Live updates: Iran claims US violated ceasefire, promises response

US President Donald Trump stated that he expects military operations against Iran to begin again soon after the Islamic Republic refused to send negotiators to meet with US officials in Pakistan.

Speaking with CNBC's Joe Kernan, Trump stated that he"expects to be bombing" as the current ceasefire with Iran reaches its conclusion and that American forces are prepared not only to resume aerial operations, but for ground operations in Iran.

Trump added: "I don't want to do that. We don't have that much time." He also stated that he believes Iran has "no choice" but to reach a deal that is acceptable to the US.

Shortly before the interview, Trump wrote on Truth Social that "Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!"

President Trump has already effectively added a day to the ceasefire. While the two weeks agreed in the ceasefire were originally scheduled to expire today, he said on Monday that the deadline was Wednesday evening.

The White House spent all of Monday waiting for a signal from Tehran that it would send its negotiating team to Islamabad, according to Axios.

A source with knowledge said the Iranians were stalling amid apparent pressure from the Revolutionary Guards on the negotiators to hold a firmer line with no talks without an end to the US blockade.

The Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators urged the Iranians to come to the meeting.

The Iranian team waited for a green light from the Supreme Leader. It came on Monday night, according to the source.

Two sources said Vance would depart on Tuesday morning, while a third said he might leave late Monday night.

Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to travel to Islamabad for the talks.

The report followed a social media post from a defiant Mohammad Baghar Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian Parliament who headed the Iranian delegation to talks with Iran. Ghalibaf blasted Trump and stated that the Islamic Republic will not negotiate under threats.

The US Department of War announced that overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction, and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility.



"As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran, anywhere they operate.

International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels. The Department of War will continue to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain," the Pentagon stated.

Mossad Director David Barnea revealed during a memorial ceremony for fallen Mossad personnel on Tuesday that a member of the agency fell while performing his duties during the war with Iran.

"During the Roaring Lion campaign, my thoughts and heart are filled with pride for the character and actions of M., who fell while performing his duties abroad," Barnea said.

"The operations led by M. combined creativity, cunning, and technology, and significantly influenced the success of the campaign against Iran," he added.

M., who served in the Mossad for 30 years and whose name remains under gag order, was a Mossad operative killed in the boating disaster on Lake Maggiore in Italy in May 2023 during a meeting that Italian media described as involving intelligence personnel from Israel and Italy.

The head of the Mossad said at the ceremony: “There is no other day during the year that is as difficult for us, for me, as Memorial Day for Israel’s fallen. From the defenders of the Jewish community before the establishment of the state, through the fighters of the 1948 war, through all the wars, and to the fighters in the current campaign since October 7, there runs a thread that is never broken: the commitment to defend and protect our home. It is a commitment passed from generation to generation as a mission in life, and each time anew, there are those who choose to carry it on their shoulders."

This is the first time that the death of a Mossad member has been revealed. The intelligence organization's involvement in the war against Iran has been reported many times by foreign sources.

Northern Command chief Rafi Milo addressed operational activity in the northern sector and said that forces are currently operating inside Lebanese territory to remove threats.

He added, “Right now, there are hundreds of troops inside Lebanon operating and carrying out attacks in order to eliminate any threat to the north. We have strength, we have spirit, we fully understand the mission, and the justice of our path is with us. On this evening, we are all together-with the families’ pain, with the memory, and with the longing."

US President Donald Trump insisted Monday that Iran is “going to negotiate" ahead of anticipated talks in Pakistan.

Speaking in a short phone interview on “The John Fredericks Show," a conservative radio program, Trump projected confidence that Tehran would come to the table, while warning of consequences if it does not.

“Well, they’re going to negotiate, and if they don’t, they’re going to see problems like they’ve never seen before," the President said.

“Hopefully they’ll make a fair deal, and they’ll build their country back up," Trump continued, adding that when they do so, “they will not have a nuclear weapon."

Trump also explained once again why it was necessary to take military action against Iran. “And I have to say we had no choice in Iran," he said. “It wasn’t like we had a choice. We had to do it."

“We’ve done a great job, and we’ll get it closed out, and everybody’s going to be happy," he added.

Earlier on Monday, Iranian Parliament speaker Mohmmad Bagher Ghalibaf blasted Trump, making clear that the Islamic Republic will not negotiate under threats.

“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table - in his own imagination - into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering," Ghalibaf, who headed the Iranian delegation in recent talks with the US in Pakistan, wrote in a social media post.

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield," he warned.

Ghalibaf’s comments came hours after Trump wrote on Truth Social that the US will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports until a deal has been reached with Tehran.

Trump wrote that the blockade, which began last week, is "absolutely destroying Iran", and added that the US is winning the conflict "by a lot".

In a separate post, Trump said a deal currently being discussed with Iran would be "far better" than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed during the Obama administration.

“The DEAL that we are making with Iran will be FAR BETTER than the JCPOA," Trump wrote, describing the 2015 agreement as “one of the Worst Deals ever made" and asserting that it created “a guaranteed Road to a Nuclear Weapon."

Trump said the deal currently being worked on “will not, and cannot" allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

The temporary US-Iran ceasefire is set to end on Wednesday, and there is currently no certainty that a second round of peace talks will go ahead in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabiya on Monday night quoted a report in Pakistani media saying that Pakistan has approached the United States and Iran with a request to extend the ceasefire by an additional two weeks.

According to the reports, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may announce the extension of the ceasefire as early as Tuesday.

On Sunday, Iran denied it would participate in new peace talks with the United States, its state news agency reported.

The denial came hours after Trump said Iranian negotiators would head to Pakistan on Monday for a second round of peace talks.

Iranian Parliament speaker Mohmmad Bagher Ghalibaf blasted US President Donald Trump on Monday night, making clear that the Islamic Republic will not negotiate under threats.

“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table - in his own imagination - into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering," Ghalibaf, who headed the Iranian delegation in recent talks with the US in Pakistan, wrote in a social media post.

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield," he warned.

Ghalibaf’s comments came hours after Trump wrote on Truth Social that the US will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports until a deal has been reached with Tehran.

Trump wrote that the blockade, which began last week, is "absolutely destroying Iran", and added that the US is winning the conflict "by a lot".

In a separate post, Trump said a deal currently being discussed with Iran would be "far better" than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed during the Obama administration.

“The DEAL that we are making with Iran will be FAR BETTER than the JCPOA," Trump wrote, describing the 2015 agreement as “one of the Worst Deals ever made" and asserting that it created “a guaranteed Road to a Nuclear Weapon."

Trump said the deal currently being worked on “will not, and cannot" allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

The temporary US-Iran ceasefire is set to end on Wednesday, and there is currently no certainty that a second round of peace talks will go ahead in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabiya on Monday night quoted a report in Pakistani media saying that Pakistan has approached the United States and Iran with a request to extend the ceasefire by an additional two weeks.

According to the reports, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may announce the extension of the ceasefire as early as Tuesday.

On Sunday, Iran denied it would participate in new peace talks with the United States, its state news agency reported.

The denial came hours after Trump said Iranian negotiators would head to Pakistan on Monday for a second round of peace talks.

Iran’s official IRNA news agency cited no specific source in its report that Iran had rejected the talks.

“Iran stated that its absence from the second round of talks stems from what it called Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire," IRNA wrote.

The Hasmonean Brigade held its main ceremony on Monday, marking Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel’s Wars and Victims of Terror.

The ceremony, led by the commander of the brigade, Colonel Shemer Raviv, brought together the command staff and soldiers who were not on the front line at the time.

While those on base read the Yizkor prayer and lowered the Israeli flag to half-mast, the brigade's troops operating on the battlefield in Lebanon held improvised and limited memorial ceremonies, in accordance with the limitations of operational activity.

At the main ceremony, the memorial torch was lit, and the National Anthem "Hatikva" concluded the ceremony, with the soldiers and commanders saluting in memory of the soldiers who fell in battle.

In his speech, the brigade commander emphasized the meaning of the fallen soldiers’ sacrifice for the existence of the state: “On this day, we pause our daily lives, bow our heads, and unite in remembrance of the fallen, those who gave their lives so that we may live here, in this land, in security."

