This live blog follows updates for Day 61 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 60, go here.
- Iran urges UNSC action while Amnesty condemns Israel’s attacks in Lebanon
- Lebanese president denounces deadly strike killing medics, citing violations of international law
- Oil prices rise as Middle East war fuels uncertainty and economic concerns globally
- US enforces maritime blockade while tensions grow over Iran and Strait of Hormuz
- Regional leaders weigh responses as conflict impacts energy markets, security, and civilians
Oil prices surge amid reports of Trump extending blockade of Iranian ports
Published: April 29, 2026 | 04:52 GMT | by AFP
Oil prices continue to rise amid reports that the US president has instructed his aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iranian ports.
The Wall Street Journal reported late on Tuesday that Trump has opted to continue Iran’s naval blockade to squeeze its economy and oil exports.
Brent crude futures for June delivery increased by 52 cents, or 0.47%, reaching $111.78 a barrel by 01:54 GMT. This marks the eighth consecutive day of gains for the benchmark. With the June contract set to expire this Thursday, the more heavily traded July contract stood at $104.84, up 0.4%.
Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures for June climbed 57 cents, or 0.57%, to trade at $100.50 a barrel. This follows a significant 3.7% surge in the prior session, with prices rising in seven of the previous eight trading days.
Trump says King Charles agrees Iran shouldn't have nuclear weapon
Published: April 29, 2026 | 04:01 GMT | by AFP
At the start of Tuesday's White House state dinner, President Trump said King Charles agrees with the US's position that Iran shouldn't have a nuclear weapon.
"Charles agrees with me even more than I do. We're never gonna let that opponent have a nuclear weapon. They know that, and they've known it right now very powerfully," Trump said after alluding to the conflict in the Middle East, without mentioning Iran by name.
The king and Queen Camilla are in the US to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
At the dinner, Trump also lauded the nation's relationship with the UK, saying the two countries share a "nobility of spirit and heroic soul."
Amnesty slams Israel’s destruction of solar panels in southern Lebanon
Published: April 29, 2026 | 01:47 GMT | by AFP
The international human rights organization has said that a video showing Israeli forces destroying solar panels in southern Lebanon is just one example of how civilian infrastructure is being targeted.
In a post on X, Amnesty International said that its previous calls for similar Israeli attacks to be investigated as war crimes have yet to be heeded.
“Israel must stop the unlawful destruction of civilian property across southern Lebanon.”
Iran calls for UNSC to compel Israel to stop attacks on Lebanon
Published: April 29, 2026 | 00:34 GMT | by AFP
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani has called on the Security Council to “act decisively to compel Israel to fully uphold the ceasefire in Lebanon,” Al Jazeera reported.
The council should also ensure that Israel “immediately halt all attacks against civilian and civilian infrastructure and withdraws all its occupying forces” from Lebanon, Iravani said.
He also decried US and Israeli attacks on Iran, as well as Israel’s actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
Lebanese president denounces killing of medics in Majdal Zoun
Published: April 29, 2026 | 00:01 GMT | by AFP
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned an Israeli attack that killed three civil defense personnel while they performed a rescue mission for people wounded in an earlier strike, Al Jazeera reported.
The Israeli air strike on the town of Majdal Zoun killed at least five people, including the three paramedics reportedly trapped under rubble following an initial bombing.
“This attack is an addition to a series of assaults targeting relief and first aid workers, which demonstrates that Israel continues to violate international laws and charters that protect civilians, paramedics, civil defense, and Red Cross personnel,” Aoun said, according to the state-run National News Agency.
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