Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (local time) said that Israeli forces will continue to hold their positions in southern Lebanon during the ongoing 10-day ceasefire, stressing that the move is aimed at maintaining security along the border, CNN reported. "We will remain in a 10-kilometre security zone, which will allow us to prevent infiltration into communities and anti-tank missile fire," Netanyahu said in a video statement issued shortly after US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire. He asserted that Israel would not scale back its presence in the region, describing the current deployment as more robust than previous arrangements, as reported by CNN. "We are remaining in Lebanon in an expanded security zone," Netanyahu said, adding that the area is "much stronger, much more powerful, far more continuous, and far more solid than what we had before." "That is where we will remain. We are not leaving," he said. Netanyahu noted that the ceasefire is intended to facilitate continued diplomatic engagement with Lebanon, even as tensions persist along the border, as per CNN. He said Trump had invited him and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for talks in Washington, DC, although Aoun earlier declined to join a phone call with Netanyahu amid ongoing Israeli strikes, CNN reported. Outlining Israel's position in the negotiations, Netanyahu said the focus remains on security and long-term stability. Yesterday, he said, "In the talks, we have two demands: the disarmament of Hezbollah (and) a sustainable peace agreement - from a position of strength," he said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) described ongoing efforts to broker peace between Israel and Lebanon as "very exciting," suggesting a potential breakthrough in what he indicated could be another major diplomatic achievement. Responding to a question on what was described as a "10th border" negotiation, Trump said, "It's very exciting. With Lebanon, it's very exciting. I think we're going to have a deal. We're going to have a meeting first time in 44 years and Lebanon will be meeting with Israel and they're probably going to do it at the White House." He added that he had recently spoken to both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and expressed confidence about a ceasefire arrangement. "We're going to be meeting with Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon. I had a great talk with both of them today. They're going to be having a ceasefire and that'll include Hezbollah..." Trump said. On the timeline, the US President indicated that the meeting between the two sides could take place soon. "Over the next week or two," he said. Addressing concerns about whether an agreement could be reached without Hezbollah's consent, Trump expressed optimism about broader alignment. "I think we will have an agreement between Lebanon, and they're going to take care of Hezbollah. But they're going to be working on Hezbollah right now, but we'll have an agreement between Israel, very importantly, and Lebanon," he said. The remarks come after Trump earlier announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to initiate a 10-day ceasefire following intensive diplomatic engagement by the United States. He had described his conversations with both leaders as "excellent" and termed the development a step toward a broader and lasting peace in the region. The ceasefire comes at a critical juncture for West Asia, following a period of significant volatility along the Israel-Lebanon border. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 April,2026 09:34 AM IST | Tel Aviv | ANIThe US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday (local time) said that US forces are actively enforcing a large-scale maritime blockade targeting Iran's ports and coastline, involving more than 10,000 personnel, over a dozen naval vessels, and upwards of 100 aircraft. In a post on X, CENTCOM said, "USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Arabian Sea as the United States blockades Iran's ports and coastline. US forces are not blockading the Strait of Hormuz. More than 10,000 American service members, 12+ ships, and 100+ aircraft have enforced the blockade in regional waters, ensuring that no vessels violate the President's proclamation." USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Arabian Sea as the United States blockades Iran's ports and coastline. U.S. forces are NOT blockading the Strait of Hormuz. More than 10,000 American service members, 12+ ships, and 100+ aircraft have enforced the blockade in regional… pic.twitter.com/yQP4J1uSha — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 16, 2026 The deployment includes the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) operating in the Arabian Sea, highlighting the scale of the US naval presence in the Iranian waters amid escalating tensions. In another update, CENTCOM added, "Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D Black (DDG 119) stand watch as US forces remain vigilant and enforce the blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports and coastal areas." Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) stand watch as U.S. forces remain vigilant and enforce the blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports and coastal areas. pic.twitter.com/oHSq4RhiVd — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 17, 2026 The USS Delbert D Black (DDG 119) is among the warships tasked with monitoring an interceptingvessels in the vicinity of Iranian waters. Meanwhile, US President Trump highlighted ongoing US military measures in the region, particularly the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. "We're doing very well with the blockade. It's very routine for us. The Navy's incredible, and I think the blockade is doing very well. No ship is even thinking about entering. No ship is going past our Navy," he said. Earlier on Thursday, the United States categorically said that its naval blockade in West Asia applies to Iranian ports and coastline and is not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks were made by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, while speaking to the media. Gen Caine underlined that the blockade applies to all ships- irrespective of their nationalities. "Let me be clear- this blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports. The US action is a blockade of Iran's ports and coastline, not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Enforcement will occur inside Iran's territorial seas and in international waters." He said that, along with the blockade, the joint force would actively pursue any Iranian-flagged or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran, which would include dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil."' In addition to this, the blockade, the joint force, through operations and activities in other areas of responsibility- like the Pacific area of responsibility under the command of Admiral Paparo, will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran. This includes dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil. As most of you know, dark fleet vessels are those illicit or illegal ships evading international regulations, sanctions or insurance requirements. He emphasised that during this pause, the United States joint force remains postured and ready to resume major combat operations at "literally a moment's notice". This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 April,2026 09:32 AM IST | Washington | ANIBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to host a virtual meeting of world leaders to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure vital shipping routes, CNN reported. Leaders from around 40 countries are expected to participate in the summit, focusing on supporting the fragile ceasefire involving Iran and ensuring safe passage through the key maritime corridor, as reported by CNN. According to a statement from the British Prime Minister's Office, discussions will include plans to establish an international mission aimed at reopening the strait. The proposed initiative would be strictly defensive in nature and involve a combined military effort to be deployed once conditions permit, as per CNN. The summit will also deliberate on supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization to enhance the safety of vessels and crew navigating the region, CNN reported. According to CNN, Starmer is scheduled to arrive in Paris on Friday to co-host the meeting with Macron. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend, according to a German government official. "The unconditional and immediate reopening of the strait is a global responsibility and we need to act to get global energy and trade flowing freely again," Starmer is expected to tell the summit, as per CNN. He is also likely to emphasise the need to reassure commercial shipping and support mine-clearance operations to stabilise maritime activity, CNN reported. A German official said Berlin is prepared to contribute to ensuring safe navigation through the strait, provided there is a clear legal framework in place, as reported by CNN. As per CNN, the contribution could include mine-clearance vessels or maritime surveillance capabilities, areas where the German armed forces have significant expertise, the official added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 April,2026 09:26 AM IST | London | ANIA 10-day ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel came into effect on Friday, as US President Donald Trump announced efforts to arrange the first-ever face-to-face meeting between the leaders of the two countries. The truce, which began at midnight local time in Lebanon and Israel (9 pm GMT/2.30 am IST), follows intensive mediation by the United States (US). It forms part of broader American efforts to end the ongoing war involving Iran, with Tehran insisting that any deal must include a halt to hostilities in Lebanon. As the ceasefire took hold, gunfire echoed in Beirut’s southern suburbs — Hezbollah’s stronghold — in what appeared to be spontaneous celebrations by residents, though this could not be independently confirmed, news agency AFP reported. The wider regional conflict escalated when the US and Israel struck Iran on February 28. Lebanon was drawn in shortly afterwards when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel on March 2. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon and displaced over one million, while Israeli ground forces entered southern Lebanon. Just as the ceasefire began, the Israeli military stated that it had struck over 380 “Hezbollah terror organisation targets” in southern Lebanon in recent operations and remained on “high alert” to resume strikes if necessary. President Trump described the deal as the outcome of “excellent” telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Posting on Truth Social, he said the two leaders had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting at 5 p.m. EST. He later indicated that Netanyahu and Aoun could visit the White House within the next four or five days. Such a direct meeting would mark a historic development in Israel-Lebanon relations. An Israeli hospital spokesman reported that three people were injured on Thursday shortly before the truce. Earlier that day, an Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese town of Ghazieh killed at least seven people and wounded 33, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Netanyahu welcomed the ceasefire as an opportunity for a “historic peace agreement” with Beirut, but stressed that the disarmament of Hezbollah remained a key precondition. Trump stated that Hezbollah was covered by the truce, while the US State Department clarified that Lebanon itself had committed to dismantling the Iran-backed group. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and urged “all actors to fully respect” it — a call that implicitly includes Hezbollah. He expressed hope that the truce would advance negotiations for a lasting solution and contribute to broader regional peace, while stressing full compliance with international law and the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. Reactions in Lebanon In Beirut, housewife Jamal Shehab, 61, said: “We are very happy that a ceasefire has been reached in Lebanon because we are tired of war and we want safety and peace.” Lawyer Tarek Bou Khalil, speaking at a cafe, remarked: “It’s well known Trump cannot be taken at his word, and Netanyahu cannot be trusted. But we know that the result of the pressures of the war with Iran and the blunders of Netanyahu and the enemy army in south Lebanon, forced them into a ceasefire.” A Hezbollah lawmaker, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, told AFP the group would “cautiously adhere” to the ceasefire provided Israel stopped its attacks. He thanked Iran for its pressure, adding that “the ceasefire would not have happened without Iran considering the ceasefire as equal to closing the Strait of Hormuz.” Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the truce as “a key Lebanese demand that we have pursued since the very first day of the war.” President Aoun’s office thanked Trump for his efforts, though Aoun reportedly declined a direct call with Netanyahu. The ceasefire follows a rare meeting this week in Washington between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors — the first such contact since 1993. Israel’s position Netanyahu said Israel had agreed to the truce but would maintain a ten-kilometre (six-mile) “security zone” along the border in southern Lebanon. He reiterated two conditions: the disarmament of Hezbollah and a lasting peace agreement “based on strength.” According to a six-point US State Department statement, the ceasefire is framed as “a gesture of goodwill by the Government of Israel” to enable negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement. Israel retains the right to take all necessary measures in self-defence against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks, while agreeing not to conduct offensive operations against Lebanese targets by land, air or sea. Lebanon’s army later reported “acts of aggression” by Israel that it described as violations of the ceasefire, and called on southern residents to remain cautious. Iran angle Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf credited the ceasefire to “Hezbollah’s steadfastness and the unity of the Axis of Resistance.” He described the truce as equally important for Lebanon as for Iran and thanked Pakistan and General Asim Munir for their mediation efforts. Separately, the United States continued enforcing a large-scale maritime blockade on Iranian ports and coastline, deploying over 10,000 personnel, 12 ships including the USS Abraham Lincoln, and more than 100 aircraft. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that the blockade does not cover the Strait of Hormuz itself. Speaking in Las Vegas, President Trump said the US was heading toward “victory very shortly” against Iran. He claimed Iran “has no Navy left,” stating that 158 Iranian ships were “at the bottom of the sea,” and described the country as “a tough, smart country” whose military capabilities had been significantly degraded. Trump added that Washington was “very close” to a peace deal with Iran after six weeks of conflict and might travel to Pakistan to sign any agreement. The durability of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire will likely depend on both sides — and Hezbollah — refraining from further attacks in the coming days.
