The Pakistani capital has been placed under an unprecedented security lockdown ahead of the talks. Key areas, particularly the heavily guarded Red Zone, have been sealed off with strict movement restrictions. The zone, which houses Parliament, diplomatic missions, major government offices and luxury hotels is now accessible only to authorised personnel.

Security forces have intensified patrols across the city, establishing multiple checkpoints and diverting traffic to ensure smooth passage for visiting delegations. Armed police personnel have been deployed at strategic locations, while civilian movement in sensitive areas has been significantly curtailed.

To further minimise public presence, authorities have declared a two-day holiday in the capital. Educational institutions, markets, and several businesses remain shut, with only limited activity reported in parts of the city.

Talks amid fragile ceasefire

The upcoming negotiations follow a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, which came after a period of heightened tensions. The escalation was triggered by the February 28 killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

However, uncertainty remains over the participation of the Iranian delegation. Reports suggest that officials from Tehran have yet to depart for Pakistan due to ongoing Israeli military activity in Lebanon. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance and his delegation are already en route after departing from Hungary.

Pakistan promises high-level security

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured the United States envoy of “foolproof security” for the visiting delegation. A 30-member US advance team has already reached Islamabad to assess the arrangements.

The talks are expected to be held at the Hotel Serena Islamabad, a prominent venue frequently used for high-profile diplomatic engagements.

Despite these assurances, concerns have been raised internationally regarding security preparedness. Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer has publicly questioned whether Pakistan can fully guarantee the safety of foreign negotiators.

Security measures extend beyond the capital’s ground operations. Reports indicate that Pakistan has bolstered its air defence protocols to secure the arrival of foreign delegations.

The Pakistan Air Force has reportedly deployed mid-air refuelling aircraft and transport planes to manage aerial logistics, while fighter jets have been tasked with escort duties. Surveillance systems, including airborne warning and control platforms, are believed to be monitoring flight paths to prevent any potential threats during transit.

Visa facilitation for delegates

Pakistan has introduced visa-on-arrival for all participants, including officials and journalists attending the talks. Special facilitation counters have been set up at airports to handle incoming delegations efficiently.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the government has simplified entry procedures to support the diplomatic process and ensure smooth coordination during the high-level engagement.

In a post on X, the Israeli military described Harshi as a senior aide and close advisor who played an important role in managing and securing Qassem’s office.

The IDF said the strike was part of a larger operation targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure and logistics network.

It added that the operation also included attacks on two key crossings used by Hezbollah to transport weapons south of the Litani River, along with around 10 weapons storage sites, launchers, and command centres in southern Lebanon. These locations were said to be linked to Hezbollah’s military operations, especially the movement and storage of weapons. 

The reported strike comes as Israel steps up its attacks on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon amid rising regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

According to Associated Press, Israeli strikes have hit both commercial and residential areas in Beirut as the fighting intensified.

Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 182 people were killed on Wednesday, making it the deadliest day so far in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

The report added that the renewed violence is putting pressure on diplomatic efforts related to a ceasefire involving Iran.

Iranian officials say that ending the conflict in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire understanding, but Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump have stated that the truce does not apply to Lebanon.

The man, identified as Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, aka Shahzeb Jadoon, had been living in Canada on study permit, admitted to plotting the attack on the US soil since the September 11 attacks.

According to the US Justice Department, he planned to use atomatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks "with the explicit goal of killing as many Jews as possible".

According to court documents, Khan began showing support for ISIS on social media in late 2023. He shared propaganda and discussed his extremist views with others. He later got in touch with two people he believed were co-conspirators, but they were actually undercover law enforcement officers.

Over several months, Khan shared detailed plans for an attack. At first, he planned to target Jewish centres in another US city using assault rifles, but in August 2024, he shifted his focus to New York City. He said the city was an ideal target because of its large Jewish population.

According to Assistant Attorney General Eisenberg, Khan described New York as the “perfect” place for an attack and claimed it could be the biggest attack in the US since the September 11 attacks.

He identified a specific enclosed area inside a Jewish centre in Brooklyn as his intended target, shared photos of the location, and repeatedly asked the undercover officers to arrange rifles, ammunition, and knives. He also said that if the plan succeeded, it could become the largest attack on US soil since 9/11.

About Jasveen Sangha

Drug network operated from North Hollywood

According to prosecutors, she ran a long-standing drug distribution network from her residence in North Hollywood, Los Angeles. Authorities alleged that over several years, she manufactured, stored and distributed illegal narcotics from her apartment.

