(2026-04-15). Oil mixed as Middle East supply uncertainty outweighs hopes for US-Iran talks. tribune.com.pk 
Oil prices were mixed on Wednesday with Brent futures up and US futures down amid uncertainty over crude supply from the key Middle East producing region as the Strait of Hormuz remains mainly shut. | Brent crude futures were up 40 cents, or 0.4%, to $95.19 a barrel at 0420 GMT, paring earlier losses of as much as 0.9%, after falling 4.6% in the previous session. US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 23 cents, or 0.3%, to $91.05. The contract earlier fell as much as 4.7% after dropping 7.9% the session before. | Talks to end the war between the US and Israel…
(2026-04-15). Continuous message exchange between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan after the Islamabad talks continues. ecns.cn IRNA citing diplomatic source: 'Continuous message exchange between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan regarding current developments after the Islamabad talks continues. In response to claims by some Pakistani sources or Western media about holding the next round of Islamabad talks, there is still no information about an agreement to hold talks in Islamabad or in other formats.'
(2026-04-15). US-Iran: The Elusive Peace Deal. ummid.com As expected, the United States and Iran failed to reach a peace deal after high-stakes talks in the Pakistani capital, with American Vice President JD Vance saying Tehran refused to accept Washington's terms after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, and Iran citing lack of American commitment to the talks.
(2026-04-15). White House denies U.S. requested ceasefire, says new talks may happen in Pakistan. al-monitor.com WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) – Reports that the White House has requested a ceasefire in the Iran war are wrong, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday but added that discussions about a second round of talks with the Iranians were ongoing and productive.Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said any fresh talks would likely be in Pakistan again as it has emerged as the "only mediator" in the effort to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
(2026-04-15). Which countries are most vulnerable as US imposes its own blockade in Persian Gulf? scmp.com As the US imposes its own blockade on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of talks with Iran at the weekend, we take a look at how major economies in Asia and Europe could be affected by further restrictions on passage through one of the world's most critical choke points for energy supplies. | Who is most vulnerable in this energy crisis?
(2026-04-15). As US blockade 'fails' on day 1, Trump gets desperate for Iran to reply to his new…. hindustantimes.com After enforcing a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump has signalled a possible diplomatic pivot, hinting at a second round of talks with Iran. The shift comes as questions emerge over the blockade's effectiveness. While United States Central Command claims tight enforcement with ships turned back, reports suggest vessels may have bypassed restrictions, raising doubts about Washington's leverage.
(2026-04-15). How Will the KMT Leader's Visit to China Affect Beijing-Taipei Relations? unitedworldint.com Can U.S. influence on the island be broken? By Oràßun Gà∂ktàºrk, from Beijing / China While the world has been focused on imperialist-Zionist aggression against Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the US-Iran talks held in Islamabad, and the uncertain ceasefire agenda, Cheng Li-Wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), completed …
(2026-04-15). Trump says Iran war is 'close to over' amid optimism about next round of talks in Islamabad. tribune.com.pk 
US President Donald Trump, in an interview to be aired on Wednesday, said the US-Israeli war on Iran is "close to over." | "I think it's close to over, yeah. I mean, I view it as very close to over," Trump told Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo when asked if the war is "over." A video excerpt of the interview was shared on X. | US President Donald Trump says the war with Iran is "close to over." | pic.twitter.com/VCt6OC9Ata | — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) April 15, 2026 | "You know what, if I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country, and we're not finished. W…
(2026-04-15). PM to embark on official visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye today amid Mideast crisis. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake official visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye from April 15 (today) to 18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Wednesday. | The visit came three days after the US and Iran were unable to reach an agreement to end their war despite marathon negotiations lasting around 21 hours. The prolonged talks, aimed at halting hostilities that have killed thousands and driven global oil prices higher over the past six weeks, ended with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. | On April 11, US and Iranian delegations arrived in Pakistan for conclusive…
(2026-04-15). Why Israel—Lebanon Talks Preceded the Next US—Iran Negotiation Round. thinktank.pk In the intricate chessboard of Middle Eastern geopolitics, timing is rarely accidental. The decision to initiate dialogue between Israel and Lebanon before convening the next round of talks between the United States and Iran reflects a carefully calibrated diplomatic sequence rather than a spontaneous development. Beneath the surface, this move reveals a layered strategy aimed …
(2026-04-15). Vance says to push for 'grand bargain' as fresh U.S.-Iran talks loom. ecns.cn U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday he will push for a "grand bargain" with Iran as he is expected to lead potential fresh in-person U.S.-Iran talks which U.S. President Donald Trump has said could happen this week in Pakistan.
