Trump says the Iran war 'is very close to over'

DONALD Trump says the Iran war is “close to over” as ceasefire hopes grow, though the situation remains fluid. The US continues enforcing a naval blockade, while oil prices fall on easing tensions.

Pakistan is pushing for dialogue, even as sporadic attacks persist and new diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon signal broader regional shifts. Follow our live coverage for the latest developments in the region.

The blockade on Iranian ports had been “fully implemented” within 36 hours of its launch, according to a social media post by the U.S. Central Command late on Monday.

The statement quoted CENTCOM head Brad Cooper as saying the U.S. had halted all sea trade going in and out of Iran.

UN nuclear chief urges strict Iran checks in any deal to end war

The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that "very detailed" measures to verify Iran's nuclear activities must be included in a potential US-Iran agreement to end their war in the Middle East.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the need for the thorough verification regime for Iran's nuclear program, as U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round of talks with Iran could happen over the next two days.

"Iran has a very ambitious, wide nuclear programme, so all of that will require the presence of IAEA inspectors," Grossi told reporters in Seoul. 

"Otherwise, you will not have an agreement. You will have an illusion of an agreement."

He said that any agreement on nuclear technology "requires very detailed verification mechanisms."

Iran has not allowed the IAEA access to its nuclear facilities bombed by Israel and the United States during a 12-day war in June, according to a confidential IAEA report circulated to member states and seen by The Associated Press in February.

The report stressed that it "cannot verify whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities," or the "size of Iran's uranium stockpile at the affected nuclear facilities."

US lifts shelter advisory in UAE after halt in drone and missile attacks

The United States Embassy in the UAE has lifted its 'shelter-in-place' advisory for its government employees following the cessation of recent missile and drone attacks.

In an update, the embassy said staff may resume normal movement but advised that they should be ready to seek immediate shelter indoors if any new aerial threat emerges. The same precaution applies to all US citizens in the country.