Iran war latest: Trump’s new threat, IRGC attacks cargo ship, Lufthansa cuts flights
US president’s ceasefire extension followed by threats to ‘blow up’ rest of Iran, as Tehran refuses to join peace talks while Hormuz blockade continues
But the relief proved short-lived. Trump issued fresh war threats on social media – heightening uncertainty as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and a second round of Pakistan-mediated peace talks hangs in limbo.
These are the main takeaways from what happened overnight.
Last-minute extension
Tasnim news agency – which is linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) – reported that the Iranian negotiating team had informed the US through a Pakistani intermediary that it would not attend talks in Islamabad on Wednesday and that there was currently no prospect of participation.
Meanwhile, Beijing on Wednesday repeated its call for peace talks to resume.
“The most pressing priority remains making every effort to prevent the rekindling of the war,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.
“China supports all relevant parties in persisting with political and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes, achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region.”