(1). 3 hours ago

US discusses Iran pressure, Ukraine reconstruction with EU official

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he discussed economic pressure on Iran and Ukraine’s reconstruction during a meeting with a senior European Union official.

"I updated Commissioner Dombrovskis on actions taken by the US Treasury to apply maximum economic force against the Iranian regime through Economic Fury, and we held productive talks on critical minerals supply chains and the reconstruction of Ukraine," Bessent posted on X.

Yesterday, I met with European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity @VDombrovskisto discuss our respective fiscal and monetary policy outlooks.

I updated Commissioner Dombrovskis on actions taken by the @USTreasury to apply maximum economic force against the Iranian regime… pic.twitter.com/NlVUukadIp

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) April 16, 2026

(2). 3 hours ago

US stocks hit record highs as markets bet Mideast tensions may ease

The benchmark S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq closed at record highs for a second straight day on Thursday as investors bet that the worst of the Middle East conflict may have passed.

Optimism followed Israel’s agreement to a temporary ceasefire with Lebanon and comments by US President Donald Trump suggesting Washington and Tehran could meet again over the weekend.

Trading was choppy, however, after Trump formally announced the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and told reporters that Iran had offered not to pursue nuclear weapons for more than 20 years.

(3). 3 hours ago

US says naval blockade targets Iran’s ports, not Hormuz

The United States said on Thursday its naval blockade is targeting Iran’s ports and coastline, not the Strait of Hormuz, as American forces step up enforcement operations in regional waters.

"US forces are NOT blockading the Strait of Hormuz. More than 10,000 American service members, 12+ ships, and 100+ aircraft have enforced the blockade in regional waters, ensuring that no vessels violate the President's proclamation," CENTCOM posted on X.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Arabian Sea as the United States blockades Iran's ports and coastline. U.S. forces are NOT blockading the Strait of Hormuz. More than 10,000 American service members, 12+ ships, and 100+ aircraft have enforced the blockade in regional… pic.twitter.com/yQP4J1uSha— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 16, 2026

(4). 3 hours ago

Iran’s Pezeshkian criticizes Israel, Western stance on nuclear issue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Israel of violating basic moral principles and criticized what he described as double standards over nuclear weapons in a series of posts on X on Thursday.

Pezeshkian said he had previously called at the United Nations for adherence to a “Golden Rule” shared across religions, urging others to treat people as they themselves would wish to be treated.

Nuclear weapons for one regime, but war against an entire nation over its peaceful nuclear program? Scientists assassinated in Iran, Iraq, and Syria, children killed in Minab—has human conscience died in some world leaders?

— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) April 16, 2026

(5). 3 hours ago

US vows to intensify economic pressure on Iran, Treasury Secretary says

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday Washington will use all available economic tools against those supporting Iran’s “terrorist activities,” following talks with Britain’s finance minister.

During my meeting with Chancellor of the Exchequer @RachelReevesMP, I emphasized the @USTreasury’s commitment to Economic Fury, leveraging all tools and authorities against those who continue to support Iran’s terrorist activities. — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) April 16, 2026

(6). 3 hours ago

US to step up role in efforts to disarm Hezbollah - report

The United States plans to play a more active role in efforts to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon, a senior Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.

The official said the administration of US President Donald Trump intends to support Lebanese government efforts to curb Hezbollah’s military capabilities and is prepared to use American resources to achieve that goal.

“Trump wants this to happen, so this time the US will be far more involved,” the official was quoted as saying.

(7). 3 hours ago

Iran-linked vessels continue Hormuz transits despite US blockade - report

At least eight vessels crossed the blockade line in recent days and are heading toward Iranian ports or preparing to load Iranian cargo, according to shipping data.

At least eight vessels have crossed the US blockade line westbound since Monday and are heading for Iranian ports or to load Iranian cargohttps://t.co/3uM2EDzloq—Lloyd's List (@LloydsList) April 16, 2026

Continued…

>>24507726

(8). 3 hours ago

Iran says need for full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon

Iran said on Thursday any lasting ceasefire in Lebanon requires a full Israeli withdrawal from southern parts of the country, Iranian media reported, citing the foreign ministry spokesperson.

(9). 3 hours ago

Qa’ani says Hezbollah ‘victor’ after Lebanon ceasefire announced

Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmail Qa’ani said Hezbollah has emerged as the “victor” in the confrontation with Israel, commenting after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon earlier on Thursday.

“People in Lebanon and the region know that the victor in this decisive battle is the heroic Hezbollah,” Qa’ani said in a message carried by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

Qa’ani said that if a ceasefire takes place, it would be the result of “the steadfast resistance of Lebanon and the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

(10). 4 hours ago

Trump committed to Iran blockade, nuclear dismantling, Netanyahu says(liar!)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump is determined to continue the naval blockade on Iran and efforts to dismantle what remains of its nuclear capabilities.

He added that joint steps could “remove this threat once and for all” and “fundamentally change our security and diplomatic situation for years to come.”

(11). 4 hours ago

US officials informed EU of weapons delivery delays amid Iran war – Reuters

US officials have told European allies that some previously contracted weapons deliveries may be delayed as the Iran war continues to draw on American weapons stocks, Reuters reported citing three sources familiar with the matter.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because the communications were not public, said several European countries could be affected, including nations in the Baltic region and Scandinavia.

