Mohammad Nabi Mousavi-Fard, the Friday prayer leader of Ahvaz, stated that the war with America is ongoing and unpredictable, emphasizing that Iran's armed forces are prepared to反击任何敌人的失误，并摧毁整个全球霸权舰队。他还表示，即使美国集结全球力量和核武部队发动战争，也无法与伊斯兰阵营匹敌。
On March 7, 2026, in Isfahan, Morteza Madi, a 31-year-old resident of Shahr-e Shahin, was killed by gunfire from forces at a Basij checkpoint; a bullet hit his heart and lungs, leading to his death. His relatives have faced pressure and threats while attempting to pursue the case and file a complaint.
During the Iranian national revolution in December (Dey month), Tehransar neighborhood was a focal point for large protests. Following the start of attacks by the United States and Israel, centers of repressive institutions such as the Basij and police force in Tehransar were targeted and destroyed.
President Trump stated that a naval blockade could be more effective than military strikes against Iran, emphasizing the superiority of economic and naval pressure tools. He also indicated that Arab countries would likely contribute financially to cover some of the costs.
Residents of northern Israel protested the establishment of a 10-day ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, describing the decision as a "betrayal" by local officials who made the agreement without consulting or notifying the communities, according to Winet News Agency. David Azulai, head of the Metula Local Council in the Upper Galilee, criticized the lack of consideration for security concerns.
Mohammad Reza Razaei Kouchi, head of the Parliament's Infrastructure Commission, stated that about 50 aircraft in Iran's air fleet were damaged during the conflict, with approximately 10 destroyed by missile strikes, but some may be repairable. He also noted that issues at airports like Mehrabad Airport are manageable and that domestic and international flights could resume if a ceasefire agreement is reached.
Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, praised Donald Trump's role in establishing a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, stating it was facilitated through "bold and wise diplomatic efforts led by" Trump. Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity during his diplomatic visits to Qatar and Saudi Arabia this week.
Hezbollah claims in a post-ceasefire statement to have conducted 2,184 attacks over 45 days, averaging 49 per day and extending up to 160 km into Israeli territory. The statement concludes with a pledge that their fighters will continue until their last breath, asserting that victory belongs only to Allah.
On April 16, 2026, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) was operating in the Arabian Sea for U.S. blockade missions, accompanied by an air wing consisting of 8 F-35C and F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G, E-2D aircraft, MH-60 helicopters, and CMV-22B Ospreys, according to CENTCOM.
In an interview with Fox News, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham defended the continuation of economic pressure on Iran, stating that the blockade is effective and has pushed Iran to the brink of financial bankruptcy. Graham also emphasized the need to ensure that the Iranian regime cannot obstruct the Strait of Hormuz in the future.
The French Defense Minister announced that France, along with Belgium and the Netherlands, is prepared to conduct mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. This action is being coordinated with the United States and aims to stabilize maritime routes while increasing pressure on the Islamic Republic regime.
Donald Trump stated that Iran is prepared to refrain from obtaining nuclear weapons for more than 20 years, indicating progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations towards ending the conflict, with potential further talks scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
In recent weeks, at least two citizens in Isfahan and Mazandaran provinces have been killed by Basij and IRGC agents at government checkpoints; one victim is Morteza Madi, killed on March 7 in Isfahan, and another in Ramsar who died after being attacked with an electric shocker.
Senator Lindsey Graham stated that he does not trust the Lebanese military to disarm Hezbollah and called for the replacement of Lebanese military commander General Haykal before any credible disarmament plan can be established. Graham also said that no peace deal in Lebanon will be possible until there is a credible pathway to disarm Hezbollah.
On Monday, a Pakistan-flagged tanker named SHALAMAR became the first crude carrier to exit the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. imposed a blockade.
On April 16, the Pakistani oil tanker "Shalamar," carrying approximately 450,000 barrels of crude oil from the UAE, successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. restrictions were imposed; this marks the first such transit since the start of the U.S. blockade. Over the past three days, at least 14 ships have abandoned their routes in the region.
On April 27, the spokesperson of the Islamic Republic of Iran's army, Mohammad Akrami-Nia, announced that the Army Day parade would not be held on April 29 due to the current ceasefire being similar to wartime conditions, and cultural programs will be held in barracks instead.
Hanna Neumann, a Member of the European Parliament from Germany, criticized the exclusion of the Iranian people from ceasefire negotiations and the lack of discussion about their suffering under the Islamic Republic regime's suppression.
🇺🇸 President Trump stated that ongoing negotiations are progressing successfully and will likely lead to the release of oil and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially lowering global oil prices below current levels.
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is traveling to Paris to negotiate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with the UK leading a European non-military coalition to ensure the security of ship passages.
