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Civilian airport, Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, used by American military assets, including KC-46 and KC-135 refueling aircrafts.
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Saudi Arabia looking for defensive aid and new military alliances, hosts president of Ukraine
Smotrich says West Bank settlement expansion has full US backing under Trump administration
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that settlement expansion in the West Bank is being carried out with “full backing” from the United States, highlighting close coordination with the Trump administration.
In remarks reported by The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday, Smotrich stated that all construction, regulation, and security measures in the territory are aligned with Washington, including direct coordination with President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that settlement expansion in the West Bank is being carried out with “full backing” from the United States, highlighting close coordination with the Trump administration.
In remarks reported by The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday, Smotrich stated that all construction, regulation, and security measures in the territory are aligned with Washington, including direct coordination with President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
Strait of Hormuz shipping collapses to just 5 vessels in 24 hours
Only five vessels, including one Iranian oil products tanker, have transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, according to Friday shipping data.
"For most shipping companies, they will need a stable ceasefire and assurances from both sides of the conflict that the Strait of Hormuz is safe to transit," said Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at shipping association BIMCO.
"In the meantime, shipping will be restricted to using routes close to Iran and Oman. Due to their confined nature, these routes cannot safely accommodate the normal volumes of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," Larsen added.
The Iranian-flagged oil products tanker Niki, which is under US sanctions, was among the limited number of ships that left the strait without a declared destination, according to Kpler analysis and MarineTraffic tracking data on Friday.
Only five vessels, including one Iranian oil products tanker, have transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, according to Friday shipping data.
"For most shipping companies, they will need a stable ceasefire and assurances from both sides of the conflict that the Strait of Hormuz is safe to transit," said Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at shipping association BIMCO.
"In the meantime, shipping will be restricted to using routes close to Iran and Oman. Due to their confined nature, these routes cannot safely accommodate the normal volumes of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," Larsen added.
The Iranian-flagged oil products tanker Niki, which is under US sanctions, was among the limited number of ships that left the strait without a declared destination, according to Kpler analysis and MarineTraffic tracking data on Friday.
Hormuz is not just about oil, it is about much more, including the communication cables that connect people, banks, and governments. The ripple effects of a poorly thought-out military adventure.
Beneath the busy waters of the Strait of Hormuz sits a weak spot that could cripple the internet for millions. Iran has just released a detailed public map showing exactly where the major undersea internet cables run — and called them highly vulnerable.
Beneath the busy waters of the Strait of Hormuz sits a weak spot that could cripple the internet for millions. Iran has just released a detailed public map showing exactly where the major undersea internet cables run — and called them highly vulnerable.
New Delhi harshly criticized US President Donald Trump on 24 April after he shared comments on social media describing India and China as “hellholes,” and accusing immigrants from those countries of exploiting the birthright citizenship law in the US.
On Friday, Trump's Truth Social account posted a transcript of a podcast episode from US conservative political commentator and radio host Michael Savage.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal termed the remarks as “obviously uninformed, inappropriate, and in poor taste.”
“They certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests,” Jaiswal posted.
On Friday, Trump's Truth Social account posted a transcript of a podcast episode from US conservative political commentator and radio host Michael Savage.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal termed the remarks as “obviously uninformed, inappropriate, and in poor taste.”
“They certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests,” Jaiswal posted.
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In a move to bolster Jewish settlement, Israel brought approximately 240 members of the Bnei Menashe community from India on Thursday. This arrival marks the first stage of a 90-million-shekel state-funded plan to import 1,200 Indian nationals annually, aiming for 6,000 by 2030.
These individuals, who claim descent from a so-called "lost tribe," are being funneled through mandatory Orthodox conversions to justify their resettlement under the "Law of Return"—a colonial mechanism that grants citizenship based on religious identity while systematically denying indigenous Palestinians their right to return to their land.
These individuals, who claim descent from a so-called "lost tribe," are being funneled through mandatory Orthodox conversions to justify their resettlement under the "Law of Return"—a colonial mechanism that grants citizenship based on religious identity while systematically denying indigenous Palestinians their right to return to their land.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirms earlier reports that he will be visiting Oman, Pakistan, and Russia, and will not be in Islamabad for US-Iran talks:
"Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.
Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.
Our neighbors are our priority."
"Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.
Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.
Our neighbors are our priority."
Egyptian president Sisi ignores Syria's interim president, Julani, at Cyprus summit: An awkward diplomatic moment unfolded on the sidelines of a summit in Cyprus as Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi appeared to ignore Syrian Qaeda member-Julani-turned-President Ahmed al-Sharaa, turning away without contact.
The emergency European Union-convened summit, titled Saving the Summer, was convened to address the energy crisis linked to the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and the risk of a costly summer for Europe.
The emergency European Union-convened summit, titled Saving the Summer, was convened to address the energy crisis linked to the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and the risk of a costly summer for Europe.
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Jeffrey Sachs: Trump’s notion of seizing Iran’s oil in a single day was a dangerous illusion
- Jeffrey Sachs, a professor at Columbia University, said in an interview with Tucker Carlson that U.S. government calculations about Iran were mistaken and that continuing the war would have dangerous global consequences.
- He said: “Trump thought he could secure the oil within a day; just as he did in Venezuela, he assumed it could be repeated in Iran.”
- Sachs described the aims behind the war as “ruthless, unlawful, and illusory,” adding that withdrawing from it is difficult because it would amount to a complete failure of those objectives.
- Sachs emphasized: “The other option—escalating the war—could destroy the global economy within a matter of weeks.”
