Iran’s military has announced new measures to strengthen control over the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman to ensure national security. According to reports from Tehran, the country is adopting new strategies to assert authority over this strategically vital waterway. A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Command stated that oil tankers or ships linked to Tehran’s ‘opponent’ nations will not be allowed to pass through the strait. The government also plans to impose customs and transit charges on vessels using the route, and the military has begun practicing these new procedures.

Iranian authorities have insisted that all ships passing through the strait must coordinate with Iranian officials. Ship movement in the area is currently lower than usual, while new U.S. sanctions have further complicated the situation. Analysts suggest that Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining tool in regional security and ongoing negotiations.

Iran’s political and military leadership reaffirmed that their principle of ‘security for all or security for none’ will apply equally to the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump has praised Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, describing him as doing a great job. In a phone interview with the New York Post, Trump said that discussions between the United States and Iran could resume within the next two days. He noted that talks were ongoing but progressing slowly.

According to the report, Trump called the newspaper’s representative again about half an hour later, suggesting that something significant might happen soon and that the US was leaning toward resuming talks. He linked this optimism to the efforts of Pakistan’s military leadership, saying that Field Marshal Munir was performing excellently. Trump had previously referred to the Pakistani army chief as a “dear” person.

The report also mentioned that Gulf countries were interested in helping Pakistan facilitate renewed dialogue between the United States and Iran, highlighting Islamabad’s potential diplomatic role in easing regional tensions.

The United States Navy has intercepted and turned back at least eight oil tankers linked to Iran that were traveling to Iranian ports. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the operation began on Monday and involved U.S. naval forces halting the vessels mid-route and instructing them to change course and return. The tankers complied with the orders after radio communication with U.S. personnel, and no boarding or physical inspection was required.

The report indicated that this action is believed to be part of a declared U.S. naval blockade against Iran. The tankers’ redirection marks a continuation of maritime enforcement measures targeting Iranian oil shipments. The report did not mention any confrontation or resistance from the Iranian side.

The move underscores ongoing maritime tensions between the United States and Iran, though the source did not specify the broader diplomatic or economic consequences of the blockade enforcement.

Several Gulf countries have shown interest in supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table. The move comes amid ongoing regional tensions that analysts say have significantly affected security and energy infrastructure across the Middle East. Concerns have grown over the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

Kuwait, which relies almost entirely on oil exports through the strait, faces particular vulnerability as about 90 percent of its national income comes from the energy sector. A spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that Doha has already held discussions with Pakistan and the United States on the issue and is maintaining direct contact with Iran. Recent days have also seen multiple telephone conversations among Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Analysts believe Gulf countries want the ceasefire to hold and tensions to ease through diplomatic engagement. They expect more active regional diplomacy in the coming days to strengthen Pakistan’s mediating role.

Gaza’s Civil Defense agency reported on Tuesday that at least ten people were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes across northern Gaza. Among the dead was a three-year-old child named Yahia al-Mallahi. The agency’s spokesperson, Mahmoud Basal, said four people, including the child, were killed when a police vehicle in Gaza City was targeted. Al-Shifa Hospital confirmed receiving the bodies of the victims, while the Palestinian Interior Ministry stated that the airstrike on the police vehicle caused multiple casualties and injuries.

Earlier, one person was killed in Beit Lahia, where the Israeli military claimed to have targeted an “armed individual” described as a “terrorist.” Later, another strike near the Al-Shati refugee camp killed several more people when a drone fired two missiles at a group near an electrical equipment warehouse. The Israeli army said it was reviewing the incidents.

Authorities noted that despite a declared ceasefire following the October 7, 2023 conflict, violence in Gaza continues, with hundreds reportedly killed since the truce. Analysts warned that the ongoing clashes are worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Bangladesh has been ranked 95th in the latest global passport index published by Henley & Partners, moving down from its previous position of 93rd. According to the new ranking released on April 15, 2026, Bangladeshi passport holders can now travel to 36 countries without obtaining a visa in advance.

The list of 36 destinations includes Barbados, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Madagascar, Maldives, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, Niue, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Bahamas, Gambia, Timor, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. However, not all of these countries allow direct entry; some require on-arrival or electronic visas.

Globally, Singapore retained the top position in the index, followed by Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates in joint second place. Sweden ranked third, while Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland shared the fourth position.

Israeli forces are carrying out large-scale destruction in villages across southern Lebanon, mirroring tactics used in Gaza, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz published on April 15, 2026. The report cites an Israeli military officer who said troops are following the same approach as in Gaza, maintaining a list of houses to demolish and measuring success by the number of buildings destroyed each day.

Haaretz reported that bulldozers are flattening homes in border villages to clear space for new military outposts. A soldier interviewed by the outlet suggested that the nature of new constructions indicates Israel may be planning a long-term presence in the area. The report also noted that Israeli troops have advanced to villages about 20 kilometers south of Lebanon’s Litani River.

The Gaza-style “scorched earth” policy in Lebanon has raised concerns about a renewed humanitarian and geopolitical crisis in the region, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

Sri Lanka has repatriated 238 Iranian sailors who had been stranded in the country following damage to an Iranian naval vessel caused by a U.S. submarine torpedo attack. Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara said 32 sailors rescued from the warship IRIS Dena and 206 from IRIS Bushehr left Sri Lanka on Tuesday aboard a chartered flight. Fifteen Iranian sailors remain in Sri Lanka to operate the Bushehr, which is anchored near Trincomalee.

