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Christian schools in Jerusalem under threat as Israel restricts teachers

RT | April 3, 2026

Christian schools in Jerusalem are facing a growing crisis after Israel moved to restrict West Bank teachers from working in the city. The decision affects more than 200 educators across 15 historic institutions, raising fears that some schools could be forced to close due to a shortage of qualified local staff.

Church officials warn the move – which they consider politically motivated – could have wider consequences for the Christian presence in Jerusalem, while teachers say it threatens their livelihoods and ability to access the city.

The restrictions follow a 2025 bill targeting Palestinian educators trained in West Bank universities – a justification disputed by those affected.

RT’s Charlotte Dubenskij reports from Jerusalem… video report

Israel drops bomb on family in South Lebanon: 2 killed, 2 injured, 1 missing

Al Mayadeen | April 4, 2026

Two civilians were killed, two others injured, and another member of the same family went missing Saturday after an Israeli strike targeted a home in Ain Baal, east of Tyre in southern Lebanon, the National News Agency reported.

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in southern Lebanon confirmed that Israeli occupation forces also carried out an airstrike on the town of Kharayeb in the Saida district. The attacks came after strikes on Shaqra, Kfar Qana, Kounin, Jwaya, and Hadatha, alongside an assault on a vehicle in Bazourieh.

In addition, Israeli warplanes targeted a vehicle in Al-Burj Al-Shamali in Tyre, following airstrikes on Deir Al-Zahrani, Ansar, and Shoukin in the Nabatieh district.

Lebanese hospital damaged, dozens injured in Israeli attacks

In a continued Israeli aggression against Lebanon, the IOF carried out airstrikes on al-Housh in Tyre and the town of Maarakeh in southern Lebanon on Friday night into Saturday, leaving more than 20 people injured and causing damage to a hospital.

Two airstrikes on al-Housh in Tyre injured 11 people, including three Lebanese Civil Defense paramedics. The Lebanese Italian Hospital in al-Housh sustained various damages but remains operational, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

Footage below shows the aftermath of the Israeli airstrikes on Tyre that happened last night… continue

IDF accused of endangering UN peacekeepers with Israeli flag

RT | April 3, 2026

The IDF has erected an Israeli flag beside a UN peacekeeping position in southern Lebanon, a move that could draw fire on peacekeepers, the body has warned.

The incident comes amid escalating exchanges between Israeli forces and Lebanon-based Hezbollah along the border, which have increasingly drawn UN troops into the line of fire. In recent days, three Indonesian members of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed in two separate incidents and another peacekeeper was wounded by a stray bullet.

At a UN press briefing on Thursday, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said peacekeepers had demanded that the flag be removed after it was raised near a position by the village of Kfar Kila. He added that Israeli forces had expanded their incursions west of the UN-demarcated Blue Line, with tanks and clashes reported in Sector West.

The flag “undermines the perception of UNIFIL’s impartiality and risks drawing fire towards peacekeepers amid the ongoing clashes that we are seeing,” Dujarric told reporters, urging all parties to avoid any action that could further endanger the mission. … Full article

Abu Dhabi’s Kill List: Inside the Israel–UAE Mercenary Death Squads from Yemen to Serbia

By Freddie Ponton | 21st Century Wire | April 4, 2026

A Gulf monarchy hired an Israeli‑Hungarian mercenary and a team of American special forces veterans to run a black‑budget assassination program against a civilian political party in Yemen. It did this while posing in Washington and Brussels as a “stability partner” under Iranian threat and a responsible host for U.S. bases.

This article follows that kill program from a bombed party office in Aden, through a Belgrade weapons arrest and a murdered lawyer, all the way to a world where Western pundits can credibly fear being targeted by deniable squads trained by allies. If you want to understand how state power, private military contractors, and “counterterrorism” rhetoric have fused into a market for political murder, this is a story for you. … continue

Iran forces 1,500 US sailors out of key Bahrain base with sustained missile, drone strikes: Report

The Cradle | April 4, 2026

One thousand five hundred sailors were evacuated back to the US from their naval base in Bahrain after it was attacked by Iranian missiles and drones early in the war, National Public Radio (NPR) reported on 4 April.

Bahrain is the home of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, making it a central hub for projecting US naval power in West Asia.

However, the oil-rich island is located in the Persian Gulf, just over 100 miles (around 161 kilometers) from the Iranian coast, and well within range of Iranian drones and missiles.

At the time the US and Israel launched their unprovoked war on Iran on 28 February, around 8,000 US military personnel were stationed at the base on the island, known as Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.

Video circulating on social media showed Iranian drones and missiles striking the NSA base multiple times on the first day of the war. Satellite imagery from the company Planet shows at least seven buildings in and near the base that were struck in the first week of the war.

The attacks forced the US military to evacuate 1,500 sailors and their families back to the US from the NSA base, a Navy spokesman acknowledged to NPR.

In addition to the base in Bahrain, US soldiers have been evacuated from other US military bases in the region, NPR wrote.

Since then, sailors have been arriving at the US naval base in Norfolk, Virginia, with little more than the clothes they could fit in a backpack. Evacuees left cars and furniture behind as they rushed to leave. Norfolk community groups responded by collecting basic supplies like hygiene products and distributing them to the evacuated troops and their families.

“The base was asking for donations of toiletries and different things for the sailors coming back, because they were coming back with nothing,” said Derrick Johnson, commander of American Legion Post 327 in Norfolk.

In a sign of the threat to US personnel from Iranian missiles and drones, the Pentagon issued a call on 27 March for vendors who are able to ship pre-made shelters to protect troops in bases in West Asia.

The department is looking for private contractors to provide “prefabricated, transportable, hardened shelter systems designed to protect personnel from blast and fragmentation threats,” according to a new federal contract notice posted Monday. … Full article

One martyr, 5 injuries in US attack on Iraqi border crossing with Iran

Al Mayadeen | April 4, 2026

On Saturday, Major General Omar Al-Waeli, head of the Iraqi Border Ports Authority, confirmed the martyrdom of one person and injuries to five others following an attack on the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran.

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Basra reported that movement at the crossing has been completely suspended, adding that US warplanes targeted the Iranian passport hall at the border point. … continue

Iran Blasts US-Israeli Bombardment of Universities, Killing of Scientists

Sputnik – April 4, 2026

The US and Israel have attacked more than 30 Iranian universities since the start of this war, and murdered over 60 professors since June 2025, Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaee Sarraf told Sputnik.

“These professors…did not die as a result of a single attack or bombing. The US and Israel deliberately targeted them and planned their killing. This is a crime not only against international law, but a moral one,” Saraf said.

Iran’s scientific development is the “heritage of all humanity,” and “cannot be stopped” by the US and Israel’s brutal attacks, the minister stressed.

The 1979 Revolution endowed Iran with “millions” of scientists and young researchers.

The coalition can’t kill them all, Saraf noted.

US dismantling international law in its war against Iran while claiming ‘false’ victory: Legal scholar

Press TV | April 4 ,2026

The Trump administration is declaring “false victory” in its war of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran while actively dismantling international humanitarian law (IHL), says a legal scholar at Queen’s University Belfast.

In an interview with the Press TV website, Alannah Travers, a PhD student at Queen’s University Belfast School of Law, said the US President Donald Trump’s warning to “bomb Iran back to the Stone Age” reveals a dangerous disregard for legal norms.

She noted the irony that Iran was actually a cradle of innovation during the real Stone Age.

“Listening to President Trump declare a false victory (yet again) while simultaneously threatening to bomb a nation of 90 million people back to the Stone Age made me think of what legal scholars have termed the ‘warification’ of international humanitarian law,” Travers said. … continue

‘This war is Israel’s war’: World facing ‘security breakdown’, says Qalibaf

Press TV – April 4, 2026

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says the ongoing aggression is “Israel’s war,” adding that its security repercussions and resulting losses have extended beyond the region and affected the wider world.

