(2026-04-20). Iranian army: U.S. violated truce by firing at ship, drones attacked U.S. ships. haaretz.com
(2026-04-20). Mojtaba's 'mosquito boats' turn into Trump's nightmare in Hormuz Strait as US blockade 'flops' | Iran. hindustantimes.com Even as Donald Trump claimed Iran's navy was "obliterated," analysts warn a new threat is emerging in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's IRGC has deployed a "mosquito fleet" of small, fast attack boats, drones, and coastal missiles that are cheap, agile, and hard to detect. These units have already disrupted shipping lanes, slowing global trade and raising insurance costs. Experts say Iran does not need to fully block Hormuz to exert pressure—just make it dangerous enough. With one-fifth of global oil flowing through the strait, even minor disruptions carry massive global consequences.
(2026-04-20). Trump threatens to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges after IRGC closes the Strait of Hormuz. wsws.org In Truth Social posts Saturday night and Sunday morning, Trump wrote that unless Iran accepts his terms, "the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran."
(2026-04-20). Iran war escalates as Houthis threaten to sever Saudi oil exports. scmp.com Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement has threatened to besiege a second key Middle East waterway as Iran launched drone attacks against US Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend after a diplomatic effort to end the war appeared to collapse. | A closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, would effectively sever Saudi Arabia's only remaining oil export route.
(2026-04-20). Iran Warns of Imminent Response to US Piracy. english.almanar.com.lb The spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters warned that the latest act of "piracy" by US military forces against an Iranian trade vessel will soon be met with retaliation. "The aggressive United States, by violating the ceasefire and engaging in maritime banditry, attacked one of Iran's commercial ships in the waters of the Sea …
(2026-04-20). World weighs fate of Mideast ceasefire after US seizes Iranian cargo ship. tribune.com.pk 
Concerns grew on Monday that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran might not hold after the US said it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade and Iran vowed to retaliate. | Efforts to build a more lasting peace in the region likewise appeared to be on shaky ground, as Iran said it would not participate in a second round of negotiations that the US had hoped to kick off before the ceasefire expires on Tuesday. | The US has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then reimposed its own blockade on marine traffic passing thro…
(2026-04-20). Iran to soon respond to US military's armed piracy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — The spokesman of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced that Iran will soon retaliate for the US military's armed piracy in the Sea of Oman.
(2026-04-20). Mass protests by workers in northern India against price hikes due to US-Israeli war against Iran. wsws.org Tens of thousands of unorganized workers are demanding substantial wage increases to keep up with spiking rent, utilities and food costs.
(2026-04-20). Liberals need to reconsider loyalty to the American Alliance. onlineopinion.com.au The honour, respect, and support for the American Alliance has been greatly dissipated by Donald Trump's tariffs, the Iran war, and unconditional support for Israel.
(2026-04-20). Makan Nasiri: Lost at School. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — Among the children massacred by a US missile attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, was a 7-year-old boy named Makan Nasiri.
(2026-04-20). Tax the Corporations Cashing in on War. juancole.com By | ( This dynamic has been on full display since President Trump's attack on Iran. | Trump's invasion of one of the world's most oil…
(2026-04-20). 3 arrested after arson attack on London-based Iran International. CPJ Staff
(2026-04-20). Iran-U.S. peace talks hang in the balance. ecns.cn Iran and the United States have separately hinted at some progress in their latest negotiations through intermediaries following short-lived diplomatic progress over the weekend.Agencies and Xinhua contributed to this story.
