Middle East
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US destroyer interdicts two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran official says
April 15, 2026 — US destroyer interdicts two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran, official says. The tankers were blocked amid US President Donald Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports, which aims to pressure Iran to end its closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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Hezbollahs shifting reality From resistance icon to Iranian puppet under pressure
April 14, 2026 — Hezbollah’s shifting reality: From ‘resistance’ icon to Iranian puppet under pressure. Lebanon is at a potential turning point, but without decisive action by Beirut the cycle of ceasefire, rearmament and war will continue, experts tell JNS.
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US Iran said to eye return to Islamabad talks
April 14, 2026 — US, Iran said to eye return to Islamabad talks. Islamabad was in contact with both sides about timing and had received a positive response from Tehran about a second round, according to Pakistani officials.
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Chinese tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz despite US blockade on Iranian-linked shipping
April 14, 2026 — Chinese tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz despite US blockade on Iranian-linked shipping. Ships not bound for Iran continue transiting strait; sanctioned tankers among traffic as China warns blockade is dangerous and risks escalating tensions, while US says measure follows failed talks with Tehran
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Harsh Hormuz hangover has Iran bitten off more than it can chew
April 13, 2026 — Harsh Hormuz hangover: has Iran bitten off more than it can chew? Analysis: Iran’s short-term success in blocking the Strait of Hormuz may ultimately backfire, as global powers accelerate energy alternatives that could erode the waterway’s strategic importance within years and weaken Tehran’s leverage long term
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Israel prepares for US blockade warns of risk of Iran surprise attack
April 13, 2026 — Israel prepares for US blockade, warns of risk of Iran surprise attack. Netanyahu says Iran breached ceasefire terms by not reopening the strait, backing US action and stressing close coordination with Washington on stopping enrichment and countering threats
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Syria Jordan Turkey sign deal to launch regional trade corridor
April 10, 2026 — Syria, Jordan, Turkey sign deal to launch regional trade corridor. The agreement prioritizes the railway sector, including a proposal to link Anatolia in the north with the port of Aqaba in the south and extend toward the Gulf.
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Chief of Staff in Lebanon Iran is weaker our achievements against it are historic
April 10, 2026 — Chief of Staff in Lebanon: ‘Iran is weaker, our achievements against it are historic.’ The Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir toured southern Lebanon today along with the commanders of the Northern Command and Division 98. In talks with soldiers in the field, he emphasized Hezbollah’s isolation.
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Gaza ceasefire on the brink as Hamas disarmament deadline to expire tonight
April 10, 2026 — Gaza ceasefire on the brink as Hamas disarmament deadline to expire tonight. Nickolay Mladenov set to meet Hamas representatives in Turkey Thursday to receive their response on the US disarmament demand; senior officials signal refusal.
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Strait of Hormuz crisis why this tiny passage holds the worlds economy hostage
April 10, 2026 — Strait of Hormuz crisis: why this tiny passage holds the world’s economy hostage. From ancient empires and Marco Polo’s trade routes to today’s oil lifeline carrying 20% of global supply; how a narrow maritime chokepoint between Iran and the Gulf became the world’s most dangerous economic pressure valve, and why current disruptions could trigger fuel ... Strait of Hormuz crisis why this tiny passage holds the worlds economy hostage
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IDFs 98th Division gains control over Hezbollah-ridden town in southern Lebanon
April 10, 2026 — IDF’s 98th Division gains control over Hezbollah-ridden town in southern Lebanon. Per Israeli media citing the IDF’s estimates, there are at least several dozen Hezbollah terrorists located in the town, including Radwan Force operatives.
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Israel Lebanon to begin direct talks on Hezbollah disarmament and peace Netanyahu declares
April 10, 2026 — Israel, Lebanon to begin direct talks on Hezbollah disarmament and peace, Netanyahu declares. “The negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon,” the prime minister said.