US Iran war LIVE: ‘Can easily pass through vast Indian Ocean’, says Iranian official amid US blockade in Hormuz
Iran has been in a war with the US and Israel since February 28.
US Iran war LIVE updates: US President Donald Trump said Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports has been successful and asked Tehran to “just give up” amid tensions over sanctions and energy markets. Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed the US pressure campaign as ineffective, calling it “junk advice.” Iranian military officials said their restraint so far is “intended to give diplomacy a chance.”
$25 billion war bill so far
The price tag for the US war on Iran has officially landed on Capitol Hill. The war, now in its third month, has already cost the US $25 billion in munitions. The Donald Trump administration is now seeking an an extra $1.5 trillion for its defence budget to keep hostilities moving.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth, at his first appearance before Congress since the February 28 US-Israeli strikes, said internal dissent was a major obstacle in the war on Iran. Lawmakers critical of the administration’s actions are the “biggest adversary,” he said.
The stalled peace talks between US and Iran
Peace talks between the US and Iran have moved from Pakistan to the telephone. While US President Trump claims negotiations have “come a long way,” his recent social media warnings for Iran to “get smart” seemingly do not suggest the same. Pakistan prepares to receive a revised Iranian peace proposal this Friday.
Trump-Putin call
US President Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone for about 90 minutes on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed the Ukraine and Iran wars and possible ceasefire options, Reuters reported. After the call, Trump said Putin offered to help deal with Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
“I said I’d much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine,” Trump reportedly told Putin. “I said, before you help me, I want to end your war,” said Trump.
Strait of Hormuz tensions
The US continues a blockade of Iranian ports in and around the Strait of Hormuz, while preparing to extend it for the foreseeable future. Iran has responded with warnings of “swift action” if US forces move closer. The waterway, critical for global oil supply, remains closed as both sides harden positions.
The regional reality of the war on Iran is growing increasingly grim. From a still-under-investigation US Tomahawk strike that killed 170 people at an Iranian girls’ school to the loss of contact with aid boats in international waters, the human cost is mounting. Over 3,500 people, including women and at least 244 children, have died in strikes, as per US-based rights group HRANA.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Israel has also continued its bombardment of Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Israel says it has no plans to take territory in Lebanon, even as it continues bombing the south. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said the presence of Israeli forces is only for security, not expansion.
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$25 billion war bill so far
The price tag for the US war on Iran has officially landed on Capitol Hill. The war, now in its third month, has already cost the US $25 billion in munitions. The Donald Trump administration is now seeking an an extra $1.5 trillion for its defence budget to keep hostilities moving.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth, at his first appearance before Congress since the February 28 US-Israeli strikes, said internal dissent was a major obstacle in the war on Iran. Lawmakers critical of the administration’s actions are the “biggest adversary,” he said.
The stalled peace talks between US and Iran
Peace talks between the US and Iran have moved from Pakistan to the telephone. While US President Trump claims negotiations have “come a long way,” his recent social media warnings for Iran to “get smart” seemingly do not suggest the same. Pakistan prepares to receive a revised Iranian peace proposal this Friday.
Trump-Putin call
US President Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone for about 90 minutes on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed the Ukraine and Iran wars and possible ceasefire options, Reuters reported. After the call, Trump said Putin offered to help deal with Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
“I said I’d much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine,” Trump reportedly told Putin. “I said, before you help me, I want to end your war,” said Trump.
Strait of Hormuz tensions
The US continues a blockade of Iranian ports in and around the Strait of Hormuz, while preparing to extend it for the foreseeable future. Iran has responded with warnings of “swift action” if US forces move closer. The waterway, critical for global oil supply, remains closed as both sides harden positions.
The regional reality of the war on Iran is growing increasingly grim. From a still-under-investigation US Tomahawk strike that killed 170 people at an Iranian girls’ school to the loss of contact with aid boats in international waters, the human cost is mounting. Over 3,500 people, including women and at least 244 children, have died in strikes, as per US-based rights group HRANA.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Israel has also continued its bombardment of Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Israel says it has no plans to take territory in Lebanon, even as it continues bombing the south. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said the presence of Israeli forces is only for security, not expansion.
