Iran’s armed forces on Sunday turned back two oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to Tasnim News, a media outlet close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The report said the tankers, sailing under the flags of Botswana and Angola, were forced to change course and retreat after Iranian forces intervened.

The move follows Iran’s earlier declaration that it would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Since that announcement, Tehran has maintained a strict posture over the vital maritime route, which is crucial for global energy supply.

The incident underscores heightened tensions in the region and signals Iran’s continued enforcement of its blockade policy in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami declared that the country’s armed forces are fully committed to defending Iran’s independence, territorial integrity, and security across land, air, and sea. He stated that all branches of the armed forces are enhancing their military capabilities and are ready to decisively confront any potential enemies.

Hatami emphasized that Iranian forces are inspired by the spirit of sacrifice and “jihad,” and remain steadfast in pursuing their objectives. In his remarks, he asserted that the troops are prepared for conflict and sacrifice, pledging to face enemies until their last breath.

According to the report, Hatami’s comments reaffirm Iran’s military readiness and stance amid ongoing regional tensions.

The next round of talks between the United States and Iran may begin before Friday, according to two Pakistani security sources who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity. They cited several indicators suggesting preparations for the discussions are underway in Pakistan.

The sources reported that two US C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft landed at the Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi, close to Islamabad. Roads leading from the airport to Islamabad’s Red Zone were temporarily closed, signaling heightened security measures. Additionally, guests were being evacuated from the Serena and Marriott hotels in Islamabad, and no new bookings were being accepted before Friday.

The first round of US-Iran talks took place on April 11 at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. The developments suggest that Pakistan may again serve as the venue for the upcoming diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has rejected a proposed unilateral ceasefire, describing it as an insult to Lebanon. In an interview with Al-Manar TV, the group’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem said that imposing such conditions on them was unacceptable. He stated that Hezbollah would not return to a situation like the 15-month ceasefire that began in November 2024, during which Israel carried out attacks while Hezbollah remained restrained. Qassem added that the group had waited for a diplomatic solution at that time, but it brought no results.

The situation in Lebanon remains unstable, with thousands of people moving toward southern Lebanon during the day. Roads heading south were congested in the morning, while traffic toward the north increased later in the day. Many residents visited their homes to collect belongings or make minor repairs but did not stay overnight. Due to uncertainty and mistrust surrounding the ceasefire, many have returned to Beirut and other major cities, reflecting the fragility of the current situation.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon over the past two days despite an ongoing ceasefire, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF reported that the deaths bring the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the conflict began to fifteen. Sergeant Major (Reserve) Barak Kalfon died one day before 31-year-old Sergeant Lidor Porat was killed on Saturday. The IDF also confirmed that twelve other soldiers were injured, but provided no further details.

Israel has been carrying out attacks in its northern neighbor Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that more than two thousand people have been killed and another seven thousand injured in the past six weeks of hostilities. A ten-day ceasefire came into effect earlier this week, though the recent deaths indicate continued tensions despite the truce.

The situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing humanitarian toll in Lebanon as both sides report casualties.

Bangladesh and eleven other countries have strongly condemned Israel’s announcement to appoint a diplomatic representative in Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. The joint statement, issued on April 19, 2026, described the move as a serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

The countries involved are Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Palestine, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Kuwait. Their foreign ministers emphasized that Israel’s decision contravenes the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union. The statement reaffirmed unwavering support for Somalia’s legitimate state institutions and its territorial unity.

According to the joint declaration, the nations warned that Israel’s action sets a dangerous precedent and could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa, posing risks to regional peace and security.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain completely closed until the United States lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. The IRGC also confirmed that the previously designated safe passage route for ships, which allowed transit through the strait upon coordination and payment of fees, has now been suspended.

According to a statement published by Iranian state media, the IRGC canceled all prior permissions that allowed vessels to cross the strait after paying tolls to Iranian authorities. The IRGC Navy warned that any ship attempting to breach the blockade would be targeted. Tehran considers the US blockade a violation of the ceasefire between the two countries, the statement added.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route, signals heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with potential implications for regional trade and security if the standoff continues.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that the United States and Israel will face a severe defeat. His message, broadcast on Iran’s state television, declared that the Iranian navy is prepared to deliver such a response. The statement comes as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, where reports indicate that at least two commercial vessels have come under fire.

In a separate televised statement, Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf also warned that war could resume at any moment. He said Tehran does not trust the United States and cautioned that renewed conflict could erupt suddenly. The warnings from both leaders were aired early Sunday on state television.

The developments highlight escalating regional instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route, as both military and political leaders in Iran signal readiness for confrontation.