“This war is Israel’s war, and the resulting security breakdown and losses have affected the world,” Qalibaf said in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic.

He added that Iran has prepared for this confrontation and proven its ability to defend itself.

“Iran was forced to target US bases and interests in the region to preserve its presence,” he said, warning that any further escalation against Iran “will be met with a decisive and broad response” directed at US interests.

According to Qalibaf, maintaining stability in the region serves the interests of all regional states, and Iran considers sustainable security a priority.

He added that countries in the region are capable of safeguarding their interests through bilateral and multilateral security arrangements “without foreign interference.” … continue

IRGC decries attack on US embassy in Riyadh, says executed by ‘Israel’

Al Mayadeen | April 4, 2026

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps’ (IRGC) has rejected accusations that it was responsible for an attack on the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing instead that it was a false flag operation carried out by the Israeli entity.

In Statement No. 54 of Operation True Promise 4, the IRGC’s Public Relations Department condemned the attack on the embassy, which was reported by The Wall Street Journal, stressing that, recalling the Israeli occupation’s regional strategies, “this action was certainly carried out by Zionists.”

The IRGC confirmed that the Iranian Armed Forces’ target list has been clearly identified, adding that Iran had already informed neighboring countries of the necessary warnings to “prevent further escalation.”

The IRGC also warned that West Asia “must remain vigilant against provocations from the American–Zionist current,” which aims to destabilize and destroy the region. … continue

How a fake Iranian terror group was invented to proscribe IRGC in Europe – The story of Ashab al-Yamin

By David Miller | MintPress News | April 2, 2026

A series of arson attacks and alleged incidents targeting alleged Jewish-linked sites across Europe have been attributed to a little-known group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), or Ashab al-Yamin. The group has been widely described in media and security circles as an Iran-backed network, allegedly linked to the IRGC.

Since March 9, HAYI has been credited with what some analysts describe as “hybrid warfare” style operations spanning multiple countries from Greece and Belgium to France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Among the most high-profile incidents was the burning of four ambulances in Golders Green, North London, on March 22.

The emergence of this group coincides with the escalation of the US-Israeli war against Iran. In parallel, media outlets and pro-war commentators have warned that Tehran could expand the conflict by carrying out attacks across Europe.

But a closer examination raises serious questions about its actual existence and the pro-Israel groups pushing this narrative.

Several of the incidents attributed to HAYI do not appear to have directly targeted Jewish communities. Others remain murky, with limited verified information about the perpetrators. And beyond scattered claims and online statements, there is little concrete evidence that this group as described actually exists.

In the fog of war, narratives can move faster than facts.

At the same time, governments across Europe and the UK are moving to formally designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization — a policy long pushed by pro-war, pro-Israel lobbying networks. Many of the same actors amplifying the HAYI narrative are also leading that campaign within Western media to manufacture consent for war and accelerate this political objective of proscription. While raising the possibility that unverified claims of an Iran-linked threat are being leveraged to shape public fear and justify sweeping new security measures tied to the widening war.

This investigation examines each reported attack, the sources promoting the HAYI narrative, and how claims of a coordinated campaign may be shaping public perception — fueling fears of rising antisemitism, calls for expanded security measures and proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation amid an illegal war. … continue

Iran blasts EU hypocrisy as EU invokes international law over Hormuz

Al Mayadeen | April 4, 2026

The Iranian Embassy to the United Kingdom has vehemently censured the latest remarks by the Chief of European diplomacy Kaja Kallas, sharply criticizing the double standards of Western countries regarding the unprovoked US-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic.

The diplomatic mission in a post on X wrote: “‘International law’? That’s rich. What does it say about US & Israeli regimes military aggression against sovereign states and assassinating their leaders? About the Minab school attack that killed 170 students?”

“Or attacks on civilian infrastructure, pharma factories, desalination plants?” the post added.

Taking a swipe at the EU’s top diplomat, the embassy said it is ridiculous that “international law” only seems to matter when it fits “your narrative.”

“You never hold aggressors accountable, only the victims,” the Iranian embassy added. … continue

Strike on Bushehr Nuclear Plant Destroys Attackers’ Non-Proliferation Credibility – Russian MFA

Sputnik – 04.04.2026

Russia is increasingly alarmed by reports of new strikes on Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and strongly condemns new shelling, which resulted in human casualties, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday.

“We are increasingly alarmed by reports of new missile strikes on the Bushehr NPP on April 4. We are studying the incoming information on this matter. We strongly condemn this atrocity, which has led to human casualties,” Zakharova was quoted as saying by the ministry.

Strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran that are under IAEA safeguards are an indelible stain on the reputation of those launching the missiles, Zakharova added.

Zakharova further urged to cease the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, to “prevent the worst.”

“The Russian side is taking every effort to draw the attention of the international community and the global public to the fact that the situation at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is increasingly approaching a dangerous point,” she added.

Earlier in the day, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site came under fire from the United States and Israel, and one of its employees was killed.

Restoration of Aluminum Production at EGA Plant in UAE May Take Up to 12 Months – Company

Sputnik – 04.04.2026

The restoration of aluminum production at Abu Dhabi plant of the Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) company, the largest aluminum producer in the Middle East, may take up to 12 months, EGA said.

On March 28, the government of Abu Dhabi said that six people were injured as a result of debris from an intercepted missile falling on the Kezad special economic zone. Later, EGA said that the plant in Al Taweelah was seriously damaged. The plant was fully evacuated, and facilities were put into emergency shutdown mode.

“To resume operations at the smelter, EGA must repair infrastructure damage and progressively restore each of the reduction cells. Early indications are that a complete restoration of primary aluminium production could take up to 12 months,” a statement read. … Full article

There is no military solution to Strait of Hormuz

By M. K. BHADRAKUMAR | Indian Punchline | April 4, 2026 

… Israel is spreading alarmist stories that Saudi Arabia is following the footfalls of the UAE to get the US to intervene militarily to force open the Strait of Hormuz. On the contrary, Saudis are working with like-minded countries to create underpinnings of regional stability in the fluid situation adjusting to the shift of tectonic plates. The leitmotif of the Islamabad meeting of FMs recently — Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia plus Pakistan — was actually more about regional and global stability than for arranging a meeting between JD Vance and Steve Witkoff with Iranian officials. … Read full article

One Of America’s Leading Neo-Cons Has Turned Against The Iran War And Israel

The Dissident | April 3, 2026

There are few American Neo-conservatives more influential than Robert Kagan.

In 1997, Kagan co-founded the Project for a New American Century (PNAC), the Neo-con think tank responsible for staffing the Bush administration with hawks such as Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and Paul Wolfowitz, and played a large role in the Iraq War in 2003.

In 2010, Kagan founded a new think tank, the Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI) which was instrumental in pushing for a new Cold War with Russia.

Kagan’s wife, Victoria Nuland was instrumental in the proxy war in Ukraine, playing a leading role in the maidan coup of 2014 ,as Assistant Secretary of State for the Obama administration, and again played a leading role in the proxy war in Ukraine as the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs for the Biden administration, including in blocking the peace deal in Istanbul in April of 2022 and in the bombing of the Nord Stream pipeline.

However, Kagan has begun to change his tune since Trump launched a war on Iran for Israel, sounding more like a John Mearsheimer realist than the leading champion of American regime change that he has always been.

Kagan is still an American imperialist, but the Iran war has forced him to admit that the war is actually doing more to destroy the American empire and its ability to wage a new Cold War on Russia and China, and that Israel is a strategic liability- even for the U.S. empire. … continue

NATO’s structural collapse – the outcome of deviation from reality

Global Times | April 3, 2026

When Donald Trump threatened to withdraw the US from NATO, Western capitals seemed not to show particular surprise; it was clear they had anticipated it.

