By Tucker Reals, Mark OsborneUpdated on: April 22, 2026 / 1:45 AM EDT / CBS News
What to know about the Iran war today:
6m ago
Israeli strike on Lebanon's Bekaa region kills 1 despite truce, state news agency says
An Israeli strike on Lebanon's Bekaa region killed one person and wounded two others Wednesday, Lebanese state media reported, despite an ongoing truce between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
"One person was killed and two others were wounded as a result of an attack carried out by an enemy drone at dawn, on the outskirts of Al-Jabur in West Bekaa," Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported.
Hezbollah said Tuesday it had launched rockets and attack drones at a site in northern Israel in response to "blatant" Israeli ceasefire violations, which it said included "attacks on civilians and the destruction of their homes and villages."
By AFP
6:05 PM / April 21, 2026
Treasury secretary threatens sanctions on those who help Iran export oil
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote on X that, due to the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, "in a matter of days, Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in."
Kharg Island is a critical oil export terminal for Iran.
"Constraining Iran's maritime trade directly targets the regime's primary revenue lifelines," Bessent said. "The US Treasury will continue to apply maximum pressure through Economic Fury to systematically degrade Tehran's ability to generate, move, and repatriate funds."
"Any person or vessel facilitating these flows—through covert trade and finance—risks exposure to U.S. sanctions," he added.
On March 20, the Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil that is already at sea in an effort to ease worldwide gas prices. That waiver expired on Sunday.
By Jordan Freiman
What to know about the Iran war today:
- President Trump announced Tuesday he is extending the ceasefire in the war with Iran "until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal," despite previously saying he wouldn't move the deadline, which was set to expire.
- Mr. Trump earlier said he expects to "end up with a great deal" with Iran to end the war, arguing that Tehran has "no choice" but to join a new round of peace talks despite the regime insisting it has no plans to attend negotiations in Pakistan this week.
- Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to lead a U.S. negotiating team in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, if negotiations resume.
6m ago
Israeli strike on Lebanon's Bekaa region kills 1 despite truce, state news agency says
An Israeli strike on Lebanon's Bekaa region killed one person and wounded two others Wednesday, Lebanese state media reported, despite an ongoing truce between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
"One person was killed and two others were wounded as a result of an attack carried out by an enemy drone at dawn, on the outskirts of Al-Jabur in West Bekaa," Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported.
Hezbollah said Tuesday it had launched rockets and attack drones at a site in northern Israel in response to "blatant" Israeli ceasefire violations, which it said included "attacks on civilians and the destruction of their homes and villages."
By AFP
11:16 PM
UAE thanks Trump for currency swap mention
The United Arab Emirates thanked President Trump early Wednesday local time over his mention of a possible currency swap with their country as uncertainty remains over the Iran war.
A statement issued by the UAE's Embassy in Washington appeared aimed at signaling the country remained financially secure after Mr. Trump's comment.
"Any suggestion that the UAE requires external financial backing misreads the facts," it said. "The UAE is one of the world's most financially resilient economies, underpinned by more than $2 trillion in sovereign investment assets; more than $300 billion in foreign currency reserves held by the UAE's central bank; and a banking sector with approximately $1.5 trillion in deposits."
The UAE is an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
While able to export some oil through a pipeline to the Gulf of Oman, the continued chaos around the Strait of Hormuz has cut off a lot of its oil from reaching the market.
The war also has affected businesses in Dubai and the country's long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad.
By The Associated Press
UAE thanks Trump for currency swap mention
The United Arab Emirates thanked President Trump early Wednesday local time over his mention of a possible currency swap with their country as uncertainty remains over the Iran war.
A statement issued by the UAE's Embassy in Washington appeared aimed at signaling the country remained financially secure after Mr. Trump's comment.
"Any suggestion that the UAE requires external financial backing misreads the facts," it said. "The UAE is one of the world's most financially resilient economies, underpinned by more than $2 trillion in sovereign investment assets; more than $300 billion in foreign currency reserves held by the UAE's central bank; and a banking sector with approximately $1.5 trillion in deposits."
The UAE is an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
While able to export some oil through a pipeline to the Gulf of Oman, the continued chaos around the Strait of Hormuz has cut off a lot of its oil from reaching the market.