Raviv also highlighted the power of Memorial Day in uniting different parts of the nation, especially in such a complex year: “This day expresses the deep spiritual bond between all parts of the nation, a day when an entire people gathers around a shared memory, shared pain, and immeasurable gratitude."

US President Donald Trump on Monday said a deal currently being discussed with Iran would be "far better" than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which he sharply criticized in a social media post.

“The DEAL that we are making with Iran will be FAR BETTER than the JCPOA," Trump wrote, describing the 2015 agreement as “one of the Worst Deals ever made" and asserting that it created “a guaranteed Road to a Nuclear Weapon."

Trump said the deal currently being worked on “will not, and cannot" allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

In the post, Trump also repeated criticism of the financial aspects of the JCPOA, referencing $1.7 billion in cash sent to Iran and stating that hundreds of billions of dollars were paid to the Islamic Republic under the agreement.

He argued that had he not terminated the deal, “Nuclear Weapons would have been used on Israel, and all over the Middle East, including our cherished U.S. Military Bases."

Trump added that any agreement reached under his leadership would “guarantee Peace, Security, and Safety, not only for Israel and the Middle East, but for Europe, America, and everywhere else."

The post came after Trump said earlier Monday that he expects planned negotiations with Iran in Pakistan to proceed despite public statements from Tehran casting doubt on participation.

“We’re supposed to have the talks," Trump told the New York Post, expressing confidence the process remains on track and saying he assumes “nobody’s playing games."

Trump confirmed that Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner have departed for Islamabad to prepare for the discussions.

He also said he would be open to meeting senior Iranian leaders directly if progress is made, stating, “I have no problem meeting them."

Trump reiterated earlier Monday that the central US demand is that Iran abandon any effort to develop nuclear weapons, stating there “will be no nuclear weapon." He added that Iran could prosper if it complies with that requirement.

At the same time, Trump declined to detail potential US responses should talks fail or Iran refuse to meet the demand, saying only that the outcome “wouldn’t be pretty."

According to a New York Post report cited earlier Monday, Pakistani sources said Iran may still participate in a second round of talks despite earlier claims that it would refuse to attend.

The report said Iran’s public stance is viewed by officials as a negotiating tactic aimed at securing more favorable terms, while Pakistan continues to be seen by both sides as a reliable mediator if the talks proceed.

The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation comes as US officials continue preparations for renewed negotiations as the cease-fire deadline approaches.

Channel 12 reported on Sunday that discussions in recent days have focused on several key provisions that could form the basis of a deal to end the conflict. Among the reported elements are a halt to uranium enrichment for 15 years, converting existing uranium into fuel, and the implementation of comprehensive oversight over Iran’s nuclear facilities. The framework also reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the war, withdrawing US forces, and lifting economic sanctions.

United States President Donald Trump declared vehemently on Monday that "Israel never talked me into the war with Iran," refuting claims made by both the Islamic Republic regime as well as many anti-Israel elements, and even prominent politicians on both the American left and right.

According to the President, who published the statement in a post on Truth Social, what led to his decision to attack Iran was "the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON."

Trump said, "I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged."

He promised positive results for the campaign, comparing it to recent military action in Venezuela. "Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing - And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!"

The claim that Israel dragged the US into the war with Iran has been repeated multiple times by various elements since the fighting began in late February.

Most recently, former Vice President Kamala Harris echoed it when she said at a Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention in Detroit that "Trump entered a war - and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let's be clear about that - that the American people didn't want. Among the many consequences of it is jacking up the price of gas."

The accusation was also thrown around by many on the American right by anti-Israel personalities, including Tucker Carlson and ex-National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who wrote in his resignation statement that the US "started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."

US President Donald Trump said he expects planned negotiations with Iran in Pakistan to proceed despite public statements from Tehran casting doubt on participation.

“We’re supposed to have the talks," Trump told the New York Post on Monday, expressing confidence that the process remains on track and adding that he assumes “nobody’s playing games."

The President confirmed that Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner have departed for Islamabad to prepare for the discussions, underscoring the urgency as the expiration of a cease-fire between the US and Iran approaches.

Trump also indicated that he would be open to meeting senior Iranian leaders directly if progress is made. “I have no problem meeting them," he said, while emphasizing that the US delegation includes experienced officials capable of handling the negotiations.

He reiterated that the central US demand is that Iran abandon any effort to develop nuclear weapons, stating that there “will be no nuclear weapon." Trump added that Iran could prosper if it complies with this requirement.

At the same time, he declined to detail potential US responses should talks fail or Iran refuse to meet the demand, saying only that the outcome “wouldn’t be pretty."

Meanwhile, a New York Post report cited Pakistani sources as saying Iran may still participate in a second round of talks despite earlier claims that it would refuse to attend.

According to the report, Iran’s public stance is viewed by officials as a negotiating tactic aimed at securing more favorable terms. A source familiar with discussions with Iran’s Foreign Ministry indicated that the current position is intended to extract maximum advantage ahead of a possible second round.

Although no final decision had been made as of Monday, the source said that details would be shared once a determination is reached.

Pakistan continues to be seen by both sides as a reliable mediator, with Islamabad expected to host the talks if they proceed.

The New York Post report also noted that Pakistani officials rejected claims attributed to a Reuters report suggesting that Pakistan’s military leadership had urged the US to ease its naval blockade of Iran. A source described the report as inaccurate and denied that any such recommendation had been made.

The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation comes as US officials move forward with preparations for renewed negotiations, even as tensions remain high and the cease-fire deadline draws near.

President Trump rejects claims Israel pushed the US into war with Iran, saying Oct. 7 and Tehran’s nuclear threat drove his decision to strike.

Read more.

The IDF has located the soldier suspected of destroying a statue of Jesus in the village of Debl in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and his Polish counterpart, Radosław Sikorski, exchanged sharp remarks following an incident involving an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon.

The exchange began after Minister Sa'ar condemned the damaging of a Christian religious symbol by an IDF soldier, describing the act as "grave and disgraceful." He commended the IDF for issuing a statement condemning the incident and for launching an investigation.

"This shameful action is completely contrary to our values," Sa'ar wrote, emphasizing that Israel respects different religions and their sacred symbols. He also issued an apology for the incident and to Christians whose feelings were hurt.

In response, Sikorski wrote in Polish that it was good that Sa'ar apologized quickly, adding that "there was something to apologize for." He stated that the soldier should be punished and that conclusions should be drawn regarding the way soldiers are trained. Sikorski further claimed that IDF soldiers admit to committing war crimes, alleging harm to Palestinian Arab civilians and even to Israeli hostages.

Sa'ar strongly rejected these statements, calling them "unfounded" and "defamatory." He said Sikorski’s remarks reflected "ignorance and a deep lack of understanding."

Addressing the broader issue, Sa'ar noted that in every war there are operational accidents, including cases of friendly fire, and that civilians are sometimes harmed, particularly when terrorists use them as human shields. He asserted that the IDF operates with a higher level of precision and intelligence than any other Western military and makes constant efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

"The IDF is a professional and ethical army," Sa'ar stated, adding that for 78 years it has faced continuous attempts to eliminate the State of Israel by hostile states and terrorist organizations.

He also argued that Western militaries seek to learn from the IDF’s experience and said that civilians in European countries benefit from the outcomes of its operations.

Sa'ar further urged Sikorski to condemn what he described as a "disgraceful antisemitic display" in the Polish parliament the previous week and cautioned against making what he called irresponsible statements.

The incident in question involved Polish MP Konrad Berkowicz of the far-right Confederation party, who desecrated an Israeli flag at the parliamentary podium on Holocaust Remembrance Day, replacing the Star of David with a swastika and accusing Israel of being "the new Third Reich." The Israeli Embassy in Warsaw condemned the act as an "antisemitic atrocity," while Polish officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, denounced the incident and called for legal action.

Sikorski responded that he had condemned the antisemitic incident on the day it occurred and noted that the individual involved had been disciplined by the Speaker of parliament. He added that if his remarks did not prompt changes in IDF training, he could not help further.