(2026-04-15). US, Iran Talks: Islamabad is Stage, Failure is Script. ummid.com What unfolds in Islamabad is not diplomacy by design, but necessity by failure – an American search for an exit from a war it could not win, and an Iranian willingness to talk only on terms that secure its position, not pause its vulnerability.
(2026-04-15). Trump announces complete blockade of Strait of Hormuz. ummid.com U.S. President Donald Trump Sunday April 12, 2026 announced complete blockade of Strait of Hormuz, hours after Pakistan mediated talks between Iran and the United States collapsed.
(2026-04-15). One man lightly wounded after dozens of Hezbollah missiles target northern Israel. haaretz.com
(2026-04-15). Trump seeking 'grand bargain' with Iran: JD Vance. tribune.com.pk 
US Vice President JD Vance said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump was pursuing a sweeping agreement with Iran rather than a narrower deal. | Speaking at an event in the state of Georgia, Vance described ongoing negotiations as part of a broader strategy tied to a fragile ceasefire that has been in place for nearly a week. | "What's interesting about this is that we have this ceasefire that's in place. I think it's six or seven days old right now. The ceasefire is holding," he said. | Vance said Trump does not want to make "a small deal." | "He wants to make the grand bargain. And what he's basically off…
(2026-04-15). Mossad says Israel will keep trying to topple Iran's government. scmp.com Israel's spy chief pledged more covert efforts to try to topple Iran's government, a tacit acknowledgment the countries' conflict would continue even as the US pursues a new round of peace negotiations with the Islamic Republic. | David Barnea, the head of Mossad, said Israel had not expected that its bombardment of Iranian military, nuclear and infrastructure sites, waged in concert with the US, would be enough to end Iran's 47-year-old clerical-led rule.
(2026-04-15). Generation Jihad Battle for the Strait. longwarjournal.org FDD Senior Fellow Edmund Fitton-Brown joins Bill Roggio to assess the current state of the Iran War. From the dual blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to the failed peace negotiations, they consider: Why did Pakistan step up as mediator? Can Tehran stretch the Houthis for even more leverage in the Red Sea? Has the war pushed the Gulf States closer together?
(2026-04-15). Exclusive-Iran offers proposal allowing ships to exit Oman side of Hormuz free of attack, source says. al-monitor.com By Parisa Hafezi and Jonathan SaulDUBAI, April 15 (Reuters) – Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the United States if a deal is clinched to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said.The war has resulted in the largest-ever disruption of global oil and gas supplies due to Iran's interruption of traffic through the strait, which handles about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
(2026-04-15). Canada, UK, Australia and Japan call for 'urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon'. tribune.com.pk 
Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan and six other countries condemned the killings of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Tuesday while calling "for an urgent end to hostilities" in the country where Israeli attacks have killed over 2,000 people since March. | "Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom remain deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon," the countries said in a joint statement without directly mentioning US ally Israel or Iran-backed Hezbollah. | The statement comes after the deaths of…
(2026-04-15). Gallery: Standing up for the people of Iran . . . and Palestine, Lebanon, Venezuela, Cuba . . . asiapacificreport.nz 
Asia Pacific Report A massive Stop Wars Aotearoa coalition rally and march on the US Consulate took place in Auckland TƒÅmaki Makaurau last Saturday, 11 April 2026. "We're going to stand up for the people of Iran, stand up for the people of Palestine, stand up for the people of Lebanon, stand up for the…
(2026-04-15). US Navy turns back 3 more vessels on second day of Iran blockade. al-monitor.com Cargo vessels altering their identification signals have created a cat-and-mouse game for the US Navy east of the Strait of Hormuz, while most of Iran's "ghost fleet" appears to remain in a holding pattern.
