Congress to impeach Hegseth; US "blockade" stunning failure, sends more ships, troops; Trump insists Iran can't have nukes it never wanted; Israel annexing West Bank - IRAN WAR NEWS - 15-Apr-2026 (update 3)

UPDATE 3

Greg Reese: Nuclear Ambiguity and the Samson Option

Blockade Fails From Get Go, Iran Has Whole Different Plans

Report: Over 20 Commercial Ships Transit Hormuz

More than 20 commercial ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

Earlier on Tuesday, the U.S. military's Central Command said no ships have made it past a U.S. naval blockade of Iran's ports and coastal areas, and six merchant ships have followed orders to turn back.

Iran considering easing Strait of Hormuz restrictions - Reuters - RT World News

Iran could consider allowing ships to pass freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz if the US offers concessions in return, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing a source briefed by Tehran.

Reuters said the source did not clarify whether Iran would allow all ships, including those linked to Israel, to pass freely. A Western source confirmed that the proposal to allow vessels to sail through the Omani side had been in the works but did not say whether there had been any response from the US.

US imposes new sanctions on Iran's oil shipping network | Middle East Eye

The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has announced new sanctions targeting what it described as Iran's illicit oil transportation infrastructure.

Scott Ritter: Trump Panics as Iran's Strategy Exposes His Biggest Defeat Yet

Deep dive into US-Iran tensions and the contested Strait of Hormuz blockade. Analysis suggests Iran retains control over shipping despite US posturing. Covert negotiations continue as technical teams pursue potential agreements. Covers intelligence shortcomings, politicized assessments, and disparities between military claims and operational reality. Iran's missile and drone capabilities persist, undermining pressure strategies. Explores pragmatic solutions: enrichment talks, sanctions relief, security frameworks. Regional powers recalibrate as US influence wanes and Eastern partnerships grow. Advocates for realistic diplomacy that addresses Iran's security needs while creating political pathways to end hostilities and lift economic restrictions.

Pentagon holds talks with US automakers to boost weapons production | Middle East Eye

Senior US defence officials have held discussion about producing weapons and other military supplies with top executives of American manufacturers, the Wall Street Journal reported

Iranian academic and anti-war activist detained by ICE in US despite valid visa: Reports

Yousof Azizi, an Iranian academic and PhD candidate in Public Administration & Policy at Virginia Tech's School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), has been reportedly detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to reports, he was detained despite having no issues with his visa status in the US.

He has not yet been allowed to meet with his lawyers, reports stated, and ICE is now discussing transferring him to a detention center in Louisiana.

Azizi, who is also a media personality with regular appearances on multiple international English and Persian media outlets, including Press TV, was taken into custody in front of his home, according to reports that Press TV cannot independently confirm.

Azizi has been one of the few voices in the Persian media sphere to openly and vociferously oppose American-Israeli war and sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

UPDATE 2

US lawmakers move to impeach War Secretary Hegseth over Iran 'war crimes'

A number of US lawmakers are set to file five articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over war crimes committed in Iran.

The impeachment resolution will be introduced by Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), the first Iranian American Democrat in Congress, on Wednesday, accusing Hegseth of war crimes in connection with the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, abuse of power and mishandling of the Department of War, according to Axios.

US Senate rejects bid to halt war on Iran without congressional approval | Middle East Eye

US senators voted 52 to 47 against a Democratic-led resolution seeking to halt the US-Israeli war on Iran unless authorised by Congress.

Low turnout and heckling dominate JD Vance's Turning Point USA appearance | Middle East Eye

US Vice President JD Vance's address at an event on Tuesday drew widespread ridicule after images of sparsely filled seating circulated, with critics saying voters were increasingly unwilling to support politicians they see as backers of Israel's wars on Iran and Palestine.

Iranian ships break US blockade and cross Strait of Hormuz - Yemen Press Agency

TEHRAN, April. 15 (YPA) - An Iranian container ship managed to break what it described as the "American blockade" and entered international waters, hours after a giant oil tanker and a cargo ship entered the Gulf region, Fars News Agency reported.

The agency explained that the ship continued its voyage without turning off its tracking device and is currently near the Pakistani coast.

Iranian media sources reported that another ship, named "Ghalban," crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite US threats, noting that several Iranian ships passed through based on maritime tracking data.

