Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Oil rises on reports US will extend Iran blockade, prolonging Mideast supply disruptions

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, extending a multi-day rally, on reports the ⁠US will extend its blockade of Iranian ports, likely prolonging ‌supply disruptions from the key Middle ​East producing region.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israeli forces kill three Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon

Israeli forces killed three fighters from the Hezbollah, who were operating to advance a firing plot toward our forces. "Immediately after identification, the Air Force struck and eliminated the terrorists," said a post on X by IDF.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | 'They better get smart soon,' Trump warns Iran amid stalled talks

In a post shared on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump warned Iran to 'get smart soon' amid stalled talks. He said, "Iran can't get their act together. They don't know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon! President DJT"

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump meets with oil executives as Iran stalemate drags on

US President Donald Trump and his top officials ⁠met with oil and ⁠gas executives ‌including Chevron CEO ​Mike Wirth at the White House on Tuesday ​to discuss the ⁠energy fallout of the Iran war and other ⁠topics, ‌Axios reported on Wednesday.

White House chief ‌of staff Susie ⁠Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and ‌envoys Steve ‌Witkoff and Jared ‌Kushner were present, ‌and topics for the meeting included domestic production, progress ⁠in ⁠Venezuela, oil futures, natural gas and shipping, according to the Axios report.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | EU chief warns billions could be wasted if energy aid is not well targeted as Iran war bites

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that European Union countries must funnel their energy aid chiefly to vulnerable households and industries or risk wasting billions of euros as the Iran war hits oil and gas prices.

The US-Israel war, combined with retaliation from Iran such as choking the Strait of Hormuz, is costing the EU almost 500 million euros ($600 million) a day, raising prices at the pumps and fears of a jet fuel shortage within weeks.

Von der Leyen said the world's biggest trading bloc must draw on the lessons of the 2022 fuel crisis - when Russia used its energy might against European countries to undermine their support for Ukraine - to avoid further hurting their economies. (AP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Lebanese soldier and brother killed in Israeli strike: Lebanon army

A Lebanese ⁠soldier and his brother were ⁠killed in an ‌Israeli strike ​in Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army said on Wednesday. It ​said the ⁠pair were on a motorcycle, travelling from the soldier's post to his ⁠home ‌when the strike occurred. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran warns of 'unprecedented military action' against continued US seizures of Iran-linked vessels

Pentagon's Hegseth defends Iran war, says not a quagmire

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to defend the Iran war in fiery ⁠remarks to Congress on Wednesday, saying it ⁠was not a quagmire and attacking ‌Democratic lawmakers as "feckless" ​for criticising the unpopular conflict. Hegseth was testifying before Congress for the first time since the US and Israel launched a ​war against ⁠Iran on February 28 that has led to a surge in gasoline prices.

Trump's popularity has taken a ⁠pounding since ‌the conflict began and just 34% of Americans approve of the ‌US conflict with Iran, down from 36% ⁠in mid-April and 38% in mid-March, the Reuters/Ipsos poll found. (Reuters)

Iran war has cost US military $25 bn so far: Pentagon

The war against Iran has cost the US military $25 billion since it was launched in late February, a senior Pentagon official said.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later told the same congressional hearing that the estimated figure was less than $25 billion at this point. (AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says Iran talks ongoing by phone

President ⁠Donald Trump said ⁠on ‌Wednesday Iran ​talks are being ​conducted ⁠by phone after he canceled ⁠a ‌trip over ‌the ⁠weekend for U.S. ‌negotiators ‌to travel to ‌Pakistan ‌to speak with ⁠Tehran ⁠officials. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran just has to say 'we give up': Trump (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | UN says Iran has executed 21, arrested over 4,000 since war started

Iran has executed at least 21 people ​since the start of the war with the United States and Israel two months ago and has arrested more than 4,000 on national security-related charges, U.N. human rights chief Volker ⁠Turk said on Wednesday.

Turk said at least nine people have been executed ⁠in connection with protests in January, 10 for alleged membership in ‌opposition groups, and two ​on espionage charges.

"I am appalled that - on top of the already severe impacts of the conflict - the rights of the Iranian people continue to be stripped from them by the authorities, in harsh and brutal ways," Turk said in ​a statement.

"I call on the ⁠authorities to halt all further executions, establish a moratorium on the use of capital punishment, fully ensure due process and fair trial guarantees, and immediately release those arbitrarily detained," he said.

