Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon’s southern border areas since February 28, coinciding with its joint offensive with the United States against Iran. According to reports, Israeli forces have destroyed entire villages in southern Lebanon, including Tayba, Naqoura, and Deir Saryan. The Guardian analyzed videos posted by the Israeli military showing widespread explosions across these villages, though satellite verification has not yet been confirmed.

The destruction reportedly followed an order from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who instructed forces to demolish all houses along the Lebanon border, similar to operations in Gaza’s Rafah and Beit Hanoun. Israel claims the strikes target Hezbollah tunnels and military sites, asserting that the group operates from civilian areas. The military also plans to establish a “security zone” from the border to the Litani River, barring displaced residents from returning until northern Israel’s security is ensured.

Human rights organizations have condemned the campaign as unlawful destruction of civilian property, calling it a potential war crime under international law. A Human Rights Watch researcher said the justification for razing entire villages is unfounded.

Former Pakistani information minister and defense analyst Mushahid Hussain Sayed has described U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz as nothing more than an exaggeration. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Sayed said that control of the strategic waterway effectively lies with Iran, and Trump’s warning would not intimidate or subdue the Iranian side.

Sayed argued that such rhetoric from Washington amounts to bluster rather than a realistic policy move. He added that attempts to pressure Iran through threats have not succeeded in the past 43 days and are unlikely to do so in the near future. His remarks came amid heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

The interview reflects ongoing regional skepticism about the feasibility of any U.S. naval blockade in the area, with analysts emphasizing Iran’s strong position in controlling the strait.

Iranian authorities on Sunday reaffirmed their defiance toward U.S. demands following failed negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at ending the ongoing war. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the U.S. delegation had failed to gain Iran’s trust, while President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and threatened further military action. Tehran’s leadership praised its delegation for refusing to eliminate nuclear enrichment or relinquish control over the strategic waterway, urging supporters to maintain their presence in the streets.

Judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and several hardline lawmakers lauded the negotiating team for defending Iran’s sovereignty and “red lines.” State television blamed Washington’s “excessive demands” for the breakdown of talks, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed to respond forcefully to any U.S. naval movements. The Iranian delegation of more than 85 members included senior officials from multiple factions, signaling an effort to project unity.

The talks concluded without progress, and both sides signaled readiness for further escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to continue diplomatic mediation, while Iran’s government extended online schooling amid economic strain and an ongoing internet shutdown.

Shipping expert Lars Jensen has said that U.S. President Donald Trump’s announced blockade threat will likely affect only a very small number of vessels. According to Jensen, if the United States actually implements such a measure, only limited ship movements would be halted, and the overall impact on global shipping would remain minimal.

Jensen, the chief executive of Vespucci Maritime, explained that Trump’s warning to act against ships paying tolls to Iran would not bring major changes, as those vessels were already exposed to U.S. sanctions risks. He noted that few ships currently use that route, and even fewer pay tolls, meaning the measure’s reach would be narrow.

Jensen added that most shipping companies are expected to monitor the situation initially to see whether any temporary agreements emerge. If such arrangements occur, vessel traffic could gradually increase again. However, he did not confirm whether the route would become safe for navigation, emphasizing that the outcome depends on trust and the durability of any U.S.–Iran understanding.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it will begin enforcing a naval blockade on Iran starting April 13. According to the statement, all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports will be halted from 10 a.m. that day, following a presidential directive. The measure will apply to all vessels, regardless of nationality, operating near Iran’s coastal areas in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The announcement follows remarks by former President Donald Trump, who stated that the United States would impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Islamabad ended without results. CENTCOM’s statement, cited by Al Jazeera, confirmed that the blockade will be uniformly enforced on all ships approaching Iranian ports or coastal zones.

The move signals a sharp escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, with potential implications for regional maritime trade and security, though no immediate response from Iran was included in the report.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that the death toll from ongoing Israeli military attacks has risen to 2,055 as of April 13, 2026. The ministry stated that at least 6,588 people have been injured since the operation began on March 2. The strikes have continued across various parts of Lebanon, intensifying the humanitarian situation in the country.

Experts cited in the report warned that the continuing conflict could lead to further casualties and a deepening crisis. The rising number of deaths and injuries has raised fears of a worsening humanitarian disaster as the violence shows no sign of abating.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, highlights growing concern over the escalating conflict and its impact on civilians, with calls for urgent measures to prevent further deterioration.

The United States military has announced a blockade of all Iranian ports, set to take effect on Monday. The decision follows an earlier declaration by President Donald Trump to impose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade will apply to all vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports, covering the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. However, CENTCOM clarified that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will not be restricted for ships bound for non-Iranian ports.

The announcement marks a partial softening of the US stance compared to Trump’s earlier threats to block the entire strait and target ships paying tolls to Iran. Following the blockade declaration, US crude oil prices rose by 8 percent to $104.24 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 7 percent to $102.29.

Since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint attacks, Iran has maintained control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy transport.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has released new drone surveillance footage over the Strait of Hormuz following a threat from U.S. President Donald Trump to blockade the strategic waterway. The video, published on April 12, 2026, was accompanied by a caption asserting that all maritime movements in the area are under full control of Iranian forces.

