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Day 41 of the WarThursday, April 9, 2026

Day 41: Mojtaba Khamenei Speaks, Hezbollah Chief Qassem Killed, Hormuz Blocked — 230 Tankers Stranded

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Tehran & Provinces

Mojtaba Khamenei Breaks Silence — First Statement on 40th Day of Father's Death

  • Iranian media published a written message attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader, on the 40th day since Ali Khamenei's death. "Iran does not seek war, but will not give up its right to defend itself." Government ceremonies held across Iran.source
  • Mojtaba Khamenei still has not appeared publicly — only written statements. Nioh Berg: "Now that there's a ceasefire, why aren't they unboxing Mojtaba Khamenei yet?" Regime hardliners insist on including Lebanon and entire Resistance Axis in negotiations.source

Drone Swarms Over Tehran — Air Defenses Active in Tabriz, Karaj, Bandar Abbas Pounded

Iran
  • Swarms of unidentified drones reported over Tehran, Tabriz, and Karaj. Air defense systems activated in northeastern Tehran, Tabriz, and Karaj. Reports of heavy bombing of Bandar Abbas port. Evening explosions heard across Tehran Province.source
  • Iran shuts down internet — 90 million Iranians silenced. Military governance atmosphere continues across provinces. Iran International reports ongoing military crackdown despite ceasefire. Child soldiers spotted on military vehicles in Qom.source

Regime Escalates Executions Under Ceasefire — Internet Blackout, Political Prisoners

  • Regime exploiting ceasefire to escalate executions of political prisoners. Noa Magid: "The terrorist regime intends to escalate executions — exploiting the ceasefire." Masih Alinejad to CBS: "Stop talking about fake regime change in Iran." Narges Mohammadi's husband writes from Evin Prison.source
  • Couple from Sanandaj — Zainab Azizi and Sirvan Amini — among latest detained. Mahboubeh Shabani in Mashhad facing "waging war against God" charge for protesting. Regime eulogist at government ceremony caught on video with disturbing propaganda.source

Hormuz Still Blocked — 230 Tankers Waiting, Trump Gives Europe Ultimatum, NATO Ready

  • Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Iran capping traffic at 15 vessels/day and issued navigation maps to avoid mines. ADNOC: 230 oil tankers waiting. First non-Iranian tanker finally transits since ceasefire. Iraqi oil tankers still blocked. European fuel prices surging.source
  • Trump issues Europe ultimatum: deploy military forces to Hormuz or face consequences. NATO chief Rutte: "NATO willing to play a role in Hormuz mission." France finalizing escort plans. US Navy MQ-4C Triton drone conducting surveillance over Hormuz. Starmer visits UAE to push for reopening.source

Ceasefire Day 2: Iran Attacks Kuwait Again, Trump Says "Iran Conquered", Pakistan Mediates

  • Iran fires drones and missiles at Kuwaiti energy infrastructure DURING ceasefire. IRGC denies connection. Saudi Arabia: Iranian strikes cut 600,000 barrels/day of production. Saudi East-West pipeline targeted. Russia's oil revenue doubles from energy crisis.source
  • Trump: "Iran has been conquered — if they don't make a deal it's going to be really painful." Also tells NBC he's "very optimistic" and calls Iranian leaders "much more reasonable." Pakistan nearly stopped Iran from launching missiles at Israel last night (Al Mayadeen). Ghalibaf (hardliner) to head Iranian negotiation team — demands Lebanon included.source
  • Costa Rica terror-lists IRGC, Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis. Germany's Merz resuming talks with Tehran. Spain reopens embassy in Tehran. South Korea sending special envoy. Turkey's Erdogan urges Iran to use negotiation period wisely. Iran's 10-point plan dismissed as "misinformation."source

Sources