In his response, Sikorski also attached an article from the Haaretz newspaper concerning claims by soldiers that they committed war crimes.

An indictment has been filed against a 19-year-old man from Ness Ziona, for security offenses of contact with a foreign agent and passing information to the enemy.

The indictment revealed that he provided an agent with information and photos of his brother who serves in the IDF, while creating a false representation that the brother serves in the Intelligence Branch and holds sensitive information.

Israeli officials are concerned that Iran could restore its ballistic missile array within a relatively short period if the issue is not addressed in the context of a future agreement.

According to an IDF Intelligence Directorate assessment, subject to censorship limitations, Iran could rebuild its capabilities within “very few years."

Security officials warn that failure to address the missile issue could lead to another round of fighting with Iran in the near future. The concern is that any emerging agreements may not include this central component.

A senior Israeli official told Army Radio that “the missile issue is currently not on the negotiating table. That is troubling."

In a combined intelligence and military operation, the Israeli intelligence community today (Monday) revealed the full structure of the secret terror apparatus of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The exposure comes following a series of operational successes during Operation Roaring Lion, which included the elimination of senior members of the unit and the disruption of terrorist infrastructures in many countries, primarily Azerbaijan and Cyprus.

Operation Roaring Lion was a turning point in the suppression of Iranian terrorism, when the Air Force, under the direction of the Mossad and the Shin Bet, struck the core of the organization's command. Among other things, Rahman Mokadam, the head of the system and the head of the special operations department, was eliminated. He managed the recruitment of operatives and the smuggling of weapons into Israeli territory.

Another terrorist who was eliminated was Majid Khademi, head of the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence organization, who directly directed terrorist operations abroad.

A Syrian warehouseman, who served as a link between Tehran and terrorist cells on the ground, was also eliminated during the operation.

Also eliminated was Mehdi Yakh-Dahkan, nicknamed "The Doctor" and who served as the operations officer who led terrorist efforts in Azerbaijan and Turkey. He is also known to be behind the smuggling of explosive drones to Cyprus and the collection of intelligence on the American Incirlik Air Force Base.

One of the key achievements revealed was the disruption of a complex terrorist infrastructure in Azerbaijan. Members of a cell that operated directly from Iran were arrested by local authorities in possession of explosive drones and cluster bombs that were smuggled into the country. They planned an attack against strategic targets, primarily the international oil pipeline (BTC) that runs through Georgia and Turkey. The cell members also gathered information about the Israeli embassy in Baku, synagogues, and leaders of the country's Jewish community with the aim of harming them.

The IDF on Sunday night struck a loaded and ready-to-fire launcher in the area of Qalaouiye in southern Lebanon, north of the Forward Defense Line, in order to prevent a direct threat to the communities of northern Israel.

The loaded launcher posed an immediate threat to IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians and was struck in order to remove the threat.

The ten-day ceasefire agreement with Lebanon allows the IDF to remove immediate or future threats to Israeli soldiers and civilians.

In a statement, the IDF promised that it "will continue to take the necessary measures in self-defense against threats, while ensuring the security of Israeli civilians and the soldiers deployed in the area. The IDF will not allow harm to Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers and will take all necessary measures to ensure their safety."

"The IDF will continue to act to remove any threat to Israeli civilians and its soldiers."

Iran’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, on Sunday night accused the US of violating the ceasefire by firing at an Iranian commercial ships in the Gulf of Oman.

A Khatam al-Anbiya spokesperson told state media that the vessel was en route from China to Iran.

“We warn that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military," the spokesperson added.

US President Donald Trump confirmed earlier on Sunday that US forces had struck and detained a US-sanctioned Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that attempted to breach the naval blockade of Iran.

"Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them," the President wrote on Truth Social.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) later published footage of the seizing of the Iranian ship.

“US forces operating in the Arabian Sea enforced naval blockade measures against an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, April 19," said CENTCOM in a statement.

It added that guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted the ship, M/V Touska, as it transited the north Arabian Sea at 17 knots enroute to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

“American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the US blockade," said CENTCOM.

It further noted that “after Touska’s crew failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period, Spruance directed the vessel to evacuate its engine room. Spruance disabled Touska’s propulsion by firing several rounds from the destroyer’s 5-inch MK 45 Gun into Touska’s engine room. US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit later boarded the non-compliant vessel, which remains in US custody."

“American forces acted in a deliberate, professional, and proportional manner to ensure compliance. Since the blockade’s commencement, US forces have directed 25 commercial vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port."

Iran on Sunday denied it would participate in new peace talks with the United States, its state news agency reported.

The denial came hours after US President Donald Trump said Iranian negotiators would head to Pakistan on Monday for a second round of peace talks.

Iran’s official IRNA news agency cited no specific source in its report that Iran had rejected the talks.

“Iran stated that its absence from the second round of talks stems from what it called Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire," IRNA wrote.

Iran’s decision to walk away from negotiations, specifically citing its demand to end the US blockade of Iranian ports, came as Trump announced in a Truth Social post that the US had intercepted a ship called the TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman.

Trump said the US Navy warned the ship to stop. When it did not, the US Navy fired upon it and the vessel was seized. The US has been operating a naval blockade of ships entering and exiting Iranian ports since last week.

Earlier Sunday, Trump stated in a social media post that his representatives were heading for Pakistan to resume peace talks with Iranian negotiators on Monday. This follows an initial round of face-to-face talks last weekend that concluded without an agreement to end hostilities.

If the talks were to take place, the US delegation to Pakistan would once again be headed by Vice President JD Vance, two senior US officials told MS Now. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, also would be traveling to Islamabad for the talks, according to the White House.

The apparent diplomatic setback came with shipping still blocked in the Strait of Hormuz and could set the stage for a renewed surge in oil prices when markets reopen after the weekend within a few hours.

Iran has blocked the strait to ships other than its own since the US and Israel launched joint strikes on February 28. It announced on Friday that it would reopen the waterway. But it reversed that decision on Saturday after Trump declined to lift a US blockade of Iranian ports.

Iran’s parliament speaker and top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said talks to end the war with the US and Israel are continuing but that his country stands ready to resume the conflict and warned the US against using a naval blockade in the strait.

“It is not the case that we think just because we are negotiating, the armed forces are not ready," Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in televised remarks late Saturday according to a report on Iranian state media. “Rather, just as the people are in the streets, our armed forces are also ready."

New details have emerged regarding ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, even as uncertainty continues to surround both the talks and a possible agreement.

According to Channel 12, discussions in recent days have focused on several key provisions that could form the basis of a deal to end the conflict. Among the reported elements are a halt to uranium enrichment for 15 years, converting existing uranium into fuel, and the implementation of comprehensive oversight over Iran’s nuclear facilities. The framework also reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the war, withdrawing US forces, and lifting economic sanctions.

The report noted that negotiations have encountered difficulties, although it remains unclear which specific issues are proving contentious. Israeli officials are said to be concerned that such an agreement would delay, rather than eliminate, the Iranian threat while allowing the current regime to remain in power. Particular concern has been expressed regarding the removal of sanctions, which are viewed as having weakened Iran’s economy over time.

Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead a US delegation for another round of talks with Iran in Islamabad ahead of the scheduled end of the ceasefire on Tuesday night. However, Iranian participation has not been confirmed, with officials in Tehran reportedly expressing skepticism about US intentions.

In a call with Axios, President Donald Trump voiced optimism regarding the prospects for an agreement. “I feel fine about it. The concept of the deal is done. I think we have a very good chance to get it completed," Trump said.

At the same time, Iranian officials have reportedly lowered expectations and raised concerns that US statements about negotiations could be a pretext for renewed military action. Iran’s state news agency denied that talks were planned and criticized what it described as shifting US demands and a lack of clear prospects for productive negotiations, according to Axios.

Tensions escalated further after Iran targeted several commercial vessels and announced the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The development followed US decisions regarding the blockade and coincided with claims from Tehran that Washington had adopted more stringent positions.

