China calls for 'unimpeded' navigation in Strait of Hormuz

This live blog follows updates for Day 45 of the US-Israeli war on Iran. For a recap of Day 44, go here.

• Iran resumes rail services on routes damaged by war
• Russia ready to take in Iran's enriched uranium as part of peace deal: Kremlin
• France, UK to host talks on 'peaceful multinational mission' for Hormuz: Macron
• Pope Leo says has 'no intention to debate' with Trump: AFP
• Turkey says Hormuz strait should open 'as soon as possible'

Iran resumes rail services on routes damaged by war

Published: April 13, 2026 | 10:35 GMT | By AFP

Iran has resumed rail services on key routes after repairing sections of track damaged during the war with Israel and the United States, state media said on Monday.

Authorities have in recent days begun reconstruction work on bridges, railway lines and other infrastructure hit during nearly 40 days of fighting.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since Wednesday.

In Iran's northwestern Azerbaijan region, the director general of the railways said trains had resumed from the city of Tabriz, bound for the capital Tehran and Mashhad in the northeast.

"These trains have resumed service after an interruption of four to five days," said Alireza Soleimani, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency.

"The Tehran–Tabriz–Van train also left Tehran for Van, Turkey, last night, using rebuilt tracks."

A railway bridge near the city of Qom, south of Tehran, also reopened on Saturday after reconstruction work which lasted "less than 40 hours", said Khosrow Samari, deputy governor in Qom province, according to the Tasnim news agency.

Russia ready to take in Iran's enriched uranium as part of peace deal: Kremlin

Published: April 13, 2026 | 10:24 GMT | By AFP

Russia is ready to take in Iran's enriched uranium as part of a future peace deal with the United States, the Kremlin said on Monday.

"This proposal was voiced by President (Vladimir) Putin in contacts with both the United States and regional states. The offer still stands, but has not been acted upon," the Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

France, UK to host talks on 'peaceful multinational mission' for Hormuz: Macron

Published: April 13, 2026 | 09:13 GMT | By AFP

France and Britain will soon host talks towards creating a "peaceful multinational mission" to help restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday.

"In the coming days, together with the United Kingdom, we will organize a conference with those countries prepared to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait," he wrote, adding it would be "strictly defensive" and ready to deploy "as soon as circumstances permit".

Pope Leo says has 'no intention to debate' with Trump: AFP

Published: April 13, 2026 | 09:13 GMT | By AFP

Pope Leo XIV on Monday said he had "no intention to debate" with Donald Trump, after the US president criticized him over his comments on the US-Iran war.

"I am not a politician," the pope told reporters aboard the papal plane as they headed to Algeria for the pontiff's first visit to Africa.

"I have no intention to debate with (Trump). The message is the same: to promote peace."

Turkey says Hormuz strait should open 'as soon as possible'

Published: April 13, 2026 | 09:13 GMT | By AFP

The strategic Strait of Hormuz trade route should open "as soon as possible", Turkey's foreign minister said on Monday.

"Negotiations with Iran should be conducted, persuasion methods should be used, and the strait should be opened as soon as possible," Hakan Fidan told the official Anadolu news agency.

Iran, US 'sincere' about ceasefire: Turkey foreign minister

Published: April 13, 2026 | 09:13 GMT | By AFP

Turkey's foreign minister said on Monday he believed both Iran and the United States remain "sincere" about reaching a ceasefire despite the Pakistan-mediated talks on the weekend ending without agreement.

"Both sides are sincere about the ceasefire," Hakan Fidan said in an interview with the official Anadolu news agency, adding that he has been in contact with the parties involved in the negotiations.

"I am thinking that if the nuclear issue comes down to an all-or-nothing situation especially regarding enrichment, we might face serious obstacles," Fidan said.

"Hopefully, we will try to overcome this with the support of some mediators," he added.

Turkey, while a fierce critic of Israel, joined diplomatic efforts with Egypt and Pakistan to reach a ceasefire in the conflict.