But the more important question is why, at this particular moment, such a statement could be made at all.

NATO’s current crisis is the consequence of a slow, structural erosion that has been underway for decades. It is also due to its inability to keep pace with the rapidly developing multipolar world. … continue

Attack in the Bosphorus exposes NATO weaknesses and tensions among allies

By Lucas Leiroz | Strategic Culture Foundation | April 3, 2026

The recent attack on the Turkish oil tanker M/T Altura, which took place on March 26, 2026, near the Bosphorus region, makes clear a problem that many analysts still avoid acknowledging: NATO can no longer guarantee the security of even its own members. The operation, carried out by Ukraine, should not be seen as an isolated episode, but as part of a broader pattern pointing to the alliance’s practical erosion.

NATO was founded on the principle of collective defense. However, when a member state has its interests directly affected by the actions of an actor supported by the alliance itself, that principle loses coherence. The M/T Altura case highlights a contradiction that is hard to ignore: the alliance has proven unable to limit the actions of external partners against the assets of its own members.

The lack of an effective response to the incident is also striking. There are no clear signs that NATO’s internal mechanisms have been activated to hold anyone accountable or to prevent similar actions. This suggests not only institutional weakness, but also failures in coordination and strategic direction. In practice, some actors appear to operate with broad autonomy, even when their decisions directly affect the security of member states.

In this context, Ukraine’s role becomes central. Heavily funded and armed by NATO countries, Kiev has been adopting an increasingly direct and, at times, reckless posture. The fact that such an operation targeted the interests of a country like Turkey reveals a lack of alignment within the alliance. Instead of coordination, what emerges is a dynamic in which tactical decisions produce broader consequences for formal allies. … continue

Poll finds world views China better than US

Xinhua | April 4, 2026

A poll conducted by Gallup found that China surpassed the United States in global approval ratings in 2025, with a median of 36 percent approving of China’s leadership, compared with 31 percent for the United States.

Gallup’s report published Friday said China’s five-percentage-point advantage over the United States is the widest it has recorded in China’s favor in nearly 20 years.

The recent shift reflects a decline in US ratings alongside an increase for China. Median approval of US leadership fell from 39 percent in 2024 to 31 percent in 2025, returning to earlier lows, while China’s approval rose from 32 percent to 36 percent, according to the report.

The latest results are based on Gallup surveys conducted in 2025 in more than 130 countries, with around 1,000 respondents in each country. They do not account for recent U.S. foreign policy moves since the beginning of 2026, including its attack on Iran and its withdrawal from 66 international organizations.

Approval of US leadership has declined across many US allied nations, including many NATO partners, and sunk the most in Germany by 39 percentage points.

US expels Iranian Deputy UN envoy, cites ‘security concerns’: Axios

Al Mayadeen | April 3, 2026

The State Department expelled Iran’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations in December, citing “national security concerns,” Axios reported, citing a US official and a source familiar with the incident.

The move, which was not publicly disclosed at the time, was part of at least three expulsions of Iranian diplomats in New York over the past six months, as per the report.

Behind the scenes, the State Department sent a formal note in early December to the Iranian Mission to the UN in New York, instructing deputy ambassador Saadat Aghajani to leave the United States immediately.

The decision was carried out under “section 13 procedures,” an internal State Department mechanism used to facilitate discreet removals rather than publicly declaring a diplomat persona non grata.

Officials say section 13 expulsions are typically used in cases involving espionage allegations or conduct deemed contrary to US national security interests. However, no specific accusations were made against Aghajani. … Full article

Trump sons-backed company seeks to sell interceptor drones to Gulf states

MEMO | April 3, 2026

A drone manufacturing company backed by President Donald Trump’s two eldest sons is trying to sell drones to Gulf countries amid Iranian attacks, while these nations continue to rely on the US military led by their father.

Florida-based company Powerus, which announced last month that Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. had joined its team, is using its sales campaign to potentially benefit from a conflict started by their father. … Full article

The nightmare oil price nobody’s talking about

RT | April 3, 2026

When the first US and Israeli missiles hit Iran more than a month ago, an oil price of $150 per barrel was considered a doomsday prediction. But the price of physical Brent crude is already a hair’s breadth from $150, while the futures price hasn’t caught up yet.

The Brent front-month futures price – which serves as a barometer for 80% of the world’s crude oil – has sat above $100 per barrel for several weeks. Rising and falling as US President Donald Trump changes the war’s aims and end date, it closed above $109 on Thursday, already higher than at any point since the Ukraine conflict escalated in early 2022.

But to understand just how severe the current crisis is becoming, it’s important to look at the Dated Brent price. Only widely monitored during times of market disruption, this represents the actual on-the-spot price that purchasers are paying for Brent cargoes in the North Sea. On Thursday, it reached $141.37, a level unseen since the onset of the 2008 financial crisis.

This speaks to a severe supply shortage on the ground as buyers are willing to pay a huge premium to get their hands on barrels, not in the near future, but right now.

What newspapers and broadcasters typically show is the front-month Brent price: bought by traders for delivery on a specific date the following month. This is the most liquid and widely quoted benchmark. Importantly, pricing reflects future expectations, so in this case investors are betting on at least some kind of deescalation and denouement in the Persian Gulf.

The front-month is also the domain of speculators who have no intention of ever receiving any oil: instead they seek to take advantage of price shifts and exit their positions before delivery. The front-month price does of course reflect physical realities – but it’s also somewhat financialized.

The fact that actual physical Brent crude is moving at prices $32 higher than the front-month indicates that the physical supply of oil is extremely tight. Typically, the spread between the front-month contract and Dated Brent is less than $2, although in a tight market it can drift somewhat higher. What we are seeing now is highly abnormal. This higher Dated Brent price isn’t the result of hedge funds or momentum traders bidding up the price. This is what is changing hands on the ground for real barrels. […]

Based on the price difference, the Brent futures market is still relatively sanguine about the prospects for a resolution. Some analysts, however, believe the market isn’t fully reckoning with the supply shortage that is now driving spot prices through the roof. There is also the typical internet chatter about the futures market being manipulated to keep some kind of lid on oil prices. In other words, the big spread is garnering a lot of attention.

Meanwhile, there is no sign that normal traffic will resume in the Strait of Hormuz anytime soon. … Full article

Trump seeks $500bln defense boost as Iran war strains budget

Al Mayadeen | April 3, 2026

US President Donald Trump asked Congress to enact a $2.2 trillion budget for discretionary programs, seeking a massive increase in defense spending, while also renewing his push for steep cuts to domestic agencies.

The budget proposal released on Friday requests $1.5 trillion for defense, a significant increase over the $1 trillion sought for fiscal year 2026. The new figure includes $1.1 trillion in base discretionary spending for the Department of Defense and another $350 billion in mandatory spending as the US carries out its war on Iran.

To this end, Trump requested a 10% cut in non-defense discretionary spending for fiscal year 2027, alongside a $500 billion increase in defense funding, Reuters reported, citing a White House budget document.

The proposal outlines the administration’s fiscal priorities as it seeks to expand defense capabilities while scaling back funding for a range of domestic programs. Lawmakers from both parties will need to negotiate the plan, and such requests are often revised significantly during the legislative process.

The sharp increase in military spending comes as the United States remains engaged in a war on Iran that has driven up costs and placed a growing strain on financial and military resources. The war cost Washington more than $11 billion in its first six days alone, with estimates placing daily expenditures at between $1 billion and $2 billion, while munitions stockpiles have been drawn down significantly, raising concerns about sustainability and replenishment.

