The White House has asserted that the situation surrounding the ongoing ceasefire and peace negotiations with Iran remains entirely under United States control. Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt briefed reporters on President Donald Trump’s position, stating that Iran’s leadership has become weakened and divided by war. As a result, the ceasefire has been extended to allow time for a peace proposal to be developed.

Levitt confirmed that U.S. sanctions blocking ships entering and leaving Iranian ports will continue, aiming to maintain economic pressure on Tehran. Iran, however, views the blockade as equivalent to a declaration of war. Levitt claimed the strategy is already effective, citing heavy economic losses for Iran and disruptions to its oil trade.

According to a BBC report referenced in the briefing, no specific end date has been announced for the extended ceasefire. Iran has also stated it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, creating a stalemate. The White House maintains that President Trump is satisfied with the current situation and confident in U.S. control.

Tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz after the United States Navy seized an Iranian-flagged ship named “Towska.” Within days of the seizure, Iran launched attacks on three vessels and detained two of them, according to reports. US President Donald Trump said the Iranian ship was captured after ignoring warnings from the US Navy.

In response, Iran condemned the seizure as a violation of the ceasefire and an act of “armed piracy,” warning of swift retaliation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy later announced that it was closely monitoring maritime traffic in the strait and would take strict action against any violators.

Subsequently, the IRGC claimed to have detained two ships, “MSC Francesca” and “Epaminondas,” alleging that they were operating without authorization, attempting to leave the strait secretly, and tampering with navigation systems. The BBC reported that these claims could not be independently verified.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have destroyed or damaged more than 50,000 homes during the latest conflict with Hezbollah, according to official data released Wednesday. The National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) reported that 17,756 homes were completely destroyed and 32,668 were damaged over a 45-day period. More than 2,400 people have been killed and over one million displaced since March 2, when Iran-backed Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war.

CNRS head Shadi Abdallah said that in the first three days of the ceasefire, 428 homes were destroyed and 50 damaged. A Lebanese official told AFP that Lebanon will request an extension of the ceasefire during its next meeting with Israel on Thursday. The country previously endured over a year of clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, which escalated into a two-month war in late 2024 before a November ceasefire attempt.

Environment Minister Tamara Zein stated that Israeli attacks since 2023 have caused widespread destruction across residential areas, infrastructure, and farmland, leaving more than 220,000 homes damaged or destroyed.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday called on alliance members to learn from Turkey’s defense industry, describing the country as having undergone a defense industry revolution. Speaking at the headquarters of Turkish defense company Aselsan, he said Turkey’s rapid progress in recent years could serve as an example for others. Rutte emphasized that increasing production alongside innovation is one of NATO’s top priorities and noted that these issues will be highlighted at the NATO summit scheduled for July in Ankara.

He stated that raising defense spending alone will not ensure security, stressing the need to expand production of air defense systems, drones, ammunition, radar, and space technologies. Rutte praised Turkey’s achievements, saying Aselsan is at the forefront of this progress, and urged the company to accelerate innovation and production. He added that ensuring the security of nearly one billion people across Europe and North America requires not only strong armed forces but also a robust defense industry.

Rutte also noted growing cooperation within NATO and highlighted that Turkish defense firms are expanding their operations and exports across Europe, calling for stronger collaboration from Alaska to Ankara.

The United States Navy has seized an Iranian oil-carrying vessel identified as the 'M/T Majestic X' in the Indian Ocean. The operation took place on Wednesday night, when US forces boarded and took control of the ship. The US Department of War confirmed the seizure in a statement posted on social media platform X, describing the vessel as 'stateless' and operating under the jurisdiction of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

According to the statement, the ship was transporting Iranian oil in violation of US sanctions. The department said the action was part of efforts to disrupt illegal maritime networks and prevent material support to Iran. It emphasized that no sanctioned entity would be allowed to use international waters as a shield.

The seizure was described as part of the broader enforcement of strict sanctions imposed on Iran. The US also pledged to continue global operations aimed at curbing unlawful maritime activities and protecting freedom of navigation.

In Gaza, displaced families living in makeshift tents near piles of rubble are facing a new fear—an invasion of large rats. Samah al-Dabla, who lives with her two young children in a temporary tent, said the rodents have become increasingly aggressive despite her efforts to keep the area clean. She believes the rats have grown more violent after feeding on bodies trapped under the debris.

According to the report, more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. The presence of decomposing bodies beneath the ruins has intensified the rat infestation and heightened the risk of disease outbreaks in Gaza City. Thousands of displaced families like Samah’s are now struggling with this additional health hazard alongside the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The growing infestation underscores the severe public health challenges emerging from the prolonged destruction and lack of sanitation in Gaza’s war-torn areas.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have sharply escalated despite U.S. President Donald Trump extending the ceasefire period. Tehran has blamed Washington’s naval blockade for halting peace negotiations, while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) detained two foreign ships and fired on a third in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s parliament speaker declared that the strait cannot be reopened as long as the blockade remains, calling it a clear violation of the ceasefire.

The White House stated that President Trump has not set a deadline for Iran to submit a peace proposal. Meanwhile, discussions in Washington over the fragile truce between Lebanon and Israel have faced difficulties due to Hezbollah’s absence. Within the U.S., Defense Secretary John Phelan was dismissed and replaced temporarily by Hong Kao, while a Senate motion to limit Trump’s war powers against Iran failed by a 55–46 vote.