Operations resume at Kurdish Iraqi gas facility after war disruption

Published: April 13, 2026 | 08:14 GMT | By AFP

Operations resumed on Monday at a major gas facility in Iraq's Kurdish region, the Emirati company running the complex said, after more than a month of disruption due to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Dana Gas announced "the resumption of production of the Khor Mor gas facility in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, following a period of intermittent operations", according to a statement published by the Abu Dhabi stock exchange.

On Feb. 28 the UAE company suspended natural gas supplies from the complex as war broke out, authorities in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region had said.

China calls reports it supplied weapons to Iran 'baseless smears'

Published: April 13, 2026 | 08:13 GMT | By AFP

China on Monday called reports it had supplied or intended to supply weapons to Iran "baseless smears", after several outlets quoted US intelligence sources to that effect.

"China has always adopted a cautious and responsible attitude towards the export of military items, implementing strict controls in accordance with its own export control laws and regulations and its international obligations. We oppose baseless smears or malicious association," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular news briefing.

UK PM says Britain 'not supporting' US blockade of Hormuz strait

Published: April 13, 2026 | 08:14 GMT | By AFP

UK PM says Britain 'not supporting' US blockade of Hormuz strait, AFP reported.

Germany will feel effects of Mideast war 'for a long time': Merz

Published: April 13, 2026 | 08:13 GMT | By AFP

Germany's already struggling economy will feel the effects of the energy shock from the Middle East war for a prolonged period, Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Monday.

"We will continue to feel the consequences of this war for a long time to come, even after it is over," he told a news conference, as his government announced relief measures including a cut in fuel taxes.

China says hopes US, Iran will not reignite war after talks end

Published: April 13, 2026 | 08:13 GMT | By AFP

China said on Monday it hoped the United States and Iran would not reignite the Middle East war, after talks between Tehran and Washington in Pakistan ended without agreement.

"China hopes the relevant sides will abide by the temporary ceasefire agreement, continue resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, avoid reigniting war and create conditions for an early return to peace and tranquility in the Gulf region," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference.

ASEAN calls for unimpeded passage of vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Published: April 13, 2026 | 07:52 GMT | By Web Desk

ASEAN, while welcoming US-Iran ceasefire, has urged safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz. 

"We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), welcome the two-week ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, announced on 8 April 2026," said statement by ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the developments in the Middle East issued on Monday.   

"We reaffirm the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, and upholding freedom of navigation in and overflight above straits used for international navigation, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO)."

The statement further said, "In this regard, we call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz in line with the1982 UNCLOS, as well as for all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)."

China calls for 'unimpeded' navigation in Hormuz Strait

Published: April 13, 2026 | 07:36 GMT | By AFP

China called for "unimpeded" navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to blockade the crucial waterway.

"The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy, and maintaining its security, stability, and unimpeded flow is in the common interest of the international community," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference.

Spain says blockade of Strait of Hormuz 'makes no sense'

Published: April 13, 2026 | 07:36 GMT | By AFP

The naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz announced by US President Donald Trump "makes no sense", Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday.

"I too think it’s something that makes no sense... It's one more episode in this whole downward spiral into which we've been dragged," she said in an interview on Spanish public television.

Germany to cut tax on fuel for two months amid Iran war energy shock: Merz

Published: April 13, 2026 | 05:47 GMT | By AFP

Germany to cut tax on fuel for two months amid Iran war energy shock, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was quoted as saying by the AFP. 

Russia ready to assist in peace efforts, Putin tells Iran president

Published: April 13, 2026 | 05:47 GMT | By Web Desk

In a telephone conversation on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Russian counterpart reviewed the latest status of the ceasefire in the US-Israeli aggression against Iran and the negotiation process in Pakistan, expressing their views on ways to strengthen stability and security in the region, Iranian Tasnim News Agency reported.

Quoting Sputnik, the Iranian news agency reported the Iranian president pointed to the Pakistani-mediated negotiations between Iran and the US, held in Islamabad on April 11, and expressed appreciation for Russia's principled stance.

Pezeshkian also thanked Moscow for its humanitarian assistance and congratulated the Russians on Easter.

President Putin emphasized that Russia is ready to help the political and diplomatic settlement of dispute surrounding Iran, the report said.

