US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned on Thursday that a region-wide ceasefire, including in Lebanon, would hasten Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “jailing” as his criminal trial resumes on Sunday. In a post on X, Araghchi said: “Netanyahu’s criminal trial resumes on Sun. A region-wide ceasefire, incl in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing. If the U.S. wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it.”
The remarks came as US and Iranian officials prepare to meet in Islamabad on Saturday for negotiations aimed at reaching a long-term agreement following a two-week ceasefire announced Tuesday.
Iran’s FM Araghchi: ceasefire would ‘HASTEN [Netanyahu’s] JAILING’
Up to US whether it was to ‘CRATER its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy’
‘We think that would be DUMB but are prepared for it’ https://t.co/54XVtymFwW pic.twitter.com/2JkCI3XPw5
— RT (@RT_com) April 9, 2026
What Did Netanyahu Approve Regarding Lebanon?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” his office announced. Netanyahu said the move follows requests from Lebanon. Talks will centre on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations. Netanyahu welcomed the Lebanese Prime Minister’s call to demilitarize Beirut. Lebanon has not immediately responded to Israel’s proposal.
Despite the diplomatic overture, the Israeli military struck in the Beirut area and eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, a military statement said. Harshi was “a close associate and personal adviser to… Qassem and played a central role in managing and securing his office.”
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: What Is the Status of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran will allow no more than 15 vessels a day to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under its ceasefire arrangement with the United States, according to a senior Iranian source cited by Russia’s TASS news agency. The limit is significantly lower than normal traffic levels, which typically exceed 100 vessels daily.
The IRGC Navy announced new “alternative routes” through the strait on Wednesday, warning that ships without permission will be “targeted and destroyed.” The controlled transit system designates specific corridors near Larak Island, with passage granted primarily to China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq.
What Did NATO Secretary-General Say About Trump Meeting?
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described his meeting with Donald Trump as “frank” and “candid.” Rutte admitted European allies “were a bit slow” in providing logistical support and were initially “surprised” by the situation. He said Trump chose not to inform allies in advance to maintain operational surprise, adding that he “understands” the decision to keep initial strikes confidential.
Rutte said European countries have since stepped up support to the US military, including providing bases and logistical backing.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: What Is Russia’s Position?
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone conversation with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi and welcomed the Iran–US ceasefire agreement, according to the Associated Press. Russia reportedly said the ceasefire has a broader regional dimension, including Lebanon. Lavrov expressed hope for successful peace negotiations and reiterated Moscow’s readiness to assist in finding diplomatic solutions. Araghchi reportedly thanked Russia for its “principled position” at the UN Security Council on the Persian Gulf situation.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: How Did Markets React?
Global oil prices fell around 14% on Wednesday morning, with both Brent and WTI trading below $100 per barrel after the ceasefire announcement. At 11:30 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1,084.78 points, or 2.33%, to 47,669.24, the S&P 500 gained 140.76 points, or 2.13%, to 6,757.61 and the Nasdaq Composite jumped 563.74 points, or 2.56%, to 22,581.59.
Brent crude futures were up $1.96, or 2.07%, at $96.71 a barrel, while WTI crude rose $2.60, or 2.75%, to $97.01 a barrel.
US Isreal Iran War Latest Update: What Are the Next Steps?
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said in a post on X: “Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime … Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran.” US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American negotiating team, joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
FAQs: Araghchi’s Remarks on Israel
Q: What did Iran’s FM say about Netanyahu?
A: Araghchi said a region-wide ceasefire would hasten Netanyahu’s “jailing” as his criminal trial resumes Sunday.
Q: What warning did Araghchi give the US?
A: He said the US would “crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy,” calling that outcome “dumb.”
Q: Did Netanyahu approve Lebanon talks?
A: Yes. He approved direct negotiations “as soon as possible” to disarm Hezbollah and establish peaceful relations.
Q: What is the limit on Hormuz traffic?
A: Iran will allow no more than 15 vessels per day under the ceasefire arrangement, TASS reported.
Q: What did NATO’s Rutte say about Trump?
A: Rutte said Europeans were “a bit slow” and “surprised” but understood Trump’s decision to keep strikes confidential.
Q: What is Russia’s position?
A: Lavrov welcomed the ceasefire, expressed hope for peace talks, and reiterated readiness to assist diplomacy.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
