LIVE: Iran seizes two ships in Strait of Hormuz: Report
Trump says ceasefire extension needed because Iranian leadership is seriously fractured; White House puts on hold Vance's trip to Pakistan for truce talks
US President Donald Trump has said he is extending the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request while awaiting a “unified proposal” from Tehran, even as the US military maintains its blockade of Iranian ports.
The move comes as the White House put on hold Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Pakistan for a second round of truce talks with Iran, which has balked at further discussions. But Trump warned that the US military will continue its blockade of Iranian ports.
Follow more war updates for Wednesday (April 22) below:
Live Updates
- 22 April 2026 7:16 AM IST
Gulf shipping crews are stranded amid maritime attacks, UN agency warns
At least 10 seafarers have been killed and several more severely injured in a series of attacks on commercial vessels around the Persian Gulf since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran, according to the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for regulating global shipping.
IMO spokesperson Natasha Brown said the agency has confirmed 25 attacks on commercial shipping since Feb. 28. Hundreds of ships have been stranded in the Persian Gulf since.
“Around 20,000 civilian seafarers remain aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf, facing dwindling supplies, fatigue and severe psychological stress,” Brown added.
Following an extraordinary council session in March, the IMO said it is working with “relevant states on the development of a safe passage framework” to evacuate stranded crews, while coordinating access to supplies.
- 22 April 2026 7:15 AM IST
Israel disciplines 2 soldiers for destruction of Jesus statue
An Israeli soldier photographed another using what appears to be a sledgehammer to hack down a crucifix during military operations in the southern Lebanese village of Debel. The two will be held in military detention for 30 days.
“The soldiers’ conduct completely deviated from IDF orders and values,” said a military statement, using the acronym for the Israeli military.
The Israeli military also posted a photo on social media of a replacement crucifix, which appeared smaller but more ornate than the original statue that the soldier was photographed destroying in southern Lebanon.
The disciplinary measures come after the photo of the incident attracted worldwide attention and condemnations from Christian religious leaders. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar have also denounced the incident.
The military said that six other soldiers who stood by without intervening would be summoned for conversations with higher-ups and that military protocol for dealing with religious buildings and artefacts were re-emphasized to troops in the area.
Tuesday's post on X said troops worked with the community to coordinate the replacement, which includes a metallic-sheened Jesus figure and four paintings of saints, one on each arm of the cross.
Christians are estimated to make up around a third of Lebanon's population of roughly 5.5 million people. Thousands of Christians were displaced from their homes in the country's south during the war.
- 22 April 2026 7:11 AM IST
Pakistan calls for Iran ceasefire extension in meeting with US diplomat
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker on Tuesday, urging that Washington and Iran extend the ceasefire and pursue diplomacy, the Foreign Ministry said.
In a statement, it said Ishaq Dar “underscored Pakistan's consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability.” Baker, in response, conveyed Washington's appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role in supporting regional peace and facilitating dialogue, the statement said.
