A global energy crisis has emerged after the closure of the Hormuz Strait following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, raising fears of a major collapse in air transport by May or June. The strait, which handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, has been blocked, putting Asian and European countries at the greatest risk due to reduced jet fuel availability.

Market analysis firm Rystad Energy and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have forecast that flight cancellations could begin as early as May because of fuel shortages. The IEA warned in its monthly report that if Europe fails to replace at least half of its Middle Eastern oil imports, its reserves could fall to a critical 23-day level by June. OECD European countries, including EU members, the UK, and Norway, import over 30 percent of their jet fuel, most of which passes through the Hormuz Strait.

The European Commission stated that while total fuel depletion has not yet occurred, supply disruptions are now unavoidable. Spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Ikonen cautioned that if the situation remains uncontrolled, global air transport could face unprecedented paralysis starting in May.

China has called on Iran to take necessary measures to restore normal maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The appeal was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday night. Wang emphasized that while Iran’s sovereignty and security in the strait must be respected and protected, freedom and safety of navigation through this international waterway should also be guaranteed.

Wang Yi further noted that keeping the strait open serves the common interest of the international community. During the discussion, he reaffirmed Beijing’s support for maintaining the current ceasefire and resuming dialogue. The conversation reflects China’s diplomatic engagement in regional stability and its interest in ensuring uninterrupted maritime routes vital for global trade.

The call highlights China’s position as a stakeholder in Middle Eastern maritime security and its advocacy for peaceful resolution through dialogue, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Russia carried out a massive wave of attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities within a 24-hour period, launching 659 drones and 44 missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. The strikes killed at least 14 people, most of whom died during nighttime assaults. Ukrainian air defense units reported intercepting 636 drones and 31 missiles during the barrage.

The attacks mark another escalation in the war that has continued for four years, with Moscow conducting near-nightly drone strikes. Kyiv has also been carrying out regular retaliatory attacks inside Russian territory. The ongoing exchange underscores the persistent intensity of the conflict between the two countries.

Russian officials reported that two children were killed in overnight Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, highlighting the cross-border nature of the hostilities that continue to claim civilian lives on both sides.

US General Dan Kane has warned that ships assisting Iran within the naval blockade zone could be targeted by American forces. Speaking at a joint press conference in Washington with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, he said that vessels carrying Iranian oil would also fall under US targeting rules. The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera.

General Kane outlined several directives of the blockade, stating that it applies to all ships heading to or departing from Iranian ports. He emphasized that the United States would use force if the blockade is violated. According to US military claims, 13 ships have already been turned back without any American personnel boarding them.

The directives further clarified that the blockade applies only to Iranian ports and not to the Strait of Hormuz. Kane added that more than 10,000 sailors, marines, and air force personnel are involved in enforcing the blockade.

Iran has been experiencing an almost complete internet blackout for 48 consecutive days, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The organization reported that the disruption has lasted 1,128 hours, severely limiting online connectivity across the country.

The restrictions were imposed in early January following the resurgence of protests in Iran. The situation worsened toward the end of February when a war broke out involving the United States and Israel against Iran, leading to even stricter controls on internet access. NetBlocks stated that the prolonged blackout has gravely affected daily life and communication among citizens.

Observers describe the scale of this internet shutdown as unprecedented under wartime conditions, highlighting its deep impact on information flow and civilian activities within Iran.

Diplomatic efforts to ease the ongoing crisis between the United States and Iran continue, but uncertainty remains over the resumption of peace talks. With only one week left before the current ceasefire expires, international concern and a sense of urgency are rising. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Islamabad reported that progress has slowed mainly due to a form of stagnation on the US side. Pakistan’s army chief is currently in Tehran, delivering messages from Washington and laying the groundwork for the next round of discussions in Islamabad.

Although the White House press secretary has not confirmed that the next talks will take place in Islamabad, sources indicate that no alternative venue is being considered. Since the first round of talks ended last Sunday, Pakistan has been serving as the main diplomatic intermediary between the two sides. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry said that all plans are proceeding as expected, and both parties are being prepared to return to Islamabad.

Major obstacles remain, particularly over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Despite these challenges, there is still an opportunity to bring both sides back to the negotiating table before the ceasefire expires next week.

On March 21, during Eid-ul-Fitr, many residents of Indian-administered Kashmir took part in a humanitarian initiative to support civilians affected by war in Iran. People donated gold jewelry, cash, household items, and personal belongings. In Budgam, 55-year-old Masrat Mukhtar gave away her father’s gifted earrings on her birthday, while others contributed copper utensils, livestock, bicycles, and savings. Children also broke their piggy banks to join the effort.

The gesture reflects Kashmir’s long-standing cultural and historical ties with Iran, dating back to the arrival of Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamadani from Persia six centuries ago. This connection has earned Kashmir the nickname “Iran-e-Saghir” or “Little Iran.” Around 10 to 15 percent of Kashmir’s population are Shia Muslims, but the donations came from both Shia and Sunni families, many of whom reduced Eid expenses to contribute.

Local sources estimate that about 600 crore rupees (around 64 million dollars) have been collected so far. Indian authorities have expressed concern about possible misuse of unverified funds and emphasized transparency, while organizers insist the campaign is purely humanitarian and aimed at helping Iranian civilians.

