Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that any attempt by the United States or Israel to force Iran into surrender would fail. Speaking in Tehran on Wednesday during a meeting with emergency service officials, he emphasized that the Iranian people would never accept such pressure. Pezeshkian stated that Tehran supports constructive dialogue rather than war or instability.

His remarks came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced that peace talks could resume later in the week. However, Tehran has not made any direct comment on the possibility of renewed negotiations. The statement reflects Iran’s continued stance on resisting external pressure while expressing openness to diplomatic engagement.

The timing of Pezeshkian’s comments suggests Iran’s intent to reinforce its position amid renewed international discussions about peace talks, though no formal communication between Tehran and Washington has been confirmed.

The United States has set two new conditions before resuming talks with Iran following the failure of their meeting in Islamabad, according to Israeli media reports cited by NDTV. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that discussions with Tehran could restart within two days, claiming that appropriate representatives from Iran had reached out to Washington seeking a possible agreement.

Diplomatic sources reported that Washington’s first condition is the complete and unhindered reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. remains firm on its principle of reciprocity, meaning if Iran blocks ship or oil tanker movement through the strait, its own vessels will face similar restrictions. The second condition requires Iran’s negotiation team to have full authorization from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to finalize any potential deal, ensuring top-level approval from Tehran.

Iran has not yet responded to these conditions and has denied that any new round of talks is being planned, reiterating its distrust of negotiations with the United States.

Iran reportedly used a Chinese spy satellite to conduct attacks on US military bases, according to a Financial Times report cited by the source. The report states that Tehran secretly acquired the satellite, named TEE-01B, in 2024. Developed by Chinese company Earth Eye Co., the satellite was handed over to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force later that year, giving Iran new surveillance capabilities over US installations in the Middle East.

The leaked Iranian military documents cited in the report indicate that Iranian commanders instructed the satellite to monitor major US bases. Images were captured before and after drone and missile strikes in March. As part of the agreement, the IRGC reportedly gained access to commercial ground stations operated by Beijing-based company Mposat, whose network spans Asia, Latin America, and other regions.

The report adds that the satellite took images of Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base on March 13, 14, and 15. The White House, CIA, Pentagon, and Chinese authorities have not commented on the matter.

Iran’s military has announced new measures to strengthen control over the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman to ensure national security. According to reports from Tehran, the country is adopting new strategies to assert authority over this strategically vital waterway. A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Command stated that oil tankers or ships linked to Tehran’s ‘opponent’ nations will not be allowed to pass through the strait. The government also plans to impose customs and transit charges on vessels using the route, and the military has begun practicing these new procedures.

Iranian authorities have insisted that all ships passing through the strait must coordinate with Iranian officials. Ship movement in the area is currently lower than usual, while new U.S. sanctions have further complicated the situation. Analysts suggest that Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining tool in regional security and ongoing negotiations.

Iran’s political and military leadership reaffirmed that their principle of ‘security for all or security for none’ will apply equally to the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States Navy has intercepted and turned back at least eight oil tankers linked to Iran that were traveling to Iranian ports. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the operation began on Monday and involved U.S. naval forces halting the vessels mid-route and instructing them to change course and return. The tankers complied with the orders after radio communication with U.S. personnel, and no boarding or physical inspection was required.

The report indicated that this action is believed to be part of a declared U.S. naval blockade against Iran. The tankers’ redirection marks a continuation of maritime enforcement measures targeting Iranian oil shipments. The report did not mention any confrontation or resistance from the Iranian side.

The move underscores ongoing maritime tensions between the United States and Iran, though the source did not specify the broader diplomatic or economic consequences of the blockade enforcement.

Iran is attempting to strengthen its relations with European nations to increase pressure on the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has intensified diplomatic efforts, briefing European countries on Tehran’s proposals regarding its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and supervision of the Strait of Hormuz during discussions held in Islamabad.

Araghchi has also held phone conversations with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar to discuss these issues. He emphasized that although the first round of talks in Islamabad did not result in an agreement, Iran does not consider the process to be over.

The report notes that U.S. President Donald Trump has sidelined Europe on the Iran issue for over a year, focusing instead on cooperation with Israel. In response, Tehran, which had long viewed European governments as permanent U.S. allies, is now reconsidering its stance as transatlantic divisions deepen and European economies face mounting pressure.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning amid ongoing Middle East tensions, saying it will reveal undisclosed military capabilities if war resumes. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stated that Iran has not yet revealed much of its military strength and could deploy unexpected weapons and tactics that would be difficult for adversaries to counter. He added that these new strategies could potentially alter the course of any renewed conflict.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that the IRGC’s statement serves not only as a signal of military readiness but also as a psychological tactic to pressure opponents and deter escalation. The message underscores Iran’s dual approach of demonstrating strength while keeping diplomatic channels open.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources confirmed that despite no final agreement in a recent U.S.–Iran meeting in Islamabad, communication continues. Pakistan is mediating between Tehran and Washington, with another meeting possibly taking place on Thursday, either again in Islamabad or in Geneva, to seek a ceasefire agreement before the current truce expires.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its blockade on Iranian ports applies to ships from all countries. In a statement, CENTCOM said a guided-missile destroyer has been deployed to enforce the blockade, describing the vessel as crewed by more than 300 sailors skilled in offensive and defensive maritime operations. The U.S. claimed that all forms of economic trade with Iran via sea routes have been halted.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the blockade on Iran’s ports has been fully implemented and that U.S. forces continue to maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. He added on social media platform X that approximately 90 percent of Iran’s economy depends on international maritime trade, and within less than 36 hours of the blockade’s enforcement, all sea-based economic transactions and trade through Iranian ports had ceased.