Iranian authorities killed thousands of ⁠people during anti-government ‌protests in January, Iran's worst domestic unrest since the era of its 1979 Islamic Revolution. Rights groups say the government ‌has continued to crack down on opponents during the war. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US seeks new coalition to get ships moving again in Hormuz, WSJ reports

The United States is asking ⁠other countries to join ⁠a new ‌international ​coalition that would enable ships to navigate ​the Strait ⁠of Hormuz after traffic through the waterway ⁠stalled, ‌the Wall Street Journal ‌reported on Wednesday.

The ⁠proposed coalition, dubbed the "Maritime ‌Freedom Construct", ‌would share information, ‌coordinate ‌diplomatically and help enforce sanctions, the Journal ⁠said, ⁠citing an internal State Department cable.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US central command leader to brief Trump on new Iran military options

US President Donald ⁠Trump is slated ⁠to ‌receive ​a briefing on new ​plans ⁠for potential military action in Iran ⁠on ‌Thursday from the ‌leader ⁠of the US ‌Central Command, ‌Brad Cooper, ‌Axios ‌reported on Wednesday.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump weighing to reduce American troop presence in Germany after Iran fued

President Donald Trump on Wednesday levelled a new threat against NATO ally Germany, suggesting he could soon reduce the US military presence there as he continues to feud with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israel war against Iran, reported Associated Press.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Oil prices extend gains as US-Iran war deadlock keeps supply off market

Oil prices extended gains on Thursday (April 30, 2026) on concerns that supply from the key West Asian producing region will remain bottled up for longer as talks to end the US-Israeli war ‌against Iran have deadlocked.

Brent crude futures for June rose $1.91, or 1.62 per cent, to $119.94 a barrel after gaining 6.1 per cent in the previous session.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Hegseth faces a second day of Democrats grilling him over the Iran war

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will face a second day of grilling from Democrats on Capitol Hill, with senators getting their first opportunity on Thursday to confront or praise the Pentagon chief over his handling of the Iran war, reported Associated Press.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says Putin offered to help US handle Iran's enriched uranium as part of potential nuclear deal

President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a phone call Wednesday, renewed his offer for Russia to serve as a third country that could deal with Iran's 970 pounds of enriched uranium that the US leader is demanding Tehran must surrender, reported Associated Press.

"He told me he'd like to be involved with the enrichment - if he can help us get it," Trump said Putin told him. "I said, I'd much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine.' To me, that would be more important."

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US Central Command says 42nd vessel redirected

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Wednesday on X that it had reached a "significant milestone after successfully redirecting the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to violate the blockade," reported AFP.

It said there are "41 tankers with 69 million barrels of oil that the Iranian regime can't sell," estimating the value to more than $6 billion.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran president says US naval blockade 'doomed to fail'

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday said a US naval blockade on Iranian ports would deepen disruptions in the Gulf and would fail to achieve its targets, reports AFP.

"Any attempt to impose a maritime blockade or restrictions is contrary to international law... and is doomed to fail," Pezeshkian said in a statement.

He added that such measures would "not only fail to enhance regional security, but are in fact a source of tension and a disruption to lasting stability in the Persian Gulf".

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Amazon says AWS' Bahrain region damaged due to Middle East conflict

Amazon said ⁠on ⁠Thursday its ‌Amazon ​Web Services ​region ⁠in Bahrain has ⁠suffered ‌damage due to ‌the ⁠current conflict in ‌the ‌Middle ‌East ‌and is ⁠currently unavailable.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Global oil price hits 4-year high on concern of US-Iran war escalation

Global oil prices jumped to a four-year high more of more than $122 a barrel on Thursday, on concerns that the U.S.-Iran war could worsen ⁠and lead to a protracted Middle East oil supply disruption that could hurt global economic growth.

The market moved higher after Axios, citing unidentified sources, reported late on Wednesday ⁠that US President Donald Trump is slated to receive a briefing on Thursday on plans for a series of ‌military strikes on Iran in hopes it will return ​to negotiations on its nuclear programme.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | IEA head Birol reaffirms that world facing biggest energy crisis in history

The world is facing its biggest energy ⁠crisis in history due ⁠to disruption ‌caused by ​the conflict with Iran, reaffirmed International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol ​on ⁠Thursday.

