US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Iran has called for the release of three pilots it says were captured by Qatari forces after their Su-24 fighter jets crashed during the war. At the same time, tensions over the Strait of Hormuz remain high, with Washington and Tehran trading threats while diplomatic efforts continue.
Iran Seeks Release Of 3 Pilots Allegedly Held By Qatar
Iranian authorities on Saturday said three Iranian pilots were captured alive by Qatari forces after their Su-24 jets crashed during attacks earlier in the conflict.
Iranian Gen. Mohammad Bagherzadeh identified the pilots as Javad Salehi, Abdolmajid Dashtian and Omran Behraveshian and appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross for their release. Iran says the pilots have been held for about six months and have not been allowed to contact their families.
Iran had previously described the three pilots as missing, making the latest allegation a significant development. The claims have not been independently verified.
What Is Happening In The Strait Of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the US-Iran confrontation. Iran says the strategic waterway remains under its control and has linked any reopening to conditions being met by Washington. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the blockade would continue until the US accepts defeat, according to live coverage.
US President Donald Trump has meanwhile threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, escalating an already tense standoff. Iran has rejected the claim and insisted on its control over the waterway.
Are US-Iran Peace Talks Resuming?
Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has not yet made a decision on returning to talks with Washington. Iran is working with Oman on possible routes concerning the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran says this does not automatically mean the waterway will reopen.
The US has also expanded diplomatic outreach, with Austria and Greece among the European countries engaging with Iranian officials as Washington seeks a way to resolve the Hormuz crisis.
Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Tensions
The wider regional conflict is also affecting Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least 11 people, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, making the attacks among the deadliest since a fragile truce took effect in June.
Israel said its strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure following actions against Israeli forces, while Lebanese officials condemned the attacks and warned they could undermine diplomatic efforts.
What Happens Next In The US-Israel-Iran War?
The immediate flashpoints are likely to remain the Strait of Hormuz, stalled US-Iran diplomacy and the wider regional military escalation. Iran continues to demand major concessions before changing its position on Hormuz, while Washington is pushing for the waterway to reopen.
The alleged capture of the three Iranian pilots could also become a new diplomatic issue involving Iran, Qatar and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