On April 8, the court held her accountable for supplying the ketamine that contributed to Perry’s death. She has been in custody since August 2024.

Early life and background

Jasveen Sangha was born into a Punjabi-origin family in London to entrepreneurs Neelam Singh and Baljit Singh. Her grandparents had built significant wealth in the fashion retail sector in East London. Following her mother’s remarriage, the family relocated to Calabasas, California, where she spent much of her early life and completed her high school education in 2001.

She was also associated with a business known as “Stiletto Nail Bar” in Studio City, Los Angeles. However, prosecutors noted in court filings that she had not held legitimate employment since at least 2019.

History of drug trafficking activities

The indictment detailed that Jasveen used her North Hollywood apartment as a hub for illegal drug operations for at least five years. As part of her plea agreement, she admitted that her residence had been functioning as a distribution centre even before 2019.

In August 2019, she sold ketamine to a client named Cody McClory, who died of an overdose shortly after the transaction. Prosecutors alleged that despite being aware of the fatal consequences, she continued her drug trafficking activities.

During a search of her residence in March 2024, law enforcement officials recovered a range of narcotics, including cocaine, counterfeit Xanax pills, methamphetamine tablets and approximately 80 vials of liquid ketamine.

Prosecutors stated that the specific dose responsible for Perry’s death originated from one of the vials she had supplied.

Connection to Matthew Perry’s death

Investigators found that Jasveen became a primary supplier of ketamine to Matthew Perry. In October 2023, she worked with associate Erik Fleming to distribute the drug. Initially, she provided a sample in an unbranded vial, following which approximately 50 vials were sold through Fleming to Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.

In a subsequent transaction involving 25 vials, Jasveen Sangha also included ketamine-laced lollipops as a bonus. Prosecutors stated that the specific dose responsible for Perry’s death originated from one of the vials she had supplied.

Following news of the actor’s death, she allegedly used an encrypted messaging application to instruct Fleming to delete their chat history.

Legal proceedings and sentencing

Jasveen Sangha was first arrested in March 2024 on drug-related charges and later released on a $100,000 bond. However, in August 2024, she was re-arrested and charged alongside four co-defendants specifically in connection with Perry’s death. Her bail was subsequently revoked, and she has remained in custody since.

On September 3, 2025, Jasveen Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of distribution resulting in death, and three counts of ketamine distribution. The charges carried a potential maximum sentence of up to 65 years in prison.

Her sentencing, initially scheduled for December 10, 2025, was later postponed multiple times—to February 25, 2026, and finally April 8, 2026. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year prison term along with three years of supervised release, while the defense argued for a sentence limited to time already served.

U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett ultimately sentenced Jasveen Sangha to 15 years in federal prison, concluding a high-profile case that underscored the dangers of illicit drug distribution and its devastating consequences.

According to the notification issued by the Islamabad district administration, holiday has been declared on Thursday and Friday across the Capital Territory. 

While no specific reason was mentioned in the notice, the restrictions have been imposed or holidays have been declared in view of the security arrangements ahead of the high-level diplomatic engagements. 

The order clarified that the holidays apply only to the Islamabad Capital Territory and that essential services would remain operational.

“Essential services will remain operational," the deputy commissioner’s office said in a statement posted on X, advising residents to “plan their activities accordingly".

The announcement comes at a time as Pakistan prepares to host delegations from Washington and Tehran for negotiations linked to the Middle East conflict.

The White House has said that US Vice President JD Vance will lead an American delegation to Islamabad “this weekend" for the talks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Pakistan would host the delegations following the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

“I… extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes," Sharif said in a post on X.

Jasveen, infamously known as 'Ketamin Queen' was jailed on Wednesday for her involvement in actor's death in 2023 due to overdose.

Federal prosecutors said that Jasveen Sangha ran a large drug operation from her luxury apartment in Los Angeles, supplying drugs like ketamine and methamphetamine to wealthy clients in the entertainment industry.

According to US attorneys, Sangha worked with Erik Fleming to supply ketamine to Matthew Perry. The charges are partly based on Sangha’s plea agreement.

"To cultivate her business, (Sangha) marketed herself as an exclusive dealer who catered to high-profile Hollywood clientele," prosecutors wrote in sentencing papers.

"As she told one customer in 2020, 'I'm really select with people,' and 'it's a very VIP circle of celebs.'"

