live Iran reopens Hormuz Strait, demands end to U.S. naval blockade- Saturday 18 April
Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (17 April) following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, ra...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 16th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump says new talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place “today”, despite continued strikes in southern Lebanon by Israel. He also claimed China supports efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting easing geopolitical pressure as global energy routes remain central to negotiations.
Hopes for a broader peace agreement are rising, with mediation efforts intensifying and Israel discussing a potential ceasefire in Lebanon. Talks between the U.S. and Iran could resume within days, with Pakistan continuing its role as a key intermediary. Markets have responded positively, signalling expectations of de-escalation.
Oil tankers linked to sanctioned trade have continued attempting to enter the Gulf despite the U.S. naval blockade. While most vessels are being turned back, some movements signal ongoing risks to enforcement, highlighting continued instability in global energy supply routes.
Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine have killed at least 13 people, including a child, and injured dozens. Strikes hit Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro, causing major infrastructure damage, while Ukraine reported intercepting hundreds of drones and missiles.
The past 24 hours of the Russia-Ukraine war have seen a drastic escalation in both aerial bombardment and frontline losses.
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Supreme Leader in air strikes, triggering the Middle East conflict, at the end of February. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, however, remains in force.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 April), warning European countries against plans to step up UAV supplies to Kyiv.
Netflix shares fell sharply on Friday after the streaming group issued a weaker-than-expected outlook and said chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings will step down from the board.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of a pause in hostilities after weeks of escalating tensions.
Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday (18 April) launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) deal to supply Australia with warships, Tokyo's most consequential military sale since ending a military export ban in 2014.
Leaders from across Europe and beyond gathered in Paris on Friday for a summit aimed at managing the global impact of the Middle East conflict.
European leaders have set out plans for a coordinated defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once security conditions allow, following talks involving more than 40 countries.
NeaNearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea off Myanmar in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record, the United Nations Refugee Agency said on Friday.
Tens of thousands of people filled a stadium in Douala on Friday, hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo during what is expected to be the largest event of his African tour.
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