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U.S. Central Command announced that American forces will begin implementing a maritime blockade targeting traffic to and from Iranian ports starting this morning at 10 a.m. Eastern, following orders issued by President Donald Trump.

CENTCOM said the operation will cover all ships traveling into or out of Iranian ports and coastal regions, including areas along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Officials stressed that the enforcement of the blockade will be applied uniformly, without regard to a vessel’s nationality.

At the same time, CENTCOM made clear that U.S. naval forces will not restrict navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels transiting to or from ports outside of Iran.

Further instructions are expected to be issued to commercial shipping operators through formal maritime advisories prior to the start of the operation.

Ships operating in the region have been urged to stay alert to official maritime communications and to remain in contact with U.S. naval forces via bridge-to-bridge Channel 16.

The announcement follows comments made earlier Sunday by Trump, who indicated that the Navy would begin blocking activity connected to Iran and targeting vessels that had paid fees to Tehran.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said Iran “will never be able to charge tolls” for passage through the key waterway.

He added that naval forces had been directed to stop any ship found in international waters that had paid such tolls.

“No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” Trump said.

Later Sunday night, Trump again confirmed that the blockade would take effect as scheduled.

“At 10 a.m. tomorrow, we have a blockade going into effect,” he told the press gaggle. “Other nations are working, so that Iran will not be able to sell oil and that will be very effective.”

The move came shortly after negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded without a final deal.

Although Trump said the talks “went well” and that “most points were agreed,” he acknowledged that key disagreements remain, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States could quickly devastate Iran’s critical infrastructure, delivering a stark warning following the breakdown of diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions with Tehran.

Speaking in a Fox News interview, Trump asserted that American military capabilities could inflict sweeping damage on Iran’s energy systems in an extremely short time frame.

“I could take out Iran in one day … in one hour. I could have their entire energy, everything, every one of their power-generating plants, which is a big deal. I hate to do it, because if you do it, it takes 10 years to build. … They’ll never be able to rebuild it,” Trump said.

His remarks came just hours after negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance concluded without producing an agreement, marking another failed attempt to ease hostilities between the two countries.

Trump also indicated that recent U.S. military action was meant to send a clear signal to Iran.

The president said he destroyed a bridge in Iran “just to show them because they came out with a statement.”

Israel issued a sharp diplomatic protest to Spain after an effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was detonated in a town in southern Spain, intensifying an already strained relationship between the two countries.

At the direction of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Foreign Ministry Director General Eden Bar Tal held a reprimand call on Sunday with Francisca Pedrós, head of the Spanish Embassy in Israel, following the incident in El Burgo, near Malaga.

The protest centered on what Israeli officials described as an antisemitic display during a local event in which a figure representing Netanyahu was blown up, prompting strong condemnation from Jerusalem.

During the call, Bar Tal stated that “this horrifying display is a direct result of the systematic incitement against the State of Israel by the government of [Prime Minister] Pedro Sánchez.”

He added, “Equally outrageous is the fact that, as of this moment, the Spanish government has still not seen fit to condemn this blatant antisemitic spectacle. Such conduct is completely unacceptable.”

Israeli officials emphasized that the incident reflects what they view as a broader pattern of hostility by Spain’s current government toward Israel, a stance they say has persisted since the events of October 7, 2023.

“The Sánchez-led government spreads false blood libels against Israel and IDF soldiers and is attempting to impose sanctions on Israel within the European Union. During the war against Iran, the Spanish government acted against Israel’s interests and those of our ally, the United States. Spain has aligned itself with the world’s most radical regimes – from Venezuela to Iran, where it intends to reopen its embassy.”

Bar Tal also pointed out that, on Friday, Sa’ar—working in coordination with Prime Minister Netanyahu—decided that Spain would not be allowed to take part in a civil-military coordination center in Kiryat Gat established as part of President Trump’s Gaza peace initiative.

“In light of the Spanish government’s extreme one-sided and anti-Israel positions, it can no longer contribute or serve as a constructive actor in implementing President Trump’s peace plan,” Bar Tal concluded.

The latest episode further deepens a prolonged diplomatic dispute between Israel and Spain that began amid disagreements over the Gaza war.

In November 2023, Spain’s ambassador to Israel was summoned after Sánchez said that “Israel is violating international law and is carrying out indiscriminate killings in Gaza.”

Tensions continued in April 2024, when Sánchez criticized Israel’s military response, calling it a “disproportionate response” that risks “destabilizing the Middle East, and as a consequence, the entire world”.

Shortly afterward, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called for international sanctions against Israel, citing the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

President Donald Trump said Sunday night that a U.S.-backed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would begin Monday morning, while emphasizing that Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and signaling little concern about whether negotiations resume.

Speaking to reporters, Trump outlined the planned restrictions on maritime traffic tied to Iranian oil exports, describing a coordinated effort by multiple countries aimed at cutting off Tehran’s ability to sell energy on the global market.

“As you know, at 10 o’clock tomorrow, we have a blockade going into effect. Other nations are working so that Iran will not be able to sell oil, and that would be very effective..but there are many boats heading toward our country to fill up with oil and then go and take it. So they’re not going to go through the Hormuz Strait. And ultimately that’ll be corrected.”

