US-Iran War LIVE | Iran Says US Proposal To End War 'Under Review', The Two Countries Are Drafting A 14-Point Proposal

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to his Iranian counterpart Pezeshkian and expressed concern over the ongoing escalation. Macron stated on X that he condemned the 'unjustified strikes against Emirati civilian infrastructure and several ships' and urged all parties to 'lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz without delay and without conditions.'

He also stated that the UK and France have launched a multinational mission to help 'restore confidence among shipowners and insurers' and it will be 'distinct from the warring parties'. Macron also spoke of the positioning of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, saying that it fits within this context and that 'recent events clearly demonstrate the usefulness that such a mission would have. I have invited the Iranian president to seize this opportunity, and I intend to discuss this matter with President Trump.'

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri says any agreement with Israel needs to ensure guarantees, as Tel Aviv has “violated” the cessation of hostilities despite Hezbollah’s commitment to it.

Berri told Al Jazeera that Iran’s FM had confirmed that Lebanon would be part of any deal the US secures to end the war, adding that he hoped the Iran-US negotiations would reach a “positive conclusion soon”.

Iranian Parliament Speaker, MB Ghalibaf, stated on X that a new equation of the Strait of Hormuz is in the process of being solidified. "The security of shipping and energy transit has been jeopardized by the United States and its allies through the violation of the ceasefire and the imposition of a blockade; of course, their evil will diminish. We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet," he stated on X.

Iran and the U.S. are drafting a 14-point framework to restart talks aimed at ending tensions, with negotiations possibly resuming next week in Islamabad. Iran is now open to discussing its nuclear program, though major disputes remain over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and control of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed monthlong talks would include easing Iranian restrictions in the strait and scaling back U.S. pressure on Iranian ports.

Stating that the US is pushing a flawed, politically motivated UN Security Council draft resolution "under the pretext of 'freedom of navigation' to advance its political agenda and legitimise unlawful actions—not to resolve the crisis," Iran's Mission to the UN stated that the only viable solution in the Strait of Hormuz is 'a permanent end to the war, the lifting of the maritime blockade, and the restoration of normal passage.'

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Wednesday that a US proposal to end the war is still "under review" by Tehran, local media reported.

"The US plan and proposal are still under review by Iran," Baqaei told ISNA news agency, adding Tehran will convey its views to key mediator Pakistan after "finalising its views".

US President Donald Trump said earlier Wednesday that he wanted the war to be "at an end", while vowing more intensive attacks on Iran if it did not agree to conditions.

The White House believes it is near an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum to end the war, according to reporting by Axios. There is no agreement yet, but the provisions include a moratorium on Iranian uranium enrichment, a lifting of U.S. sanctions, the distribution of frozen Iranian funds and opening the strait for ships.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about the possible agreement.

Trump said in his social media post that it was “perhaps a big assumption” that Iran would agree to the terms being offered by the United States.

“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,” Trump said.

A shaky ceasefire between the U.S. and Tehran has largely held since it began on April 8. Pakistan hosted in-person talks last month between Iran and a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, but the talks failed to result in a deal.

At least five people have been killed and 15 wounded after an Israeli attack on the town of al-Saksakieh in southern Lebanon, NNA reported.

We reported yesterday that a US tanker issued an emergency (Squawk 7700) shortly before disappearing near the Qatar coast. There was another US tanker that issued the same squawk and disappeared over Saudi Arabia. More than 24 hours after the disappearance, data on Flightradar24 showed their status as 'unknown'.

Israel's army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited troops in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, vowing to dismantle Hezbollah and saying the military was prepared to launch a new offensive against Iran if needed.

"We will seize every opportunity to deepen the dismantling of Hezbollah and continue weakening it," Zamir told soldiers in the area of the Lebanese town of Khiam.

He added that the military was also "on high alert to return to a powerful and broad operation that will enable us to deepen our achievements and further weaken the Iranian regime".

Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency stated on X that Iran has 'designed and implemented a governance system for the Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessels intending to transit the waterway to obtain permission by adhering to new regulations.'