"The oil markets and gas markets are going through ⁠big difficulties. ‌When I looked last time, ‌the oil price ⁠was over $120 which is putting ‌a lot ‌of pressure on ‌many countries," ‌said Birol, at a conference in Paris.

"Our world is ⁠facing ⁠a major economic and energy challenge," he added.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Indra CEO eyes radar deliveries surge as war tensions lift defence demand

Indra CEO Jose Vicente de los Mozos has said the ongoing Middle East conflict is expected to benefit the Spanish defence and technology firm, pointing to rising demand for defence systems.

Speaking during an earnings call, he highlighted potential deliveries through Indra's joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Edge, which develops and exports advanced radar systems from the UAE.

"There is strong demand, particularly for defence systems, and we are working on delivering certain components within this year," he said.

De los Mozos added that Indra is targeting the delivery of 12 to 15 radar systems by the end of the year, as part of its push to expand globally with increased investment in research and development.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran's supreme leader to release statement: Reports

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will shortly ​release a statement on occasion ⁠of "national ‌Persian Gulf day", ‌state ⁠media reported on Thursday.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | 'Foreigners who commit evil have no place but in depths of water': Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates |'New chapter' for Gulf, Hormuz is 'taking shape': Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Lebanese President condemns Israel's 'continued violations' in South Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on Turshday, condemned the "continuing Israeli violations" in south Lebanon.

Joseph said that the violation were happening "despite the ceasefire, as do demolitions of homes and places of worship, while the number of killed and wounded rises day after day".

(AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Global oil price hits four-year high amid war escalation

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | 'American piracy' against Iranian ships must stop: President Pezeshkian

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran ready for diplomacy once Washington 'changes its behaviour': Pezeshkian tells Japan

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran eyes US-free future in region via Strait of Hormuz control

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump tells Germany to focus on Russia-Ukraine & 'stop interfering' in Iran

After German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Berlin has been doing everything possible diplomatically to open the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump asked him to "stop interfering" with Washington getting rid of "Iran's nuclear threat."

Criticizing Merz for his statement, Trump, in a post on Truth Social, suggested Germany to focus on stopping Russia-Ukraine war, where, he added, "he (Merz) has been totally ineffective!"

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump asks German Chancellor Merz to 'fix his broken country'

Donald Trump on Thursday sharpened his criticism of Friedrich Merz, urging the German leader to focus on domestic challenges instead of commenting on the Iran conflict.

In a social media post, Trump said Merz should prioritise "ending the war with Russia/Ukraine" and address issues within Germany, particularly immigration and energy, rather than involving himself in the ongoing tensions linked to Iran.

The remarks come as Merz has grown increasingly vocal in his criticism of the US-Israel military actions involving Iran. Trump's latest comments also follow his announcement that Washington is reviewing its military presence in Germany, a key NATO ally hosting multiple American bases.

(AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran war 'supercharging' global renewables shift: UN climate chief

The Iran war is "supercharging" the global shift to renewable energy, according to Simon Stiell of the UNFCCC. Disruptions in oil and gas supply have pushed countries to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and accelerate clean energy adoption.

"Those who've fought to keep the world hooked on fossil fuels are inadvertently supercharging the global renewables boom," Stiell said, adding that clean energy is more stable and less exposed to geopolitical disruptions.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran wants 'to harm British Jews': UK PM Starmer

Keir Starmer on Thursday accused Iran of posing a threat to Jewish communities in the UK, saying there is clear evidence that hostile states are seeking to target British Jews.

Speaking from 10 Downing Street, Starmer called for stronger powers to counter such threats, stressing the need to tackle what he described as malign state-backed activities.

His remarks came a day after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London, and follow repeated warnings from UK officials that hostile nations may be using proxies to carry out attacks within the country.

(AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israel may "act again" against Iran to prevent future threat: Defence Minister

Israel Katz on Thursday indicated that Israel may need to take further action against Iran to prevent it from posing a renewed threat.

Speaking at a military ceremony, Katz said efforts led by Donald Trump in coordination with Benjamin Netanyahu aim to ensure Iran does not endanger Israel, the US or its allies in the future.

He added that while Israel supports these efforts and is contributing as needed, it may soon have to "act again" to achieve those objectives.

(AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran claims US 'disgraceful defeat', warns of new Hormuz era amid rising tensions

Mojtaba Khamenei claimed that the United States had suffered a "disgraceful defeat" in the ongoing conflict, asserting that Iran now holds the upper hand, particularly through its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

"Today, two months after the largest military deployment and aggression by the world's bullies in the region, and the United States' disgraceful defeat in its plans, a new chapter is unfolding," he said, adding that those interfering in the region "have no place there except at the bottom of its waters."

Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Washington continues its naval blockade and explores further military options, while Tehran signals it will respond with "painful, prolonged, and extensive strikes" if provoked.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran's Mehr says air defence sounds heard in parts of Tehran, reasons unclear

Air ⁠defence sounds ⁠were ‌heard ​in some areas ​of ⁠Iran's capital Tehran, ⁠the ‌semi-official ‌Mehr news ⁠agency reported on ‌Thursday, ‌with ‌no ‌immediate ⁠details ⁠on the cause.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran's air defences engaging drones over parts of Tehran, Tasnim reports

Iran's air defences ⁠were ⁠engaging small drones ‌and ​surveillance UAVs over parts ​of ⁠the capital Tehran on Thursday, ⁠with ‌air defence ‌fire ⁠continuing to be ‌heard in ‌western, central ‌and ‌southeastern areas of ⁠the ⁠city, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | For War Powers Resolution purposes, US hostilities with Iran that began in February have 'terminated', official says

For War Powers Resolution purposes, ⁠the United ⁠States' hostilities ‌with ​Iran that started in February have "terminated", a ​senior ⁠Trump administration official said late on Thursday.

"Both ⁠parties ‌agreed to a 2-week ‌ceasefire ⁠on Tuesday, April 7 that ‌has ‌since been extended," ‌the ‌official said. "There has been no exchange of ⁠fire ⁠between US Armed Forces and Iran since Tuesday, April ​7."

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US reaches out to Maldives after Muizzu slams Iran war

The US has sought clarification from the Maldives days after President Mohammad Muizzu lashed out at Washington over the war with Iran.

The matter came up on Wednesday when US President Donald Trump's special envoy Sergio Gor and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison spoke to Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and discussed the US-Maldives relationship.

(PTI)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump administration says its war in Iran has been 'terminated' before 60-day deadline

The Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April, an interpretation that would allow the White House to avoid the need to seek congressional approval.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US urges meeting between Lebanese president, Israeli PM

The US Embassy in Lebanon on Thursday urged a meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders as the Health Ministry said Israeli strikes on the country's south killed at least 17 people despite an ongoing ceasefire, reports AFP.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran dying to make a deal, says Trump

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran was "dying to make a deal" to end the now paused war and virtually ruled out resuming air strikes.

Trump's remarks during a media interaction at the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon came at a time when Iran threatened fresh strikes if the US resumed the war which has been paused since the warring sides agreed to a ceasefire on April 8.

"I don't know that we need it," Trump said to a question on whether he was getting "antsy to break the ceasefire".

(PTI)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran activates air defences as Trump faces congressional deadline

Tehran's air defences were activated to counter small aircraft and drones late Thursday, as the White House signalled that it will not be reined in by a congressional deadline on the Iran war, reports AFP.

The Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported that air defence systems, heard in some parts of the Iranian capital, were activated "to counter small aircraft and reconnaissance drones" for around 20 minutes but that the situation had returned to "normal".

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Dubai chefs shrink menus as Iran war makes tomatillos, scallops harder to source

Dubai chef Shaw Lash at Mexican restaurant Lila Molino flies in her avocados and tomatillos, small, tart green fruits native to Central America that are a staple of Mexican cuisine and key for her colourful and spicy dishes. Now the two-month-old war in Iran ⁠is making such ingredients harder to source and more expensive, Lash and other chefs said, as the Gulf grapples with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sea route and spiking ⁠jet fuel prices push up air freight costs.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Venezuela signs oil, gas deals with US companies

Venezuela signed deals with US companies on Thursday in a bid to boost oil and gas production, the latest sign of thawing relations after Washington deposed leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, reports AFP.