President Trump convened a meeting with senior officials in response to the developments, while continuing to signal interest in reaching a deal. At the same time, he warned of significant consequences should negotiations fail, reiterating the possibility of military escalation.

With the ceasefire deadline approaching, it remains unclear whether the reported talks will proceed or yield an agreement.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday evening that US forces had struck and detained a US-sanctioned Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that attempted to breach the naval blockade of Iran.

"Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them," the President wrote on Truth Social.

According to the President, the US Navy guided missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman, and gave them fair warning to stop.

"The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room. Right now, US Marines have custody of the vessel," he continued.

Trump noted that TOUSKA is under US Treasury Sanctions because of its prior history of illegal activity.

"We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board!" he concluded.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that the US Navy had struck and captured an Iranian cargo ship.

"Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them. The U.S. Navy Guided Missile Destroyer USS SPRUANCE intercepted the TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman, and gave them fair warning to stop. The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room. Right now, U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel. The TOUSKA is under U.S. Treasury Sanctions because of their prior history of illegal activity. We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The Ashdod Military Cemetery was filled on Sunday with family, friends, and residents who came to pay final respects to Sergeant First Class (Res.) Lidor Porat (aged 31), a soldier in the 7106th Battalion of the 769th Regional Brigade, fell in battle during ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Lidor, an outstanding electrical engineering student, began his studies at Ben-Gurion University but stopped in order to care for his mother through her difficult illness. Only one she passed away, did he return to his studies and completed them with excellence, all while making sure to set times for Torah study at the Beit El Yeshiva.

His brother, Naor, eulogized him in tears: "My brother, Lidor, heroism pulsed within you. You were so brave! You were gifted with wisdom and talent, and you never gave up. You merited to give your life on Shabbat, the first of the month of Iyar, the month of heroism and martyrdom. No creation could stand before you."

Lieutenant Colonel Doron Menachem eulogized on behalf of the IDF: "You were a great soul who spread love and care. You always looked for ways to contribute, and you were a role model for us all. A lighthouse of professionalism and endless smiles.

Porat, 31, from Ashdod and a graduate of the Beit El Yeshiva, is survived by his father, Abraham, his older brother Naor, and his twin sister Inbal. He was born and raised in Ashdod’s District D and studied at Yeshivat Bnei Akiva Neve Herzog. After high school, Porat continued to a higher yeshiva in Beit El and later enlisted in the paratroopers.

The 162nd Division continues defensive activity in southern Lebanon, south of the Forward Defense Line, in order to remove the direct threat to communities in northern Israel.

To date, IDF troops from the 162nd Division have eliminated more than 250 terrorists, dismantled over 405 terrorist infrastructures, and located more than 1,000 weapons and munitions items in the Forward Defense Area.

During one of the operations, body cameras belonging to Hezbollah terrorist organization operatives were found, containing recordings used for the organization’s propaganda.

The IDF says it will "continue to operate with determination to remove threats, maintain the security of the civilians of the State of Israel, and strengthen the forward defense posture."

Prime Minister Netanyahu on Iran during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei: "It's not over yet, any moment could bring us new developments."

He joked based on the fact that the Argentine President visited Israel just hours before Israel launched the attack on Iran in June: "Javier Milei has that quality, every time he visits Israel, it's right before something very big happens. No, I didn't tell him last time. I don't know what I can tell him now because who knows what tomorrow or the day after tomorrow will bring."

Tasnim News Agency reported that Iran has not decided to send a team for negotiations in Pakistan as long as a naval blockade remains in place against it.

Following the ceasefire agreement, the IDF on Sunday published a map showing the forward defense line and the area in which IDF soldiers are operating to thwart direct threats to communities of northern Israel.

At present, five divisions, alongside Israeli Navy forces, are operating simultaneously south of the Forward Defense Line in southern Lebanon in order to dismantle Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites and to prevent direct threats to communities in northern Israel.

Earlier in the day, the military published the attack data from the last 24 hours before the ceasefire in Lebanon began at midnight on Thursday night.

In the 24 hours prior to the ceasefire understandings taking effect, the IDF struck hundreds of terrorists and terror infrastructure used by Hezbollah to advance terror attacks against the State of Israel and IDF soldiers.

In the strikes, the IDF struck over 150 Hezbollah terrorists, along with approximately 300 military infrastructure sites, including launchers, command centers, and weapons storage facilities across several areas in Lebanon.

Among the eliminated Hezbollah commanders was Hezbollah’s Bint Jbeil Sector Commander, Ali Rida Abbas. The Bint Jbeil sector is one of Hezbollah’s key frontline sectors, which Abbas commanded as part of the combat against IDF soldiers. Abbas advanced numerous attacks against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel over the years, particularly during Operation Roaring Lion. In addition, Abbas worked to restore the Bint Jbeil sector and held a number of positions within the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

Abbas is the fourth Hezbollah Bint Jbeil sector commander to be eliminated by the IDF since the beginning of Operation Northern Arrows.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement, stating that Iranian forces “decided to fire bullets" in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the shots were aimed at a French ship and a freighter from the United Kingdom, calling the move “a total violation" of the agreement.

Trump added that US representatives are expected to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations, saying they will arrive “tomorrow evening" for talks.

The President also addressed Iran’s recent announcement that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as “strange" and asserting that a US blockade had already shut the passage. He claimed that the closure is costing Iran $500 million per day, while the United States “loses nothing," adding that ships are now heading to US ports in Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska to load cargo.

Trump further criticized the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that the developments are “compliments of the IRGC, always wanting to be ‘the tough guy!’"

The President said the United States is offering Iran “a very fair and reasonable deal" and expressed hope that it would be accepted. However, he warned that if Iran rejects the proposal, the US would target “every single power plant, and every single bridge" in the country.

“NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" Trump wrote, adding that it would be his “honor to do what has to be done," and asserting that such action “should have been done to Iran… for the last 47 years."

He concluded by stating, “IT’S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END!"

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

On Saturday night, Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said there has been “progress" in negotiations with the United States, while cautioning that a “big distance" remains between the sides.

Trump has also said that talks are “going actually along very well," while emphasizing that Iran “can’t blackmail us."

At the same time, Iran announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz and would continue to control it until the end of the war. A regional intelligence source cited by Fox News said the waterway is under full control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with multiple vessels reportedly forced to turn back.

Trump has previously indicated that he may not extend the ceasefire, stating that while the blockade would remain in place, failure to reach an agreement could lead to renewed military action.

Updated US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran still holds a significant arsenal, amounting to roughly half of the capabilities it had before the outbreak of the conflict with the United States and Israel.

According to the data cited by The New York Times, Iran currently possesses 60% of its missile launchers and 40% of its UAV (drone) capabilities.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have once again reached a peak following a decision by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to once again close the Strait of Hormuz-less than a day after announcing its reopening following the ceasefire in Lebanon.

The Iranian move prompted a critical security consultation at the White House, where senior U.S. officials warned that if no breakthrough is achieved within 24 hours, the war could resume in the coming days.

President Donald Trump, who had expressed optimism just two days ago about a potential agreement, reacted sharply to the shift in Iran’s position. “They are trying to be clever," Trump said during the White House meeting. “They wanted to close the strait again, but they cannot blackmail us."

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Saturday the ceasefire with Israel must mean a complete halt to aggression, warning the group will retaliate against Israeli violations in southern Lebanon.

"There is no ceasefire from one side only," Qassem said in a statement quoted by the Xinhua news agency, adding that Hezbollah terrorists "will respond to violations of aggression accordingly."

He outlined five key steps: a permanent halt to hostilities across Lebanon, a full Israeli withdrawal, detainee releases, the return of displaced residents, and reconstruction with Arab and international support.

Qassem claimed that Hezbollah had not been defeated and would continue to pursue Lebanon's liberation and independence.

He also said that the terror group is open to "a new page" of cooperation with the Lebanese government, stressing readiness to work with state institutions to strengthen national unity and safeguard sovereignty.

The 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which was announced by US President Donald Trump, took effect at midnight on Friday morning.