17 April,2026 09:26 AM IST | Beirut | mid-day online correspondentUS President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said that the Pope must recognise the global threat posed by Iran, asserting that he has the right to disagree with the pontiff over the issue of nuclear weapons. Responding to a question on his reported differences with Pope Leo XIV, Trump told the media, "No, no... I have to do what's right. The Pope has to understand that very simple: I've nothing against the Pope. The Pope made a statement, saying Iran can have a nuclear weapon. I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon." Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, the US President warned of the broader consequences if Tehran were to acquire nuclear capability. "I think that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. If they do, the whole world would be at jeopardy. The Middle East will be blown up and the whole world will be at jeopardy. We're very close to making a deal. That'll be a great thing. The Pope has to understand, Iran has killed more than 42,000 people over the last few months, think of it: protesters without guns, without anything, they were totally unarmed protesters. The Pope has to understand that," he further said. Trump also defended his criticism, stating that differing opinions should not be seen as an attack on the Church. "Look, I have no disagreement with the fact the Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants. But I can disagree," he said. He further underlined that his position is rooted in security concerns, pointing to violence in Iran as part of his argument. "This is the real world, it's a nasty world," Trump said, adding that the situation underscores why Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. The remarks come amid an ongoing war of words between Trump and the Pope, who recently criticised the misuse of religion for political and military purposes during a visit to Cameroon. Despite the sharp exchanges, the pontiff has maintained that he does not wish to engage in a political confrontation. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 April,2026 09:22 AM IST | Washington | ANIAmid the concerning situation still continuing in West Asia, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) claimed that Iran has agreed to return its "nuclear dust" to the United States. Trump asserted that the understanding comes as part of broader assurances from Tehran, as part of the peace deal, not to pursue its ambition to acquire a nuclear weapon. Speaking to the media outside the White House on Thursday, Trump emphasised that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a top priority for his administration. He further added, "It is very important that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon. And they've agreed to that. Iran's agreed to that, and they've agreed to it very powerfully," as per ANI. Speaking about the current geopolitical tension between Israel and the US, Donald Trump said, "They've agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that's way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers. We have a lot of agreement with Iran, and I think something's going to happen very positively," as per ANI. Will the ceasefire between the US and Iran continue? The remarks come amid diplomatic engagements between Tehran and Washington in order to achieve a complete halt to the hostilities in West Asia, as the fragile ceasefire continues between the two sides. Meanwhile, Trump said it remains unclear whether the ceasefire with Iran will be extended, even as he expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations and indicated that the next round of talks could take place over the weekend. Responding to a question on extending the ceasefire, President Trump said, "We're doing very well. I can tell you, maybe it'll happen before that. I'm not sure it needs to be extended. Just so you know, Iran wants to make a deal, and we're dealing very nicely with them. We've got to have no nuclear weapons. If we do, that's a big factor, and they're willing to do things today that they weren't willing to do two months ago." Donald Trump further added that the US is currently focused on concluding a deal with Iran, suggesting that progress in talks could make an extension unnecessary. US President Trump on the current global situation He added, "We're focused so much right now on Iran, seeing if we can get that completed, and I think we're going to be in very good shape. And I think if you look, the stock market is good, the oil prices are coming down, and it's looking very good that we're going to make a deal with Iran. And it's going to be a good deal; it's going to be a deal with no nuclear weapons," as per ANI. On the timeline for further negotiations, the US President indicated that the next in-person round may happen soon. "Probably maybe over the weekend," he added. (With inputs from ANI)
