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China offers $200,000 emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran after school attack.
Iran says death toll of US-Israeli strikes reaches 1,230.
Iran's IRGC official says will burn any ship trying to pass through Strait of Horm.
NEW DELHI -- Citing the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the Indian government on Wednesday announced it has postponed a global steel conference until further notice.
In view of the evolving global situation, including the ongoing West Asia crisis, and the inconvenience and hardship being caused to stakeholders due to this situation, it has been decided to postpone Bharat Steel 2026 until further notice, reads a statement issued by the steel ministry.
The Bharat Steel 2026 conference was scheduled for April 16-17 in New Delhi.
TEHRAN -- Oil tankers have been suspended from passing through the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attack on Lebanon, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported Wednesday.
The first ship passed through the Strait of Hormuz with Iran's "permission" after a US-Iran truce took effect early on Wednesday, according to Iranian media. Ship-tracking service MarineTraffic also said on X that vessel movements resumed in the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire.
TEHRAN -- Iran remains distrustful of its adversaries and its military remains prepared to defend the country, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Wednesday, according to state media.
In a televised interview cited by Mehr News Agency, Mohajerani said Iran's armed forces and missile capabilities are ready to protect the nation and support its interests amid ongoing regional tensions.
She reaffirmed Tehran's claim to responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments, and described it as central to Iran's security posture.
The African Union has welcomed the immediate ceasefire agreement announced between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant diplomatic breakthrough and urging all parties to sustain dialogue to secure a durable and comprehensive peace amid growing global concerns over the conflict's economic and humanitarian impact.
In a statement released on Wednesday, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the truce offers a critical opportunity to ease regional tensions and mitigate the spill over effects that have disrupted fuel supplies and driven up the cost of basic commodities across Africa.
Youssouf said the ceasefire reflects a shared commitment to de-escalation and aligns with the African Union's consistent calls for restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
"The repercussions have been felt globally, including across Africa, where disruptions to fuel supplies have driven inflation and increased the cost of basic commodities," the AU chairperson said, adding that the truce presents "a critical opportunity to ease the suffering of populations affected both directly and indirectly."
The AU also commended the diplomatic efforts by regional and international mediators that helped secure the ceasefire. He stressed that sustained dialogue and inclusive diplomacy remain essential to consolidating the gains made through the ceasefire, warning that only continued engagement can lead to a durable and comprehensive peace.
He reaffirmed the African Union's support for diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing renewed hostilities, saying dialogue in line with the Charter of the United Nations remains the only viable path to resolving international crises.
The truce followed weeks of heightened tensions that rattled global energy markets and raised concerns over maritime trade routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil shipments.
The ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran was announced shortly before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, who had warned that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
CAIRO -- Vessel movements resumed on Wednesday in the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire announced by the United States and Iran, ship-tracking service MarineTraffic said on X.
The ceasefire included a temporary reopening of the strategic waterway to allow for negotiations.
The Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth and the Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach transited the strait after departing Bandar Abbas, MarineTraffic said, adding that "initial movements are now being recorded."
According to the service's data, hundreds of vessels remain in the area, including 426 tankers, 34 LPG carriers, and 19 LNG vessels, many of which had been effectively stranded during the disruption.
The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire less than two hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump. The two sides are expected to hold negotiations in Pakistan on Friday.
BEIJING -- China welcomes the announcement by relevant parties of reaching a ceasefire arrangement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday, expressing support for the mediation efforts made by countries such as Pakistan.
TEHRAN -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf is to head a negotiating team for talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, Iranian Students' News Agency reported on Wednesday.
CANBERRA -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday welcomed the agreement by the United States and Iran to a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.
Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict reached, Albanese said in a statement.
"We thank and support the work of negotiators, including Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, in advancing de-escalation efforts," he said, noting that Australia continues to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life.
Iran and the United States agreed to a two-week ceasefire less than two hours before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump, and will hold negotiations in Pakistan.
UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the two-week ceasefire announced by the United States and Iran, his spokesperson said Tuesday in a statement.
"He calls on all the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region," said his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in a statement.
"The Secretary-General underscores that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering," the statement said.
"He expresses sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the ceasefire," it said, adding that the UN chief's personal envoy Jean Arnault is in the region to support efforts toward lasting peace.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, announced shortly before a deadline after which he had warned that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The 11th-hour deal, brokered by Pakistan's prime minister, was announced by Trump on Truth Social.
"Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, ?IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks," Trump wrote. "This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE."
The US received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which Trump called "a workable basis ?on which to negotiate," Reuters reported.
Trump said in his post that nearly all of the various points of past contention had been agreed to between the US and Iran and the two-week period will allow a deal to be ?finalized, according to Reuters. Israel also agreed to the ceasefire.
Iran's national television celebrated the deal, calling the ceasefire a win.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council said in a statement: "It was decided at the highest level that Iran will hold negotiations with the American side in Islamabad for two weeks."
Negotiations between the two sides are expected to begin on Friday.
The price of oil fell dramatically after the announcement, with May futures for West Texas Intermediate dropping nearly 19 percent to below $92 a barrel.