On Friday, the IDF revealed that IDF soldiers from a special unit began an operation just before the ceasefire agreement, during which the soldiers landed in the “Christofani Ridge" in southern Lebanon and established an operational presence in the area.

The Christofani Ridge is located in Lebanese territory, approximately 12 kilometers north of Mount Hermon, and at the foothills of the Syrian Hermon, which is also under IDF control.

On Saturday, the IDF said that since the ceasefire came into effect, IDF soldiers south of the "yellow line" in southern Lebanon have identified in several incidents in which terrorists violated the ceasefire understandings by approaching from north of the yellow line toward IDF soldiers, posing an immediate threat.

Following their identification, and in order to remove the threat, the Israeli Air Force, together with ground forces, conducted precise strikes against the terrorists.

Artillery fire was carried out in support of the ground troops operating in the area, and terrorist infrastructure sites used to facilitate attacks were struck in response to the threats.

Earlier on Saturday, IDF soldiers identified a terrorist cell that violated the ceasefire understandings and approached IDF soldiers operating south of the ''yellow line" in southern Lebanon, a defense line dedicated to preventing an imminent threat to Israel’s northern communities.

The approaching terrorists posed a threat to the troops.

In a rapid operational response, aimed at removing the threat, the Israeli Air Force struck and eliminated the terrorists.

Additionally, the IDF struck an underground shaft in the area south of the forward defense line, as well as Hezbollah terrorists who were identified entering it. A hit was identified.

The IDF cleared for publication on Sunday morning that Sergeant First Class (Res.) Lidor Porat, aged 31, from Ashdod, a soldier in the 7106th Battalion, 769th Regional Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon.

In the same incident, an additional soldier was severely injured, four soldiers were moderately injured, and four additional soldiers were lightly injured.

The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment, and their families have been notified.

An initial IDF investigation found that during an operation by a force from the 7106th Battalion in the area, an engineering vehicle of the force hit an explosive device planted by the Hezbollah terrorist organization. A force that was nearby securing targets was injured in the explosion of the device.

The IDF is still investigating when the explosive device was planted in the location, and whether this constitutes a violation of the ceasefire.

On Saturday night, the IDF announced that Command Sergeant Major (Res.) Barak Kalfon succumbed to his wounds after being injured during combat in southern Lebanon.

Kalfon, 48 years old and a resident of Adi, served a combat soldier in the 7056th Infantry Battalion, 226th Brigade.

He passed away in the hospital after being critically wounded during operational activity on Friday in southern Lebanon. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents, and two brothers. He will be laid to rest on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the cemetery in Adi.

In the Friday incident in which Kalfon fell, two soldiers were moderately injured, and an additional soldier was lightly injured.

The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families have been

Kalfon worked as a mechanical engineer at Rafael, which stated: “Barak was a dedicated and professional employee who worked on critical areas for the security of the State of Israel, which he so deeply loved. Rafael employees embrace Shimrit, Noga, Mia, and the entire family during these difficult moments."

A preliminary investigation indicates that on Friday, around noon, forces from Battalion 7056 were operating inside the village of Jabin, located along the second line of villages in the western sector of southern Lebanon, about three kilometers from the border. During a search of a building in the village, a powerful explosive device detonated.

As a result of the blast, Barak Kalfon was critically wounded. He was evacuated urgently to a hospital, where doctors fought for his life for many hours, but were forced on Saturday to declare his death.

The IDF conducted an initial investigation into the circumstances of the explosion, particularly in light of the ceasefire that had come into effect. The current assessment is that the explosive device had been planted in the building before the ceasefire began.

At this stage, the incident is not being defined as a violation of the ceasefire, since initial findings indicate the device was not remotely detonated in real time by Hezbollah operatives. However, the IDF continues to investigate how the device was triggered and why it was not detected prior to the troops entering the building.

Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Saturday night that there has been “progress" in negotiations with the United States.

Speaking to the Tasnim news agency, Ghalibf also cautioned that a “big distance" remains between the sides on the proposed details of any agreement to end the war.

“The American and Iranian negotiating teams now have a more realistic understanding of each other" despite the gaps, said the Iranian speaker.

Ghalibaf’s comments came after US President Donald Trump told reporters that negotiations are "going actually along very well," and that Iran "can't blackmail us."

Meanwhile on Saturday, Iran announced that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it will continue to control the Strait until the end of the war.

A Fox News report cited a regional intelligence source who confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is now under full control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has been shut.

Speaking to reporters aboard the Air Force One on Friday night, Trump said, "Maybe I won’t extend" the ceasefire with Iran, "but the blockade is going to remain. But maybe I won’t extend it, so you’ll have a blockade and unfortunately we’ll have to start dropping bombs again."

Earlier Friday, Trump told CBS News in an interview that Iran has "agreed to everything" and will cooperate with the United States to remove its enriched uranium from the country.

Trump made clear that the operation will not involve American ground troops. When asked who would retrieve the material, he responded only with "our people."

"No. No troops," he said. "We'll go down and get it with them, and then we'll take it. We'll be getting it together because by that time, we'll have an agreement and there's no need for fighting when there's an agreement. Nice right? That's better. We would have done it the other way if we had to."

Iran's Foreign Ministry denied Trump’s remarks, saying the country's stockpile of enriched uranium would not be transferred "anywhere".

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told Iranian state media that "the transfer of uranium to the US has not been presented as an option."

He stressed, “Iran’s enriched uranium is as sacred to us as the soil of Iran and will under no circumstances be transferred anywhere."

The Education Ministry announced Saturday night a full return to regular school operations across the country, including in northern frontline communities, starting Sunday.

The decision follows updated Home Front Command guidelines.

Unlike previous directives that allowed local authorities some flexibility, the Ministry emphasized that this is a sweeping decision that cannot be altered..

All educational institutions are therefore required to reopen fully, without restrictions on academic or social activities.

The Ministry noted that preparations had already been made for a full reopening scenario, with all necessary resources allocated to ensure an immediate and safe return.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch said: “The system is returning to full activity following prior preparation and out of responsibility to the reality on the ground. The return to in-person learning is an important moment for students and staff. We must all work toward a fast and optimal return to close learning gaps and strengthen social resilience."

Kisch added that the Ministry will provide all necessary tools to ensure a quality return for every student, with an emphasis on frontline communities that experienced extended periods of remote or partial learning.

The IDF on Saturday evening announced that Command Sergeant Major (Res.) Barak Kalfon succumbed to his wounds after being injured during combat in southern Lebanon.

Kalfon, 48 years old and a resident of Adi, served a combat soldier in the 7056th Infantry Battalion, 226th Brigade.

He passed away in the hospital after being critically wounded during operational activity on Friday in southern Lebanon. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents, and two brothers.

In the Friday incident in which Command Sergeant Major (Res.) Barak Kalfon fell, two soldiers were moderately injured, and an additional soldier was lightly injured.

The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families have been notified.

Kalfon worked as a mechanical engineer at Rafael, which stated: “Barak was a dedicated and professional employee who worked on critical areas for the security of the State of Israel, which he so deeply loved. Rafael employees embrace Shimrit, Noga, Mia, and the entire family during these difficult moments."

A preliminary investigation indicates that on Friday, around noon, forces from Battalion 7056 were operating inside the village of Jabin, located along the second line of villages in the western sector of southern Lebanon, about three kilometers from the border. During a search of a building in the village, a powerful explosive device detonated.

As a result of the blast, Barak Kalfon was critically wounded. He was evacuated urgently to a hospital, where doctors fought for his life for many hours, but were forced on Saturday to declare his death.

The IDF conducted an initial investigation into the circumstances of the explosion, particularly in light of the ceasefire that had come into effect. The current assessment is that the explosive device had been planted in the building before the ceasefire began.

At this stage, the incident is not being defined as a violation of the ceasefire, since initial findings indicate the device was not remotely detonated in real time by Hezbollah operatives. However, the IDF continues to investigate how the device was triggered and why it was not detected prior to the troops entering the building.

The US and Iran are negotiating a potential deal which would see the US unfreeze Iranian assets in exchange for the IRGC's stockpile of enriched uranium.

