Trump says US Navy attacked and seized Iranian-flagged cargo ship

"U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel," Trump said.

ByDavid Brennan, Meredith Deliso, Nadine El-Bawab, and Kevin Shalvey
Last Updated: April 19, 2026, 10:21 PM EDT

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military and government sites.

After initial U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan failed to reach a peace deal, Trump announced Sunday, April 19, that U.S. negotiators would head back to Islamabad Monday for a new round.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Vice President JD Vance would accompany special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, to Islamabad for the talks.

Iran's continuing blockage of the Strait of Hormuz and their alleged refusal to abandon their nuclear program remain key sticking points in negotiations, according to Trump.

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Here's how the news is developing.
Apr 16, 2026, 3:03 PM EDT

Lebanese government still urging people to avoid returning to their homes in the south

Despite Lebanon and Israel reaching a 10-day ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese government is urging people to avoid returning to their homes in southern Lebanon.

An airstrike is seen, April 16, 2026 in Nabatieh, Lebanon.
Adri Salido/Getty Images

According to the United Nations, over 1 million people in Lebanon have been displaced.

"We urge everyone to postpone their return to their towns and villages until the situation becomes clearer, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement," Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri said Thursday.

Apr 16, 2026, 2:27 PM EDT

US is 'very close' to deal with Iran, Trump says

President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House that the U.S. is "very close" to a deal with Iran.

Negotiators led by Vice President JD Vance met with Iranian leadership Pakistan last weekend for direct negotiations to end the war, but they did not reach an agreement.

President Donald Trump speaks to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, April 16, 2026 in Washington.
Jen Golbeck/AP
Apr 16, 2026, 2:25 PM EDT

Trump says he thinks Hezbollah will abide by ceasefire

President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House that the ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel includes Hezbollah. Hezbollah was not part of negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli leaders.

Asked whether he thinks Hezbollah will abide by the ceasefire agreement reached, Trump said, "I think they will."

Apr 16, 2026, 12:21 PM EDT

House fails to adopt Iran war powers resolution

The Republican-led House on Thursday narrowly failed to adopt a war powers resolution that attempted to curtail President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran.

The final vote was: 213-214 with Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, voting present.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was the only Republican to vote in favor. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, was the only Democrat to vote against the resolution.

On March 5, the House failed to adopt an Iran war powers resolution by a vote of 212-219.

The Senate on Wednesday also failed to advance a similar Iran war powers resolution.

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