The latest exchange of fire marked the most direct confrontation between the two adversaries since an April ceasefire, underscoring the fragility of diplomatic progress and highlighting the risk that violence elsewhere in the region could reignite the conflict.

Iran’s military headquarters announced that armed forces operations against Israel had been halted after what it described as a “painful response” to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. The statement, however, warned that Tehran would resume military action if Israeli operations continued, including in southern Lebanon.

A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that Israel had also decided to suspend attacks on Iran, although Israeli officials maintained that the military remained prepared to continue operations if required.

The confrontation began after Iran launched missiles toward Israeli territory late on Sunday, which Tehran said was retaliation for Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds on the outskirts of Beirut. Israel responded with attacks on Iranian targets, including a petrochemical facility in the southwestern city of Mahshahr.

Israeli officials said the site was used to produce and export raw materials for Iran’s ballistic missile program. A provincial Iranian official told local media that sections of the complex had sustained damage.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it retaliated by targeting a similar petrochemical facility in the Israeli port city of Haifa.

The flare-up reverberated through global markets. Oil prices surged as much as 5% before retreating after Iran signaled that its initial military response had concluded. The U.S. dollar also eased after reaching its highest level in nearly two months.

The renewed violence has complicated Trump’s efforts to secure a broader agreement with Tehran. The conflict, launched by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28, has remained largely frozen since an April 8 ceasefire paused full-scale warfare.

In a social media post, Trump said Israel and Iran were seeking “an immediate CEASEFIRE” and that final negotiations toward peace were progressing. He added that a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place until a comprehensive agreement was reached.

An Israeli official confirmed that Trump spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday as Washington sought to prevent the latest escalation from derailing diplomacy.

Despite indications of restraint, officials on both sides maintained a hardened stance. An Israeli military official said the armed forces were prepared to continue operations “for as long as it takes” and confirmed strikes on newly rebuilt Iranian air-defense systems in addition to the petrochemical facility.

Iranian officials likewise signaled readiness for a prolonged confrontation. A military source quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency said Tehran could renew attacks, including against U.S. interests in the region, if circumstances warranted.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said talks with Washington were taking place in an atmosphere of “extreme suspicion” and accused Israel of attempting to sabotage diplomatic efforts through its military actions in Lebanon.

In Tehran, state media reported explosions and said air-defense systems had shot down a drone over the capital. No significant casualties or major damage were immediately reported.

The conflict also drew in Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, who announced plans to prevent Israeli maritime navigation through the Red Sea and claimed responsibility for missile launches against Israel.

An Israeli military official said Iran had fired nearly 30 ballistic missiles toward Israel since Sunday evening, while the Houthis launched an additional two missiles.

Iran’s National Emergency Organization said 15 people were injured in the latest Israeli strikes, including 14 in Mahshahr County. No fatalities were reported. Israel’s ambulance service said there were no reported casualties from the missile attacks on Israeli territory.

The latest exchange has reinforced the central role of Lebanon in regional diplomacy. Israel has continued military operations against Hezbollah despite the Iran ceasefire, arguing that the Lebanese front is separate from its conflict with Tehran.

Hezbollah has maintained attacks against Israel and insists it will not disarm unless Israeli operations cease. Tehran has repeatedly stated that any comprehensive peace agreement with Washington depends on an end to fighting in Lebanon.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa said Lebanese-Israeli negotiations were scheduled to resume in Washington, offering a potential diplomatic channel as efforts continue to prevent the conflict from expanding further.

The war has also reshaped regional trade routes. Iran continues to block most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, while Washington has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports.

Trump has said any final settlement must ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. Tehran has demanded the lifting of international sanctions, access to frozen assets and recognition of its influence over the strategically important waterway.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired from Jongju, a city on North Korea’s west coast, and traveled toward the sea. The military did not immediately disclose the number of missiles launched or their flight distances.

Seoul said it had strengthened its surveillance and readiness posture following the launches and was closely coordinating with the United States and Japan on intelligence assessments and monitoring activities.
The test was North Korea’s first known missile launch since April 19, when Pyongyang fired multiple short-range missiles that state media described as part of an exercise involving cluster-bomb warheads.

The latest launch extends a pattern of weapons testing that has intensified as North Korea advances its military modernization programs.
Kim has prioritized the expansion of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and missile forces since negotiations with then-U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019 without an agreement on sanctions relief and denuclearization.

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in reviving direct engagement with Kim. However, North Korea has largely ignored those overtures and has maintained that Washington must abandon demands for unilateral nuclear disarmament before meaningful negotiations can resume.

Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul have also deteriorated sharply. Kim has increasingly characterized South Korea as North Korea’s principal adversary and has moved to sever longstanding channels of inter-Korean cooperation and dialogue.

The missile launches came hours after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for accelerated efforts to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities during a Cabinet meeting. Lee highlighted the importance of investing in artificial intelligence-driven military systems, expanding drone capabilities and examining the potential acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine.

While Lee did not directly address Tuesday’s missile launches, he emphasized the need for South Korea to demonstrate its ability to safeguard its own security interests. He said a stronger national defense posture would reinforce the country’s alliance with the United States.

The latest test is likely to draw renewed scrutiny from regional security partners as tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain elevated and diplomatic engagement between North Korea and its neighbors shows little sign of revival.

“I just feel better if I got it, actually, but it’s I think, it’s more for public relations than it is for anything else,” Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity when asked about locating and removing Iran’s sensitive nuclear material.

Trump’s comments appeared to soften the urgency surrounding one of Israel’s central war objectives following the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign launched against Iran on Feb. 28.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said the conflict could not be considered finished until Iran’s enriched uranium reserves were removed from the country.

“The war is not over,” Netanyahu said in a recent interview, arguing that the nuclear material “has to be taken out” of Iran.

The remarks highlighted a possible divergence in emphasis between Washington and Tel Aviv as the conflict enters its third month amid mounting regional instability and pressure on global energy markets.

The status of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and uranium stockpiles has remained a major focus of international concern since the outbreak of hostilities, with Western governments and nuclear experts warning that enriched uranium could become a strategic bargaining point in any future settlement.

Trump made the comments while concluding a diplomatic visit to China, where discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping included the Iran conflict, global oil flows and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The ongoing war has disrupted regional shipping routes and contributed to volatility in global crude markets, while diplomatic efforts to contain escalation have intensified among major powers.

The candidates former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi of Argentina, UN trade and development head Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and former Senegalese president Macky Sall are set to participate in hours-long hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday in a process aimed at increasing transparency in the selection of the UN’s top official.

The public dialogues, introduced in 2016, allow member states and non-governmental organizations to question candidates directly. However, the final decision will rest with the 15-member UN Security Council, where the five permanent members the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France hold veto power.

The selection comes at a time when the United Nations faces significant operational strain, including what officials describe as a severe budget shortfall linked to delayed or withheld contributions, particularly from the United States. Washington’s envoy to the UN has indicated that the next secretary-general must align with U.S. priorities, underscoring the geopolitical stakes involved in the appointment.

Bachelet, 74, brings decades of political and diplomatic experience, having served as Chile’s first female president and later as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her tenure at the rights body drew criticism from some member states, including China, following reports addressing alleged abuses against Uyghur populations.

Grossi, 65, has led the IAEA since 2019 and has played a central role in navigating nuclear-related tensions involving Iran and the conflict in Ukraine, including concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. His candidacy places him under scrutiny from both Western powers and Russia, reflecting the sensitivity of his portfolio.

Grynspan, 70, currently heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development and has been credited with facilitating the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which enabled grain exports amid the Ukraine conflict.

She has emphasized multilateral cooperation and her personal background as the daughter of Holocaust survivors in articulating her commitment to the UN Charter.Sall, 64, stands as the only candidate outside Latin America, a region many member states argue should produce the next secretary-general under informal rotation practices.

His candidacy has faced resistance within Africa, including from segments of the African Union, and criticism related to his handling of political unrest during his presidency.All four candidates have pledged to restore confidence in the United Nations and address divisions among member states, as conflicts and economic pressures test the institution’s capacity to respond effectively.

The hearings are expected to shape diplomatic negotiations in the coming months as Security Council members weigh competing priorities before recommending a candidate to the General Assembly.

Speaking at a Turning Point USA event, Vance said distrust between Washington and Tehran remains a fundamental obstacle to any durable agreement. “There is a lot of, of course, mistrust between Iran and the United States of America.

You are not going to solve that problem overnight,” he said, while adding that Iranian negotiators appeared willing to reach a deal.Vance, who participated in recent negotiations held in Pakistan, said he was cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of talks.

“I feel very good about where we are,” he said, signaling confidence in ongoing diplomatic efforts despite recent setbacks.Donald Trump said on Tuesday that discussions aimed at ending the Iran war could resume in Pakistan within days, following the collapse of negotiations over the weekend.

