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Kamala Harris yesterday sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, accusing him of influencing President Donald Trump to enter the war with Iran, during remarks at a political gathering in Detroit.

Speaking at the Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention, Harris argued that the United States became involved in a conflict that lacked public support. “Trump entered a war – and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let’s be clear about that – that the American people didn’t want. Among the many consequences of it is jacking up the price of gas.”

You all should have voted for Kamala Harris. We wouldn't be in this war that Trump keeps lying about.

“He entered a war, got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu. Let us be clear about that. Entered a war that the American people do not want, putting at risk American service… pic.twitter.com/DBL9Fhq1A0

— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) April 18, 2026

Harris also pointed to claims made by Iran since the conflict began, noting that Tehran has asserted the United States entered the war due to Israel, an allegation Trump has rejected.

Expanding her criticism, Harris delivered a sweeping condemnation of the current administration, stating, “We are dealing with the most corrupt, callous and incompetent presidential administration in the history of the United States.”

She further characterized Trump in personal terms, describing him as the most “insecure man,” and suggested that the Iran war was a “feeble attempt to distract from the Epstein files.”

Continuing her critique, Harris said, “The man doesn’t understand what real strength looks like, and he overcompensates full time, trying to pretend that basically, he’s some kind of mob boss,” Harris charged. “Speaking truth, being trustworthy, being consistent. He has failed on all accounts.”

She reiterated her view that the administration is the “most corrupt, callous, and incompetent” in the nation’s history.

Harris also accused Trump of projecting strength through military power, saying he seeks to “walk around as if he is strong and will use the force of America’s military against anyone who he chooses.”

Amid the political backdrop, Harris recently indicated she is weighing a possible presidential bid in 2028.

In an interview with the BBC in August, she acknowledged the possibility, saying she “possibly” could run in 2028.

“I’ve not decided yet what I will do in the future, beyond what I am doing right now,” Harris said at the time. However, she emphasized her continued commitment to public life, “I have lived my entire career a life of service, and it’s in my bones, and there are many ways to serve.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said the United States remains engaged in productive communication with Iran even after Tehran moved to once again shut the Strait of Hormuz, describing the decision as an attempt to gain leverage but insisting negotiations are progressing. Trump remarked that Iran “got a little cute” with the renewed closure, while emphasizing that discussions between the sides are “working out really well.”

At the same time, Israeli officials are preparing for the possibility that diplomacy could break down and tensions around the strategic waterway could intensify, according to a source cited by Kan. In parallel, a report indicated that U.S. forces are getting ready to intercept and take control of vessels tied to Iran in international waters worldwide.

Iranian authorities stated that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces,” and signaled that this posture would remain in place as long as American sanctions and the blockade on Iranian ports continue. The country’s Supreme National Security Council added that the strait will stay under Iranian authority until “the war fully ends and lasting peace is achieved in the region.”

Iran’s top security body also disclosed that it recently received fresh proposals from the United States during a visit by Pakistan’s army chief, who has been mediating between the two sides. While no details were released, officials said the proposals are still being examined.

The council further stated that any additional negotiations would hinge on Washington dropping what it described as “excessive demands and adjust its requests to the realities on the ground.”

Despite earlier announcements about reopening the waterway under a ceasefire framework, Iranian forces fired at least three tankers attempting to pass through the strait, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the critical shipping route.

The renewed instability around the passage, through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies typically flow, threatens to worsen the ongoing energy crunch and could push the United States and Iran closer to renewed confrontation, even as mediators continue to express optimism about reaching an agreement.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump sought to minimize concerns, reiterating that diplomatic engagement with Tehran remains on track and describing the situation as manageable.

“We’re talking to them,” he said. “We’ll have some information by the end of the day.”

He again criticized Iran’s actions, saying the country “got a little cute” by closing the waterway, adding, “They wanted to close up the strait again… they can’t blackmail us.”

Earlier in the day, Trump hinted at positive developments regarding Iran, referring to “some pretty good news” without offering specifics, while cautioning that hostilities could resume if a deal is not reached by Wednesday, when the current ceasefire is set to expire.

According to Kan, citing an unnamed Israeli source, Iran has fully sealed off the strait. Israeli officials reportedly believe the move is intended to strengthen Tehran’s negotiating position, but they are also concerned that talks could unravel, potentially leading to an escalation.

Meanwhile, updated U.S. intelligence assessments suggest that Iran still retains a significant portion of its military capabilities. Reports indicate that Tehran has access to roughly 70 percent of its pre-war ballistic missile stockpile, about 60 percent of its launch systems, and approximately 40 percent of its drone arsenal.

U.S. intelligence and defense officials also noted that at the time a two-week ceasefire took effect on April 8, Iran had about half of its missile launchers still operational.

Since then, according to the report, Iran has managed to recover an additional 100 launchers from underground storage, bringing its operational capacity to about 60 percent of what it possessed before the war.

Officials further believe that Iran is continuing efforts to retrieve missiles buried under debris from American and Israeli strikes. Once that process is complete, intelligence assessments suggest Tehran could restore its missile reserves to roughly 70 percent of pre-conflict levels.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Ilhan Omar said she is not a millionaire and attributed a major discrepancy in her financial disclosures to an accounting mistake, after a report listing her assets as high as $30 million drew attention from Republicans and an ethics watchdog.

A corrected filing reviewed by The Wall Street Journal shows that Omar and her husband’s assets actually fall between $18,004 and $95,000, a dramatic revision from the earlier estimate that placed their holdings between $6 million and $30 million.