For its part, Tasnim News Agency confirmed that the Iranian oil tanker "Alecia" crossed the Strait of Hormuz without hindrance, becoming the third Iranian vessel to successfully transit the strait.

April 15: Hezbollah's operations against Zionist regime in response to truce breach

The retaliatory operations continued with full intensity on Wednesday, April 15, as the Israeli regime continued to target civilian areas in Lebanon, particularly in South Lebanon.

Since early March, Hezbollah's operations have been primarily focused on Israeli military sites in the occupied territories, inflicting heavy and irreparable blows on the Zionist enemy.

[...]

Below is a list of operations carried out by the resistance movement in Lebanon against the Zionist regime on Wednesday, April 15:

Hezbollah:

• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages and towns of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Metulla", "Kfar Giladi", and "Kiryat Shmona" settlements with rocket barrages.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages and cities of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the settlements of "Doviv", "Shlomi", "Matzuva", "Ya'ara", "Avdon", "Kfar Vradim", "Nahariya", and "Shavei Tzion" with rocket barrages.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages and cities of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the second time with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the northern outskirts of the city of Bint Jbeil with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a convoy of Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in the northern outskirts of the city of Bint Jbeil with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Misgav Am" settlement with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Matat" barracks with a swarm of attack drones.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters engaged an Israeli warplane in the skies over the town of Debaal with a surface-to-air missile.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers in the city of Khiam with rocket barrages.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Al-Bayada with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters confronted a drone belonging to the Israeli army of the type "Hermes 450 - Zik" in the skies of the town of Qabrikha with a surface-to-air missile.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a base in "Philon" south of the "Rosh Pinna" settlement with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers in the town of Al-Bayada for the second time with a large number of artillery shells.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the southern villages, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers in the city of Bint Jbeil with ten rocket barrages.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the enemy's newly established artillery batteries near the "Al-Sadah" site with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters confronted an "israeli" enemy army drone of the "Hermes 450 - Zik" type in the skies of the Al-Shabriha area with a surface-to-air missile.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters confronted an Israeli military "Apache" helicopter in the skies of the town of Al-Mansouri with a surface-to-air missile.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the artillery positions of the Israeli military in Khirbet Ma'er with a swarm of attack drones.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli military contingent positioned inside a house in the town of Kafr Kila with a guided missile.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles east of the Khiam detention center with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Nahariya" settlement with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the settlements of "Kiryat Shmona" and "Kfar Blum", and Al-Malikiyah with rocket barrages.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the enemy's newly established artillery positions in the town of Al-Bayyadah with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire and the enemy did not commit to it, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Meron" base for air surveillance and air operations management in northern occupied Palestine with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers east of the Khiam detention center with artillery shells.
• In the framework of countering the attempt by the Israeli army to infiltrate the city of Bint Jbeil, and during an attempt by a force from the 101st Battalion, Paratrooper Brigade, to advance from the town of Maroun al-Ras towards the southwestern neighborhoods of the city of Bint Jbeil at dawn on Tuesday, and upon the force reaching the kill zone in a pre-prepared ambush, the Hezbollah fighters detonated an explosive device among them, and then engaged them in clashes from point-blank range with light and medium weapons, which resulted in their members being killed or wounded.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Avivim" settlement with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a rocket barrage.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli military "D9" bulldozer in the city of Bint Jbeil with an attack drone.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not adhere to it, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two "Merkava" tanks in the vicinity of the square in the town of Mays al-Jabal with two attack drones, and achieved direct hits.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles east of the city of Bint Jbeil with rocket barrages and artillery shells.
• In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Mousa Abbas complex in the city of Bint Jbeil with large rocket barrages.

Lebanon resistance strikes turn Israeli settlements into displacement zones - Yemen Press Agency

SANAA, April 15 (YPA) - Israeli occupation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assurances to secure the settlements in the northern Occupied Palestinian territories are fading amid worsening conditions on the ground and in the economy, which contradict these promises.

This situation is compounded by ongoing strikes from the Lebanese resistance and their escalating impacts across various fronts.

Iran used Chinese spy satellite to attack US bases in Gulf: Report | Middle East Eye

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Aerospace Force acquired the sophisticated TEE-01B spy satellite from China in late 2024, agreeing to pay roughly $36.6m for the system, the report said. The deal was priced in renminbi.

