US President Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed that the crew of a US Army Apache helicopter that crashed near the Strait of Hormuz was safely rescued, even as tensions in West Asia remained high with Israel vowing to continue operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The incident involving the AH-64 Apache occurred on Monday while the helicopter was patrolling regional waters. Both pilots were rescued within hours and are in stable condition, according to US Central Command. Trump, speaking to reporters, assured that the crew members were unharmed and no injuries were reported. US military officials have initiated a probe into the cause, which remains unclear — whether due to a technical issue or hostile action. A detailed report is expected soon.

The crash comes at a delicate moment, with a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel showing signs of strain following recent escalations.

Trump Pushes for Quick West Asia Deal

President Trump expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that the US was in the "final throes" of brokering a significant peace agreement in West Asia. Speaking after attending an NBA Finals game, he told reporters the deal could materialise in "two or three days." He also mentioned a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that Israel and Iran had agreed to "leave each other alone for another week."

Trump further warned Netanyahu to exercise caution, reportedly telling him that Israel risked being "on your own very soon" if actions jeopardised the broader US-brokered understanding with Tehran. Despite these differences, Trump projected confidence, hinting at a declaration of "total victory" over the Iran situation within two weeks.

 Israel Signals Continued Lebanon Operations

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made it clear that military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon would persist. In his first major comments after the recent Iran-Israel flare-up, Katz warned that Israel would strike Beirut if Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli territory. He also rejected Iranian threats, underscoring Israel's determination to counter the group.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple strikes on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Monday, targeting troop positions and vehicles in areas including Beit Yahoun, Rachaf, Naqoura, and others. Lebanese sources reported Israeli strikes continuing in several towns, with casualties including civilians and civil defence personnel. At least four people were killed in attacks in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency.

Evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military for residents of Tyre and surrounding areas added to the humanitarian concerns. Rescuers have been focusing on moving vulnerable populations, including the elderly, to safer locations amid repeated strikes.

India Monitors Situation, Confirms Crew Rescue

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi issued statements on the regional conflict, calling for de-escalation and dialogue. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised diplomacy as the way forward to restore peace.

In a related maritime incident, the MEA confirmed the safe rescue of 24 Indian crew members from the disabled Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex off the coast of Oman. The vessel had some communication with the US Navy prior to the incident. All crew are reported safe.

Broader Regional Fallout

The developments have impacted markets, with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange slipping amid uncertainty over the US-Iran peace process. Oil prices edged higher on fears of renewed disruptions. Iran, for its part, warned of responses if attacks on Lebanon continued and reiterated support for Hezbollah. Tehran also acknowledged the deaths of two air defence personnel in Israeli strikes.

Analysts note that while a temporary pause in direct Iran-Israel exchanges holds, the situation in Lebanon remains volatile, with risks of wider escalation.

Diplomatic Nuances and Challenges

Reports of differences between Trump and Netanyahu have surfaced, with some former Israeli officials describing the relationship as diverging. However, Israel's ambassador to the US downplayed tensions, likening them to "lovers having a spat" while stressing aligned interests. Vice President JD Vance reiterated that the US was in a strong position for negotiations.

The coming days are expected to be crucial as Washington pushes for a comprehensive understanding, even as ground realities in Lebanon and lingering maritime incidents test the fragile stability.

Iranian FM Meets Pak Army Chief as US Pushes Indirect Talks

Islamabad Welcomes Araghchi

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in Islamabad today, greeted by Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Sources indicated the visit centres on regional peace efforts. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed discussions with senior leaders on ongoing developments. 

Araghchi aims to convey Tehran's "comprehensive" response via Pakistani intermediaries. No direct US talks are planned, despite White House hopes. This follows a fragile ceasefire after weeks of conflict.

US Envoys Arrive

US emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner headed to the Pakistani capital for in-person conversations. The White House sees this as a chance to restart negotiations. Iran, however, insists observations go through Pakistan only.

Tehran dismissed direct meetings outright. Officials stressed bilateral issues dominate Araghchi's agenda. Egypt and Pakistan voiced hopes for a stable truce during recent calls.

First Talks Fail

Pakistan hosted initial Iran-US talks on April 11-12, lasting 21 hours. Disagreements over Strait of Hormuz control and Iran's nuclear programme stalled progress. The US demands secure shipping lanes and nuclear curbs.

