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President Donald Trump has explored the possibility of reducing the American military presence in Europe, voicing frustration over NATO allies’ lack of support in securing the Strait of Hormuz and stalled efforts related to Greenland, a senior White House official told Reuters on Thursday.

According to the official, no formal decision has been reached, and the Pentagon has not been instructed to begin drafting specific plans for a troop withdrawal. The source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of internal discussions.

Even so, the fact that such talks are taking place highlights a deepening strain between Washington and its European NATO partners. It also indicates that Wednesday’s White House meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte did little to ease tensions, which are now being described as the most serious since the alliance was established in 1949.

The United States currently maintains a force of over 80,000 troops across Europe, continuing a decades-long role as a cornerstone of the continent’s security since World War II. Of those forces, more than 30,000 are based in Germany, with additional large deployments in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

NATO has not issued an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the reported discussions.

The White House official did not provide details on which countries could be affected or how many troops might ultimately be withdrawn if Trump moves ahead with the idea.

Trump’s relationship with NATO has long been marked by friction, as he has repeatedly criticized European nations for failing to meet defense spending commitments. However, the past three months have seen a particularly sharp escalation in tensions.

In January, Trump reignited controversy by again raising the prospect of annexing Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, sparking backlash across the Atlantic.

Since the outbreak of war with Iran on February 28, Trump has also expressed strong dissatisfaction that NATO members have not stepped forward to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy shipments that has remained largely shut despite this week’s fragile ceasefire.

NATO diplomats have said Washington has not clearly communicated whether it expects any operation in the Strait of Hormuz to take place during the conflict or after it ends. They have also noted that the United States has not outlined what specific roles or capabilities it expects from individual alliance members.

A report in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday indicated that senior officials had discussed relocating American troops within Europe, potentially moving them away from countries whose leaders have criticized the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran and toward nations that have shown stronger support.

However, the White House official told Reuters that Trump’s current focus is on bringing troops back to the United States rather than redeploying them to other European countries.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran must not impose charges on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping activity remains sharply reduced following the outbreak of war and the waterway’s effective closure.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump addressed reports that Tehran may be seeking to collect fees from tankers navigating the critical passage. “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait,” Trump wrote.

He followed with a direct warning, stating, “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.”

Speculation has grown in recent days that Iran is considering introducing tolls for ships using the strait, a move that has been firmly rejected by Western officials who oppose paying for passage.

According to a report published Wednesday by the Financial Times, an Iranian official indicated that Tehran intends to require payment in cryptocurrency from ships in order to maintain its grip on the strait during a temporary two-week ceasefire with the United States.

In another message posted Thursday, Trump hinted at developments in global energy flow but did not provide details, writing, “you’ll see Oil start flowing, with or without the help of Iran.”

Earlier this week, Trump declared a ceasefire with Iran, following prior threats in which he warned of catastrophic consequences for the country.

Despite the ceasefire, maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz remained at less than 10% of typical levels on Thursday. Reuters reported that Iran has continued to assert control over the area, instructing ships to remain within its territorial waters as they transit the route.

Fresh doubts about the durability of the newly arranged ceasefire have emerged as Iran signals it does not intend to fully comply with the agreement, heightening concerns over stability in one of the world’s most vital energy routes.

The truce, which took effect Wednesday after talks spearheaded by President Donald Trump, was meant to calm weeks of hostilities and allow maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to return to normal.

Trump had underscored that the deal would restore “free trade across the Strait of Hormuz,” presenting it as a move to stabilize international supply chains.

Yet as the ceasefire went into effect, Tehran appeared to be adjusting its terms to suit its own interests rather than honoring the intent of the agreement.

Officials involved in mediation efforts, along with shipping experts, say Iran has made clear it will only permit a restricted number of vessels to transit the strait each day.

On Wednesday, just 12 cargo tankers were allowed to pass through the narrow waterway.

That figure stands in stark contrast to conditions before the conflict, when more than 100 ships could move through the corridor daily without obstruction.

These limitations have triggered serious concern in global energy markets, which rely heavily on uninterrupted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the region.

Adding to the tension, Iran is reportedly imposing charges on ships seeking passage, effectively converting the international waterway into a tightly controlled and revenue-generating bottleneck.

Those fees, which can climb as high as $2 million for large oil carriers, are reportedly arranged ahead of time and paid using alternative methods such as Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency.

International observers have criticized the move, arguing that it violates long-established maritime rules that guarantee freedom of navigation.

Under widely accepted international conventions governing waterways, nations are not allowed to levy fees for transit through natural chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

As a result, Iran’s conduct is being viewed not only as a violation of the ceasefire but also as a broader challenge to global legal standards.

Despite public messaging suggesting a willingness to pursue calm, Tehran appears to be using the pause in fighting to deepen its control over the strait.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has assumed a leading role in regulating maritime traffic, requiring ships to coordinate their passage directly with its naval units.

Broadcast warnings directed at vessels in the area have reinforced the risks, with Iranian forces cautioning that ships attempting to pass without approval could be targeted.

Only a small number of vessels made it through on the first full day of the ceasefire, marking one of the lowest levels of traffic seen in recent weeks.