Time-stamped coordinate lists, satellite imagery and orbital analysis showed that Iranian commanders used the satellite to monitor key US military sites in March before and after those facilities were targeted by Iran.

The report said that the satellite was used to monitor US military activity at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, locations near the US Fifth Fleet naval base in Manama, Bahrain, and Erbil airport in Iraq.

Iran's Mi-28NE Attack Helicopters Survived American-Israeli War (Video)

The Mi-28NE attack helicopters Iran received from Russia earlier in the year have apparently survived the American-Israeli war.

UN experts urge member states to suspend Israel arms transfers | United Nations News | Al Jazeera

The 19 experts - including special rapporteurs and independent experts across a range of human rights mandates - issued the condemnation on Wednesday as Israel continued to pound areas of southern Lebanon, killing at least 16 people, including four paramedics, Lebanese state media reported.

Trump's Iran Cul-de-Sac, Run by Israel - Patrick Henningsen Talks with Lt Col Daniel Davis - 21st Century Wire

In his address to a recent Israeli cabinet meeting, Netanyahu declared proudly about his phone call with US Vice President JD Vance during the failed talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. "[Vance] reported to me in detail, as this administration does every day, about the development of the negotiations," Netanyahu told his cabinet, as reported by Axios reporter Barak Ravid. Netanyahu also made a point to say how Trump officials report to him every single day about operations in the Middle East. So it's official: the tail absolutely wags the dog. Meanwhile, Trump and his political coterie, along with MSM stenographers-all dutifully repeat the usual lies; the prescribed list of Israel Lobby talking points on Iran, fabricated claims that Iran is on the verge of obtaining a nuclear bomb, and that Iran is killing Americans, none of which is true, but all which is being uses to fuel America's dysfunctional war on behalf of a foreign entity, namely Israel. All this and more.

UPDATE 1

The paper tiger has finally revealed itself to the world

In their unjust, illegal, and criminal war against Iran, the United States and Israel have suffered an undeniable, historic, and crushing defeat. They now find themselves forced to comply with Iran's demands, despite all the victory posturing and triumphalist rhetoric from the very first days of the war.

Trump's failure in Iran

He had said that an entire civilization was dying that night. A few hours later, Donald Trump backed down. He threatened to raze Iran. He signed their plan as a useful basis for negotiations. It's the ultimate expression of a paper tiger.

This article aims to demonstrate how America's false power is exposed by the patience and determination of the Iranian nation.

Thousands Of Additional U.S. Troops To Be Deployed Near Iran

Over 10,000 more United States troops will reach the Middle East this month, The Washington Post reported on July 15, citing American officials.

There are 6,000 soldiers aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier and its strike group, which is sailing around Africa on its way to the region. Another 4,200 troops are in the aircraft-carrying USS Boxer amphibious assault ship and its group, which is scheduled to reach the region at the end of April.

The Boxer group includes more than 800 marines, along with a number of helicopters and landing craft, according to the report.

When the USS George H.W. Bush arrives, it will join two other carrier groups - the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald Ford - in the region, both of which participated in the fighting against Iran.

Two American officials told the outlet that planning continues for a range of ground operations in Iran, including landing special forces to take the Islamic Republic's highly enriched uranium, and landings on islands and the coast around the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump's two-week ceasefire with Iran ends within seven days, and while there are efforts to extend it, the Trump administration is yet to agree.

Iran threatens to block exports, imports in Gulf if US blockade continues - Middle East Monitor

If the "aggressive and terrorist US" continues "illegal maritime blockade actions and creates insecurity for Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers," such moves would be seen as "a prelude to violating the ceasefire," Major General Ali Abdollahi, the commander of the Central Headquarters, said in a statement carried by Fars News Agency.

He warned that if the blockade persists, Iran's armed forces "will not allow any exports or imports to continue" in strategic waterways, including the Gulf, Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea.

Trump: Xi will give me a 'big, fat, hug' for opening Strait of Hormuz | Middle East Eye

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said China "is very happy I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz".

"I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again," he wrote. Trump said China had agreed "not to send weapons to Iran".

"President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks," Trump posted.

Tuesday marked the first full day of a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital energy chokehold through which about 20 percent of the world's oil flows. But shipping data showed the blockade had made little difference to traffic in the strait, with at least eight ships crossing the waterway.

