Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, citing a request from Pakistan leadership, including Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif. The truce will continue until Tehran submits a unified proposal and negotiations conclude. Despite the extension, the US will maintain its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and keep military forces ready. The move reflects a dual-track approach allowing diplomacy time while sustaining strategic pressure. Talks are expected to resume soon, as Washington seeks clarity from Iran’s leadership amid ongoing internal divisions.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of firing rockets at its troops in southern Lebanon, calling it a ceasefire violation. The Israeli military said it quickly struck the launch site. It also intercepted a drone launched from Lebanon. There was no immediate response from Hezbollah. Israel said its forces remain in southern Lebanon to create a security zone. Lebanese officials have opposed the move and warned of resistance. The incident comes before fresh talks aimed at stabilising the ceasefire. Tensions remain high, raising fears of further clashes between both sides in the coming days.

Fresh Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least five Palestinians, raising concerns over the fragile ceasefire. More than 750 Palestinians have died since the truce began, while four Israeli soldiers were also killed. Over 1.2 million people have been displaced in the conflict. The war has also killed more than 200 journalists, making it one of the deadliest for media workers. Benjamin Netanyahu faces international arrest warrants over alleged war crimes. Civilians continue to face food and water shortages. Hospitals remain under pressure as violence and humanitarian crisis continue to worsen. (PC: AP)

Iran has accused the US of “piracy at sea and state terrorism” after seizing vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Masoud Pezeshkian has not confirmed if Iran will attend peace talks in Pakistan. A spokesperson said no final decision has been made. Donald Trump warned of possible strikes if talks fail. The US said it boarded a sanctioned tanker without incident. Pakistan is still waiting for Iran’s response. The ceasefire is set to end soon. Tensions remain high, and uncertainty continues over whether talks will happen.

The planned visit of JD Vance to Pakistan has been put on hold. The move comes as Iran has not responded to the US proposal for talks. A US official said the process is “paused” but not cancelled. Donald Trump had earlier said a team would visit Islamabad for discussions. However, Iran has not confirmed its participation. The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is also close to ending. Both sides have made strong statements, raising tensions. Officials say the visit could happen quickly if Iran agrees to join the talks. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has accused the United States of “piracy at sea and state terrorism” after US forces seized Iranian-linked vessels, intensifying tensions ahead of the ceasefire deadline. Iranian officials said no final decision has been made on attending peace talks in Pakistan, citing the naval blockade and tanker interception as key concerns. The US confirmed boarding the sanctioned tanker Tifani near Sri Lanka, calling it part of global enforcement efforts. Donald Trump signalled no ceasefire extension and warned of possible military action, while mediation efforts continue amid fragile diplomacy. (PC: India Today)

Pakistani Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan is still awaiting a formal response from Iran on participation in the next round of talks with the United States in Islamabad. Tarar emphasised Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts, stating it remains in constant contact with Iranian officials. He noted that Iran’s decision is critical as the two-week ceasefire is set to expire at 4:50 am PST on April 22. Pakistan has been actively urging Tehran to join the second round of negotiations, highlighting the urgency of dialogue before the fragile ceasefire window closes. (PC: X)

The Israel Defense Forces said two soldiers will face 30 days’ detention and removal from combat duty after vandalising a statue of Jesus in Debel, southern Lebanon. The soldier who struck the statue and another who filmed the act were punished following an inquiry that found their conduct violated military values. Six additional soldiers present will face separate action. The incident, widely shared online, drew condemnation, with Benjamin Netanyahu expressing shock. The IDF apologised and replaced the damaged statue in coordination with locals, stressing operations target Hezbollah, not civilians, amid ongoing ceasefire tensions.

The United States conducted a maritime interdiction operation on a “stateless” sanctioned tanker, M/T Tifani, in the Indo-Pacific, completing a right-of-visit boarding without incident. The Pentagon said the action targeted illicit networks allegedly supporting Iran, stressing that international waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels. The tanker was tracked in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, though cargo and crew details remain undisclosed. The move comes amid heightened tensions, with Washington maintaining a naval blockade while Iran signalled defiance, including reports of another tanker successfully reaching its waters despite US warnings.

Donald Trump said the United States is fully prepared for military action against Iran if negotiations fail, while maintaining optimism for a potential agreement. Speaking as the ceasefire deadline approaches, Trump ruled out extending the truce, indicating a hardening stance. He defended the US blockade of Iranian ports as effective leverage in talks, despite Tehran’s objections calling it destabilising. The expiring two-week ceasefire had paused weeks of conflict, but mutual accusations of violations have weakened prospects for continuation. With diplomacy uncertain and pressure tactics intensifying, the risk of renewed confrontation is rising amid fragile negotiations and heightened tensions. (PC: X)