China stated that it will continue to work for de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and keep Chinese vessels and crew members there safe. "Hope parties will avoid further escalation, resolve disputes through dialogue and restore peace to the Strait soon," stated the Chinese Foreign Ministry on X.

France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier group is moving into the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as France and the UK continue preparations for a potential mission to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, reported Al Jazeera.

The French Armed Forces Ministry said in a statement that the aircraft carrier group crossed the Suez Canal on Wednesday, en route to the south of the Red Sea.

The group was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean shortly after the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28, and it can stay at sea for four to five months.

Iran's ISNA News Agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei as saying that Tehran is reviewing a ⁠US proposal to ⁠end the more than two-month-old ‌war on Iran, and will convey its views to the ⁠mediator, Pakistan.

Trump took to Truth Social to say that if Iran doesn't agree to 'give what has been agreed to', the bombing would start and would be 'sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before'. He called the ongoing Operation Epic Fury 'legendary' and said that it's a 'big assumption' that Iran would agree. He also said that the US blockade will open the Hormuz Strait for all, including Iran.

IRGC Navy thanked the captains and ship-owners in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, for 'complying with Iran's Strait of Hormuz regulations & contributing to regional maritime security,' adding, "with aggressor's threats neutralized & new protocols in place, safe, stable passage through SOH will be ensured."

China's foreign minister on Wednesday called for a comprehensive ceasefire in the Iran war, in comments that could inject new energy into stalled efforts to end the two-month conflict between the United States and Iran.

Wang Yi said his country was “deeply distressed” by the conflict. He spoke after meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was visiting Beijing for the first time since the war with the U.S. and Israel started Feb. 28. (AP)

An Israeli strike in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa valley on Wednesday killed four people, Lebanon's health ministry said, with local media reporting the attack took place before the Israeli army issued a warning to evacuate the area along with 11 other towns.

"An Israeli enemy raid on the town of Zellaya in West Bekaa resulted in four martyrs, including two women and an elderly man," the ministry said.

Lebanese state media said the attack struck the house of the town's mayor, killing him and three members of his family.

Israel’s army says it has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas of Lebanon, violating the ceasefire agreement with its neighbours.

“The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites in several areas in Lebanon,” a military statement said, according to Al Jazeera.

It came shortly after the army reported “several incidents” during which drones exploded near Israeli soldiers operating in Lebanon’s south.

Oil prices dived on Wednesday, with international benchmark Brent sliding under $100 a barrel, on fresh hopes for an end to the Middle East war.

Brent North Sea crude slumped 9.3 per cent to $99.64 a barrel, while the main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, plunged 10.7 per cent to $91.33.

Washington believes it is close to reaching an agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war, according to US news outlet Axios.

Oil prices plunged on Wednesday on fresh hopes of the United States and Iran reaching a peace deal to end the Middle East war.

International benchmark Brent North Sea crude dived 6.2 per cent to $103.04 per barrel.

The main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, slid 6.4 per cent to $95.68 per barrel.

Iran and Saudi Arabia emphasised the importance of diplomacy and regional cooperation to prevent further escalation in the Middle East during a phone call between their top diplomats on Wednesday, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is currently in Beijing for talks with Chinese officials, held a phone conversation with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the ministry said in a statement. The two sides discussed the latest regional developments and stressed the need to continue diplomatic efforts and coordination among regional countries to prevent rising tensions, according to the statement. There was no immediate Saudi statement on the talks.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for a swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in his meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.

“Regarding the Strait issue, the international community shares a common concern over restoring normal safe passage through the strait,” Beijing’s top diplomat said on Wednesday, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “China hopes that the parties concerned will respond promptly to the strong calls of the international community,” it added.

South Korea on Wednesday said it was now “unnecessary” to review a proposal by the US to participate in its Strait of Hormuz mission. “Suspension of Project Freedom makes Seoul's review of participation unnecessary,” said a statement from the presidential office, according to Yonhap News.

