ISRAELI MEDIA:

• While the military prepares for intensified operations, thousands of protesters gathered in central Tel Aviv.
• They are demanding an official investigation into the events of October 7 and calling for the resignation of the Netanyahu government.

Iran Reports Arrest of “Israeli Spy” and 15 Mercenaries

IRANIAN OFFICIALS:

• The Iranian Intelligence Ministry announced the arrest of an alleged Israeli spy and 15 “mercenaries” across five provinces.
• This follows earlier claims of neutralizing foreign-linked groups near the western borders, as Tehran maintains a high domestic security alert.

WHO reports over 17,000 infections among displaced in Gaza, as destruction, waste, and shortages drive a worsening health crisis.

Widespread Infections in Gaza as 17,000 Rodent-Linked Cases Recorded Since Start of Year

DONALD TRUMP:

• The US President abruptly canceled the scheduled trip of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad.
• Trump told Fox News and Axios that there was “no point” in a long flight when the US “holds all the cards.” He claimed the Iranian leadership is in a state of “extreme confusion” and internal conflict, adding, “No one knows who is in charge there.”
• Despite the cancellation, Trump clarified this does not mean an immediate resumption of full-scale war, noting that Iran can “call the US anytime they want.”

Araghchi: Pakistan Visit “Fruitful,” Now in Oman

ABBAS ARAGHCHI:

• The Iranian Foreign Minister left Islamabad and arrived in Muscat, Oman, for the second leg of his regional tour.
• Before departing, he described his talks in Pakistan as highly productive, stating he presented a “practical and applicable framework” to permanently end the war. However, he expressed doubt over whether Washington possesses a “serious will” for diplomacy.
• Meanwhile, Iranian diplomatic sources told Reuters that Tehran will “not accept extreme demands” from the U.S. side.

Hezbollah Deploys “Kamikaze” Drones; Israel Intensifies Strikes MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS:

• Drone Warfare: The IDF reported that Hezbollah launched explosive-laden drones at Israeli forces in South Lebanon. While they exploded nearby without causing casualties, Israel retaliated with a wave of airstrikes.

• Casualties: The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 2 deaths and 17 injuries following an Israeli strike on the town of Safad al-Battikh.

• Infrastructure: Israel targeted military buildings in the Al-Malaab neighborhood of Bint Jbeil and claimed to have found a stockpile of anti-tank missiles. Hezbollah countered by claiming a direct hit on an Israeli “Namera” armored vehicle in Al-Qantara using a suicide drone.

IRGC: “Americans are Netanyahu’s Plaything” REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS: The IRGC issued a defiant statement, warning that any aggression would be met with a response “beyond expectations.” They advised the U.S. not to let themselves be used as a “toy” by Prime Minister Netanyahu and reiterated that controlling the Strait of Hormuz remains an “inevitable strategy” for Iran.

Treasury: IRGC Moving Funds Abroad SCOTT BESSENT: The U.S. Treasury Secretary stated that the IRGC is attempting to “pump more and more money” into its foreign accounts, likely to circumvent the tightening global financial restrictions and the ongoing naval blockade.

Pezeshkian: Unity is Essential against “Discord”

MASOUD PEZESHKIAN:

• The Iranian President warned that “the enemy” is seeking to sow internal division and had attempted to infiltrate groups from Afghanistan and Pakistan to incite strife.
• He credited regional cooperation with neighboring states for thwarting these alleged plots.

Seventeen Palestinians killed as Gaza toll rises, while aid deliveries remain far below targets despite ceasefire framework.

17 Killed in Gaza as Toll Rises and Aid Falls Far Below Ceasefire Targets

PAKISTANI MEDIA:

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi finished a critical meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
• The session was marked by a sudden change in schedule and heightened security in Islamabad’s “Red Zone.”
• Araghchi reportedly focused on the ongoing Israeli violations of the Lebanon ceasefire and reiterated Iran’s terms for ending the war.

White House: Priority is Removing the “Nuclear Threat”

AL-JAZEERA:

• The White House Press Secretary stated that President Trump’s primary objective in the current negotiations is the total removal of the Iranian nuclear threat.
• This comes as shipping data shows limited but persistent movement in the Strait of Hormuz, with eight vessels—including one Iranian-flagged ship—successfully transiting in both directions since this morning.

Rocket Barrage Hits Upper Galilee; Four Killed in South Lebanon

AL-JAZEERA: A barrage of rockets was launched toward the Upper Galilee, triggering sirens. The Israeli military reported that two rockets were detected; one was intercepted, and the other fell in an open area.

LEBANSE HEALTH MINISTRY: Four people were killed in two Israeli airstrikes on the town of Yahmar al-Shaqif.