(2026-04-20). Offices, schools move online as Red Zone sealed ahead of US-Iran talks. tribune.com.pk 
All public and private offices and schools within the Red Zone have been instructed to move online, and all government operations in the capital have been shifted to remote working as authorities seal off entry to the Red Zone from Monday, ahead of the expected next round of US-Iran talks in the federal capital. | Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remains intact, with confidence-building measur…
(2026-04-20). US Seizes Iranian Vessel: Question Mark over Islamabad Talks. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — The engine room of the Iranian Panamax-sized container ship Touska, on its way from China to Bandar Abbas in Iran, was fired on by a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Spruance, on Sunday. Thereafter marines boarded the vessel by helicopter and took control of it. | pic.twitter.com/mFxI5RzYCS | — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) Iran's pro-government Tasnim news agency
(2026-04-20). US-Iran ceasefire: Iran rejects second round of negotiations accuses US of 'excessive demands, blame games'. ptcnews.tv US-Iran ceasefire: In a significant blow to the diplomatic efforts, Iran will skip the second round of negotiations with the US in Pakistan, state media reported. | The development came hours after US President Donald Trump said American negotiators would be in Islamabad on Monday, kindling hopes of a breakthrough before the ceasefire expires on April 22. | The hope to bring a breakthrough as ceasefire nears its expiration, faded away after Tehran confirmed its absence from the talks, blaming Washington's "excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions", and an on…
(2026-04-20). US naval blockade violates ceasefire, UN charter. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistan's PM that the US naval blockade of Iran is a clear ceasefire violation and contradicts the UN Charter.
(2026-04-20). A war that was supposed to be short, but changed the balance. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — The war was meant to be brief. But power has layers—and Iran's strategic depth turned a quick strike into a slow shift of the balance.
(2026-04-20). Front pages of Iran's English dailies on April 20. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — Here are the front pages of Iran's English dailies on Monday, April 20.
(2026-04-20). Australia: IYSSE speakouts opposing war against Iran draw support from university students. wsws.org "There needs to be a building of class consciousness among people, not just in Australia, but across the globe."
(2026-04-20). Iran's lesson for China, record-breaking Hong Kong Sevens: 5 weekend reads you missed. scmp.com We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. | 1. Lesson for China? Iran's low-cost 358 missile takes out million-dollar US assets | 2. Hong Kong Sevens: Blitzboks win first title, Black Ferns go unbeaten again | 3. The rupture: how Europe fell out of love with America…
(2026-04-20). This week in history: April 20-26. wsws.org Peru and CIA shoot down missionary aircraft; Socialist Party wins election in Portugal; Mass strikes in Spain against Franco dictatorship; Reza Khan crowned Shah of Iran.
(2026-04-20). Failed diplomacy and America's strategic retrenchment in Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — Donald Trump's failed diplomacy and empty threats against Iran changed nothing. America's Iran misadventure exposed the growing gap between hegemonic ambition and strategic reality.
(2026-04-20). Iran, Pakistan FMs discuss regional developments, ceasefire. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghhci and his Pakistani counterpart Muhammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation late on Sunday to discuss the latest developments in the region and issues concerning the ceasefire.
(2026-04-20). Estados Unidos incautó un buque iraní en el Mar de Omán. cubadebate.cu Fuerzas estadounidenses incautaron este domingo un buque de carga iraní en el golfo de Omán, en medio de bloqueo del estrecho de Ormuz por Washington. El cuartel general militar Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya confirmó este ataque reivindicado por el ejército de EE.UU. en un comunicado difundido por la agencia de noticias Tasnim.
(2026-04-19). Iran's speaker says US negotiations have progressed but far from final deal. geo.tv 
ranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran November 27, 2024. — Reuters Trump says 'very good' discussions held with Iran but warns against "blackmail".Iran warns Strait of Hormuz may be limited if blockade stays.Pakistan,…
(2026-04-19). Israel vows to level homes in Lebanon, counter threats with 'full force'. scmp.com Israel said its military had been instructed to use "full force" against imminent threats in Lebanon despite a truce there and vowed to level homes allegedly used by Hezbollah, with state media reporting demolitions were under way on Sunday. | While some displaced south Lebanon residents have rushed back to their homes, many are hesitant to return, uncertain about the durability of the 10-day truce, which came into effect on Friday and halted weeks of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed…
(2026-04-19). Trump continues to strong-arm Netanyahu into cease-fires he is unprepared to accept. haaretz.com After backing Israeli escalation in Lebanon and Iran, the U.S. president is now forcing pauses and declaring victory — leaving Netanyahu to defend campaigns that fell short of their promised outcomes…
(2026-04-19). Israel publishes map of s. Lebanon territory under its control. newarab.com 
The Israeli military published for the first time a map of its new deployment line inside There was no immediate comment from Lebanese officials or from Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israel and Lebanon agreed on Thursday to a US-backed ceasefire in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. | The…
(2026-04-19). North Korea fires ballistic missiles again, flexing muscle amid Iran war. geo.tv 
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the country's nuclear material production base and nuclear weapons institute, at an undisclosed location in North Korea, on January 29, 2025. — Reuters North boosts military capabilities amid Iran war, say experts.Ballistic missiles…
(2026-04-19). Iran seeks world free of nuclear arms. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said Iran seeks a world free of nuclear weapons, and every country, including Iran, should make maximum use of peaceful nuclear energy.
