Lebanese Resistance intensifies operations against Israeli forces, citing ceasefire violations, as the Israeli army reports mounting casualties in the south.

‘They Keep Striking Back’ — Hezbollah Responds to Israeli Violations, 45 Wounded

MEHR / IRANIAN MEDIA:

• Air defense systems were activated in multiple areas of Tehran tonight to confront “hostile targets” in the eastern and western outskirts of the capital. While Iranian media confirmed the engagement, an Israeli security source stated that Israel did not launch an attack on Iran.
• Following the reports, Brent crude futures surged by $5 per barrel. A US defense official told Al Jazeera there has been no official change to the ceasefire status.

WSJ: US Munition Stocks Heavily Depleted by Iran War WALL STREET JOURNAL: US officials are warning that the sheer volume of munitions used in the war with Iran—including over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles and up to 2,000 air defense interceptors—could hinder the US ability to defend Taiwan from a potential Chinese invasion. Experts estimate it could take six years to fully replenish these stocks. Consequently, the Pentagon has begun diverting missiles originally intended for European allies to refill US inventories, while the Air Force seeks a massive purchase of 4,300 long-range cruise missiles from Lockheed Martin.

Trump to Join Israel-Lebanon Talks at White House

AXIOS:

• President Trump is expected to personally attend part of a second round of negotiations between the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon at the White House tonight.
• Simultaneously, reports indicate that Washington and Tel Aviv have requested Lebanon to officially repeal a previous decree that prohibits negotiations with Israel.

Macron Calls for Ceasefire Preservation and End to Blockade

EMMANUEL MACRON:

• The French President stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefires in both Iran and Lebanon.
• Macron criticized the current naval blockade, stating that diplomatic talks regarding nuclear and missile files should occur in an “organized manner” rather than through targeted sieges.

Drone Strikes Reported in Erbil

REUTERS / SECURITY SOURCES:

• Two drones fell in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, today.
• One of the strikes reportedly targeted a camp belonging to an Iranian Kurdish opposition group west of the city. No casualties have been reported thus far.

Regional Aviation and Humanitarian Appeals

KUWAIT: Civil aviation authorities announced the reopening of Kuwait International Airport’s airspace starting today.

VATICAN: Pope Leo XIV issued a brief statement reiterating that he “cannot support war” as the humanitarian toll in the region rises.

Hezbollah launches three operations against Israeli forces after a deadly strike killed civilians, including journalist Amal Khalil, in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah Launches Three Operations after Israeli Strike Kills Journalist Amal Khalil

 IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY:

• The spokesperson stated that Tehran is not seeking to manufacture a nuclear weapon from its highly enriched uranium stockpile, but added defiantly that “if we wanted to do so, we would have.”
• Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense said that production of military equipment has not stopped and that the defense industry is fully prepared to support Iranian forces.

Tehran Enforces Cash Transit Fees in the Strait of Hormuz

IRANIAN CENTRAL BANK:

• Tehran has officially begun collecting “security service fees” in cash from vessels permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
• The fees vary based on cargo type, quantity, and risk levels, with proceeds being deposited directly into Central Bank accounts.
• Iran’s Judiciary confirmed that three vessels underwent “disciplinary measures” yesterday, mocking US forces by claiming they lack the courage to approach the Strait.

Lebanese President Coordinates with Trump on Washington Meeting

JOSEPH AOUN:

The Lebanese President confirmed that his communications with Donald Trump have focused on a permanent ceasefire and ending the state of war with Israel.

He noted that today’s high-level meeting in Washington aims to address ceasefire violations, stop the destruction of southern homes, and protect civilians, marking the first time the “Lebanon file” has returned to the forefront of US priorities.

US CENTCOM: 33 Vessels Diverted under Iran Blockade

US CENTRAL COMMAND:

The US military confirmed that 33 ships have been intercepted and diverted since the start of the naval blockade on Iran.

The Pentagon also released video footage showing US forces boarding a sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean yesterday that was transporting Iranian oil.

Shipping Companies Avoid Hormuz after Ship Seizures

WALL STREET JOURNAL:

• Major shipping firms are reportedly rerouting vessels away from the Strait of Hormuz following the IRGC’s seizure of two container ships yesterday.
• Sources indicate that the seized vessels were escorted to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.

