Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning against the passage of any military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement released by its naval branch and published by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said any attempt by military ships to cross the waterway would face severe consequences. The statement emphasized that the IRGC holds full authority to monitor and control the strait with complete intelligence oversight.

According to the IRGC, only civilian vessels meeting specific conditions are currently permitted to navigate through the strait. The force also rejected a claim made earlier by the United States military that two of its warships had successfully passed through the area, calling the assertion baseless. The warning underscores Iran’s firm stance on maintaining control over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.

The IRGC’s declaration signals heightened tension in the region, particularly regarding military navigation rights and the enforcement of Iran’s maritime restrictions.

Talks between the United States and Iran have entered their second day under Pakistan’s mediation, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. The discussions, held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, have been ongoing for about 15 hours and are set to continue on Sunday. The report indicates that the dialogue remains active at the expert level.

Fars News earlier reported that a previous round of direct talks between Iran and the United States had concluded, and both sides were now exchanging new drafts in the presence of expert teams. The discussions are part of continuing efforts to address unresolved issues between the two countries, though no specific outcomes have been disclosed.

The continuation of talks suggests that both parties are maintaining engagement despite the complexity of the negotiations, with Pakistan playing a facilitating role in the process.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that China would face major problems if it proceeds with plans to supply advanced air defense systems to Iran. His remarks came in response to a recent U.S. intelligence report, cited by CNN, which indicated that Beijing is preparing to deliver such weapons to Tehran within the next few weeks. Trump made the statement while speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Florida.

According to intelligence officials, Iran is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities and replenish its weapons stockpile with the help of foreign partners, taking advantage of a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. Tehran is reportedly seeking Chinese assistance to restore defense systems damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Trump’s warning comes shortly before his planned visit to Beijing early next month, where he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding further weight to the geopolitical stakes surrounding the issue.

Talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad aimed at establishing lasting peace in the Middle East have made limited progress, according to sources present in the negotiation room. The discussions cover a wide range of issues including security, diplomacy, and economics, with Washington also raising the issue of prisoner exchanges. Pakistan is reportedly facilitating confidence-building measures between the two sides.

This third round of dialogue is described as being at a critical stage. Iranian sources claim that the U.S. side has shown little flexibility, particularly regarding demands related to the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran has indicated willingness to compromise on some points. Pakistani officials remain hopeful that the talks will yield positive outcomes.

It remains unclear what the final results might be—whether an extension of the ceasefire, continued free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, or a major decision on Iran’s nuclear program. Information from the closed-door meetings is emerging slowly, and no definitive conclusions have yet been confirmed.

Pakistan has prepared to host ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, deploying security forces and refurbishing city streets ahead of the event. Acting as mediator, Pakistan expressed optimism, claiming it has earned the trust of both sides. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, leading the American delegation, said Washington would cooperate if Iran negotiates sincerely but warned against any deceptive tactics.

The discussions face multiple obstacles, including Israel’s ongoing attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Iran says could render talks meaningless. U.S. President Donald Trump noted that Israeli strikes have become less intense and announced upcoming direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington. Another major issue is control of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping and introduced new transit rules, prompting U.S. criticism.

Additional disputes include Iran’s nuclear program, its regional alliances with groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and demands for lifting international sanctions. Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while the U.S. demands a complete halt. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain as both sides maintain firm positions.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said efforts are underway to bring home the body of Bangladeshi woman Dipali Khatun, who was killed in an Israeli attack in Lebanon two days ago. She made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a meeting with the local Hindu community at her home in Laskaradia village, Nagarkanda upazila of Faridpur.

The minister stated that the foreign ministry has already contacted Dipali’s sister and family. She explained that due to the ongoing war situation in Lebanon, flight operations are not currently favorable for immediate repatriation. However, both the foreign ministry and the Bangladesh mission in Lebanon are working to bring the body back as soon as possible.

Shama Obaid added that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East, including relocating them to safer areas. She said arrangements are being made to repatriate those unable to return due to security concerns, and some Bangladeshis have already been brought back on chartered flights.

Pope Leo, the first American in the history of the Catholic Church to hold the papal office, reiterated his opposition to the ongoing U.S.-Israel war in Iran during an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica. He declared that displays of power and devotion to wealth had gone far enough, emphasizing that war itself had gone far enough. His remarks followed earlier statements in which he condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions against Iran as unacceptable and urged all sides to pursue a fair settlement through dialogue.

Although Pope Leo did not mention the United States or Trump by name in his latest address, many observers interpreted his message as directed toward American leaders who have justified the conflict on religious grounds while asserting military superiority. His continued stance underscores the Vatican’s consistent call for peace amid escalating tensions in the region.

The appeal comes as reports indicate that U.S.-Iran discussions remain ongoing, and Washington has agreed to return seized Iranian assets, signaling potential diplomatic movement.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that two US Navy guided-missile destroyers, USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement posted on X, the operation aims to verify that the waterway is free from naval mines allegedly planted by Iran.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated in another post that the US has begun establishing a new maritime route to promote the free flow of commerce. He added that this secure route will soon be shared with the maritime industry to facilitate safe navigation in the region.