The reduced volume has effectively prolonged the disruption caused by the conflict, preventing a meaningful return to normal commercial activity.

Although the ceasefire remains in effect on paper, conditions on the ground indicate that free navigation is still severely limited, with Iran dictating access and pricing.

Oil-producing nations in the Gulf have voiced strong objections to any arrangement that requires payments to Tehran, warning that such a system could establish a dangerous precedent.

They argue that allowing these practices would legitimize economic pressure tactics and erode the rules-based global order.

Analysts say Iran’s approach reflects an evolving strategy, using its geographic position to exert influence rather than relying solely on military force.

By controlling the strait, Tehran gains immediate leverage over global markets, particularly the pricing and flow of oil.

This influence is significant given that roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow channel.

Even limited disruptions can cause sharp price swings, with far-reaching consequences for economies worldwide.

Shipping firms are proceeding cautiously, wary of resuming normal operations amid uncertainty about enforcement and safety conditions.

Many companies are holding vessels back, waiting for clearer direction before committing to regular transit schedules.

U.S. officials have acknowledged the complications arising from Iran’s actions, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that tolls would be both illegal and dangerous.

He stressed that stopping such measures would likely require a coordinated international effort, especially from nations that rely heavily on the strait.

At the same time, the United States has not yet laid out a specific plan for enforcing compliance.

For now, the ceasefire remains nominally in place, but questions about its effectiveness continue to grow.

As long as restrictions and fees remain, the agreement falls short of delivering the open and secure passage it promised.

With Vice President JD Vance scheduled to hold direct talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad on Friday, the coming days are expected to be decisive in determining whether diplomacy can restore genuine freedom of navigation or whether tensions will escalate once again.

Rom Braslavski, a survivor of Hamas captivity, said he has been subjected to curses and threats after sharing a personal story about helping Arab municipal workers near his home, sparking a heated public debate online.

In a post published Thursday, Braslavski described an encounter that took place earlier in the day and said he has since faced backlash. “They’re attacking me with curses and threats just because I shared something from the heart,” he wrote.

According to Braslavski, the morning began with the sound of cleaning and gardening work outside his home. At around 9 a.m., he noticed older Arab municipal workers continuing their labor throughout the day and decided, on his own initiative, to approach them. “Something in my instinct was to feel compassion for an older person working so hard,” he wrote.

He said he went into a nearby store to buy a few items and chose to purchase cans of soda and cigarettes for the workers. He then approached them and spoke in Arabic. “They were in shock, they didn’t understand why I bought for them, and how I speak such good Arabic,” he recalled, noting that his wearing a kippah while offering help added to their surprise.

“The looks on their faces—that I’m wearing a kippah, not hating them, and on the contrary wanting to help—were total shock,” he added.

In his post, Braslavski raised broader questions about the state of society, writing: “Why has helping another person become something unusual and out of the ordinary? Why would an older Arab be shocked that a young Jewish man cares for him? Have we become a society with that much hatred between Arabs and Jews?”

He also reflected on his own past, including his experience being kidnapped, but said that should not erase basic humanity. “I was kidnapped by Arabs. Am I in love with them? No. But we must leave room for humanity within all this chaos that we live in,” he wrote.

Braslavski emphasized that he did not seek attention for his actions. “I didn’t tell them who I am, I didn’t take a picture with them. I gave them the can, wished them peace, and left.”

Despite that, he said that once the story became public, he was met with harsh reactions online, including insults and threats. “I did nothing wrong,” he wrote in a follow-up post, expressing frustration over the response.

He concluded with a message directed at both communities: “I wish for Jews to start being humane toward Jews first. And for Arabs—not to see Jews as their enemy. Have a good Thursday.”

The Trump administration is preparing to implement a new system that would automatically register eligible men for the military draft beginning in December, a move aimed at simplifying the process should conscription be reinstated for the first time in more than five decades.

Under the proposal, the Selective Service System would directly enroll “every male citizen of the United States” between the ages of 18 and 25 into its database, replacing the current requirement that individuals sign up on their own.

Although the United States has not used a draft since 1973 during the Vietnam War, the potential for a prolonged conflict with Iran has raised concerns that conscription could return, prompting the policy shift.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue last month, telling reporters that a draft is “not part of the current plan” but emphasized that Trump “wisely keeps his options on the table.”

“There’s no greater priority or responsibility to this president than, of course, protecting the American people and protecting our troops,” she said.

Officials say the change is intended to make registration more efficient. However, reinstating an active draft would still require Congress to revise the Military Selective Service Act to give the president authority to draft civilians during a national emergency.

Federal law already requires all male U.S. citizens between 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service System, which maintains a list of individuals eligible for potential military service.

The requirement also applies to male immigrants, including those without legal status and refugees, as well as transgender individuals who were born male, dual citizens, Americans living abroad, and individuals with disabilities.

Women are currently excluded from registration under existing law, which only authorizes the enrollment of “male persons.”

However, the Selective Service System has indicated it “is prepared to expand registration” if Congress enacts legislation that would include women in mandatory service.