ISRAELI MILITARY:

• The Israeli army reported that 45 officers and soldiers were injured in southern Lebanon over the past 48 hours.
• Official figures now state that 735 military personnel have been wounded since the resumption of fighting in southern Lebanon, including 44 in critical condition and 100 with moderate injuries.

France: Political Deal Only Path to Stability

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTRY:

• Paris stated that the only way to achieve stability for Lebanon and the broader region is through a political agreement between Israel and Lebanon that guarantees the security of both nations.
• This statement coincides with ongoing high-level meetings in Washington involving Lebanese and Israeli representatives.

Israeli strikes kill three on Thursday in central Gaza after overnight attacks killed five, including children, amid ongoing ceasefire violations.

Bloody Day in Gaza: Three Killed in Central Strip, One in Khan Yunis

DONALD TRUMP:

• The US President announced he has issued direct orders to the US Navy to fire upon any vessel caught planting mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Trump added that US minesweepers are currently working at triple speed to clear the waterway and emphasized that the United States “will not hesitate” to use lethal force to protect shipping lanes.

Lebanese PM: No Agreement Without Full Israeli Withdrawal

NAWAF SALAM:

• In an interview with the Washington Post, the Lebanese Prime Minister stated that Lebanon cannot sign any deal that does not include a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
• Salam rejected the concept of a “buffer zone” that prevents displaced civilians from returning home.
• He noted that while the state is serious about the monopoly on arms and curbing Hezbollah’s military operations, disarmament cannot happen overnight.
• He appealed to Washington and Paris for financial and military aid to strengthen the Lebanese Army and support reconstruction.

Bloomberg: 34 Iranian-Linked Tankers Breach US Blockade

• BLOOMBERG: Tracking data reveals that 34 oil tankers linked to Iran have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, effectively breaching the US-imposed naval blockade.
• This comes as the Pentagon confirmed that US forces boarded a sanctioned vessel in the Indian Ocean yesterday that was carrying Iranian oil, asserting that sanctioned entities cannot use international waters to evade restrictions.

Hezbollah Targets Israeli Troop Gathering in Al-Taybeh

HEZBOLLAH:

• The group announced it targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the southern Lebanese town of Al-Taybeh.
• This military action follows reports from Al Jazeera that Israeli forces are continuing to demolish residential neighborhoods in the city of Bint Jbeil.

Owner of Intercepted Ship Confirms Iranian Raid

NBC NEWS:

• The owners of the vessel Epaminondas confirmed that Iranian forces raided the ship yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The company stated that an Iranian warship fired upon the vessel during the transit, though they confirmed that the crew is currently safe.

Hezbollah MP Hussein Fadlallah warns direct talks with Israel risk internal division, rejecting negotiations ahead of US-backed Lebanon-Israel discussions.

‘Major Mistake’: Hezbollah Warns against Direct Talks with Israel

HASSAN FADLALLAH:

• The Hezbollah Member of Parliament stated that while the group wishes to adhere to the ceasefire, Israel must also commit to it.
• However, he warned that engaging in direct negotiations with Israel is a “major mistake” that would deepen internal political divisions within Lebanon.

Brent Crude Surges to $104 Per Barrel Amid Conflict Fears

CNN:

• Brent crude prices jumped 1.9% today, reaching $104 per barrel.
• Market analysts attribute the spike to mounting global fears of a prolonged and widening war in the Middle East, coupled with ongoing threats to maritime stability.

Sweden Warns of Major Economic Fallout from Middle East Conflict

ULF KRISTERSSON: The Swedish Prime Minister stated that the escalating conflict in the Middle East is expected to have a significant and lasting impact on Sweden’s national economy, echoing concerns from other European leaders regarding global trade disruptions.

AL JAZEERA: Israeli occupation forces carried out a series of controlled explosions targeting residential homes in the town of Hanin, southern Lebanon.

This follows reports from Lebanese officials earlier today seeking an end to the destruction of occupied villages during ceasefire talks.

