US-Israel-Iran conflict: Trump says Israel, Lebanon leaders to hold talks, latest updates

Qatar’s Emir and Trump discuss regional escalation, energy security in phone call

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump discussed the latest regional and international developments in a phone call, focusing on the impact of recent tensions on international navigation, energy market stability, and global supply chains.

The Emir stressed the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to spare the region further escalation, while Trump affirmed the US commitment to coordinating with Qatar on energy security and global market stability.

FIFA’s Infantino says Iran will compete at World Cup despite conflict, “sports should be outside of politics”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran’s national football team will participate in the upcoming World Cup, saying “the Iranian team is coming, for sure.”

Speaking at the CNBC Invest in America Forum in Washington, Infantino said Iran will take their place in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

He said he hoped the situation would be peaceful by the time of the tournament but stressed that Iran “has to come if they are to represent their people,” noting the team had qualified and is “quite a good team.” Infantino emphasized that inclusion should transcend politics, stating “sports should be outside of politics.”

White House expresses confidence in Iran deal, Trump administration imposes new sanctions on oil and terror networks

White House Press Secretary said Pakistan has been an “incredible mediator” in US-Iran negotiations and that President Trump wants to continue communication through Islamabad.

She described the current situation as “a short-term disruption for the long-term strategic goal” of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, calling it beneficial for Americans and the world.

The Press Secretary clarified that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz applies only to vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, while US forces are supporting freedom of navigation for ships transiting to and from non-Iranian ports.

PRESS SEC: The U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is being enforced against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports.

U.S. forces are supporting the freedom of navigation for vessels that are transiting the Strait to and from NON-IRANIAN ports. pic.twitter.com/YqoTU1pDPF
— Department of State (@StateDept) April 15, 2026

She expressed optimism about the prospects of a deal, saying Trump has made his red lines clear and it is in Iran’s interest to meet US demands.

Separately, Deputy State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott announced new US sanctions targeting two Iranian networks, including a large oil smuggling operation enriching regime elites and a terror-financing scheme funding Hezbollah, as part of the administration’s ongoing maximum pressure campaign.

Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders to speak for first time in 34 years

President Donald Trump said he is working to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon, announcing that the two countries’ leaders will speak tomorrow for the first time in 34 years.