Certain groups are exempt from registering, including those already serving on active duty, some individuals with disabilities, and those who are incarcerated. Men who previously served but were discharged before turning 26 must still register.

Individuals who claim conscientious objection are still required to register.

Participation in the system has declined in recent years, partly due to the removal of draft registration from federal student loan applications in 2022, according to reports.

Failure to register remains a felony offense.

Those who do not comply can face fines of up to $250,000 or up to five years in prison, and may also lose access to student loans, government employment at all levels, and U.S. citizenship if they are immigrants.

Men are expected to register within 30 days of turning 18, though late registration is accepted until age 26.

If a draft is activated, those registered would be entered into a lottery system, where birthdays are randomly selected to determine the order of induction.

Individuals turning 20 in the year of the lottery would be called first, followed by those aged 21 through 25, then 19-year-olds, and finally those who are 18-and-a-half.

Those selected would be able to request deferments, postponements, or exemptions before reporting to a Military Entrance Processing Station for physical, mental, and moral evaluations.

After completing the process, they would either be inducted into military service or released.

Congress approved automatic draft registration last December as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, a key annual measure that funds military operations and personnel.

Currently, 46 states and territories already have systems in place that automatically register eligible men when they apply for driver’s licenses or identification cards.

The Selective Service System submitted its proposed “automatic registration” rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30.

According to the agency, the change will result “in a streamlined registration process and corresponding workforce realignment.”

Deep sorrow descended on Beit She’an Thursday as hundreds gathered to accompany Sergeant First Class Tuvia Lipschitz Hy”d, a Golani Brigade soldier who was killed in battle in southern Lebanon on Erev Yom Tov, to his final resting place.

Family members, friends, and fellow soldiers came in large numbers to pay their last respects and escort him on his final journey at the city’s cemetery.

His mother, Shadmit Hodaya, delivered a tearful hesped at the fresh kever, saying: “Tovi, we walked with you the entire way. We tried to teach values and good middos, and you absorbed everything. But you should know, the choices were yours, the strengths were yours, and the bravery is all yours. Everything is yours, Tovi. Tov El Yosef, just like your name, it fits you so precisely. Your entire being was good.”

Through tears, she continued: “We stand here with broken hearts, struggling to grasp the magnitude of the loss, and we part from you, a beloved and pure child.”

The deputy commander of the Golani Brigade, Lt. Col. Naor Amichai, also spoke, saying: “Tuvia was a beloved son, a remarkable brother, a true friend, and a courageous and devoted soldier. He insisted on joining the Golani Brigade, continuing the path of his father and brother, and enlisted in August 2024. After completing his training, he joined Battalion 13 and became a top-tier fighter, someone you could rely on with your eyes closed.”

The commander added: “Tuvia’s image will remain etched in the hearts of his friends and commanders. His courage and spirit will accompany us for many days to come.”

His older brother, Shilo, spoke with anguish, saying: “There are not enough words in the world to describe you. I failed in my role, to protect you, to guard you. We grew up together with only 11 months between us, my little brother. I cannot comprehend how this happened in our home. You used to tell Mom that there is a lot of work to do. You came home and the work was not finished—there is still much work. Dear Golani soldiers, finish the work.”

Another brother, Argaman, also delivered a hesped: “My big brother, something is missing in me, my brother. I am trying to walk in your path, to be strong, but I am broken. Broken from the fact that you are not here, from this void left in the family, that has opened in my heart. You always jumped in first—what a childhood we had together. I always knew my big brother would protect me. I will always be your younger brother and you will always be my big brother. You were a brother, a friend, full of life and strength.”

His sister, Rimon, parted from him with heartbreaking words: “Our Tovi, I never imagined you would return to us in a coffin. I promise that our family will stand back up on its feet, because that is what you would want. I know you are sitting close to the kisei hakavod and raising a l’chaim with all our malachim. You were better than all of us—Hashem truly takes the best.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Thursday pointed to immigration policies under the Biden administration following the arrest of a Haitian migrant accused of fatally attacking a Florida mother in a shocking broad-daylight assault, and shared graphic footage of the incident.

According to court records, Rolbert Jaochin, 40, is accused of beating a 51-year-old mother of two with a hammer outside a Chevron gas station in Fort Myers on Friday morning, leaving her mortally wounded in the parking lot.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump denounced the suspect, referring to him as an “animal” responsible for the gruesome killing.

The post also included an uncensored video of the attack, which Trump described as “one of the most vicious things you will ever see.”

“To my fellow Republicans, and frankly all Common Sense Americans, NEVER FORGET that Joe Biden and the Democrat Party turned the United States of America into a dumping ground,” Trump seethed.

“Please say a prayer for this innocent woman’s family. We will ensure quick and severe JUSTICE is served in this case!” he added.

Trump acknowledged the disturbing nature of the footage, saying he would not advise people to watch the roughly 20-second clip but felt compelled to share it so the public could understand “what Democrats are protecting.”

The video shows Jaochin striking the windshield of a black SUV in the gas station lot before the victim, who worked at the station, exits a nearby store and appears to say something to him.