According to Iranian authorities, the IRIS Dena was destroyed in the attack, killing 104 sailors, of whom 84 bodies have been recovered and sent home. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Bushehr crew were sheltered under the 1907 Hague Convention for humanitarian reasons. Iran’s ambassador Alireza Dilkhoush confirmed that Tehran and Colombo had been in talks over the sailors’ return.

Analysts view Sri Lanka’s decision as a humanitarian gesture that underscores its diplomatic neutrality amid regional tensions.

Indonesia has reached a new agreement with France to enhance cooperation in the defense industry. Jakarta announced that following a meeting between the presidents of both countries in Paris, the two sides decided to expand collaboration in defense technology, equipment procurement, and industrial development.

The meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron took place at the Élysée Palace. Discussions covered strategic cooperation, strengthening the defense industry, and energy transition. Indonesia’s official statement emphasized that the partnership aims to boost local defense capabilities and identified France as a key strategic partner in Europe.

The report also noted that Indonesia has been diversifying its international partnerships, recently joining the BRICS economic bloc and maintaining balanced relations with the United States and Russia. Analysts view these moves as part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to reinforce its defense and economic resilience amid global energy and geopolitical challenges.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar to discuss the ongoing war involving Iran and the United States. The ministers exchanged views on the recent meeting between Iran and the U.S. aimed at ending the conflict, as well as possible steps to be taken in the coming days.

According to Iranian authorities, more than 3,300 people have been killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran since February 28. Before a two-week ceasefire announced last week, Tehran had launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. targets in Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and several Gulf countries. The first round of direct talks between Iran and the U.S. took place in Islamabad on Saturday but ended without an agreement.

A government statement said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey before a possible second round of talks in Islamabad. Citing Anadolu, the report added that the next round is expected to take place soon at Pakistan’s invitation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning amid ongoing Middle East tensions, saying it will reveal undisclosed military capabilities if war resumes. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stated that Iran has not yet revealed much of its military strength and could deploy unexpected weapons and tactics that would be difficult for adversaries to counter. He added that these new strategies could potentially alter the course of any renewed conflict.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that the IRGC’s statement serves not only as a signal of military readiness but also as a psychological tactic to pressure opponents and deter escalation. The message underscores Iran’s dual approach of demonstrating strength while keeping diplomatic channels open.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources confirmed that despite no final agreement in a recent U.S.–Iran meeting in Islamabad, communication continues. Pakistan is mediating between Tehran and Washington, with another meeting possibly taking place on Thursday, either again in Islamabad or in Geneva, to seek a ceasefire agreement before the current truce expires.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that China will not be allowed to import oil from Iran. Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., he said that Chinese tankers carrying Iranian oil through the Strait of Hormuz would be blocked. Bessent emphasized that China could source oil from other suppliers but not from Iran.

He criticized China for being an unreliable global partner, noting that the country is simultaneously increasing its oil reserves while restricting exports of certain goods. Bessent mentioned that he had discussed these issues with Chinese officials. When asked whether the dispute might affect US President Donald Trump’s planned mid-May visit to Beijing, Bessent declined to comment, saying the visit should focus on stability and that communication between the two nations remains crucial.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions over energy trade and sanctions enforcement, with Washington signaling a firm stance on restricting Iranian oil exports.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced that Russia is ready to assist China in addressing its energy shortages. He made the statement in Beijing after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that Russia can fill resource gaps for countries willing to cooperate on a fair and mutually beneficial basis. Lavrov emphasized that despite global instability, relations between Russia and China remain strong, supported by the close ties between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

The remarks came as the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, which analysts say could significantly disrupt China’s oil supply. China is Iran’s largest oil buyer, and Washington has stated it will ensure Beijing cannot purchase Iranian oil under the current sanctions. In this context, Russia’s offer could reshape dynamics in the global energy market.

Analysts suggest that Moscow’s move may strengthen its strategic partnership with Beijing while challenging U.S. influence over global energy flows.

Mossad Director David Barnea stated that Israel’s intelligence mission in Iran remains active and is not yet complete. Speaking at a Holocaust Remembrance Day event, he explained that the operation is part of a long-term plan aimed at ensuring desired outcomes following recent attacks in Tehran. Barnea emphasized that the mission would continue until its objectives are fully achieved.

He revealed that during a recent joint operation between the United States and Israel, Mossad operated in central Tehran, providing precise intelligence to the Israeli Air Force. This intelligence reportedly enabled strikes on missiles considered threats to Israel’s security. Barnea added that Mossad’s responsibility would not end until a new government replaces what he described as an extremist regime in Iran.

Barnea also warned that Israel would not remain silent in the face of any threat to its existence, underscoring the agency’s commitment to countering perceived dangers from Iran.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its blockade on Iranian ports applies to ships from all countries. In a statement, CENTCOM said a guided-missile destroyer has been deployed to enforce the blockade, describing the vessel as crewed by more than 300 sailors skilled in offensive and defensive maritime operations. The U.S. claimed that all forms of economic trade with Iran via sea routes have been halted.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the blockade on Iran’s ports has been fully implemented and that U.S. forces continue to maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. He added on social media platform X that approximately 90 percent of Iran’s economy depends on international maritime trade, and within less than 36 hours of the blockade’s enforcement, all sea-based economic transactions and trade through Iranian ports had ceased.

The announcement underscores Washington’s intent to tighten economic pressure on Iran through maritime restrictions, according to the CENTCOM statement cited by Al Jazeera.