Two US officials and two additional sources told Axios that in the deal, which is not yet final, the US would release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds; the deal would bring an end to the war.

Sources familiar with the talks told CNN that officials are hoping that a "broader deal to end the war" could be finalized as soon as the weekend. However, they noted that "some areas of disagreement remain."

Such a move would likely trigger harsh criticism among US President Donald Trump's own party: Trump has repeatedly criticized former US President Barack Obama for a similar deal, which saw the US hand $400 million in cash to Iran in exchange for four US prisoners and the alleged implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal.

It would also contradict Trump's own statement on Friday, in which he declared on Truth Social, "The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear 'Dust,' created by our great B2 Bombers - No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form."

Iran is hardening its position and announced Saturday that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it will continue to control the Strait until the end of the war.

A Fox News report cited a regional intelligence source who confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is now under full control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has been shut.

"Multiple vessels have been forced to turn around since this morning as they attempted to pass through the Strait," the source said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump insisted during an unrelated Oval Office press conference that negotiations are "going actually along very well," and that Iran "can't blackmail us."

The Wall Street Journal quoted US officials as saying that the US military is "preparing in coming days" to board tankers affiliated with Iran and seize commercial ships in international waters.

Speaking to reporters aboard the Air Force One on Friday night, Trump said, "Maybe I won’t extend" the ceasefire with Iran, "but the blockade is going to remain. But maybe I won’t extend it, so you’ll have a blockade and unfortunately we’ll have to start dropping bombs again."

Iran's Press TV quoted the country's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref as saying, "The management of the Strait of Hormuz is with Iran, and this is a legal right of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We will establish our rights either at the negotiating table or on the battlefield."

Regarding Trump, Aref said, "He usually presents his delusions and fantasies, and his positions change frequently. Therefore, his statements, which stem from rhetoric, lies, and delusions, do not need a response."

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared on X that, "The valiant navy of Iran's Army is ready to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies."

"In the same way that the drones of Iran's Army strike the US and the Zionist murderers like lightning, its valiant navy is also ready to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies."

Since the ceasefire came into effect, IDF soldiers south of the "yellow line" in southern Lebanon have identified in several incidents in which terrorists violated the ceasefire understandings by approaching from north of the yellow line toward IDF soldiers, posing an immediate threat.

Following their identification, and in order to remove the threat, the Israeli Air Force, together with ground forces, conducted precise strikes against the terrorists.

Artillery fire was carried out in support of the ground troops operating in the area, and terrorist infrastructure sites used to facilitate attacks were struck in response to the threats.

Earlier on Saturday, IDF soldiers identified a terrorist cell that violated the ceasefire understandings and approached IDF soldiers operating south of the ''yellow line" in southern Lebanon, a defense line dedicated to preventing an imminent threat to Israel’s northern communities.

The approaching terrorists posed a threat to the troops.

In a rapid operational response, aimed at removing the threat, the Israeli Air Force struck and eliminated the terrorists.

Additionally, the IDF struck an underground shaft in the area south of the forward defense line, as well as Hezbollah terrorists who were identified entering it. A hit was identified.

"The IDF is operating in accordance with the directives of the political echelon," a statement stressed. "Accordingly, the IDF is authorized to take the necessary measures in self-defense against threats, while ensuring the security of Israeli civilians and the soldiers deployed in the area."

"Actions taken in self-defense and to remove immediate threats are not restricted by the ceasefire. The IDF will not allow harm to Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers and will take all necessary measures to ensure their safety.

"The IDF will continue to act to remove any threat to Israeli civilians and its troops."

Live updates are stopping at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, and will resume on Saturday night, upon the conclusion of Shabbat in Israel.

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday stressed the country's stockpile of enriched uranium would not be transferred "anywhere", after US President Donald Trump said that the Islamic Republic had agreed to hand it over.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told Iranian state media that "the transfer of uranium to the US has not been presented as an option."

He stressed, “Iran’s enriched uranium is as sacred to us as the soil of Iran and will under no circumstances be transferred anywhere."

On the negotiations with the United States, Baghaei said that "the lifting of sanctions is of great importance to us, compensation for the damages incurred is a particular priority for Iran."

Trump told CBS News in an interview earlier on Friday that Iran has "agreed to everything" and will cooperate with the United States to remove its enriched uranium from the country.

Trump made clear that the operation will not involve American ground troops. When asked who would retrieve the material, he responded only with "our people."

"No. No troops," he said. "We'll go down and get it with them, and then we'll take it. We'll be getting it together because by that time, we'll have an agreement and there's no need for fighting when there's an agreement. Nice right? That's better. We would have done it the other way if we had to."

The President added that the enriched uranium would ultimately be brought to the United States.

"Our people, together with the Iranians, are going to work together to go get it. And then we'll take it to the United States," he said.

Trump refuted an earlier Axios report, which stated that the Trump administration was discussing the possible release of $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the nuclear stockpile.

"No, we are not paying 10 cents," he said firmly.

On Thursday, Trump said that the war in Iran should be coming to an end “pretty soon".

“We're doing very well, and I will say the war in Iran is going along swimmingly, we can do whatever we want, and it should be ending pretty soon," the President stated at an event in Las Vegas.

“It was perfect. It’s perfect. It was the power we have," the President added. “We had the most powerful military anywhere in the world."

He stated that while he did not want to strike Iran, “we had to because we can't let them have a nuclear weapon. Can't let them have a nuclear weapon."

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

US President Donald Trump told CBS News in a phone interview on Friday that Iran has "agreed to everything" and will cooperate with the United States to remove its enriched uranium from the country.

Trump made clear that the operation will not involve American ground troops. When asked who would retrieve the material, he responded only with "our people."

"No. No troops," he said. "We'll go down and get it with them, and then we'll take it. We'll be getting it together because by that time, we'll have an agreement and there's no need for fighting when there's an agreement. Nice right? That's better. We would have done it the other way if we had to."

The President added that the enriched uranium would ultimately be brought to the United States.

"Our people, together with the Iranians, are going to work together to go get it. And then we'll take it to the United States," he said.

Trump further stated that Iran has agreed to stop backing proxy terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas.

When asked about the timing of an official announcement, the president said the two sides are scheduled to meet this weekend. He added that the United States would maintain its blockade "until we get it done."

Trump refuted an earlier Axios report, which stated that the Trump administration was discussing the possible release of $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the nuclear stockpile.

"No, we are not paying 10 cents," he said firmly.

On Thursday, Trump said that the war in Iran should be coming to an end “pretty soon".

“We're doing very well, and I will say the war in Iran is going along swimmingly, we can do whatever we want, and it should be ending pretty soon," the President stated at an event in Las Vegas.

“It was perfect. It’s perfect. It was the power we have," the President added. “We had the most powerful military anywhere in the world."

He stated that while he did not want to strike Iran, “we had to because we can't let them have a nuclear weapon. Can't let them have a nuclear weapon."

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun gave a speech to the nation on Friday, a day after a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect.

In the speech, Aoun defended the direct talks held with Israel earlier this week, stressing that Lebanon is no longer an “arena" for anyone’s wars.

“We are confident that we will save Lebanon… we have reclaimed Lebanon and Lebanon’s decision-making power for the first time in nearly half a century," Aoun said.

He stressed, “Today, we negotiate for ourselves… we are no longer a pawn in anyone’s game, nor an arena for anyone’s wars, and we never will be again".

“Now, we all stand before a new phase," Aoun continued. “It is the phase of transition from working on a ceasefire to working on permanent agreements that preserve the rights of our people, the unity of our land, and the sovereignty of our nation."

The Lebanese President insisted that direct talks with Israel are “not a sign of weakness nor a concession."

He added that “negotiations do not mean, and will never mean, giving up any right, conceding any principle, or compromising the sovereignty of this nation."

US President Donald Trump, whose administration brokered the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, said on Wednesday that Aoun and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would speak on Thursday.

While such a conversation did not ultimately occur, Trump held separate phone calls with the two leaders on Thursday before announcing the ceasefire.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

US President Trump told Axios on Friday that United States and Iranian negotiators will probably meet this weekend, and he expects them to hammer out a final deal to end the war.