The suspect then responds and quickly approaches her. As he reaches the woman, he leaps forward and strikes her in the face with a hammer, according to the footage.

She collapses onto the pavement, where he continues to hit her multiple times while she lies defenseless, the video shows.

After the attack, he steps over her and leaves the scene, according to the footage.

Emergency responders later found the victim lying on the ground in a pool of blood, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, court documents indicate.

Authorities apprehended Jaochin later that same day, with officers reportedly recognizing him from prior encounters.

Investigators say he admitted to the killing. He now faces charges including homicide, criminal mischief, and property damage exceeding $1,000.

Officials have not publicly released the victim’s identity or provided a motive for the attack.

Federal authorities said the suspect, originally from Haiti, entered the United States in August 2022 and was allowed to remain under Temporary Protected Status granted during the Biden administration.

After his arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer against him, with the Department of Homeland Security stating that he will “be deported regardless of the outcome of this case.”

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has been selected to light a torch at the official Independence Day ceremony on Har Herzl, in recognition of his strong and consistent support for Israel on the international stage.

The announcement was made Thursday evening by Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev, who said she chose Milei for the honor due to his firm backing of Israel through a series of diplomatic and policy decisions.

Milei, who has led Argentina for the past two and a half years, has taken a number of notable steps in support of Israel. These include recognizing Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah, and Hamas as terrorist organizations, advocating for the release of hostages, renaming a street previously called “Palestine” to “Bibas Family Street,” and actively fighting antisemitism in international forums while defending Israel’s right to protect itself.

Regev praised Milei’s leadership and close relationship with Israel, stating: “In these very complex years that we are in the midst of, the State of Israel has found in Buenos Aires a true friend and a devoted partner. President Javier Milei is one of the prominent leaders of the free world and one of Israel’s closest allies, a true friend and a true Zionist, an example of partnership, loyalty, and appreciation for the Jewish people and one of the greatest friends of the Jewish people. Choosing him expresses the tremendous gratitude that all Israeli citizens feel toward his leadership and our immense pride in the warm and close relationship between Israel and Argentina.”

Earlier in the day, additional torch lighters were announced, including hostage and missing persons coordinator Gal Hirsch, as well as Talik Guaili, whose son, police officer Ran Hy”d, was killed on October 7. Also selected was Rabbi Avraham Zarbiv, who is currently serving in the reserves.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said he has no intention of stepping down, pushing back on the idea during his first interview with an American television network, portions of which aired Thursday.

In a segment of a longer interview set to be broadcast Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, journalist Kristen Welker asked Díaz-Canel whether he would be “willing to step down if it meant saving Cuba.”

Before responding directly, Díaz-Canel challenged the premise of the question, asking whether it had been posed to other world leaders: “Is that a question from you, or is that coming from the State Department of the U.S. government?”

He went on to stress Cuba’s independence, saying, “In Cuba, the people who are in leadership position are not elected by the U.S. government, and they don’t have a mandate from the U.S. government. We have a free sovereign state.”

Díaz-Canel said his leadership was not driven by personal or political ambition but rather by the will of the Cuban people.

“If the Cuban people understand that I am not fit for office, that I have no reason to be here, then I should not be holding this position of president, I will respond to them,” he said.

The interview comes at a time of continued strain between Cuba and the United States, even as both sides acknowledge that discussions have taken place, though no specifics have been made public.

Díaz-Canel accused Washington of maintaining a “hostile policy” toward Cuba and argued that it has “no moral to demand anything from Cuba.”

He also said the U.S. should take responsibility for the impact of its policies, noting “and how much they have deprived the American people from a normal relationship with the Cuban people.”

While criticizing U.S. actions, Díaz-Canel said Cuba remains open to dialogue on any issue, without preconditions, stating it would proceed “not demanding changes from our political system as we are not demanding change from the American system, about which we have a number of doubts.”

Cuban officials continue to attribute the country’s worsening economic situation to U.S. energy restrictions, with fuel shortages affecting healthcare, transportation, and the production of goods.

In late March, a Russian tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil reached Cuba, marking the first such shipment in three months, with another delivery expected.

Despite earlier threats in January to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, President Donald Trump ultimately allowed the shipment to go forward.

“Cuba’s finished,” Trump said at the time. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.”

Tonight is known in many circles as “Rumpelnacht,” as the post-Pesach cleanup gets underway. With pots, pans and dishes all over the place and kitchenware being moved from here to there, the name “Rumpelnacht” has been found appropriate by some to describe the hectic atmosphere.

So as you “turn back over” from Pesach to chometz, Matzav.com wishes you bracha and hatzlacha and all the best to your families and loved ones.

We also wish you the customary Motzoei Pesach blessing of “ah gezunte zummer” and pray for only the best for all members of Klal Yisroel across the globe. May we all see yeshuos and refuos, collectively and individually, and may we see an end to the current difficult situation.

Next year in Yerushalayim, be’ezras Hashem.

{Matzav.com Newscenter}

Kamal Kharazi, Iran’s former foreign minister, has died after being wounded in joint U.S.-Israel strikes carried out on April 1, according to reports published Thursday by Iranian media outlets.