(2026-04-15). China's Foreign Ministry: US blockade of Iran ports risks escalating tensions. ecns.cn China said on Tuesday that U.S. actions to block the Strait of Hormuz would only intensify tensions and undermine a fragile ceasefire.
(2026-04-15). Oman walks tightrope with Iran across the Strait of Hormuz. responsiblestatecraft.org
(2026-04-15). Why US imposed blockade of Hormuz Strait. infobrics.org The blockade itself and a potential (if not likely) escalation with Tehran alone pose tremendous risks for the global economy. Any Iranian retaliation would create blowback. Namely, a prolonged energy crisis would inevitably cascade into massive price hikes for fertilizers, plastics, transport and manufacturing. Needless to say, this would severely undermine global economic growth.
(2026-04-15). Divide and rule — how UAE is Israel's 'Trojan horse' in the Gulf. asiapacificreport.nz 
COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Without understanding the astonishing network of power exercised by the United Arab Emirates you would have no idea why the UAE was hit particularly hard by Iran in recent weeks. Nor would you know what fuels chaos from Libya to Sudan to Somalia to Yemen. If you understand the UAE's business-geostrategic…
(2026-04-15). Kremlin says US has rejected its proposal that Russia take Iranian uranium stocks. al-monitor.com April 15 (Reuters) – The Kremlin's spokesman was quoted as saying on Wednesday that the United States had rejected its proposal that Russia take all of Iran's enriched uranium out of the country as a way to help resolve the Middle East conflict.Russia first proposed last Junethat it take control of Iran's uranium stock, but no action was taken. According to news reports, Russia issued the proposal again this week.
(2026-04-15). US targets oil transportation infrastructure with sanctions. al-monitor.com April 15 (Reuters) – The U.S. Treasury Department said on Wednesday it was targeting Iran's oil transportation infrastructure by imposing sanctions on more than two dozen individuals, companies, and vessels.The sanctions target a network of Iranian oil shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the Treasury Department said in a statement. Hossein Shamkhani is the son of Ali Shamkhani, a key figure in Iran's security and nuclear policymaking who was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28.
(2026-04-15). How Zionism's anti-Jewish logic led Israel to bomb an Iranian synagogue. mondoweiss.net 
Israel bombed Tehran's Rafi-Nia synagogue in the middle of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The attack revealed, to a shocking degree, Zionism's willingness to treat Jewish life as disposable in the service of its ideological project.
(2026-04-15). Israeli attacks prevent Lebanese from burying their dead in ancestral lands. al-monitor.com By Nazih Osseiran and Jihed AbidellaouiBEIRUT April 15 – Brothers Ali and Wael Sabbagh stood facing the remains of the building that contained their family home for more than 50 years.The site was pounded into rubble by Israeli strikes last week in an attack that killed their mother, brother, and the family's helper.
(2026-04-15). BP oil announces 'exceptional' profits after unprovoked US-Israel attack on Iran. thecanary.co 
This morning, BP announced oil trading results in 1Q 2026 are expected to be 'exceptional' compared to the 'weak' performance of the previous quarter. BP said that the "ongoing situation in the Middle East" had "heightened volatility in crude oil, natural gas and refined products prices." So, yes, the price shock and volatility have helped […] | By
(2026-04-15). Fascist Meloni more principled than Starmer: Italy suspends military cooperation with Israel. thecanary.co 
Fascist Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has announced Italy's 'defence' agreement with Israel will be suspended. Meloni attributed the decision to Israel's continued aggression against its regional neighbours, particularly Iran. She said: In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel. Italy says […] | By
(2026-04-15). US-Iran Wobbly Ceasefire Wobbles Down. ummid.com With no side caring for the other side's core demands the proposed two-week ceasefire in the Israel—US war against Iran, which started just a day before, appears to be on the verge of collapse.
