US-Iran War Live: No deal unless Iran agrees to abandon nuclear weapons, Trump says

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Advertisement Middle East War US-Iran War Live: No deal unless Iran agrees to abandon nuclear weapons, Trump says New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 30, 2026 01:47 IST US-Iran War Live Updates: US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade, choosing to tighten pressure instead of easing it. He argued the blockade is more effective than military strikes, signalling that Washington is relying on economic strain rather than immediate escalation to force Tehran’s hand. That pressure is already showing. Iran’s currency has slipped to a record low of 1,810,000 rials to the dollar, according to state-linked media, highlighting the growing toll on its economy. Behind the scenes, the US appears to be settling in for a longer standoff. Trump and his aides have held talks with energy executives on how to keep the blockade in place for months while trying to shield American consumers from rising costs. The political heat is rising at home as well. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the war during a congressional hearing, brushing aside criticism and calling opponents “the biggest adversary” as he faced lawmakers for the first time since the conflict began. Diplomacy, meanwhile, remains stuck. Pakistan is expected to receive a revised Iranian proposal, but Trump has shown little patience, warning Tehran to “better get smart soon.” He also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who offered to help address Iran’s uranium stockpiles, adding another layer to the ongoing negotiations. At the same time, Israel has launched fresh strikes in southern Lebanon, killing emergency workers and soldiers. Israeli forces have made it clear there is “no ceasefire” in their campaign against Hezbollah, despite ongoing efforts for direct talks. Catch all the live updates at indiatoday.in....Read More US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC. (Photo: Reuters) 2 Apr 30, 2026 01:47 IST Middle East war: Trump says Iran closer in talks, but not enough on nuclear issue US President Donald Trump said Iran has moved closer to Washington’s position in ongoing talks, but stressed it has not gone far enough on the nuclear issue. “They’ve come a long way. The question is whether or not they’re going to go far enough. At this moment, there will never be a deal unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons,” he said. Trump added that talks are continuing and can be conducted remotely, saying it is not necessary for negotiators to travel to Pakistan for discussions. Apr 30, 2026 01:45 IST If you’re just joining us, here's the latest on Middle East conflict: - Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the blockade will continue and calling it more effective than military strikes. - Iran’s currency has fallen to a record low of 1,810,000 rials against the dollar, signalling deepening economic strain under sustained pressure. - Pete Hegseth defended the war in Congress, dismissing critics as “the biggest adversary” and accusing Democrats of being “reckless, feckless and defeatist”. - Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with Pakistan expected to receive a revised Iranian proposal even as Trump warned Tehran to “better get smart soon”. - Trump also told Iran to “just say ‘we give up’”, calling it the only way to end the conflict. - In a separate development, Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin, who offered assistance on Iran’s uranium stockpiles. - Tasnim News Agency reported that seven Iranian crew members aboard a US-seized container ship have been released. - Israel carried out fresh strikes in southern Lebanon, including an attack that killed three members of a family in al-Hanniye. - Israel’s military said there is “no ceasefire” in operations against Hezbollah despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. - A UN-backed report warned that the conflict could push around 1.2 million people in Lebanon into acute hunger. - The White House is preparing for a prolonged standoff, with Trump and aides holding talks with energy executives on sustaining the blockade for months while limiting domestic impact.