The scale of the war has also prompted the Pentagon to seek more than $200 billion in additional funding and pushed defense officials to accelerate weapons production, as high-end systems are being consumed faster than they can be replaced. The proposed increase also aligns with a broader military buildup that includes investments in missile systems, naval assets, and advanced fighter jets, signaling preparations that extend beyond immediate battlefield needs.

Against this backdrop, the proposed budget reflects a broader reallocation of resources toward sustaining prolonged military operations, while partially offsetting rising military expenditures through cuts to domestic spending. The shift also comes as rising war-related expenditures add to fiscal pressures, with analysts warning that sustained military operations could further strain US public finances and contribute to broader economic uncertainty.

The budget blueprint comes ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, with Republicans aiming to preserve their narrow control of both chambers of Congress. The proposal is also likely to face scrutiny in Congress, where some lawmakers have already raised concerns over the scale of war-related spending and its long-term fiscal impact. … Full article

US-Israeli aggression hits Shahid Beheshti University research center

Al Mayadeen | April 3, 2026

US-Israeli strikes targeted a research facility at Shahid Beheshti University in northern Tehran, Iranian authorities reported on Friday, as attacks on the country’s scientific and civilian infrastructure continue to escalate.

The Iranian Red Crescent said the assault struck the university’s Laser and Plasma Research Institute, while Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported additional strikes near Mehrabad Airport in the capital.

The aggression follows a series of attacks on research and medical facilities, including a strike yesterday on the Pasteur Institute of Iran, a major public health center that sustained significant damage, according to Iranian officials. […]

In a statement, Shahid Beheshti University said one of its educational and research centers was severely damaged, describing the strike as an attack not only on academic safety but also on “reason, research, and freedom of thought.” … Full article

Austria denies US military access to its airspace for Iran operations

The Cradle – April 3, 2026

Austria has rejected multiple US requests to use its airspace for military operations against Iran, citing neutrality laws, Austrian Defense Ministry spokesperson Colonel Michael Bauer announced on 2 April.

“There have indeed been requests, and they were refused from the outset,” Bauer said in a statement reported by public broadcaster ORF, adding that “every time a similar request involves a country at war, it is refused.”

A Defense Ministry spokesperson confirmed there had been “several” requests from Washington but did not specify the number, noting that each case is assessed under Austria’s legal obligation to avoid involvement in active wars.

The ministry added that Austria is not enforcing a blanket ban but is reviewing overflight requests individually in coordination with the Foreign Ministry.

Still, officials emphasized that neutrality remains the main guiding principle behind each decision.

Opposition figures in Austria have called for an even stricter stance, with Sven Hergovich saying Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner “should not approve a single further US military flight to the Gulf,” warning the war is harming “Austrian economic interests, Europe as a whole, and world peace.”

US President Donald Trump criticized European allies as “very unhelpful” and said Washington would “remember” their refusal to support military efforts to take control of the Strait of Hormuz from Iran.

The move places Austria among a growing group of states restricting US military access as Washington and Tel Aviv continue their assault on Iran, favoring either diplomacy over military operations to end the fighting. … Full article

Brazilian Congressman seeks to bar Israeli military personnel from entering Brazil

By Eman Abusidu | MEMO | April 3, 2026

A Bahia state lawmaker has formally urged President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to bar Israeli military personnel from entering Brazil, following a series of controversial incidents involving Israeli tourists in Bahia. The measure argues that individuals who took part in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon could be held accountable for acts described in the document as genocide.

The proposal, submitted by state representative Hilton Coelho of the Socialism and Liberty Party (Psol), calls on the federal government to adopt measures preventing individuals linked to alleged human rights violations from using Brazil as a tourist destination or refuge. The document characterises such acts as potential genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Coelho grounds the request in Brazil’s Federal Constitution, which prioritises human rights, peace, and the rejection of violence in international relations, as well as the Migration Law (No. 13.445/2017), which permits authorities to deny entry to foreigners suspected of serious violations.

The proposal outlines operational measures, including monitoring arrivals through the Federal Police to identify individuals who participated in military operations, immediate denial of entry where applicable, and international coordination to restrict cross-border movement of those under suspicion.

The initiative comes amid increasing controversy in Bahia, particularly in coastal destinations such as Itacaré and Morro de São Paulo, which have become popular among Israeli tourists, many of whom travel after completing mandatory military service. Local businesses have adapted to this demand, offering Hebrew-language services and tailored hospitality, making the segment economically relevant.

However, tensions have escalated. … continue

Young Man Shot In Beit Anan; Army Invades Several Towns

IMEMC | April 3, 2026

A Palestinian young man was injured on Thursday evening after Israeli forces invaded the town of Beit Anan, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, and opened fire at residents.

The Jerusalem Governorate reported that the army stormed the town and fired live rounds, striking a young man in the hand. Medical sources described his injury as mild.

In a related development, the governorate said Israeli forces also invaded Dahiat as‑Salam and the town of Anata, east of Jerusalem, where soldiers carried out extensive searches targeting commercial shops and civilian facilities.

Troops issued tax fines to several shop owners in Dahiat as‑Salam and stormed the Abu Khalil fuel station in Anata while firing large quantities of concussion grenades and toxic gas in the area. No injuries were reported.

Later in the evening, Israeli forces invaded the village of Faqou’a, east of Jenin in the northern West Bank, where they broke into several homes, searched them, and seized rooftops, turning some houses into military posts. … Full article

Woman Killed, Child Injured; Young Man Dies of Wounds in Gaza

IMEMC | April 3, 2026

A Palestinian woman was killed, a child was wounded, and a young man succumbed to critical wounds on Thursday as Israeli forces intensified gunfire and artillery attacks across multiple areas of the devastated Gaza Strip, marking yet another escalation that has deepened civilian suffering under ongoing military assaults.

Medical sources confirmed that Rawan Fayyad was shot and killed by Israeli forces outside the army’s deployment zone east of al‑Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.

They added that a 12‑year‑old child was wounded by Israeli gunfire in the al‑Atatra area of Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza, before being transferred to al‑Shifa Hospital, where his condition was described as moderate.

In Khan Younis, a Palestinian man died from wounds he sustained earlier after being shot by Israeli forces in the eastern part of the city. … Full article

Forced to backtrack: ‘Israel’ drops Hezbollah disarmament goal

Al Mayadeen | April 3, 2026

The Israeli occupation army has acknowledged that disarming Hezbollah is not among the objectives of the current war, marking a significant reversal from positions held just two weeks prior, and a tacit admission of the limits of its military options in Lebanon.

“Israel’s” Channel 12 first reported the shift, with Israel Hayom military correspondent Lilach Shoval confirming that dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons is “not on the agenda.”

Yedioth Ahronoth described it as a formal change in the army’s direction, especially as the reversal came only two weeks after the army had publicly insisted it would pursue the full dismantling of Hezbollah’s arsenal.

The army now defines its primary objectives against Hezbollah as significantly weakening the group, establishing “a deep defensive line”, and demolishing dozens of homes along the frontline villages, mirroring the “yellow line” model applied in Gaza.

On disarmament, Israeli army officials admitted that “we must be modest on this issue.” … continue

Official reveals evidence of Arab states’ involvement in US-Israeli war on Iran

Press TV – April 3, 2026

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has revealed hard evidence on the involvement of some Persian Gulf Arab states in the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic. … continue

His Majesty’s head-chopper: Syria’s MI6-backed president bows to King Charles

By Kit Klarenberg | The Grayzone | April 3, 2026

When Syria’s “interim” leader Ahmed al-Sharaa touched down in London on March 31, he was given a much warmer welcome than many once thought possible. As the longtime leader of Syria’s Al-Qaeda branch, the US had been offering a $10 million bounty for information on his location just 15 months prior. Yet here was Al-Sharaa, proudly posing for photo ops with King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

British intelligence had been working towards this day for almost two decades. The path for al-Sharaa’s rule was cleared by MI6 after years of mentoring under Jonathan Powell, who now serves as National Security Advisor to Starmer. The time had come for Britain to formally anoint its Syrian puppet.

The ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz’s closure, were reportedly at the top of Starmer and al-Sharaa’s agenda. The British premier praised his counterpart’s supposed success in battling ISIS, while al-Sharaa thanked London for its assistance in pushing for sanctions on Syria’s ruined economy to be lifted. The pair have enjoyed warm relations since al-Sharaa’s seizure of power in December 2024, which Starmer publicly celebrated as a golden opportunity for London to “play a more present and consistent role throughout the region.”

Ever since, the British have systematically steered Damascus’ self-appointed government towards recognition and welcome by Western states. In May 2025, as al-Sharaa’s death squads massacred Alawites and other ethnic and religious minorities, US President Donald Trump received his Syrian counterpart in the oval office, where he gifted him a bottle of Trump-branded cologne. The BBC acknowledged this development would have been “unthinkable just months ago.”

Al-Sharaa took the next steps in January 2026, when he signed an unpopular US-brokered accord with Israel, which former Syrian President Bashar Assad had steadfastly refused to endorse for decades.

The impacts of the deal were immediately visible. As Al-Sharaa’s forces swept through Kurdish territory in north east Syria, the Kurds’ erstwhile Israeli backers refused to intervene, and US envoy Tom Barrack publicly declared that the American partnership with the Kurds had “expired.” … continue

Britain’s Lebanon surveillance network: A digital map for war

By Kit Klarenberg | The Cradle | April 3, 2026

On 7 March, the British government contractor Siren Associates unveiled Monitor Lebanon, a “real-time situational awareness platform” framed as a public safety tool “designed to help individuals and organizations understand and navigate Lebanon’s rapidly evolving security environment.”

The tool sifts vast swaths of “open-source information” from “news agencies, verified social media accounts, Telegram channels, conflict monitoring initiatives, and traffic data systems.”

Presented as a lifeline for journalists, humanitarian workers, businesses, and civilians during Israel’s ongoing war on Lebanon, the platform carries a far more operational intelligence function. Behind the humanitarian branding lies a sophisticated surveillance infrastructure embedded deep within the Lebanese state. … continue

Bahrain faces scrutiny for opposition crackdown after detainee killed

Al Mayadeen | April 3, 2026

A Bahraini man detained during last month’s missile strikes on the kingdom has died in custody under contested circumstances, sparking renewed scrutiny of the country’s security practices amid wartime tensions.

Mohammad al-Mousawi, a Bahraini national who was detained as Bahrain came under attack from Iran, disappeared for several days before his family was contacted and asked to retrieve his body from a military hospital, relatives said. They reported that his body bore multiple injuries, including slash marks, bruising, and wounds on the soles of his feet.

His death has quickly become a flashpoint in the country, with critics accusing authorities of reverting to tactics used to suppress protests during the 2011 uprising.

Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has detained dozens of individuals since the outbreak of the war, including people accused of:

  • filming strikes and demonstrations,
  • expressing support for Iran against US-Israeli aggression
  • alleged espionage.

Continue

Greek shipping firms secretly transporting oil, weapons to Israel

The Cradle – April 3, 2026

Greek shipping companies have secretly transported oil, coal, and military cargo to Israel using deceptive maritime tactics, according to a report by the No Harbour for Genocide campaign reviewed exclusively by Middle East Eye (MEE) and published on 2 April.

The investigation found that at least 57 covert crude oil shipments reached Israeli ports between May 2024 and December 2025, during Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

These deliveries, totaling roughly 47 million barrels, were routed via Turkiye with vessels disabling tracking systems and listing false destinations to bypass Ankara’s embargo.

Ships departing from the Turkish port of Ceyhan often reported destinations such as Port Said or Damietta in Egypt, before switching off their automatic identification systems, going dark in the Mediterranean, and later reappearing after docking in Israel, primarily in Ashkelon.

Satellite imagery reviewed by MEE confirmed their presence during these blackout periods. … continue

UN vote on Hormuz force delayed as Iran issues warning

Al Mayadeen | April 3, 2026

The United Nations Security Council on Friday postponed a vote on a draft resolution authorizing force in the Strait of Hormuz, as divisions deepen among major powers amid the ongoing war on Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned ahead of the session that any move within the Council could escalate tensions further. “Any provocative action by the aggressors and their supporters, including in the UN Security Council regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, will only complicate the situation,” he said.

The vote, initially scheduled for today, concerned a Bahrain-led proposal that would allow the use of “defensive” force to protect commercial shipping in the strategic waterway. The measure is backed by the United States and several Gulf states, which have been heavily impacted by the disruption of maritime traffic.

However, the session was delayed with no new date announced. Russia, China, and France have raised objections to earlier drafts, particularly over language that could authorize military action, warning that such steps risk widening the war. … continue

Hegseth’s Pentagon Purge Designed to Prevent a Mutiny: Karen Kwiatkowski

Sputnik – 03.04.2026

The secretary of war’s dismissal of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and two other top generals signals intensifying rot in the Department amid the Iran war, former senior DoD insider-turned whistleblower Karen Kwiatkowski says.

General George represented “experience in Army battlefield operations,” while general David Hodne and major general William Greene Jr had “their pulse on the readiness, and more importantly the attitudes and thinking,” of younger soldiers, Kwiatkowski told Sputnik.

They see the Iran conflict as an “illegal and unneeded war,” driven by politics, ego and a foreign power (Israel), and understand “the real damage inflicted on US forces and installations” in the Middle East over the past month, the retired Air Force Lt. Col. added. … continue

Hegseth fired top general for warning Iran ground war would be logistical nightmare: Analyst

Press TV – April 3, 2026

The sudden dismissal of the top US Army general may not be about personnel promotions as reports suggest, but a signal that Secretary of War Peter Hegseth is pushing for a ground invasion of Iran, according to a US-based geopolitical analyst.

Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, a geopolitical analyst, in a post on X, said General Randy George, the US Army’s Chief of Staff, was unceremoniously removed because he opposed Hegseth’s aggressive posture toward Tehran, raising concerns that the administration is preparing for a land war that many military minds believe would be disastrous.

According to Ben-Ephraim, George, a seasoned infantry officer who was involved in the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, had raised serious concerns about the high costs and logistical nightmares of a ground war in Iran’s difficult geography.

The top American general reportedly argued that a ground invasion of Iran would be “too costly to launch and too destabilizing to sustain.”

The friction between George and Hegseth reportedly escalated as thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division began arriving in West Asia.

Unlike Marines, these soldiers fall under direct Army control. While the Trump administration has publicly avoided confirming plans for a ground war, the deployment of these elite units is widely seen as clear preparation for one – a move George reportedly resisted as premature or strategically unsound.

Ben-Ephraim noted that Hegseth has publicly criticized senior military leadership for being “overly concerned with the legalities of warfare” and has sought to install officers more aligned with what he calls a “lethal mindset” for immediate combat. … Full article

US launches search efforts for two pilots after Iran downs F-15

The Cradle – April 3, 2026

Search and rescue efforts were launched on 3 April to find the two crew members of a US F-15 fighter jet, which was downed over Iran the night before, Axios confirmed – after the US army initially denied the news.

“A search and rescue effort is underway to locate two crew,” a source told the US outlet on Friday.

Iranian media outlets had released footage on Thursday night showing an F-15 being struck down, reporting that the jet was hit by defenses over the Persian Gulf island of Qeshm. CENTCOM released a statement denying it.

Axios’s confirmation on 3 April came after footage circulating on social media allegedly showed US helicopters and planes flying low over Iran in search of the two pilots.