“The amended disclosure confirms what we’ve said all along: The congresswoman is not a millionaire,” Omar spokesperson Jacklyn Rogers told the Journal, adding that the filing was corrected “as soon as the discrepancy was identified.”

The updated report followed a request for clarification earlier this year from the Office of Congressional Conduct, according to the Journal.

In a letter submitted to the watchdog, Omar’s attorney said the inaccurate filing was not intentional and resulted from reliance on professional accountants.

“As the busiest of people, it is very common for members and their spouses to rely on learned professionals like accountants to make calculations and determinations that appear on public filings,” the attorney wrote, according to the Journal. “While the error is, of course, unfortunate, there is nothing untoward, and nothing illegal has occurred.”

The revised disclosure indicates that Omar reported income between $102,503 and $1,005,200 in 2024 from jointly held assets, the Journal reported. Supporting documents included $213,200 in distributions to her husband from his venture capital firm and an additional $3,000 from a winery.

Tax records cited by the Journal show that a 2025 email between Omar’s husband and his accountant valued the venture capital firm at $7.9 million and the winery at $1.5 million, though he owns about one-third of each business.

The corrected filing also reveals that Omar carries between $15,001 and $50,000 in student loan debt, along with a similar amount in credit card liabilities.

The discrepancy had already drawn criticism from House Republicans, who questioned how such a significant change in reported wealth was not identified sooner.

In a February letter to Omar’s husband, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer raised concerns about financial disclosures showing the value of two companies, eStCru LLC and Rose Lake Capital, jumping from tens of thousands of dollars in 2023 to as much as $30 million in 2024.

Comer said the sudden increase “raises concerns that unknown individuals may be investing to gain influence” and requested financial records tied to the businesses.

Omar’s office rejected those claims, calling Comer’s inquiry “a political stunt” and part of an effort “meant to fundraise, not real oversight,” according to The Associated Press.

An earlier 2025 financial disclosure had listed her husband’s business interests in the millions, including a winery valued between $1 million and $5 million and a venture capital firm valued between $5 million and $25 million.

Those figures were later adjusted in the amended filing, which now reflects no net value for the businesses after accounting for liabilities, the Journal reported.

Omar, a progressive Democrat originally from Somalia and a member of the “Squad,” has frequently clashed with President Donald Trump since her election in 2018 and has remained a frequent target of Republican criticism.

Trump has claimed that Omar benefited from Minnesota’s large welfare fraud scandal involving members of the Somali community, an allegation she has denied.

Tom Fitton also weighed in on the revised filing, questioning how previously undisclosed debts could eliminate millions in reported assets.

“Ilhan Omar says her congressional financial reports have massive accounting error,” Fitton wrote on X. “She and her husband only worth 18k-86k, NOT $6 million-$30 million! Previously unreported ‘liabilities’ erase wealth!”

Kash Patel said he plans to take legal action against The Atlantic following the publication of a report he says contains false and defamatory accusations. Patel made clear he intends to challenge the claims in court, responding directly to the outlet’s inquiries with a warning.

“Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court — bring your checkbook,” Patel told The Atlantic in a statement included in the report.

The article, titled “The FBI Director is MIA,” presented a series of allegations about Patel’s conduct, including claims of “erratic” behavior, “excessive drinking” and “unexplained absences.”

Among the assertions was an incident earlier this month in which Patel allegedly reacted strongly to a computer login issue, believing he might be losing his job after the removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi. The publication cited multiple unnamed sources who described the situation.

“But Patel, according to multiple current officials, as well as former officials who have stayed close to him, is deeply concerned that his job is in jeopardy. He has good reasons to think so — including some having to do with what witnesses described to me as bouts of excessive drinking,” The Atlantic staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick told readers before citing past reports of rumors that Patel was also on the chopping block.

Administration officials pushed back strongly on the report. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the outlet that Patel “remains a critical player on the Administration’s law and order team.” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also defended Patel, stating, “Patel has accomplished more in 14 months than the previous administration did in four years. Anonymously sourced hit pieces do not constitute journalism.”

Fitzpatrick wrote that the alleged IT incident reflected broader concerns raised by those she interviewed, describing Patel as unpredictable and prone to making rapid judgments without full information.

“The IT-lockout episode is emblematic of Patel’s tumultuous tenure as director of the FBI: He is erratic, suspicious of others, and prone to jumping to conclusions before he has necessary evidence, according to the more than two dozen people I interviewed about Patel’s conduct, including current and former FBI officials, staff at law-enforcement and intelligence agencies, hospitality-industry workers, members of Congress, political operatives, lobbyists, and former advisers,” Fitzpatrick wrote.

“Speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information and private conversations, they described Patel’s tenure as a management failure and his personal behavior as a national-security vulnerability.”

The report further alleged that Patel frequently consumed alcohol to excess, including at private venues in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas, sometimes in the presence of government staff.

“Early in his tenure, meetings and briefings had to be rescheduled for later in the day as a result of his alcohol-fueled nights, six current and former officials and others familiar with Patel’s schedule told me,” Fitzpatrick wrote.

“On multiple occasions in the past year, members of his security detail had difficulty waking Patel because he was seemingly intoxicated, according to information supplied to Justice Department and White House officials.”

The article also claimed that law enforcement equipment had once been requested because Patel was unreachable behind locked doors, citing individuals familiar with the situation.

According to The Atlantic, a request for “breaching equipment” often used by SWAT to gain access to buildings, “was made last year because Patel had been unreachable behind locked doors, according to multiple people familiar with the request.”

