(2026-04-17). Trump dictates the terms in Lebanon and Iran, leaving Netanyahu boxed in. haaretz.com The Israeli prime minister told the security cabinet that the U.S.-facilitated cease-fire is an effort to align on the major issue — Iran. But Netanyahu can't convince the Israeli public that the war's goals were achieved, with Hezbollah not disarmed and the Iranian regime still largely intact…
(2026-04-17). Insights | Islam-Confucianism Civilisational Dialogue sheds light on deescalating Middle East crisis: Malaysian scholar. ecns.cn The Islam-Confucianism Civilisational Dialogue can shed light on addressing the Middle East crisis ⚪ the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, a Malaysian scholar said on Thursday.
(2026-04-17). Mojtaba's reply to Trump's blockade: Shock for entire world; US war on Iran causing new crisis. hindustantimes.com Global markets are bracing for shockwaves as Iran halts petrochemical exports in retaliation to Donald Trump's naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The move—combined with strikes on key Iranian energy hubs—threatens to disrupt supply chains and push already fragile economies toward instability. With the Gulf accounting for a significant share of global petrochemical output, the suspension risks ripple effects across industries worldwide.
(2026-04-17). US army 'defeat' in Iran confirmed as Trump drops military, reveals new plan amid Hormuz failure. hindustantimes.com The U.S. intensifies its economic war against Iran as President Donald Trump pivots from military pressure to sweeping new sanctions amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned countries and financial institutions against purchasing Iranian oil, with China emerging as a key focus due to its dominant role in Tehran's export market. As the naval blockade faces scrutiny and mixed enforcement reports, Washington is now targeting Iran's "shadow fleet," banks, and global trade networks to choke off revenue streams. With tensions rising and diplomacy uncertain, the latest sancti…
(2026-04-17). Trump says war in Iran be ending pretty. haaretz.com
(2026-04-17). Iran war brings massive price and profit gouging. wsws.org Global oil companies are raking in additional profits at the rate of $30 million per hour as the result of the price hikes induced by the war.
(2026-04-17). Trump scammed by Iran and Pakistan. onlineopinion.com.au Trump's Hormuz ultimatum was impossible for Iran to meet, making renewed US action to reopen the strait all but inevitable.
(2026-04-17). Pentagon in panic mode? Trump pushes civilian firms to make missiles as stocks run dry amid Iran war. hindustantimes.com Is the world's "most powerful military" quietly running out of weapons? And is that what's really driving Washington's sudden shift in tone? As the Iran conflict stretches on, reports suggest the U.S. is facing a deepening munitions crunch, one that didn't begin in this war, but may be reaching a breaking point because of it. Years of supplying Ukraine, followed by sustained operations in the Middle East, have reportedly drained critical missile stockpiles. Now, the question is no longer just about battlefield strategy but industrial capacity. Why is the Pentagon reportedly reaching out to civilian giants like Fo…
(2026-04-17). IMF warns of war's human impact far from Middle East. newarab.com 
IMF economists warned Thursday that the war in Iran could have "very, certainly severe" consequences far outside the region – especially for energy-importing countries. | Countries in East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are among the countries most affected now – and who could suffer the most – outside the region, as the conflict stretches on. | Ironically, the ongoing virtual closure of the Bu…
(2026-04-17). US oil floats to top as Asia looks for Middle Eastern alternatives amid Iran war. scmp.com Asian refiners have grown increasingly reliant on US crude as oil-starved fuel makers scour the globe to replace Middle Eastern supply and stave off shortages that could ripple through the broader economy. | Buyers in Japan led the charge to purchase May-loading cargoes from the US early in the month, with South Korean, Singaporean and Thai processors also among customers, said traders familiar with the matter. At least 60 million barrels of grades from the US Gulf were bought for loading next…
(2026-04-16). US confirms loss of $238M surveillance drone during Iran war. tribune.com.pk 
rauryThe US Naval Safety Command has confirmed the loss of an MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone on April 9, classifying it as a Class A mishap, meaning damages exceeding $2 million, with no injuries to personnel. | The location of the incident was withheld for operational security reasons, but the drone was last tracked flying in international airspace toward Iran. There is no evidence that it went down in Iranian territory. | Read: Israel, Lebanon to speak on Thursday after 34 years | The high-altitude drone, valued at approximately $238 million, had been conducting a maritime surveillance mission over the Pers…
(2026-04-16). Lebanon's Aoun refuses talks with Israel's Netanyahu amid Trump's peace push. scmp.com Lebanon's president will not speak to Israel's prime minister in the near future, Lebanese officials said on Thursday, dealing a blow to US efforts to expand contacts between the enemy states as Pakistan said peace in Lebanon was vital to ending the Iran war. | The US-Israeli war with Iran spilt into Lebanon on March 2, when Iran-backed Hezbollah opened fire in support of Tehran, prompting an Israeli offensive in Lebanon just 15 months after the last major conflict.