(2026-04-19). 'You gave clearance': Distress audio from Indian tanker to Iran in Hormuz surfaces. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: A tense audio recording from an Indian-flagged tanker has revealed a dramatic exchange during a firing incident in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces targeted merchant vessels attempting to pass through the channel. | In the recording, the captain of the motor tanker Sanmar Herald can be heard urgently calling out to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, saying they had already been given clearance to proceed and pleading for permission to turn back as shots were fired. | The audio surfaced a day after two Indian-flagged ships, including a supertanker, came under gunfire on Saturd…
(2026-04-19). Algeria gas windfall from Iran War: Short-term gain and no pain. newarab.com 
Weeks of the US-Israel war on Iran disrupted global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, sending prices soaring. Since then, European governments have been turning to Algeria, the North African supplier, with pipelines already connected to their continent. | When Iran retaliated against the Americans and Israelis, also implicating Gulf states that host US military bases, it shelled
(2026-04-19). Iran urges EU to abandon hypocrisy over international law. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said no international law rule prevents Iran from taking necessary measures to prevent aggressors from using the Strait of Hormuz against the country.
(2026-04-19). Iran Armed Forces block 2 other oil tankers at Hormuz Strait. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Following the continuation of naval blockade of Iran, the Armed of the country stopped and turned back two more oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
(2026-04-19). Iran far from deal despite progress in US negotiations: Ghalibaf. tribune.com.pk 
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Saturday night that talks with the United States to end the war had made progress but remained far from an agreement, as Tehran said the crucial Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports. | "We are still far from the final discussion," Ghalibaf said in a national televised address, adding, "We made progress in the negotiations, but there are many gaps and some fundamental points remain." | Mizan news agency has reported him saying, "Sometimes I hear from the people of Azair and even the national media…
(2026-04-19). Trump says US does not need Strait of Hormuz; Is that true? en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Trump's war against Iran demonstrated that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the critical pressure leverages against the US, contrary to Donald Trump's claim that Washington does not need this chokepoint.
(2026-04-19). Iran Fires on Merchant Ships, Closing Hormuz again to Protest US Blockade. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — Iran offered to open the Strait of Hormuz on Friday for the duration of the ceasefire negotiated with the U.S. | The Supreme National Security Council
(2026-04-19). US seizes Iranian-flagged cargo ship near Hormuz. tribune.com.pk 
President Donald Trump said the US forcibly seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that tried to get around a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, the first such interception since the blockade of Iranian ports began last week. | Trump on social media said the ship was warned by a US Navy guided missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman to stop, but it did not. He said the Navy "stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room" and that US Marines had custody of the vessel, named Touska, and were "seeing what's on board!" | There was no immediate Iran comment. The news threw int…
(2026-04-19). 'My representatives will be in Islamabad tomorrow evening': Trump on US-Iran negotiations. tribune.com.pk 
United States President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed that US representatives would travel to Islamabad for the second round of talks with Iran aimed at addressing the Middle East crisis. | "My representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — they will be there tomorrow evening, for negotiations," President Trump said in a post on Truth Social. | truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/1164312… | Referring to recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, he alleged that Iran had fired shots a day earlier, describing the action as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. He claimed that several…
(2026-04-19). Aftermath of US-Israeli airstrikes on Karaj school. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Following American-Zionist aerial aggression during the war on Iran, the non-governmental Zakavat School in Karaj suffered serious damage.