Unnamed sources also suggested that Patel’s behavior may have influenced certain social media posts that included inaccurate information about ongoing investigations.

“Some of Patel’s colleagues at the FBI worry that his personal behavior has become a threat to public safety,” Fitzpatrick wrote, saying that the unnamed officials fear his ability to handle a domestic terrorist attack, one telling Fitzpatrick, “That’s what keeps me up at night.”

Patel’s legal team responded forcefully prior to publication. His attorney, Jesse Binnall, sent a letter to the magazine criticizing its reporting process and disputing the claims.

“The vast majority of the claims in the draft article rely solely on vague, unattributed sourcing such as ‘people familiar with the matter’ or ‘some have characterized.’ Any such purported sources could not possibly possess firsthand knowledge, as the allegations are categorically false,” Binnall wrote.

“At least one specific claim — allegation #8 regarding the alleged breaching of equipment — has no corroborating public record whatsoever and appears to be either fabricated or drawn from a single hostile and unreliable source.”

Binnall accused the publication of bias and instructed it to retain all materials related to the story in anticipation of legal action.

“They were on notice that the claims were categorically false and defamatory. They published anyway. See you in court,” Binnall posted on X.

Additional criticism came from FBI officials. Ben Williamson dismissed the report entirely, stating, “This article is a compilation of pretty much every obviously fake rumor I’ve heard the last 14 months except the Atlantic is the only one dumb enough to actually print it.”

Patel adviser Erica Knight echoed that sentiment, saying the publication relied on claims that other reporters could not verify.

“Lawsuit is being filed,” Knight wrote.

Despite the backlash, Fitzpatrick stood by her reporting, emphasizing her experience and confidence in the article’s accuracy.

“I am a very careful, very diligent, award-winning investigative reporter with a history of award-winning work across multiple organizations,” Fitzpatrick told Jen Psaki on Friday night. “I stand by every word of this reporting. We have excellent attorneys.”

Patel responded again, reiterating his intention to pursue legal action.

“see you and your entire entourage of false reporting in court … But do keep at it with the fake news, actual malice standard is now what some would call a legal lay up.”

He also shared a response from Williamson criticizing the article in strong terms.

“Top to bottom, this is one of the most absurd things I’ve ever read.”

“This piece was essentially ‘greatest hits’ of every comically fake rumor disgruntled former employees have tried to publicize over the last year,” Williamson told Fox News Digital. “When you can’t get them printed the first time, you keep moving down the list until you get to the dumbest outlet possible, and that outlet is apparently The Atlantic.”

Jeffrey Goldberg defended the publication’s work, saying, “We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel.”

{Matzav.com}

New American intelligence evaluations show that Iran continues to maintain a substantial portion of its military strength, despite losses sustained since the conflict with the United States and Israel began.

Figures cited by The New York Times indicate that Tehran still controls about 60% of its missile launcher systems and approximately 40% of its unmanned aerial vehicle fleet.

Friction between Washington and Tehran has intensified again after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps moved to shut down the Strait of Hormuz once more, less than a day after announcing it had reopened the vital waterway following the ceasefire in Lebanon.

The development triggered an urgent high-level security meeting at the White House, where senior U.S. officials cautioned that absent a diplomatic breakthrough within 24 hours, hostilities could resume in the near future.

President Donald Trump, who had voiced confidence earlier in the week that an agreement was within reach, responded forcefully to Iran’s latest actions. “They are trying to be clever,” Trump said during the White House meeting. “They wanted to close the strait again, but they cannot blackmail us.”

{Matzav.com}

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The IDF announced Sunday morning that Sergeant First Class (Res.) Lidor Porat, 31, of Ashdod, was killed during fighting in southern Lebanon. Porat served in the 7106th Battalion of the 769th Regional Brigade and fell during an operational mission in the area.

During the same incident, one additional soldier sustained severe injuries, four were moderately wounded, and four others suffered light injuries.

All injured soldiers were transported to hospitals for treatment, and their families have been informed.

According to a preliminary IDF inquiry, forces from the 7106th Battalion were conducting an operation when an engineering vehicle struck an explosive device that had been planted by the Hezbollah terrorist organization. Troops operating nearby to secure the area were hurt when the device detonated.

The military is continuing to examine when the explosive was placed and whether the incident constitutes a breach of the ceasefire.

On Saturday night, the IDF also confirmed the death of Command Sergeant Major (Res.) Barak Kalfon, who succumbed to wounds sustained in combat in southern Lebanon.

Kalfon, 48, a resident of Adi, served as a combat soldier in the 7056th Infantry Battalion, part of the 226th Brigade.

He died in the hospital after being critically injured during operational activity on Friday in southern Lebanon. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents, and two brothers. His funeral is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the cemetery in Adi.

In the same Friday incident in which Kalfon was fatally wounded, two soldiers were moderately injured and another sustained light injuries.

The wounded were evacuated to receive medical care, and their families were notified.

Kalfon was employed as a mechanical engineer at Rafael, which issued a statement saying: “Barak was a dedicated and professional employee who worked on critical areas for the security of the State of Israel, which he so deeply loved. Rafael employees embrace Shimrit, Noga, Mia, and the entire family during these difficult moments.”

Initial findings indicate that on Friday around midday, Battalion 7056 forces were operating in the village of Jabin, located in the western sector of southern Lebanon approximately three kilometers from the border. While searching a structure in the village, a powerful explosive device detonated.