(2026-04-15). Everyone Knows Israel is Sabotaging The Iran Ceasefire—Even The Trump Administration. scheerpost.com Marc Steiner Show Real News Network Hours after a temporary ceasefire deal between the US and Iran was announced last week, Israel unleashed a massive, deadly bombing campaign on Lebanon. In this episode of The Marc Steiner Show, Marc speaks with award-winning Iranian-Canadian journalist Samira Mohyeddin about the reality that Israel is a rogue state …
(2026-04-15). How many people have the US and Israel killed in Iran? nationofchange.org Why the real numbers of people killed are almost certainly much higher and why this matters with the conflicting estimates of the death toll in occupied Iraq 20 years ago.
(2026-04-15). The War In The Middle East: Religious, Metaphysical, And Spiritual Interpretations. thealtworld.com The aggression of the United States and Israel against Iran has opened the veil of the metaphysical dimension of the conflict — the contours of religious beliefs, more precisely, the clash of metaphysical doctrines and ideas, have clearly emerged in it. And although each side points out that it is right, both in political rhetoric and by appealing to history, the facts and actions clearly indicate that Iran is on the good side. Then Israel and the United States automatically become the forces of evil, although they are unlikely to agree with this interpretation. | At the political level, representatives of…
(2026-04-15). Almost 400 U.S. troops wounded in war with Iran: CENTCOM. ecns.cn Almost 400 U.S. troops have been wounded in action since the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, a spokesperson with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday.
(2026-04-15). 6 weeks of war has pushed millions of Iranians into poverty. responsiblestatecraft.org For ordinary Iranians, the tenuous ceasefire that began last week has offered a desperately needed reprieve from death and displacement. For analysts, it has provided an opportunity to evaluate the damage that this war has wrought.The conclusion is clear: In six weeks of fighting, the U.S. and Israel have dealt a devastating blow to Iran's economy, placing 50% of Iranian jobs at risk and pushing an additional 5% of the population into poverty.President Donald Trump marketed the war at the outset as a campaign to support the Iranian people. "America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that pr…
(2026-04-15). Iran trolls Trump with AI-generated LEGO video now 'banned'. asiapacificreport.nz Pacific Media Watch The war on Iran is not only being fought on the battlefield, reports France24 — it is also playing out online. Iran's state media recently took a leaf out of the White House's own social media playbook, mocking US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with an AI-generated propaganda…
(2026-04-15). Ervand Abrahamian: Iran Under Fire. newleftreview.org One of modern Iran's leading historians provides a critical anatomy of the power structures of the Islamic Republic, on the eve of war—and a scathing denunciation of the long-incubated American-Israeli assault on the country, calculated to bring about Syria-style disintegration and civil war.
(2026-04-15). Genocidaire JD Vance heckled while criticising the Pope. thecanary.co 
As we've reported, Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance have been laying into Pope Leo. This is because the Pope made the case that the US and Israel's war on Iran goes against the teachings of Christ — an argument which is demonstrably obvious to everyone. Now, a heckler has targeted Vance during the […] | By
(2026-04-15). Iran has last laugh as Trump's army fails to block Hormuz on day 1 of siege | Israel, IRGC, USA. hindustantimes.com On day one of Trump's much‚Äëtouted naval blockade, Iran‚Äëlinked and Chinese ships reportedly sail through Hormuz, prompting Quds Force chief Esmaeil Qaani to sneer that the US and Israel will "pull out…without any achievement." As Tehran warns all enemy vessels and ports are now fair game, Washington's strategy looks badly exposed.