Pezeshkian Mocks US Defeat in Isfahan

IRANIAN MEDIA:

• The Iranian President expressed hope that the alleged “defeat” of US forces in southern Isfahan (referring to the reported commando operation) would serve as a “lesson to the arrogant powers of the world.”
• This follows claims by the Iranian judiciary that US special forces were neutralized during recent combat.

A US legal memo reveals Iran war was launched at Israel’s request, contradicting Trump’s repeated claims of independence.

‘At the Request of Israel’: US Legal Memo Reveals Reason behind War on Iran

IRANIAN MILITARY:

• Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that the military is prepared to deliver a “strong response” if the naval blockade and “piracy” continue.
• The HQ asserted that Iranian forces are at a higher state of readiness than ever before to defend their interests and continue to maintain effective control over the Strait of Hormuz.

34 Iranian Tankers Successfully Bypass US Blockade

BLOOMBERG (citing Maritime data):

• Despite the highly publicized presence of the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) patrolling near Iranian ports, Bloomberg reports that 34 tankers linked to Iran have managed to transit the Strait of Hormuz, effectively bypassing the US naval blockade.
• This revelation comes as a blow to the narrative of “total control” over the waterway.

Araghchi Presents Iran’s Counter-Demands in Islamabad

AL-JAZEERA:

• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with the Pakistani Army Chief today to relay Tehran’s formal observations and counter-demands to the US proposal.
• While Pakistan continues to facilitate the dialogue, Iranian media remains adamant: there will be no direct meeting between Araghchi and US envoys Witkoff and Kushner as long as the naval blockade remains in place.
• For now, Islamabad remains a postman for messages rather than a venue for a summit.

Israeli occupation forces continue demolitions in southern Lebanon after the ceasefire, with satellite imagery revealing widespread destruction and displacement.

‘Rafah Model’: Israel Expands Destruction in Lebanon under Ceasefire Cover

AL JAZEERA:

• Despite the extended truce, the Israeli military carried out large-scale demolitions of residential squares and infrastructure in the city of Al-Khiam, South Lebanon. Israeli artillery also targeted the border town of Houla.
• The Israeli army reaffirmed its intent to maintain its field positions in the south indefinitely and issued stern warnings to Lebanese civilians against attempting to return to dozens of border villages.

Iranian source says US ceasefire exposes strategic failure, warns truce is temporary while Tehran prepares for renewed escalation.

‘Strategic Failure’: Iranian Source Says US Ceasefire is ‘Tactical Pause

IRANIAN STATE TV:

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir in Islamabad today to deliver Tehran’s formal response to proposed peace frameworks.
• The response is described as “comprehensive” and addresses all of Tehran’s primary concerns.

US Destroyer Intercepts Vessel; Iran Resumes International Flights

US CENTCOM:

• The destroyer USS Rafael Peralta intercepted a vessel yesterday that was bound for an Iranian port, as the maritime blockade intensifies.
• IRANIAN MEDIA: Despite the ongoing tension, international flights resumed this morning at Imam Khomeini International Airport, signaling an attempt to maintain civil aviation links.

Israeli Strikes Persist Despite Lebanon Truce Extension

ISRAELI ARMY: The Israeli military launched new airstrikes in the vicinities of Deir al-Zahrani and Kafr Rumman in southern Lebanon. These strikes occurred even as the 3-week ceasefire extension remains technically in effect.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Simultaneously, Israeli media reported detecting a drone launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel.

IRGC Dismantles “Hostile Cells” near Western Border

IRANIAN STATE TV:

• The IRGC announced the dismantling of several groups linked to foreign entities that were allegedly preparing the ground for an attack from Iran’s western borders.
• Separately, Iranian authorities reported the execution of an individual convicted of collaborating with the Israeli Mossad.

NATO Allies “Not Consulted” on US War

AL-JAZEERA: A former NATO official stated that the US initiated the current war without consulting its European allies, Canada, or the NATO alliance, highlighting a significant rift in Western coordination.

UK closes unit tracking Israel’s potential war law breaches in Gaza and Lebanon, risking loss of key evidence database.

Risking Loss of Key Evidence, UK Shuts Unit Tracking Israel War Law Breaches

US MEDIA / AL MAYADEEN:

• The White House announced that presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will depart for Pakistan on Saturday to hold talks related to Iran.
• It added that US Vice President J. D. Vance remains on standby in the United States, noting that additional officials could join the delegation if necessary.
• According to Fox News, the White House indicated that “progress” has been observed from the Iranian side in recent days.
• Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Islamabad reported that a set of proposals may be discussed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi with neighboring countries, as part of a regional tour including Oman, Pakistan, and Russia.
• The correspondent also indicated that a simultaneous and mutual lifting of the US-imposed blockade on the Strait of Hormuz could be proposed.
• These developments come amid growing talk of a second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad aimed at reaching a final agreement to end the war.
• However, Iran continues to reject entering new negotiations while US forces maintain a blockade on its ports and coastlines, and as Washington insists on what Iranian officials describe as “excessive” demands.