Kharazi, who was 81, was serving as chairman of Iran’s Strategic Council for International Relations, an entity affiliated with the country’s foreign ministry, at the time of the attack.

Iranian news agencies Mehr and ISNA reported that the longtime diplomat, “who was wounded in a terrorist attack carried out by the American-Zionist enemy a few days ago, died a martyr tonight”.

Reports also indicated that Kharazi’s wife was killed when their residence in Tehran was struck during the assault.

Over the course of his career, Kharazi held several high-profile diplomatic posts, including serving as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York before later becoming foreign minister from 1997 through 2005 under President Mohammad Khatami.

President Donald Trump issued a lengthy statement on Truth Social Thursday, taking aim at several well-known conservative commentators who once supported him but are now criticizing his position on Iran.

In his remarks, Trump singled out Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, all of whom have recently spoken out against his handling of tensions with the Islamic Republic.

“They think it is wonderful for Iran, the Number One State Sponsor of Terror, to have a Nuclear Weapon – Because they have one thing in common, Low IQs,” Trump charged.

Carlson and Kelly, both of whom previously worked at Fox News, have been especially outspoken. Kelly reacted angrily to Trump’s earlier warning this week that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran did not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, urging the president to “…shut up about that ….” Carlson, for his part, called Trump’s statement “vile on every level.”

The criticism marks a notable shift, as all four figures had strongly backed Trump during the 2024 presidential race. Speaking at the Republican National Convention, Carlson said that following the assassination attempt against Trump, he “was the leader of a nation.” Kelly, addressing a rally in Pittsburgh, told supporters she preferred “a president who understands how to be strong and how to fight” and encouraged them to “vote Trump and get 10 friends to vote Trump too.”

Responding to their recent comments, Trump suggested that Carlson, Kelly, and others who have turned against him “should see a good psychiatrist.”

Candace Owens fired back on social media, casting doubt on Trump’s mental condition and writing, “It may be time to put Grandpa up in a home.”

Owens has also previously voiced regret over promoting Trump during the campaign. In an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored, she said: “I don’t regret voting for Donald Trump above [former Vice President] Kamala [Harris]. I think he was the better candidate – certainly a better candidate above [former President] Joe Biden. But what I will say is that he’s been a chronic disappointment, and I feel embarrassed that I told people to go vote for him.”

Trump also took aim at Alex Jones, referring to him as “Bankrupt” and criticizing him for “his horrendous attack on the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims, ridiculously claiming it was a hoax.”

Jones, who hosted Trump on InfoWars in 2015, responded in a video message expressing disappointment. “I’m just so sad that whatever’s happened to him has totally changed the man he once was. He did so much good.” He added that he feels “sorry for him and pray that God touches his heart and soul and free him from the demonic influences that he’s under.”

Despite claiming he does not care about their opinions, Trump’s post ran close to 500 words and dismissed the group as no longer aligned with his political movement, saying they are “not ‘MAGA,’ they’re losers, just trying to latch on to MAGA.”

Pakistan’s defense minister sparked a diplomatic firestorm on Thursday after issuing a blistering condemnation of Israel, prompting sharp responses from Israeli leadership at a time when Pakistan is attempting to facilitate talks between the United States and Iran and amid ongoing Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Minister of Defense, posted a strongly worded message on X, declaring that “Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon.”

He went on to escalate his rhetoric further, writing: “Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran, and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated. I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews burn in hell.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, issued a forceful response, condemning the remarks and warning that such language undermines any claim of neutrality in mediation efforts. He stated that “Israel views these blatant antisemitic blood libels very gravely from a government claiming to ‘mediate peace.'”

Sa’ar added that “calling the Jewish state ‘cancerous’ is effectively calling for its annihilation.”

“Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction,” Sa’ar vowed.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office also weighed in, denouncing the Pakistani minister’s comments in strong terms. “Pakistan Defense Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace.”

President Donald Trump has agreed to pause planned military strikes on Iran for two weeks in a last-minute decision made less than 90 minutes before his 8 p.m. deadline, saying the move could open the door to a wider peace agreement in the Middle East.

In a Truth Social statement, Trump said the decision followed conversations with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged him to delay what he described as a major military assault on Iran.

The pause in operations, he said, depends on Iran taking immediate steps to reopen a key global shipping route. “subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

Trump framed the decision as part of a broader de-escalation effort, stating: “This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump said. “We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate.”

He added that negotiations had already made significant progress, saying: “Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated. On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The United States had been pressing Iran to restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway responsible for roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil flow, warning of severe consequences if it remained closed.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump issued a stark warning about the potential outcome if no agreement were reached. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“… We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.”

Pakistan, which has played a central role in mediating between Washington and Tehran during the conflict, made a last-minute push for an extension, proposing that Iran reopen the strait temporarily during the two-week period as a goodwill gesture.

“Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future,” Sharif said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

The diplomatic push followed a series of U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical hub for the country’s oil exports.

According to reports, approximately 50 strikes were carried out against bunkers, radar installations, and ammunition depots on the island, while avoiding direct hits on major energy infrastructure such as oil tanker terminals.

