Overview
- Israeli forces said they struck regime targets in Tehran after overnight blasts were reported in the capital, with additional strikes in Beirut and an Iranian missile reported hitting Rishon LeZion.
- Iran vowed to pursue U.S. and Israeli officials globally and warned that tourist and leisure sites could be targeted, as reports also surfaced of a failed Iranian missile attempt toward Diego Garcia.
- President Donald Trump said the U.S. is very close to achieving its objectives and is considering a gradual reduction of operations, while pressing partners to secure the Strait of Hormuz and signaling further deployments.
- The U.S. is moving thousands of Marines toward the region, with the 11th MEU sailing on USS Boxer from San Diego and the 31st MEU on USS Tripoli from Japan to provide maritime security and evacuation options.
- The Treasury authorized through April 19 the sale of roughly 140 million barrels of Iranian oil already loaded on tankers as Brent topped $110, while tanker traffic through Hormuz collapsed and analysts warned of heavy U.S. interceptor and missile depletion prompting a major funding request.