Multiple US officials and other sources briefed on the negotiations told Axios that while significant progress has been made and the US and Iran are now closing in on a three-page peace plan, gaps still remain on critical issues.

Trump, who claimed to have personally spoken with the Iranians in recent days, was feeling optimistic, however.

"The Iranians want to meet. They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend. I think we will get a deal in the next day or two," he said in a brief phone interview with Axios.

One element of the deal under discussion would have the US release 20 billion dollars in frozen Iranian funds in return for Iran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium. The plan also involves a moratorium on Iranian enrichment, the report said.

Trump said he is not going to lift the naval blockade before a deal is reached, and he stressed he wants the Strait of Hormuz to be open for everybody.

Iran announced on Friday that it would open the strait for the remainder of the ceasefire, which ends on April 21, but the details of how that will work remain unclear.

Trump said the deal will "make Israel safe" and stressed "Israel is going to come out great" at the end of the war.

At the same time, similarly to his earlier post on Truth Social, he made clear he wants Israeli strikes on Lebanon to end as part of the ceasefire that was announced on Thursday.

"Israel has to stop. They can't continue to blow buildings up. I am not gonna allow it," he told Axios.

On Thursday, Trump said that the war in Iran should be coming to an end “pretty soon".

“We're doing very well, and I will say the war in Iran is going along swimmingly, we can do whatever we want, and it should be ending pretty soon," the President stated at an event in Las Vegas.

“It was perfect. It’s perfect. It was the power we have," the President added. “We had the most powerful military anywhere in the world."

He stated that while he did not want to strike Iran, “we had to because we can't let them have a nuclear weapon. Can't let them have a nuclear weapon."

American and Iranian delegations met in Pakistan last weekend, but the talks did not result in a deal.

Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation to the talks, said on Tuesday that while there is “a lot of mistrust" between the US and Iran, he is optimistic about the prospects of a deal.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

The IDF revealed on Friday that, on Thursday night, IDF soldiers from an elite unit conducted a special operation.

According to a statement from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, IDF soldiers from a special unit began the operation just prior to the ceasefire agreement which came into effect at midnight.

As part of the operation, the soldiers landed in the “Christofani Ridge" in southern Lebanon and established an operational presence in the area.

The Christofani Ridge is located in Lebanese territory, approximately 12 kilometers north of Mount Hermon, and at the foothills of the Syrian Hermon, which is also under IDF control.

The operation, which was approved by the IDF Chief of the General Staff, was commanded by the Commander of the Israeli Air Force and the Commander of the Northern Command, according to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

“The IDF remains on high alert and will continue to remove threats in southern Lebanon throughout the area between the border with Israel and the designated line, in accordance with the ceasefire understandings," it said.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

In coordination with the Home Front Command's ongoing situational assessment, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit announced on Friday that it has been decided to update the defensive guidelines from Friday at 4:00 p.m, until Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.

In accordance with the guidelines, the entire country will move to full activity levels, with no restrictions, except in areas on the front line, where a gathering limit of up to 1,000 people will apply until Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 p.m.

As of Saturday at 8:00 p.m., the gathering restriction in areas on the front line will also be lifted.

“The Home Front Command continues to conduct ongoing situational assessments. Any changes to the civilian defense policies will be communicated to the public accordingly," said the IDF statement.

Earlier on Friday, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar announced that, effective Saturday night, all restrictions on the Israeli home front will be lifted, and sports and cultural events will resume at full capacity.

The municipalities of Kiryat Gat, Givatayim, Be'er Sheva, Arad, and Bat Yam have already stated that they will hold the planned Memorial Day and Independence Day events scheduled for next week. Givatayim Mayor Ran Konik even called on other municipalities to follow suit, saying: “Let the residents celebrate as they should."

In the context of the ceasefire in Lebanon, the city of Nahariya announced that it is preparing to resume in-person studies across all school grades as early as this coming Sunday. The municipality emphasized that the return to studies is subject to further security assessments and the publication of updated guidelines from the Home Front Command.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Wounded IDF combat soldier and rehabilitation patient Ari Spitz, who has been selected to light a torch at the upcoming Independence Day ceremony, met on Thursday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.

The meeting was held in recognition of Spitz’s service and personal story. He was seriously wounded during his military service and has since undergone an inspiring rehabilitation process that has made him a symbol of resilience and recovery for many in Israeli society.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “It is a privilege to meet Israel’s hero Ari Spitz at the Prime Minister’s Office. What a Spitz. Shabbat Shalom."

Spitz, chosen as one of the torch lighters for the Independence Day ceremony, is seen as representing the fighting spirit, determination, and faith of IDF soldiers even after injury. His selection has drawn significant public attention, with many describing him as an inspiring figure, particularly amid the current security situation.

Separately, following the ceasefire, authorities decided to cancel recorded broadcasts of all Memorial Day ceremonies, which will instead be held and aired live. The Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony will also be broadcast live, while a recording from the dress rehearsal will be kept as a precaution.

US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to naval traffic.

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, "Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!"

Shortly afterwards, he wrote, "The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process should go very quickly, in that most of the points are already negotiated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

According to Trump, "Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!"

"Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines! Thank you!" he added. "Again! This deal is not tied, in any way, to Lebanon, but we will, MAKE LEBANON GREAT AGAIN!"

"Thank you to Pakistan and its Great Prime Minister and Field Marshall, two fantastic people!!!" he wrote shortly afterwards.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister said, "Due to the ceasefire in Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz has now been declared fully open."

An Iranian source clarified to Reuters, "Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be done in coordination with the IRGC and Iranian forces."

US President Donald Trump on Friday revealed that he forced Israel to cave to Iran's demand to end the fighting in Lebanon.

According to Trump, "The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear 'Dust,' created by our great B2 Bombers - No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form."

"This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah situation in an appropriate manner," he claimed.

"Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!! Thank you!"

In a statement issued nearly in parallel to Trump's announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, noting that the decision was made after, in his words, significant achievements had been attained on the northern front.

Netanyahu referred to two central threats from Lebanon, saying: “The near threat - infiltration of thousands of terrorists into our territory and anti-tank fire at our communities; and the distant threat - the firing of 150,000 missiles and rockets intended to destroy the cities of Israel." According to him, “we have removed both of these threats."

He also noted that Israel had created, “for the first time, a deep security buffer zone along the entire northern border," adding that the IDF is operating along a designated line to prevent infiltration and anti-tank fire. He said the buffer is intended to completely remove the immediate threat to the communities.

Netanyahu further claimed that 90% of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket stockpiles had been destroyed, and that “today’s Hezbollah is a shadow of itself compared to the days of Nasrallah’s arrogance." However, he emphasized that “we have not yet finished the job" and that additional plans exist to address remaining threats.

According to him, another objective is the dismantling of Hezbollah, but he clarified, "This will not be achieved tomorrow. It requires sustained effort, patience, and endurance, and it requires wise navigation of the diplomatic field." He added that direct contacts are taking place between Israeli and Lebanese representatives, noting that “for the first time in 43 years, representatives of the State of Israel are speaking directly with representatives of the State of Lebanon."

Netanyahu concluded: “One hand holds a weapon, the other is extended in peace," emphasizing that Israel will work to restore security to the residents of the north.

On Thursday, Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf took credit for the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which officially went into effect at midnight Friday morning.

In a post on social media, Ghalibaf claimed that "the ceasefire was nothing but a result of Hezbollah's steadfastness and the unity of the Axis of Resistance."

He further wrote that "we will deal with this ceasefire with caution, and we will remain together until the full realization of victory."

The comments come a day after Ghalibaf insisted that no ceasefire in Iran would be possible without the inclusion of Lebanon.

"The completion and consolidation of a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon will be the result of the resistance and steadfast struggle of the great Hezbollah and the unity of the Axis of Resistance," Ghalibaf wrote in a post on social media. "The United States must comply with the agreement. Resistance and Iran are one soul, both in war and in ceasefire. America should withdraw from ‘Israel First’ mistake."

