US-Iran ceasefire: Kuwait fights off an aerial attack even as Pakistan prepares to host peace talks

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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has signalled that European allies are preparing to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking after White House talks with President Donald Trump, Rutte urged rapid commitments from the 22-nation coalition — including NATO members, South Korea, and Japan —to reopen the vital oil chokepoint, closed by Iranian forces since early 2026. A European diplomat revealed Trump expects a concrete plan "within days", with the UK under Prime Minister Keir Starmer taking a leading role in coordinating naval efforts, Business Review reported.

While Rutte noted that NATO members would not directly fight in the Iran conflict, he said allies are willing to assist in terms of longer-term solutions to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait.

Iran's de facto blockade — via mines, drones, and missile threats — has spiked global oil prices and disrupted 20% of world trade, prompting UN Security Council Resolution 2817 demanding compliance. Trump, frustrated by allies' reluctance to join the US-Israel campaign, has threatened NATO withdrawal, calling it a "one-way street" after European nations deemed the Iran war "not our fight".

US President Donald Trump insisted that only one set of proposed terms is acceptable to the United States as it negotiates with Iran to solidify a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. In a statement released by the White House, Trump declared there is “only one group of meaningful ‘POINTS’” the U.S. will discuss behind closed doors. Those points, he said, formed the basis for the two-week truce announced late Tuesday. On Thursday, AFP reported that the details of the 10-point plan proposed by Iran that were published was not the one agreed to by the US.

The Trump administration has cautioned Tehran against imposing fees on commercial vessels transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, amid reports Iran has sought to charge tolls as part of ceasefire arrangements.

The White House warned that if reports of charges are accurate, Tehran “better stop now,” underscoring US opposition to levying transit fees that could violate international maritime norms and disrupt global trade.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters late on Thursday that Trump’s firm “red lines”, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, were key to securing Iran’s agreement.

Kuwait has assailed drone attacks launched from Iran. The Kuwait National Guard said one of its sites was targeted with hostile drones, with no human casualties. Brigadier General Dr. Jadaan Fadel stated in a press statement that the competent authorities in the Guard immediately began taking the necessary security and field measures to deal with the incident.

A statement issued by Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday reads:

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait's strong condemnation and denunciation of the heinous attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies, including factions, militias, and armed groups loyal to it, via drones that targeted several vital facilities in the State of Kuwait, on the evening of Thursday, 9 April 2026, in flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and its airspace, and a blatant breach of international law, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the continuation of these brazen attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies against the State of Kuwait and the countries of the region undermines the regional and international efforts that have recently borne fruit with the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and constitutes a blatant challenge to the international community."

"While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the necessity of obligating the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies to immediately and unconditionally cease all hostile acts directed against the State of Kuwait and all other countries of the region in accordance with the provisions of Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026, it renews its affirmation of the State of Kuwait's firm adherence to its full and legitimate right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability."

Israel and Lebanon will hold talks next week in Washington after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered direct talks, a source familiar with the situation told AFP Thursday.

The talks are expected to take place at the US State Department, the source said on condition of anonymity, after Israel said that a US-Iran ceasefire did not apply to Lebanon.

Saudia will partially resume flights to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman starting Saturday, April 11, the airline has announced.

The national carrier said it will operate a limited number of daily exceptional flights on key routes, including Jeddah–Dubai (SV588/SV589), Jeddah–Abu Dhabi (SV570/SV571) and Jeddah–Amman (SV631/SV632).

Passengers have been advised to check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport. Saudia had suspended flights since February 28 due to the military escalation in the region.

The Israel army said Thursday it was striking Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, shortly after it had warned that the militant group could expand launches of projectiles across Israel.

"A short while ago, the IDF began striking Hezbollah launch sites in Lebanon," the military said in a statement.

Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei in his latest written message said that the Islamic republic does not want war with the United States and Israel, but would protect its rights as a nation, state television reported Thursday.

"We did not seek war and we do not want it," he said in the message read out on state TV, coinciding with 40 days since his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, the first day of the war.

"But we will not renounce our legitimate rights under any circumstances, and in this respect, we consider the entire resistance front as a whole," he added, in an apparent reference to Lebanon where Israel is fighting a war with Tehran's ally Hezbollah.

Kuwait's Ministry of Defense stressed Thursday that the country's air defenses are currently responding to hostile drone attacks that penetrated the country.

