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US and Israeli strikes on Iran have pushed the conflict into its sixth week on Wednesday, April 8, even as a fragile two-week ceasefire remains in place amid continued tensions and conflicting narratives from all sides. Security alerts and regional incidents continue to highlight the uncertainty surrounding the truce.

US President Donald Trump said Washington would assist in easing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and support Iran’s reconstruction, describing the development as a “big day for world peace”. He also suggested China may have played a role in bringing Iran to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, Israel has backed the ceasefire with conditions, while Iranian officials continue to project their own narrative of success, underscoring the fragile and contested nature of the agreement.

Latest developments here:

Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt global trade

Iran has targeted at least 19 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, while weeks of partial disruption have impacted global oil supplies and unsettled international markets.

On Wednesday, Iran’s foreign minister said ships could pass safely through the strait if movements are coordinated with Iran’s armed forces. During the ceasefire period, vessels transiting the route may be subject to charges by both Iran and Oman, according to reports by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

India welcomes ceasefire, calls for diplomacy

India said it welcomes the ceasefire and expressed hope it would lead to lasting peace in West Asia, stressing that de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to end the conflict.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also noted that the conflict has caused significant disruption to global energy supply and trade, and emphasised the need to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Lebanese Army warns residents over return to south

The Lebanese Army has urged residents returning to southern towns and villages to avoid areas where Israeli forces have advanced.

“In light of recent developments and reports of a ceasefire, citizens are advised to refrain from entering southern villages where Israeli forces have advanced, to preserve their safety,” the army said.

Iraq to reopen airspace

Iraq has announced it will reopen its airspace, according to the state news agency, signalling a partial return to normalcy following heightened regional tensions.

Lapid calls ceasefire a ‘political disaster’

After the United States and Iran announced a ceasefire deal, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Wednesday described it as a “political disaster”, saying Israel “was not even at the table” when the decision was made.

Lapid said the Israeli military had carried out everything asked of it, but accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of political and strategic failure.

In a post on X, he said, “There has never been such a political disaster in all of our history. Israel wasn’t even at the table when decisions were made concerning the core of our national security. The military carried out everything that was asked of it… but Netanyahu failed politically, failed strategically, and didn’t meet a single one of the goals that he himself set.”He added that it would take years to repair the political and strategic damage caused by what he described as “arrogance, negligence, and a lack of strategic planning.”

He added that it would take years to repair the political and strategic damage caused by what he described as “arrogance, negligence, and a lack of strategic planning.”

Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire announcement

Saudi Arabia welcomed the ceasefire announcement between Iran and the United States, expressing hope that all parties will commit to de-escalation and pursue diplomatic efforts to ensure lasting stability in the region.

Israeli military stops campaign against Iran amid ceasefire

The Israeli military said on Wednesday it had ceased operations against Iran in accordance with directives from the political echelon, following the US announcement of a two-week ceasefire.

Indian Embassy issues advisory

The Indian Embassy in Tehran, in an advisory dated April 8, 2026, urged Indian nationals still in Iran to “expeditiously exit” the country in light of recent developments. It advised citizens to coordinate closely with the mission and use only the routes suggested by the embassy.

The advisory also cautioned nationals against approaching any international land border without prior consultation. The embassy has shared emergency contact numbers and an email helpline to assist citizens requiring urgent support.

Mobile numbers provided include +989128109115, +989128109102, +989128109109, and +989932179359. Queries can also be sent to cons.tehran@mea.gov.in.

Trump calls ceasefire a ‘big day for world peace’

US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire marks a “big day for world peace” and could usher in a “Golden Age of the Middle East”.

He said the United States would help ease traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, support reconstruction and remain engaged to ensure stability, adding that the move could bring “positive action” and economic activity to the region.

UK welcomes ceasefire

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the agreement and stressed the need to sustain the truce and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran warns forces on high alert

Iran said its forces remain on high alert, warning that any misstep would trigger a strong response, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire.

Lapid calls deal ‘political disaster’

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised the ceasefire as a “political disaster”, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of strategic failure.

Fire contained in Bahrain after attack

Bahrain said a fire at a facility following an Iranian attack was extinguished, with no injuries reported.

UAE claims ‘victory’

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the Emirates had “emerged victorious” despite seeking to avoid the conflict.