The South American nation is currently led by interim president Delcy Rodriguez, who is cooperating under heavy US pressure to meet President Donald Trump's demands for access to the country's vast oil supplies.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | UAE's Gargash says no unilateral Iranian arrangements can be trusted regarding Strait of Hormuz

UAE ‌presidential adviser Anwar Gargash ⁠said on Friday ‌(May 1) in a ‌post ‌on ⁠X ⁠that no unilateral Iranian arrangements can ‌be trusted or relied ‌upon regarding freedom of navigation ⁠through the Strait ‌of Hormuz, following its "treacherous ‌aggression" against its neighbours.

(Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US's Hormuz coalition 'not in competition' with France, UK-led bid: French FM

France's top diplomat on Friday said a new US-led coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would complement and not compete with a similar mission spearheaded by France and Britain, reports AFP.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking in Abu Dhabi following a regional tour, said he briefed Gulf allies on the UK-France initiative which was now at an "advanced" stage.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Netanyahu's gamble has directly cost America $100 billion: Iran

"The Pentagon is lying. Netanyahu's gamble has directly cost America $100b so far, four times what is claimed," Iran's foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on X.

"Indirect costs for U.S. taxpayers are FAR higher. Monthly bill for each American household is $500 and rising fast. Israel First always means America Last."

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israel claims intercepting drone from Lebanon

"Following the alerts activated a short time ago in the Rosh HaNikra area, the Air Force successfully intercepted an unmanned aircraft that crossed from Lebanese territory into the country's airspace," the Israel Defense Forces posted on X.

"Alerts were activated in accordance with policy. A short time ago, the Air Force successfully intercepted three suspected aerial targets before they crossed into the country's airspace; no alerts were activated in accordance with policy. In addition, another interceptor was launched toward a suspected aerial target identified in the area where IDF forces are operating in southern Lebanon; the interception results are under review. No alerts were activated in accordance with policy."

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Destroyed over 40 Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon in last 24 hours: Israel

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | 'The UAE calls for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz'

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Hormuz traffic has collapsed by 90% since conflict began: UK Navy

"Hormuz traffic has collapsed by 90% since conflict began, with fewer than 10 ships a day now transiting the strait," the UK navy said in a statement.

"Royal Navy-led monitors report 40+ incidents, with vessels attacked, damaged, or forced to turn back."

It said that around 130 ships were passing through the Strait everyday; it has now dropped to less than 10.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | IDF claims intercepting drone launched in southern Lebanon

"Shortly ago, the Air Force intercepted a drone that was launched toward the area where IDF forces are operating in southern Lebanon," the Israel Defense Forces said. "In two additional incidents, the terrorist organization Hezbollah launched a rocket and an explosive drone that fell near the area where IDF forces are operating in southern Lebanon, with no casualties."

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran crisis hampering aid to refugees as supply chain costs soar, UN warns

The cost of sending some aid to Sudan - the world's largest displacement crisis - has more than doubled ⁠due to the Iran war, as shipping disruption pushes up costs and delays the delivery ⁠of relief, the U.N. refugee agency said on Friday.

Heightened insecurity around ‌key Gulf shipping routes, including the ​Strait of Hormuz, as well as congestion at ports, rising fuel prices and higher insurance premiums have all hampered the delivery of aid, particularly in Africa, the agency said.

Ships with aid that previously passed from Dubai through the Strait of Hormuz are being replaced by ​ships coming from Europe around the ⁠Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 25 days to delivery times, UNHCR spokesperson Carlotta Wolf told reporters in Geneva.

"People in dire need are receiving things that are ready later than what's needed," she said.

Transport costs for moving shipments ⁠of relief items ‌from Dubai to Sudan and to neighbouring Chad have more than doubled, rising from $927,000 to $1.87 million, Wolf said. The U.N. routinely refers to ‌the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Sudan as the world's largest. (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iranian FM holds phone call with regional counterparts

Iran's foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held phone conversations with several regional counterparts, including those of Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Azerbaijan.

"During these calls, he briefed them on the latest positions and initiatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding efforts to end the war and aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime," the Iranian Embassy in Bulgaria said.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | More than 750 civilian ships stranded amid dual Iran, US blockade of Hormuz (AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Iran has sent its latest proposal to Pakistani mediators for deal with US, reports Reuters citing state media

⁠Iran ⁠sent ‌its ​latest proposal for negotiations ​with ⁠the United ⁠States ‌to ‌Pakistani ⁠mediators on Thursday, state ‌news ‌agency ‌IRNA ‌reported on ⁠Friday.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Israel alleges another drone attack from Hezbollah

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier leaves Middle East after Iran operation

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has left the Middle East after taking part in operations against Iran, a US official said Friday, leaving two of the massive American warships in the region.