(2026-04-15). Iran Says YouTube Is Trying to 'Suppress the Truth' By Banning AI Lego-Style Videos Mocking US-Israeli War. scheerpost.com Stephen Prager for Common Dreams Iran's foreign ministry is accusing YouTube of trying to "suppress the truth" by banning the account responsible for a series of viral Lego-style animations mocking the US-Israeli war. The small team known as Explosive Media has racked up tens of millions of views across several platforms, with slickly produced music videos mercilessly …
(2026-04-15). UN Experts Call for Global Halt to Arms Transfers to Israel Amid Lebanon Attacks. truthout.org A group of nearly two dozen UN human rights experts has called for all UN members to end weapons transfers to Israel, condemning Israel's bombing and invasion of Lebanon, especially after the Israeli military's massive bombardment of the country after the U.S. and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire deal last week. "We are witnessing the continuing utmost contempt for the international legal… |
(2026-04-15). Beyond oil: global food crisis emerging from Hormuz — why Brazil and BRICS matter. infobrics.org The Iran war is triggering ripple effects far beyond energy prices. Global food systems, heavily dependent on fertilizers and shipping routes, are now under strain. Brazil, for one, faces heightened vulnerability despite its agricultural strength. BRICS itself is emerging as a potential critical geopolitical actor.
(2026-04-15). Democrats Submit Articles of Impeachment Against Pete Hegseth. truthout.org Democrats in the House of Representatives are planning to file five articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday. The measure, which has virtually no chance of passing given the current Republican majority in the legislative chamber, is likely a symbolic move as the Trump administration's unpopular war in Iran continues, and Americans' views of Hegseth have… |
(2026-04-15). The Iraq and the Iran Wars: Parallel Strategic Pathologies. juancole.com Divide, Colorado (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) — Disregard for negative outcomes. | Dismissing the adversary's interests and motives. | Distraction from objectives. | Displays of concern for the president's political future. | The dysfunction of the renewed war in Iran reminds me of what I saw as a strategist in Baghdad in 2004: the same toxic optimism, the same lack of focus, the same partisanship, and the same treatment of others as nonplayer characters that undermined any chance of success in that war. | In fall 2004, I volunteered to leave my teaching duties at the Air Force Academy to work on p…
(2026-04-15). U.S. blockade of Iran ports dangerous, irresponsible: FM spokesperson. ecns.cn The U.S. blockade is dangerous and irresponsible, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday in response to a query that the U.S. military began blocking shipping traffic in and out of Iran's ports.
(2026-04-15). US international military bases under threat after war in Iran and tensions in Greenland. infobrics.org US bases are anachronistic to the new international reality.
(2026-04-15). Big Oil Brings in Extra $30 Million an Hour in Windfall Profits Due to Iran War. truthout.org U.S. President Donald Trump's unprovoked war of choice in Iran has been a goldmine for the fossil fuels industry, which is earning massive windfall profits thanks to the rise in the price of petroleum. An analysis published by The Guardian on Wednesday estimated that the 100 biggest oil and gas companies have collectively raked in an extra $30 million per hour since Trump launched his war… |
(2026-04-15). The Axis of Resistance's Blueprint for Decolonisation. thecanary.co 
Understanding the true essence of the current conflict in South West Asia requires grasping the geopolitical ambition of the Axis of Resistance, which aims for decolonisation and 'the end of the colonial era'. This process of decolonisation is only completed by uprooting the usurping entity as a settler colony and dismantling its 'Siamese twins' — […] | By
(2026-04-15). Is this the grand bargain that could end the Iran war? responsiblestatecraft.org Is a grand bargain in the air?One might not think so after Washington announced a
(2026-04-15). Susan Watkins: Trump Abroad. newleftreview.org In which direction is America heading, amid the strategic cacophony of Trump's second term—counter-revolution in the Caribbean, onslaught on Iran, somersaults on China? Analysis of the political logics at stake as the US ratchets up from covert to overt assassinations; from wars of attrition to wars of overthrow.