Europe promotes plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz without US: report - Middle East Monitor

Britain and France are leading an initiative to form an international force to clear mines and secure shipping lanes, with the aim of restoring confidence among shipping companies. The plan would exclude the US, Israel and Iran.

Twenty-year Iran uranium enrichment moratorium not enough - Trump - RT World News

Trump was responding to reports that the US delegation at talks with Iran, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, had proposed a 20-year ban on Tehran pursuing its nuclear program.

At the discussions in Islamabad, which finished without any breakthrough, Iran reportedly offered a five-year moratorium. Tehran's negotiators also rejected Washington's call to confiscate Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, believed to be about 440 kg (970 pounds).

"I've been saying they can't have nuclear weapons, so I don't like the 20 years," Trump said in an interview with the New York Post on Tuesday.

Double standards? Why Iran's nukes are scrutinised, Israel gets a pass | US-Israel war on Iran News | Al Jazeera

Israel's policy of ambiguity about its nuclear capability contrasts sharply with the global focus on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

US depleted entire stock of untested missiles in attack on Iran - official - RT World News

The American military depleted its entire stock of untested Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) early in its attack on Iran last month, a US Army official has said.

Scott Ritter: US Blockade an Act of WAR but Navy Is TOO Scared to Enter the Hormuz Strait

U.S. Centcom reports over 10,000 personnel and dozens of warships are executing a naval blockade of Iran, but former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter calls the operation "a joke" and "pure posturing." Ritter asserts the blockade is an act of war that will prove ineffective, claiming the U.S. Navy will not risk entering the Strait of Hormuz where its ships could be sunk by Iranian missiles. He argues the U.S. has reached its escalation limit and this blockade is a face-saving "off-ramp" for the president before a necessary resumption of negotiations with Tehran.

Former Pentagon official:' Trump is always checking with Netanyahu on the terms' - YouTube

In an interview for Al Mayaden, Former Pentagon official Michael Maloof said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot directly undermine Trump on Iran negotiations at the moment, so attention shifts to Lebanon instead.

Maloof added that Netanyahu will continue trying to undermine any US-Iran negotiations, adding that "Trump is always checking in with Netanyahu on the terms" of discussions.

Linking it to the "Greater Israel" project, the former Pentagon official said that "This is their moment to either do it or lose that opportunity."

Hezbollah launches strikes on Israeli targets, repels drone, Helicopter - Yemen Press Agency

BEIRUT, April 15 (YPA) - Lebanon's Hezbollah announced on Wednesday a series of military operations targeting positions, bases, and troop gatherings of Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon, in addition to intercepting a drone and a helicopter.

In successive statements, the Hezbollah said the attacks were carried out in response to ceasefire violations, including strikes on a military base near the settlement of Rosh Bina and shelling of troop concentrations and vehicles in Bint Jbeil and Bayada, as well as artillery positions.

It also reported thwarting an aerial incursion by engaging a "Hermes 450" drone and an "Apache" helicopter, forcing both to withdraw.

Israel's losses in Lebanon have been the heaviest since the 1980s - MWM

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are suffering unprecedented losses in their clashes with the Lebanese group Hezbollah, according to Military Watch Magazine (MWM).

According to the publication, Hezbollah is actively using attack drones to destroy the IDF's heavy armoured vehicles. Most frequently, the drones target Merkava IV tanks and Namer armoured personnel carriers.

12bytes: I don't know the number of tanks that Hezbollah has destroyed, but it has apparently exceeded 100 and could be 120 or more. They are able to do this because the idiots in the IDF keep rolling out their tanks without any infantry.

Israeli strikes kill three paramedics in Lebanon | Middle East Eye

Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli attacks in the town of Mayfadoun killed three paramedics and wounded six others, while another is missing.

According to the ministry, the first team was struck on Wednesday while heading to assist wounded people. The attack killed one medic and left another unaccounted for.

A second team sent to rescue them was also hit, with three more paramedics injured.

In a third attempt, ambulances were again targeted in an attack that killed two paramedics and wounded three others.

As world focuses on Iran, Israel 'engineering starvation policy' in Gaza | Gaza News | Al Jazeera

Israel's weaponisation of logistics in Gaza has caused severe shortage of fuel, food and medicines, piling misery on Palestinians.

Israel arrested 1,700 Palestinian children in West Bank since October, 2023, rights group says - Middle East Monitor

The Palestinian Centre for the Defence of Prisoners reported that Israel has arrested 1,700 Palestinian children in the illegally occupied West Bank since October, 2023, in addition to dozens more in Gaza, with limited information available about the fate of some detainees.

