IMPORTANT EVENTS

• Trump, in his latest statements, revealed that Iran has just asked him for a ceasefire
• The Revolutionary Guards responded, calling it a “ridiculous display by the US president”
• Gains on Wall Street, as Trump’s signal for ending the war with Iran shifts the market mood
• Trump raised again the issue of the US withdrawal from NATO, in an interview with The Telegraph
• CIA and Russian intelligence services are cooperating to end the war, says the head of Russia’s SVR
• Explosions in central Tel Aviv, on the day of the beginning of the Jewish Passover
  Strikes in Tel Aviv (2)
• The UAE is considering military contribution alongside the US for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz (read more)
• The closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is among the options considered by the Houthis following the new attack on southern Israel
• The US President will address the nation on Iran at 4 a.m. Thursday (Greece time)

01/04/2026 14:54

UPDATES

Wave of missile attacks on central Israel, five waves in just 20 minutes – watch video

On the day marking the beginning of the Jewish Passover celebrations, Iran appears to have launched a major missile attack against Israel. According to Protothema’s correspondent Giannis Charamidis, for the first time since the start of the war operations, a five-wave barrage of ballistic missiles was recorded targeting central Israel within a span of approximately 20 minutes.

Watch related videos from Protothema

Reuters: Vance spoke with mediators, said Trump is eager to end the war on conditions
US Vice President JD Vance spoke with parties mediating negotiations with Iran for ending the war, according to Reuters.

The same report stated that Trump, through Vance, conveyed the message that he is open to a ceasefire, provided that Iran accepts his terms, which include the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“Vance conveyed a ‘hard’ message that Trump is impatient and warned of increased pressure on Iranian infrastructure unless the regime agrees to a deal,” a source told Reuters.

01/04/2026 18:02

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, following Trump’s statements, that the country has not submitted any ceasefire proposal.

According to Iran’s IRIB news agency, Araghchi described the alleged proposal as media speculation.

He also said the war will continue until “the aggressor is punished and full compensation is paid to Iran.”

01/04/2026 17:59

At least 1,318 dead from Israeli strikes in Lebanon
The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that at least 1,318 people have been killed and 3,935 injured during the Israeli invasion and attacks on Lebanon since March 2.

01/04/2026 17:47

Iran says it would welcome Russia as mediator in talks on the war
Iran would welcome Russia as a mediator to resolve the conflict with the United States and Israel, according to Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, as reported by the Russian state agency TASS.

01/04/2026 17:45

Israeli army warns of possible strikes during Passover celebrations
Israeli army spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said the IDF is on alert for possible attacks from Iran and Hezbollah during Passover celebrations.

“It is possible that the Iranian terror regime and Hezbollah will launch fire toward Israeli territory,” he said.

01/04/2026 17:42

Germany warns Israel that blocking access to holy sites during Easter could increase tensions
Germany stated that blocking access to holy sites in Jerusalem risks escalating tensions.

The Israeli government had previously prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, causing international backlash.

01/04/2026 17:39

Moctaba Khamenei is in perfect health, says Iranian Foreign Ministry
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Moctaba Khamenei is “in perfect health” but has not appeared publicly due to “war conditions,” according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

His health had been questioned after speculation about his status following his succession.

01/04/2026 17:37

Tehran denies asking for a ceasefire
An Iranian official, quoted by Al Jazeera, strongly denied that Tehran asked Washington for a ceasefire.

Earlier, Iran’s foreign minister said Iran is not seeking a ceasefire, but an end to the war.

According to Iran’s position, a ceasefire would benefit Israel and the US by allowing renewed military action, and instead they demand a full end to the war.

01/04/2026 17:30

European reactions after Trump’s new criticism of NATO allies
French President Emmanuel Macron said France was not consulted and is not involved in the war against Iran.

A German government spokesperson reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to NATO.

Trump has repeatedly suggested reviewing US participation in NATO.

The French Defense Ministry also stated NATO is not designed for operations in the Strait of Hormuz, which would violate international law.

01/04/2026 17:25

Air defense sirens in central Israel due to incoming missiles from Iran

01/04/2026 17:21

24 Iranian health workers killed since the start of the war

• At least 24 health workers killed
• At least 114 injured
• Over 330 healthcare facilities damaged
• One rescue helicopter destroyed