(2026-04-15). State-owned energy in Iran is so cheap, it's actually a problem. thecanary.co 
Under state ownership, Iranians pay so little for oil consumption it's actually a problem. This is somewhat amusing given it shows that nationalisation can dramatically reduce people's energy bills. Just in Iran's situation, the price is too low, meaning the government should take more profit and invest it in industries such as education and healthcare. […] | By
(2026-04-15). Trump doubles down in criticising Pope Leo over Iran. geo.tv 
This collage shows Pope Leo and US President Donald Trump. — ReutersUS President Donald Trump, whose war and immigration policies have been condemned by Pope Leo, reiterated his criticism of the religious leader on Tuesday night.In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged that…
(2026-04-15). Britain's King Charles to charm Trump on state visit overshadowed by US-UK rift. scmp.com Britain's King Charles will have tea and a private meeting with ‚Å President Donald Trump during his US state visit later this month, as the UK government hopes his "soft power" can heal a damaging rift between the allies caused by the Iran war. | The monarch and his wife Queen Camilla head across the Atlantic on April 27, a four-day trip ostensibly to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence from Britain but one that now has far greater significance amid a growing spat between Trump and ‚ÄåPrime…
(2026-04-15). making money? The arsenal trade after Ukraine and Iran. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-04-15). Iran arrests Ahwazi separatist leader amid war crackdown: What to know. al-monitor.com The Islamic Republic has detained hundreds of people in Khuzestan province, home to Iran's largest Arab community.
(2026-04-15). Trump claims Iran war 'very close' to completion. ecns.cn U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that the war against Iran is "very close" to completion.
(2026-04-15). US Senate Republicans block bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers, voting continues. al-monitor.com WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) – A majority of the U.S. Senate backed President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran on Wednesday, voting to block a Democratic-led resolution aiming to stop the war until hostilities are authorized by Congress.As voting continued, the tally was 51-47 to block the war powers resolution, as almost all of Trump's fellow Republicans voted against it. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Chris Reese)…
(2026-04-15). 52 Senators Vote Against Reining In Trump's War on Iran Despite Genocidal Threat. truthout.org The first attempt by Senate Democrats to pass a war powers resolution since President Donald Trump's genocidal threat against Iran last Tuesday has failed, despite the vast unpopularity of the war among the public and a looming deadline for the administration. Senators failed to advance the resolution, introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), in a 47 to 52 vote. |
(2026-04-15). Experiencing spring in Beijing's Chaoyang: A Thai girl's time-travel dream. ecns.cn Flowers are now in full bloom, making it the perfect time for an outing. Join Apinya Charunpumhiran, a Thai expert at the Center for Asia-Pacific of China International Communications Group, to discover the most beautiful spring scenery!
(2026-04-15). Rattled by Trump, US allies eye Japan's biggest arms opening since WW2. tribune.com.pk 
Japan's imminent easing of arms export rules has sparked strong interest from Warsaw to Manila, Reuters reporting found, as President Donald Trump wavers on security commitments to allies and the wars in Iran and Ukraine strain US weapons supplies. | Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling party approved the changes this week as she tries to invigorate the pacifist country's military industrial base. Her government will formally adopt the new rules as soon as this month, three Japanese government officials told Reuters. | Despite largely isolating itself from global arms markets since World War Two, Japan spend…
(2026-04-15). White House offers no hint of Iran war cost as it seeks military funding surge. al-monitor.com By Nolan D. McCaskill and David MorganWASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) – White House budget director Russell Vought said on Wednesday he could not estimate the cost of the Iran war, as he defended President Donald Trump's request for a massive $1.5 trillion annual military budget against bipartisan criticism from U.S. lawmakers who cited the Pentagon's historic lack of financial accountability.