17 April,2026 09:04 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentThe United States will blockade Iranian ports for “as long as it takes,” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, threatening renewed strikes if Tehran does not make a deal. “If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy,” Hegseth said. Houthi Leader Blames US in Iran Negotiations Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, has accused the United States of making “impossible demands” during ongoing negotiations with Iran. In a televised address on Thursday, he claimed that the current two-week ceasefire reflects the failure of both the US and Israel to achieve their strategic objectives in the conflict. Al-Houthi stated that successful negotiations could lead either to prolonged stability or a complete end to hostilities. However, he criticised Washington’s approach as being driven by “arrogance and pride,” suggesting that the US has entered talks on its own rigid terms. Lufthansa to Shut Down CityLine Amid Rising Costs German airline Lufthansa has announced the early shutdown of its regional feeder airline, CityLine, citing escalating fuel costs and ongoing labour disputes. The closure, initially planned for next year, will now take effect immediately, with operations set to cease on Saturday. CityLine, which operated 27 older and less fuel-efficient aircraft, played a key role in transporting passengers to Lufthansa’s major hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. The airline attributed the sharp rise in fuel prices to the Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Sailors Stranded as Hormuz Blockade Disrupts Shipping The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact global shipping, with German logistics giant Hapag-Lloyd reporting that around 150 sailors remain stranded aboard six vessels in the region. Company spokesperson Nils Haupt described the situation as challenging, noting that crews have been operating in a war zone for over five weeks. While some personnel rotations have taken place, prolonged isolation has taken a toll on morale. Hapag-Lloyd maintains daily communication with ship captains and crew members. Satellite technology has enabled sailors to stay in touch with their families, providing some relief amid the ongoing crisis. Pentagon Pressures Iran to Accept Deal US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Iran to return to the negotiating table, warning that Washington is prepared to act decisively if diplomacy fails. Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth reiterated that the United States will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. He emphasised a preference for a diplomatic resolution led by the US negotiating team but warned that a military option remains on the table. “I pray you choose a deal… for the betterment of your people and the world,” he said, addressing Iran’s leadership directly. Israel Warns Iran of Severe Consequences Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Iran, framing its choices as a decision between progress and destruction. He cautioned that failure to de-escalate could result in more severe military strikes than those already carried out. Katz linked Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon to a broader confrontation with Iran, signalling an escalation in regional tensions. Europe Faces Jet Fuel Shortage The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, has warned that Europe may have only six weeks of jet fuel remaining if current supply disruptions persist. In an interview, Birol described the situation as potentially the most severe energy crisis in history, driven by the blockage of oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. He cautioned that prolonged disruption could trigger widespread flight cancellations and significantly impact global economic growth. Rising fuel, gas, and electricity prices are expected to add inflationary pressure worldwide, further compounding the crisis. US Expands Maritime Blockade Against Iran US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine announced that American forces will actively pursue any vessel linked to Iran, regardless of location. The move is part of an expanded blockade targeting Iranian ports and maritime activities. Caine warned that ships attempting to bypass the blockade risk being boarded by force. The enforcement measures apply to all vessels, including those suspected of transporting Iranian oil through covert means. The blockade extends beyond Iranian territorial waters into international zones, with US forces globally instructed to intercept vessels providing material support to Iran. Global Tensions Mount As diplomatic efforts continue amid escalating military and economic pressures, the US–Israel–Iran conflict is increasingly affecting global trade, energy supplies, and geopolitical stability. The coming weeks are likely to prove critical in determining whether negotiations can prevent further escalation or if the crisis deepens into a broader international confrontation. (With inputs from ANI and AFP)
16 April,2026 09:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe commander of Iran’s joint military command has warned that Iran would completely block exports and imports across the Persian Gulf region, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea if the United States (US) does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports. “Iran will act with strength to defend its national sovereignty and its interests,” said Ali Abdollahi, according to the Iranian state media. He added that the US blockade is “a prelude to violating the ceasefire”. Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz when Israel and the US launched strikes against it more than a month ago. The US on Monday began blockading ships trying to enter or leave Iranian ports and said it would not impede the freedom of navigation of other vessels in the Persian Gulf. Iran rules out compromise on nuclear enrichment rights, slams US ‘warmongering’ in Hormuz Iran will not compromise on its nuclear enrichment rights, said the country’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, adding that its entitlement to nuclear energy is firmly grounded in international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), state media reported on Thursday. Addressing a press conference in Tehran, Baqaei dismissed what he described as baseless speculation in western media regarding Iran’s enrichment programme, stressing that the country’s legitimate rights, as recognised under international law, are non-negotiable, the