Iran War Updates Wednesday April 15

- President Trump on Israel and Lebanon

"Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice! President DJT"

- Senate rejected efforts to block arms sales to Israel, but a significant shift emerged within the Democratic Party. 40 of 47 Democrats backed a resolution led by Bernie Sanders to block a $295M bulldozer sale, while 36 Democrats supported blocking $152M in bomb sales. Both measures ultimately failed, with bipartisan majorities voting against them. The growing number of Democrats supportinlthese measures marks a sharp increase from similar failed efforts in 2024 and 2025, reflecting changing attitudes amid ongoing conflicts inq Gaza, Lebanon, and Judea and Samaria.

- Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel is preparing for the possibility that fighting with Iran could resume while continuing operations against Hezbollah and engaging in talks with Lebanon. He said Israel and the US are aligned on preventing Iran from maintaining enrichment capabilities, described ongoing military actions against Hezbollah, and stated that Israel is pursuing negotiations aimed at pushing Hezbollah back and achieving “peace through strength,” while remaining ready for further escalation.

 - 5 IDF Soldiers Wounded in Hezbollah Rocket Attack, One in Critical Condition

-WH Press secretary Leavitt: “Bad reporting this morning that we had 'formally requested' an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment, we've remained very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks."

Leavitt said the next round of US-Iran talks would likely be held in Islamabad and praised Pakistan’s role as the sole mediator in the negotiations.

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet this evening at 8 pm ,to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon.

- Bloomberg: Iran and the U.S. are considering extending the ceasefire by two weeks.

Report on a Pakistani channel: A second round of negotiations between Iran and the US may take place in Islamabad this weekend

- CENTCOM: “During the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past U.S. forces. Additionally, 9 vessels have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area.”

- Western Galilee councils tell residents to stay close to shelters amid increased threat of Hezbollah rocket fire

- Trump: “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to - far better than anyone else!!! President DJT”

- A Ceasefire is expected to be announced tonight in  Lebanon for one week. According to Iranian sources l.

- President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he was not considering extending a ceasefire with Iran, predicting “an amazing two days ahead” amid renewed diplomatic efforts with Tehran for an agreement to end the war.

- Iran military warns it will block Red Sea and Gulf of Oman if US naval blockade continues

- AP reports, that the United States and Iran have given “in‑principle” agreement

- Washington Post: The U.S. is sending thousands of additional troops to the Middle East

- Trump to Fox: “The war with Iran is close to ending; we’ll see what happens. I think they really want to make a deal. It will take Iran 20 years to recover.  I think you’re going to witness an amazing couple of days I really believe that.”