The escalating situation has rattled global markets, with investors concerned that further strikes on Iranian infrastructure—including bridges and power plants—could intensify the conflict.

Trump had previously outlined the scale of potential military action, warning: “We have a plan because of the power of our military where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night,” Trump said Monday, “where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again.”

He added that the operation “will happen over a period of four hours.”

The CIA relied on a highly classified system known as “Ghost Murmur” to locate and help rescue a second American airman who was shot down in southern Iran, according to a report by The New York Post citing sources familiar with the operation.

The tool, described as a cutting-edge intelligence capability, uses long-range quantum magnetometry to detect the electromagnetic signature of a human heartbeat, then combines that data with artificial intelligence to distinguish it from surrounding interference, sources said.

This marked the first known operational deployment of the technology in the field by the agency, and it was indirectly referenced during a White House briefing by President Donald Trump and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

“It’s like hearing a voice in a stadium, except the stadium is a thousand square miles of desert,” a source familiar with the program told The Post. “In the right conditions, if your heart is beating, we will find you.”

According to sources with knowledge of Lockheed Martin systems, the technology was developed by the company’s Skunk Works division, though the firm declined to comment on the report.

The system has reportedly been tested aboard Black Hawk helicopters and may eventually be integrated into F-35 fighter aircraft, according to one of the sources.

The downed crew member, publicly identified only as “Dude 44 Bravo,” had taken cover in a mountain crevice after his F-15 was shot down, surviving for two days in harsh terrain while Iranian forces searched the area.

The remote and sparsely populated environment made conditions especially suitable for the first real-world use of Ghost Murmur, one source explained.

“The name is deliberate. ‘Murmur’ is a clinical term for a heart rhythm. ‘Ghost’ refers to finding someone who, for all practical purposes, has disappeared,” the source said.

The technology performed optimally due to minimal electromagnetic interference, limited human presence, and temperature differences at night between the human body and the surrounding desert, which helped confirm readings.

“Normally this signal is so weak that it can only be measured in a hospital setting with sensors pressed nearly against the chest,” the source said.

“But advances in a field known as quantum magnetometry — specifically sensors built around microscopic defects in synthetic diamonds — have apparently made it possible to detect these signals at dramatically greater distances.”

The same source cautioned that the system is not all-powerful. “The capability is not omniscient. It works best in remote, low-clutter environments and requires significant processing time,” this person said.

It remains unclear how long the system took to process data during the rescue or whether it has additional offensive military applications.

Although the airman activated a Combat Survivor Evader Locator beacon, his exact position remained uncertain until Ghost Murmur helped narrow and confirm his location.

The breakthrough came when the system identified the airman’s position, working alongside the beacon to refine the search.

“He had to come out [of the crevice] to send the beacon,” the source said. “It was less important the signal they sent and more important that he had to come out to send [it].”

During a briefing, Ratcliffe described the moment the agency confirmed the airman’s survival. “achieved our primary objective by finding and providing confirmation that one of America’s best and bravest was alive and concealed in a mountain crevice — still invisible to the enemy, but not to the CIA.”

“That confirmation was relayed by Secretary [of War Pete] Hegseth to the president, and the operation quickly moved to the execution phase,” he said.

Trump told reporters the CIA had identified the missing airman from a considerable distance. “It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, finding this pilot, and the CIA was unbelievable,” Trump said. “The CIA was very responsible for finding this little speck.”

He also praised Ratcliffe’s role in the operation, saying: “did a phenomenal job that night — he did something that I don’t know if you want to talk about it. If you want, you can. I’m not sure he’s supposed to.”

Trump joked about the secrecy surrounding the system, adding that the technology “might be classified, in which case I’d have to put him in jail if he talks about it and I don’t want to put him in jail. He doesn’t deserve that.”

Sources indicated that the classified nature of Ghost Murmur explains why officials have been reluctant to detail how the airman was located.

“I don’t think people even know this technology is possible from this distance,” one source said.

Airstrikes struck Tehran on Tuesday as Iran urged civilians—especially young people—to form human chains around power plants, just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a dramatic escalation.

With the 8 p.m. Washington deadline approaching, tensions surged on both sides. Trump signaled that this cutoff may be final after extending previous deadlines, warning that failure to comply would lead to sweeping attacks on Iran’s infrastructure. Tehran responded with defiant rhetoric, including a claim by its president that 14 million citizens had volunteered to fight.

Although Iran lacks the advanced capabilities of U.S. and Israeli forces, its control over the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, increasing pressure on Washington to resolve the standoff.

Diplomatic sources said negotiations were still underway, but Iran had rejected the latest U.S. proposal, leaving uncertainty over whether a deal could be reached in time. International leaders and legal experts cautioned that the scale of strikes being discussed could violate the laws of war.

At the same time, waves of strikes hit targets across Iran, including residential neighborhoods in Tehran, leaving dozens dead. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and Saudi Arabia, forcing the temporary closure of a key regional bridge.

Reiterating the deadline, Trump warned that “the entire country can be taken out in one night.”

“Every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night,” he said Monday, adding that power plants would be “burning, exploding and never to be used again.”

