Trump cites 'good conversations' with Tehran, warns against Hormuz ‘blackmail’

Bahrain welcomes IMO condemnation of Iran's closure of Hormuz

Bahrain has welcomed an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decision condemning Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, its threats to shipping, and its attacks on GCC member states and Jordan.

The decision also raised concerns over threats to plant mines and impose fees on vessels passing through the strait.

In a statement, Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the UAE’s role in drafting the resolution which reaffirmed the right of transit passage through the Strait.

Kuwait condemns killing of French soldier 

Kuwait condemns the attack that targeted the French contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon.

It stressed the need to hold those responsible for the attack accountable, reaffirming its full support for UNIFIL’s efforts to maintain security and stability in southern Lebanon.

Trump praises Israel, saying it 'fights hard and knows how to win'

How 24 hours of turmoil unfolded in the Strait of Hormuz

So much can change in just 24 hours.

Here’s a look back at the hours that reshaped events around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that carries a significant share of global oil and trade traffic.

On Friday, Trump welcomed reports from Tehran suggesting the Strait of Hormuz was 'fully open and ready for full passage. '

This comes after a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

The deal, which eased regional tensions, is widely seen as tied to one of Iran’s key sticking points particularly regarding guarantees for Lebanon.

Trump later said the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain “in full force” until a “transaction” with Iran is completed.

But within a day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the strait had been blocked again, citing the ongoing US restrictions on Iranian ports.

“Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and any offending vessel will be targeted,” the IRGC said in a statement.

On Saturday, Iran’s military reiterated that commercial shipping would face strict limitations as long as the US blockade continues.

And a rare statement attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran’s “valiant Navy stands ready to make the enemies taste the bitterness of new defeats.” Khamenei has not been seen publicly in six weeks, since reportedly succeeding his father.

After brief hopes of reopening one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, with ships briefly waiting things out, the US and Iran appear to have fallen short of reaching an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz for now.

Kamala Harris says Netanyahu ‘pulled’ Trump into Iran war

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a scathing attack on Trump, alleging that he was "pulled into" a military conflict with Iran by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling it a "feeble attempt" to distract from the "Epstein files".

During her address in Detroit, Harris further scrutinised the administration's motives, accusing Trump of utilising "Operation Epic Fury" as a diversion from domestic controversies.

Expanding on the President's leadership style, Harris suggested that Trump seeks to "walk around as if he were strong and will use the force of America's military against anyone whom he chooses."

UN condemns killing of French soldier in Lebanon 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned on Saturday the killing of a French peacekeeper in southern Lebanon, warning that repeated attacks on its forces may constitute war crimes.

“The Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) strongly condemns this attack,” UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement, extending condolences to the victim’s family and to France, and wishing a swift recovery for those injured.

Guterres urged all parties to respect the truce and halt violence immediately.

The incident marks the third fatal attack on UNIFIL personnel in recent weeks, despite a 10-day cessation of hostilities announced on April 16.

UAE retailers cut prices by up to 70% on back-to-school products

In a special report by KT’s Waheed Abbas, retailers in the UAE are offering discounts of up to 70 per cent on back-to-school products as schools prepare for the new academic year and students return to in-person learning after nearly 50 days of remote classes.

Retailers have also reassured consumers that back-to-school supplies remain widely available, despite earlier possible supply chain disruptions linked to regional tensions.

Watch: largest UAE flag in display

The largest UAE flag, measuring 1,200 metres, was raised along the Sha’am waterfront in Ras Al Khaimah.

The initiative was led by the RAK Youth Council in collaboration with RAKBankLive, as part of the “Proud of the UAE” campaign.

It brought people together in a powerful display of national pride, loyalty, and belonging.

Bahrain demands Iran provide 'full, immediate compensation' after attacks

In its address to the UN, Bahrain said Iran must fully compensate for all damages and losses suffered by the Kingdom as a result of the 'unjust Iranian aggression.'

The letter also referred to a Human Rights Council resolution adopted on March 25, 2026, co-sponsored by Bahrain on behalf of the GCC, which calls on Iran to provide 'full, effective, and immediate compensation' to all victims for the damage and injuries caused by its attacks inside or against Bahrain.”

It added that Bahraini authorities are still assessing and documenting the damage and losses.

Bahrain also urged the Security Council to take all necessary steps to ensure Iran meets its international legal obligations, including paying full compensation for the damage caused by the attacks.

It noted that Bahrain’s air defence systems have intercepted 194 ballistic missiles and 523 hostile drones targeting its airspace, territorial waters, and land since February 28, 2026.

Egypt supports Lebanon ceasefire 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed the ceasefire announcement in Lebanon, praising efforts by the Lebanese state to strengthen the authority of its institutions across the country.

El-Sisi also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to support Lebanon and shield it from ongoing regional tensions, while reaffirming Cairo’s firm rejection of any attacks on Lebanon’s security, sovereignty, or national resources.

For his part, President Michel Aoun thanked Egypt for its consistent support and solidarity with Lebanon, expressing appreciation for El-Sisi’s continued backing.

Aoun also spoke about the progress of direct talks taking place under US auspices, stressing Lebanon’s commitment to a fair and lasting peace that protects its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its people.

Both leaders agreed to step up coordination and communication between their countries in the coming period.