After the video’s release, the IRGC naval command warned that any activity targeting the Strait of Hormuz would have consequences for those involved. In a separate interview with Fox News, Trump said he intended to impose a blockade but that it would take some time to implement. He also warned that if no agreement was reached, Iran’s energy infrastructure could be destroyed, claiming it could be done within a single day.

Earlier, Iran had stated that any attack on its infrastructure would prompt retaliation against similar facilities in Israel and other regional countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering resuming airstrikes on Iran following unsuccessful discussions held in Pakistan, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing unnamed sources. The report adds that Trump is weighing additional measures, including a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

The White House stated that all options remain open. Spokesperson Olivia Wells said the president has already ordered a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at halting Iranian tolls and is prudently considering other alternatives. She added that any claims made to The Wall Street Journal about Trump’s next steps are purely speculative.

The developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with related reports mentioning new Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon and continued disputes involving Iran and the United States.

The United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran on February 28, initially described as a preventive operation aimed at halting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and destroying its ballistic missile capabilities. Despite weeks of intense fighting, those objectives remain unfulfilled. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also hoped to trigger internal unrest in Iran, but Trump later admitted that such an outcome was too dangerous. After threatening Iran with total destruction, Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, but peace talks in Islamabad ended without agreement.

The breakdown of negotiations has renewed fears of a wider conflict. Although the US maintained military advantages, Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz gave it strategic leverage, influencing global oil prices and markets. The article compares this situation to past US military failures in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, citing repeated strategic misjudgments and overconfidence among American leaders.

As domestic inflation and fuel prices rise, Trump faces mounting political pressure ahead of midterm elections. Analysts suggest he must now choose between accepting Iran’s terms to end the war or escalating into a prolonged conflict.

Shipping expert Lars Jensen has said that U.S. President Donald Trump’s announced blockade threat will likely affect only a very small number of ships. According to Jensen, even if the United States implements such a measure, the overall impact on maritime traffic will remain limited.

Jensen, the CEO of Vespucci Maritime, explained that the U.S. threat to act against ships paying tolls to Iran would not bring major changes, as those vessels were already at risk of U.S. sanctions. He noted that few ships currently use the route in question, and even fewer pay tolls to Iran. Most shipping companies, he added, are expected to monitor the situation for any temporary agreements before resuming normal operations.

Jensen emphasized that the safety of the route ultimately depends on trust between the United States and Iran, and the durability of any potential understanding between the two nations.

A Nigerian Air Force airstrike hit a market in Yobe State’s border area with Borno, reportedly killing more than 200 people. The incident occurred on Saturday night in the village market of Jilli, where local residents and a councilor confirmed the high death toll. The attack targeted the area near the border, which has long been affected by violence.

The Nigerian Air Force stated that its operation was aimed at fighters from the militant group Boko Haram but did not acknowledge striking a civilian market. The region, known for the presence of armed militias, frequently experiences clashes that have caused thousands of deaths over time. Local officials said the injured were taken to hospitals in Yobe and Borno for treatment.

Three residents and a non-governmental organization also reported that the number of dead could exceed 200, according to Reuters and BBC sources.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that NATO has assured support in removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the alliance, once a source of disappointment for Washington, is now willing to help clear the strategic waterway. He added that the cleanup would not take long and that the strait would soon reopen for shipping.

Trump mentioned that the United States is deploying mine-clearing vessels and that the United Kingdom and several other NATO countries are also sending similar ships. According to him, these coordinated efforts aim to ensure safe passage for maritime traffic through the vital route.

The report, citing Fox News, indicates renewed cooperation between the U.S. and NATO on maritime security operations in the region.

Iran has warned that it will take strict action if any military vessels enter the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that while the strait remains open to civilian maritime traffic under international law, any military ship approaching the area will be considered a violation of the ceasefire and will face severe measures.

According to the IRGC statement cited by Al Jazeera, Iran emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is legally open for civilian navigation but not for military presence. The warning underscores Tehran’s sensitivity to foreign military activity near its territorial waters and its intent to enforce restrictions on such movements.

The statement reflects Iran’s continued assertion of control over the strategic waterway and signals potential escalation risks if foreign military forces attempt to operate in the region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian President Vladimir Putin that reaching an agreement with the United States is not impossible. According to Iran’s state broadcaster, Pezeshkian made the remark during a phone conversation with Putin that took place after nearly 21 hours of discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Islamabad concluded earlier in the day.

Earlier, a report by Roya News said that Russian President Putin had expressed readiness to act as a mediator in resolving ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin reiterated Russia’s willingness to assist in political and diplomatic solutions to regional tensions and to promote dialogue among involved parties. Moscow was presented as a potential mediator aiming to help achieve a “just and lasting peace” in the region.

The initiative comes amid multiple diplomatic efforts by the international community to contain the impact of regional conflicts, highlighting Russia’s attempt to play a more active mediating role in Middle Eastern crises.