Kalfon was critically wounded in the blast and was rushed to a hospital, where medical teams fought for hours to save his life before declaring his death on Saturday.

The IDF has conducted a preliminary investigation into the explosion, particularly given the ceasefire that was in place at the time. Current assessments suggest that the explosive device had been planted in the building prior to the ceasefire taking effect.

At this point, the military is not classifying the incident as a violation of the ceasefire, as initial conclusions indicate that Hezbollah operatives did not detonate the device remotely in real time. The IDF continues to investigate how the explosive was triggered and why it went undetected before troops entered the building.

Rav Yehuda Silman, prominent posek from Bnei Brak, was released from a New York hospital after collapsing during a visit to the United States, and is expected to return to Eretz Yisroel for further medical treatment in the coming days.

Following several tense hours, Rav Silman – who traveled to the United States to garner financial support for Shuvu – was discharged after being hospitalized for approximately half a day due to the sudden incident during his trip.

Sources indicated that upon his return, he will likely undergo a cardiac catheterization procedure next week at a hospital in Israel as part of continued care.

In a moving scene captured on video, his close friend, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, rav of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood, visited Rav Silman’s bais medrash, Kehillas Chassidim, where he recited Tehillim on his behalf. Afterward, he conducted a Mi Shebeirach for his recovery along with all those in need of healing.

The public is asked to daven for the full recovery of Rav Yehuda ben Leah.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is set to meet Argentina’s President Javier Milei on Sunday in what officials in Yerushalayim are describing as a highly significant visit, expected to deepen ties between Israel and South America.

At the center of the meeting will be the announcement of a new diplomatic initiative reportedly titled the “Isaac Accords,” modeled after the well-known Abraham Accords.

The initiative, which is said to be driven by Milei, aims to establish a strategic alliance between Israel and countries across South America, with close coordination alongside the United States. Officials believe the move could strengthen Israel’s global standing while expanding economic and security cooperation throughout the region.

In addition to the diplomatic development, the two leaders are expected to formally unveil a new direct flight route between Israel and Argentina, to be operated by El Al. Until now, thousands of members of Argentina’s large Jewish community, along with Israeli travelers, have had to rely on lengthy connecting flights through Europe or the United States.

The planned route is expected to significantly reduce travel time, with outbound flights estimated at approximately 16 hours and return flights around 15 hours. The new service is also expected to lower ticket prices, making travel more accessible and allowing families to visit one another more frequently. Argentina’s Jewish population, one of the largest in the world, numbers roughly 250,000, most of them based in Buenos Aires.

The visit also carries symbolic and ideological weight. Milei has been selected as one of the torch lighters at Israel’s upcoming Independence Day ceremony, a rare honor for a foreign leader. In a recent interview, he explained his strong support for Israel, saying: “I defend the cause of Israel and the cause of the Jewish people because it is a just cause. I do this because that is truly how I feel, without any political calculation”.

Milei, who is known for his affinity toward Jewish teachings and values, has previously demonstrated his connection to Israel. During an earlier visit, he became emotional while praying at the Western Wall and announced plans to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem—a commitment he is expected to advance during this trip.

Beyond diplomacy, the meeting is expected to include the signing of strategic memorandums of understanding across several key sectors. In the fight against terrorism, the two countries are expected to enhance intelligence cooperation. In defense, discussions will include joint development and procurement initiatives, with Argentina already having recently acquired advanced fighter jets as part of a broader military modernization effort.

In the technology sphere, agreements are expected to focus on advancing artificial intelligence capabilities for both nations, potentially opening new markets for Israeli companies across South America.

Officials in Yerushalayim describe Milei as a close and reliable ally who has demonstrated consistent and outspoken support for Israel on the international stage. President Isaac Herzog is also expected to award him the Presidential Medal, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his support.

A senior Gulf official has revealed that behind-the-scenes contacts between Qatar and Iran in the final days of the war may have led to a sharp reduction in Iranian attacks on Doha, though Qatari authorities are firmly rejecting the claim.

According to the official, who spoke with a regional correspondent, recent reports of quiet understandings between the two countries followed an Iranian strike on a major gas facility in northern Qatar.

The source said that in exchange for scaling back attacks, Iran requested that Qatar’s Al Jazeera network adopt a less aggressive tone toward Tehran and provide greater exposure to Iranian voices. “This indeed happened,” the official said, emphasizing Iran’s view of the network as a key platform for messaging to the Arab world.

One of the figures highlighted as receiving airtime was Hassan Ahmadian of the University of Tehran, who appeared on both the English and Arabic broadcasts of Al Jazeera. These appearances, the source noted, came during a period when the network’s coverage of Iran shifted from sharp criticism of its actions in the Gulf to a more moderated tone.

Earlier in the conflict, Iran’s state broadcasting authority had threatened to target Al Jazeera’s offices in Doha, but later unexpectedly withdrew the warning and canceled evacuation alerts. Qatari officials at the time denied any link between that reversal and changes in the network’s editorial stance.

Qatar has categorically denied that any agreement was reached with Iran during the war. Officials in Doha stated clearly, “There was no deal,” rejecting claims that Qatar paid Iran to halt attacks or influenced Al Jazeera’s coverage in any way.

Qatar is widely considered one of the Gulf states maintaining relatively close ties with Iran, even during periods of regional tension. During the war, however, Doha expelled Iran’s military attaché after repeated strikes on its energy infrastructure.