Prosecutors said that in the month Perry died, Sangha and Fleming sold him 51 vials of ketamine. The drugs were passed to Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant, who then gave them to the actor.

Perry, famous for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead at his home in Los Angeles in 2023, shocking fans worldwide.

After hearing the news of Perry’s death, Sangha allegedly contacted Fleming through the encrypted messaging app Signal, according to prosecutors.

Azar said Israel’s main goal is to ensure there is no “terrorist infrastructure” of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

He also compared the situation to past cases where the US, under Donald Trump, worked with countries like Qatar and Turkey—which he called “problematic”—to help broker ceasefire deals in Gaza, including talks involving Hamas.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Pakistan's role as a mediator, Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said, "We don't see Pakistan as a credible player. I think that the United States has decided to use the services of the facilitation of Pakistan for their own reasons. We have seen in… pic.twitter.com/UErWPsTzzH

— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2026

He stressed that Israel wants to stay aligned with the United States on the goals and outcomes of the situation. At the same time, he made a distinction between Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah and with Iran, showing support for a temporary ceasefire with Iran while maintaining its focus on eliminating Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon.

"It has nothing to do with the operation in Iran. When it comes to Lebanon, as I said, we have to achieve a situation in which southern Lebanon will be cleaned from Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure. That's the responsibility of the Lebanese government. When it comes to Iran, we hope that this negotiation will lead to the conditions that are part of the 15-point plan," he said.

The Israeli envoy said Tel Aviv has the right to defend itself on its northern border from the attacks of Hezbollah. 

"In the last few hours, the Israeli air force has conducted a massive operation. We removed more than 250 Hezbollah terrorists all around Lebanon. We are very clear that the terms of the ceasefire that were put forward last year have to be retained. We can't agree to the presence of Hezbollah south of the Litani. They have to be disarmed. And we expect the Lebanese government to play a much more significant role, not just by talking but also by removing the capabilities of Hezbollah so we can be sure that our communities in the north won't be attacked again," he added.

Meanwhile, the White House said that the United States continue to reject Iran's 10-point ceasefire plan what it describes as its 'wishlist' including uranium enrichment. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday suggested that the 10-point proposal put forward by Iran as the basis for a ceasefire in the US-Israel war on Iran differs from the proposal published by the government in Tehran.

Leavitt said Iran’s initial 10-point proposal was “literally thrown in the garbage” by Trump’s team, but Tehran later put forward a revised plan.

“The idea that President Trump would ever accept an Iranian wish list as a deal is completely absurd,” she said.

Iran warned that oil tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz would completely stop, blaming Israel for breaking the ceasefire by carrying out around 100 airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, which killed over 250 people. The White House asked Iran to reopen the strait immediately. Before shutting it, Iran had briefly allowed two ships to pass but then changed its decision.

Israel said Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire deal, but Iran disagreed. Iran demanded a full stop to all fighting, including Israeli attacks on Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups. A senior Iranian official said the Strait of Hormuz should be closed due to what he called Israel’s aggressive actions in Lebanon, adding that the ceasefire should apply to everyone. Earlier, Donald Trump had said Iran must reopen the strait as part of a two-week ceasefire, but Iran’s security council claimed the US had agreed, in principle, to Iran continuing control over the waterway.

"In response to the savage Zionist aggression against Lebanon, the passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz must be halted right now... The Lebanese sacrificed their lives for us and we must not leave them alone for a moment. Ceasefire either on all fronts or on no fronts," Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, wrote on X.

Another Iranian official suggested Iran might ease the blockade by Thursday or Friday before peace talks in Islamabad on April 11, though ships would still need Iran’s approval to pass.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but crucial route between Iran and Oman/UAE that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, and about 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes through it every day.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Iranian naval authorities communicated over radio frequencies that any vessel crossing the strait without explicit permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy would face the risk of being targeted. 

The development comes in the backdrop of a temporary pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump has agreed to halt military action against Iran for a period of two weeks, conditional upon the uninterrupted and secure reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the ceasefire arrangement, reports indicate that maritime activity in the region remains subdued, with several vessels choosing to stay put amid uncertainty. Visual evidence cited by the publication suggests continued military presence, including aircraft patrols over the Persian Gulf, reflecting the fragile nature of the situation.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel between Iran and Oman measuring roughly 34 km at its widest point, is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. A significant share of global oil shipments, along with other essential commodities such as fertilisers, pass through this route, making any disruption a matter of international concern.