Israeli Military Intercepts Drone Targeting Ground Forces in Lebanon

ISRAELI ARMY:

• The military confirmed the interception of a “suspicious aerial target” launched from southern Lebanon.
• Israeli Channel 15 reported that the target was a drone specifically aimed at Israeli ground forces operating within a position in South Lebanon. No injuries or material damage were reported.

IRGC releases footage of seized vessels in Hormuz, warning maritime violations will trigger firm action amid rising tensions.

IRGC Releases Footage of Seized Hormuz Vessels, Warns Violations are ‘Red Line’

IRANIAN MEDIA: Iranian state media reports confirm that the government remains firm on its established conditions for negotiations, explicitly rejecting what it describes as American “diktats” regarding its nuclear program and regional presence.

Lebanon Seeks Ceasefire Extension and End to Village Demolitions

ANADOLU AGENCY:

• A high-ranking Lebanese official stated that today’s scheduled meeting in Washington with Israel is a continuation of last week’s talks.
• Lebanon intends to officially request an extension of the ceasefire and an immediate halt to the demolition of homes in occupied southern villages.

IEA Chief: World Facing Greatest Energy Security Threat in History

FATIH BIROL: The Director of the International Energy Agency warned that the global community is currently confronting the most significant threat to energy security in recorded history, amid ongoing regional instability and maritime disruptions.

France Condemns Israeli Attacks on UNIFIL as War Crimes

JEAN-NOËL BARROT:

• The French Foreign Minister stated that the targeting of military personnel in Lebanon clearly identified as UNIFIL forces constitutes a war crime.
• He noted that French intervention helped pave the way for the ceasefire agreement and today’s high-level meeting in Washington.

Israeli Military Intercepts ‘Suspicious Target’ over South Lebanon

ISRAELI ARMY:

• Military officials confirmed launching an interceptor missile at a “suspicious aerial target” in areas where its forces have advanced in southern Lebanon.
• The army claimed there was no breach of Israeli airspace and no sirens were activated, though the results of the interception are still being verified.

Pakistan: Continued US-Iran Diplomacy Essential for Stability

PAKISTANI INTERIOR MINISTRY:

• Authorities stressed the necessity of maintaining diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran to reach a permanent resolution.
• Pakistan described President Trump’s ceasefire extension as a vital step in reducing tensions and expressed expectations for progress from the Iranian side.

Israel Finalizes $200 Million Munitions Deal

ISRAELI MINISTRY OF DEFENSE: Israel has signed deals worth over $200 million with Elbit Systems to purchase various aerial munitions, continuing its military procurement despite ongoing negotiations.

SHAIMAA EID: A harrowing account of a Gaza journalist discovering his father’s remains by chance, ending 814 days of agonizing, unresolved disappearance.

A ‘Slow Killing Ends: Finding My Father in the Dust of Khan Yunis

OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

• Pakistan’s Interior Minister expressed hope that both the United States and Iran would give diplomacy a chance, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
• According to the Interior Ministry, Minister Mohsin Naqvi discussed diplomatic efforts with the US ambassador, including preparations for a second round of Islamabad talks.

Israeli Media Warn of US ‘Humiliation’ as Iran Maintains Leverage

ISRAELI MEDIA:

• Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that if Iran continues to maneuver despite intensified US actions, it would represent a major blow to Washington’s standing.
• The report added that Iran has, in recent days, led the United States into what it described as a state of “humiliation.”

Israeli Media Highlight Vulnerability of Gulf Undersea Communication Cables

ISRAELI MEDIA:

• Israeli media warned that damage to undersea fiber optic cables could disrupt banking systems, trade, and energy exports across Gulf countries.
• A reported Iranian map identifying 17 submarine communication cables was described as exposing a critical vulnerability in the region’s economic infrastructure.

Israeli strikes kill five, including three children, in Beit Lahia as shootings and drone attacks persist across the Gaza Strip.