The breakdown prompted Washington to impose a blockade on Iranian ports, escalating economic and military pressure on Tehran.A two-week ceasefire between US and Iranian forces remains in effect, with one week remaining, offering a limited window for diplomatic engagement.

The pause in hostilities follows weeks of intensified conflict that began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran.Tehran retaliated with attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases, expanding the geographic scope of the conflict.

Subsequent US-Israeli operations inside Iran, along with Israeli strikes in Lebanon, have resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement, according to official accounts.

The evolving situation underscores the complexity of negotiations, with diplomatic momentum constrained by entrenched mistrust and ongoing military developments.

Two Pakistani officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Islamabad has offered to again facilitate negotiations, although the final venue would depend on whether Washington or Tehran request an alternative location.

They described the initial round of talks as part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort.The proposal follows marathon negotiations held on April 12 that ended without a breakthrough but were marked by what U.S. Vice President JD Vance described as “some progress,” particularly on Washington’s demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

In an interview with Fox News, Vance said Iranian negotiators had moved closer to U.S. positions on the removal of nuclear material and mechanisms to prevent future uranium enrichment, but were unable to finalize a deal, suggesting decisions may require approval from authorities in Tehran.

“There really is, I think, a grand deal to be had here,” Vance said, adding that the next step rests with Iran.The White House did not confirm whether preparations for a second round are underway. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that U.S. negotiating positions remain unchanged and pointed to increased pressure on Iran following the implementation of a U.S. naval blockade.

Multiple sources familiar with the discussions said both sides are considering further in-person talks aimed at reaching an agreement before the ceasefire expires next week. While Islamabad remains a leading candidate to host the meeting, other locations such as Geneva are also under consideration, with timing still undecided but potentially within days.

A diplomat involved in mediation efforts said there is growing alignment on holding another round, though details on the level of representation and agenda remain unresolved.U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier that Iran had reached out seeking a deal, underscoring continued engagement between the two sides even as tensions persist.

In an interview published Monday, Trump said the United States was in talks with Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander. Qalibaf denied the assertion in a statement, saying Washington was “promoting desires as news while threatening our nation at the same time.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry also dismissed the claim. Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said no negotiations had taken place, though he confirmed that intermediaries had conveyed proposals to Tehran.

Baghaei said Iran would not overlook what he described as past breaches of diplomacy, referring to indirect talks in 2025 and early 2026 that were followed by military action involving the United States and Israel.

War pressure shapes diplomacy claimsThe exchange comes as Trump has increased pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement to end the ongoing conflict, now in its fifth week following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes launched in late February.

Trump warned that failure to reach a deal “shortly” could result in widespread destruction of Iran’s energy infrastructure and critical facilities, including desalination plants.

Qalibaf’s role under scrutinyQalibaf, long viewed as a pragmatic conservative within Iran’s political system, has previously been mentioned as a potential interlocutor for Western governments.

However, questions remain about his authority within Iran’s complex power structure following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a February airstrike.His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, is believed to maintain ties with Qalibaf, though competing centers of power within Iran’s leadership continue to shape decision-making.

Analysts say references to Qalibaf as a negotiating channel may reflect both external pressure tactics and internal political maneuvering, as Tehran navigates wartime conditions and diplomatic isolation.

Witkoff, speaking during a cabinet meeting, confirmed for the first time that the United States had passed the proposal via Pakistan, which is facilitating indirect communication between the two sides.

He said the effort sought to present Iran with what he described as a critical juncture, warning that failure to engage could lead to further escalation.

Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul said the United States and Iran had already held indirect contacts and were preparing for a potential face-to-face meeting. He told Deutschlandfunk radio that such a meeting could take place “very soon” in Pakistan, though no official date was disclosed.

Pakistan’s role as a conduit underscores the absence of direct diplomatic ties between Washington and Tehran, with both sides relying on intermediaries to exchange proposals amid heightened regional tensions.

lAccording to the details outlined by Witkoff, the U.S. proposal includes stringent conditions on Iran’s nuclear activities. These include a prohibition on weaponization, dismantling of the Fordow nuclear facility, cessation of uranium enrichment, a ban on stockpiling nuclear material, and the transfer of enriched uranium to the United States.

Iranian authorities are currently reviewing the proposal, though no formal response has been announced.

The diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of an ongoing Middle East conflict that has drawn in multiple regional actors and intensified scrutiny of Iran’s military and nuclear posture. U.S. officials have framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to reduce hostilities and prevent further destabilization.

Witkoff said the outcome would depend on whether Tehran views the current moment as an opportunity to shift course, adding that discussions remain at a preliminary stage.