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Apr 30, 2026 2:03:37 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: US naval blockade on Hormuz ‘doomed to fail’: Iran President
US Iran news LIVE: Iran has warned the US that its naval blockade will fail, amid tensions that have pushed global oil prices sharply higher.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the blockade is “contrary to international law” and “doomed to fail,” adding that it would only “disrupt lasting stability in the Persian Gulf.”
The warning comes after the US imposed restrictions on Iranian ports, while Iran has maintained control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. (AFP)
Apr 30, 2026 1:43:11 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: ‘Aparthied without borders’: UN expert slams Israel’s actions for Gaza
US Iran news LIVE: UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has strongly criticised Israel after its reported seizure of Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla ships in international waters.
“How on earth is possible that Israel is allowed to assault and seize vessels in international waters just off Greece/Europe?” she wrote on X.
She said the incident should alarm Europe, adding, “Besides what you can think of Apartheid Israel and its genocidal leaders, this should send shock waves across Europe.”
Albanese described the situation as “Apartheid without borders.”
Apr 30, 2026 1:34:26 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran football delegation to miss FIFA meeting due to ‘unacceptable’ behaviour in Canada
US Iran news LIVE: An Iranian football federation delegation is set to miss a FIFA pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver after being turned back at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada, Tasnim News agency reported. The delegation described said it was due to the “unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials.”
The group, which included federation president Mehdi Taj, secretary-general Hedayat Mombeni, and deputy Hamed Momeni, said it held valid visas but was still denied entry on arrival.
The delegation was forced to return despite its scheduled participation in FIFA-related meetings, Tasnim reported.
Apr 30, 2026 1:31:37 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Amazon AWS in Bahrain damaged due to war
US Iran news LIVE: The Amazon Web Services (AWS) region in Bahrain has been damaged due to the ongoing war and is currently not operational, the company said Thursday. Amazon also confirmed that billing has been suspended while restoration work is underway, with full recovery expected to take several months. (Al Jazeera)
Apr 30, 2026 1:28:38 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: US’ zero uranium enrichment demand makes talks pointless, Iranian lawmaker
US Iran news LIVE: There is “no point” in negotiating with the United States if its demand is zero uranium enrichment, an Iranian lawmaker and former foreign minister has said.
Manouchehr Mottaki told Iran’s Student News Network that Iran would have “looked more closely at how to proceed” if it had known this position earlier. “I have no objection to going to the negotiating table, but we should have looked more closely at how to proceed,” he said.
He also said that after early rounds of talks, US officials began publicly signalling a hardline stance. “Trump started whispering outside about zero enrichment,” Mottaki said, adding that a US NATO envoy did not “dare” to openly mention it.
He further argued that if Iran had known this was the US’s final position, “there would have been no point in negotiating with them, because this issue is fundamentally not related to America.”
Apr 30, 2026 12:57:32 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Israel and US responsible for Hormuz ‘insecurity’, says Iran President
US Iran news LIVE: Iran’s president has blamed the US and Israel for insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz. In a message on National Persian Gulf Day, President Masoud Pezeshkian described the waterway as “a symbol of the great Iranian nation’s resistance.”
He added, “The responsibility for any insecurity in this water area lies with the United States and the Zionist regime,” reiterating Iran’s position on restricting what it calls hostile influence in the region.
Apr 30, 2026 12:49:58 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Israel hits Lebanon in fresh airstrikes
US Iran news LIVE: Israeli air raids struck Haris, Beit Yahoun and Ghandouriyeh in southern Lebanon, according to reports from Al Jazeera Arabic. Israeli media also reported that a drone launched from Lebanon fell in the Shomera area.
Apr 30, 2026 12:48:26 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: US carrier set to leave Gulf base as talks stall
US Iran news LIVE: The USS Gerald R Ford and its strike group are expected to leave the West Asia region in the coming days, according to a TimesNG report citing a senior US official.
The deployment, part of a US naval presence in the region, comes amid stalled negotiations with Iran and ongoing tensions linked to maritime security operations. The carrier has been stationed in the Red Sea for over 10 months, according to the report.
Its withdrawal is expected to reduce US naval strength in the region, where other carrier groups remain active in nearby waters.
