Vice President Vance Says U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Talks Progress

Vice President JD Vance said Washington and Tehran have made progress toward a deal to extend the ceasefire in the Middle East war. The potential agreement still requires approval from the U.S. administration. Vance told reporters on Thursday that negotiators are addressing remaining language points.

U.S. forces conducted strikes on the southern Iranian port of Bandar Abbas this week. Iranian forces responded with fire at a U.S. airbase location, according to state broadcaster IRIB. Iranian forces also fired at four ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without authorization. U.S. forces intercepted five attack drones in the area.

Israeli forces struck a medieval castle overlooking Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's culture minister told AFP the site was directly hit and warned other heritage locations face risk. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was scheduled for April 17 but has not been observed by either side. Officials in Lebanon reported additional strikes near Beirut on Thursday.