China, Russia call for 'immediate' end to Iran war

Iran's official news agency, IRNA, quoted the leader of Kataib Hezbollah as saying that regional oil and gas facilities could be attacked if the United States attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force.

Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi said that if such a move were attempted, “there will be no oil and gas platforms or facilities left,” according to a statement carried by Iran’s IRNA news agency.

“Trump and his supporters should know that their power plants in the region are also legitimate targets for us, and there is no red line in this regard,” he added. “Either security will be established for everyone, or no one will enjoy security.”

The United States and Iran are discussing the terms of a potential 45-day ceasefire that could open the door to a permanent end to the war, Axios reported citing four US, Israeli and regional sources familiar with the talks.

According to the sources, mediators are working on a two-phase framework. The first phase would involve a 45-day ceasefire during which negotiations would take place on a permanent end to the conflict.

The second phase would focus on reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the war.

Sources said mediators believe that issues such as fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resolving the question of Iran’s highly enriched uranium would likely only be addressed as part of a final settlement.

The negotiations are taking place through mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey and also through direct text messages exchanged between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the sources said.

A US official said the Donald Trump administration has presented Iran with several proposals in recent days, but Iranian officials have not yet accepted them.

State Organization for Marketing of Oil has asked its customers to submit crude oil lifting schedules within 24 hours, Reuters reported citing an official document it reviewed.

The request came after media reports that Iran has exempted Iraq from restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

“In light of the above, and to ensure the continuity and stability of crude oil export operations, we urge your esteemed company to submit its lifting schedules within 24 hours,” SOMO said in the document dated April 5.

The notice asks companies to provide vessel nominations and contractual volumes to allow Iraqi oil exports to proceed without disruption amid the ongoing regional tensions.

Several witnesses in Tehran said a loud blast was heard in the western part of the city followed by a continuous roaring sound that lasted for more than half an hour.

Some residents messaging Vahid Online said the noise did not resemble fighter jets but sounded more like “a large gas or air tank bursting,” with some reporting a smell similar to gas or sulfur.

One witness said the sound was heard near Azadi Street in western Tehran and that neighbors believed a main gas pipeline might have been struck, prompting some residents to leave the area.

Another post from central Tehran said the sound had continued for about 20 minutes, leaving residents anxious and unsure whether it was related to aircraft activity or a possible gas rupture.

The reports could not be independently verified.

President Donald Trump’s threat to strike Iran’s power plants, if carried out, could trigger widespread economic disruption inside Iran while sending shockwaves through global energy markets.

Trump warned on Sunday that if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened by Tuesday, the United States could target Iran’s power plants and bridges.

Tehran has responded defiantly, warning that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to normal and signaling that it would retaliate if critical infrastructure were attacked.

Iran’s electricity system relies overwhelmingly on thermal power plants, most of them fueled by natural gas. A relatively small number of large facilities supply major urban and industrial centers, including Tehran and other key regions.

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