Iran War Day 69: Tehran 'Reviews' US Proposal; Israel Bombs Beirut
Theo Al Jazeera English
President Donald Trump says negotiations with Iran are progressing, as Tehran claims it is still reviewing a proposal mediated by Pakistan. Israel expands its military campaign with the first bombing of Beirut since a fragile ceasefire. The Strait of Hormuz closure hits global shipping hard.
Washington and Tehran continue diplomatic signals as tensions escalate in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran were going very well and hinted a deal to end the conflict could be within reach.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the US proposal is still being “reviewed” by Tehran and that a response will come after “completing the perspective” through Pakistan as a mediator. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also mocked recent US military campaigns, posting on social media that “Operation Trust Me Bro has failed” and that Washington is now turning to “Operation Glitzy”.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Iran is seeking support from China for a new “post-war” regional framework, according to a statement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on social media platform X. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that ongoing negotiations will lead to peace in the region. Meanwhile, President Trump is pushing for a swift deal with Iran ahead of his upcoming visit to China, through a 14-point framework mediated by Pakistan. Trump warned that if Iran does not agree to a deal, “the bombing will continue, and unfortunately, at a higher level and intensity than before.”
Fighting in the Gulf of Oman and Lebanon
In the Gulf of Oman, the US military said a Navy fighter jet fired on and disabled the rudder of a tanker flying the Iranian flag, after the ship was accused of trying to break Washington’s port blockade.
In Lebanon, Israel expanded its military campaign with daily airstrikes deeper into Lebanese territory, despite a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on April 17. Hezbollah claimed it carried out 17 targeted attacks against Israeli forces, accusing Israel of repeatedly violating the truce agreement.
Global Economic Impact
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is costing German shipping group Hapag-Lloyd about $60 million per week due to higher fuel and insurance costs. Meanwhile, major Chinese banks have been advised to suspend loans to five oil refineries sanctioned by the US for ties to Iranian oil.