Earlier, Trump had escalated rhetoric by warning of severe consequences, but later confirmed a de-escalation effort through a ceasefire announcement on his social media platform. He stated that the proposal for a temporary truce had been put forward by Shehbaz Sharif, with support from Pakistan’s military leadership under Asim Munir.

While the agreement signals a pause in direct confrontation, the situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz continues to be closely monitored, given its global economic significance and the persistent military presence in the region.

Speaking to reporters, Hegseth asserted that Washington’s large-scale offensive had severely weakened Iran’s defence capabilities. He emphasised that Iran’s missile infrastructure had been rendered largely ineffective after the strikes.

According to him, the operation involved an extensive overnight assault, during which US forces reportedly carried out around 800 strikes targeting key military and industrial installations. He claimed these attacks had devastated Iran’s defence production network, leaving several facilities completely destroyed.

Hegseth further alleged that Iran’s leadership had also been impacted during the offensive. He stated that Mojtaba Khamenei, whom he referred to as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, had been injured in joint US-Israeli strikes, though he did not provide any supporting evidence.

The remarks came shortly after Washington and Tehran reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire expected to last two weeks, raising questions about the broader implications of the recent escalation in tensions.

Iran, in its proposed 10-point ceasefire plan, included a provision allowing both Tehran and Muscat to charge transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Oman rejected the idea, stating that “no tolls can be imposed for crossing Hormuz.”

Oman’s Transport Minister said the country has agreements in place that guarantee ships can pass through the strait without any charges. He stressed Oman’s commitment to maintaining free and secure navigation through this key maritime route.

The 34-kilometre-wide stretch of water between Iran and Oman is considered an international waterway, and neither country has historically imposed tolls. The strait is a vital chokepoint, handling about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade.

Iran, however, has argued that the proposed fees would help fund post-war reconstruction, as the conflict has caused significant damage to its defence, administrative, and civilian infrastructure.

What is Iran proposing?

Iran wants any long-term peace agreement—following the war triggered by US and Israeli strikes on February 28—to allow it to charge ships passing through the strait, according to a senior Iranian official cited by Reuters.

The proposed fee would depend on factors such as the type of vessel, its cargo, and other prevailing conditions, though details remain unclear.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabdi said Tehran is working on a framework with Oman that would require ships to obtain permits or licences before transiting the strait, describing the move as a way to regulate and facilitate passage rather than restrict it.

Oman had earlier confirmed discussions with Iran on ensuring smooth transit through the strait, but had not indicated any agreement on imposing such measures.

The sudden surge in the infections has raised alarming concerns over gaps in immunisation and public health concerns. According to the reports, over 900 confirmed cases and more than 7,500 suspected infections have been recorded since March 2026, with the outbreak affecting a majority of districts across the country.

The outbreak gained momentum in March 2026 and more than 900 confirmed cases have been reported across the country. The majority of deaths have occurred among young children, particularly those under five.

Hospitals and health institutes are struggling to contain the outbreak and facing difficulties in coping with influx of patients, asserting that the actual number may be significantly higher than that reported. 

Adding a layer to woes, the situation seems more concerning as many affected children are either unvaccinated or too young to have received their first routine measles dose. 

The outbreak is primarily driven by a key concern—gaps in vaccination coverage. Health officials report that many of the affected children were either not vaccinated or had missed routine immunisation doses, making them more susceptible to infection. According to the WHO, at least 95% coverage with two doses is necessary to prevent measles outbreaks, and even minor drops can enable the virus to spread quickly.

Globally, measles is often the first disease to reappear when immunisation systems weaken, highlighting shortcomings in public health infrastructure. Although Bangladesh had made notable progress in vaccination over the years, recent disruptions have undone some of these gains. Experts attribute this to delays in immunisation programmes, including missed campaigns during periods of political unrest and strain on the healthcare system. Routine vaccination drives, particularly those aimed at infants, were interrupted, resulting in a group of children with little or no protection against the disease.

A large number of cases have been reported among children under five, especially infants. Many of those affected are younger than nine months—the age at which the first measles vaccine dose is usually given—making them particularly vulnerable. UNICEF has cautioned that immunity gaps in this age group can quickly lead to widespread outbreaks.

Vaccine shortages and supply challenges

Shortages of vaccines and delays in procurement have further worsened the situation. Public health experts have pointed to weaknesses in vaccine stock management and distribution, which have restricted availability in high-risk areas. These issues are compounded by unequal access to healthcare across regions, leaving some communities significantly under-immunised.