In a report titled "The Reality of Palestinian Children's Detention in Israeli Prisons", the centre documented more than 55,500 child arrests since 1967, noting that around 350 children remain imprisoned, including some serving sentences and others held under administrative detention.

The report states that arrests are often carried out through night raids and home incursions, with children reportedly detained while handcuffed and blindfolded.

Israel launches operation to demolish homes in frontline villages in Lebanon: Report - Middle East Monitor

Israel has begun a military operation to demolish dozens of homes in frontline villages in southern Lebanon, as Tel Aviv continues to expand its ongoing assault in the Arab country, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.

European petition exceeds one million signatures to suspend EU-Israel agreement - Middle East Monitor

The campaign reflects growing public discontent across Europe over Israeli policies, particularly in the context of the war on the Gaza Strip and reports of serious human rights violations.

The petition accuses Israel of violating international law and disregarding rulings by the International Court of Justice, especially those related to the prevention of genocide.

Women recount abuse at hands of Israeli military | The Electronic Intifada

As people in Gaza try to find some comfort in the ruins of what remains of their land, they are also mindful that Israel's egregious crimes not be forgotten.

Palestinian women, in particular, have suffered. The UN estimates that more than 28,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza up until May 2025.

Ceasefire in Lebanon expected to take effect amid Iranian pressure - Yemen Press Agency

TEHRAN, April 15 (YPA) - A ceasefire in Lebanon is expected to come into effect on Wednesday night following intensified pressure and diplomatic efforts by Iran.

Al Mayadeen reported, citing a senior Iranian political and security source, that the truce would last for one week and align with the duration of the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, while warning of potential attempts by Israeli occupation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to undermine the deal.

12bytes: Israel doesn't do ceasefires.

Belgium seizes arms shipment sent from Britain to Israel | Middle East Eye

Two shipments from Britain of military components bound for Israel have been seized in Belgium, which has banned aircaft carrying military equipment for Israel from stopping in the country or using its airspace.

IN OTHER NEWS...

The Growing IRS Dictatorship - Wall Street Journal 1994 - James Bovard

The IRS has conducted hundreds of undercover operations in recent years in which IRS agents have been officially permitted to masquerade as professionals and to entice other citizens to violate tax laws. The IRS admitted in 1989 that it was using 900 controlled informants (double agents) and that 40 of those informants were accountants.

IRS undercover and other agents are practically given official permission to scorn the law of the land. The IRS's official manual states: "In receiving unsolicited information for the first time from an informant, the Service may accept the information and, in accordance with its value, may pay for such information even if it may have been obtained illegally by the informant." A federal appeals court ruled on Dec. 30 that evidence illegally seized by an FBI agent can be used by the IRS in a tax prosecution.

The IRS has multiplied its use of force against U.S. citizens in recent years. Since 1980, the number of levies - IRS seizures of bank accounts and paychecks - has increased fourfold, reaching 3.3 million in 1992. Unfortunately, the IRS makes tens of thousands of unjustified seizures each year, according to the General Accounting Office.

END UPDATES

April 14: Fragile ceasefire holds as US threat of naval blockade in Strait of Hormuz fails

On April 14, despite US threats of a "naval blockade," Iranian-linked vessels continued to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with maritime trackers confirming multiple crossings, including a US-sanctioned Chinese tanker.

The continued movement highlights the limits of US enforcement as regional diplomacy advanced, with Pakistan reportedly relaying messages between Tehran and Washington.

Russian Security Council issues US-Israel ground op warning - RT World News

In a statement on Tuesday, the office of the Russian Security Council warned that "the US and Israel may use peace talks to prepare for a ground operation against Iran."

This assessment is based on the fact that "the Pentagon continues to build up the US grouping in the region" even as negotiations are underway, the key body, headed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, said.

US says Iranian trade through Strait of Hormuz fully halted - RT World News

"A blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as US forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East," CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

"In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, US forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea," Cooper added.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing two unnamed US officials, reported earlier that more than 20 commercial vessels, including tankers, had passed through the strait over the past 24 hours. According to AFP, at least two vessels sanctioned by the US sailed through Hormuz on Monday: the Iranian-flagged container carrier Kashan and the Comoros-flagged tanker Elpis.