The Ford is currently in the US European Command area of responsibility, according to the official, who put the number of remaining US Navy ships in the Middle East at 20, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carriers. (AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Hezbollah reinforces fighters in south Lebanon despite disarmament by Lebanese army (AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | All sides must refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire: UN Secretary-General

"The Middle East crisis is in its third month & the whole of humanity is paying the price. All sides must refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire. The world needs a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable resolution to the conflict," said António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US Treasury warns shippers not to pay Hormuz tolls, even in form of charity

​Any shippers paying tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, including charitable donations to organizations such ⁠as the Iranian Red Crescent Society, are at risk ⁠of punitive sanctions, the U.S. Treasury ‌warned on Friday.

The Strait ​of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically vital maritime routes, with about 20% of the world's seaborne crude oil and liquefied natural ​gas flows passing through ⁠it.

Tehran has proposed fees or tolls on vessels passing through the Strait, as part of proposals to end the war with ⁠Israel ‌and the United States.

The advisory, from Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said the ‌U.S. is aware of Iranian threats to shipping and ⁠demands for payments to receive safe passage through the Strait. The warning came as ‌Iran sent its latest proposal ‌for negotiations with the U.S. to Pakistani mediators, ‌a move that could improve prospects ‌for breaking an impasse in efforts to end the Iran war.

OFAC said demands may include several payment options, including fiat ⁠currency, ⁠digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, or other in-kind payments, such as nominally charitable donations made to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Bonyad Mostazafan, or Iranian embassy accounts.

"OFAC is issuing this alert to warn U.S. and non-U.S. persons about ​the sanctions risks of making these payments ​to, or soliciting guarantees ​from, the Iranian regime for safe passage," it said. "These risks exist ​regardless of payment method." (Reuters)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US refuses to share details on fresh proposal by Iran

The White House said on Friday ⁠it will ⁠not detail ‌private diplomatic ​conversations when asked about Iran's new proposal to ​the ⁠United States that was submitted to Pakistani mediators.

"We ⁠do ‌not detail private diplomatic ‌conversations. President Trump ⁠has been clear that Iran ‌can ‌never possess a nuclear ‌weapon, ‌and negotiations continue to ensure the short- and ⁠long-term ⁠national security of the United States," spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Reuters.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | US imposes sanctions on three Iranian foreign currency exchange firms (AFP)

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump accuses Cuba of maintaining close ties with Iran, imposes sanctions

Trump has accused Cuba of maintaining close ties with Iran and providing safe haven to militant groups such as Hezbollah, two White House officials said per Reuters. He also signed an executive order broadening U.S. sanctions against the Cuban government as he seeks ⁠to put more pressure on Havana after ousting ‌Venezuela's leader from ​power.

The fresh sanctions target people, entities and affiliates that support the Cuban government's security apparatus or are complicit in corruption or serious human rights violations, the officials said, ​as well as ⁠agents, officials or supporters of the government.

It was not immediately clear what people or entities were hit with sanctions under the order, which was first ⁠reported by Reuters.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says he's not satisfied with Iran's latest proposal for peace deal

"They want to make a deal, but I'm not satisfied with it, so we'll see what happens. We just had a conversation with Iran. Let's see what happens, but I would say that I'm not happy... They've got to come up with the right deal. At this moment, I'm not satisfied with what they're offering," Trump told reporters.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | I would prefer a deal: Trump

"There are options. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever or do we want to try and make a deal?... on a human basis, I'd prefer [a deal]" Trump said while speaking to reporters.

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Blockade has been unbelievable: Trump on Strait of Hormuz

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | 14 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard killed by an explosion of bomb remnants, state TV reports, reports AP

Iran, US-Israel Ceasefire LIVE Updates | Trump says US will not leave Iran early, wants to avoid 'problem' reappearing

US ⁠President Donald ‌Trump ​on Friday said ​the ⁠United States would ⁠not ‌exit its confrontation ‌with ⁠Iran early "and then ‌have ‌the ‌problem ‌arise in three ⁠more ⁠years". (Reuters)