US-Israel-Iran War Live News Updates: US, Iran Prepare For Ceasefire Talks; Israel-Lebanon Negotiations Next Week

Ahead of the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, Israel's ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed deep scepticism toward Pakistan, stating that Israel does not trust the country and suggesting that the United States shares this view, merely treating Pakistan's role in the process as logistical facilitation.

Speaking to NDTV, Azar said, "We don't trust the Pakistanis. And I think that, you know, don't get over-enthusiastic to the degree that the Americans trust them. It's a facilitation role, not more than that."

India has sounded the alarm about the “large number of civilian casualties” caused by Israeli attacks in Lebanon, reported NDTV.

Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India finds the current trajectory of events “very disturbing,” as a country which contributes troops to the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL and which is “invested in Lebanon’s peace and security”.

“Observing international law and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is essential,” Jaiswal added.

Israeli jets carried out air strikes across at least two Lebanese towns, threatening the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The new attacks came after a brief pause after US President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to 'scale back' attacks on Lebanon.

The Andhra Pradesh government has extended a financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to two Iranian students studying in Vishakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam district collector M Abhishikth Kishore handed over Rs 1 lakh to Zeenab and Solmaj, who are pursuing a pharmacy course at Andhra University.

Out of the Rs 1 lakh, Rs 50,000 was drawn from the District Sanjeevani Fund and the remaining Rs 50,000 from Kanakamahalakshmi Devasthanam. They met the District Revenue Officer on Wednesday and made a representation seeking help, the press release added.

(Source: PTI)

The Israel Defese Force (IDF) has shared Operation Roaring Lion in numbers:

• 1,000 strike sorties to Iran
• 10,800 strikes conducted against 6,700 components & 4,000 targets
• 18,000 munitions dropped
• 8,500 operational sorties to Iran

Operation Roaring Lion in numbers:

🎯1,000 strike sorties to Iran
💥10,800 strikes conducted against 6,700 components & 4,000 targets
💣18,000 munitions dropped
✈️8,500 operational sorties to Iran

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 10, 2026

Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday reviewed the security arrangements in Islamabad ahead of the arrival of the Iranian and US delegations for peace talks aimed to end the conflict in the Middle East. According to official sources, delegates from the United States and Iran are expected to arrive by tonight to participate in the talks over the weekend, for which more than 10,000 security personnel have been deployed in Islamabad.  

However, no official statement has been issued by the Pakistan authorities on the arrival of the delegates yet.

(Photo: PTI)

Negotiators from Iran and the United States prepared Friday for high-level talks planned to start a day later in Islamabad, seeking to steady a ceasefire teetering over Israel and Hezbollah exchanging fire and Tehran's chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz.

US Vice President JD Vance was set to take off from Washington, with Iran still remaining mum over its team as it tried to pressure Washington to halt Israeli attacks in Lebanon. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency, close to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, claimed that talks would “remain suspended” otherwise.

(Source: AP)

Reports of Iranian Negotiating Team Entering Islamabad Are False: ‌Fars News Agency 

• Claims by some media outlets that an Iranian negotiating delegation has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, to hold talks with US officials are completely false, reports Fars News Agency.
• Negotiations remain suspended until the United States upholds its commitments regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon and the Israeli regime stops its attacks.

Ukrainian military personnel shot down Iranian-designed Shahed drones in multiple Middle Eastern countries during the Iran war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, describing the operations as part of a broader effort to help partners counter the same weapons used by Russia in Ukraine. Zelenskyy made his first public acknowledgment of the operations Wednesday in remarks to reporters that were embargoed until Friday.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces took part in active operations abroad using domestically produced, battle-tested interceptor drones.
 

(Source: AP)

Japan said it will release an additional 20 days' worth of oil reserves in May, in a second round to address supply uncertainty over the war in the Middle East. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the planned release of the government reserves will start in early May, after an earlier release last month.

Japan started releasing about 50 days' worth of oil reserves in March, including from those held by the state, the private sector and oil-producing Gulf nations. As of April 6, Japan had 230 days' worth oil reserves, including 143 days' worth in government stockpiles, according to the Natural Resources and Energy Agency.

Takaichi said her government is working to secure oil imports via routes that do not include the Strait of Hormuz, while Japan seeks to diversify suppliers.

(Source: AP)

The US has confirmed talks between Israel and Lebanon will happen in Washington, aiming to ease tensions along their volatile border. The discussions will focus on security concerns, ceasefire arrangements, and preventing further escalation, amid regional instability and international concern, reported Wion News.
 