The announcement underscores Washington’s intent to tighten economic pressure on Iran through maritime restrictions, according to the CENTCOM statement cited by Al Jazeera.

The United States has claimed that all forms of Iran’s maritime economic trade have been halted under a full naval blockade. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that the blockade on Iranian ports has been fully implemented and that US forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. He said on social media platform X that Iran’s economy relies on maritime trade for about 90 percent of its international commerce, and within less than 36 hours of the blockade’s enforcement, all sea-based economic transactions through Iranian ports had stopped.

CENTCOM confirmed that the blockade applies to ships from all countries attempting to access Iranian ports. A statement added that guided-missile destroyers from the US Navy have been deployed to enforce the blockade. Each destroyer carries a crew of more than 300 sailors trained in both offensive and defensive maritime operations.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not specify how long the blockade would remain in effect or whether diplomatic measures were being considered.

Speculation is mounting over the possible venue for the next round of talks between Iran and the United States, with Islamabad and Istanbul emerging as potential hosts, according to Al Jazeera. While no official announcement has been made by Iranian officials, sources in Tehran suggest that there are opportunities for compromise to advance the discussions.

Key issues on the table include uranium enrichment limits and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that the United States has proposed a 20-year limit on uranium enrichment, while Iran has countered with a five-year proposal. Iran’s new supreme leader has also hinted that the future of the Strait of Hormuz will not remain as before.

Another focal point is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, reportedly over 450 kilograms, which the United States claims is stored at a damaged nuclear facility. Iran has stated that the material will be relocated and could be diluted below 3 percent if necessary. Despite the complexity of these issues, sources suggest that a compromise remains possible.

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has declared that the United States’ naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will not affect the country. He stated that Iran’s more than 8,000 kilometers of land and water borders will serve as the main tool to counter the blockade. According to Iranian media, Momeni has instructed officials in border provinces to simplify and accelerate the import of essential goods to neutralize the perceived threat of the US blockade.

Momeni emphasized that Iran’s extensive and diverse border system ensures the country will not be isolated from the rest of the world. Tehran’s current priority is to maintain the flow of necessary supplies through land-based trade routes. Analysts cited in the report noted that even if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, Iran could avoid a major crisis by keeping trade active with neighboring countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and those in Central Asia.

The announcement underscores Iran’s strategy to rely on regional land connections to mitigate external pressure on its maritime routes.

Iran has shown renewed interest in participating in fresh rounds of negotiations, though deep-rooted mutual distrust continues to pose a major obstacle. According to Al Jazeera, Iran’s foreign minister has been holding phone discussions with various regional and international parties as part of efforts to prepare for the talks.

Despite this diplomatic activity, key issues remain unresolved, and the long-standing atmosphere of mistrust persists. Among ordinary Iranians, reactions are mixed: some hope that dialogue could improve the situation, while others doubt that lasting peace or the complete removal of war threats can be achieved.

Many observers believe that, in the long term, these negotiations could open a path toward lifting sanctions. The country has been heavily affected by a recent 40-day conflict that damaged thousands of residential areas, schools, and infrastructure, placing severe pressure on civilian life.

Iran has formally demanded compensation from five Middle Eastern countries, accusing them of assisting the United States and Israel in attacks on Iranian territory. The countries named are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan. According to a report by Anadolu Agency on April 14, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, sent an official letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the Security Council on Monday.

In the letter, Iran claimed that its armed forces had evidence showing that the mentioned countries allowed their territories to be used by the US and Israel to carry out strikes against Iran. The letter further alleged that these nations violated international obligations by providing military facilities to aggressors and participating in illegal operations. Iran cited UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 of December 14, 1974, to argue that such actions were unlawful.

Iran stated that the five countries must take full responsibility for the material and moral damages caused by the attacks, asserting that their actions constituted a serious breach of international law.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran remains ready to continue peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that diplomacy is the preferred path for resolving disputes. His remarks came during a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Iranian media reports.

Pezeshkian cautioned that any threats, pressure, or military actions by the United States would only worsen its own problems and further complicate the situation. He also urged European nations to encourage the U.S. to adhere to international law and established norms.

The exchange highlights Iran’s stated commitment to diplomatic engagement amid ongoing tensions, while calling for restraint and respect for international legal frameworks.

Four ships linked to Iran have crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a naval blockade announced by the United States, according to ship tracking data. BBC Verify’s analysis indicated that the vessels continued to navigate the key waterway even after the blockade took effect. MarineTraffic data showed that the bulk carrier 'Christianna' departed from Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini port and crossed the strait on Monday. Another vessel, 'Rich Stary', under US sanctions for Iran-related trade, traveled eastward from Sharjah, UAE, through the strait.

A third tanker, 'Murlikishan', also under sanctions, sailed westward from Lanshan, China, and was last located east of Iran’s Qeshm Island. A fourth tanker, 'Elpis', crossed the strait eastward from Iran’s Bushehr port on Tuesday, though its destination remains unknown. The report noted that some ships may have used false location data, a practice known as spoofing, to conceal their movements.

The US military had earlier announced that from 14:00 GMT Monday, all vessels bound to or from Iranian ports would be subject to blockade, while ships using the strait for non-Iranian ports would not be restricted.