.@POTUS: "At 10a tomorrow, we have a blockade going into effect — that'll be 10a tomorrow. Other nations are working, so that Iran will not be able to sell oil and that will be very effective." pic.twitter.com/gNdAkW60Z8

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 13, 2026

He added that, for now, foreign vessels are turning to U.S. supplies, pointing to increased domestic production as a factor allowing the shift.

“But in the meantime, they’re using us. We have more oil because of Drill Baby Drill. We have more oil than Russia and Saudi Arabia put together.

So if you look at Russia and Saudi Arabia, two big ones, we have much more oil than they have put together. And what’s happening is boats are coming over here, filling up. We don’t have to go through the Hormuz Strait.”

Addressing recent diplomatic efforts, Trump pointed to lengthy but unsuccessful discussions between American and Iranian representatives held in Pakistan over the weekend, portraying Tehran as weakened and under pressure.

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

.@POTUS: "Iran is in very bad shape — and just so you understand, Iran will NOT have a nuclear weapon… There is no way. They still want it, and they made that clear the other night. Iran will NOT have a nuclear weapon." pic.twitter.com/Q15kbX5y2Z

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 13, 2026

He reiterated that the administration would not permit Iran to obtain nuclear capabilities under any circumstances.

“And just so you understand, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. There is no way that they’re going to get it. They still want it. And they made that clear the other night. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump also indicated that renewed negotiations were not a priority, suggesting that the U.S. holds the advantage following recent military and strategic developments.

“I don’t care if they come back or not. If they don’t come back, I’m fine. Their military is gone. Their missiles are largely depleted. The manufacturing capability for missiles and drones is largely defeated. We’ve been very nice. We haven’t ripped down too many bridges. We did one only because they broke their word, they broke their promise. And remember, their promise was that they were going to open the Hormuz Strait. They didn’t do it. They lied,” said Trump.

{Matzav.com}

Iranian and American officials offered sharply different accounts after marathon negotiations in Pakistan collapsed without a deal, with each side faulting the other for the breakdown and signaling continued tensions over nuclear demands.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran entered the discussions prepared to reach an understanding but was met with what he described as unrealistic conditions from Washington that ultimately derailed progress.

“In intensive talks at highest level in 47 years, Iran engaged with US in good faith to end war,” the Iranian Foreign Minister wrote, adding, “But when just inches away from ‘Islamabad MoU’, we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade.”

“Zero lessons earned. Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity,” added Araghchi.

From the American side, Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the talks, which stretched over 21 hours, concluded without an agreement after Iran declined to accept key U.S. conditions.

Vance stressed that the administration had laid out its expectations clearly throughout the negotiations.

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are, what things we’re willing to accommodate them on, and what things we’re not willing to accommodate them on. And we’ve made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms,” the Vice President said.

He explained that Washington’s primary objective remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.

Vance explained that the US demands “an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the President of the United States, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf echoed Tehran’s position, saying the United States failed to earn Iran’s confidence during the discussions.

Speaking after the talks, Ghalibaf said Iran had entered the negotiations emphasizing its “goodwill and necessary determination,” but pointed to lingering mistrust rooted in past dealings.

“My colleagues in the Iranian delegation presented forward-looking initiatives, but in the end, the other side could not gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations,” he said.

He added that the United States now faces a decision about whether it can establish credibility moving forward.

Ghalibaf added that the US had come to understand Iran’s “logic and principles,” and now faces a decision on whether it can build the necessary trust. “Now is the time for the US to decide whether it can gain our trust or not,” he stated.

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President Donald Trump launched a sharp public attack on Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of being ineffective on both domestic and global issues, as tensions intensified between the White House and the Vatican over the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote Sunday night.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our Country,” he continued.

“And I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History.”

The remarks came in response to recent statements from Pope Leo, who has repeatedly voiced opposition to the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran, warning against what he described as dangerous attitudes driving global conflict.

During a prayer service in Rome, the pope spoke out against what he characterized as the “idolatry of self” and a “delusion of omnipotence,” comments widely interpreted as criticism of world leaders advancing the war effort.

Although Pope Leo has not mentioned Trump directly, he has consistently urged an end to the fighting and called on leaders to pursue peace rather than continued military action.

In a Palm Sunday address, the pontiff warned that divine favor does not extend to leaders who act with violence, saying that God does not heed the prayers of those whose “hands full of blood” or those “who wage war.”

He also cautioned against invoking religion in support of military campaigns, stressing the dangers of linking faith with violence.

“Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death,” Leo said during Saturday’s evening vigil in Rome.

Within the administration, several officials have incorporated religious messaging into their public remarks, particularly in connection with the war effort. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken that approach further than most, leading prayers inside the Pentagon and at wartime press briefings.

Despite his criticism of the pope, Trump expressed admiration for the pontiff’s brother, Louis Prevost, highlighting his support for the president.

“I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!” Trump ranted.

Trump had initially welcomed Leo’s election as pope, describing it as “a great honor for our country,” but has since become increasingly dissatisfied with his positions.

“Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician,” the president added.