The decision came after US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the US military will temporarily pause "Project Freedom" to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had demanded Seoul participate in the mission, announced on Sunday by the US president, to secure passage of vessels in the key waterway, currently blocked by Iran as well as American forces.

Spain’s prime minister on Wednesday called on the European Commission to take steps to protect the independence of the International Criminal Court and the UN, as well as their actions to end the genocide in Gaza. “We ask the Commission to activate the Anti-Coercion Instrument, to protect the independence of the International Criminal Court and the United Nations, and their actions to end the genocide in Gaza,” Pedro Sanchez wrote on X.

He said Spain will “not look the other way” and warned that sanctioning those who defend international justice places the human rights system at risk. The EU cannot remain a bystander “in the face of this persecution,” he added.

A container ship owned by French shipping company CMA CGM was the "target of an attack" in the Strait of Hormuz, the major shipping firm said on Wednesday.

"The CMA CGM San Antonio was the target of an attack yesterday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in injuries among crew members and damage to the vessel," the shipping firm told AFP, adding those injured had been evacuated for treatment. (AFP)

The Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate 12 towns and villages across southern Lebanon's Tyre, Sidon, Nabatieh, and South Governorates on Wednesday, Haaretz reported.

In a statement, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents to leave their homes "by a distance of at least 1000 meters to open areas." According to the IDF, Israel is "compelled to act against" Hezbollah's cease-fire violations and does not intend to harm civilians.

Iranian authorities said loud sounds heard on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz were caused by air defences “confronting” drones, denying reports of explosions or damage on the strategic island.

Officials in Hormozgan province said the sounds were linked to air defence systems responding to small and reconnaissance drones, ISNA reported.

The statement followed reports of explosions on Qeshm Island, which sits along the contested Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.

Despite the ceasefire with the United States, Iranian air defences have reportedly intercepted drones several times in recent weeks, including incidents over Tehran, amid continued regional tensions.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran is “illegitimate”, as he met with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing. Wang said China was ready to continue efforts to ease tensions, stressing that “a complete ceasefire is essential” and that the region is at a “critical juncture” where direct meetings between the sides are necessary.

Araghchi thanked China for its “firm stance”, particularly its condemnation of the United States and Israel, saying Beijing remains “a close friend of Iran”. He described the war against Iran as “a blatant act of aggression and a flagrant violation of international law”, adding that Tehran would “do our utmost to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations” and would only accept “a fair and comprehensive agreement”.

Oil prices fell on Wednesday, with West Texas Intermediate briefly dipping below $100 a barrel, extending losses from Tuesday. The cheaper oil prices provided support to equities, with investors taking their cue from another record day for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, fuelled again by tech firms. (AFP).

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Wednesday following a drop in crude oil prices after US President Donald Trump claimed progress in negotiations with Iran toward an agreement to end the war. A positive trend in global markets also aided the rally in domestic stocks.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 657.22 points to 77,675.01 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty rallied 218 points to 24,250.85. From the 30-Sensex firms, InterGlobe Aviation, Mahindra & Mahindra, Trent, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv and Tech Mahindra were among the major winners. Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Unilever, NTPC and Power Grid were the laggards.

US President Donald Trump has suspended “Project Freedom,” to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming progress in negotiations with Iran toward an agreement to end the war. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump said, “Great progress has been made toward a complete and final agreement with representatives of Iran.” Read more...

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has held high-level talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, according to a report by Iran's state-run Press TV.

Araghchi arrived in the Chinese capital on Wednesday at the invitation of Wang Yi. According to Iran's state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the visit is aimed at addressing international developments amid the escalating crisis in West Asia. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the engagement in a post on X, stating that the two leaders would "hold talks" to exchange views on the current geopolitical climate.

In a separate statement shared on Telegram, Araghchi noted that the trip is part of Tehran's "ongoing diplomatic consultations" with various global partners. He emphasised that the discussions would focus on both bilateral ties and regional stability.