The truce, announced by Donald Trump on Tuesday, is expected to ease immediate hostilities in the region. As part of the agreement, Iran will also reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route that carries nearly 20 percent of the world’s petroleum supply.

The ceasefire comes amid rising fears of prolonged conflict impacting global energy markets and regional stability. While the development is being seen as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, several countries have urged both nations to remain committed to dialogue and avoid further escalation.

Below is a snapshot of how nations have responded:

Iraq

Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire but stressed that sustained peace would depend on strict adherence by both Washington and Tehran. The ministry underscored the importance of dialogue and cautioned against any actions that could reignite tensions. Iraq, which has witnessed repeated flare-ups involving US forces and Iran-backed groups, called for restraint on all sides.

Egypt

Egypt described the ceasefire as a crucial opportunity to prioritise diplomacy over conflict. Its foreign ministry highlighted the need to halt military operations completely and ensure freedom of international navigation. Cairo also indicated it would continue working alongside Pakistan and Turkiye to support regional stability, while emphasising the importance of addressing Gulf nations’ security concerns during upcoming talks.

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the US decision to pause strikes, stating that efforts must continue to neutralise what he described as threats posed by Iran. However, he clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, where Israeli forces remain engaged in conflict with Hezbollah.

Oman

Oman welcomed the announcement and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue. Its foreign ministry called for intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis at its roots and achieving a permanent end to hostilities in the region.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to honour the ceasefire, stressing that it could pave the way for a broader and lasting peace. He also highlighted the urgent need to protect civilian lives and reduce humanitarian suffering, while appreciating the role of Pakistan and other mediators.

Japan

Japan termed the ceasefire a “positive move” and expressed hope that it would lead to a comprehensive agreement. Officials reiterated that de-escalation in the Middle East remains a key priority for Tokyo.

Indonesia

Indonesia called on both nations to respect each other’s sovereignty and pursue diplomacy. The country also urged an investigation into the deaths of its UN peacekeepers killed in recent violence in Lebanon.

Malaysia

Malaysia described the truce as a meaningful step toward restoring stability in the Middle East. It urged all parties to fully implement the agreement in good faith and avoid any actions that could disrupt fragile regional peace or impact global energy security.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, welcomed the development and warned of the broader economic consequences of prolonged conflict. They noted that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz had already triggered significant shocks to global energy supplies.

New Zealand

Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the ceasefire as encouraging but emphasised that more work is needed to secure a durable peace. He pointed to the widespread impact the conflict has had beyond the Middle East.

Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised the ceasefire and acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation efforts. He stressed that the focus must now shift to achieving a long-term resolution through diplomatic negotiations.

Ukraine

Ukraine welcomed the agreement and linked it to broader global conflicts. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for similar decisive action to end the ongoing war with Russia, suggesting that strong diplomatic pressure can deliver results.

Amid all the appreciation, a social media post by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has triggered widespread debate after an apparent 'draft message' inadvertently published on X and later edited. 

The message swiftly drew attention with netizens suggesting that the inclusion of the word 'Draft' signals that the post may have not been intended for public in its original form until approved. 

Within a short span, the tweet was edited, removing the draft label but retaining the core content.

The original text of the tweet is: "Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture. We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region."

The edited text remained largely unchanged with only removal of the word draft. 

The episode has since sparked speculation over possible gaps in internal communication and the handling of sensitive diplomatic messaging in the digital era.

The tweet was intended for reference to the United States’ decision to pause its bombing campaign for two weeks and consider Iran’s 10-point proposal, which was described as a “workable” basis for negotiations.

In a statement shortly after Trump's announcement on Tuesday night, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the US had suspended its “bombing and attack” campaign and accepted the two-week, “double-sided” ceasefire after being compelled by Tehran’s military and political pressure.

“Iran achieved a great victory and forced the criminal America to accept its 10-point plan,” the Council said, claiming that Washington had agreed to key demands including guarantees of non-aggression, recognition of Iran’s nuclear enrichment rights, lifting of sanctions, and withdrawal of US forces from the region.

Meanwhile Iran also explicitly mentioned that the ceasefire does not mean an end to hostilities. It said that the pause in fighting is conditional and tied to negotiations over Washington's compliance to Tehran's conditions. It also further warned that the battle could continue it its demands are not met.  

"This does not mean an end to the war and Iran will accept an end to the war only when, in view of Iran's acceptance of the principles envisaged in the 10-point plan, its details are also finalised in the negotiations," it added.