A National Guard site was targeted by drones, resulting in significant material damage. No casualties were reported, said KUNA.

Saudi Arabia announces suspension of operational activities in a number of energy facilities due to recent Iranian attacks.

Saudi Energy Ministry source says attacks extended to major refining facilities including SATORP in Jubail, Ras Tanura, SAMREF in Yanbu and Riyadh refinery, directly impacting exports of refined products to global markets.

The Israeli army warned citizens on Thursday that launches of projectiles by Hezbollah, usually limited to the border area with Lebanon in the north, may expand to other parts of the country.

"In accordance with the situational assessment and following the launches from Lebanese territory since this morning, additional areas across the State of Israel may come under fire in the coming hours," the army said in a statement, urging the public to "remain vigilant".

Public broadcaster KAN said that launches were expected in central Israel, home to the largest population centres.

Kuwait's army said its air defences were working to intercept drones fired towards its territory, the first reported in the Gulf on Thursday as the ceasefire between Iran and the United States entered its second day.

"The air defences of the Armed Forces are currently facing hostile drone attacks that have penetrated the country's airspace, targeting several vital installations," the army posted on X, citing the defence ministry spokesperson.

US President Donald Trump told NBC News on Thursday he was "very optimistic" about a peace deal with Iran after their ceasefire, and that Israel was "scaling back" strikes in Lebanon.

Trump told the US broadcaster in a telephone interview that Iran's leaders were "much more reasonable" in private but added that "if they don't make a deal, it's going to be very painful."

Vice President JD Vance is due to hold talks with Iran in Pakistan on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had meanwhile agreed in a call with Trump on Wednesday to "low-key it" with Lebanon after devastating strikes on Wednesday, the US president said.

The first non-Iranian oil tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday since a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States was announced, Marine Traffic data shows.

The MSG, a Gabon-flagged oil tanker passed went through the strategic waterway Thursday loaded with around 7,000 tonnes of Emirati fuel oil, and is headed to Aegis Pipavav, India, according to the maritime monitor.

Traffic through the crucial shipping lane signals it has not meaningfully reopened since the two-week truce took effect on Wednesday. Just two other tankers - both Iran-flagged - and six bulk carriers have been through the strait since Wednesday, according to Marine Traffic owner Kpler.

A dozen other vessels - including another laden oil tanker - appeared on Thursday to be on course to pass through, signalling no real change in daily traffic compared to the week before the ceasefire.

The channel in peacetime sees around 120 daily transits, according to Lloyd's List, a shipping industry intelligence site.

Lebanon wants a ceasefire before starting any negotiations with Israel, a Lebanese government official told AFP on Thursday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered his cabinet to begin direct talks with Beirut.

"Lebanon wants a ceasefire before starting negotiations," said the official, who has knowledge of the talks and requested anonymity.

US President Donald Trump's Republicans on Thursday blocked an attempt by the opposition Democrats to curb his authority to wage war in Iran, amid mounting frustration in Congress over his handling of the Middle East conflict.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sought to pass a war powers resolution by "unanimous consent" - a procedure that bypasses the need to hold a recorded vote, provided no one objects - but was stopped, as expected, by the Republican majority's presiding officer.

The maneuver, staged during a short procedural session while lawmakers remain out of Washington, was largely symbolic but underscored growing Democratic anger over a conflict that has not been formally authorised by lawmakers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed officials to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible. He said that the talks will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the two countries.

Following the recent announcement from Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs regarding the reopening of the of airspace of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom, resumed its operations from Bahrain International Airport after 40 days of airspace closure.

Gulf Air’s first flight out of Bahrain took off to the city of Riyadh; a gesture that reflects the strong ties between the two Kingdoms and expresses the airline’s appreciation for the support and facilitation provided by authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which helped Gulf Air continue its operations amid the hostile Iranian aggression.

Turkey's top diplomat on Thursday said the Middle East ceasefire should include Lebanon which is facing heavy Israeli attacks.

"We hope that the ceasefire will be fully implemented on the ground, including in Lebanon, and that the process will lead to lasting peace," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference alongside his Syrian counterpart in Ankara.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said Israel would keep hitting Iran-backed Hezbollah "wherever necessary", the day after deadly Israeli strikes pummelled Lebanon.