Reports of possible coordination emerged after Iran targeted a major gas installation in northern Qatar during the conflict. President Donald Trump had also stated that Israel would refrain from striking the gas field again unless Iran launched further attacks on Qatar, warning that in such a scenario the United States would respond by destroying Iran’s South Pars gas field.

The revelation adds to the ongoing strain in the Persian Gulf, where Sunni Arab states are pressing the United States to take a firmer stance against Iran. While Trump has spoken of a “diplomatic window,” Gulf nations continue to call for the complete dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

The United States is considering plans to board and seize oil tankers tied to Iran around the world, a move that would mark a significant escalation in its maritime strategy against Tehran as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz.

The discussions come amid renewed instability in the key shipping corridor, where Iranian forces reportedly fired on multiple commercial vessels and declared the waterway under their “strict control,” raising alarm across global shipping markets.

The developments have rattled shipping companies, particularly after Iran’s foreign minister had just recently maintained that the strait remained open for commercial traffic—a position that President Donald Trump had publicly welcomed.

Behind the scenes, U.S. officials say the Pentagon is preparing options to intercept and take control of vessels linked to Iran, potentially extending operations far beyond the Middle East into global trade routes.

According to the report, the goal of the strategy is to intensify economic pressure on Tehran, with the hope of forcing Iran to reopen the strait and make concessions in nuclear negotiations.

Trump said Friday that Iran had agreed to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium — a claim Iranian officials quickly dismissed. Key disagreements remain over the duration of any halt to uranium enrichment and whether Iran would regain access to billions of dollars in frozen assets.

The U.S. has already blocked 23 ships from departing Iranian ports as part of an expanding naval blockade, US Central Command said in a post on X.

Expanding the effort globally would place Iran-linked tankers — including those suspected of transporting weapons or circumventing sanctions — directly in Washington’s crosshairs.

“The US will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said Thursday, warning that so-called “dark fleet” ships are also fair game.

The intensified campaign — referred to by Trump officials as “Economic Fury” — could involve U.S. forces operating well beyond the Persian Gulf.

The developments are unfolding as a fragile ceasefire approaches its expiration on Wednesday. Recent talks in Pakistan failed to produce a breakthrough, and no date has been set for another round of negotiations.

Even so, both sides appear to be preparing for multiple scenarios.

Iran is believed to still possess thousands of short- and medium-range missiles and has begun moving launch systems out of underground storage, though heavy U.S. strikes have significantly weakened its ability to quickly rebuild, according to U.S. officials.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces are “maximally postured” in the event that hostilities resume, though officials remain cautious about deploying ground troops.

For now, the administration appears focused on applying economic pressure.

Iran exports roughly 1.6 million barrels of oil per day — much of it to China through smaller independent refineries — making its shipping network a key target.

The Treasury Department has already imposed new sanctions on vessels, companies, and individuals connected to Iran’s shadow oil trade, while U.S. prosecutors are preparing to pursue cases against those involved in buying or selling sanctioned crude.

U.S. officials have previously demonstrated the ability to track and seize vessels tied to sanctioned regimes — including operations against ships linked to Venezuela — and now appear ready to apply the same approach to Iran.

Pope Leo XIV said today that he has no intention of engaging in a public dispute with President Donald Trump over the war with Iran, emphasizing instead that his role is to continue promoting a call for peace.

Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route from Cameroon to Angola, the pontiff addressed the growing attention surrounding his recent remarks and the responses they have drawn from Trump.

He noted that much of the coverage has been shaped by misinterpretations, particularly following comments made by the U.S. president early in the trip.

“There’s been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects, but because of the political situation created when, on the first day of the trip, the president of the United States made some comments about me,” he said.

“Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said.”

Trump’s criticism began in a Truth Social post on April 12, where he challenged the pope’s repeated calls for peace as the conflict—sparked by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 and followed by Iran’s retaliation—continues.

The president accused Leo of being lenient on crime, aligned with left-wing positions, and suggested that his election as the first American pope was tied to Trump’s influence.

Pope Leo has consistently urged dialogue and condemned the use of religion to justify violence, including sharply criticizing Trump’s warning about destroying Iranian civilization.

Specifically, he called Trump’s threat to annihilate Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable.”

The Vatican has clarified that the pope’s appeals for peace are universal in scope and not limited to the Iran conflict, but extend to all global conflicts.

For instance, religious leaders in Russia have framed Moscow’s war in Ukraine as a “holy war,” illustrating the broader concern over faith being used to support armed conflict.

In his remarks today, Pope Leo pointed back to a speech he delivered earlier in the week during a peace gathering in Bamenda, Cameroon.

That city has been at the center of a long-running separatist conflict in the country’s English-speaking western region.

He explained that the speech—in which he condemned a “handful of tyrants” for spreading war and exploitation—had been prepared two weeks earlier, before Trump’s comments.

“And yet as it happens, it was looked at as if I was trying to debate again the president, which is not in my interest at all,” he said.

Looking forward, Pope Leo said his mission remains unchanged, centered on his pastoral responsibilities.

“I primarily come to Africa as a pastor, as the head of the Catholic Church to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage, and to accompany all the Catholics throughout Africa,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a series of defiant messages today during the fragile ceasefire with Israel, warning that Iran’s navy remains prepared for further confrontation even as U.S. officials say the country’s military has been severely weakened.

Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since taking power after being seriously wounded in the Feb. 28 U.S.-Israeli airstrike that killed his father, delivered the statements in connection with Iran’s Armed Forces Day.

Despite ongoing negotiations and a temporary truce with Israel, Khamenei used his official channels to project strength and readiness.