The U-turn by the US on Iran came as Americans had been on edge earlier in the day over Trump's heightened rhetoric.
Trump vowed on Monday that he would destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure by wiping out "every bridge" and power plant if Iran did not strike a deal by his Tuesday deadline. On Tuesday morning, Trump went a step further, threatening that a "whole civilization will die" if Iran did not agree.
Adam Turner, 54, from New York, was tearful about how stressed out the president's rhetoric was making him feel over Iran and a host of other issues since he's been in office.
"I think the way that he speaks about Iran is no different than the way he speaks about anything else," Turner told China Daily.
"It's not speech that I would accept from any horrible person on the street. It is without respect. It is without intelligence, without dignity. And the fact that we are represented by that is a crime. So, the way he speaks about Iran is no different than the way he speaks about anything. It's vile."
"It makes me sad because I don't think the Iranian people deserve it," Turner added. "It didn't need to happen. He got rid of [former President Barack] Obama's Iran deal. We had a deal in place that was effective."
Trump's stance sent alarm bells ringing in the US among everyday Americans, US senators and the United Nations.
A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN chief was "deeply troubled" by statements suggesting civilians could bear the consequences of military decisions.
And the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Tuesday warned that the threats by the US could amount to serious violations of international law.
Lewis Fox, 66, from Manhattan, New York, was also disgruntled by the US president's aggressive rhetoric on Iran and wanted to see a more diplomatic approach.
"I think he doesn't have a clue what he's doing. I have no idea how he ended up in a position where he had the ability to do what he is doing.
"He has converted the United States into being the bully of the world versus the savior of the world. And therefore, he definitely shouldn't be talking like that."
Other critics of Trump's threatening post toward Iran on Tuesday included former staunch ally Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.
"Not a single bomb had dropped on America," she posted on X. "We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, on Tuesday called on Republican members of Congress to act.
"Congress must immediately end this reckless war of choice in Iran before Donald Trump plunges us into World War III," Jeffries said in a post on X. "It's time for every single Republican to put patriotic duty over party and stop the madness. Enough."
belindarobinson@chinadailyusa.com
Israeli PM says he supports temporary truce subject to Iran opening straits
ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that an immediate ceasefire has been agreed between Iran and the United States, along with their allies, saying it applies "everywhere including Lebanon."
In a statement on X, the prime minister said the ceasefire has taken effect immediately.
"I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes," Sharif said.
The prime minister said both parties had demonstrated "remarkable wisdom and understanding" and voiced hope that the upcoming "Islamabad Talks" would lead to sustainable peace.
JERUSALEM -- Israel is continuing its strike against Iran despite a ceasefire declared by the United States and Iran, Israeli media quoted a security official as saying on Wednesday.
China is pushing for a return to talks and an immediate ceasefire as the Iranian conflict takes an intense turn ahead of the United States-imposed deadline on Tehran.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China hopes for all the parties to show sincerity and quickly end this war that should not have happened in the first place.
She said the root cause of the tension lies in the unlawful use of force by the US and Israel against Iran, which violates international law.
Mao said force cannot bring peace and a political settlement is the only way forward, adding that the top priority is to bring an immediate end to the military operations and return to dialogue and negotiation, so as to fundamentally resolve the issues and restore peace and stability in the Gulf region.
She said the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, with hostilities still escalating and dragging down the global economy and energy security, which has caused deep concern in the international community.
Since the outbreak of the conflict, China has maintained an objective, fair and balanced position and worked consistently to promote a ceasefire and an end to the fighting, Mao said. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone calls with parties including Iran, Israel, Russia and Gulf countries, while the Chinese government's special envoy on the Middle East issue has engaged in shuttle diplomacy in the region, she said.
Mao added that China and Pakistan recently put forward a five-point initiative, reflecting the broad consensus of the international community in support of peace and an end to the war.
Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, said in a post on X on Tuesday that Islamabad's "positive and productive endeavors" to stop the war were approaching a "critical, sensitive stage".
The United Nations said it was alarmed by an ultimatum Washington gave if Tehran continued to block the Strait of Hormuz, as a deadline the Trump administration had set inched closer.
"We were alarmed by the rhetoric seen in that social media post that threatened American attacks on power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure, should Iran not agree to a deal," Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said at a news conference on Monday. He reiterated that the secretary-general "has been very clear on issues regarding international law", and he urges yet again all parties "to abide by their obligations regarding the conduct of these hostilities".
Iran has set preconditions for talks on a lasting peace with the United States, including an immediate halt to strikes, guarantees that attacks will not be repeated and compensation for damage, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing an anonymous senior Iranian official. The official said Tehran rejects any temporary ceasefire with the US.
Shipping fees
He added that a permanent peace deal should allow Iran to demand fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which would vary depending on the type of ship, its cargo and prevailing conditions, according to the report.
On Monday, Pakistan proposed a two-stage plan to end the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which included the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.
US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday morning that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight", the deadline he set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, marking a possible sharp escalation in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.
As Trump's deadline loomed, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian took to X on Tuesday, saying over 14 million proud Iranians "have, up to this moment, declared their readiness" to sacrifice their lives in defense of their country.