Apr 30, 2026 12:43:49 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: France seeks extension of fuel price cap amid high costs
US Iran news LIVE: The French government has asked for an extension of the petrol price cap beyond April to ease pressure on consumers facing high fuel costs, as per TF1 TV.
Energy Minister and government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said the cap is set to expire soon and should be continued, citing corporate profits and difficult conditions for households.
France also said it holds about 100 million barrels in oil reserves, with only 2% released so far under an agreement with the International Energy Agency.
Apr 30, 2026 12:18:59 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran warns retaliation if US blockade continues
US Iran news LIVE: Tehran will not accept an extension of the US naval blockade, a senior Iranian military adviser has warned.
Mohsen Rezaei said, “If the blockade continues, Iran will respond,” according to Iran state broadcaster IRIB. He added, “Such a blockade has essentially achieved nothing and they have not been able to enforce it. The Indian Ocean is extremely vast, and we can easily pass through it; we have already done so.”
His remarks come as Trump weighs extending the blockade on Iranian ports. Rezaei also addressed speculation about Iran’s leadership, saying, “The Supreme Leader is young, healthy, and energetic, and is managing the affairs of the country,” while US officials have raised questions over the situation.
Apr 30, 2026 12:01:20 PM IST
US Iran news LIVE: US awaits new Iran plan; here’s what’s in store
US Iran news LIVE: The US is awaiting a revised Iranian peace proposal expected by Friday as diplomatic efforts continue.
Donald Trump said talks are now being held “telephonically” after earlier rounds failed or were canceled.
He added that any deal depends on Iran abandoning nuclear weapons, stating, “there will never be a deal unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons.”
Iran’s earlier proposal, rejected by Washington, sought to end the war first and defer nuclear issues. (CNN)
Apr 30, 2026 11:47:50 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Gaza flotilla accuses Israel of leaving activists stranded at sea
US Iran news LIVE: The Global Sumud Flotilla has accused Israeli forces of disabling vessels carrying activists and civilians bound for Gaza, leaving hundreds stranded at sea.
In a post on X, the group said Israeli forces “systematically” damaged boats by smashing engines and destroying navigation systems. It claimed the operation left vessels without power and unable to move, with some crews reportedly left exposed in rough weather conditions.
Apr 30, 2026 11:38:22 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: France economy slows due to war impact
US Iran news LIVE: France’s economy showed no growth in the first quarter of 2026, as higher energy costs linked to the US war on Iran weighed on activity.
GDP stayed flat, below expectations of small growth. Weak consumer spending, lower investment, and falling exports all slowed the economy.
The report suggests rising oil and energy prices from the Gulf conflict are starting to hurt Europe’s economy. France has also warned that the war could cost billions of euros this year due to higher energy expenses. (Bloomberg)
Apr 30, 2026 11:36:27 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Iran celebrates National Persian Gulf Day amid tensions
US Iran news LIVE: Iran is observing National Persian Gulf Day, which commemorates the 1622 expulsion of Portuguese forces from the Strait of Hormuz.
This year’s celebrations come amid regional tensions, including a fragile ceasefire with the US and pressure over the Strait of Hormuz.
Events in Tehran began with a “sports conference” at the Tabiat Bridge attended by about 10,000 people. Officials said the aim is to boost public morale and national resilience, as per Iran’s Mehr news agency
Apr 30, 2026 11:20:02 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: What is the US’ ‘Operation Economic Fury’ on Iran?
US Iran news LIVE: ‘Operation Economic Fury’ is a US sanctions campaign aimed at increasing pressure on Iran by targeting its oil exports, shipping networks, and financial systems. The goal is to limit Iran’s ability to sell crude oil and move money internationally.
Under the operation, the US has sanctioned Chinese refineries accused of buying Iranian oil, as well as tankers and companies involved in what it calls a “shadow fleet” used to secretly transport Iranian crude. It has also targeted individuals and entities linked to Iran’s oil trade, banking networks, and weapons procurement systems, including groups in Iran, the UAE, and Turkey.
The US has also warned that countries and companies continuing to trade with Iran could face secondary sanctions, meaning they may also be penalised for doing business with sanctioned entities.
