Trump:

China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also – and the World.

They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big, fat hug when I get there.

We are working together smartly and very well.

Doesn’t that beat fighting?

But remember, we are very good at fighting if we have to, far better than anyone else.

Trump:

You can call it the Strait of Hormuz or the Hormuz Strait.

The only thing you can’t call it is the Trump Strait—they don’t like that idea.

Trump:

The Strait of Hormuz is opening; the ships are coming back and forth.

Maria Bartiromo: Do we still have the same relationship right now with Italy and Meloni?

Trump: No, she has been negative.

Trump:

Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO if they’re not going to be with us?

"Amazing 2 Days" Trump Teases Deal as Iran Threatenes Gulf

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran talks could resume, telling the world to watch out for "amazing 2 days" as US forces claim enforcement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iran has also threatened total blockade of Gulf port activity if the U.S. insists on naval blockade.

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Al Mayadeen reports, citing an Iranian source, that a ceasefire in Lebanon may begin tonight under pressure from Iran and last about a week.

A senior Israeli official denies this, saying no ceasefire decision has been made.

Israeli cabinet will convene tonight.

Source: N12

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir is heading to Iran with a senior delegation to deliver a U.S. message and coordinate a possible second round of Iran–U.S. talks, potentially to be held soon in Islamabad.

Source: Tasnim

Péter Magyar, like Orbán, has invited Netanyahu to Hungary—signaling he would not enforce the International Criminal Court warrant against him.

Hungary, as an International Criminal Court member, is obligated to arrest Netanyahu if he enters the country.

The U.S. and Iran have agreed in principle to hold talks, but no date or location has been set yet.

Source: WSJ

Journalist Recounts El Fasher Siege Crime by the UAE-backed RSF

Mohamed Suleiman reconnects in January 2026 after years of blackout, recounting civilian deaths, famine & alleged atrocities committed by the UAE-backed RSF militia during the brutal 18-month seige of El Fasher, as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis deepens.

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Q: Has Israel really gone this crazy?

Turkish FM Fidan: The ones in charge of it are crazy.

📸 Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir has arrived in Iran, he was welcomed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The BBC plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs—around 10% of its workforce—in its biggest downsizing in 15 years, as part of a £600m cost-cutting drive.

U.S. and Iranian negotiators are moving closer to a potential agreement, with officials saying they are “getting closer” after recent talks and backchannel efforts.

Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye are helping bridge gaps before the ceasefire deadline on April 21, though a deal is not guaranteed.

Source: Axios

CENTCOM:

During the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past U.S. forces.

Additionally, 9 vessels have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian:

They call us terrorists, but they are the real terrorists. They slaughter anyone, anywhere, whenever they want, and then they speak about human rights. Shame on them.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson:

A religious leader can say anything they want, but obviously if you wade into political waters, you should expect some political response and I think the Pope has received some of that.

Israel Escalates Deadly Strike on Lebanon to Demolish 20 Villages

Israel has launched operation “Silver Plow” targeting over 20 villages in southern Lebanon for demolitions amid ongoing strikes that killed at least 13, as conflict escalates despite US-Iran diplomatic talks.

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