Some of the weapons were purchased through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program but have not yet been delivered, the sources said.

(12). 4 hours ago

US oil industry warns Trump to stand firm against Iran Hormuz tolls – FT

The US oil industry has warned President Donald Trump not to allow Iran to impose tolls on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz as part of a future peace deal, arguing it would set a dangerous precedent, the Financial Times reported, citing senior oil executives.

Continued…

>>24507730

(13). 5 hours ago

Trump says unsure Iran ceasefire needs extension, talks could be this weekend

US President Donald Trump said he was not sure the ceasefire with Iran needs to be extended, adding that the next round of talks with Tehran could take place over the weekend.

(14). 6 hours ago

Russia must not benefit from Iran war, German minister says(this is how stupid Germany is)

It is not in the interest of the United States for Russia to emerge as the winner of the Iran war, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Thursday. (Why not, why can’t the whole world benefit?)

“It’s not in our interest and it cannot be in the interest of the United States,” Klingbeil said in a joint statement with the finance ministers of Ukraine and Norway on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund spring meetings.

He added that Russia’s economy is growing due to the Middle East conflict and is benefiting from the energy situation.

Continued…

(15). 7 hours ago

Canada condemns Iran repression, urges more talks with US(oh like you punished, jailed and stole the money of truckers? Like the repression of Canadians, that you punished them for years and still are?)

Canada has called on all sides in the Iran conflict to continue negotiations toward a durable settlement while also condemning Tehran’s repression of protesters and political dissent.

“The Government of Canada urges all parties to continue negotiations for a durable end to the conflict," Ottawa said.In a response to Iran International's Mahsa Mortazavi.

"We thank Pakistan and all other parties for their work to facilitate recent negotiations and a ceasefire, and we support ongoing efforts."

Canada also stressed the importance of protecting international navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waterways.

Ottawa also reiterated its criticism of Iran’s human rights record, condemning the use of the death penalty, violence against protesters and arbitrary arrests.

“We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, whose voices must be heard, as they demand for their rights to be respected,” the statement said.

(16). 7 hours ago

US could need six months to reach Iran deal - Bloomberg

Some GCC and European officials believe it could take about six months for the United States to reach a deal with Iran, Bloomberg News reported.

According to the report,officials say negotiations are likely to be complex and prolonged even if current diplomatic efforts continue to move forward.

The assessment comesas Washington and Tehran explore ways to extend a fragile ceasefire and revive talks aimed at ending the conflict and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202604159162

47minutes ago

Iran war was a 'diversion' but US action will deliver results, Trump says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable focused on tax cuts in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, April 16, 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the war inIran was a “little diversion,” adding that USoperations in the country were necessary and would soon produce “incredible results.”

"Despite our little diversion to the lovely country of Iran, lovely place.But we had to do that because otherwise, bad things could happen, really bad things. So we've sent out, and I think you're going to see some incredible results, you know, for those people that question,and you're going to see some the job we've done has been amazing," Trump said in Las Vegas.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202604159162

59 minutes ago

Trump says Iran war is 'going along swimmingly' and will end soon

US President Donald Trump points his finger as he attends a roundtable focused on tax cuts in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, April 16, 2026

US President Donald Trump said in remarks in Las Vegas on Thursday that the war in Iran was “going along swimmingly” and suggested it could end soon, while praising US military capabilities.

“We can do whatever we want… it should be ending pretty soon. It was perfect. It is perfect,” Trump said, referring to the ongoing conflict.

Trump said the United States has “the most powerful military anywhere in the world,” adding that it continues to be strengthened under his leadership.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202604159162

(Was this a fake war? I don’t understand what he’s saying?)

8 hours ago

US, Iran scale back ambitions, seek interim deal – Reuters

US and Iranian negotiators have scaled back =ambitions for a comprehensive peace deal and are instead seeking a temporary memorandum== to prevent a return to conflict, Reuters reported, citing two Iranian sources.

A senior Iranian official cited by Reuters saidthe two sides had begun narrowing some gaps, including over management of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran wants any memorandum to include theunfreezing of some of its funds in exchangefor allowing more ships through the strait, the official said.

The Iranian sources said the United States is demanding a halt to Iran's nuclear enrichment work for 20 years, while Iran wants to limit it to three to five years.Tehran also wants a timetable for lifting sanctions of UN, US and EUthey said.

While Iran was not ready to send all its highly enriched uranium (HEU) abroad,part of it could be sent to a third country, the report cited one of the sources as saying. (Russia offered to do but the US said no)

https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202604159162

Wow they are still negotiation, that’s good news!)

Iranian supertanker delivers crude to India after US waiver

Apr 13, 2026 at 01:53 GMT+1

For the first time in seven years, an Iranian VLCC supertankerdelivered two million barrelsof crude oil to India following asanctions waiver issued by the US Treasury, according to TankerTrackers.

The vessel,FELICITY, carried the cargo to India for Reliance Industries, whose refinery is based in Sikka.

Additional cargoes totaling a few million barrels are expected to arrive in the coming week, the tracking service said.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202604139495

The US and Iran must be still negotiating, that sounds like progress!