According to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, the proposal presented in negotiations with the US includes:

A US commitment to ensure no further acts of aggression against Iran

Continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz

Acceptance of Iran’s uranium enrichment rights

Lifting of all primary sanctions

Lifting of all secondary sanctions

Termination of all resolutions against Iran by the UN Security Council

Termination of resolutions by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors

Payment of damages to Iran for war losses

Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region

Cessation of hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon

Meanwhile Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, opening a diplomatic window to de-escalate the 40-day conflict and Tehran also accepted the truce and agreed to conditionally reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks," Trump announced.

“If attacks on Iran are halted, our powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations,” Iran said, adding it is considering the US request for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal, along with Washington’s acceptance of Iran’s 10-point plan as a framework for talks.

In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote, "If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations."

Araghchi also expressed gratitude and appreciation for his "dear brothers" - Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir. He thanked them for their "tireless efforts to end the war in the region."

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that it will retaliate beyond the region and could cut off oil and gas supplies to the United States and its allies “for years” if Washington crosses its “red lines” by targeting civilian facilities.

In a fresh warning, the US President stated, “An entire civilisation could perish tonight,” as the deadline he set for the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz ends at 8 pm. 

Meanwhile, Tehran announced that it has immediately halted all direct and indirect communication channels with Washington. The conflict, which began on February 28, has now entered its sixth week with no indication of de-escalation.

READ FOR MORE DETAILS  Trumps latest threat to Iran: ‘A whole civilisation will die tonight; Iran responds

Indian Embassy in Tehran issues advisory

The Indian Embassy in Tehran on Tuesday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals in Iran to stay put for the next 48 hours, remain indoors and avoid visiting electrical sites, military areas and upper floors of high-rise buildings.

Citizens accommodated in hotels arranged by the embassy have been directed to stay inside and remain in constant touch with the teams stationed on-site. All Indian nationals have also been urged to keep a close watch on official updates, while emergency helplines continue to remain active.

Iranian embassy in South Africa responds

The Iran embassy in South Africa took to X and responded to Trump's threats. “You and your allies will suffer an unforgettable hit from the ancient civilization of Iran,” it said in an X post.

Tensions mount

Key infrastructure targeted

Besides Kharg Island, several other locations were also targeted. Bridges in Qom and Kashan were struck during the attacks. Near Kashan, a railway bridge in Yahyabad was hit, resulting in the death of two persons and injuries to three others.

Another strike targeted a bridge on the Tabriz–Zanjan highway in northwestern Iran, indicating a broader focus on disrupting transport and infrastructure networks.

Strikes follow Trump’s warning

The attacks came shortly after US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 pm (US time) on Tuesday or face military action against key installations. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global oil route, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.

Iran launches retaliatory strike

Following the attacks, Iran responded by launching a strike in Sharjah, UAE. Tehran had earlier warned that it would not remain silent and would target US interests and its allies in the region if provoked.

Trump issues strong threat

Trump reiterated his hard stance, stating that Iran could be “wiped out in a single night” if it failed to reach an agreement with the United States before the deadline. He added that while talks with Iranian leaders were ongoing, it remained unclear whether a deal would be achieved.

Iran rejects ceasefire proposal

Iran has rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal, insisting instead on a permanent solution. It has demanded the removal of sanctions as part of any agreement.

From 48 hours to over two weeks

The standoff began on March 22, when Trump issued a sharp 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, warning of strikes on key energy sites if it failed to comply. However, that initial deadline has since stretched to nearly 408 hours.

Just before the first deadline expired, Trump announced a five-day pause, citing “productive conversations” with Tehran. This was followed by another extension, pushing the deadline further into early April. Most recently, he granted an additional 24 hours, setting April 7 as the new cutoff.

Tough talk continues

Despite repeatedly delaying action, Trump has maintained a hard stance. He has warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

In one of his latest remarks, he indicated that a deal is still possible but made it clear that military action remains on the table if talks fail.

Negotiations still underway

Backchannel diplomacy continues, with reports suggesting that the US and Iran are communicating through mediators such as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt. While Trump has described the talks as progressing, Iran has reportedly rejected the US proposal and put forward its own terms.

What happens next?

With the deadline now ending today, all eyes are on whether Trump will follow through on his threats or extend the timeline once again.

Given his pattern of delays, another extension cannot be ruled out. However, Trump has insisted that this deadline is final.