IRGC: Military vessels approaching Strait of Hormuz 'a violation of ceasefire'

Published: April 13, 2026 | 05:45 GMT | By Web Desk

“The IRGC Navy announces that contrary to the false claims made by some enemy officials, the Strait of Hormuz is under smart control and management and is open to the safe passage of civilian vessels, in compliance with specific regulations,” the IRGC said in a statement published by Iranian Tasnim News Agency.

The IRGC at the same time warned that military vessels that intend to approach the Strait of Hormuz under any title or pretext will be considered as a ceasefire violation and will be dealt with severely, the report said.

Economic shock from US-Israel war in Mideast already 'large', says IMF chief 

Published: April 13, 2026 | 05:37 GMT | By Web Desk

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the economic shock from the war in the Middle East is already “large” and “it is global.”

She said this at CBS News' program "Face The Nation".

“Everybody uses energy. Everybody feels the pinch of prices going up,” she said. 

“If you are in the vicinity of the conflict, it's a big hit on you. If you are an oil importer, it is a big hit on you.

Trump says 'not a big fan' of Pope Leo after his anti-war message

Published: April 13, 2026 | 04:13 GMT | By AFP

US President Donald Trump told reporters Sunday that he is "not a big fan" of Pope Leo XIV, after the global leader of Catholics made a plea for peace.

"I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person, and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He accused the pontiff of "toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon."

On Saturday, the 70-year-old American pope publicly implored leaders to end the violence, telling worshippers at St. Peter's Basilica: "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!"

Trump reiterated his comments to reporters with a post on Truth Social saying: "I don't want a Pope who think it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon."

UK will not join Trump's blockade of Iran's ports in the Strait of Hormuz

Published: April 13, 2026 | 03:32GMT | By Web Desk

The UK will not be involved in enforcing the US military blockade of Iran, the BBC reported.

A spokesperson for the UK government said: "We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is urgently needed to support the global economy and the cost of living back home."

Death toll from Israeli strikes in Lebanon rises to 2,055

Published: April 12, 2026 | 02:28GMT | By Web Desk

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health says the death toll since the start of the Israeli offensive on March 2 has now risen to 2,055 people, Al Jazeera reported.

It said at least 6,588 others have been wounded.

Trump says doesn’t care if Iran comes back to talks

Published: April 12, 2026 | 02:28GMT | By AFP

President Donald Trump said he does not care if Iran comes back to negotiations with the United States after talks in Pakistan concluded.

"I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, upon his return from Florida.

US oil benchmark jumps 8%, surpasses $100 after US-Iran talks in Islamabad

Published: April 12, 2026 | 23:28GMT | By AFP

The US oil benchmark rebounded above $100 a barrel after peace talks between the United States and Iran concluded, and with US President Donald Trump ordering a blockade of Iranian ports.

Shortly after trading began, a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery rose around 8% to $104.50, while June delivery of international benchmark Brent rose 7% to $102.

Iran says was 'inches away' from deal with US in Islamabad

Published: April 12, 2026 | 22:35GMT | By AFP

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran had been just "inches away" from a deal with Washington during weekend talks with the United States in Islamabad.

"Iran engaged with US in good faith to end war," he said in a post on X.

But when "just inches away" from an agreement in Islamabad, "we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade," he added.

US military says to begin blockade of all Iran ports at 1400 GMT Monday

Published: April 12, 2026 | 21:35GMT | By AFP

The US military announced it will begin blockading all Iranian Gulf ports on Monday at 1400 GMT, and will allow ships not coming or going to Iran to pass through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

"The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X on Sunday.

"CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," it added, appearing to walk back President Donald Trump's earlier post in which he said "any and all Ships" would be blocked.

Iran navy chief calls Trump threat to block Hormuz strait 'ridiculous': state TV

Published: April 12, 2026 | 21:23GMT | By AFP

Iran's navy chief Shahram Irani on Sunday called US President Donald Trump's threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz "ridiculous," after marathon talks between Tehran and Washington in Pakistan could not deliver a deal to end the Middle East war.

"The brave men of the naval force of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran are monitoring and supervising all the movements of the aggressive American army in the region. The threats of the US president to blockade Iran at sea ... are very ridiculous and funny," he said, according to state TV.