(2026-04-16). UN experts demand halt to arms transfers as Israel's Lebanon strikes intensify and Senate again fails to restrain Trump's Iran war. nationofchange.org Human rights investigators warn attacks undermine international law while U.S. lawmakers reject another attempt to curb expanding regional conflict.
(2026-04-16). US blocks Iranian ports: 10 ships turned back as naval blockade tightens. ptcnews.tv PTC Web Desk: Tensions in the Middle East have intensified after the United States military confirmed it has turned back multiple vessels attempting to leave Iranian ports amid an ongoing naval blockade. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade, which began earlier this week, has effectively prevented ships from crossing the region, with nearly 10 vessels reportedly forced to return.In response, Iran has issued a stern warning, stating that continued restrictions could disrupt maritime trade across key waterways, including the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Iranian officials h…
(2026-04-16). The Fossil Fuel System Is Collapsing — and Taking Civilisation's Safety Net With It. bylinetimes.com 
The world has crossed a tipping point into an era of permanently declining fossil fuel supplies — and unless governments and industry act on that reality now, the result will be a full-system breakdown across every sector on which modern civilisation depends. | The war on Iran has broken five critical systems at the same time — energy, food, industry, pharmaceuticals and government finances — and each failure is feeding every other in a self-reinforcing spiral. The fossil fuel system driving it all was already in structural collapse before the first missile was fired. The war has accelerated…
(2026-04-16). Brazil's Lula blasts Trump's fear-based rule, calls for 'great maturity'. scmp.com Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delivered a blunt critique of US President Donald Trump in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais published on Thursday, saying world leaders should seek respect rather than ‚Äårule by fear. | "Trump has no right to wake up in the morning and threaten a country," Lula told El Pais, referring to the president's public threat on April 7 to wipe out Iranian civilisation as part of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
(2026-04-16). inflation jumps 2.6%, jet fuel shortages loom amid Iran war. al-monitor.com Inflation has been soaring globally amid an energy supply crunch caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
(2026-04-16). U.S. Pursuing Iranian-Linked Ships All Over The World In Addition To Its Blockade (Updated). twz.com 
The U.S. military is not limiting its efforts to interdict Iranian vessels to the Middle East. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters today that this is a global campaign. | "Let me be clear, this blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports," he said. "The U.S. action is a blockade of Iran's ports and coastline, not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Enforcement will occur inside Iran's territorial seas and in international waters." | "In addition to this blockade, the joint force, through operations and activities in ot…
(2026-04-16). Iran war: China's new move after 'secret weapon' scares Trump despite 'open Hormuz' offer to Xi. hindustantimes.com China's growing support for Iran is raising alarm as Trump vows to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the U.S. Navy maintains its blockade. With reports of diplomacy, covert assistance, and rising regional tensions, the crisis could reshape Middle East power dynamics and global oil security. Latest analysis inside.