Strong condemnation 

The UAE strongly condemns the attack that killed the French soldier in southern Lebanon.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that targeting peacekeeping forces constitutes a violation of the principles of international law and of the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The ministry expressed the UAE’s solidarity with the countries participating in the UNIFIL forces and extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the victim, as well as to France and its friendly people, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

'Not in my interest to debate him'

Pope Leo sought to downplay his feud with Trump on Saturday, saying reporting about comments he has made so far during his Africa tour "has not been accurate in all its aspects".

Speaking to reporters in English aboard his flight to Angola for the third leg of his ambitious 10-day Africa tour, the first US pope said comments he made two days earlier in Cameroon decrying that the world was being "ravaged by a handful of tyrants" were not aimed at Trump.

That speech, said Leo, "was prepared two weeks ago, well before the president ever commented on me and on the message of peace that I am promoting."

"As it happens, it was looked at as if I were trying to debate the president, which is not in my interest at all," the pontiff said on Saturday.

Israeli strikes kill in Lebanon

Separately, the Israeli military said on Saturday it had killed members of a 'terrorist cell' that violated a US-brokered ceasefire and approached its soldiers in southern Lebanon.

It said it was authorised to take necessary self-defence measures against "threats," adding that such actions are not restricted by the ceasefire.

Where the ceasefire falls short

Israel and Lebanon agreed a 'cessation of hostilities' on April 16 for an initial period of 10 days ​to enable peace negotiations between the two countries.

The deal does not require Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops have been destroying villages ​and infrastructure after ordering residents south of the Litani River to flee, according to AFP.

The area makes up about 8% of Lebanese territory.

'Unacceptable attack': 1 French soldier killed

A French soldier was killed and three others wounded while clearing a road in southern Lebanon in an attack that UNIFIL peacekeepers and French officials said on Saturday was likely carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

President Aoun offered condolences and ordered an immediate probe, while Prime Minister Salam also condemned the attack.

In calls with the Lebanese president and PM, the French president Emmanuel Macron condemned the "unacceptable attack", Macron's office said in a statement.

Lebanon's army condemned the shooting and said it had opened an investigation. 

UNIFIL said initial assessments indicated the fire came from non-state actors, allegedly Hezbollah, and that an investigation had been launched into what it called "a deliberate attack".

Hezbollah denied any involvement in the attack, expressing its "surprise at positions that rushed to make baseless accusations" against the group.

Next round of negotiations 

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said no date had been set for the next round of negotiations, adding that a framework of understanding must be agreed first.

Trump had said on Friday there could be talks this weekend and that the two sides were "very close to making a deal".

There were no signs on Saturday of preparations for new talks in the Pakistani capital, where the highest-level US-Iran negotiations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution ended without agreement last weekend.

What are the sticking points? 

When American and Iranian negotiators met last weekend in Islamabad, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity.

However, Iran suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals, according to Reuters.

Readiness for school transport from tomorrow

Emirates Transport Company announces full readiness of its teams and school bus fleet to serve students across public and private schools from April 20.

The UAE's Ministry of Education on April 18 announced the resumption of school bus operations across the country starting Monday, April 20.

The decision, made in collaboration with local educational authorities, applies to all public and private schools in the UAE, marking a return to normal transportation services after a temporary suspension during the recent 'current phase'.

1 soldier killed in southern Lebanon

Israel's military said on Sunday that a soldier died during combat in southern Lebanon, where a temporary ceasefire had come into effect this week. 

The total Israeli army death toll in the six-week war between Israel and Hezbollah was now 15, according to an AFP tally based on military figures.

It was the second death announced by Israel of a soldier in southern Lebanon since the start of a ten-day truce announced by the US began on Friday.

Vessels report gunfire

Concern remained after at least two vessels reported being attacked on Saturday while trying to transit the waterway.

India summoned the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi and expressed deep concern that two Indian-flagged ships had come under fire in the strait, the government said.

US Central Command said American forces were enforcing a maritime blockade of Iran but did not comment on the latest Iranian actions.

What does Iran's 'control' over the strait mean? 

Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Tehran's control over the strait included demanding the payment of costs related to security, safety and environmental protection services, state media said.

Tehran's reversal raised the risk that oil and gas shipments through the strait could remain disrupted just as Trump weighs whether to extend the ceasefire.

What are the leaders saying? 

"If America does not lift the blockade, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will definitely be limited," Iran's Parliament speaker Ghalibaf said.

Trump defended the US blockade and threatened "to start dropping bombs again" unless the countries reached a long-term deal before the ceasefire expires on Wednesday.

He even called Iran's move to close the strait "blackmail" even as he praised the talks.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran's navy was ready to inflict "new bitter defeats" on its enemies.

Iran's reversal on vital Strait 

Tehran reversed course on Saturday to reassert control over the strait, again closing the energy choke point and adding fresh uncertainty to the war, which the US and Israel launched on February 28.

Iran said it was responding to a continued US blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of the ceasefire.

On Friday, Iran had announced the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a separate US-brokered 10-day ceasefire agreement on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon.

'Still a big distance between us'

"We have had progress, but there is still a big distance between us," Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, told state media, referring to talks last weekend.

"There are some issues on which we insist ... They also have red lines. But these issues could be just one or two," he further added.

Ceasefire deadline looms 

While both sides said 'progress is being made,' neither has shared details on the negotiations, with the fragile ceasefire just days away from expiring.

Day 12 of ceasefire 

Iran's top negotiator said recent talks with the US had made progress but gaps remained over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump cited "very good conversations" with Tehran despite warning against "blackmail" over the key shipping channel.

UAE students are to return to classrooms tomorrow, on April 20, after over a month of remote learning.