An anonymous source inside Iran reports that a final ceasefire is unlikely, as new military equipment is being brought in, despite previous assurances to the Iranian people that they would not be abandoned. The source describes the current situation as increasingly prolonged and tense.
According to Financial Times, Iran will impose a $1 per barrel fee on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz and will accept payments solely in cryptocurrency during the ongoing ceasefire.
According to Iranian state media, the country is finalizing a response plan to Israeli attacks on Lebanon on the same day.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim to have shot down an Israeli Hermes 900 drone over the country a few minutes ago.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have shot down an IAI Hermes 900 drone over Fars Province, Iran.
On Wednesday, April 19, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of War, declared the "Epic Wrath" operation against the Islamic Republic "completely successful" at a Pentagon press conference, stating that the Iranian regime had requested a ceasefire.
Individuals inside Iran have expressed feelings of discouragement but are relying on external supporters to advocate for them and maintain hope. The sources emphasize the need for support as they are unable to leave the country.
Emmanuel Macron, President of France, welcomed the return of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris on Wednesday, April 8, who had been released after three and a half years of detention in Iran's Evin Prison on espionage charges; they were granted permission to leave Iran on Tuesday and arrived in Paris on Wednesday morning.
Maryam Akbari Monfared, a political prisoner, was released from Varamin's Gharchak Prison after approximately 17 years without leave. She was arrested in 2009 and sentenced to 15 years for alleged membership in the Mujahedin-e Khalq organization.