(2026-04-16). Europe running low on jet fuel, stoking fears of flight cancellations. scmp.com Europe has "maybe 6 weeks or so [of] jet fuel left", the head of the International Energy Agency said on Thursday in a wide-ranging interview, warning of possible flight cancellations "soon" if oil supplies remain blocked by the Iran war. | IEA executive director Fatih Birol painted a sobering picture of the global repercussions of what he called "the largest energy crisis we have ever faced", stemming from the pinch-off of oil, gas and other vital supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
(2026-04-16). Hormuz Crisis "Only Going to Get More Horrific Before It Gets Any Better" : Prof. Laleh Khalili. democracynow.org 
Amid the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, we speak with Laleh Khalili, a professor of Gulf studies who researches the shipping and logistics industry and its impact on the global economy. The U.S. implemented a naval blockade on Iran earlier this week, which Khalili says could lead to its military "firing on ships that it assumes are Iranian or carrying oil from Iran or other cargo to Iran." Iran, in response, could "interpret this as a belligerent action," ending the fragile ceasefire agreed to by both parties. "Iran is going to defend itself against this imperial imposition, and how it's going to d…
(2026-04-16). European states refuse to join in US blockade of Strait of Hormuz targeting Iran. wsws.org At the same time, European governments refused to clearly denounce or oppose a US blockade that threatens to cut off their access to energy supplies on which their economies depend.
(2026-04-16). Caitlin Johnstone: I hope the US loses and the empire collapses. asiapacificreport.nz COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone I don't mind admitting that I hope the US and Israel suffer a crushing, devastating defeat in Iran. I hope this war collapses the entire US empire. My only loyalty is to humanity, and being on Team Human in today's world means being against the US empire and against Israel. I…
(2026-04-16). How did Israel's air defences perform against Iran's missiles. newarab.com 
The Nevertheless, its
(2026-04-16). The changing regime in Washington. unitedworldint.com Interview with Jon B. Alterman, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies Regime change in Teheran or in Washington? Though Washington declared regime change in Iran as one of its goals, many see more the change of regime in the U.S. capital. While the US-Israeli war against Iran is on …
(2026-04-16). US missile defences may take years to rebuild after Iran war. newarab.com 
The United States will need years to replenish its missile defences following the General Heath Collins, director of the Pentagon's Missile Defence Agency, told a congressional hearing that it will take a "number of years" to fully recover its The US and its regional allies used thousands of interceptors to defend against Iranian missile and drone attacks during the…
(2026-04-16). 'Victor' Iran drops $270 billion bombshell: Trump Arab allies fear massive war reparations demand. hindustantimes.com 270 billion in damage, while officials discuss war reparations during talks in Islamabad. With civilian losses mounting and Trump's blockade facing resistance, tensions are rising fast. Are U.S. Arab allies about to pay the price for the conflict's aftermath? Watch the latest developments.
(2026-04-16). Italian foreign minister in China to talk trade, Iran. newarab.com 
Italian Foreign Minister Tajani, a senior member of Italian Prime Minister "We're worki…
(2026-04-16). US House Republicans block latest bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers. al-monitor.com WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) – The U.S. House of Representatives backed President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran on Thursday, voting to block a Democratic-led resolution aiming to stop the war until hostilities are authorized by Congress.The measure was defeated by 214 to 213 in the Republican-majority chamber, a day after a similar measure was blocked in the Senate. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, Editing by Franklin Paul)…
(2026-04-16). EU working on jet fuel plan as Iran crisis threatens air travel. newarab.com 
The European Union is drafting plans to tackle a European airlines have warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks as a result of the From next month, the European Commission will intro…
(2026-04-16). US Senate backs Trump's Iran war, shuts down Democratic push to stop conflict. geo.tv 
Members of US House of Representatives gather for fourth round of voting for new House Speaker on second day of 118th Congress at US Capitol in Washington, US, January 4, 2023. — ReutersSenate Republicans have blocked war powers measures four times.Almost all Republicans remain firmly…
(2026-04-16). Trump says he may go to Islamabad if Iran deal reached. al-monitor.com By Humeyra PamukWASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that if a deal with Iran to conclude the war is reached and signed in Islamabad, he might go, and that Iran has agreed to almost everything.Trump struck an optimistic tone about Iran as he spoke with reporters on the White House lawn on his way to a trip to Nevada and Arizona. He said he could extend a U.S.-Iran ceasefire set to expire next week, but may not need to do so."If a deal is signed in Islamabad I may go," Trump said. "They want me."
