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Iran live updates: Iran 'digging out' bombed weapons facilities, Hegseth says

PHOTO: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, at the Pentagon in Washington, April 16, 2026.
3:33
Nathan Howard/Reuters
'Choose wisely,' Hegseth warns Iranian leadership as US seeks deal
By David Brennan, Meredith Deliso, Nadine El-Bawab, Kevin Shalvey
Last Updated: April 16, 2026, 1:41 PM

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military and government sites.

Trump set a deadline for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face broad strikes on its critical infrastructure. Hours before the deadline expired, Trump said he had agreed to suspend planned bombing for two weeks if Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

But subsequent U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan failed to reach a peace deal. Trump said that Iran's nuclear program was the key sticking point, and said the U.S. would respond with a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz starting at 10 a.m. ET on Monday.

Israel, meanwhile, has continued ground operations and intense strikes in Lebanon, where it is engaged with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he supported the ceasefire with Iran, but that Lebanon was not covered by the agreement, despite Iranian protests.

Key Headlines

  • House set to vote on Iran war powers resolution Thursday morning
  • Iran is 'digging out' devastated facilities in aftermath of war, Hegseth says
  • China assured US it would not send weapons to Iran, Hegseth says
  • Hegseth says US is 'reloading,' is 'locked and loaded' on critical infrastructure
  • 'Choose wisely,' Hegseth warns Iranian leadership as US seeks deal
Here's how the news is developing.

Apr 16, 2026 1:41 PM

House set to vote on Iran war powers resolution Thursday morning

The House of Representatives is set to vote on an Iran war powers resolution at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.

The resolution would call on President Donald Trump to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces in hostilities against Iran or any part of the Iranian military or government unless a declaration of war or authorization to use force is enacted.

Previously, this effort has narrowly failed in the House. However, as the war continues and lawmakers face mounting questions about Trump’s actions, additional Republicans could choose to support the effort.

Given the slim margins in the House, this vote could be close. On Wednesday, the Senate failed to advance a similar Iran war powers resolution.

-ABC News' Lauren Peller


Apr 16, 2026 1:05 PM

Iran is 'digging out' devastated facilities in aftermath of war, Hegseth says

As he warned the Iranian regime to reach a deal with the U.S., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized how degraded its capabilities are.

"While you are digging out, which is exactly what you're doing digging out of bombed out and devastated facilities. We are only getting stronger," Hegseth said.

PHOTO: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, at the Pentagon in Washington, April 16, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, at the Pentagon in Washington, April 16, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters

"You are digging out your remaining launchers and missiles with no ability to replace them. You have no defense industry, no ability to replenish your offensive or defensive capabilities," Hegseth said.


Apr 16, 2026 12:51 PM

China assured US it would not send weapons to Iran, Hegseth says

Asked about reporting that there is U.S. intelligence indicating that China is preparing weapons shipments to Iran during the ceasefire, Defense Secretary said China has assured the U.S. this is not the case.

PHOTO: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, at the Pentagon in Washington, April 16, 2026.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, at the Pentagon in Washington, April 16, 2026.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

"President Trump has a very strong and direct relationship with President Xi, and they've communicated on that, and China has assured us that that indeed is not going to happen," Hegseth said.

Trump and Xi are expected to meet in China in May, a trip that was delayed after the start of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.



Apr 16, 2026 12:44 PM

Iran has a 'high incentive' to remain in ceasefire despite degraded capabilities, Hegseth says

Despite Iranian leadership's command and control capabilities being "highly degraded," Iran has a "high incentive" to maintain in the ceasefire, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a press conference at the Pentagon Thursday.

PHOTO: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, at the Pentagon in Washington, April 16, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, at the Pentagon in Washington, April 16, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine warned that during the ceasefire "the United States Joint Force remains postured and ready to resume major combat operations at literally a moment's notice."


Apr 16, 2026 8:44 AM

China voices support for 'freedom of navigation' in Strait of Hormuz

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced support for Iran and called for "maintaining the momentum of the ceasefire and negotiations."

Wang spoke on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to a readout posted by the Chinese ministry.

PHOTO: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi waves after a press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress (NPC), in Beijing, China, March 8, 2026.
Maxim Shemetov/Reuters
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi waves after a press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress (NPC), in Beijing, China, March 8, 2026.
Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

"Wang Yi stated that China, as always, supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and national dignity," the readout said.

Wang's office said the minister also told Araghchi that "freedom of navigation and safety in the international strait should be guaranteed, and efforts to restore normal navigation in the strait are the unanimous call of the international community."

PHOTO: An aerial photograph shows the Greek-flagged crude oil tanker "Asahi Princess" off the coast of the Syrian Baniyas port refinery, along the Mediterranean Sea on on April 15, 2026.
Bakr Alkasem/AFP via Getty Images
An aerial photograph shows the Greek-flagged crude oil tanker "Asahi Princess" off the coast of the Syrian Baniyas port refinery, along the Mediterranean Sea on on April 15, 2026.
Bakr Alkasem/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. this week began a blockade of the strait. "U.S. service members continue to monitor and patrol regional waters in support of the U.S. blockade on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports," U.S. Central Command said early on Thursday.

-ABC News’ Karson Yiu


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