‘Extremely Ridiculous’: Iran Denies US Media Reports of Talks with Washington

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: UK closes unit tracking Israel’s potential war law breaches in Gaza and Lebanon, risking loss of key evidence database.

Risking Loss of Key Evidence, UK Shuts Unit Tracking Israel War Law Breaches

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Local sources reported that two Palestinians were injured after Israeli occupation forces opened fire in the city of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank.

Dozens Face Eviction in Silwan as Report Records 1,190 Israeli Violations in One Week

PALESTINIAN MEDIA / OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

• The Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza stated that Israeli forces are intensifying their attacks and violations against civilians and police personnel.
• The ministry announced that the number of police killed since the ceasefire in October has risen to 31.
• It called on mediators and guarantors of the ceasefire agreement to take urgent action to prevent further violations, stressing that targeting police constitutes a clear breach of international law.
• On Friday, the ministry reported that seven people were killed, including two officers, two police assistants, and three civilians, while others were wounded when Israeli aircraft struck a police vehicle in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.
• Palestinian media reported that a child was also killed in the same attack.
• In recent hours, Israeli occupation forces carried out demolitions of buildings east of Gaza City.
• Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip continue in violation of the ceasefire, with the total number of killed reaching 972 since it came into effect.
• Since October 7, 2023, the cumulative death toll has risen to 72,568, with 172,338 injured.

Bloody Day in Gaza: Nine Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes across Strip

SOCIAL MEDIA / X:

• Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that the front line in confronting the United States is a “financial war,” highlighting growing economic tensions.
• He said that swap lines were activated, according to the US Treasury, to prevent what he described as the disorderly selling of American assets by Arab countries.
• In a post on X, Qalibaf added that some bondholders are unable to sell their holdings, noting that they are subject to restrictions imposed by Washington.
• He called on concerned parties to “exit while the door is still open,” warning that opportunities may disappear if tensions escalate further.
• His remarks come amid reports that the UAE and other Arab states are facing limitations on selling US bonds.

Swaps given "to prevent disorderly sale of US assets." Translation: some holders can't sell. ICYDK: hidden single-digit % sale cap limits some institutional holders.

Door closes if things escalate. Get out while open.

Their frontline is the yield curve.https://t.co/cVS8UehmAr

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 24, 2026

ISRAELI MEDIA:

• Israeli media outlets have issued stark warnings about deepening internal divisions, describing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership as driving the country toward its “greatest catastrophe.”
• According to Maariv, what is unfolding reflects Netanyahu’s own making, portraying him as an “angel of destruction” presiding over escalating turmoil.
• The report warned that the most serious threat facing Israel is not external, but internal—pointing to a growing societal fracture that could lead to the collapse of what it referred to as the “third temple.”
• The same outlet stressed that this internal rupture represents the central disaster, describing it as a widening divide capable of dismantling Israeli society from within.

Lebanon Death Toll Rises amid Ongoing Israeli Violations

AL MAYADEEN: Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported that the death toll from ongoing Israeli violations has risen to 15 since the ceasefire came into effect on April 17.

Iran dismisses US media reports on talks as Araghchi begins regional tour, saying no negotiations with Washington are planned.

Read the key developments and the full report here:

‘Extremely Ridiculous’: Iran Denies US Media Reports of Talks with Washington

Tehran: Araghchi’s Tour to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia is Not “Negotiating Mission”

TASNIM NEWS:

• The Iranian news agency has lashed out at reports suggesting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s diplomatic tour is a precursor to direct talks with the United States in Islamabad.
• Tasnim dismissed these claims as “pure nonsense,” clarifying that the visits to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia are part of a routine diplomatic tour aimed at bilateral consultations, not a mission for an official negotiating delegation.

Tasnim Blasts Axios as “Fake News” over Ghalibaf Reports

IRANIAN MEDIA:

• Iranian media specifically targeted a report by Axios—which it characterized as a “fake news” outlet “linked to Mossad”—for claiming that Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf’s absence from the trip was a significant “scoop.”
• Tasnim labeled the exclusive coverage of who is or isn’t accompanying the Foreign Minister as “extremely ridiculous,” asserting that the details of the tour were transparently announced by Araghchi himself.

AXIOS: A meeting between US envoys and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi could take place as soon as Monday.

IRANIAN MEDIA:

• Iranian State TV and sources close to the Supreme National Security Council (Fars News) denied that any direct negotiations with the US are planned.
• Instead, Tehran reportedly intends to use Islamabad as a conduit to relay its “observations on de-escalation” to the American side.