The war also has affected businesses in Dubai and the country's long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad.
By The Associated Press
9:06 PM
Trump says if U.S. ends blockade, "there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country."
President Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran doesn't want the Strait of Hormuz closed and that "They only say they want it closed because I have it totally BLOCKADED (CLOSED!), so they merely want to 'save face.'"
"People approached me four days ago, saying, 'Sir, Iran wants to open up the Strait, immediately.' But if we do that, there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included!" Mr. Trump wrote.
By Jordan Freiman
Trump says if U.S. ends blockade, "there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country."
President Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran doesn't want the Strait of Hormuz closed and that "They only say they want it closed because I have it totally BLOCKADED (CLOSED!), so they merely want to 'save face.'"
"People approached me four days ago, saying, 'Sir, Iran wants to open up the Strait, immediately.' But if we do that, there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included!" Mr. Trump wrote.
By Jordan Freiman
7:34 PM / April 21, 2026
U.S. hosting second round of Israel-Lebanon talks Thursday, official says
The U.S. will host a second round of ambassador-level talks between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday at the State Department in Washington, a State Department official told CBS News.
"We will continue to facilitate direct, good-faith discussions between the two governments," the official said.
CBS News learned that those expected to take part in the talks include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh, and State Department Counselor Mike Needham,
The first round of talks took place on April 14, two days before Israel and Lebanon agreed to their 10-day ceasefire deal, which remains in effect.
By Olivia Gazis
U.S. hosting second round of Israel-Lebanon talks Thursday, official says
The U.S. will host a second round of ambassador-level talks between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday at the State Department in Washington, a State Department official told CBS News.
"We will continue to facilitate direct, good-faith discussions between the two governments," the official said.
CBS News learned that those expected to take part in the talks include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh, and State Department Counselor Mike Needham,
The first round of talks took place on April 14, two days before Israel and Lebanon agreed to their 10-day ceasefire deal, which remains in effect.
By Olivia Gazis
6:05 PM / April 21, 2026
Treasury secretary threatens sanctions on those who help Iran export oil
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote on X that, due to the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, "in a matter of days, Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in."
Kharg Island is a critical oil export terminal for Iran.
"Constraining Iran's maritime trade directly targets the regime's primary revenue lifelines," Bessent said. "The US Treasury will continue to apply maximum pressure through Economic Fury to systematically degrade Tehran's ability to generate, move, and repatriate funds."
"Any person or vessel facilitating these flows—through covert trade and finance—risks exposure to U.S. sanctions," he added.
On March 20, the Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil that is already at sea in an effort to ease worldwide gas prices. That waiver expired on Sunday.
By Jordan Freiman
5:32 PM / April 21, 2026
Vance not traveling to Pakistan today
A White House official told reporters that Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Pakistan on Tuesday, following President Trump's announcement that he is extending the ceasefire with Iran to allow it to "come up with a unified proposal."
Vance is expected to lead the U.S. delegation in negotiations with Iran, which will be held in Pakistan's capital of Islamabad, should talks resume.
"Any further updates on in-person meetings will be announced by the White House," the official
By Jordan Freiman
Vance not traveling to Pakistan today
A White House official told reporters that Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Pakistan on Tuesday, following President Trump's announcement that he is extending the ceasefire with Iran to allow it to "come up with a unified proposal."
Vance is expected to lead the U.S. delegation in negotiations with Iran, which will be held in Pakistan's capital of Islamabad, should talks resume.
"Any further updates on in-person meetings will be announced by the White House," the official
By Jordan Freiman
4:56 PM / April 21, 2026
House Armed Services Committee ranking member says Trump's characterization of negotiations with Iran "not even close to true."
Democratic Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, told CBS News on Tuesday that President Trump's characterizations about negotiations with Iran being close are "not even close to true."
He said Americans should feel "concerned," and that Mr. Trump's statements could make talks more difficult.
His comments came after the committee was briefed by Pentagon and intelligence officials on the war in Iran, prior to the announcement of an extension of the ceasefire.
Smith said the briefing included officials from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Joint Staff, and Daniel Zimmerman, assistant secretary of war for International Security Affairs. He described it as "an update on the whole process in the war and where it's at."
