Nvm, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier again

🇮🇱🇱🇧 Israeli media reports that Hezbollah has, for the first time, deployed an optical drone toward Kiryat Shmona, resistant to electronic warfare, hard to detect, capable of carrying up to 5 kg of explosives, with a range of tens of kilometers.

🇺🇸🇮🇷 The Wall Street Journal reports that a maritime blockade on Iran would cost it about $435 million per day.

🇱🇧 Lebanese MTV reports that rescue operations have just ended in Hay El Sellom following Israeli airstrikes, with 80 victims recovered from the area.

🇺🇸🇮🇷 U.S. President Donald Trump:

34 Ships went through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, which is by far the highest number since this foolish closure began. President DONALD J. TRUMP

🇺🇸🇮🇷 The United States and Iran may resume negotiations despite the naval blockade.


📝 Reuters
🗺 @PoliticsGR

🇮🇱🇱🇧🇺🇸 The talks between Lebanon and Israel lasted for about two hours.

🇮🇱🇱🇧💥 Footage from the Lebanese city of Khiam shows widespread destruction caused by Israeli forces.

🇱🇧🇮🇱💥 Footage shows Hezbollah targeting a gathering of Israeli army soldiers at a site in Misgav Am in northern Israel using a cruise missile.

🇨🇦🇺🇸🇱🇧 Canada will provide $40 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon, while the United States has announced $60 million in humanitarian assistance for Lebanon.

🇱🇧🇮🇱 The commander of the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade was severely wounded during military operations in southern Lebanon earlier today. The IDF says the circumstances surrounding the injury of the lieutenant colonel are under investigation.

🇮🇱⚔️🇱🇧 On April 7, the IDF reported 411 wounded. By April 14, that number had risen to 586, including 37 in serious condition and 82 in moderate condition. This marks an increase of 175 wounded, averaging approximately 25 per day, about a 47% increase compared to the previous daily rate.

🇺🇸🇮🇱🇱🇧 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the discussions between Israel and Lebanon, signalling Washington’s intention to see progress in peace negotiations between the two states.

Both sides said they held positive discussions although it was not immediately clear if they agreed to a framework for peace. Tel Aviv has ruled out a ceasefire in Lebanon, only halting strikes in Beirut.


📝 Reuters
🗺 @PoliticsGR

🇪🇺🇺🇸🇮🇱🇮🇷 European countries are examining an initiative to restore maritime access across the Strait of Hormuz without any support from the United States or Israel.

The plan is modelled after the ASPIDES mission in Ted Sea and could include the participation of France, the United Kingdom and even Germany.


📝 Kathimerini
🗺 @PoliticsGR

🇵🇰🇸🇦🇹🇷🇮🇷🇺🇸 Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says he will visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey this week in order to mediate a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that Sharif had briefed him on his drive to discuss the issue with his fellow mediators and to secure further negotiations.


📝 Al Jazeera
🗺 @PoliticsGR

🇵🇰🇮🇷🇺🇸 Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran “to narrow gaps” between Iran and the United States.


📝 Reuters
🗺 @PoliticsGR

🇺🇳🛢 During today’s Fiscal Monitor report, IMF fiscal affairs chief, Rodrigo Valdes, said ‌that countries should skip fuel subsidies to help their citizens deal with oil shortages and the surge in energy prices.

They should opt instead for temporary cash transfers that do not obscure higher prices and keep demand high:

We don't have oil. We don't have energy. Energy needs to be more expensive for everybody, so that the adjustment happens and we consume less.

It's a global shock ⁠and if countries suppress the price signal, the global price will be higher ... It's very important to give price signals so demand can adjust.

📝 Reuters
🗺 @PoliticsGR