Including Three Children: Israeli Strike Kills Five, Wounds Others in Gaza

IRANIAN MEDIA:

• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy published video footage showing the seizure of two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
• According to Iranian authorities, the vessels—identified as “MSC-FRANCESCA,” described as linked to Israel, and “EPAMINODES”—were intercepted while attempting to exit the strait without authorization.
• In a statement, the IRGC Navy said the ships had committed repeated violations, including manipulating navigation systems and endangering maritime security.
• Separately, the IRGC announced it had targeted a Greek-owned vessel named “Euphoria,” which is now anchored off Iranian shores, according to Fars News Agency.
• The developments come amid escalating tensions following a US-imposed naval blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian territorial waters on April 12, a move Tehran says violates a ceasefire agreement reached in Pakistan.
• US forces have reportedly detained at least one container ship in the Gulf of Oman and carried out operations against an oil tanker in the Indo-Pacific region.
• In response, Iran has reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, requiring non-military vessels to obtain prior authorization from Tehran before transit.

#بالفيديو | بحرية حرس الثورة في #إيران تنشر لقطات للسيطرة على سفينتي حاويات في مضيق هرمز أمس.#الميادين pic.twitter.com/Y0C7tdYKcb

— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) April 22, 2026

REUTERS: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said during a meeting with South Korea’s special envoy in Tehran that responsibility for the consequences of the war against Iran lies with the aggressors.

US Navy Secretary Dismissed After Months of Tensions with Hegseth

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: The dismissal of US Navy Secretary John Phelan came after months of escalating tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal

PALESTINIAN MEDIA:

• Israeli occupation forces opened fire from military vehicles toward the Mawasi area of Rafah in southern Gaza.
• A Palestinian was killed and others were wounded in an Israeli drone strike south of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.
• In a separate incident, several people were injured after Israeli drones targeted a Palestinian police checkpoint west of Khan Yunis.

Iran Accuses US of Using UAE Territory to Launch Attacks

AL MAYADEEN: Iran, in a message to the United Nations and the Security Council, said that the United States is using Emirati territory and airspace to prepare and carry out attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA:

• Five Palestinians, including three children, were killed on Wednesday, and others were injured in an Israeli attack targeting the Beit Lahia project in northern Gaza.
• Earlier in the day, several civilians were wounded by Israeli gunfire east of Al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza as Israeli artillery shelled eastern areas of Khan Yunis in the south.
• In its latest statistical report, Gaza’s Ministry of Health said the total number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire has risen to 786, with 2,217 injuries recorded.

Israeli Strike Kills Palestinian in Jabaliya as Resistance Foils Hospital Sabotage Plot

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: After successive Israeli strikes on the escape route and shelter, journalist Amal Khalil was killed in south Lebanon, colleague was wounded.

Repeated Israeli Strikes on Fleeing Journalists End in Killing of Amal Khalil

PENTAGON

• The US Department of Defense announced that Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan will leave his position effective immediately.
• According to the Pentagon, the role will be assumed on an acting basis by Deputy Secretary of War Hung Cao.

AL-AKHBAR:

• Correspondent Amal Khalil was killed today in the town of al-Tayri in South Lebanon following a deliberate Israeli pursuit that unfolded over nearly two hours.
• Khalil had been trapped earlier in the day due to intense shelling, with Lebanese officials previously reporting that Israeli forces blocked rescue teams and the Red Cross from reaching her location.

No Meaningful Ceasefire Without Lifting Naval Blockade

IRANIAN MEDIA:

• The Iranian Parliament Speaker stated that a ceasefire cannot be considered meaningful while the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in place.
• Qalibaf characterized the ongoing maritime siege as a flagrant violation of the truce and a threat to the global economy, asserting that the Strait will not be reopened under these conditions.

Iran Retains Far Greater Combat Capacity Than Claimed

CBS:

• US officials have directly contradicted the Trump administration’s public claims regarding the scale of damage inflicted on Iran’s military.
• Intelligence sources report that approximately 50% of Iran’s ballistic missile inventory and 60% of the IRGC Navy remain intact.
• While the Iranian Air Force has been significantly degraded, it has not been entirely eliminated as previously suggested by the White House.

Suicide Drone Strikes Target Israeli Troops

HEZBOLLAH:

• Citing continuous violations of the truce, Hezbollah launched suicide drones targeting an Israeli command vehicle and a troop gathering in the town of al-Qantara.
• The group also reported downing four Israeli reconnaissance drones over al-Mansouri in response to ongoing surveillance flights.