Tehran: “The Largest Part of Our Missile Power Remains Unused”

IRANIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY:

• The Ministry’s spokesperson declared that placing the Strait of Hormuz under the administration of the Iranian Armed Forces is one of the “achievements of the war.”
• He characterized the waterway as a strategic tool to control enemies and enforce Tehran’s demands. Simultaneously, the Deputy Defense Minister stated that Iran has maintained its offensive capabilities, noting that a “large and important part” of its arsenal has not yet been deployed.
• He claimed that prior to the ceasefire, Iran held “complete control” over the airspace of the occupied territories.

IRGC Seizes Vessel Suspected of Collaborating with US Military

IRGC:

• The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the seizure of a vessel in regional waters, stating it “ignored warnings and committed violations.”
• Tehran says the ship was suspected of collaborating with the US military, further heightening tensions in the Gulf despite the ongoing diplomatic activity.

Russia Completes Mass Evacuation from Bushehr Nuclear Plant

ROSATOM: The head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation confirmed that over 600 employees have been evacuated from the Bushehr nuclear site, leaving only a skeleton crew of 20 personnel to maintain infrastructure.

Hezbollah bloc rejects Israel talks, calls ceasefire deceptive, warns US-backed truce enables continued Israeli aggression in Lebanon.

Read the key developments and the full report here:

‘Deceptive Ploy’: Hezbollah Bloc Rejects Israel Talks amid Israeli Violations

AL-JAZEERA: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has officially arrived in the Pakistani capital.

ABC NEWS:

• According to ABC News, US and Iranian delegations will initially hold separate meetings with Pakistani officials.
• If these “proximity talks” prove successful, a direct face-to-face meeting between the two sides could take place as early as Sunday.

Hezbollah Strikes Israeli Armored Personal Carrier

HEZBOLLAH: Hezbollah announced it successfully targeted an Israeli armored personnel carrier (APC) in the town of Ramieh using a suicide drone.

Iran Displays Seized Ships

IRANIAN MEDIA:

• Iranian state television broadcast footage of two container ships seized in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming they attempted to enter the waterway without authorization.
• Additionally, the IRGC Intelligence claimed to have dismantled a Mossad-linked spy network before it could transmit coordinates of Iranian air defense sites to Israel.

US Plans Expansion of F-35 Fleet

BLOOMBERG: Amidst the regional war, the US Air Force and Navy have proposed a record-setting budget to increase the procurement of F-35 fighter jets over the next five years, signaling a long-term shift in US military readiness and posture.

Nine Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza targeting police patrols, homes, and vehicles in multiple areas Friday.

Read the key developments and the full report here:

Bloody Day in Gaza: Nine Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes across Strip

WHO says Gaza’s health system needs $10 billion after widespread destruction of facilities, shortages, and worsening disease risks.

Gaza Health System in Ruins: WHO Says $10 Billion Needed for Reconstruction

RUSSIAN MEDIA:

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed Russia’s readiness to facilitate a deal between Washington and Tehran during a call with his Pakistani counterpart.
• Lavrov simultaneously accused Western nations of “demonizing” Russia to justify policies of future confrontation.

White House Sends Witkoff and Kushner to Islamabad

FOX NEWS / AXIOS:

• White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will depart for Pakistan tomorrow morning for direct talks with the Iranian side.
• The meeting, mediated by Pakistan, aims to advance a peace agreement. While Vice President JD Vance is currently not attending because Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf is not joining the delegation, the White House noted Vance remains “deeply engaged” and could travel if progress is made.
• Leavitt added that Iran requested the direct meeting and noted that “diplomacy is the President’s first choice.”

Araghchi Carries Iran’s Written Response to Peace Proposal

NEW YORK TIMES / TASNIM:

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is traveling to Islamabad with a formal written response to the US peace proposal.
• Despite public rhetoric rejecting talks until the blockade is lifted, officials report that Tehran has been quietly exchanging messages with Islamabad to restart negotiations.
• Araghchi is expected to present Iran’s specific observations on ending the war during his meetings with US representatives.

US Freezes $344M in Crypto Linked to Tehran

CNN:

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions targeting digital wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran.
• The Trump administration has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency as part of a strategy to “track every funding artery” and prevent Tehran from moving capital abroad.

Heavy Fighting in Bint Jbeil; Death Toll in Lebanon Climbs

ISRAELI ARMY:

• The Israeli army reported fierce clashes in Bint Jbeil, claiming paratroopers killed six Hezbollah members.
• Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces continued the systematic demolition of residential neighborhoods in the city.

HEZBOLLAH: In response, Hezbollah said to have successfully struck an Israeli “Humvee” at the entrance of Al-Qantara.

LEBANESE HEALTH MINISTRY: The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that the death toll from Israeli aggression since March 2 has reached 2,491, with 7,719 others injured.