Army soldiers take positions in an overhead bridge to ensure security in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Photo: AP)Iran war live updates: The White House said envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad for talks on Iran, signalling a diplomatic push through Pakistani mediation even as Iran ruled out any direct meeting with the United States.Pakistan mediates as tensions persist: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad as part of a regional outreach, with Washington saying it is “ready to hear a plan for peace” via intermediaries. Tehran, however, insisted its position would be conveyed indirectly, underscoring the fragile and tentative nature of the diplomatic channel. At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces retain “full freedom of action” in Lebanon, where strikes have continued despite a ceasefire extension rejected by Hezbollah. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran its economy could “collapse under the unrelenting pressure” of a prolonged naval blockade if no deal is reached.Story continues below this adLatest developmentsUS envoys Witkoff and Kushner to visit Islamabad for indirect Iran talksIran rules out direct engagement, signals communication through PakistanIranian FM Araghchi in Pakistan amid mediation effortsIsrael continues strikes in Lebanon despite ceasefire extensionHezbollah rejects truce; US warns of sustained blockade pressure on Iran.Stay with The Indian Express Global Desk for real-time updates, geolocated footage of the crash sites, and live reactions from the Pentagon and Tehran.Live UpdatesApr 25, 2026 07:30 AM ISTWhat to know about the Chinese oil refinery sanctioned by the USThe US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on the Hengli Petrochemical Refinery near Dalian, northeast China, saying the “teapot refinery” is one of Iran’s largest customers for crude oil and has purchased billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petroleum.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move is part of the US “Economic Fury” operation against Iran and blocks all property and interests in the US for those named.The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment, though China has previously said it opposes unilateral sanctions and called for talks to end the Middle East war.The Trump administration last year sanctioned three other “teapot” refineries Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical for buying Iranian oil.Apr 25, 2026 07:28 AM ISTIran war live: Hormuz blockade drives up price for speedy passage through Panama CanalCompanies have paid out up to $4m for last-minute passage of their vessels through the Panama Canal in recent weeks to cope with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, The Associated Press (AP) news agency reports, citing canal authorities.The canal usually charges a flat rate for passage. But companies without a booking can pay extra in an auction to avoid waiting for several days to transit through the waterway.Apr 25, 2026 07:28 AM ISTIran war live: What we know so farkey pointsUS envoys to Pakistan: The White House said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad on Saturday for talks with Iran.Iran denies meeting: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said “no meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US,” adding Tehran’s “observations would be conveyed by Pakistan.”Pakistan mediating: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad as part of a three-country tour, with Pakistani mediators facilitating.Conflicting statements: The White House announcement of direct talks contrasts with Iran’s denial, suggesting Pakistan will act as an intermediary.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:donald trump