Apr 30, 2026 11:16:42 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Israel blows up water station, resort in Lebanon
US Iran news LIVE: Israeli forces bombed a water pumping station in Batouliyeh, cutting off a key water supply used by remaining residents, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported.
The report also said Israeli forces blew up a tourist resort in Al-Bayyad.
Apr 30, 2026 11:14:44 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump to be briefed on new military options involving Iran
US Iran news LIVE: CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper is expected to brief President Donald Trump on updated US military options involving Iran, Axios reported. The briefing is said to be based on internal planning for possible escalation scenarios.
“The briefing signals that Trump is seriously considering resuming major combat operations either to try to break the logjam in negotiations or to deliver a final blow before ending the war,” said the Axios report.
Apr 30, 2026 10:54:53 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Ghalibaf calls US policy advice ‘junk’
US Iran news LIVE: Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has criticised US policy circles. Ghalibaf linked it to Bessent’s energy markets and sanctions-related approaches.
“3 days in, no well exploded. We could extend to 30 and livestream the well here. That was the kind of junk advice the US admin gets from people like Bessent who also push the blockade theory and cranked oil up to $120+. Next stop:140. The issue isn’t the theory, it’s the mindset,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.
Apr 30, 2026 10:50:09 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: US says they seized $500M Iranian crypto assets
US Iran news LIVE: The US says it has seized nearly $500 million worth of Iranian cryptocurrency assets as part of its “Operation Economic Fury,” which it claims has pushed Iran’s government into crisis. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US has also frozen bank accounts globally and is intensifying pressure on countries and companies dealing with Iran, including warnings of secondary sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil.
“We were able to grab about 350 million crypto assets, and then on top of another 100 that we had recently gotten, so we’re almost at half a billion there, and we are freezing bank accounts everywhere,” Bessent told Fox News.
He said Trump had ordered the economic pressure campaign in March of last year and told him to “up the pressure again” about three weeks ago.
He added that the campaign, along with a naval blockade on Iranian ports, is aimed at inflicting long-term damage on Iran’s economy. (Fox Business news)
Apr 30, 2026 10:23:46 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: War drives oil above $126 a barrel
US Iran news LIVE: Oil prices surged past $12 per barrel amid uncertainty over the war and stalled negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This is the highest in four years. (Bloomberg)
Apr 30, 2026 9:48:47 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Oil surges to $123 a barrel amid Hormuz tensions
US Iran news LIVE: Global financial markets came under pressure on Thursday as oil prices surged to nearly $123 per barrel, Bloomberg reported.
Brent crude climbed as much as 4.3% to $123.11 a barrel, its longest winning streak in nearly four years. This was fuelled by concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and reports that progress towards easing the blockade on Iranian ports has stalled.
Apr 30, 2026 9:42:10 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Lebanon asks Israel to respect ceasefire before direct talks
US Iran news LIVE: Lebanon President Joseph Aoun has asked Israel to fully honour the ceasefire before any direct talks. Latest Israeli strikes have killed over 20 people.
Israel’s latest military onslaught on Lebanon has continued since March despite an April 17 truce. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir warned of further strikes north of the Litani River. (AFP)
Apr 30, 2026 9:17:41 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: Trump plans long blockade to pressure Iran
US Iran news LIVE: Donald Trump has asked officials to prepare for a long-term blockade of Iran’s ports to force Tehran to curb its nuclear programme.
Trump believes Iran is not negotiating in good faith and wants it to halt uranium enrichment for 20 years under strict limits, as per AFP. A White House official said the blockade could continue for several months more.
Apr 30, 2026 9:11:08 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: US may reduce troops in Germany over war support, says Trump
US Iran news LIVE: Washington may reduce its troop presence in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz declined to back the US war against Iran, Donald Trump has said. Around 35,000 to 50,000 US troops are currently stationed there.
Merz had earlier said Iran was “humiliating” the US in negotiations, further escalating tensions. (AFP)
Apr 30, 2026 9:08:14 AM IST
US Iran news LIVE: US redirects 42nd vessel amid Hormuz blockade
US Iran news LIVE: United States Central Command said it has redirected a 42nd commercial vessel attempting to breach the blockade on Iran.
The command added that 41 tankers carrying about 69 million barrels of oil remain unable to sell their cargo, estimating the value at over $6 billion.