In response, Iranian officials called on the public to physically protect key infrastructure. They urged “all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors” to form human chains around power facilities.

“Power plants that are our national assets and capital,” Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, said in a video statement.

While similar demonstrations have occurred in the past around nuclear facilities, it remained unclear how many would participate this time. Reports indicated that at least one major power plant in Tehran had already been closed off for security reasons ahead of the planned gatherings.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed widespread public mobilization, writing: “I too have been, am, and will remain ready to give my life for Iran.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued further warnings, saying it would “deprive the U.S. and its allies of the region’s oil and gas for years” and expand its attacks across the Gulf if the U.S. follows through.

A senior Guard official also encouraged parents to send their children to staff checkpoints, which have been frequent targets of airstrikes.

Inside Tehran, the atmosphere was described as tense and fearful. One resident, speaking anonymously, said the country faces worsening conditions, including the possibility of widespread power outages. “I feel we are stuck between the blades of a pair of scissors,” he said.

International leaders continued to call for restraint. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned that attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure “are barred by the rules of war, international law.”

“They would without doubt trigger a new phase of escalation, of reprisals, that would drag the region and the world economy into a vicious circle,” he added.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also cautioned that targeting civilian infrastructure would violate international law, according to his office.

Despite those warnings, Trump dismissed concerns, saying he is “not at all” worried about potential accusations of war crimes.

Airstrikes continued across Iran, including in densely populated areas. Israel said it struck a petrochemical facility in Shiraz for a second consecutive day and issued a Farsi-language warning advising civilians to avoid trains, suggesting possible further strikes on transportation infrastructure.

Additional attacks were reported at Khorramabad International Airport and in Alborz province, where state media said 18 people were killed. Other strikes in Shahriar and Pardis left at least 15 more dead.

Iran also launched missiles toward Saudi Arabia early Tuesday, with debris reportedly falling near energy facilities after interception. The attack led Saudi authorities to temporarily shut down the King Fahd Causeway, the only land connection between Bahrain—home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet—and the Arabian Peninsula.

Missile alerts were also reported in Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Eilat.

Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, though official figures have not been updated in recent days.

In Lebanon, fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has killed more than 1,400 people and displaced over one million, while 11 Israeli soldiers have died there. Additional casualties have been reported across the region, including in Gulf Arab states, the West Bank, Israel, and among U.S. forces.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the conflict on February 28 has had far-reaching economic consequences, with disruptions to global oil supply driving up prices worldwide.

Brent crude rose above $108 per barrel on Tuesday, representing an increase of roughly 50 percent since the outbreak of hostilities.

While Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal on Monday, insisting on a permanent end to the war, diplomatic efforts continued. Officials said indirect talks between Washington and Tehran were ongoing, with mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey “are racing against time” to reach a deal.

According to one official, Iran has tied reopening the strait to sanctions relief, and the United States has indicated willingness to ease some restrictions, particularly on Iran’s oil sector, in an effort to stabilize global markets.

Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution urging the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, preventing the measure from passing despite majority support, AFP reported.

The proposal had already been significantly scaled back from its original version, which Gulf nations had pushed to include authorization for the use of force to secure the crucial shipping route.

The revised draft, introduced by Bahrain with backing from the United States, received 11 votes in favor, two opposed, and two abstentions.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed disappointment following the outcome, saying the Gulf states “regret” the rejection of the measure.

Iran has effectively blocked the strategic waterway since the United States and Israel launched military operations on February 28, disrupting a passage through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply typically flows and sending shockwaves through global markets.

The vote came just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the strait, during which he warned that failure to comply could result in catastrophic consequences, including that “a whole civilization will die” in Iran.

Following the vote, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz emphasized that Washington retains the ability to act independently, stating: “Today’s result does not restrict the United States to continue to act in its own self defense and in the collective defense of our allies and partners.”

Speaking on behalf of Gulf oil-producing nations, Al Zayani warned that the failed resolution carries broader implications, saying it “sends the wrong signal to the world.”

He elaborated: “This signal that the threat to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security,” he said.

Bahrain had begun discussions two weeks earlier on a stronger resolution that would have explicitly authorized countries to use force to reopen the strait.

However, resistance from several permanent members of the Security Council with veto power—including France, Russia, and China—led to repeated delays and a weakened final version of the text.

The revised resolution “strongly encourages states…to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels,” rather than explicitly authorizing force.

It also “demands” that Iran “immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

In addition, the proposal called for an end to strikes targeting civilian water, oil, and gas infrastructure.

President Donald Trump pushed back Tuesday against claims by Tucker Carlson that he is moving toward a nuclear confrontation with Iran, rejecting the assertion in a phone conversation with The New York Post and sharply criticizing the commentator.

“Tucker’s a low IQ person that has absolutely no idea what’s going on,” the president said. “He calls me all the time; I don’t respond to his calls. I don’t deal with him. I like dealing with smart people, not fools.”

Carlson had alleged in a post Monday night on X that Trump’s earlier Truth Social message—warning that the United States could strike Iran’s power plants and bridges—was “the first step toward nuclear war.”