country’s official news agency IRNA reported. He underlined that the right to peaceful enrichment is neither a favour nor a concession granted by any external power that can be withdrawn under pressure or during times of conflict. As long as Iran remains a signatory to the NPT, he said, it must be able to fully benefit from the treaty’s provisions. Responding to reports about alleged enrichment-related discussions during recent Iran-US negotiations held in Pakistan, Baqaei clarified that any potential agreement must first establish a comprehensive framework. He noted that until the broader terms are settled, discussions on specifics — particularly on sensitive matters involving war and peace between Iran and the US — would be premature. In another part of his remarks, Baqaei rejected claims that Iran had reduced or halted its support for the Lebanese resistance. He stated that Iran has consistently backed what he termed the country’s legitimate resistance and that ending the war in Lebanon was a key component of the ceasefire understanding discussed during the Islamabad talks. (With AP and IANS inputs)
16 April,2026 04:52 PM IST | Cairo | mid-day online correspondentUS President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and Lebanon will hold “historic” talks on Friday, marking the first high-level engagement between the two sides in over three decades. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the initiative aims to ease long-standing tensions between the two countries amid ongoing hostilities, particularly between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire intended to halt the conflict in West Asia. “Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice!” his post said. The announcement signals a potential diplomatic breakthrough in a region marked by continued hostility and intermittent conflict between Israel and Lebanon. Earlier on Tuesday, the United States (US) hosted a trilateral meeting with Israel and Lebanon, marking their first high-level engagement since 1993. The talks focused on initiating direct negotiations, with all sides expressing willingness to move towards a ceasefire, security cooperation and a broader peace framework, the US Department of State said in a statement. US hails Israel-Lebanon talks as historic milestone, pushes for broader peace framework The meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Counsellor Michael Needham, US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa A Johnson, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad. The United States welcomed the meeting as a historic milestone and expressed support for continued dialogue between the two countries. It also backed the Lebanese government’s plans to restore the monopoly of force and curb external influence. Washington expressed hope that the talks would go beyond the scope of the 2024 agreement and pave the way for a comprehensive peace deal, while reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself against continued attacks by Hezbollah. According to the statement, the US said any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments, brokered by Washington, and not through any separate track. It added that the negotiations could unlock significant reconstruction assistance and economic recovery for Lebanon and expand investment opportunities for both countries. Israel reiterated its position on disarming all non-state armed groups and dismantling terror infrastructure in Lebanon, and said it was committed to working with the Lebanese government to ensure long-term security for both nations. Lebanon, meanwhile, reaffirmed the urgent need for full implementation of the November 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement, stressing territorial integrity and state sovereignty, while calling for a ceasefire and steps to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict. (With ANI inputs)
16 April,2026 03:11 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentPresident Donald Trump’s latest construction project, informally dubbed the “Arc de Trump”, has now received an official name — the United States (US) Triumphal Arch. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the formal title on Wednesday, saying the massive structure is being planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence. “In honor of this historic occasion, President Trump and the Department of Interior will submit plans for the United States Triumphal Arch,” Leavitt told reporters. Displaying an image that she initially held upside down, Leavitt said the “monumental” arch would rise 250 feet (76.2 metres) high “in honor of 250 years.” The United States Triumphal Arch – Celebrating 250 Years of America 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/zJWE8II1m3 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 15, 2026 Its towering height, along with a large golden Lady Liberty statue on top, would make it significantly taller than perhaps its best-known predecessor, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which stands at 164 feet. The proposed structure is also expected to become the largest of its kind in the world, surpassing Mexico City’s Monument to the Revolution and pushing Pyongyang’s Arch of Triumph to third place. Plans for the arch first came to light in October when AFP journalists noticed a model placed on Trump’s desk in the Oval Office. It was soon nicknamed the “Arc de Trump” by sections of the US media. Trump’s arch plan draws backlash over cost and symbolism The arch is one of several architectural ventures — including plans for a large White House ballroom and renovations to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — that Trump has pursued in an effort to leave a lasting imprint on Washington during his second term. Critics have described the gold-accented arch, which would loom over the 99-foot-tall Lincoln Memorial, as a monument to the 79-year-old Trump’s vanity. The project will partly be funded by US taxpayers, receiving $2 million in special funds from the US National Endowment for the Humanities, along with up to $13 million in matching funds for donations, ABC News reported. However, Leavitt said the monument was intended to celebrate national pride. “Long after everyone in this room is gone, our children and grandchildren will remain inspired by this national monument,” she said. (With AFP inputs)
