Trump says China ‘could help a lot more’ on Iran

This live blog follows updates for Day 59 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 58, go here.

• Hezbollah says Israel violating truce, rejects Netanyahu accusation
• Oman calls for diplomacy to ensure navigation freedom in Hormuz Strait
• Israeli military orders evacuation of seven south Lebanon villages
• Trump says Iran can call US if it wants to negotiate
• Iran’s Araghchi on his way to Russia for talks on US-Israel war

Iran FM arrives in Saint Petersburg for Putin talks: Iranian state media

Published: April 27, 2026 | 02:12 GMT | by AFP 

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Saint Petersburg on Monday, state media reported.

"He arrived early on Monday morning with the aim of meeting and holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin," Iranian state news agency IRNA posted on Telegram.

Moscow's TASS news agency confirmed earlier that Putin plans to meet Araghchi, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russian envoy says US ultimatums don’t work with Iran

Published: April 27, 2026 | 02:12 GMT | by Web Desk 

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s envoy to international organisations in Vienna, says the US must abandon “blackmailing” and “ultimatums” in its negotiating position if talks with Iran are to move forward, Al Jazeera reported.

“The US is accustomed to conduct negotiations from the position of strength, threatening to use military force or tighten sanctions. It is obvious that this scheme doesn’t work with Iran,” he wrote on X.

“The best way ahead for the US under the current circumstances is to drop all those elements of its position which look like blackmailing, ultimatums, and deadlines.”

Oil prices rise as Hormuz transit remains limited

Published: April 27, 2026 | 01:39 GMT | by Web Desk 

Brent crude futures climbed $2.22, or 2.11%, to $107.55 a barrel by 22:02 GMT, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $2.02, or 2.14%, to reach $96.42 a barrel.

China ‘could help a lot more’ on Iran, Trump says

Published: April 26, 2026 | 22:59 GMT | by Web Desk 

US President Trump says that while Beijing could “help a lot more” in the conflict with Iran, he is not “overly disappointed.”

“I don’t think much. I think maybe helping, but I don’t think much. They could help a lot more,” Trump told Fox News.

He drew a parallel to US support for Ukraine, saying he did not consider China “very bad” given that Washington also assists allies in conflicts.

Iran’s Araghchi on his way to Russia for talks on US-Israel war

Published: April 26, 2026 | 19:48 GMT | by Web Desk 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has departed for Russia, where he would meet senior officials of the Russian Federation and discuss bilateral Iran-Russia relations, as well as regional and international developments, Al Jazeera reported. 

Iranian Ambassador expresses ‘sincere, wholehearted gratitude and appreciation’ to Pakistan for talks

Published: April 26, 2026 | 19:26 GMT | by AFP

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, expressed “sincere and wholehearted gratitude and appreciation” to Pakistan, especially Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, for their “tireless efforts and good office initiative to end the war and bring lasting peace to the region.”

In a post on his X account, Amiri said the round of talks in Pakistan was held in “complete security, safety and tranquility for the delegation,” appreciating the country’s  “perfect management, thoughtful planning and successful implementation.”

“I express my sincere gratitude to the army staffs, security forces, police, employees of all executive institutions and especially the honorable people of Pakistan and Islamabad residents, for their patience, hospitality, and cooperative synergy during this period,” he said.  

“Iran-Pakistan Friendship Zindabad,” he added.

'Great respect for Pakistan': Trump praises Islamabad for peace efforts

Published: April 26, 2026 | 17:55 GMT | by Web Desk

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday commended Pakistan’s efforts for peace talks, stating that he has “great respect for Pakistan” and that it has been “terrific”.

“Great respect for Pakistan, but I will, because they’ve been terrific. They’ve really tried, and they’ll stay involved,” Trump said while speaking to Fox News.