The U.S. Central Command reported turning back at least 31 ships as part of the blockade, which Washington says aims to pressure Iran economically into negotiations. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and northern Gaza have also resulted in multiple civilian deaths, including journalists and children.

Bangladesh has dispatched emergency medicines and medical supplies to war-torn Iran following a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The assistance materials have already been handed over in Dhaka to Iranian Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 23, 2026. The aid is being sent through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

The ministry’s statement added that the Prime Minister had earlier donated 10 million taka to the Red Crescent Society on April 6 to purchase emergency medicines and medical equipment for the treatment of injured civilians in Iran. The initiative reflects Bangladesh’s humanitarian support amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The aid delivery marks a continuation of Bangladesh’s engagement in international humanitarian efforts, with the Red Crescent Society serving as the implementing agency for the relief operation.

The South Korean Air Force has issued an apology for a 2021 midair collision between two F-15K fighter jets near Daegu. According to a report released Wednesday by the national audit and inspection board, the crash occurred after a pilot attempted to take selfies and record videos during flight. The Air Force spokesperson expressed regret for the incident and confirmed that one of the involved pilots was temporarily suspended from flight duties, faced disciplinary action, and later left the military.

Investigators found that the wingman pilot tried to commemorate his final flight with the unit by taking photos. To improve the camera angle, he tilted and raised the aircraft without authorization, while another pilot filmed from the lead jet. As the planes drew too close, both pilots attempted to avoid collision, but the wingman’s tail struck the lead jet’s wing. No injuries were reported.

The Air Force stated it is tightening flight safety regulations and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States now has full control over the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement on April 23, 2026, he said the vital waterway would remain tightly sealed until Iran agrees to a deal. Trump emphasized that the blockade would not be lifted until Tehran reaches an understanding or agreement with Washington.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for oil transportation. The US Navy’s firm stance in the area has raised concerns about potential disruptions to global trade. However, the Trump administration stated that the move aims to ensure the security of this strategic maritime passage. Earlier, Trump had also warned of strong action against those attempting to plant mines in the strait.

The situation underscores rising tensions in the region, with possible implications for international energy markets and diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran.

UK Defence Minister John Healey and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin have expressed optimism about significant progress toward reopening the Hormuz Strait. The two ministers made the remarks on Thursday after a meeting with their countries’ military planners. In a joint statement released by the UK Ministry of Defence, they emphasized the need for concrete planning, open dialogue, and firm commitment among allies and partners to turn diplomatic efforts into reality.

The statement also expressed gratitude to countries that have already shown willingness to contribute to the process and voiced confidence that real progress could be achieved in reopening the strait. The Hormuz Strait, one of the world’s most vital maritime routes, has been paralyzed due to U.S. blockades and rising tensions. Against this backdrop, the joint initiative by the UK and France has drawn notable international attention.

The report adds that while former U.S. President Donald Trump previously claimed full American control over the strait, the two European nations are pursuing diplomatic and military discussions to resolve the current deadlock.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to destroy any boats or small vessels found laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The directive was issued on Thursday through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where Trump instructed naval forces to act without hesitation. He also stated that US mine-sweeping operations in the area would be tripled to ensure maritime safety.

Following Trump’s announcement, tensions in the region have sharply escalated. The US Department of Defense said it remains committed to maintaining safe navigation in international waters and preventing illegal activities by Iran. A recent Pentagon assessment indicated that fully clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take about six months.

Experts cited in the report warned that the situation could drive global oil prices higher as uncertainty grows over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

The Israeli military has claimed that it captured a fighter from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force in southern Lebanon. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the detained fighter had been planning an attack against Israeli forces. The IDF said he surrendered shortly after being identified and was transferred to an Israeli military intelligence unit for questioning.

Al Jazeera reported that it could not independently verify Israel’s claim. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) said that Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon killed five people, including a journalist. The NNA reported that the first strike hit a car in the village of At-Tiri, killing two people inside a house nearby.

The developments highlight ongoing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides reporting casualties and military actions in recent days.

Iran has executed a man convicted of collaborating with Israeli intelligence, according to the state-affiliated news outlet Mizan on Thursday. The individual, identified as Sultanali Shirzadi Fakhr, was accused of being a longtime member of the exiled opposition group Mujahedin-e-Khalq and of assisting Israeli intelligence agents. The report stated that Iran’s Supreme Court upheld his death sentence, which was carried out after the completion of legal procedures.

The execution came a day after Iran carried out the death sentence of another individual, identified as Mehdi Farid, a senior civilian defense official convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad. Mizan, citing Reuters, reported that the Supreme Court had also confirmed his sentence before the execution took place.

Both executions were reported by Iranian media and cited by The Guardian, highlighting Tehran’s continued enforcement of espionage-related convictions involving alleged ties to Israel.

Lebanon and Israel are set to resume talks in Washington on Thursday aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the two countries. This marks the second round of discussions following an earlier meeting that resulted in a temporary 10-day ceasefire beginning on April 16.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the ambassador-level talks will focus on ending Israeli aggression, withdrawing Israeli troops from Lebanese territory, releasing prisoners, deploying forces along the international border, and beginning reconstruction of war-damaged infrastructure. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have reportedly continued.

The renewed dialogue in Washington reflects ongoing international efforts to stabilize the region and move toward a more durable peace framework, though continued hostilities pose challenges to achieving lasting results.