According to a post by journalist Barak Ravid of the news site Axios on Tuesday, citing a US official, the US carried out "strikes on military targets" on Kharg Island located off Iran's western coast.
The Iranian Red Crescent said US-Israeli attacks hit 17 civilian areas across Iran on Tuesday and said in a statement on X that there was no justification for attacking civilians, reiterating that international law states that attacking defenseless civilians is a war crime. At least 15 people were killed overnight, Iranian media reported.
Attempts to de-escalate the situation are almost immediately overshadowed in the region by nonstop, intense tit-for-tat strike threats.
On Tuesday, Gulf countries spent another day repelling attacks in their respective territories with Saudi Arabia's ministry of defense reporting the interception and destruction of at least 18 drones "during the past hours". The King Fahd Causeway, which connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, was briefly suspended after Iranian attacks targeted Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, but was reopened a few hours later.
The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week pause in hostilities on Tuesday, with the US saying it would suspend attacks if Tehran fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said he had talked with the prime minister of Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator between the warring parties.
"Subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, ?IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE," Trump posted.
The price of oil fell dramatically after the announcement, with May futures for West Texas Intermediate dropping nearly 19 percent to below $92 a barrel.
"For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran's armed forces and with due consideration to technical limitations," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.
Reuters reported that ?the US had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which Trump called "a workable basis ?on ?which to negotiate."
"Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated," Trump posted.
Iran's national television called the ceasefire a win.
"It was decided at the highest level that Iran will hold negotiations with the American side in Islamabad for two weeks," Iran's Supreme National Security Council said in a statement.
"It is emphasised that this does not mean an end to the war, and Iran will accept an end to the war only when — in view of Iran's acceptance of the principles envisaged in the 10-point plan — its details are also finalised in the negotiations," the council said.
Negotiations will begin in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday.
shiguang@chaindailyusa.com
WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he has agreed to "suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks."
Trump wrote on social media that his decision is "subject to" Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
"The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East," Trump said.
"We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate," he said.
Trump described the two-week suspension as "a double sided ceasefire."
The ceasefire proposal was delivered by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aiming to give time for peace talks with Iran.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sharif called on Trump in a post on X to extend the deadline Trump set for Iran to reach a deal by two weeks, and also requested Iran "to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture."
UNITED NATIONS -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday failed to adopt a draft resolution that "strongly encourages" states interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts of a defensive nature to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels.
Eleven members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution, China and Russia voted against it, while Colombia and Pakistan abstained.
The draft resolution was proposed by Bahrain in close coordination with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council members Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with Jordan.
TEHRAN -- The situation on Iran's Kharg Island remains under control, with no reported damage to infrastructure following Tuesday's US-Israeli attack, Mehr news agency reported, citing sources.
Western media reports said the attacks hit over 50 military targets on the island, which is Iran's oil export hub.
BUDAPEST -- US Vice-President JD Vance said on Tuesday that the United States has largely achieved its military objectives against Iran, while warning that Tehran faces a narrowing window to enter negotiations or risk further economic hardship.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Vance said Washington would continue efforts to curb Iran's weapons production capabilities.
Vance confirmed that US forces had struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, but stressed that energy infrastructure had not been targeted, in line with a previously set deadline.
"The president believes this war could conclude very quickly," Vance said, outlining two possible paths: Iran could "no longer support terrorism" and integrate into the global economy, or face prolonged economic isolation.
He said the United States has set a deadline for Tehran to respond to negotiations by 8:00 pm US Eastern Time, giving Iran roughly 12 hours to respond, and expressed hope for a "favorable answer" that would allow the resumption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
"Military force remains an option if Iran does not change its behavior, but this is not the preferred path," he added.
On bilateral relations, Vance said the United States seeks strong cooperation with Hungary, particularly in the areas of energy security and independence.
He criticized what he described as pressure from "Eurocrats" in Brussels on Hungary over its policy decisions, adding that Washington maintains multiple channels of cooperation with Budapest.
Vance also questioned Western European approaches to energy policy, noting that some leaders speak of an energy crisis while not supporting Hungary's strategy. He said Hungary has managed to keep energy prices below levels seen in parts of Western Europe.
Hungary has advocated maintaining access to relatively cheap Russian fossil fuels as part of Europe's economic model - a position that differs from broader European Union efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy.
Vance said the United States supports Europe's long-term success and energy independence, adding that Hungary's policy direction could contribute to strengthening energy security across the continent.
Orban said economic relations between Hungary and the United States have strengthened, citing increased trade and recent investment announcements by US companies. He added that cooperation has also expanded into areas such as the space and defense industries.
On energy, Orban warned that Europe is facing what he described as a deepening energy crisis, marked by rising prices and potential shortages of oil and gas. He said US-Hungarian cooperation in the energy sector is crucial for ensuring Hungary's energy security.
Regarding Ukraine, Orban reiterated Hungary's support for peace efforts, saying the country has been living "in the shadow of war" for several years. He stressed that diplomatic solutions should be prioritized and called for progress in ongoing peace initiatives.
Iran has closed all diplomatic and indirect channels of communication with the United States: media.