(2026-04-15). Iran's Petroyuan Tollbooth Inadvertently Put China In A Zugzwang. thealtworld.com
(2026-04-15). Iran: ICRC delivers the first batch of emergency relief items to Iranian Red Crescent Society. icrc.org
(2026-04-15). Second ship breaks US' Hormuz siege: Trump's blockade unsuccessful Vs Iran & its allies? | China. hindustantimes.com
(2026-04-14). US, Iranian teams could return to Islamabad for peace talks this week, say sources. geo.tv 
Security personnel check vehicles at a checkpoint near Serena Hotel following USand Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 12, 2026. — ReutersDelegations keeping Friday through Sunday open for meeting: Iranian source.US Vice President Vance and Iran Speaker Qalibaf led previous…
(2026-04-14). Silent Strategy: Is the US Blockade Part of a Hidden Islamabad Deal? thinktank.pk The recent decision by the United States to impose a blockade on Iranian ports has added a new layer of complexity to an already volatile geopolitical environment. What makes this development particularly striking is not just the blockade itself, but the timing—coinciding with the ongoing "Islamabad Talks"—and the notable absence of aggressive or "hard statements" …
(2026-04-14). Democracy Now! 2026-04-14 Tuesday. democracynow.org Headlines for April 14, 2026; Exclusive: Former American & Iranian Negotiators on Ceasefire Talks & How War Could End; President vs. Pope: Trump Posts Pic of Self as Jesus, Pope Says Warmakers Have "Hands Full of Blood" | Headlines for April 14, 2026; Exclusive: Former American & Iranian Negotiators on Ceasefire Talks & How War Could End; President vs. Pope: Trump Posts Pic of Self as Jesus, Pope Says Warmakers Have "Hands Full of Blood"…
(2026-04-14). Kuwait hails Pakistan's role in ME peace. tribune.com.pk 
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Sabah has praised Pakistan's role in facilitating US-Iran peace efforts in a telephone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. | Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to continue sustained efforts, emphasising dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path to resolving issues. | Both sides reaffirmed the strong Pakistan ñKuwait ties and agreed to remain in close contact. | Earlier, European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand praised Pakistan's ro…
(2026-04-14). After 'Hitler taunt', Turkey launches all-out strike on Netanyahu: 'Ankara is their new enemy…'. hindustantimes.com Tensions between Turkey and Israel are rapidly escalating as Ankara issues sharp warnings against Benjamin Netanyahu amid the broader Iran conflict. Hakan Fidan accused Israel of seeking a "new enemy" after Iran, hinting that Turkey could be next in line. The rhetoric marks a serious strain within the wider Western alliance framework, with a NATO member openly criticising Israel's actions and cautioning against further regional escalation.
(2026-04-14). Kuwait Must Release The Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin. popularresistance.org Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a fearless Palestinian-American journalist whose writing and reports are defined by unparalleled integrity, depth and eloquence, was arrested on March 3 in Kuwait. | He is charged with spreading false information and harming national security. | His arrest took place following his reporting of the shooting down of three U.S. fighter planes by the Kuwaiti military in an act of friendly fire during the US-Israel war with Iran. Ahmed, along with other news outlets such as the BBC, published footage of a US F-15 E Strike Eagle crashing in al-Jahra west of Kuwait City.
(2026-04-14). Iraq focuses on political appointees, economic challenges amid Iran ceasefire. longwarjournal.org Baghdad is shifting toward political stabilization and economic challenges during the fragile post-conflict phase that follows more than a month of US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian-backed militia attacks in Iraq. After hundreds of militia attacks, including strikes on US and Kurdish targets, Iraq is moving forward with long-delayed political appointments, including choosing a new president.
(2026-04-14). The Iran war, oil and the crisis of American imperialism. wsws.org The US war on Iran will be remembered as a turning point in the decline of American imperialism, exposing in concentrated form Washington's diminishing ability to impose its will on the Persian Gulf and the global capitalist system.
(2026-04-15). Dal gas libico al GNL texano: il lungo suicidio strategico dell'Italia. strategic-culture.su L'Italia ha progressivamente demolito i propri vantaggi energetici, prima contribuendo alla destabilizzazione della Libia, poi recidendo il canale russo e infine subendo il trauma di Hormuz. Il risultato è un Paese energeticamente più dipendente e politicamente più subordinato. | Segue nostro L'Italia ha un problema energetico che non nasce certo oggi, ma che in queste settimane sta esplodendo con una chiarezza quasi brutale. Mentre i pr…