12bytes: US "superiority" is possible only because the Navy remains out of range of Iran's missiles. This is like claiming you won the fight because you you were too chicken to step into the ring.

Iran's Masterstroke: Crushing America From Within With Skyrocketing Gas Prices

The US wants to blockade Iran into submission, but instead stumbled into a trap of its own making - as Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was only too keen to point out.

"Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4-$5 gas," he trolled the US on X.

Key points:

• US gasoline has risen from $3.00-3.20 to $4+ since the Feb-Mar 2026 US attack & Iran's retaliatory actions;
• After the US imposed its counter-blockade of Hormuz, Brent and WTI oil prices spiked above $100 per barrel While the US produces 13.5M barrels a day, oil is a globally-priced commodity. Global prices rise -> American refiners pay more -> US drivers pay even more.

Volatility feeds ratings:

Trump's overall approval has slipped to 35-36% - the lowest of his second term so far (CNN/SSRS/Ipsos).

Ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, this might be blowback the US can't 'drill' its way out of.

How Israel and the US are losing the broader battle against Iran | Middle East Eye

Failed objectives

Assessing who has achieved a political victory, however, does not favour the US and Israel. The war's political goals - forcing "regime change" in Iran, fuelling a popular uprising, encouraging armed Kurdish forces to surge against the state, and finishing off Iran's nuclear and missile programmes - have all failed.

Despite tactical wins, which were made possible by the huge gap in military capabilities, none of the political goals that drove the US and Israel to launch this war were achieved. Instead, Iran successfully shifted the conflict's focus to securing free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

By using its ability to control movement through the strait, a strategy that has caused major global economic strain, Iran found itself in a stronger bargaining position. It headed to negotiations in Pakistan with a 10-point plan, which would have formalised its leverage over the strait, allowed its nuclear programme to continue, and extended the ceasefire to Lebanon.

The Trump administration initially seemed receptive to the plan, but later backed away from it, leading to a breakdown of talks in Islamabad.

In the meantime, the global reputations of Israel and the US have deteriorated; even close allies have refused to participate in the war, viewing it as illegal under international law.

30 projectiles fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel: Report - Middle East Monitor

At least 30 projectiles were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel in less than an hour, according to Israeli media on Wednesday morning, Anadolu reports.

"Israel" continues its aggression on Lebanon for 45th consecutive day - Yemen Press Agency

BEIRUT, April 15 (YPA) - The Israeli occupation army continues its offensive on Lebanon for the 45th consecutive day, intensifying airstrikes as casualties rise, while the Islamic Resistance group Hezbollah says it is continuing to defend Lebanon and its population.

Media reports indicate that Israeli occupation forces are carrying out systematic demolitions in southern Lebanon in an apparent effort to establish a buffer zone. Hezbollah, meanwhile, continues to respond by firing rockets on Israeli military positions and troop concentrations.

Five Palestinian civilians killed by Zionist shelling in Gaza - Yemen Press Agency

GAZA, April 15 (YPA) - Five Palestinian civilians were killed and several others were injured on Tuesday night in an Israeli strike on al-Shati (Beach) camp in the City of Gaza.

Earlier in the day, five civilians, including a child, were killed and others were injured in an Israeli shelling that targeted a vehicle on the Nafaq Street in Gaza City.

Israeli forces launch large-scale raids, demolitions in West Bank | Middle East Eye

Israeli forces conducted a large-scale raid and incursion campaign across the occupied West Bank from early morning, carrying out house searches, arresting dozens of Palestinians and imposing road closures, according to Al Jazeera.

In the northern West Bank, Israeli forces arrested eight Palestinians in the town of Ya'bad, south of Jenin, after storming the area and raiding and searching several homes. Entrances to the village of Zububa, west of Jenin, were also closed.

Raids were also reported in Nablus, Tammun, Qalqilya, the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho, Kafr Ni'ma, Dura, Marah Rabah and Za'tara.

Israeli forces also began demolishing a horse stable in Al-Ram, north of occupied Jerusalem, and a home in the Silwan neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Information Centre.

Israeli forces also obstructed the movement of Palestinians at the entrance to Qalqilya city.

More than 9,600 Palestinians held in Israeli occupation prisons - Yemen Press Agency

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, April 15 (YPA) - The Palestinian Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs Commission reported that the total number of Palestinian and Arab prisoners in Israeli prisons reached over 9,600 as of the beginning of April 2026.