US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has accused President Donald Trump of “falsely” telling Congress that the war with Iran has ended, arguing that US military activity in the region continues. Krishnamoorthi said the United States is still enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports and that US forces “exchange fire with Iranian forces”, contradicting Trump’s assertion that a ceasefire has concluded the conflict.

In a letter to the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, the lawmaker said the “underlying ceasefire arrangement remains contested and unstable” and requested classified briefings, including a “comprehensive intelligence assessment” on the war. “The American people do not want a war with Iran, and Trump’s characterisation of the war is simply not true,” he said, adding that Congress needs clarity on whether current policy will ensure stability or deepen uncertainty.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister-Designate Ali al-Zaidi, during which Pezeshkian said Iran is ready for dialogue within the framework of international law, but will not acquiesce to force. Pezeshkian said that "our problem is that on the one hand, the United States is pursuing a policy of maximum pressure against our country, and on the other hand, it expects Iran to come to the negotiating table and ultimately surrender to its unilateral demands ... such an equation is impossible," read a statement published by Pezeshkian's office on Tuesday (Local time).

He noted that Iran fundamentally does not consider war and insecurity to be favourable options, reports Xinhua news agency. Pezeshkian stressed that Iran must not deprive itself of nuclear technology, saying the United States speaks in a way as if Iran must not have a nuclear industry, and imposes extra pressure on the country by putting forward excessive demands. He added that in all previous negotiations, Iran was fully ready to provide, within the framework of international regulations and global monitoring, whatever was deemed necessary under international norms to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. Al-Zaidi, for his part, voiced Iraq's readiness to mediate between Iran and the United States to contain regional crises, read a statement from Al-Zaidi's media office.

More than 600 attacks have targeted US facilities in Iraq during the war with Iran, a senior US State Department official said, according to CNN. The official added that Iraqi leaders understand what Washington is seeking, stressing: “We are looking for actions, not words.”

The official said this includes expelling “terrorist militias” from state institutions, cutting off their funding from the Iraqi budget and preventing salaries from being paid to their fighters. The official also said there is currently an “unclear dividing line” between the Iraqi state and these militias, underscoring US concerns about their influence.

A cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said in a statement. "A verified source reported a cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile," in the strategic waterway, the agency said, adding that the incident was reported around 1830 GMT on Tuesday.

The environmental impact of the strike is unknown, and an investigation is underway.

Iran on Tuesday (local time) strongly denied allegations by the United Arab Emirates that it carried out missile attacks on civilian sites and facilities after recent drone and missile strikes on Fujairah, while warning against any retaliatory measures from Emirati territory.

According to a statement attributed to Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB, a spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic had not conducted any missile or drone operations against the UAE in recent days, while criticising the UAE leadership and urging it not to align with external powers, referring to the US and Israel.

"The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have not carried out any missile or drone operations against the UAE in the past few days, and if any action had been taken, we would have announced it firmly and clearly. Therefore, the report of that country's Ministry of Defence is absolutely denied and is devoid of any truth," the spokesperson said, as quoted by IRIB. (ANI)

Speaking at the White House, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged the UN to call on Iran to stop blowing up ships, remove the mines, and allow humanitarian relief. "If the international community can’t rally behind this and solve something so straightforward, then I don’t know what the utility of the UN system is," he said.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (IST) announced that "Project Freedom", an initiative aimed at facilitating safe passage of commercial vessels trapped in Strait of Hormuz, would be temporarily paused while the naval blockade of Iran's ports will remain in place. "We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalised and signed," Trump said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that major US military operation against Iran is over. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Rubio said that “Operation Epic Fury”, the attack the US and Israel mounted on Iran on February 28, "is concluded" because the objectives of the mission were all successfully concluded. “We’re not cheering for an additional situation to occur,” he said. “We would prefer the path of peace.”

In order for that to happen, Rubio said Iran must agree to Trump’s demands on its nuclear program and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Delivering a clear message to what's left of the Iranian Regime, he said, "They really shouldn't test the will of the United States, at least not under President Donald Trump... if they test him, ultimately they will lose."