Iran defends its programme as peaceful, rejecting curbs. Tensions spiked after the US imposed a naval blockade. CENTCOM reported intercepting 33 vessels since April 13.

Hormuz Blockade Bites

Over 40 container ships remain stranded in the Gulf, hitting global trade hard. Firms like CMA CGM and MSC reroute, driving up costs. Panama Canal slots now fetch up to $4 million in auctions.

Oil prices surge as airlines warn of ticket hikes. British Airways cited jet fuel shortages. EU aviation authorities eye US-grade fuel imports. 

Iran Flexes Muscle

Defence Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik claimed Iran produces over 1,000 weapon types domestically, including missiles and drones. A "significant portion" of capabilities stays unused, he added. Facilities spread nationwide ensure continuity.

Iranian MP Ibrahim Azizi ruled out nuclear talks. Internal rifts emerge, with reports of negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's exit. Hardliner Saeed Jalili may replace him.

Regional Flashpoints

Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon towns, targeting Hezbollah sites despite ceasefire. Lebanon reported six deaths. IDF and Hezbollah trade violation accusations.

IRGC arrested 240 suspects in Kurdistan and Kermanshah raids, seizing arms. Iran hanged an alleged Israeli agent. Airports in Tehran and Mashhad resume limited flights.

Global Reactions Mount

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted on Hormuz control for world security. Treasury froze $344 million in Iran-linked crypto. Sanctions hit 40 Chinese shippers in Tehran's shadow fleet.

Germany deploys minesweepers for potential Hormuz ops. Russia accused US interventions of oil grabs. Shipping delays signal wider economic pain.

Future Talks Uncertain

Araghchi plans Oman and Russia visits next for coordination. Pakistan eyes a second round to ease escalation. Yet Tehran signals no compromise on core issues like nuclear rights or Hormuz influence.

Iran Rejects Temporary Ceasefire, Eyes Regional Peace

India welcomes steps towards stability amid fragile Israel-Lebanon truce.

Iran rules out any temporary ceasefire. Tehran demands a full end to conflicts from Lebanon to the Red Sea. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh made the remarks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday.

India backs the Israel-Lebanon truce. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi welcomes every move towards peace.

Iran's Firm Stand

Khatibzadeh called partial truces a red line for Iran. He stressed the cycle of violence must stop permanently.

Iran's President Pezeshkian claimed Israel faced force into the Lebanon ceasefire. He credited diplomacy and Hezbollah's resistance.

Tehran views the truce as part of wider US talks mediated by Pakistan.

India Welcomes Truce

Jaiswal spoke at a Delhi briefing on the 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. It started Thursday midnight after Trump's push.

India got UK-France invite for Hormuz security talks. New Delhi prioritizes safe navigation through the strait.

On Hamas, Jaiswal noted ongoing processes handle such matters.

Ceasefire Kicks Off

Trump announced Israel-Lebanon talks for Saturday on Truth Social. Leaders haven't met in 34 years.

Displaced Lebanese head home to south and Beirut suburbs. Roads jam with returning families.

UNIFIL reports no airstrikes post-midnight but notes shelling and IDF flights.

Conflict Toll Rises

Lebanon death toll hits 2,167 from Israeli strikes. Over 7,000 injured in recent weeks.news.

Israel hit 200 Hezbollah sites in south Lebanon last day. Tyre strikes killed 13 just before truce.

Hezbollah claims 2,184 attacks; vows vigilance with finger on trigger.

Global Reactions Pour In

Lebanon President Aoun tasks army with border role post-withdrawal. Portugal, Qatar, Oman offer full support.

France's Macron urges Israel respect sovereignty, Hezbollah drop arms. UN chief Guterres eyes lasting peace.

US envoy Tom Barrack calls truce a fragile start; Trump hails historic day.

Syria, Pakistan back the move for regional calm.

Hormuz Blockade Shadows

US enforces port blockade on Iran with 12 ships, 100 aircraft. Trump says Iran deal close.

IEA warns Europe faces jet fuel crunch; Poland holds reserves. UK-France host 40-nation meet sans US.

India joins Hormuz initiative push. Czechs offer radar aid.

Path Ahead Uncertain

Talks tomorrow test truce strength. Iran ties regional halt to US concessions by April 21.

India tracks developments closely. Stable Middle East aids global trade, energy flows.

Ceasefire holds key to broader peace, sources indicate.