Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates | ‘Drill, baby, drill’: Trump slams UK for refusing to open North Sea oil production
US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (File Photo)
US-Iran Talks Latest Update: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a nearly 40-minute phone conversation, news agency PTI reported on Tuesday. The standoff between Washington and Tehran reached a critical flashpoint on April 14, as the United States began formal enforcement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. While President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian “fast attack ships” challenging the perimeter would be “immediately eliminated,” the blockade faced its first major test when a sanctioned Chinese tanker successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz.
The Rich Starry, a vessel sanctioned by the US for its links to Iranian trade, became the first ship to exit the Gulf since the blockade began Monday evening. Carrying 250,000 barrels of methanol, the tanker, owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, passed through the waterway alongside two other sanctioned vessels, posing an immediate challenge to Washington’s “zero tolerance” enforcement.
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On the diplomatic front, a sliver of hope remains. Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of high-stakes peace talks in Islamabad later this week. This follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s calls for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional reopening of the Strait, which remains the world’s most volatile energy chokepoint.
US-Iran Peace Talks: Islamabad Round 1 to Round 2
First direct US-Iran engagement since 1979 hits a wall, but negotiators may return to Pakistan this weekend
Ceasefire Declared
Guns fall silent in the Gulf
Washington and Tehran announce a ceasefire, ending the hottest phase of the war. Round 1 of direct talks is scheduled for four days later in Islamabad.
Last Weekend · Islamabad
Round 1: Vance meets Qalibaf, no breakthrough
US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf lead the first direct US-Iran encounter in over a decade — and the most senior engagement since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Talks end without agreement.
Post-Round 1 · Vance
Washington tables ‘final and best offer’
Vance tells reporters the US proposal is on the table and the ball is in Tehran’s court.
“We leave here with a very simple proposal… our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”
Tue, April 14 · Islamabad
Pakistan signals Round 2 is on the cards
Pakistani and Iranian officials tell Reuters a proposal has been sent to Washington and Tehran for delegations to return. A senior Pakistani official says Islamabad reached out to Iran and received a “positive response” on a second round.
Fri–Sun · Expected Window
Round 2 window kept open
A senior Iranian source says delegations are keeping Friday through Sunday open for a possible meeting. An Iranian embassy official in Islamabad adds the next round “can come sometime later this week or earlier next week” — nothing finalised.
On The Table for Round 2
Strait of Hormuz reopening
Iran’s nuclear programme
Sanctions on Tehran
Iran-US war ceasefire: 5 key developments today
- Blockade challenged: The Chinese-owned Rich Starry and two other sanctioned tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz, testing the U.S. military’s vow to block Iranian port traffic.
- Islamabad initiative: Reuters reported that US and Iranian teams are expected in Pakistan for renewed talks, following claims by VP JD Vance that previous rounds made “some progress.”
- Airline industry turmoil: Major carriers warn of a “systemic fuel shortage” within weeks. Lufthansa and Qantas are cutting capacity as kerosene prices skyrocket, far outpacing crude gains.
- Humanitarian crisis: The Red Cross delivered its first emergency shipment to Iran since the conflict began on February 28, even as South Korea pledges $2.5 million in aid for the region.
- Israel-Lebanon tensions: Direct peace talks are set to begin in Washington today, even as the IDF continues strikes in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu remains firm on the disarmament of Hezbollah.
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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