US Iran War News Live Updates: Iran warns it will respond decisively to any renewed hostile action [ israel - iran war ]
- Vishal Services
- Apr 21
- 6 min read
April 21, 2026 - 13:26 PM
US Iran War News Live Updates: Iran warns it will respond decisively to any renewed hostile action, says report
Iran’s armed forces are ready to deliver an “immediate and decisive response” to any renewed hostile action by its adversaries, Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, was quoted by the Tasnim news agency as having said.
He said Tehran had the upper hand militarily, including in the management of the Strait of Hormuz, and would not allow Donald Trump to “create false narratives over the situation on the ground.”
Though Iran had briefly opened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, it closed it again (to “hostile” countries at least) on Saturday because the US would not lift its counter-blockade.
The commander’s comments come after the Iranian parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is expected to head the Iranian delegation if peace talks take place in Pakistan, said yesterday evening that his country would not attend negotiations while under threat – and warned they were “prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield”.
April 20, 2026 - 22:11PM
US Iran War News Live Updates: Iran’s Pezeshkian says ‘deep historical mistrust’ towards US
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said a “deep historical mistrust” persists in Iran towards the US, but that “honoring commitments remains the basis of meaningful dialogue.”
“In addition to the deep historical distrust in Iran toward the background of the U.S. government’s behavior and performance, the non-constructive and contradictory approach of U.S. officials in recent days carries a bitter message: they seek Iran’s surrender,” he wrote on X.
“The people of Iran will not bow to coercion.”
April 20, 2026 - 21:56 PM
US Iran War News Live Updates: European shares slide on concerns of US-Iran ceasefire collapse [ israel - iran war ]
European shares declined on Monday, following a sharp rebound in the previous session,as investors awaited progress on possible U.S.-Iran talks ahead of the expiry of the two-week ceasefire. Iran was considering attending peace talks in Pakistan, a senior Iranian official said, following Islamabad’s attempts to end a U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports, a major hurdle for Iran to rejoin peace efforts.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index closed down 0.8% at 621.46 points. Other major regional markets also fell, with France’s CAC and Germany’s DAX down 1.1% each.
“European investors are looking at very obvious facts of higher oil and more uncertainty about products flowing out of the Persian Gulf … so there is a clear concern that’s being expressed in European shares,” said Steve Sosnick, chief market analyst at Interactive Brokers.
The move comes after Friday’s optimism, which saw the STOXX 600 jump more than 1% to post its fourth straight weekly rise after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open. European equities have lagged their U.S. counterparts since war erupted at the end of February, as elevated oil prices weigh heavily on the energy-dependent region, keeping investors on edge.
“European equities haven’t done poorly, they’re lagging behind the U.S. peers as the U.S. is simply better positioned to weather the current crisis with less economic damage than Europe,” said Daniela Hathorn, senior market analyst at Capital.com. Energy shares gained 1.6% as crude prices surged.
British majors BP and Shell and France’s TotalEnergies gained between 1.8% and 2.9%. On the flip side, the travel and leisure sector led declines with a 2.4% fall, bearing the brunt of higher energy costs and rising geopolitical tensions. Airline stocks, including easyJet, Lufthansa, Ryanair and IAG, slid between 2.2% and 3.1%. Aerospace and defense shares also weighed on the index, with Rolls-Royce and Safran down 3.7% and 3.9%, respectively. Banks and luxury stocks dropped about 2% each.
April 20, 2026 - 21:42 PM
US Iran War News Live Updates: Grateful for the European Union’s appreciation of Pakistan's peace efforts, says Shehbaz Sharif [ israel - iran war ]
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X, “I received a call from H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council, this evening. During our cordial exchange, I shared with President Costa, updates on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and peace efforts in the Middle East. Grateful for the European Union’s appreciation of Pakistan’s peace efforts and for its readiness to support dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability.”
April 20, 2026 - 20:31 PM
US Iran War News Live Updates: Israel never talked me into war with Iran, says Trump
[ israel - iran war ]
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did. I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing – And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!”
April 20, 2026 - 16:29 PM
US Iran War News Live Updates: Iran isn't intending to take part in negotiations, says official
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a press conference that Tehran is not intending to take part in negotiations so far.
Tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate, with Iran stating that Pakistan is currently the only official mediator in ongoing diplomatic efforts. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Tehran has not yet decided to participate in the next round of negotiations and, for now, has no plans to engage in talks.
Meanwhile, the US has intensified its actions, with Donald Trump claiming that American forces intercepted and seized an Iranian cargo ship attempting to bypass a naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that although some progress has been made in discussions, both sides remain far from reaching a final agreement due to key disagreements.
On the ground, the situation remains volatile. Iran has reimposed strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global shipping routes. Reports of gunfire and incidents involving vessels, including Indian ships, have raised serious security concerns.
The ongoing standoff has already impacted global markets, with oil prices rising sharply and maritime activity facing major disruptions. As uncertainty continues and no timeline for talks is confirmed, the risk of further escalation remains high.
Global Desk — The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has intensified once again, as Iran announced that it has reimposed strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The move comes shortly after Iran briefly signaled reopening the strait, only to reverse its decision amid continued pressure from a U.S.-led naval blockade. The situation has significantly increased tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about global trade and energy supply.
Strait of Hormuz Back Under Military Control
[ israel - iran war ]
Iranian authorities confirmed that the strategic waterway is now under tight military supervision, warning that any unauthorized vessel attempting to pass through the strait could face action.
Reports also indicate that several ships have been turned back, while incidents involving gunfire and projectiles near commercial vessels have heightened safety concerns in the region.
US Blockade Continues
[ israel - iran war ]
The United States has maintained its naval blockade on Iranian ports, aimed at restricting Iran’s ability to export oil and generate revenue. American forces have reportedly intercepted and redirected multiple vessels, enforcing strict maritime restrictions.
US officials believe this pressure could push Iran toward negotiations, but the move has also escalated tensions further.
Trump’s Strong Warning
[ israel - iran war ]
US President Donald Trump responded to Iran’s actions by stating that Tehran “cannot blackmail” the United States by attempting to control or close the Strait of Hormuz.
He emphasized that the US would continue its strategy and warned of serious consequences if Iran escalates the situation further.
Shipping and Global Impact
[ israel - iran war ]
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Any disruption in this region directly impacts:
Global oil prices
International trade routes
Economic stability
Recent developments have already led to uncertainty in global markets, with shipping risks increasing and oil supply concerns rising.
Peace Talks Still Uncertain
[ israel - iran war ]
Despite rising tensions, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. The United States has indicated that a new round of talks with Iran is expected soon, with negotiations likely to take place in Pakistan.
However, Iran has not yet confirmed its participation, stating that discussions may not proceed unless the US lifts its naval blockade.
Current Situation [ israel - iran war ]
Iran has re-established control over the Strait of Hormuz
US naval blockade remains active
Shipping activity is restricted and risky
Talks are ongoing but uncertain
Regional tensions remain high
Iran US war, Strait of Hormuz news, Donald Trump Iran, Middle East conflict, global oil crisis
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