16 April,2026 02:38 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentThe US military has reported turning back 10 vessels attempting to sail out of Iranian ports during the initial 48 hours of its naval blockade against Iran. "Ten vessels have now been turned around and ZERO ships have broken through since the start of the US blockade on Monday," US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in a post on X. CENTCOM earlier reported nine vessels turned back and later added a tenth, which it said was "redirected" back to Iran by a US guided missile destroyer. Yesterday, an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel tried to evade the U.S. blockade after leaving Bandar Abbas, exiting the Strait of Hormuz, and transiting along the Iranian coastline. The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is… pic.twitter.com/EUnwhwYiDv — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 15, 2026 The blockade came into effect at 2 pm (Greenwich Mean Time) on Monday after peace talks failed. While CENTCOM maintained that no vessels broke through, maritime tracking data from provider Kpler indicated that at least seven Iran-linked vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the blockade began, with tracking from Tuesday showing at least three ships crossing (some later turned back). Tehran's forces had earlier effectively closed the strait following the start of the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran on February 28. Netanyahu: US and Israel share 'identical goals' on Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel and the United States remain fully aligned in efforts to contain Iran. "Our American friends keep us constantly updated on their contacts with Iran. The objectives of the United States and our own are identical," Netanyahu stated in a televised speech. He outlined the shared goals: "We want to see enriched material removed from Iran; we want to see the elimination of enrichment capability within Iran; and, of course, we want to see the (Hormuz) strait reopened." Netanyahu also addressed negotiations with Lebanon, saying the top priority was the "dismantling" of Hezbollah: "In the negotiations with Lebanon, there are two central objectives: first, the dismantling of Hezbollah; second, a sustainable peace... achieved through strength." Pak PM pushes for US-Iran peace talks during Saudi meet Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Islamabad's commitment to promoting dialogue between the United States and Iran during a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In a post on X, Sharif highlighted Pakistan's role in facilitating a US-Iran ceasefire and initiating "historic peace talks" in Islamabad. He expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and appreciated its "patience and restraint" under the Crown Prince's leadership. "I reiterated Pakistan's firm commitment to advancing its efforts to encourage both the U.S. and Iran towards an agreement aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region," Sharif stated. Iran's Supreme Leader representative in India calls conflict an 'individual war' Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, described the ongoing West Asia conflict as an "individual war" pursued by Israeli leadership for decades. "The Prime Minister of Israel... wanted to initiate this war for 40 years against Iran. He could not convince any President of the United States in the past (to launch a war against Iran), but this time he convinced US President Trump to support him... This is an individual war," Ilahi said while speaking to the media in Jaipur. He criticised the US-Israel alliance, claiming diplomatic efforts were not taken seriously and that military pressure failed to achieve objectives. Ilahi added that Iran announced from the beginning that the other side was "not serious about the negotiation." Emphasising civilisational ties, he noted: "Our relationship with India is rooted in 5,000 years of cultural, educational, and philosophical connections... The relationship between Iran and India is very strong, and after the war, it will be even stronger and deeper." Qatari Emir urges de-escalation in call with Trump Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump and called for urgent de-escalation amid rising tensions in West Asia. The Emir stressed the importance of intensifying international efforts to prevent further escalation and pursue diplomatic solutions to safeguard regional and global security. The leaders also discussed the impact of tensions on global energy markets and international supply chains. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates summoned the Iraqi charge d'affaires in Abu Dhabi and handed over a "protest note" over alleged "terrorist attacks" originating from Iraqi territory. The US and Saudi Arabia had taken similar steps recently. These developments reflect ongoing military posturing alongside diplomatic efforts, with Pakistan continuing to mediate and regional players calling for restraint following failed or stalled peace talks. (With AFP and ANI inputs)
16 April,2026 11:23 AM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