“Just as Iran’s drones strike like lightning against the US and Zionist criminals, Israel, the brave navy is also prepared to inflict new bitter defeat on enemies,” a post from Khamanei’s Telegram account read.

In additional messages, he sought to portray the military as closely tied to the Iranian people.

“The Army is like the nation’s child, which arises from within the heart of the people’s homes,” the shadowy cleric boasted in another post.

He continued by emphasizing the army’s role in defending the country.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army is now courageously defending the land, water, and flag that belong to it,” another post stated.

Khamenei also framed the conflict in ideological terms, referencing the United States and Israel.

“Iran’s Army is standing side by side with their comrades from other armed forces, battling the two leading armies of disbelief and Arrogance,” he wrote in another post referencing the US and Israel.

“And the Islamic Army has exposed those armies’ weakness and humiliation to the world,” Khamenei laughably claimed.

President Donald Trump, however, rejected those assertions, saying Iran’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed.

“Their military is destroyed, their whole navy is underwater. One hundred fifty ships are gone, their navy is gone,” Trump told reporters outside Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on April 13.

“I think Iran is in very bad shape. I think they’re pretty desperate … We had a meeting that lasted 21 hours. We understand the situation better than anybody, and Iran’s in very bad shape.”

Khamenei’s remarks come during a delicate 10-day ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which is scheduled to expire on April 22.

At the same time, Iran has maintained its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the key shipping route today after the United States signaled it would continue its blockade of vessels linked to Iran.

The renewed limits on the strait follow Trump’s announcement a day earlier that the U.S. blockade on Tehran “will remain in full force.”

President Donald Trump today voiced strong support for Israel, calling it a steadfast partner of the United States in a post on Truth Social, a day after comments that appeared to signal friction over the situation in Lebanon.

“Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally of the United States of America,” Trump wrote.

“They are Courageous, Bold, Loyal, and Smart and, unlike others that have shown their true colors in a moment of conflict and stress, Israel fights hard, and knows how to WIN!” added the President.

The statement followed remarks made Friday that were widely interpreted as a rebuke of Israel, when Trump suggested that the United States had compelled Israel to halt its military actions in Lebanon.

“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!! Thank you!” he wrote.

According to a report by Axios, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his advisers first learned of Trump’s comments through media coverage and were taken by surprise. Members of his team then sought clarification on whether U.S. policy had shifted.

After Axios requested an official response, a U.S. official provided clarification regarding Trump’s remarks.

“The President’s ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel clearly states that Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets but preserves its right to self-defense against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks,” the US official said.

Iranian authorities have yet to finalize a burial site for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with officials citing security concerns surrounding a potential mass funeral, while one analyst argues the delay reflects deeper weakness within the regime.

Khamenei, 86, was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on Feb. 28 that triggered the current war with Iran. His body remains unburied, marking a significant departure from longstanding practices for leaders of his stature.

In contrast, the 1989 funeral of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, drew millions into the streets of Tehran. However, similar scenes of mass mourning have not been seen in the weeks following Khamenei’s death, even as the country endured sustained airstrikes that eliminated many senior figures in the regime.

According to Behnam Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Iran is currently unable to stage a large-scale state funeral amid the fragile ceasefire.

“Simply put, the regime is too afraid and too weak to roll the dice,” he said.

Taleblu pointed to multiple factors behind the delay, including fears of Israeli attacks, the possibility of anti-government demonstrations similar to earlier nationwide protests, and questions surrounding the absence of Mojtaba Khamenei—the slain leader’s son and newly appointed successor—who has not appeared publicly.

“It speaks volumes that the turnout for the funeral of the regime’s founding father in 1989 was such a massive affair, and yet one generation later his successor is still not able to have a funeral well over a month after his passing,” Taleblu continued.

“The Islamic Republic likes to talk a big game about owning the streets, but a 50-day internet blackout tells you all you need to know. The regime fears the consequences of the truth getting out.”

Iranian officials are now reportedly considering Mashhad, a city in the country’s northeast, as a possible burial location, according to state-affiliated outlets cited by The Australian.

Mashhad, located near the border with Turkmenistan and far from Israel, is Khamenei’s birthplace and carries both logistical and symbolic advantages.

With a population of around five million, the city is home to the shrine of Imam Reza, one of the most significant religious sites in Shi’ite Islam, which draws millions of pilgrims annually.

One proposal under consideration would place Khamenei’s grave near the shrine, an area already under heavy security that could offer protection for the burial site.

Initially, Iran had planned a three-day state funeral beginning March 4, but those arrangements were abandoned as the country came under extensive U.S. and Israeli bombardment, according to the state news agency IRNA.

Later, officials suggested the postponement was due to expectations of an “unprecedented turnout,” as reported by Gulf News citing Iranian media, but the ceremony has yet to be rescheduled.

No date has been announced for the burial.

A temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, reached on April 8, is set to expire on Wednesday.0

A woman in Wales says she finally received the correct diagnosis for her long-standing medical condition after consulting ChatGPT, following years of inconclusive and conflicting assessments from doctors.

Phoebe Tesoriere, a 23-year-old from Cardiff, had endured seizures, frequent falls, and ongoing balance issues for years. She said medical professionals had attributed her symptoms to anxiety, depression, and epilepsy, and warned that repeated visits to the emergency room could result in her being treated as a mental health patient, according to the BBC.

Her health struggles began early in life, with balance problems emerging during childhood.