Multiple times overnight into Friday morning, people around Iran's capital, Tehran, and other parts of the country said they heard what sounded like air defence fire and explosions. However, Iran's government did not acknowledge any attack during that period. After past exchanges of fire with Israel, similar incidents happened as troops remained on edge.

In a post on X, US Representative Josh Gottheimer said, "This is nuts! While Pakistan is leading ceasefire talks, their defense minister is spewing vile rhetoric targeting Jews and Israel. Hateful rhetoric like this is beyond unacceptable and unproductive at this fragile moment. This is not diplomacy and must be condemned."

The post comes after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif targeted Israel, calling it 'evil and a curse for humanity', 'cancerous', and to 'get rid of European jews.'

🔴#BREAKING | "Pakistan minister spewing vile rhetoric" : US Representative Josh Gottheimer hits out at Pakistan

NDTV's @deepduttajourno joins @ParmeshwarBawa with more details pic.twitter.com/YwkG0JHHdl

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 10, 2026

US Vice President JD Vance set off to lead mediated talks with Iran in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. Vance is joined by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who took part in three rounds of indirect talks with Iranian negotiators aimed at settling US concerns about Tehran's nuclear and ballistic weapons programs and its support for armed proxy groups in the Middle East.

The White House has provided scant detail about the format of the talks — whether they will be direct or indirect — and has not provided specific expectations for the meeting.

Pakistan has put all state-run rescue departments and hospitals on high alert. They have been asked to remain on standby and ensure the availability of staff and essential supplies, according to AP.

Pakistan authorities have already announced a two-day local holiday on Thursday and Friday in the capital to ensure the smooth arrival of the delegates and their stay in Islamabad, which is among the quietest and cleanest capitals of the world. In an advisory posted on X, the Islamabad Police said that special arrangements have been taken to augment the security of the city ahead of the arrival of delegates.

It said diversions will be placed on the Express Highway due to the "movement of foreign delegations", advising commuters to plan their travel accordingly.

اہم ٹریفک ایڈوائزری

غیرملکی وفود کی آمدورفت کی وجہ سے اہم شاہراؤں پر مختلف اوقات میں ڈرائیورشنز لگائی جارہی ہیں۔

اسلام آباد میں اس وقت سکیورٹی ریڈ الرٹ ہے۔شہریوں سے گزارش ہے کہ وہ ماسوائے ایمرجنسی غیر ضروری سفر سے گریز کریں۔

شہری ڈیوٹی پر تعینات قانون نافذ کرنے والے اداروں سے… pic.twitter.com/at5qEtFkeC

— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 9, 2026

Pakistan, which emerged as an unlikely facilitator in the uneven conflict, is making all-out efforts to convert the ceasefire into permanent peace.  The upcoming negotiations are being closely watched globally, as their success or failure could have far-reaching implications for Middle East security, global energy markets, and international diplomacy.

In a  post on X, Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar said, "Pakistan welcomes all delegates including journalists from participating nations, traveling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026. To this end, all airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without Visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them Visa on Arrival."

Pakistan welcomes all delegates including journalists from participating nations, traveling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026. To this end, all airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without Visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them… pic.twitter.com/mvWJyv2P4s

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 10, 2026

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured US Chargé d'affaires Natalie Baker of foolproof security for all foreign dignitaries when she met him to discuss the preparation for the upcoming talks.

Naqvi assured Baker of the security arrangements taken ahead of the talks and stated that the US delegation members were “our special guests,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior.

Citing sources, Dawn reported that a 30-member advance US team had arrived on Thursday in Islamabad to review security arrangements.
 

(Source: AP)

Pakistan beefed up security in the national capital as it prepares for high-stakes talks between the US and Iran this weekend with anxiety, amid a warning from top Iranian leadership that Israeli strikes on Lebanon would render negotiations meaningless.

Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and they reviewed the progress of Pakistan’s mediation efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the region, said a statement issued by the PMO.

It said the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the de-escalation achieved so far and stressed the need to maintain peace and a ceasefire by all parties.  They vowed to provide all support to the US and Iran to reach a peaceful settlement of their conflict.

They “appreciated the restraint demonstrated by all sides and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate and provide all-out support to both sides to arrive at a peacefully negotiated settlement”.

