“Seven million Iranians are waiting for you, ready and armed,” Tehran tells the US – “You will go to the depths of Hell,” Israel’s Foreign Minister threatens Hezbollah leader

KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Latest updates from the Middle East war

• Iran warns the US over ground intervention: The speaker of the Iranian parliament claimed on Thursday that seven million Iranians are ready to fight against any US ground invasion of the Islamic Republic.
• Israeli FM threatens Hezbollah leader: Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, once again threatened Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, saying he will “pay a very heavy price” for the rockets launched at Israel.
• US Armed Forces: We do not see Iran’s navy or air force
• Axios report: US and Iran consider a ceasefire in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Trump has briefed Saudi Arabia and the UAE

LIVE UPDATES

Austria denies US use of its airspace for operations against Iran
Austria has refused to allow the United States to use its airspace for military operations against Iran, citing the country’s neutrality law, according to its Ministry of Defense.

A spokesperson confirmed that there had been “several” requests from Washington, without specifying how many, as reported by Austrian state broadcaster ORF.

Each request will be assessed individually, in coordination with the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Austria, which maintains a long-standing policy of military neutrality, has not imposed a blanket ban but evaluates requests case by case.

Germany calls on China to push Iran toward negotiations
Germany held a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the situation in the Middle East and their shared hope for a swift resolution.

Both countries support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and agree that no single state should control maritime routes or impose transit fees, Germany’s Foreign Ministry said.

China could use its influence over Iran to push it toward a negotiated solution and an end to hostilities, the statement added.

Netherlands extends frigate mission in the Mediterranean until May
The Netherlands will extend its naval mission in the Mediterranean until May to help protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, Cyprus, and the wider NATO region, Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen announced.

The deployment was initially decided in early March at France’s request.

Eight Muslim countries condemn Israel’s new death penalty law
Eight Muslim-majority countries strongly condemned Israel’s new law introducing the death penalty for “terrorists,” arguing that it is formulated in a way that targets only Palestinians.

G7 and Gulf countries to discuss Strait of Hormuz next week
France’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux said the G7 will meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council next week to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Strategic importance of the ‘highest bridge in the Middle East’ struck in Iran
A 1,000-meter-long bridge connecting Tehran and Karaj was hit earlier today in an Israeli airstrike, according to Iranian media.

Standing at 136 meters, it is considered the tallest bridge in the Middle East and was inaugurated this year, valued at $400 million.

Israeli FM openly threatens Hezbollah leader
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a direct warning to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem:

“You and your associates will pay a very heavy price for intensifying attacks against Israeli civilians during the Passover Seder.”

“You will not live to see it, because you will be in the depths of Hell along with Nasrallah, Khamenei, Sinwar and all eliminated members of the axis of evil,” he added.

Iranian parliament speaker challenges US over ground operation
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that nearly 7 million Iranians are ready to take up arms against any US ground invasion.

A nationwide campaign has reportedly mobilized volunteers, including retired soldiers, while the Basij paramilitary has begun recruiting even minors as young as 12.

The Economist cover: Xi watches Trump
“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake” reads the latest cover of The Economist, showing Xi Jinping smiling as he observes Donald Trump.

Trump seeks exit, but conflict likely to continue
Despite Donald Trump saying the “difficult phase” of the war is over, Iran insists it will decide when the conflict ends and may continue fighting for “at least six months,” according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistan offers safe passage via its flag in Hormuz
A tanker operator stranded in the Gulf was offered safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian naval escort—on the condition it sails under the Pakistani flag.

Iran sees no progress in mediation efforts
Iranian officials say mediation efforts by Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have not yielded meaningful results, accusing the US and Israel of not seeking a ceasefire.

Lebanon PM: Situation ‘very critical’
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the situation as “very critical,” with over 1 million displaced people affected by ongoing Israeli military operations in the south.

Iraq exports oil via Syria to bypass Hormuz
Iraq has begun exporting crude oil by tanker trucks through Syria, seeking alternative routes after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict.