The US is having discussions with Iran about a second round of ceasefire negotiations, but nothing has been scheduled yet, the BBC understands.

It comes as a delegation from Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, arrived in Tehran, the Iranian capital yesterday. Earlier the Iranian military threatened shipping in the Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Oman if the US naval blockade continues.

The US blockade of Iranian ports began on Monday, and the American military has said no vessels made it through in the first 48 hours. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump says China is “very happy” that “I am permanently opening” the strait, claiming he is doing it for them “and the world”.

And in another development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is “prepared for any scenario” in regards to the war in Iran and Lebanon. In a video address yesterday, Netanyahu said that Israel is “on the verge of eliminating” a “major Hezbollah stronghold” in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon.

The prime minister confirmed that he has asked the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to also “continue securing the security zone” in this area and to “extend it eastward”. Netanyahu also said Israel’s goals in the war remain aligned with those of the United States.

“It is still too early to say how this will end or even how it will progress. In light of the possibility that the fighting may resume, we are prepared for any scenario,” he said.