“All my childhood I had a limp,” said Tesoriere. “I was born without a hip socket and had operations as a baby, so thought it was to do with that.”

At one stage, she was evaluated for dyspraxia, a condition that affects coordination, but testing did not support that diagnosis.

When she was 19, Tesoriere experienced a seizure that caused her to collapse. Doctors again linked the episode to anxiety, though she questioned that conclusion.

“I had no history of anxiety. I was a really happy, bubbly person,” she said.

In 2022, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and prescribed medication, but her condition continued to deteriorate, with increasing difficulty walking and more frequent seizures.

Doctors later suggested she was experiencing Todd’s paralysis, a condition sometimes associated with epilepsy.

In January 2025, she fell down a flight of stairs and spent three months in the hospital. Despite undergoing numerous tests, doctors were unable to reach a definitive diagnosis.

Several months later, she suffered another seizure that left her in a coma for three days.

Even then, she said, doctors continued to attribute her symptoms to anxiety.

Feeling desperate, isolated, and “lonely,” Tesoriere turned to ChatGPT, which suggested she might have hereditary spastic paraplegia, a genetic disorder marked by progressive stiffness and weakness in the legs.

She brought that suggestion to her medical team, who ordered genetic testing that ultimately confirmed the condition.

Now using a wheelchair, Tesoriere is managing her illness through physical therapy. She is no longer able to continue her work as a teacher, but is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology with the goal to “do something that helps people.”

In a statement to the BBC, a spokesperson for the Cardiff and Vale Health Board said: “We are sorry to hear about Phoebe’s experience while in our care.”

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz surged again on today after Iran reversed its earlier reopening of the strategic passage and opened fire on vessels attempting to transit, responding to the continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy announced that the strait would remain shut until the American blockade is lifted, warning that “no vessel should make any movement from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered as cooperation with the enemy” and be targeted.

The renewed attacks in the narrow waterway, which carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, raised fears of a worsening global energy crisis and the possibility of further escalation as the conflict entered its eighth week.

A fragile ceasefire is set to expire by Wednesday, even as Iran said it has received new proposals from the United States. Pakistani mediators are working to organize another round of direct talks between the two sides.

Earlier in the day, Iran’s joint military command had stated that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.”

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on a tanker, while an unidentified projectile struck a container ship, causing damage to several containers. India’s foreign ministry said it summoned Iran’s ambassador following what it called the “serious incident” involving gunfire directed at two Indian-flagged vessels, particularly after several ships bound for India had previously been allowed to pass.

For Tehran, closing the strait—first enacted after the United States and Israel launched hostilities on Feb. 28 during nuclear negotiations—remains one of its most potent tools, with the potential to disrupt the global economy and apply political pressure on President Donald Trump. For Washington, the naval blockade serves as a key lever to intensify pressure on Iran’s already strained economy.

Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a defiant statement, saying the navy stands “ready to inflict bitter defeats on its enemies.” He has not appeared publicly since assuming leadership following his father’s death in the initial Israeli strike.

The renewed closure comes just a day after Iran announced the strait had been reopened to commercial traffic following a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, a move that had briefly eased oil prices.

Trump, however, made clear that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports “will remain in full force” until a deal is reached. The blockade was implemented after direct talks in Pakistan between U.S. and Iranian officials ended without agreement.

U.S. Central Command said American forces have turned back 23 vessels attempting to reach Iran since the blockade began earlier in the week. Trump’s remarks drew sharp criticism from Tehran.

“Americans are risking the international community, risking the global economy through these, I can say, miscalculations,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told The Associated Press, adding that the U.S. is “risking the whole ceasefire package.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a statement condemning the blockade as a breach of the ceasefire and said it would block “any conditional and limited reopening” of the strait. The council has recently functioned as the country’s top decision-making authority.

Because much of the supply flow to U.S. bases in the Gulf region passes through the strait, “Iran is determined to maintain oversight and control over traffic through the strait until the war fully ends,” the council said. The statement indicated that Iran would enforce designated shipping routes, require transit fees, and issue clearance certificates.

A subsequent statement from the Revolutionary Guard navy suggested a stricter stance, indicating that no vessels should attempt passage at all.

The latest escalation came hours after Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his government is working to “bridge” the gap between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan is expected to host another round of negotiations early next week.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed that “new proposals” from the United States were delivered during a recent visit by Pakistan’s army chief and are currently under review.

Khatibzadeh, however, said Iran is not yet ready to return to face-to-face negotiations, arguing that the United States “have not abandoned their maximalist position.”

He also rejected the idea of transferring Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium—estimated at 970 pounds (440 kilograms)—to the United States, calling it “a nonstarter.” He did not elaborate on alternative proposals, saying only that “we are ready to address any concerns.”

Trump, speaking later, said Iran “got a little cute” but added that “very good” discussions were underway, with more developments expected soon. “They can’t blackmail us,” he said.

On Friday, Trump said the United States would enter Iran if necessary to retrieve what he called “all the nuclear dust,” referring to the enriched uranium believed to be stored at nuclear facilities damaged in last year’s U.S. strikes.

As registration season for yeshivos ketanos approaches across Israel, a closer look at the Yerushalayim landscape reveals a changing system, with new institutions gaining ground and traditional enrollment patterns undergoing significant shifts.

A Bechadrei Chareidim investigation explored the world of yeshivos ketanos in Yerushalayim—the city with the largest and most diverse talmidim population—and examined how both long-established and newer yeshivos are navigating this year’s admissions cycle.