Iranian media released pictures of what appeared to be a destroyed F-15 jet.

“Following the destruction of the advanced American fighter jet by the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] IRGC, the pilot ejected and landed inside the country. There are indications the Americans, believing the pilot might be alive, attempted to extract him from Iran’s borders. However, some sources say the pilot has likely been captured by Iranian forces,” a correspondent for Iran’s Tasnim News Agency said. … Full article

IRGC: US, Israel responsible for attack on Kuwait’s power, desalination plant

Press TV – April 3, 2026

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has said that Israel carried out an earlier attack on Kuwait’s power and desalination plant, warning regional countries to stay vigilant.

On Friday, Kuwait said that an electricity generation and water desalination plant came under attack. The country’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy accused Iran of attacking the facilities.

In its statement, the IRGC’s Public Relations Office condemned the attack as an “inhumane act,” carried out by the aggressors.

It said that the “unconventional and illegitimate attack” by the US-Israeli aggressors on Kuwait’s energy and civilian infrastructures is a sign of their “depravity and baseness.” […]

The strike on Kuwait’s power and desalination plant, which it did not name, came hours after the country’s al-Ahmadi oil refinery was targeted.

Local media reported that the attack caused fires in a “number of operational units,” and that no employees were injured.

According to reports, this was the third time the refinery has been hit, and people across the country are on “high alert.”

Tehran has long warned of US- and Israeli false flag operations to draw regional states into the war. – Full article

Trump and the debris of Iran war

By M. K. BHADRAKUMAR | Indian Punchline | April 3, 2026

The only clue the US President Donald Trump has given in his prime time televised speech on Wednesday at the White House regarding the ending of his war in Iran is that the core “objectives are nearing completion” and that he is “very close” to finishing the war.

The big question is whether Trump is any longer in command of the situation. For all practical purposes, the war seems set to cascade as the US is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran and threatens to destroy “bridges next, then electric power plants”.

Revealing himself primarily as YHWH (Yahweh) in the Old Testament — the personal, holy, and covenant-making Creator who demands exclusive worship from Israel — Trump thundered, “Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them [Iranians] back to the Stone Ages, where they belong” .

Yet, Iran is in no mood to surrender. Tehran has lost respect for Trump and instead sees him as a master craftsman of the art of deception. The Iranian statements underscore that the US intelligence lacks even the foggiest idea of its capabilities to retaliate.

Perhaps, the most vicious no-holds-barred phase of the war is about to begin, with a dynamics of its own — in particular, taking into account the Israel factor, which is a revisionist power seeking to alter the established international order, rules, territorial boundaries or distribution of power in the West Asian region to better serve the establishment of a Zionist state of Greater Israel. … continue

IRGC hits US tech giant Oracle’s data center, computing site in UAE over new assassinations

Press TV – April 2, 2026

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that it struck a data center and computing infrastructure belonging to the US tech giant Oracle, based in the United Arab Emirates, in response to the latest assassinations in Iran.

In a statement released by the IRGC public relations wing, it said the attack was a direct retaliation for what the enemy’s “terrorist operations” targeting Iranian individuals.

“Just as we had warned, in response to the assassination of Iranian individuals, we will target intelligence, information technology, and artificial intelligence spy companies that are pillars of the enemy’s terrorist operations,” the statement read. … continue

Conscription officer killed in western Ukraine

RT | April 2, 2026

A Ukrainian conscription officer was fatally stabbed in Lviv on Thursday, the national police force has reported.

The western city is widely regarded as a bastion of Ukrainian nationalism and has historically been a stronghold for the country’s most radical parties where support for the country’s war with Russia is thought to be highest. … Full article

Two Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire in Gaza

Palestinian Information Center – April 2, 2026

GAZA – Two Palestinian citizens were martyred and others were injured in fresh Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, according to media sources on Thursday.

A Palestinian young woman was reportedly martyred last night after being shot and injured by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in central Gaza.

Local sources identified the woman as 19-year-old Rawan Fayyad, saying she was fatally shot by Israeli gunfire east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza.

Another citizen with special needs was pronounced dead on Thursday after Israeli forces opened fire at him, critically wounding him in Khan Yunis, south of Gaza.

Media sources also reported that three displaced people, including a child, were injured by Israeli gunfire in Gaza.

Meanwhile, media sources reported on Thursday morning that the IOF opened fire east of al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza and east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

Israeli tanks also shelled the northern parts of Rafah in the south, and opened machinegun fire towards tents sheltering displaced families in the al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza.

The eastern areas of Gaza City, particularly al-Zeitoun neighborhood, witnessed continuous artillery shelling, along with heavy gunfire east of al-Bureij refugee camp and Juhor al-Deek.

‘Despicable’ war crime: Iran slams US attack on crowded sports hall with new ballistic missile

Press TV – April 2, 2026

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says the United States committed a “despicable” war crime by conducting a strike on a crowded sports stadium using a short-range ballistic missile called the Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, on the very first day that the US and Israel started an unprovoked war against the Islamic Republic.

In a post on X on Friday, Emaeil Baghaei said 21 young boys and girls were killed when the American new PrSM missile, which made its combat debut on February 28, struck the sports hall filled with innocent teenagers in the city of Lamerd in the southern province of Fars.

“The missile explodes above its target, dispersing thousands of lethal fragments (tungsten pellets) to maximize human casualties. This is a despicable war crime,” he added. … Full article

US begins emergency evacuation of 60,000 Americans from Egypt

MEMO | April 2, 2026

The United States has begun an emergency evacuation of around 60,000 American citizens from Egypt, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

In a report published on Tuesday, the paper said that about 60,000 US nationals are currently in Egypt and have been advised to leave immediately. It added that Washington has arranged special charter flights for those wishing to depart.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Americans were urged to “leave immediately”, although it did not specify how many have responded to the call. The report also referred to wider evacuation operations in the Middle East in recent months, including the evacuation of more than 36,000 to 40,000 US citizens from countries in the region.

The paper added that the US State Department has recently included Egypt on a list of 13 Arab countries — including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq — where Americans have been advised to leave immediately due to potential risks.

UAE rejects report claiming it is ready to join war on Iran to reopen Hormuz

MEMO | April 2, 2026

The United Arab Emirates has rejected reports suggesting that it is willing to join the war against Iran in order to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying such claims are misleading and do not reflect its actual position.

In a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi said: “Recent reporting suggesting a shift in the UAE’s posture is misleading.” The ministry stressed that the UAE maintains a defensive posture focused on protecting its sovereignty, population and infrastructure, while reserving the right to self-defence against what it described as “ongoing unlawful and unprovoked attacks.”

The statement came in response to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which claimed that the UAE “is willing to join the fight” to reopen the strategic waterway by force. … continue

A New Resistance Front: How Does Syria Factor into the Regional War?

By Robert Inlakesh | The Palestine Chronicle | April 2, 2026

A new Syrian resistance group has emerged and is the only organization in the country currently carrying out offensive actions against both Israeli and US targets. This development comes as Israel uses the newly occupied territories in its ground assault on Lebanon, a move that could easily rope Tel Aviv into a new quagmire.

While a US allied leader now technically controls Damascus, the reality on the ground in Syria is that there is no functional State. This being the case, the outbreak of chaos is simply one miscalculation away. … continue

Three PMF fighters martyred in US-Israeli attack on Tal Afar

Al Mayadeen | April 2, 2026

Three Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) fighters were martyred in a US-Israeli airstrike targeting Brigade 53 of the Nineveh Operations Sector in Tal Afar district, west of Nineveh province, the PMF announced.

The attack unfolded in two waves. The first bombing hit Brigade 53’s headquarters on Wednesday night, killing one fighter and wounding several others. A second followed in the early hours of Thursday, at 5:20 am, targeting the same location.

