Overview
- Israel launched fresh strikes on Iran’s capital and targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut after issuing evacuation warnings, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 1,000 dead and over 1 million displaced since the war began.
- Three U.S. officials said roughly 2,200–2,500 Marines on amphibious ships are deploying to the Middle East, though their mission has not been disclosed.
- President Donald Trump said the United States is close to meeting its objectives and is considering a wind‑down, ruled out a ceasefire, and berated hesitant allies as he pressed them to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Washington temporarily waived sanctions to allow delivery of about 140 million barrels of Iranian oil already loaded on tankers through April 19 as Brent prices climbed roughly 50% since Feb. 28.
- Iran’s military warned that enemy tourist and recreational sites worldwide would not be safe, as blasts struck near Jerusalem’s holy sites and drone attacks hit Gulf energy infrastructure including Kuwait’s Mina Al‑Ahmadi refinery.