(2026-04-16). Jared Golden Joins Republicans to Sink Iran War Powers Resolution. commondreams.org On Thursday, the House failed to adopt a war powers resolution to end the war in Iran. Notably, Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) sided with a majority of Republicans to oppose the measure. Demand Progress is leading a campaign in support of the war powers resolutions.The following is a statement from Demand Progress Senior Policy Advisor Cavan Kharrazian:…
(2026-04-16). April 1776: When America opened its ports to the world. wsws.org As the Trump administration imposes a military closure of Iranian ports, it is notable that 250 years ago this month, on April 6, 1776, the Continental Congress announced that American ports would be open to world.
(2026-04-16). Trump Admin Cuts $11 Million in Grant Funds to Catholic Org Amid Feud With Pope. truthout.org Amid a contentious feud with Pope Leo XIV regarding U.S. military interventions over the past several months, including the war in Iran, the Trump administration has ended an $11 million contract with the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami. The contract through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) gave funds to the organization to provide housing and other resources for… |
(2026-04-16). Iran War Powers Vote Fails House By One Vote, With One Democrat Opposed. truthout.org A resolution to rein in the U.S.'s war on Iran failed the House by one vote on Thursday, with only one Democrat voting against the legislation. House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Gregory Meeks's (D-New York) war powers resolution failed 214 to 213, in a largely party line vote. Conservative Democrat Rep. Jared Golden (Maine) was the only Democrat to join most Republicans in… |
(2026-04-16). Trump says he is not sure ceasefire with Iran needs to be extended. al-monitor.com By Christian MartinezWASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was not sure that the ceasefire with Iran needs to be extended."I'm not sure it needs to be extended," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Iran wants to make a deal and we're dealing very nicely with them."(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, writing by Christian Martinez; editing by Scott Malone)…
(2026-04-16). 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.
(2026-04-16). Iran halts petrochemical exports until further notice. newarab.com 
(2026-04-16). EXTRA: US "Rescue" Mission in Iran May Have Been Failed Ground Raid, 2023 Training Mission Suggests. thealtworld.com A recent supposed "search and rescue" mission in Iran involving a downed F-15 and A-10 warplane required at least 2 C-130 transport airplanes deployed to an abandoned airfield where MH-6 helicopters were deployed; | The C-130s were reported "stuck" and subsequently destroyed along with the 4 MH-6 helicopters they brought in; | In 2023 the exact same mission was being practiced in the middle of Wyoming along a highway using similar equipment including C-130s, MH-6s, and A-10 warplanes; | This raises the possibility the mission in Iran — just like the training mission in Wyoming — was in fact part o…
(2026-04-16). Why India is rankled by Pakistan playing mediator in US-Iran war. scmp.com The quiet conclusion of US and Iranian backchannel engagements in Islamabad left more than diplomatic ambiguity. It crystallised a striking image: a financially strained, politically volatile Pakistan briefly positioning itself as a facilitator in one of the world's most combustible rivalries. Substantive or symbolic, the episode underscores a deeper churn in West Asian geopolitics — one in which agility trumps credibility. | Pakistan's role was not incidental. Islamabad offered itself as a…
(2026-04-17). France, UK to cohost talks on Hormuz. ecns.cn French President Emmanuel Macron and the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer will cohost a video-conference with international leaders on Friday, aiming to chart a plan to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
(2026-04-17). US blockade of Strait of Hormuz deepens conflicts between major powers. wsws.org US Vice President Vance's remarks Tuesday that Washington is seeking a "grand bargain" with Tehran underscores that US imperialism wants nothing less than the complete reorganisation of the Middle East in its interests, at the expense of all its rivals.
(2026-04-17). Will Blockade of Hormuz Reshape Global Energy? juancole.com
(2026-04-17). Hormuz must open, G7 ready to mitigate war fallout: France FM. newarab.com 
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told reporters Thursday that the Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven advanced economies added in a statement released Thursday that "it is urgent to limit" the global economic cost of an enduring "G7 members reaffirmed the pressing need to move toward a lasting peac…
(2026-04-16). Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz force us to reconsider the material benefits of fossil fuels. onlineopinion.com.au Energy 'reality' tells us that we need refineries to convert crude oil into usable transportation fuels and products.