"We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination," Netanyahu said on his personal X account.

"Our message is clear: anyone who acts against Israeli civilians - we will strike them. We will continue to hit Hezbollah wherever necessary, until we fully restore security to the residents of the north" of Israel, he added.

Meanwhile, Israel's military said it was continuing ground operations in southern Lebanon, where troops have been fighting Hezbollah and holding positions since early March.

In a separate statement, it said it had struck overnight "two key crossings used by Hezbollah terrorists and commanders for movement from north to south of the Litani River in Lebanon to transfer thousands of weapons, rockets, and launchers".

The continued Israeli military campaign in Lebanon could jeopardise peace talks expected between the United States and Iran over the war in the Middle East, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday.

"We view the situation in southern Lebanon with particular concern," Merz said. "The severity with which Israel is waging war there could cause the peace process as a whole to fail, and that must not be allowed to happen."

The International Monetary Fund expects to have to provide up to $50 billion in immediate financial assistance to countries affected by the Middle East war, its managing director said on Thursday, with the crisis likely to have lasting economic effects.

"Given the spillovers of the Middle East war, we expect near-term demand for IMF balance-of-payments support to rise to somewhere between $20 billion and $50 billion, with the lower bound prevailing if the ceasefire holds," Kristalina Georgieva said, according to prepared remarks shared with AFP.

She added that food insecurity due to transport and supply chain disruptions caused by the war was expected to affect at least 45 million people.

"Even in a best case, there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo ante," she said, as a fragile ceasefire appeared to hold on Thursday.

Oil prices jumped and most stock markets fell Thursday as investors weighed the prospects of a shaky Middle East ceasefire and a re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, crucial to restoring oil and gas shipments.

Traders were also locking in profits from Wednesday's relief rally as the first-quarter earnings season gets underway, which should show the war's impact on company results worldwide.

Equity markets across the globe had soared and crude oil futures plunged Wednesday after US President Donald Trump announced the two-week halt in the war against Iran, and Tehran said it would reopen the waterway transporting one-fifth of the world's oil and gas.

But the ceasefire has been placed in doubt, largely by Israel's ongoing attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Tehran has also said it will impose a toll on ships transiting Hormuz.

The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, rebounded over five per cent to reach almost $100 a barrel as international calls mounted for the ceasefire to be extended after a massive wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed more than 200 people.

"Oil prices will likely remain elevated and choppy until a more permanent agreement is struck between all parties," said Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel's "ongoing aggression against Lebanon" on Thursday, ahead of expected US-Iran talks in Islamabad.

"The prime minister said that Pakistan was engaged in sincere efforts for regional peace and it was in this spirit that the peace talks between Iran and the US were being convened," Sharif's office said in a statement.

Pakistan's prime minister and army chief said Thursday they "appreciated the restraint demonstrated by all sides", before Islamabad is expected to host talks between Iran and the United States.

"The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation achieved so far and stressed upon the need for maintaining peace and ceasefire by all parties," the office of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, following his meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Israel's military on Thursday warned residents of Beirut's southern suburbs, long a stronghold of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, of imminent strikes and called for them to evacuate.

"The Israel Defense Forces continue to operate and strike the military infrastructure belonging to the terrorist organisation Hezbollah across various areas of the southern suburbs. The IDF does not intend to harm you and is acting only against Hezbollah operatives and military targets. Therefore, for your safety, you must evacuate immediately," the military's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam asked his Pakistani counterpart on Thursday to confirm Lebanon's inclusion in the Iran war ceasefire, a day after Israeli strikes on the country killed more than 200 people.

In a statement, Salam's office said he phoned Shehbaz Sharif, praising Islamabad's efforts in securing the truce and asking him to "confirm that the ceasefire includes Lebanon to prevent a recurrence of the Israeli attacks witnessed yesterday".

Israel and the US have said the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, with Israel announcing it would continue its attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah, which drew Lebanon into the regional war on March 2.

Iran's parliamentary speaker warned that Tehran sees Lebanon as an "inseparable part of the ceasefire" and threatened "strong responses", coinciding with mounting international calls for Lebanon to be encompassed in the truce.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, said on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz is not open and must be reopened without conditions to address a 40-day disruption in global energy flows.