Veteran yeshivos in Yerushalayim continue to hold their position at the top, maintaining stability and demand year after year. Among them is Yeshivas Kol Torah, where observers are watching closely to see whether it will retain its character and strength following the passing of its longtime mashgiach, Rav Aviezer Shapiro. Admissions are currently overseen by Rav Meisels, a member of the yeshiva’s staff. Another prominent institution is Tiferes HaTalmud–Shenker, which has steadily strengthened its standing and moved beyond the Machal label that once defined it.

Among the older yeshivos experiencing renewed growth, Yeshivas Chevron L’tzeirim has seen a notable surge in demand and is now considered one of the most sought-after options. It has become a primary pathway for talmidim aiming to continue on to Yeshivas Chevron. Its anticipated move to a large new campus at the entrance to Ramat Shlomo has further fueled interest, particularly from nearby neighborhoods such as Ramot, Ramat Shlomo, and Neve Yaakov.

Also noteworthy is Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo–Sorotzkin, led by Rav A. Breslauer, which currently enrolls around 300 top-tier talmidim—a particularly high figure for a yeshiva ketanah in Yerushalayim or elsewhere in the country. Alongside it, Yeshivas Tiferes Yaakov continues to maintain its reputation as a more “frum” and guarded environment, with many alumni choosing to send their own sons specifically there.

At the same time, several newer yeshivos have quickly climbed into the upper tier. Leading that group is Yeshivas Imrei Moshe, headed by Rav Y. Mishkovsky and founded under the direction of Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman, as well as Yeshivas Birchas Shmuel, led by Rav O. Leibovitz, which has established itself as a major presence in a relatively short time. With approximately 300 high-level talmidim, Birchas Shmuel stands out for its structure, dividing classes into three groups of no more than 30 talmidim each, combining strong academic standards with individualized attention. The yeshiva also has one of the largest spiritual staffs in Yerushalayim, with over 30 members. Recently, it opened a large new campus in the heart of Givat Shaul, built at a cost of millions. The yeshiva operates under the leadership of Rav D. Cohen, with roshei yeshiva Rav Tzvi Partzovitz and Rav Y. Weinberg.

According to findings by Bechadrei Chareidim, one of the most significant changes in recent years is how admissions are handled. In the past, enrollment was largely coordinated through the talmudei Torah and the melamdim. Today, however, yeshivos are increasingly reaching out directly to parents.

“This is no longer the system that existed in the past,” a senior cheder administrator in Yerushalayim told Bechadrei Chareidim. “Parents have become the central decision-makers, and to some extent, the cheders have lost control over the admissions process. Yeshivos are no longer relying solely on the melamdim but are building direct relationships with families.”

Another insider added, “Today, a yeshiva that doesn’t know how to work with parents simply loses out in admissions.” According to him, this shift has led more yeshivos to formally employ recruiters and even field representatives—a practice that was once uncommon in Yerushalayim.

The numbers help explain the intensity of the competition. Each year, roughly 1,500 talmidim in Yerushalayim move on to yeshivos ketanos, compared to about 700 in Bnei Brak and Modiin Illit. This creates a much more competitive environment, with around eight flagship yeshivos shaping the market and allowing the admissions landscape to shift rapidly from year to year.

Another major factor is the development of Neve Yaakov. Whereas the neighborhood was once part of the broader citywide admissions system, it is now emerging as an independent hub, driven by the opening of multiple new yeshivos alongside established ones such as Netivos Mordechai and Nachalas Shmuel.

Among the newer institutions is Yeshivas Mishnas Boruch, led by Rav Y. Eichenstein, who personally delivers a weekly shmuess and learns with the talmidim. Due to demand, the size of the class has already been increased from 20 to 30 talmidim—a step not even taken at Yad Aharon, which he also leads. Another new yeshiva has also opened under Rav Grunzweig.

This shift is having a direct impact on the broader Yerushalayim admissions map. As more talmidim from Neve Yaakov choose to remain within their neighborhood rather than attend yeshivos elsewhere, the balance of power is changing significantly, reducing the intake at many of the city’s older institutions.

{Matzav.com}

Rabbi Shmuel Bachrach zt”l, a well-known figure of chesed in Bnei Brak and among the earliest volunteers of ZAKA, passed away at the age of 68 after a period of difficult suffering. He died at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer.

The levayah is scheduled to take place Sunday at 1:00 p.m., beginning at his home on 11 Rechov Chevron in Bnei Brak and proceeding to the cemetery in Elad, where he will be laid to rest.

Rabbi Bachrach was born to his father, Rabbi Avraham Bachrach, and his mother, Mrs. Chana, of Petach Tikva. Upon reaching marriageable age, he married his wife, the daughter of Rabbi Aharon Goldman of Rechov Ben Zakai in Bnei Brak.

In Bnei Brak, Rabbi Shmuel was widely recognized as one of the city’s leading baalei chesed. More than thirty years ago, he was among the first volunteers to join ZAKA, dedicating himself faithfully to communal needs.

ZAKA Tel Aviv issued a statement mourning his petirah: “With great sorrow we announce the passing of one of the most special members of our group, a true doer of kindness with his body, who was devoted heart and soul to the mission of ‘true kindness,’ one of the first volunteers and a driving force within the organization, Rabbi Shmuel Bachrach, who was purified through suffering and passed away today, on Shabbos Kodesh, at the age of 68. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. The leadership and volunteers of the organization embrace and accompany the family during this difficult time.”

He is survived by a large family—sons and daughters, sons-in-law, and many descendants who continue in his path.