(2026-04-19). F-35 warplane myth busted after being shot by Iran: Officer. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — A senior Iranian air defense officer said the country's success in shooting at a US-made F-35 fighter jet during the recent US-Israeli war of aggression has brought an end to the myth of stealth aircraft invincibility.
(2026-04-19). Tehraners denounce US-Israeli aggression against Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — People in Tehran from various walks of life strongly condemned the US and Israeli aggression against Iran on Abouzar Square of Tehran and threw their weight behind the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution.
(2026-04-19). 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.
(2026-04-19). Israel 'preparing attacks on Iran energy infrastructure'. newarab.com 
Israeli news outlet Maariv reported on Sunday that the
(2026-04-19). Iran reports 3,468 dead in war with US, Israel: official. newarab.com 
Iran's state-run Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said on Saturday that The announcement comes in the midst of a two-week ceasefire in the conflict, which erupted in late February with US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. | Foundation head Ahmad Mousavi was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying that 3,468 "martyrs… fell during the recent conflict". | A previous toll from the head of the Iranian Legal Medicine Orga…
(2026-04-19). Los Angeles woman charged in US with trafficking arms to Sudan for Iran. scmp.com US federal prosecutors said on Sunday an Iranian national was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly trafficking arms to Sudan on behalf of Tehran. | Shamim Mafi, 44, is charged with "brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses and millions of rounds of ammunition manufactured by Iran and sold to Sudan", US Attorney Bill Essayli wrote in a social media post.
(2026-04-19). UK probing whether Iran proxies behind arson attacks on London Jewish sites. scmp.com UK police said on Sunday they were investigating whether a string of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London were the work of Iranian proxies, as the country's chief rabbi said British Jews were facing a campaign of violence and intimidation. | The Metropolitan Police force said counterterror officers were investigating fires at synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.
(2026-04-19). Trump sends negotiators for Islamabad Round 2. tribune.com.pk 
Islamabad is set to host the second round of high-stakes talks between Iran and the United States after the White House on Sunday announced that an American delegation led by Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan this week. | Vance will be accompanied by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. | A week ago, Iranian and US officials held marathon 21-hour negotiations that ended without a breakthrough. However, between the last round and the upcoming session, significant behind-the-scenes work appears to have taken place, raising cautious hopes for pro…
(2026-04-19). FO Talks: War in Iran: Does the Future of the Middle East Look Bleak? fairobserver.com Editor-in-Chief Atul Singh speaks with FOI Partner and geopolitical analyst Manu Sharma about how the Iran war is evolving beyond a military confrontation into a systemic economic crisis. What began as a conflict shaped by assumptions about regime weakness and rapid victory now reveals a far more complex situation. As the war drags on, its…
(2026-04-19). US-Iran ceasefire: Iran warns US as truce deal nears, says 'slightest mistake will meet with full response'. ptcnews.tv US-Iran ceasefire: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday that Iran is taking a two-pronged approach in its tensions with the United States—remaining open to talks while staying on high military alert. | In a televised speech, he claimed Iran had the upper hand on the battlefield and was ready to enter negotiations from a position of strength. | At the same time, he warned strongly against any escalation, saying Iran would react firmly to even minor provocations. He stressed that the country is fully prepared to respond with force if needed, reflecting a tough stance despite fragile ceasefire efforts. He…
(2026-04-19). Universities in twin cities go online ahead of expected Iran—US talks. tribune.com.pk 
Several universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday announced changes to academic schedules, shifting classes online and postponing examinations ahead of the expected final round of Iran—United States talks in Islamabad. | International Islamic University Islamabad said all classes will be held online from April 20 to 24, according to a notification. The university also postponed mid-term examinations scheduled for April 20 to 21. | The administration introduced a four-day working week for non-teaching staff, from Monday to Thursday, with 50% staff working from home. This policy will remain in plac…
(2026-04-19). Iranian negotiators defending national interests: VP. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has called on the Iranian nation to keep backing the country's negotiating team, emphasizing that it is defending national interests courageously and prudently.