- Jeffrey Sachs, a professor at Columbia University, said in an interview with Tucker Carlson that U.S. government calculations about Iran were mistaken and that continuing the war would have dangerous global consequences.
- He said: “Trump thought he could secure the oil within a day; just as he did in Venezuela, he assumed it could be repeated in Iran.”
- Sachs described the aims behind the war as “ruthless, unlawful, and illusory,” adding that withdrawing from it is difficult because it would amount to a complete failure of those objectives.
- Sachs emphasized: “The other option—escalating the war—could destroy the global economy within a matter of weeks.”
Tehran, reportedly, uninterested in US framework; proposed its own, a new one consisting of 3 stages:
The first stage/phase of talks would focus on ending the war and securing guarantees that it will not be renewed against Iran and Lebanon. No other issues would be discussed at this stage. He added that Tehran “will not discuss any other matter in the first phase.”
If an agreement is reached, “the process would move to the second phase, which would address how to manage the Strait of Hormuz after the war. The discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz phase would be coordinated with the Omani side to establish a new legal framework.”
The third phase would involve discussions on the nuclear file, with Iran insisting it will not address this issue until agreements are reached on the first and second phases.
The first stage/phase of talks would focus on ending the war and securing guarantees that it will not be renewed against Iran and Lebanon. No other issues would be discussed at this stage. He added that Tehran “will not discuss any other matter in the first phase.”
If an agreement is reached, “the process would move to the second phase, which would address how to manage the Strait of Hormuz after the war. The discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz phase would be coordinated with the Omani side to establish a new legal framework.”
The third phase would involve discussions on the nuclear file, with Iran insisting it will not address this issue until agreements are reached on the first and second phases.
Putin–Araghchi meeting highlights strategic partnership
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg.
According to Russian state media, Putin said that Moscow, together with regional states, will do everything possible to bring peace to West Asia as soon as possible.
Putin added that he received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and conveyed his best wishes in return.
He also praised the Iranian people for courageously fighting for their sovereignty, expressing hope that Iran will overcome this difficult period and that peace will be restored.
Araghchi, for his part, emphasized the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia and thanked Putin and Moscow for their support to Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg.
According to Russian state media, Putin said that Moscow, together with regional states, will do everything possible to bring peace to West Asia as soon as possible.
Putin added that he received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and conveyed his best wishes in return.
He also praised the Iranian people for courageously fighting for their sovereignty, expressing hope that Iran will overcome this difficult period and that peace will be restored.
Araghchi, for his part, emphasized the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia and thanked Putin and Moscow for their support to Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed his country's commitment to strengthening its strategic relations with Iran.
During his meeting today with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg, Putin revealed that he had received a letter from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, last week, stating: "I would like to begin our conversation by noting that I received a letter from Iran's Supreme Leader last week."
He added: "Please convey my sincere thanks and appreciation, and I affirm that Russia, like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relations."
Putin reaffirmed his country's support for the Iranian people, who are "fighting bravely and heroically for their sovereignty," expressing his hope that they "will overcome this difficult period and that peace will prevail in the country."
Putin: We will do everything that serves the interests of Iran and the countries of the region.
Putin: The Iranian people are fighting bravely and heroically for their sovereignty.
During his meeting today with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg, Putin revealed that he had received a letter from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, last week, stating: "I would like to begin our conversation by noting that I received a letter from Iran's Supreme Leader last week."
He added: "Please convey my sincere thanks and appreciation, and I affirm that Russia, like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relations."
Putin reaffirmed his country's support for the Iranian people, who are "fighting bravely and heroically for their sovereignty," expressing his hope that they "will overcome this difficult period and that peace will prevail in the country."
Putin: We will do everything that serves the interests of Iran and the countries of the region.
Putin: The Iranian people are fighting bravely and heroically for their sovereignty.
Iran’s Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref:
‘Countries that used to insult us and belittle us & refuse to export jet fuel to us, are now begging to let their ships pass the Strait of Hormuz and secure their energy supplies’
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow:
"We asked China for help to get our 8 ships through Hormuz, and they told us they are struggling to free 70 of their own ships".
‘Countries that used to insult us and belittle us & refuse to export jet fuel to us, are now begging to let their ships pass the Strait of Hormuz and secure their energy supplies’
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow:
"We asked China for help to get our 8 ships through Hormuz, and they told us they are struggling to free 70 of their own ships".
https://weekly.islamicsocietiesreview.org/2026/04/beijing-holds-united-states-and-israel.html
Beijing holds the United States and Israel responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz - Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Beijing holds the United States and Israel responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz - Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Beijing holds the United States and Israel responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz
https://weekly.islamicsocietiesreview.org/2026/04/a-deepening-confrontation-between.html
Iran's Calculated Diplomacy, America's Strategic Vacuum, and the Looming Threat to the Strait of Hormuz That Could Paralyze Global Energy Markets - Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Iran's Calculated Diplomacy, America's Strategic Vacuum, and the Looming Threat to the Strait of Hormuz That Could Paralyze Global Energy Markets - Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Iran's Calculated Diplomacy, America's Strategic Vacuum, and the Looming Threat to the Strait of Hormuz That Could Paralyze Global…
https://weekly.islamicsocietiesreview.org/2026/04/ali-alzaidis-nomination-and-iraqs.html
Ali Al‑Zaidi’s Nomination and Iraq’s Fragile Path to Regional Stability - Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Ali Al‑Zaidi’s Nomination and Iraq’s Fragile Path to Regional Stability - Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Ali Al‑Zaidi’s Nomination and Iraq’s Fragile Path to Regional Stability