The statement, citing BBC as a source, indicates that the operation is part of broader efforts to ensure maritime security and maintain open trade routes through one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, discussions between Iranian and United States delegations have continued for more than four hours as of April 11, 2026. The report states that both sides took short breaks during the meeting for consultations and rest before resuming the talks. No official information has been released regarding the conclusion of the discussions.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, notes that it remains unclear whether the negotiations will extend further. The ongoing dialogue reflects continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries, though the specific agenda or outcomes have not been disclosed.

As of the latest update, neither side has provided details about progress or next steps, leaving the duration and results of the talks uncertain.

Three Iranian aircraft carrying a 70-member delegation landed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, shortly after the start of US-Iran discussions in Islamabad aimed at establishing lasting peace in the Middle East. The planes arrived from Tehran about an hour after the talks began, but the identities of the passengers and the purpose of their visit were not immediately known.

The aircraft belong to Pouya Air, a company known to be linked with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force and Aerospace Force. They reportedly departed from Mehrabad International Airport, which was recently damaged by US and Israeli strikes. Iranian sources told Al Jazeera that as the discussions entered a more detailed phase, some experts from Iran might travel to Pakistan.

The Washington Post earlier reported that the Trump administration planned to request the release of Americans detained in Iran as part of the talks. However, it remains unclear whether the Islamabad discussions or the sudden Iranian flights are connected to any prisoner release negotiations.

Expert-level discussions between Iran and the United States have begun in Islamabad, according to a Pakistani foreign ministry official. The talks are focused on reviewing the technical aspects of proposals exchanged by both sides. The meeting follows earlier high-level discussions held with Pakistani mediators, which two government officials described as positive.

A report from the White House press pool cited a U.S. official confirming that American technical experts are present in Islamabad, supported by additional specialists from Washington. The Iranian delegation includes Central Bank Governor Dr. Nasser Hemmati and other technical experts. The discussions are continuing after four hours, indicating sustained engagement between the two sides.

The talks mark a continuation of diplomatic efforts facilitated by Pakistan, with both delegations emphasizing technical review and expert participation as they explore potential areas of cooperation or resolution.

French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the regional situation and the ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The discussion took place amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with both leaders emphasizing the need for restraint and adherence to ceasefire agreements.

Macron stated on social media platform X that they first discussed the situation in the Middle East and called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and ensure that it includes Lebanon. He added that both sides urged respect for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stressed the importance of achieving a strong and lasting diplomatic solution.

The conversation reflects continued diplomatic engagement between France and Turkey over regional security and efforts to prevent further escalation between Iran and the United States.

Security analyst Mohammad Ali told Al Jazeera that a certain level of flexibility has emerged in the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, attributing this shift to Pakistan’s mediation efforts. He noted that if the current ceasefire continues for a longer period, it would indicate that both sides are unwilling to escalate the conflict further.

Ali explained that while both parties may display strong public postures, the actual discussions at the negotiation table are more pragmatic, as each side remains aware of domestic political pressures. He emphasized that Pakistan has played an important role since the arrival of both delegations, holding separate meetings with each to encourage greater flexibility and to seize what he described as a historic opportunity.

According to Ali, the world is no longer in a position to endure further conflict or tension, particularly given the potential impact on global peace, security, and the energy economy.

More than a hundred journalists gathered at Islamabad’s main convention center to cover the ongoing United States–Iran dialogue, according to the report. The Pakistani authorities temporarily turned the venue into a media hub, located about half a kilometer from the main discussion site. Reporters spent long hours waiting as the talks continued, while the center offered high-speed internet, gourmet coffee, and elaborate meals under the slogan “Brewed for Peace.”

Inside the media center, facilities included biryani, kebabs, and desserts, along with coffee made from Brazilian and Ethiopian beans. Folk musicians performed outside on a small stage, adding a cultural touch to the environment. Despite these arrangements, several journalists expressed boredom and frustration, noting that there was little to do while waiting for updates.

The contrast between the high-level diplomatic discussions and the journalists’ idle hours highlighted the different realities surrounding the event, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said a US destroyer moving from the UAE’s Fujairah port toward the Strait of Hormuz came under surveillance by Iran’s armed forces. The information was also shared with an Iranian negotiation team in Pakistan. At the same time, journalist Barak Ravid of Axios, citing US officials, reported that American warships had already crossed the strait, though Iran’s Tasnim news agency denied this through an unnamed official.

Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder data indicated that the US warship USS Michael Murphy departed Dubai’s Jebel Ali port and was near the western part of the Strait of Hormuz, with its listed destination as Singapore. The movement comes as Iran has declared it will not allow US or Israeli ships to pass through the strategic waterway.

The situation highlights rising maritime tensions in the region, with both sides issuing conflicting accounts of naval activity and Iran asserting control over transit permissions in the strait.