Iranian officials had repeatedly claimed that a ceasefire in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire between the US and Iran which recently entered into force. However, the US and Israel had clarified that Lebanon was not included in the Iran ceasefire.

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

The Home Front Command announced that, in accordance with a situation assessment, the defense policy was updated starting at 4:00 PM today, so that the entire country has moved to a full activity level and without restrictions, except for the northern border, where the gathering limit of up to 1,000 people will apply until tomorrow at 8:00 PM.

The gathering limit will be lifted after this time. "The Home Front Command continues to conduct an ongoing situation assessment. Should there be any changes in the defense policy, the public will be informed," it said.

At the end of a tense and tense weekend, in which negotiations between Iran and the United States faltered without yielding any fruit, an extraordinary security drama unfolded behind the scenes.

The members of the Iranian delegation, who made their way back to their country, did not return alone - an impressive air defense umbrella of the Pakistani Air Force spread out over them, which accompanied them along the entire route.

The Iranian concern was not merely theoretical. In Jerusalem, Tehran believed, they might see the failure of the talks as an opportunity for a covert and daring action. The suspicion that their lives were at stake accompanied the members of the delegation, turning their journey back into an extremely sensitive operation.

A security source who described the events to Reuters painted an almost dramatic picture: from the moment it became clear that the talks had run aground, the diplomatic climate was replaced by an atmosphere of alertness. “There was a clear sense that something was wrong," he said, “and the fear became tangible. They realized that they could become a target."

The Pakistani pilots believed that this was a mission of an extraordinary scale - no longer a routine escort, but a heavy responsibility for the fate of a diplomatic delegation in the midst of regional tensions. The skies of the region were filled with the presence of advanced fighter jets, designed to repel any potential threat, overt or covert.

Pakistan spared no resources: no fewer than 24 fighter jets were assigned to the mission, alongside advanced airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), which constantly scanned the space. At the forefront were the Chinese-made J-10 aircraft - the pride of the Pakistani air force - which symbolized the willingness to use technological power to ensure safe passage.

Against the backdrop of the US-Iran ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump about a week ago, a special recitation of Psalms was held Thursday night at the Yosef Abad Synagogue in Tehran in memory of Iranians killed in the war.

The event was led by Hakham Dr. Younes Hamami Lalehzar, one of the senior figures in Iran’s Jewish community. It took place amid reports from the community that a synagogue in Tehran was accidentally damaged during an Israeli strike during the war.

The strike hit a structure adjacent to the synagogue, causing destruction. In addition, several homes belonging to Jews in the city were damaged, though no members of the community were injured.

Torah scrolls in the synagogue were found intact, but many other religious books were damaged. The Jewish community, largely cut off from news like most other Iranians, maintained a limited routine during the war, with public events halted and planned weddings postponed or canceled.

Hakham Hamami issued a statement calling on the public to "thank G-d" for the "victory" in the war, stating that "the Iranian nation defeated the Zionist and American enemy." He also condemned the "crimes of the enemy" and referenced the "holy deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and those who fell defending Iran."

The Iranian regime has largely refrained from publicizing Israeli and American strikes across the country, but highlighted the damage to the Tehran synagogue, presenting it as an accidental strike attributed to Israel.

Iranian media have reported thousands of Israeli casualties, but there has been no mention of the heavy losses suffered by the IRGC or the significant damage caused to military bases, including nuclear facilities and ballistic missile systems.

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Friday morning warned that the IDF will maintain its positions in southern Lebanon during the current ceasefire period.

In his statement, Katz also emphasized that the campaign’s objectives have not yet been fully achieved.

"We are inside Lebanon in the midst of a war against Hezbollah, with a temporary freeze and a ten-day ceasefire," he said. "The IDF is holding and will continue to hold all areas it has cleared and captured."

Katz noted that the ground maneuver into Lebanon and strikes against Hezbollah across the country have achieved significant results, but not all objectives have been completed.

"More than 1,700 terrorists have been eliminated, more than double the number in the Second Lebanon War, and a security zone enforced by the IDF has been established extending up to 10 kilometers from the border and to the antitank line, and spreads from the Mediterranean coast in the west to the Mount Hermon area in the east, in order to protect against threats of infiltration and defend against direct fire towards the communities," he added.

"The security zone has been cleared of terrorists and weapons and is devoid of residents, and it will continue to be cleared of terror infrastructure, including the destruction of homes in frontline Lebanese villages which have become terror positions in every sense of the word."

At the same time, Katz acknowledged that the area between the security zone and the Litani River, currently under Israeli fire control, has not yet been cleared of terrorists and weapons. Katz stressed that this would need to be addressed either through diplomatic means or continued military operations following the end of the ceasefire.

Regarding the return of Lebanese residents to areas south of the Litani River, he said, "If fighting resumes, any residents who return to the security zone will be required to evacuate to allow completion of the mission."

Katz also said that strikes on Hezbollah launch areas and strongholds north of the Litani and throughout Lebanon, which the IDF began to carry out and planned to continue carrying out with great force, were halted before reaching their objectives and would need to resume.

"The goal we defined - disarming Hezbollah through military or diplomatic means - was and remains the objective of this campaign, and we are committed to that," Katz said, noting that "significant diplomatic leverage has now been created through direct involvement by US President [Donald Trump] and commitment to this goal, while pressuring the Lebanese government."

"I support the residents of the north, and salute them for their resilience. We promised security for residents of the north, and that is what we will deliver."

Magen David Adom (MDA) has established an emergency primary response clinic inside a shelter in Kibbutz Misgav Am, following a request received by the MDA's Director General.

Misgav Am, located on the border with Lebanon, is home to approximately 240 residents and has suffered near-constant missile barrages and UAV threats since the war with Iran broke out on February 28.

In light of the need to strengthen immediate on-site medical response, and due to the sensitive location of the kibbutz, MDA undertook the establishment of the clinic. The project was carried out with the assistance of MDA Chief Paramedic Dr. Shafir Botner and Head of the Immediate Response Department in MDA’s Operations Division, Yossi Halabi. The clinic will enable the provision of initial medical care to residents during emergencies, until additional medical teams arrive if required.

As part of the initiative, MDA equipped the clinic with all necessary medical supplies, including resuscitation equipment, first aid materials, bandaging supplies, and additional advanced equipment.

MDA paramedic Igor Krasni, a resident of the kibbutz who will help manage the clinic, shared, "This clinic is going to change the situation on the ground for us. We are right on the border, and the nearest MDA station is in Kiryat Shmona."

"!During missile fire, roads can sometimes be blocked, which means we may need to treat casualties ourselves until MDA teams arrive.

"Now, thanks to MDA, we have advanced equipment, medications, beds, bandaging supplies, and more, to ensure we can do this in the most professional way. It’s truly amazing."

In addition, residents of the kibbutz received training and refreshers in first aid, aimed at providing them with life-saving tools and strengthening community resilience during emergencies.

Kibbutz secretary and community manager, Erez Bergman, said, "We appreciate tremendously the establishment of this clinic. We are right on the border and have basic needs that must be met. From the moment we raised the issue, MDA stepped up, and within a week turned a shelter that had nothing in it into a state-of-the-art clinic, equipped it with advanced medical gear, and trained residents to perform basic medical procedures. The clinic can serve not only us but also surrounding communities and save lives. Everyone in the kibbutz is full of admiration and appreciation for MDA."

Chairman of the kibbutz emergency team, Bogdan Dumitrescu, added: "There are no words to describe how grateful we are to MDA for rising to the challenge and establishing a clinic in the community within just a few days. The importance of this clinic is immense - it enables us to provide immediate medical response and save lives. I sincerely hope we will never need to use it, but reality teaches us otherwise, and we must be prepared for any scenario. Thank you to MDA for this wonderful contribution."

MDA Director General Eli Bin commented, "MDA places the highest importance on making life-saving medical care accessible even in the most remote and threatened communities. The establishment of the emergency clinic in Misgav Am is part of our commitment to residents, to strengthening preparedness, and to preserving human life. We will continue to operate wherever needed, in routine times and in emergencies."