Col Doug Macgregor: US Not Acting in the Interest of the American People - YouTube

12bytes: Macgregor (born January 4, 1947) is a retired colonel in the United States Army, former government official, author, consultant, and political commentator.

'THE RESISTANCE WILL NEVER RETREAT' - IDF FACES RECORD LOSSES, FAILURE IN LEBANON | Dr. Marwa Osman

The Trump Admin is pretending it's making progress towards "peace" in Lebanon, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted a hand-picked envoy from the US-backed Lebanese government and an Israeli envoy, for talks in Washington on Tuesday. But Israel just doubled down on its refusal for a ceasefire, and put more pressure on Beirut to "disarm" Hezbollah.

Veteran Lebanese Journalist Dr. Marwa Osman described the impact of Israel's latest massacres across Lebanon, noting that every family has lost a friend or a loved one, as the death toll continues to climb.

She also noted that the Trump Admin's pressure on their puppets in Beirut is going to backfire, as Israel's latest war crimes push the Lebanese people to increase support for Hezbollah, and as Resistance fighters refuse to let Israel occupy an inch of ground in the South.

Pepe Escobar: China Just HUMILIATED Trump's Blockade Plan - Iran Takes FULL Control of Hormuz

US-Iran tensions escalate over Strait of Hormuz blockade. Chinese and Iranian tankers defy US restrictions, challenging American enforcement capabilities. Discussion covers Islamabad negotiations, US domestic political pressures, and internal divisions influencing foreign policy. Iran retains strategic leverage via Hormuz control with Russian and Chinese support. GCC nations express concern over regional stability and credibility of US protection. European responses remain mixed amid ongoing NATO commitments. Expert-level nuclear talks continue with potential compromises emerging on sanctions and enrichment limits. Analysis of how military posturing, economic sanctions, and diplomatic maneuvering intersect in this high-stakes confrontation, with global energy markets, international law, and regional security hanging in the balance. Breaking developments show the blockade's limited effectiveness as commercial traffic persists.

Col. Larry Wilkerson: "It's Over": Iran Wipes Out Trump's Bully Tactic on Live Map

In-depth analysis of escalating Middle East tensions: US-Iran negotiations, blockade effectiveness, and Israel-Lebanon conflict dynamics. Critiques diplomatic strategy, questions strategic rationale behind military actions, and examines geopolitical shifts involving China, Russia, and BRICS. Discusses economic risks including potential global recession, lack of coherent US foreign policy, and complex influences on decision-making. Explores Strait of Hormuz tensions, nuclear program talks, regional power dynamics, and misinformation challenges including AI-generated deepfakes. Addresses concerns about leadership relationships impacting policy, religious-military boundaries, and the future of US presence in the region. A sobering assessment of current trajectories and their potential consequences for global stability.

John Helmer: Blood, Money, and the TRUMP DYNASTY - Iran Shows How to FIGHT

US-Iran tensions escalate over Strait of Hormuz blockade as Chinese tankers defy sanctions, signaling Beijing's rejection of US maritime control. Islamabad negotiations expose deep divides on nuclear enrichment, missile programs, and oil access, complicated by US domestic politics and succession dynamics. Iran retains escalation leverage through Hormuz control while GCC states grow nervous about eroding US security guarantees. European nations express concern over Middle East instability but maintain NATO commitments against Russia. Russia proposes technical solutions for uranium storage while reinforcing Iranian defensive capabilities. Breaking: Iranian vessels successfully transit Hormuz despite blockade announcements, testing US resolve. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic maneuvering and military posturing continue, with global oil markets and regional stability hanging in the balance.

IN OTHER NEWS...

US sanctions against Russian oil have been reinstated - Politico.

US sanctions on Russian oil came back into force on 11 April after the grace period previously granted by the US Treasury Department expired, Politico reported.

Europe and Canada are exploring the idea of a 'European NATO' - WSJ

European countries, together with Canada, are discussing the creation of a 'European NATO' against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's threats to withdraw the United States from the alliance, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Apple's Israel Connection Is Deeper Than You Realize

Apple's connections to Israel are way deeper than you think.

The company was accused of deleted Lebanese towns off Apple Maps but that's just the surface.

Kei Pritsker explains why Apple's most popular products wouldn't exist without the Israeli tech sector