Earlier in the week, the PMF announced that its positions had come under a “treacherous aerial assault” involving multiple simultaneous attacks across two separate operational sectors. … Full article

US Embassy in Baghdad Urges US Citizens to Leave Iraq Immediately

Sputnik – 02.04.2026

The US Embassy in Baghdad called on US citizens in Iraq on Thursday to leave the country immediately due to threats by pro-Iranian groups to attack central Baghdad, where foreign diplomatic missions are located, according to a statement from the diplomatic mission. […]

It warned that pro-Iranian groups might attack US citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic missions, energy facilities, hotels, and airports believed to be associated with the US, as well as Iraqi institutions and civilian targets. … Full article

Iran downs 2 more MQ-9 Reaper drones over Shiraz

Al Mayadeen | April 2, 2026

Iranian air defense systems have downed two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) belonging to the United States and “Israel” in the southern city of Shiraz, Iran’s military announced on Thursday.

In a statement, the Public Relations Department of the Iranian Army said the drones were identified as MQ-9 models and were intercepted successfully over the area.

The announcement brings the total number of drones shot down by Iranian air defenses to 154 since the start of the ongoing US-Israeli aggression on Iran.

The United States has lost 16 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the beginning of the war on Iran, including two that were shot down near Isfahan earlier this week, a CBS News report claimed. The losses highlight the mounting cost of Washington’s reliance on drone-based operations in the ongoing war.

The reported losses represent a significant financial setback, with each MQ-9 Reaper estimated to cost around $30 million. This brings the total value of the destroyed drones to nearly $500 million. The MQ-9A Reaper is widely used by the US military for both surveillance and precision strike missions. … Full article

Israel-aligned officials supply Trump false intel on scope of Resistance Axis attacks

The Cradle | April 2, 2026

Sources informed The Cradle on 1 April that an “Israeli-aligned current” within the White House, led by Jared Kushner, has been supplying US President Donald Trump with “manipulated information” that downplays Iran’s missile attack frequency and minimizes the casualties caused by Iraqi and Lebanese resistance strikes.

Furthermore, leaked information from the US National Security Council (NSC) indicates that, over the past 72 hours, senior officials, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth and State Secretary Marco Rubio, have been steering Trump toward a “broader escalation plan” ahead of his April 1 speech.

The misinformation operation allegedly also involves manipulated casualty numbers from Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and recent comments made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Hebrew media.

The sources indicated that as this escalation approaches, anti-war officials in the US, along with European and regional governments, have expressed fears that Iran may escalate to a “devastating battle scenario,” based on the course of the 33-day war.

“This would involve destroying Saudi oil production infrastructure and Israel’s electricity infrastructure, followed by destabilizing and closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and ultimately withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty,” the sources said. … Full article

Pentagon officials ‘cover up’ mounting casualties of troops in West Asia: Report

The Cradle | April 2, 2026

Nearly 750 US soldiers have been injured or killed since October 2023, The Intercept revealed in a new investigation released on 1 April – citing a defense official as saying that Washington is engaged in a “casualty coverup.”

At least 15 soldiers were injured last week in an Iranian attack on an air base in Saudi Arabia, two officials confirmed to the outlet, adding that “Hundreds of US personnel have been killed or injured in the region since the US launched a war on Iran just over a month ago.”

The report adds that CENTCOM’s updates have been outdated. … Full article

Gulf states weigh pipeline expansion plans, hoping to bypass Hormuz

Al Mayadeen | April 2, 2026

Gulf Arab states are increasingly reconsidering long-discussed pipeline projects aimed at bypassing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as the war on Iran raises concerns among them over how Iran showed its capability to gain control over the waterway.

Officials and energy industry executives say the prospect of prolonged Iranian control over the strait has revived interest in alternative overland export routes, despite the high financial, political, and logistical barriers such projects entail. … continue

Panic buying drains French gas stations

RT | April 2, 2026

Fuel shortages have spread across France after drivers rushed to fill their tanks following the introduction of price caps, straining supplies at hundreds of stations, according to the Energy Ministry and media reports.

Around 900 stations have run out of at least one type of fuel, including around 700 operated by energy major TotalEnergies, the Energy Ministry said on Wednesday, blaming logistical issues rather than a national supply shortage.

Other estimates suggest that up to 1,600 sites may have experienced temporary shortages amid surging fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Diesel prices in France reached record highs of around €2.25 ($2.45) per liter. … Full article

Iran’s security council approves 6 Bangladeshi fuel ships to pass Strait of Hormuz

MEMO | April 1, 2026

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has approved the passing of six Bangladeshi fuel ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid a serious fuel crisis in the South Asian country during the US–Israel war against Iran, the Iranian envoy in Dhaka said on Wednesday, Anadolu reports.

Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi said at a news conference in the capital of Dhaka that there is no problem in the movement of Bangladeshi fuel ships through this route.

The approval came in response to Bangladesh’s request that Iran allow oil ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Later, the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka asked the government to provide advance information on its fuel-carrying vessels. … Full article

Iran sets up ‘tollbooth’ system in Strait of Hormuz

The Cradle | April 2, 2026

Iran has formally started enforcing a controlled transit system in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring ships to undergo vetting and pay fees for safe passage, according to a report by Bloomberg on 1 April.

The report describes a system managed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), where vessels must submit their detailed information, including ownership, cargo, and crew, to an intermediary for review. … continue

Wave 90: IRGC strikes US-linked industrial sites in Gulf

Al Mayadeen | April 2, 2026

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) carried out a large-scale missile and drone operation targeting US-linked industrial and military sites across the Gulf, as part of the 90th wave of Operation True Promise 4.

The operation was launched by the IRGC Aerospace Force and the IRGC Navy in response to US aggression targeting Iran’s steel industry, which killed and injured multiple workers.

“We dedicate this operation to the families of the oppressed martyred workers and warn the delusional American president to refrain from repeating threats that could escalate the war beyond the region and make the world unsafe for America,” the IRGC underlined.

According to the statement, the operation targeted US steel and aluminum industries based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, as well as facilities in Bahrain.

The strikes also hit remaining operational sections of US aluminum facilities that had not been damaged in previous attacks, in addition to sites linked to the Israeli military industries company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and a hideout of US forces near the Bahraini capital, Manama.

The statement confirmed that key sections of these sites were destroyed. … continue

Iran Says US-Israeli Claims of Its Military Strength Are Wrong

Sputnik – 02.04.2026

TEHRAN – The US and Israeli assessment of Iran’s military capabilities is inaccurate, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Khatam Al-Anbiya central headquarters of the Iranian military command, said on Thursday amid claims by US President Donald Trump that Iran no longer posed a threat.

“Your information about Iran’s capabilities and military might, as well as our weapons, is incorrect. You do not know anything about our huge strategic potential,” Zolfaghari was quoted as saying by the Iranian state-run broadcaster IRIB.

The facilities destroyed during the attacks by the US and Israel were “nothing,” and the strategic facilities of the defense industry are located in places unknown to Washington, which “it cannot reach,” the spokesman added.

Zolfaghari also warned that the US and Israel should prepare for more powerful and large-scale strikes than before.

Chinese FM responds to Trump’s claims of “take the oil” in the Strait

Global Times | April 2, 2026

The root cause of the obstruction to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is the illegal military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Only by ceasing fire and stopping the war, and realizing peace and stability in the Gulf region, can the safety and unimpeded flow of international waterways be fundamentally safeguarded, Chinese Foreign spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday, in response to media inquiry over US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that some countries should directly go to the Strait of Hormuz to “take the oil.”

All parties should jointly make efforts to promote the de-escalation of the situation and prevent regional turbulence from causing even greater impact on the global economy and energy security, Mao said.

