating situation in West Asia. As the two leaders stressed the absolute necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure, the global energy corridor reached a dangerous flashpoint. The call comes as President Trump’s newly enforced naval blockade on Iranian ports—intended to halt all maritime traffic—faces its first direct challenge from sanctioned vessels.
Despite Washington’s “zero tolerance” policy and a presidential warning that any ships challenging the perimeter would be “immediately eliminated,” the Rich Starry, a sanctioned Chinese-owned tanker, successfully transited the Strait Tuesday morning. Carrying 250,000 barrels of methanol, the vessel’s passage marks a bold act of defiance against the U.S. military’s blockade, which began in earnest on Monday evening.
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US and Iranian delegations may return to Islamabad later this week, after the first round last weekend ended without agreement. JD Vance has called Washington’s proposal its “final and best offer.”
Iran-US war ceasefire: 5 key developments today
- Blockade tested: The Chinese-owned Rich Starry and two other sanctioned tankers have successfully exited the Gulf.
- Islamabad peace initiative: A diplomatic window remains open as Pakistan proposes hosting a second round of peace talks. This follows reports from VP JD Vance suggesting that previous discussions had yielded “some progress.”
- Aviation industry alarm: Global carriers, including Lufthansa and Qantas, are warning of a “systemic fuel shortage.” Airline capacity is being slashed as kerosene prices decouple from crude oil, skyrocketing to record highs.
- Humanitarian aid: The Red Cross has delivered its first emergency shipment to Iran since the conflict escalated on February 28, while South Korea has pledged $2.5 million in regional aid.
- Washington diplomacy: Even as the Gulf simmers, direct peace talks between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to begin in Washington today, despite ongoing IDF strikes in southern Lebanon.
Stay with The Indian Express Global Desk for real-time updates, geolocated footage of the crash sites, and live reactions from the Pentagon and Tehran.
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