“Christians need to understand where Trump is taking us,” Carlson wrote.

In the original Sunday post, Trump issued a blunt warning directed at Iran, writing: “open the … Strait, you crazy …. , or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

Carlson condemned the tone of the message, calling it inappropriate for a religious holiday. “vile on every level.”

In his podcast, Carlson further criticized the president, saying: “How dare you speak that way on Easter morning to the country?” Carlson said in his podcast. “Who do you think you are? You’re tweeting out [a profanity] on Easter morning.”

He went on to draw extreme comparisons, suggesting the president’s actions could lead to global catastrophe. “Is it just a conventional escalation ladder in a badly thought out war … [or] could it be something bigger? Is it possible what you’re watching is a very stealthy yet incredibly effective attack on what, from a Christian perspective, is the true faith: …. he said.

Carlson also questioned Trump’s motives in broader terms. “Is it possible that the president sees this in bigger terms? Sees this as the fulfillment of something? An elevation of some higher office beyond president of the United States?”

He pointed to Trump’s inauguration as part of his argument, saying: “… Maybe he didn’t put his hand on the Bible because he affirmatively rejects what’s inside that book, and what’s inside that book are limits on human behavior,” he said. “Because if there’s one theme that spans all 66 books in the Christian Bible, it’s that you are not God and you cannot assume his powers.”

Escalating his claims, Carlson urged administration and military personnel to refuse any potential nuclear order. “Those people who are in direct contact with the President need to say, ‘no, I’ll resign. I’ll do whatever I can do legally to stop this, because this is insane, and if you give the order, I’m not carrying it out. Figure out the codes on the football yourself,’” Carlson said.

The claims gained additional traction online when an account associated with former Vice President Kamala Harris amplified the narrative, asserting that Vice President JD Vance had hinted at the possibility of nuclear action.

The post referenced remarks Vance delivered in Hungary, where he said: “we’ve got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use that the president of the United States can decide to use them — and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don’t change their course of conduct.”

The White House quickly rejected that interpretation, responding on its Rapid Response account: “Literally nothing @VP said here ‘implies’ this, you absolute buffoons.”

Trump has continued to maintain that he is prepared to act militarily if Iran refuses to comply with his demands, particularly regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In a separate Truth Social post, he warned: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

He added: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?”

“We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

Military analysts note that the United States has multiple options available, ranging from expanded air campaigns targeting Iranian infrastructure to potential operations involving key strategic sites such as Kharg Island, which handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil exports.

American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted from a street in Baghdad last week, has been released, according to an Iraqi official familiar with the situation.

The official, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comment, said Kittleson was freed in the afternoon. While her current location was not disclosed, the official confirmed she had been held somewhere in Baghdad prior to her release.

Earlier in the day, the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah issued a statement saying it had decided to release Kittleson, who had been kidnapped on March 31.

The group said the move was made “in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister”, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without elaborating further. It added: “This initiative will not be repeated in the future.”

The militia also imposed a condition, stating that Kittleson must “leave the country immediately” after being freed.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Until issuing the statement, Kataib Hezbollah had not publicly acknowledged involvement in the abduction, although both U.S. and Iraqi officials had previously indicated the group was likely responsible.

According to two militia officials who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press, the release was part of an arrangement that would see several Kataib Hezbollah members previously detained by Iraqi authorities set free.

Kittleson, 49, is a freelance reporter who has spent years working across the Middle East, including in Iraq and Syria, and had previously been based in Rome. Like many independent journalists, she operated without the security resources typically available to staff reporters at major news organizations.

She had recently returned to Iraq before her kidnapping. U.S. officials said they had warned her multiple times about potential threats, but she chose to remain in the country.

Iraqi authorities reported that the abduction involved two vehicles. One of the cars was involved in a crash while being pursued near the town of al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. Kittleson was then moved into a second vehicle that escaped.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said efforts to secure her release had encountered setbacks.

One security official said a representative of the Popular Mobilization Forces—a coalition of Iran-aligned militias formally linked to the Iraqi military—had been assigned to negotiate with the kidnappers, but faced difficulties establishing communication with Kataib Hezbollah’s leadership.

Kataib Hezbollah has been linked in the past to the abduction of foreign nationals.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a graduate student at Princeton University with Israeli and Russian citizenship, went missing in Baghdad in 2023. After being freed and transferred to U.S. authorities in September 2025, she said she had been held by Kataib Hezbollah, though the group never formally claimed responsibility.

Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq have also carried out repeated attacks on U.S. installations in the country since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said it is working to allow hundreds more people into the Kosel plaza, beyond the limits set by a temporary High Court ruling, pending approval from security authorities.

In a submission to the Supreme Court, the foundation stated that additional protective measures are available and have not yet been fully implemented, which could make it possible to safely accommodate a larger number of people at the site.

Officials also warned that current entry limits are leading to crowding and long lines outside the plaza, creating potential safety concerns.

The foundation stressed that any increase in access would be coordinated with the Home Front Command and Israel Police, and carried out in line with security protocols, while maintaining a balance between safeguarding lives and preserving access for tefillah.