Trump’s April Fools’ Address to the nation

By Kelley Beaucar Vlahos | Responsible Statecraft | April 1, 2026

Washington was literally sizzling Wednesday with expectations ahead of President Donald Trump’s evening address on Iran. Would he announce a ceasefire? Would he just declare the war over, wash his hands of the mess, and leave the Strait of Hormuz to the Persian Gulf and Europe? What about a full land invasion?

Turns out he did none of that — except maybe the part about the Strait, but we’ll get to that in a second. … continue

Donald Trump’s Addled Speech on Iran

By Larry C. Johnson – SONAR – April 1, 2026

… [Trump] provided a Reader’s Digest summary of his recent Truth Social posts… i.e., Iran is defeated, the Iranian Navy and Air Force are destroyed, victory is ours, but we’re going to bomb the hell out of them over the next three weeks.

I am pretty sure that some on Wall Street will continue to delude themselves with the belief that this war is nearing an end and, once Trump declares the final victory in three weeks that he will order US troops to come home and the war will be over. Not a chance. During the next three weeks, Iran will continue to degrade and demolish the US bases and equipment that is in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. As long as Qatar does not allow combat aircraft to take off from Al Udeid, Iran will ignore it.

Prior to his speech, the market for oil futures had dropped significantly, with both WTI and BRENT falling below 100. After his speech, both surged back above 100, increasing 3.5% and 4.4% respectively. Trump’s speech failed to reassure the oil markets that the war would end anytime soon.

Trump did not back down from his previous threat to attack Iran’s power grid. If he does that, along with Israel, Iran will turn off the lights in Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait. Iran’s ability to do this is a direct consequence of the depletion of the US air defense systems — i.e., the Patriot missile batteries and the THAAD. Iran also will retain its choke hold on the Strait of Hormuz — even if the US decides to put troops on Kharg Island or some other piece of Iranian territory.

Although the Saudis and the Emiraties are threatening to join the US and Israel by declaring war on Iran, both countries will face devastating economic pressures in the coming weeks… Especially the UAE. Dubai, once a glittering city filled with wealthy ex-pats and hookers, has become a ghost town. Its economy is frozen and shows no signs of thawing anytime soon. … Full article

Iran dismisses US demands delivered through third parties as illogical

Al Mayadeen | April 2, 2026

Iran has received messages through intermediaries, which are currently under careful review, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed on Thursday. He stressed that the country remains fully prepared to respond to any form of aggression, including potential ground attacks.

Baghaei described US demands as “illogical and impossible to meet,” highlighting Tehran’s stance that negotiations cannot be dictated under pressure. … Full article

Iran to escalate missile strikes, Axis to up operations

Al Mayadeen | April 2, 2026

An Iranian political-security official speaking to Al Mayadeen has confirmed that Iran will gradually increase its missile launches in the coming period. The official also emphasized that this escalation will be matched by a significant increase in operations by the resistance axis, targeting enemy interests across the region.

The official further clarified that Iran’s strategic plan will leave no opportunity for the enemy, specifically focusing on the destruction of radar and defense infrastructures. This effort aims to undermine the enemy’s military capabilities and further strengthen Iran’s defense posture.

Highlighting Iran’s military strength, the official assured that the targeting of the enemy’s diverse military infrastructures will continue without interruption until deterrence is achieved. Iran’s missile arsenal, which he stressed was vast and advanced, will likely surprise adversaries, especially with the experience gained during the recent 12-day aggression.

In addition, the official pointed out that Iran possesses the necessary capabilities to defend itself and launch sustained strikes against its enemies for a prolonged period. … Full article

Israeli forces target Syrian TV crew, journalists in Quneitra countryside

MEMO | April 1, 2026

Israeli forces targeted a Syrian television crew and several journalists in the countryside of Quneitra on Wednesday while they were covering the falling of an Iranian drone, Syria’s Al-Ikhbariyah TV reported.

The journalists were reporting on the drone after it was brought down by Israeli air defenses when they came under direct fire, the outlet said.

No injuries were reported among the journalists, the channel said. … Full article

Settlers perform prayers in Old City of Jerusaleemlem amid restrictions on Muslims

Palestinian Information Center – April 1, 2026

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM – A horde of extremist Jewish settlers performed Talmudic prayers in the Bab al-Sahira area of the Old City of Occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday evening to mark the “Jewish Passover,” amid ongoing restrictions on Muslim worshipers.

The Jerusalem Governorate said that a number of settlers performed prayers in the area after Jewish temple groups incited their followers to attempt conducting rituals, including animal sacrifices, as close as possible to the Aqsa Mosque.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation police have continued to block Muslim worshipers from entering the Aqsa Mosque for the 33rd consecutive day, citing security claims to justify its closure of the holy site.

Since the outbreak of the Zio-American aggression against Iran on February 28, the Israeli police have closed the Aqsa Mosque, banning prayers throughout most of the holy month of Ramadan, as well as the Eid al‑Fitr prayer.

This closure of the holy site persists amid a heavy deployment of Israeli forces and police checkpoints throughout the Old City, which remains accessible only to Palestinian residents of its neighborhoods.

3 Palestinians injured in Israeli ceasefire violation, including child

Palestinian Information Center – April 2, 2026

GAZA – Three Palestinian civilians, including a child, were injured on Wednesday evening by Israeli army fire in the Gaza Strip, amid ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement. The incidents coincided with artillery shelling and demolition operations targeting various areas across the enclave.

Local sources reported that a child sustained serious injuries after being hit by machine-gun fire and artillery shelling in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip.

Two other civilians were also wounded by Israeli gunfire, one near Ali Mosque in the Zeitoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City, and another east of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Several areas east of Khan Yunis, as well as eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City, particularly Zeitoun, and eastern Jabalia in the north, came under continuous artillery fire, accompanied by heavy gunfire.

Israeli forces also carried out large-scale demolitions of residential homes east of Khan Yunis, marking a continued escalation on the ground despite the ongoing ceasefire. … Full article

Lebanon accuses Kiev of sheltering suspected Mossad agent

RT | April 1, 2026

Lebanon has asked the Ukrainian Embassy in Beirut to hand over a suspected Israeli Mossad agent, according to Lebanese security chief Hassan Choukeir, who alleged that the suspect was involved in bombing and assassination plots.

According to AFP, a Syrian-Palestinian national who also holds a Ukrainian passport was detained by the Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah in September 2025 after parking a motorbike rigged with explosives on a road leading to Beirut airport through the city’s southern suburbs.

The man escaped in early March, when the Israeli military was striking Hezbollah targets, and fled to the Ukrainian Embassy, AFP said. Ukrainian diplomats have reportedly asked Lebanese authorities to allow the man, who “had lost his passport,” to leave the country.

“After checking his name and photograph, we became aware that he is wanted by the Lebanese judiciary,” Choukeir told AFP. The embassy did not respond to the French media outlet’s request for comment.

Ukraine is among a number of European countries which support the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Vladimir Zelensky has offered to help the US and Gulf states hosting American bases intercept Iranian drones and secure the Strait of Hormuz. … Full article

Israeli attacks kill 50 more people in Lebanon in past 24 hours: Health Ministry

Palestinian Information Center – April 2, 2026

BEIRUT – Lebanon’s Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that the number of victims from the ongoing Israeli assault on Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 1,318 killed and 3,935 injured, amid escalating military operations and a widening scope of confrontations.

In its daily report, the ministry said that Israeli airstrikes over the past 24 hours alone killed 50 people and injured 185 others, reflecting the sustained intensity of attacks targeting multiple areas.

On the ground, Hezbollah reported carrying out attacks using artillery shells and drones, targeting Israeli army gatherings and military positions in several locations, including Al-Qawzah and Al-Qantara, as part of its ongoing response to Israeli strikes. … Full article