Israeli Air Force Soldiers Charged with Spying for Tehran

KAN:

• Two soldiers serving in the Israeli Air Force have been detained and face charges for spying on behalf of Iran.
• They are accused of transmitting sensitive technical data regarding F-15 fighter jets and monitoring the movements of high-ranking officials including the National Security Minister.

LEBANESE CIVIL DEFENSE: Civil Defense forces in southern Lebanon have confirmed the death of journalist Amal Khalil following an Israeli attack on the town of Al-Tiri. Khalil had been trapped earlier today due to intense shelling in the area.

White House: Iran Must Hand Over Enriched Uranium to the US

FOX NEWS: The White House stated that Iran is required to transfer its entire stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States. Officials clarified that while a ceasefire exists, the “Economic Rage” operation—the naval and financial blockade—remains fully active.

White House Denies Specific Deadline

WHITE HOUSE: The administration denied reports that President Trump set a specific 3-to-5-day deadline for the ceasefire. Instead, officials stated that Trump has presented a “generous offer” to the Iranian government and is awaiting a unified response from Tehran.

Israeli Air Force Soldiers Accused of Spying for Iran

KAN (ISRAELI BROADCASTING AUTHORITY): Two soldiers in the Israeli Air Force will be charged with spying for Iran. They are accused of transmitting sensitive data regarding F-15 fighter jets and gathering intelligence on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

US CENTCOM: 29 Vessels Turned Back Under Blockade

US CENTRAL COMMAND: Maritime forces have intercepted and forced 29 vessels to turn back as part of the ongoing naval blockade intended to isolate Iranian ports.

Hezbollah Retaliates against Ceasefire Breaches

HEZBOLLAH: The group announced it targeted an Israeli military “Humvee” and a gathering of soldiers in the town of Al-Qantara using suicide drones. Additionally, Hezbollah claimed to have downed four Israeli reconnaissance drones over the town of Al-Mansouri in response to what it called continuous ceasefire violations.

US State Department Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon Immediately

US STATE DEPARTMENT: A fresh travel advisory urges all American citizens to depart Lebanon immediately while commercial flight options remain available, citing the volatile security situation.

Hamas says Israel linking disarmament to ceasefire phases violates agreement terms and undermines Trump’s Gaza plan framework.

Hamas Warns Gaza Deal Unraveling as Israel Pushes Disarmament First

Rights groups report 90 Palestinian women imprisoned, including minors, as detention conditions worsen amid mass arrests and abuse allegations.

Harsh and Degrading Conditions – 90 Palestinian Women in Israeli Prisons, Including Children

IRANIAN LEADERSHIP:

• President Pezeshkian stated that the naval blockade and “hypocritical” US threats are the primary obstacles to real talks.
• Parliament Speaker Qalibaf added that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened while the ceasefire is being violated by the blockade and “Zionist war-mongering” on other fronts.

Lebanese Health Ministry: Two Killed in Strikes; Search for Missing Journalist Continues

LEBANESE HEALTH MINISTRY:

• Two people were killed and another injured in strikes on Al-Tiri, while another strike on Yahmar al-Shaqif killed two more.
• Lebanese Army and Red Cross teams have reached Al-Tiri to search for journalist Amal Khalil, who remains missing under the rubble or trapped by fire.

WSJ: 400 US Soldiers Injured in War with Iran

WALL STREET JOURNAL:

• Citing the Pentagon, the report states that 400 American soldiers have been injured during the 40-day war.
• While messages have been exchanged through third parties, officials note that “little progress” has been made as Iran insists on the blockade being lifted before its delegation travels.

Pentagon: Clearing Mines from Hormuz Could Take 6 Months

WASHINGTON POST: The Pentagon informed Congress that fully clearing the Strait of Hormuz of mines would take at least six months and is unlikely to begin until the war officially ends.

Pakistan Receives “Positive Signals” Despite Tensions

NEW YORK TIMES: Despite the public standoff, Pakistani mediators claim they have received “positive signals” from Tehran following the ceasefire extension, suggesting a second round of talks could still occur in the coming days.

Israeli strikes kill civilians in South Lebanon, wound journalists, and block ambulances as ceasefire violations escalate across multiple areas.

Under Siege in Al-Tiri: Civilians Killed, Journalists Wounded as Ambulances Blocked