Blocked roads leading up to Islamabad’s red zone, home to Parliament, key Government installations, luxury hotels, embassies and the offices of foreign organisations, as the Pakistani capital gears up to host the US and Iran for peace talks: Reuters

#WATCH | Pakistan | Blocked roads leading up to Islamabad’s red zone, home to Parliament, key Government installations, luxury hotels, embassies and the offices of foreign organisations, as the Pakistani capital gears up to host the U.S. and Iran for peace talks: Reuters

(Video… pic.twitter.com/NxVomxDfi6

— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2026

Underlining Iran's continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, a Botswana-flagged liquified natural gas tanker called the Nidi attempted to travel out of the Persian Gulf via a route ordered by the Revolutionary Guard but suddenly turned around and headed back, ship-tracking data showed.

On Thursday, four tankers and three bulk carriers crossed through the Strait of Hormuz, bringing the total number of ships passing through since the ceasefire to at least 12, according to the data firm Kpler.

However, other ships not transmitting their locations may have passed through as well. The strait typically saw well over 100 ships passing through it daily in peacetime.

(Source: AP)

Statement from Israel's Prime Minister's Office:

"Pakistan Defence Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace." [sic]

The Prime Minister's Office:

Pakistan Defence Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 9, 2026

 Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency denied launching attacks on Persian Gulf states after Kuwait's announcement. "If these reports published by the media are true, without a doubt it is the work of the Zionist enemy or America," the Revolutionary Guard said. However, the Guard also launched repeated attacks on civilian targets in the war and could also be using Shiite militias in Iraq to launch assaults, providing deniability for Iran ahead of the talks.

(Source: AP)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a message on Telegram that Iran's decision to accept a ceasefire "is not a sign of weakness but a way to solidify Iran's proud victories." Despite disputes over the ceasefire, it appears to have halted weeks of missile and drone attacks by Iran on its Gulf Arab neighbours and Israel, with no new launches reported.

Saudi Arabia's state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official, acknowledged a recent attack in the war that damaged its crucial East-West pipeline. That pipeline carries oil out to the Red Sea and avoids the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran maintains a chokehold on despite the pause in the fighting.

(Source: AP)

Kuwait has accused Iran and its proxies of launching drone attacks targeting it despite the two-week ceasefire in the Iran war, as Saudi Arabia said recent attacks damaged a key pipeline in the kingdom. The statement from Kuwait's foreign ministry, carried by the state-run KUNA news agency, put new pressure on the ceasefire ahead of planned talks on Saturday between the United States and Iran in Islamabad.

Kuwait's foreign ministry said the drone attacks "targeted some vital Kuwaiti facilities".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he authorised direct negotiations "as soon as possible" with Lebanon aimed at disarming Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants and establishing relations between the neighbours. Netanyahu's announcement came amid disagreement over whether the ceasefire deal included a pause in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and a day after Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes that resulted in the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began on Feb. 28.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that time is running out for a ceasefire deal with the US and Israel, stating that a bilateral ceasefire or negotiations are unreasonable in the current situation. He cited three key clauses, including no backtracking on Lebanon and strong responses to ceasefire violations. 

Time is running out ⏳ https://t.co/sUmeoS9LGQ

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 9, 2026

US President Donald Trump says that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon because of him. In a post on Truth Social, he slammed Wall Street Journal and wrote, "The Wall Street Journal, one of the worst and most inaccurate “Editorial Boards” in the World, stated that I “declared premature victory in Iran.” Actually, it is a Victory, and there’s nothing “premature” about it! Because of me, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON and, very quickly, you’ll see Oil start flowing, with or without the help of Iran and, to me, it makes no difference, either way. The Wall Street Journal will, as usual, live to eat their words. They are always quick to criticize, but never to admit when they’re wrong, which is most of the time! President DONALD J. TRUMP." [sic]

Iranian media has reported that talks in Pakistan have been suspended till Israel stops military offensive in Lebanon.

🔴#BREAKING | Talks in Pakistan suspended till Israel stops military offensive in Lebanon, reports Iran media

NDTV's @NewshoundArjun joins @reetksahni with more details pic.twitter.com/bdclVJPPUH

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 10, 2026

US President Donald Trump appears to be casting doubt on the effectiveness of the ceasefire that has halted the Iran war. "Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz," he wrote on his social media, adding, "That is not the agreement we have!"

The post came after Trump posted earlier that "There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait – They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!"

The White House supports reopening the strait as part of the ceasefire deal, but says that Trump opposes Iran's military, which continues to control the waterway, from seeking to raise revenue by charging tolls on passing ships.