Hezbollah targets a house with Israeli soldiers in Bayyada, South Lebanon using drones.

Moldova formally launched its exit from the Commonwealth of Independent States by withdrawing from its founding treaties.

The move shows Moldova’s shift toward the EU and away from Russian influence.

Hungary will hold parliamentary elections tomorrow.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz alliance face a strong challenge from Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party.

Polls point to a tight race, but the electoral system means the opposition likely needs a clear lead to win a majority.

Trump:

The Fake News Media is CRAZY, or just plain CORRUPT! The United States has completely destroyed Iran’s Military, including their entire Navy and Air Force, and everything else. Their Leadership is DEAD!

The Strait of Hormuz will soon be open, and the empty ships are rushing to the United States to “load up.” But, if you listen to the Fake News, we’re losing!

Iranian military official to Tasnim:

Iran remains determined not to allow any vessel to pass without authorization, and any potential transit will strictly require Iran’s approval.

Iran's Tasnim:

At present, no traffic is taking place in the Strait of Hormuz. Even a U.S. destroyer that intended to pass through the strait was not granted permission.

Middle East Expert Adam Weinstein (Quincy Institute):
 

Pakistan can afford to take the risk since they are not vulnerable to Iran & not dependent on the U.S. They have nothing to lose.
 
They are close to Trump administration & China. China doesn't want the war because it is not good for business.
 
Pakistanis are not taking responsibility for the outcome. They are saying “we’re only providing a venue."
 
Unlike before, now they’re being viewed as peacemakers, which increases their prestige, while India is sidelined.

FULL INTERVIEW

CENTCOM:

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations.

USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Negotiators say US–Iran talks in Pakistan are stuck, mainly over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran insists it should keep control and charge tolls, rejecting joint control proposals.

Talks continue with a working dinner and further discussions planned.

Source: FT

📸 The Iranian delegation in Pakistan.

Iranian state media says two rounds of talks between Iran and the US have already taken place, with a third expected “tonight or tomorrow.”

Three supertankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz today.

Source: Reuters

Pope Leo XIV:

Enough with the idolatry of self and money! Enough with the display of power! Enough with war! True strength is manifested in serving life.

Netanyahu:

The campaign against Iran is not over — we still have more to do.

Netanyahu on Lebanon:

We created a "security buffer" of between 8 to 10 kilometers.

Netanyahu:

There is still enriched material in Iran, and as Trump said, it must be taken out; either it will come out by agreement, or it will come out in other ways.

Two US Navy Arleigh Burke–class destroyers attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz but were forced to turn back after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened them and launched a drone toward the ships.

Source: Bloomberg, citing regional intelligence official

Netanyahu:

If I had told you a year ago that the United States of America, the most powerful power in the world, would fight alongside us, shoulder to shoulder, wing to wing, for nearly 40 days against the common enemy, who would have believed it?

But all of this happened because we initiated, we acted, we attacked.

Iranian state TV claimed the US agreed to release billions in frozen oil funds, but a US official denied it.

But Washington indeed discussed potentially unfreezing $6 billion in assets through mediation.

Source: FT

Netanyahu:

Khamenei wanted to hide both missile production and nuclear production deep, deep under a high mountain, in such a way that even B-2 aircraft could not reach it.

A source close to Iran’s negotiating team says the US is making excessive demands, especially about the Strait of Hormuz, and is trying to gain in talks what it failed to achieve through weeks of war and pressure.

Iran says it will firmly protect its gains.

Source: Fars