More than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to ongoing conflict, accounting for one-fifth of the country’s population. The United Nations refugee agency chief, Barham Salih, described the situation as unprecedented and called on the international community to provide urgent relief and assistance to Lebanon. His appeal followed a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, over 2,100 people have been killed since March 2 in Israeli attacks. Israel stated that its operations in Lebanon aim to weaken Iran-backed Hezbollah and protect its citizens from cross-border rocket and other assaults. The UN’s call highlights the growing humanitarian crisis as violence continues to destabilize the region.

The situation underscores Lebanon’s vulnerability to recurring cycles of violence and the urgent need for international support to restore stability and prevent further displacement.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in Washington, D.C., that the United States will continue its blockade of Iranian ports for as long as necessary. According to Al Jazeera, he said the US Navy is controlling ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz because Iran no longer has a functioning navy. Hegseth emphasized that the US is aware of Iran’s relocation of military equipment and is closely monitoring the situation.

He further warned that if Iran refuses to agree to a deal, US forces are prepared to initiate military action. The remarks highlight escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran amid ongoing disputes over regional security and military activities.

The statement underscores the US position of maintaining pressure on Iran through naval control and potential military readiness, though no details were provided about the specific terms of the proposed agreement or diplomatic efforts underway.

The United States military reported that within the first 48 hours of its naval blockade on Iran, ten ships attempting to leave Iranian ports were turned back. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on social media that since the blockade began on Monday, no vessel had successfully breached it. CENTCOM initially reported nine ships being turned back but later updated the figure to ten, noting that the tenth vessel was redirected by a guided missile destroyer.

However, maritime tracking data presented a different picture. Data from Tuesday indicated that at least three ships departing Iranian ports had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, though some later returned. According to maritime analytics firm Kpler, those three were among seven Iran-linked vessels that passed through the strait after Washington’s blockade took effect.

The blockade followed failed peace talks and came after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, which had prompted Tehran to close the strait temporarily.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that the country will launch harsher attacks against Iran if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with the United States. Speaking on April 16, 2026, Katz said Iran stands at a historic crossroads and must choose between building bridges for the future or facing isolation and destruction.

He stated that if Iran chooses the latter path, it will soon realize that the targets Israel has yet to strike will face even more severe attacks than those already hit. Katz emphasized that the decision lies with Iran and that it must bear the consequences of its choice.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, underscore Israel’s growing pressure on Iran amid ongoing diplomatic uncertainty over potential U.S.–Iran negotiations.

At least 14 people were killed in a new wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, local authorities reported on Thursday. The strikes occurred overnight, hitting multiple regions including the capital Kyiv and the southern port city of Odesa. In Odesa, seven people were killed, while four died in Kyiv, including a 12-year-old child. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the casualties and said explosions caused fires in buildings and vehicles. In Dnipropetrovsk, three more deaths were reported. The attacks also left at least 45 people injured in Kyiv.

The assault came shortly after a 32-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire ended, during which both sides accused each other of violations. Ukrainian officials said a drone directly struck an 18-story apartment building in Kyiv, while rescue teams pulled a child from the rubble in the Podilskyi district. Meanwhile, Russian officials reported that two children were killed in Ukraine’s retaliatory overnight strike on Russia’s Krasnodar region.

Authorities in Kyiv issued missile alerts and urged residents to remain in shelters until the all-clear was given.

After a Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran, observers suggested the United States may be considering a second round of ceasefire talks with Iran. Despite more than 20 hours of discussions in Pakistan ending without resolution, the two-week ceasefire remains in place. However, President Donald Trump proposed blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route, as part of a new strategy toward Iran.

The report outlines four possible scenarios for what could follow: a fragile ceasefire acting as a strategic pause; a 'shadow war' involving limited strikes and proxy activity; continued quiet diplomacy led by Pakistan and regional mediators; and a prolonged naval blockade aimed at crippling Iran’s oil exports. Analysts warn that mistrust, conflicting interpretations of ceasefire terms, and Israel’s potential involvement could heighten tensions.

The analysis concludes that the region has entered a “gray zone” where war and diplomacy coexist. Both sides appear to be balancing military pressure with limited diplomatic engagement, creating structural instability and uncertainty about the conflict’s trajectory.

An Iranian supertanker under US sanctions has crossed the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf, according to reports on Wednesday. This marks the second such incident during the ongoing US blockade of the strait and Iranian ports. Maritime intelligence from LSEG and Kpler identified the vessel as the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) ‘RHN,’ which entered the Gulf empty. The ship, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, has an unclear destination.

Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that the sanctioned tanker crossed the strait despite the blockade and was heading toward Iran’s Imam Khomeini port. The movement occurred while the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that ten ships had been turned back and that no vessel had breached the blockade since it began on Monday.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding maritime navigation and sanctions enforcement in the Persian Gulf region, with conflicting reports from Iranian and US sources about the effectiveness of the blockade.

Israel has approved new military plans for expanded operations in Iran and Lebanon, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Efi Defrin. The approval was granted by IDF Chief of General Staff Ayal Zamir. Defrin stated that the army chief has declared the entire area of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River a 'death zone' for Hezbollah.

Defrin added that the IDF has so far killed more than 1,700 Hezbollah members in its ongoing operations in Lebanon. He emphasized that the military campaign will continue until all Hezbollah fighters are eliminated, regardless of where they are hiding.

The announcement highlights Israel’s continued military focus on Hezbollah and its readiness to expand operations into Iran and Lebanon, as confirmed by the IDF spokesperson.