Trump says US Navy attacked and seized Iranian-flagged cargo ship
"U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel," Trump said.
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.
Key Headlines
- Trump says US Navy attacked and seized Iranian-flagged cargo ship
- Trump says 'the concept of' a peace deal with Iran is done
- Trump again threatens to strike Iranian infrastructure; announces new round of talks in Islamabad
- US-Iran talks have made progress, but 'gaps' remain, Tehran's chief negotiator says
- Iranian navy to bring 'new defeats' for US and Israel, supreme leader says
US sanctions leaders of Iraqi militias back by Iran
The Trump administration has announced sanctions against seven commanders of Iraqi militias backed by Iran that have "planned and directed attacks against U.S. personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq," according to the U.S. State Department.
"These individuals lead some of the most reprehensible Iran-backed terror groups in Iraq — Kata’ib Hizballah, Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada, Harakat Al-Nujaba, and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haqq," according to the State Department. "These militias not only threaten American lives but also undermine Iraq’s sovereignty, exploit its resources to fund terrorism, and attack Iraq’s neighbors and innocent Iraqi civilians with impunity."
Lebanon no longer a 'battleground,' Lebanese president says
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said his country is no longer a "pawn" or a "battleground" after the ceasefire with Israel went into effect.
In his first speech since the 10-day truce was announced, Aoun also thanked President Donald Trump and called the negotiations "a decision born from the strength of our belief in our rights," rather than a "sign of weakness."
Aoun added, "here will be no agreement that infringes upon our national rights" and "our goal is clear and declared: to stop the Israeli aggression against our land and our people."
As thousands of evacuees headed back to the south of Lebanon after news broke of the ceasefire, Aoun told the displaced, "You will return to your homes, for they will flourish with your presence. We are with you and by your side, and we will not abandon you."
Israeli strike on Lebanon kills 1, marking first death announced since ceasefire went into effect: Lebanese Health Ministry
One person was killed and two wounded in an Israeli strike on a motorcycle in southern Lebanon Friday afternoon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.
This is the first death announced in Lebanon since the ceasefire began. The Lebanese National News Agency -- the government's official news agency -- has reported numerous instances of Israeli artillery fire in Southern Lebanon as well.
ABC News has asked the Israeli military for comment.
-ABC News' Ghazi Balkiz
IRGC announces 'new order' for Strait of Hormuz
Iran's paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Friday "a new order" for the Strait of Hormuz, allowing civilian ships to pass through a designated route while banning military vessels and requiring IRGC permission for all passage, according to Iran's official Islamic Republic News Agency.