Smith said the administration is "being a little bit more transparent" compared to earlier briefings, but added, "they still don't have a plan."
By Patrick MaguireI
House Armed Services Committee ranking member says Trump's characterization of negotiations with Iran "not even close to true."
Democratic Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, told CBS News on Tuesday that President Trump's characterizations about negotiations with Iran being close are "not even close to true."
He said Americans should feel "concerned," and that Mr. Trump's statements could make talks more difficult.
His comments came after the committee was briefed by Pentagon and intelligence officials on the war in Iran, prior to the announcement of an extension of the ceasefire.
Smith said the briefing included officials from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Joint Staff, and Daniel Zimmerman, assistant secretary of war for International Security Affairs. He described it as "an update on the whole process in the war and where it's at."
Smith said the administration is "being a little bit more transparent" compared to earlier briefings, but added, "they still don't have a plan."
By Patrick MaguireI
4:22 PM / April 21, 2026
Trump extends ceasefire with Iran
President Trump said Tuesday afternoon on Truth Social that he was extending the ceasefire, which had been set to expire in the coming hours.
"Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal," Mr. Trump wrote. "I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other."
Iran has not publicly reacted to the president's extension.
By Jordan Freiman
Trump extends ceasefire with Iran
President Trump said Tuesday afternoon on Truth Social that he was extending the ceasefire, which had been set to expire in the coming hours.
"Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal," Mr. Trump wrote. "I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other."
Iran has not publicly reacted to the president's extension.
By Jordan Freiman
4:04 PM / April 21, 2026
Iran calls for "immediate and unconditional release" of ship seized by U.S.
Iran's mission to the U.N. said Tuesday it had sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. secretary-general demanding "a firm and unequivocal condemnation" of the U.S.' seizure of an Iranian-flagged ship, "full accountability for those responsible, and the immediate and unconditional release of the vessel, its crew, and all those affected."
President Trump announced Sunday that U.S. forces fired on and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel Touska because it tried to bypass the U.S.' blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran's mission to the U.N. said the seizure "constitutes a grave breach of international law, a clear violation of the ceasefire, and an act of aggression marked by the hallmarks of piracy. Such reckless conduct directly endangers international navigation and undermines maritime safety and security."
By Jordan Freiman
Iran calls for "immediate and unconditional release" of ship seized by U.S.
Iran's mission to the U.N. said Tuesday it had sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. secretary-general demanding "a firm and unequivocal condemnation" of the U.S.' seizure of an Iranian-flagged ship, "full accountability for those responsible, and the immediate and unconditional release of the vessel, its crew, and all those affected."
President Trump announced Sunday that U.S. forces fired on and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel Touska because it tried to bypass the U.S.' blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran's mission to the U.N. said the seizure "constitutes a grave breach of international law, a clear violation of the ceasefire, and an act of aggression marked by the hallmarks of piracy. Such reckless conduct directly endangers international navigation and undermines maritime safety and security."
By Jordan Freiman
3:37 PM / April 21, 2026
Lebanon foreign minister: Iran must be "held responsible" for Arab states' economic losses amid Strait of Hormuz closure
Lebanon's foreign minister said on X that during an emergency meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States, the participants "condemned Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and stressed that Tehran must be held responsible for compensating the damage and economic losses caused by these threats."
"The ministers also rejected and condemned Iran's continued funding, arming, and mobilizing of militias loyal to it in several Arab countries, in ways that serve its own agenda at the expense of regional stability," Youssef Raggi wrote. "We called on the UN Security Council to fully assume its responsibilities for maintaining peace and security at both the regional and international levels."
By Jordan Freiman
Lebanon foreign minister: Iran must be "held responsible" for Arab states' economic losses amid Strait of Hormuz closure
Lebanon's foreign minister said on X that during an emergency meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States, the participants "condemned Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and stressed that Tehran must be held responsible for compensating the damage and economic losses caused by these threats."
"The ministers also rejected and condemned Iran's continued funding, arming, and mobilizing of militias loyal to it in several Arab countries, in ways that serve its own agenda at the expense of regional stability," Youssef Raggi wrote. "We called on the UN Security Council to fully assume its responsibilities for maintaining peace and security at both the regional and international levels."
By Jordan Freiman
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