France-UK to Discuss Hormuz Naval Mission

France-UK to Discuss Hormuz Naval Mission

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France and the UK will jointly discuss a naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz. A conference involving Britain and other nations will be held in the coming days to address maritime security. Macron clarified that the mission would be purely defensive and separate from the warring parties. The multinational initiative aims to restore safe and uninterrupted movement for ships in the Strait. He stated that the mission will be deployed as soon as conditions are favorable.

US Blockade Targets Iranian Ports

Under a US blockade, all major Iranian ports, including those in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, are to be targeted. According to the US Central Command, the blockade will apply to ships of all countries traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. Bandar Abbas, Iran's largest port located at the mouth of the Gulf, handles approximately 37 million tons of cargo and about 1 million containers annually. This port is a hub for trading petroleum products, steel, chrome, fertilizers, grain, and construction equipment. Additionally, Bandar Imam Khomeini, a modern port handling over 16 million tons of cargo per year, is a major center for petrochemical exports.

Germany to Temporarily Reduce Fuel Taxes

Germany is set to lower fuel taxes for two months to make petrol and diesel cheaper. The government has decided to reduce taxes by approximately 17 euro cents per liter. This step is intended to provide relief to ordinary citizens and businesses affected by the energy crisis. The tax cut is expected to lower fuel prices, thereby reducing the impact on transport and daily expenses.

Rescue Operations Continue in Tehran

Following US-Israeli attacks on Tehran, rescue teams have saved 960 people trapped under the debris. The Iranian Red Crescent reported that these individuals were safely extracted during rescue operations. Across the country, a total of 125,630 civilian structures have been damaged in the attacks, including approximately 100,000 residential houses and about 24,000 commercial properties.

India Sends Second Batch of Medical Aid to Iran

India has dispatched a second batch of medical assistance to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The Iranian ambassador thanked Indian citizens, calling their help humanitarian cooperation. Meanwhile, the embassy informed that its bank account for donations is no longer active. People can now donate cash at the Iranian consulate 

China Appeals for Restraint After Trump's Blockade Threat

Following President Trump's threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, China has appealed to all parties to exercise restraint. China's Foreign Ministry stated that keeping the Strait of Hormuz safe, stable, and open is in the shared interest of the international community. China warned that any disruption to this vital maritime route could affect global energy supply. China also expressed readiness to work with all parties to maintain energy security and supply.

Japan Delays Decision on Sending Minesweepers to Hormuz

Japan has postponed a decision on sending minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz. The government stated that no final decision has been made regarding the deployment of Self-Defense Forces. They are monitoring the situation and will decide based on future developments. Japan emphasized that the immediate priorities are reducing regional tension and ensuring safe passage through the sea lanes. They also stressed the importance of advancing dialogue between the US and Iran and making progress towards a comprehensive agreement.

Israeli Forces Use Tear Gas on Palestinian Students

Israeli forces fired tear gas on Palestinian students heading to school in the southern Hebron Hills area of the West Bank. According to a report, soldiers used tear gas on students trying to reach school in Umm al-Khair. The road to the area had been blocked the previous night, disrupting the movement of Palestinians, which made it difficult for students to get to school.

Palestinian Groups Sue Australian Government

Palestinian human rights organizations have filed a petition in an Australian court demanding the disclosure of documents related to weapons exports to Israel. Al-Haq, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights filed the petition in Australia's Federal Court. They are seeking documents related to arms export permits issued before October 7, 2023, and still active, including exports not sent directly to Israel. They want to verify whether the government properly assessed the risk of human rights violations. The organizations warned that if discrepancies are found, legal action could follow to halt arms exports.

Iran Warns: Gulf Ports for Everyone or No One

Iran has issued a stern warning regarding ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. The Iranian military stated that these ports will be "either for everyone or for no one." They warned that if the security of their ports is threatened, no port in the Gulf region would remain safe. Iran said it will continue to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz and will not allow ships linked to the enemy to pass through. Other ships will be allowed to move according to Iran's rules. Iran also stated it would implement a permanent control mechanism over the Strait of Hormuz even after the war ends.

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Tunnel in Lebanon

Israel has struck a Hezbollah underground tunnel in southern Lebanon. According to the Israeli military, the tunnel was being used to plan and carry out attacks. In separate strikes in southern Lebanon, five people were reported killed. Attacks continue on the city of Bint Jbeil, and strikes were also carried out in the Tyre district. Heavy artillery shelling was reported, as well as phosphorous shelling in the Jibqeen area.

UK Refuses to Join US Blockade

Britain has refused to join the US blockade of Iranian ports. According to reports, the British navy and soldiers will not participate in the operation. However, the UK said its minesweeper ships and anti-drone systems will continue to operate in the region. A UK government spokesperson stated that they support freedom of navigation and that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is critical for the global economy and controlling domestic inflation.

Rail Services Restored on Key Routes in Iran

Rail services disrupted due to attacks in Iran have been restored. Train services between Tehran, Tabriz, and Mashhad have resumed after 4-5 days. According to Iranian media, train movements have been restored after repairing damaged rail lines. Services had been suspended on several major routes around April 7 due to security reasons and attacks. The Tehran-Tabriz-Van (Turkey) route train has also restarted.

Trump Threatens China Over Iran Military Aid

Former President Trump warned China that if it provides military aid to Iran, the US would impose heavy tariffs of up to 50%. He also stated that the US Navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz and would stop ships paying "toll" to Iran. Meanwhile, Iran claimed complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating that ships passing through must pay a toll in Iranian rials. Separately, about 50 people were arrested in Iran on espionage charges, accused of providing sensitive information to the US and Israel.

Ship Traffic in Strait of Hormuz Nearly Halted

Following the announcement of the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, ship traffic has nearly come to a halt. According to maritime intelligence firm Lloyd's List, traffic stopped immediately after the blockade announcement, with many ships changing course or turning back.

Iran Claims US Blockade Will Fail

Iran has issued a strong warning regarding the US naval blockade. Senior Iranian leader Mohsen Rezaei stated that the blockade will fail and the US will face defeat. He warned that the Iranian military will not permit such action. Rezaei claimed Iran has many unused options for retaliation, stating Iran is not a country to be surrounded by tweets and imaginary plans.

Trump Announces Naval Blockade; Oil Prices Surge

Trump announced that a naval blockade of Iranian ports would be implemented starting Monday. Following the announcement, crude oil prices saw a sharp increase. In early trading, US crude oil rose 8% to $104.24 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent crude rose 7% to $102.29 per barrel. Trump stated that the blockade would be effective in stopping Iran's oil sales and increasing economic pressure.