12 Latest Updates on the US-Iran War, Stage 2 Negotiations - China's Response
Tensions in the Middle East conflict involving the United States (US) and Iran continue to simmer. The impact extends to the global economy and international diplomatic dynamics.
Several recent developments have emerged, encompassing the potential surge in food crises, optimism for peace negotiations, and responses from China. Here are the latest updates on the US-Iran war situation, as compiled by CNBC Indonesia on Thursday (16/4/2026).
- New Crisis on Earth
The World Bank’s Chief Economist, Indermit Gill, has warned that this conflict could significantly worsen the global food crisis. He assessed that the domino effect of the war would pressure the global economy and exacerbate conditions in vulnerable countries.
“There are about 300 million people already suffering from acute food insecurity. That number will increase by around 20 percent very quickly,” Gill told AFP.
- Wall Street Hits Record
Amid geopolitical tensions, Wall Street’s major indices have recorded all-time highs. This rise is driven by investor optimism regarding the potential achievement of an agreement between the US and Iran in the near future.
- Netanyahu Claims Alignment with US on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed the alignment of his country’s stance with the US in dealing with Iran.
“We want to see enriched material removed from Iran; we want to see the elimination of enrichment capabilities in Iran; and, of course, we want to see the Strait of Hormuz reopened,” he said in a television address.
- Dissolve Hezbollah
Meanwhile, Netanyahu also mentioned the dissolution of Hezbollah as a top priority in talks with Lebanon. “There are two main goals: first, the dissolution of Hezbollah; second, sustainable peace… achieved through strength,” he emphasised.
- Stage 2 US-Iran Negotiations Discussed
The White House has revealed that the second round of peace talks with Iran is being prepared. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that follow-up discussions are “very likely” to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan, with optimism that an agreement can be reached.
- Israel Orders Operational Zone in Lebanon
The Israeli Military Chief of Staff has ordered the area south of the Litani River in Lebanon to be designated a “kill zone” for Hezbollah. This comes amid the escalation of large-scale military operations in the region.
- China Responds on Peace
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed support for the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Beijing, Wang told his Iranian counterpart, supports “maintaining the ceasefire momentum and peace negotiations.”
- US Blockades Iran’s Seas
The US military command (CENTCOM) claims to have stopped 10 ships from leaving Iranian ports in the first 48 hours of the naval blockade. However, tracking data shows that at least three ships still managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz, though some later turned back.
- Intensive Pakistani Diplomacy
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has begun a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Meanwhile, a Pakistani military delegation has also held meetings with Iranian officials in Tehran.
- 11 Countries Call for Emergency Aid
Eleven countries, including the UK and Japan, have urged the IMF and World Bank. They are requesting that the IMF provide “coordinated emergency support” to help countries affected by economic disruptions due to the conflict.
- UK Rejects Involvement in War
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has affirmed that his country will not participate in the conflict. “We will not be dragged into this war. This is not our war,” he said in parliament, responding to pressure from US President Donald Trump.
- Iran Stands Firm on Uranium
On the other hand, Iran remains adamant that its right to enrich uranium cannot be infringed upon. Nevertheless, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the level of uranium enrichment could still be a subject for negotiation in peace talks.