In a post on LinkedIn, Al Jaber said: “This moment requires clarity. So let us be clear: the Strait of Hormuz is not open. Access is restricted, conditional and controlled”, adding that Iran has demonstrated through its statements and actions that passage through the strait is subject to permission, conditions and political pressure, describing this as “not freedom of navigation, but coercion.”

Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority has denied reports claiming that flights have resumed at Kuwait International Airport, stressing that no official approvals have been issued yet.

In a statement, the authority confirmed that the airport has remained closed since February 28 due to the prevailing political and security situation in the region.

Officials urged the public to verify information through official and accredited sources, warning against the spread of misinformation.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, adding that any developments regarding airport operations will be communicated promptly via its official channels

The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli attacks across several areas in Lebanon, and expressed concern over continued escalation and its repercussions on regional security and stability.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) emphasized the need for concerted international efforts to prevent further loss of life and stressed the importance of providing full protection to civilians in accordance with international law and treaties.

The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE's full solidarity with the government of Lebanon and support during this critical juncture, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to supporting Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Furthermore, the Ministry affirmed the UAE's unwavering position in rejecting violence and escalation, which contravene laws governing relations between countries and their sovereignty and that serve to further increase the risks of instability. The Ministry emphasized the necessity of resolving disputes through diplomatic means rather than confrontation and escalation.

Spain will reopen its embassy in Iran, which was closed in March due to the war, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Thursday, following the truce reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Dubai’s financial regulator has introduced temporary relief measures to help DIFC firms manage operational pressure, offering flexibility in licensing, reporting, and staffing while maintaining regulatory standards. Firms are being given more time to meet requirements as authorities work to ensure stability across the financial centre.

Lebanon's cabinet on Thursday instructed security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut exclusively to state institutions, a day after Israeli strikes across the country including in the heart of the capital.

"The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate and to monopolise weapons in the hands of legitimate authorities alone," Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said at the end of a cabinet meeting.

The Lebanese government banned Hezbollah's military activities at the beginning of March, shortly after the start of war with Israel, but the decision has not stopped the group from conducting military operations.

The head of Iran's nuclear energy agency on Thursday ruled out any restrictions on the country's enrichment of uranium, saying the demand by the United States and Israel "will not come true".

"The claims and demands of our enemies to restrict Iran's enrichment programme are merely wishes that will be buried," Mohammad Eslami was quoted as saying by Iran's ISNA news agency.

His remarks came with talks set to take place at the end of the week between Iran and the United States under Pakistani mediation.

The Ministry of Defence announced that on 9th April 2026, UAE air defence systems did not detect any ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, or UAVs launched from Iran.

Since the onset of the Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged a total of 537 ballistic missiles, 26 cruise missiles, and 2,256 UAVs. No injuries were recorded in recent hours, keeping the total number of injuries at 224.

Bahrain's military said its air defence systems have successfully shot down 194 ballistic missiles and 515 drones since Iran began its attacks on the Kingdom, as the Gulf state's forces continue to repel successive waves of what the military described as "hostile terrorist aggression."

The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) General Command said its personnel have maintained exceptional combat readiness throughout the offensive, adding that "the Kingdom's skies remain secure."

Authorities urged the public to stay away from affected areas and any suspicious objects, warning residents against filming military operations or debris sites and cautioning against spreading unverified information. Officials asked citizens to rely solely on government and official media channels for updates.

The BDF also condemned the use of ballistic missiles and drones against civilian areas and private property as a 'flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter,' warning that the attacks pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

The European Union on Thursday called on Israel to halt its strikes on Lebanon which it said were endangering the US-Iran ceasefire.

"Israeli actions are putting the US-Iran ceasefire under severe strain. The Iran truce should extend to Lebanon," the European Union's top diplomate Kaja Kallas said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel would keep hitting Iran-backed Hezbollah "wherever necessary", the day after Israeli strikes pummelled Lebanon.

"We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination," Netanyahu said on his personal X account.

"Our message is clear: anyone who acts against Israeli civilians - we will strike them. We will continue to hit Hezbollah wherever necessary, until we fully restore security to the residents of the north" of Israel, he added.

Thousands of Iranians paid tribute on Thursday to the late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for nearly four decades until his killing in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the Middle East war.

His son Mojtaba Khamenei has succeeded him but he has not been seen in public since before the war, and it appeared unlikely that he would be present at ceremonies being held across Iran on Thursday.

