US-Israel-Iran War Live: Hezbollah fires barrages of rockets at Israel after rejecting buffer zone plan

Summary

Advertisement MIDDLE EAST WAR US-Israel-Iran War Live: Hezbollah fires barrages of rockets at Israel after rejecting buffer zone plan New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 14, 2026 00:47 IST US-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: The unfolding crisis in the Strait of Hormuz marks a dangerous escalation in already fragile US-Iran relations, with a sweeping American naval blockade of Iranian ports taking effect at 7:30 IST. President Donald Trump has threated that Iran wants a deal "very badly" and revealing that he was contacted by the "appropriate people" seeking negotiations, even as he warned that any Iranian "fast attack ships" approaching the blockade "will be immediately ELIMINATED". The blockade follows failed weekend talks in Pakistan, where both sides blamed each other for the collapse, with the US citing Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions and Tehran accusing Washington of "maximalism, shifting goalposts and blockade", further deepening mistrust. Meanwhile, Iran has rejected the move outright, calling restrictions on maritime movement an illegal act, while its leadership has signalled it will not surrender under threats. On the ground, the situation remains tense, with Iran’s armed forces placed on maximum combat alert. The ripple effects are already visible, as oil prices surge past $100 per barrel. France, United Kingdom and European Union called for efforts to restore freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical trade routes. At the same time, ongoing exchanges of attacks between the Israeli military and Hezbollah in Lebanon have stalled diplomatic efforts. Some US officals inducted that as of now diplomatic channels remain strained but not entirely closed. Follow indiatoday.in for live updates....Read More Smoke rises following a strike in southern Lebanon, near the Israel-Lebanon border, as seen from the Israeli side of the border in northern Israel. (Photo: Reuters) 2 Apr 14, 2026 00:47 IST Middle East Tension: Hezbollah chief rejects Israel buffer zone plan Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has said Israel’s plan to create a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon by demolishing border villages will fail, asserting that the territory will remain under Lebanese control. In strong remarks, Qassem stressed that any resolution to the conflict must begin with the return of displaced residents and rebuilding efforts, saying, “The return [of displaced residents] and reconstruction are two essential conditions for ending the aggression before anything else.” He also made it clear that Lebanon’s territorial integrity would not be compromised, adding, “All of this will be reconstructed. All of this will be Lebanon’s territory. Lebanon’s territory will not decrease a single meter.” Apr 14, 2026 00:43 IST Here’s a recap of the latest developments in the Middle east conflict - The US naval blockade of Iranian ports officially took effect at 10:00 ET (07:30 IST), marking a major escalation in tensions. - US President Donald Trump said Iran wants a deal “very badly” and claimed he was contacted by “the appropriate people” seeking an agreement. - Trump warned that any Iranian “fast attack ships” approaching the blockade “will be immediately ELIMINATED”. - Iran accused the US of “maximalism, shifting goalposts and blockade” as reasons for the breakdown in negotiations. - Iran’s parliament speaker said the country would not “surrender under threats”, signalling a firm stance against US pressure. - Iran’s armed forces have been placed on “maximum combat alert”, warning of a “harsh and decisive response” to any aggression. - Iran described the US blockade as “an illegal act and amounts to piracy”, rejecting restrictions on maritime movement. - The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) warned that ships in the region may face a “military presence” and possible “right-of-visit procedures”. - Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, while global stock markets declined amid rising uncertainty. - Qatar warned that maritime routes should not be used as a “bargaining chip”, citing risks to global energy supply and security. - France and the United Kingdom are planning talks to “restore freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz. - The Kremlin criticised the US blockade, warning it would negatively impact international markets. - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of “paramount importance”. - The Pope said he has “no intention to debate” the war with Trump despite criticism from the US President. - Israel continues military operations in Lebanon, with over 2,000 people reported killed since March 2. - Israeli military focus has shifted towards Lebanon during a temporary ceasefire with Iran. - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of creating a “deeper security zone” in southern Lebanon. - Lebanon and Israel are set for direct talks on Tuesday in Washington aimed at securing a ceasefire. - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope that negotiations would lead to a ceasefire. - Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel talks, calling them pointless and vowing continued resistance.