Israel has strengthened its strategic and military cooperation with Greece and Greek Cyprus to contain Turkey’s regional influence, according to the report. The collaboration includes arms sales, joint naval exercises, and the use of Greek and Cypriot airspace for Israeli air force training. These moves are part of Israel’s broader plan to reduce its geopolitical isolation and secure strategic advantages in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The report notes that tensions between Turkey and Greece stem from disputes over maritime boundaries, resource exploration rights, and the divided island of Cyprus. Israel’s alignment with Greece and Greek Cyprus has further complicated this rivalry. The three countries are also promoting a shared identity as secular, Western-style democracies, positioning themselves as a counterbalance to Turkey’s regional policies.

Analysts warn that this cooperation undermines NATO unity, as Greece and Greek Cyprus—both NATO members—are providing Israel with strategic benefits against another member, Turkey. Israel’s support for Greece’s “Achilles Shield” defense project, based on its Iron Dome system, exemplifies this growing alignment and its potential to reshape Eastern Mediterranean security dynamics.

Iran’s parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf declared that Iran has achieved victory on the battlefield after several weeks of war. Speaking on national television, he said the country agreed to a temporary ceasefire only because its conditions were met. Ghalibaf asserted that the United States failed to achieve its objectives and that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran’s control.

He emphasized that Iran’s acceptance of the ceasefire was not a sign of weakness but a result of its terms being accepted by the opposing side. According to Ghalibaf, every effort by the enemy aimed to impose its demands on Iran, but the nation prioritized defending its rights. He described negotiations as an integral part of the broader struggle.

The statement comes amid reports that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has halted, underscoring the ongoing regional tension surrounding the conflict and its potential impact on global trade routes.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued a warning that any ship attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted. According to a statement broadcast by Iran’s state-run Press TV, the IRGC declared that vessels anchored in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman must not leave their designated positions. The force stated that any movement toward the Strait of Hormuz would be considered cooperation with the enemy and that such ships would be treated as hostile targets.

The statement further instructed all ships and their owners to rely solely on official IRGC Navy communication channels for the latest updates. It also dismissed recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as lacking credibility. The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions, with no signs of ship movement currently observed through the strategic waterway.

The IRGC’s announcement underscores Iran’s intent to assert control over maritime activity in the region, signaling potential risks for international shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has formally demanded the return of its frozen assets and compensation for war-related damages ahead of direct talks with the United States in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations sent a letter to Secretary-General António Guterres seeking reparations from various countries. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mahajerani told Russian media that preliminary estimates put the losses at around $270 billion, covering infrastructure damage and industrial shutdowns.

According to Iranian state and semi-official media, billions of dollars in Iranian assets have been frozen worldwide since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, initially under an executive order by US President Jimmy Carter. Although partial returns occurred under the 1981 Algiers Accords and the 2015 nuclear deal, most funds remain inaccessible. The 2023 prisoner swap with the US briefly allowed Iran limited access to $6 billion in oil revenue held in Qatar, but that access was later suspended after renewed conflict.

Iranian officials have stated that the release of frozen assets is a non-negotiable condition for progress in any future negotiations with the United States.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri described the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as “economic terrorism” in an interview with the Indian Express, urging the international community to respond immediately. He sharply criticized Iran for blocking the vital waterway and insisted that any resolution to the ongoing war involving Iran must include the “complete and unconditional reopening” of the strait.

Al Hajeri emphasized that a ceasefire alone would not be sufficient to end the conflict. He stated that a sustainable solution must address all threats posed by Iran, including its nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, drones, and proxy groups, alongside ensuring the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that success should be measured not by halting hostilities but by achieving a final settlement with binding guarantees, accountability, and assurances against future aggression.

His remarks have heightened concerns over ongoing Middle East tensions and global energy security, according to the report.

Talks between the United States and Iran aimed at easing Middle East tensions have made some progress but remain stalled on major issues. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that while certain areas of understanding have been reached, significant gaps persist, making a final agreement uncertain. He emphasized that Iran prefers a step-by-step approach based on mutual commitments and cannot act unilaterally.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ghalibaf stated on state television that disagreements continue over Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these challenges, Tehran remains interested in achieving long-term peace. He also claimed that US and Israeli military actions have failed to meet their objectives and that Washington is now sending messages through mediators after agreeing to a temporary ceasefire.

The first round of US-Iran talks took place last week in Pakistan, which is now attempting to host a second round in Islamabad. The current two-week ceasefire, effective since April 8, has temporarily paused hostilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that military operations will continue in southern Lebanon’s so-called “security zone.” According to Middle East Eye, Netanyahu stated that the aim of these operations is to prevent any threats against Israeli forces and border towns. Israeli Army Radio reported that the military has established a “yellow line” surrounding 55 villages, where residents have been prohibited from returning.

In Beirut, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said that a ceasefire cannot come solely from the resistance forces and must involve both sides. Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he discussed with President Joseph Aoun the country’s readiness for dialogue and the implementation of decisions to bring weapons under state control.

The developments highlight ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and differing positions on how to achieve stability and ceasefire in the region.