Images broadcast on state television showed thousands of people taking part in rallies, many holding portraits of the late revolutionary, including in Urmia in the northwest, Gorgan in the northeast and the capital Tehran.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, the Saudi foreign ministry said Thursday, in the first official contact between the countries since Tehran launched strikes against its Gulf neighbours in retaliation for Israeli-American attacks.

"The call focused on reviewing developments in the situation and ways to slow the pace of tensions so as to help restore security and stability in the region," the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement, which was issued the day after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

Israel's military said Thursday it had struck and killed a close adviser to Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem in Beirut a day earlier, when Israeli strikes pummelled Lebanon.

"Yesterday, the IDF struck in the Beirut area and eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem," a military statement said.

Harshi was "a close associate and personal adviser to... Qassem and played a central role in managing and securing his office", it added.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has shared a stirring video on his social media, amplifying a message of resilience and promise from the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Originally posted by the Instagram community page ‘Dubai’, the video opens with a widely recognised quote by the President: “The UAE is attractive. The UAE is beautiful.”

It then carries a heartfelt prayer: “May God protect the UAE and protect its people and protect everyone in it,” before ending on a note of reassurance: “And I promise everyone that we will emerge stronger.”

The video, posted on Wednesday, has garnered over one million views.

Spain will reopen its embassy in Iran, which was closed in March due to the war, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Thursday, following the truce reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

"I have given instructions to our ambassador in Tehran to return, to resume his post and reopen the Spanish embassy in Tehran, and for us to contribute through all the means available to us, including from Iran's own capital, to efforts for peace," he told reporters in Madrid.

Beijing said on Thursday that Lebanon's sovereignty "should not be violated" after Israel carried out strikes on the country, threatening a fragile truce.

"Lebanon's sovereignty and security should not be violated. The safety of civilian lives and property must be guaranteed," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference, adding Beijing urged restraint and "a cooling down of the regional situation".

Britain's foreign minister said Thursday the UK "strongly" wanted to see Lebanon included in the ceasefire in the Middle East as Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"We do want to see the ceasefire extended to Lebanon. I'm deeply troubled about the escalating attacks that we saw from Israel in Lebanon yesterday," Yvette Cooper told Sky News.

"We've seen the humanitarian consequences, the huge mass displacement of people in Lebanon. So we do strongly want to see the ceasefire extended to Lebanon," she said.

Cooper's comments came as Starmer arrived in the UAE on the second leg of his visit to the Gulf to meet with regional leaders in an effort to bolster the ceasefire in the Middle East war.

France's foreign minister on Thursday condemned "unacceptable" Israeli strikes on Lebanon, warning they could undermine the fragile US-Iran ceasefire.

"These attacks are all the more unacceptable as they undermine the temporary ceasefire reached yesterday between the United States and Iran," Jean-Noel Barrot told France Inter radio, a day after Lebanon reported Israeli strikes killed at least 182 people and wounded 890.

An Iranian delegation will arrive in Pakistan on Thursday night ahead of talks with the United States, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said.

"Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, invited by Hon. PM Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran," he said in a post on X.

Trump says American forces would remain deployed in and around Iran until Tehran fully complies with what he called the "real agreement," threatening an unprecedented military response if the deal falls through.

"If for any reason it is not complied with, which is highly unlikely, then the 'Shootin' Starts,' bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Pakistan has declared two days of local holidays in the capital at short notice from Thursday, authorities said, ahead of talks between the United States and Iran due to take place in Islamabad.

No reason was given in the notification issued by the Islamabad district administration late Wednesday, but authorities in the capital have often announced holidays or restrictions for security reasons ahead of high-profile diplomatic events.

Lebanon's General Directorate of Civil Defence announced that the death toll from the Israeli airstrikes that targeted several areas across the country yesterday, particularly the capital Beirut, has risen to 254, with 1,165 people injured.

In a statement, the Directorate said its teams carried out rescue operations, evacuated the injured and transported the dead from the targeted sites, in addition to rescuing a number of individuals trapped under the rubble under extremely dangerous and complex field conditions.

It added that specialised teams continue search and rescue operations and debris removal at several locations, indicating that the toll is likely to rise as field operations continue.

The United Nations secretary-general on Wednesday warned that ongoing Israeli military activity in Lebanon "poses a grave risk" to the fragile US-Iran truce, his spokesperson said in a statement.