(2026-04-19). Shehbaz, Pezeshkian vow regional peace. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to making "honest and sincere efforts to advance regional peace and security" during a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. | According to the statement, the prime minister apprised President Pezeshkian of his recent engagements with several world leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye, aimed at promoting peace in the region. | The call came a day after the prime minister concluded a three-country diplomatic visit focu…
(2026-04-19). General Hatami appreciates Leader for his Army Day's message. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iran's Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami has expressed his gratitude for Leader's Army Day message, emphasizing that Army Force of the country is at the apex of its readiness to confront threats with all their might.
(2026-04-19). A Primer on the Petrodollar and the War on Iran. orinocotribune.com By Vijay Prasad — Apr 16, 2026 | As you and I worry about how war and inflation will impact our families and nations, bond traders are fixated on the numbers on their screens, calculating what might happen to seemingly arcane financial instruments. Their job is to protect the treasure of the wealthy. For the past fifty years, the relative stability of the US dollar — above all as embodied in US Treasury securities — has rested in part on what is called the 'petrodollar' system. | When petroleum prices are relatively stable, the costs of production and transport are more predictable, inflation is…
(2026-04-19). Iran not to handover enriched uranium to US, any other state. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The head of the Interests Section of Iran in Egypt emphasized that Iran has no decision to hand over its enriched uranium to the US or any other country.
(2026-04-19). "Girls Devoted to Iran" Rally held in Gorgan. en.mehrnews.com GORGAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — A grand rally dubbed "Girls Devoted to Iran" was held in Gorgan on the occasion of birth anniversary of Hazrat Masoumeh (SA).
(2026-04-19). Iran's Quds Force chief Qaani visits Iraq: senior official. newarab.com 
(2026-04-19). Kamala Harris accuses Netanyahu of dragging US into Iran war. newarab.com 
Former US Vice President and presidential candidate In response to a question on the war at a Democratic Party event in Detroit on Saturday, Harris said that
(2026-04-19). Senior Iran, Turkey diplomats discuss West Asia developments. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Senior diplomats from Iran and the Republic of Turkey have conferred on the latest developments in the West Asia region.
(2026-04-19). Illegal naval blockade comes in violation of ceasefire: spox. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Bagahei says that the US action in imposing a blockade on Iran's ports is not only a violation of the ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, but also it is an illegal and criminal move.
(2026-04-19). 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.
(2026-04-19). Iran set for friendly clash against Panama. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iran's national football team are gearing up for an international friendly against Panama in the United States. The match is expected to serve as a vital tune-up ahead of the global tournament.
(2026-04-19). Women's futsal team prepare for AFC Asian Cup 2027. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The Iranian women's futsal national team are gearing up for Saudi AFC Asian Cup 2027, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
(2026-04-19). Esta es la última oportunidad para los iraníes, amenaza Trump. cubadebate.cu El presidente de EE.UU., Donald Trump, lanzó una dura advertencia este domingo a Irán al asegurar que el país tiene una "última oportunidad" para firmar un acuerdo, en medio de las negociaciones en curso para poner fin al conflicto en la región.
(2026-04-20). Confused closures and opaque openings: continuing dramas in the Hormuz Strait. onlineopinion.com.au The Strait of Hormuz isn't reopened, it's contested, armed and volatile. Trump's claims lasted barely a news cycle.
(2026-04-19). The Strait of Hormuz: A Geopolitical Test for EU Foreign Policy and Security. moderndiplomacy.eu This article discusses the energy crisis affecting Europe following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route supplying EU member states with LNG and jet fuel. The geopolitical uncertainties unfolding in the Middle East have shaken the Brussels economy, driven up inflation, and threatened industrial stability in countries like Germany, a key …
(2026-04-19). US should lift blockade of Cuba: Lula da Silva. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The United States must end the blockade of Cuba because it leaves people of this country to suffer, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said.