"The ongoing military activity in Lebanon poses a grave risk to the ceasefire and the efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. The Secretary-General reiterates his call to all parties to immediately cease hostilities," UN chief Antonio Guterres's spokesman said.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that 182 people were killed and 890 wounded by Israeli strikes on Wednesday.

The Arab Parliament has condemned the attacks carried out by Israeli occupation forces against Lebanon, warning that the escalation is a deliberate attempt to drag the region into "widespread chaos" and instability.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, stated that the military actions have resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and injuries, alongside significant material damage. He characterised the offensive as a flagrant violation of international law and established norms, noting that the strikes appear designed to undermine ongoing international efforts to de-escalate the situation.

Ahmed Al Yamahi called for immediate intervention from the international community to halt the targeting of vital facilities, civilian sites, and infrastructure. He further reaffirmed the Arab Parliament’s full solidarity with Lebanon, pledging support for the country as it attempts to overcome the current crisis.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon said its military unit fired rockets towards Israel in response to ceasefire "violation".

Trump is considering a plan to punish Nato members he believes were unhelpful to the US and Israel in the Iran War, removing US troops out of member countries deemed unhelpful to the war effort, as per US media reports.

Iran announced alternative routes on Thursday for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the risk of sea mines in the main zone of the vital waterway.

Tehran has agreed to temporarily reopen the strait, through which one-fifth of the world's oil usually passes, as part of a two-week truce.

"All ships intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz are hereby notified that in order to comply with the principles of maritime safety and to be protected from possible collisions with sea mines...they should take alternative routes for traffic in the Strait of Hormuz," Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement quoted by local media.

The statement shared instructions for an alternative entry and exit route through the strait.

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, received a telephone call from José Manuel Albares, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain.

The leaders of Qatar and France discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the Iran-US ceasefire agreement, and international efforts to solidify the truce. During the phone call between Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, they discussed the political and economic implications of the truce.

Both sides emphasised the importance of reaching a comprehensive agreement that guarantees a permanent ceasefire involving all parties, especially given its impact on the stability of global energy markets and international maritime traffic, and the importance of ensuring the security of maritime routes and freedom of navigation.

Iran has warns it will "respond" if Israeli attacks on Lebanon don't stop immediately.

Earlier, Israel and the US said Lebanon is not included in a two-week ceasefire deal with Iran. PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel struck "the greatest blow" to Hezbollah in strikes on Wednesday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said US President Donald Trump will "continue to discuss" with Netanyahu the idea of including Lebanon in an Iran war ceasefire deal. Beirut was drawn into the war after Iran-backed group Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, launched attacks on Israel.

Amid conflicting claims, the fragile two-week truce between Iran and the United States hangs in the balance, with Tehran threatening to resume hostilities as Israel launched a major bombardment of Lebanon.

Washington and Tehran both claimed victory after agreeing to a two-week ceasefire and negotiations aimed at ending a war that has killed thousands across the Middle East and sparked global economic upheaval.

At the same time, Iran has warned ships near the Strait of Hormuz that they must seek permission from its naval forces before transiting the critical waterway, underscoring Tehran’s continued grip over the strategic chokepoint despite a ceasefire agreement.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared Thursday a national day of mourning after Israeli strikes shook the country and killed more than 100 people, according to a preliminary toll from the health ministry.

In a statement, the prime minister's office said Thursday will be "a national day of mourning for the martyrs and wounded of the Israeli attacks that targeted hundreds of innocent, defenceless civilians", ordering the closure of public administrations and the lowering of flags.

Salam's office said he was engaged in diplomatic outreach "to mobilise all of Lebanon's political and diplomatic resources to stop the Israeli killing machine".

Day 40: Trump agrees to suspend attack on Iran by two weeks

Day 39: UAE, Qatar on alert as Trump's deadline nears

Day 38: Iran and US receive draft proposal for war ceasefire

Day 37: Second F-15E crew member rescued in Iran

Day 36: Trump warns Iran: 48 hours or all hell will reign down

Day 35: Trump seeks $1.5t defence budget as war intensifies

Day 34: UN chief warns world on 'edge of a wider war'

Day 33: Trump says US to hit Iran 'extremely hard'

Day 32: Debris hits several homes in Dubai, 4 injured

Day 31: Trump threatens to obliterate Iran's Kharg island