“It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church.”

{Matzav.com}

As search efforts continue along the Netanya shoreline for one missing bochur, while his brother remains hospitalized in critical condition, their father, Rav Shlomo Spiegel, a rosh chaburah in the Mir, has sent an emotionally powerful letter to his talmidim, calling for mechilah, hisorerus, and strengthened kabbalos tovos.

The two sons, Yissachar Dov and Avrohom Yeshaya, were caught in the sea. One was rescued and is in serious condition, while the second remains missing.

In the midst of this painful ordeal, Rav Spiegel reached out to members of his chaburah, asking forgiveness from anyone he may have wronged and urging increased sensitivity in areas of bein adam l’chaveiro, particularly during these days of Sefirah.

Tefillos are being recited for Yissachar Dov ben Shoshana and Avrohom Yeshaya ben Shoshana.

The full letter follows:

“Last Friday morning, in the hours before the storm descended upon me, I was sitting and reviewing the weekly parsha—shnayim mikra v’echad targum. As I came across the posuk, ‘And the entire house of Yisroel shall cry over the burning that Hashem has burned,’ I recalled that people say this week is considered a time prone to tragedies. I thought to myself, ‘Baruch Hashem, the week passed without anything happening.’ But I forgot that the week wasn’t over yet… and it happened specifically to me.

“I was marked by hashgacha pratis from the Ribbono Shel Olam! The truth is that we are always marked by hashgacha pratis, but usually we sense it faintly. This time, the marking was in bold red.

“We were in a state of euphoria from the ‘ceasefire with Iran,’ but the consuming fire of Nadav and Avihu did not cease. It joined together with the waters of the sea, and together they drowned bnei Torah.

“The fire that burns most during the days of Sefirah is the fire of bein adam l’chaveiro. We mourn during these days for the talmidim of Rabbi Akiva who did not treat one another with proper respect, and it seems that the severe punishments of this time stem from shortcomings in bein adam l’chaveiro.

“This tragedy belongs to all of Klal Yisroel, to the entire tzibbur of bnei Torah. But certainly those who are closest to the fire must reflect on their actions more than anyone else.

“Therefore, I ask complete mechilah from each and every member of the chaburah, past and present—avreichim and bochurim alike—anyone with whom I had any connection through this holy chaburah. Whether I hurt someone directly or indirectly—myself or any member of my family.

“Please! With tear-filled eyes, I ask each of you to say out loud [literally with your mouth, not just in your heart]: ‘I forgive Shlomo ben Chaya Tova and Shoshana bas Matil and their family.’

“Additionally, if anyone was harmed by me in monetary matters, please inform me and I will repay.

“And for those who wish to help: please take upon yourselves during these days to be extra careful not to hurt one another. Pause for a moment before delivering a sharp comment, and guard your speech. In many gatherings, people look for something to talk about, and the easiest topic becomes lashon hara or gossip—this one said this about you, that one said that. Please, stop your tongue and even your breath, and through that difficult restraint, we will merit to add another healthy breath to Yissachar Dov ben Shoshana and Avrohom Yeshaya ben Shoshana. May it be Hashem’s will.”

{Matzav.com}

In unusually sharp and forceful language, the Chief Rabbinate Council issued a direct and unprecedented attack on Israel’s Supreme Court following its decision to hold deliberations during Shabbos. The rabbonim made clear that this was not merely a legal disagreement, but a deeper battle over the Jewish identity and character of the state.

The council convened a special protest session in response to the ruling, condemning what they described as a cynical misuse of the concept of pikuach nefesh to justify court proceedings and demonstrations on Shabbos. According to the rabbonim, such reasoning reflects a worldview that is fundamentally at odds with Torah principles.

During the meeting, the council’s official statement was read aloud, strongly criticizing what it called an attempt by Supreme Court justices “to crown themselves with the authority of Torah” by determining what constitutes pikuach nefesh. “A decision as to whether something qualifies as pikuach nefesh is a Torah-based determination that must be evaluated by those entrusted with such matters,” the rabbonim stated. They emphasized that while the Torah places supreme value on human life, it cannot be used as a blanket justification for public desecration of Shabbos under the guise of protest rights.

The rabbonim also referenced previous tensions, pointing to what they described as a broader pattern of dismissiveness toward matters of holiness. “The offensive tone in which issues of chametz were presented as if they were merely a ‘diet,’ and the decision that demonstrations constitute pikuach nefesh, indicate a profound distance from Judaism,” the statement read.

Concluding with a stark warning, the council declared: “Whoever kicks at the sacred foundations of the nation is denying the very existential idea of the State of Israel as a Jewish state.”

The Israeli Supreme Court on Sunday evening authorized the publication of the names of two brothers accused of spying on behalf of Iran. The defendants are Meir Nachum of Beitar Illit and Yosef Nachum of Modiin Illit, who are charged with maintaining contact with an Iranian agent while using artificial intelligence tools and impersonating a soldier from Unit 8200. The brothers had sought to block the release of their identities, arguing that it could expose them to retaliation by Iranian elements and cause severe psychological harm.

Justice Alex Stein ruled that the names could be made public. Meir Nachum, 24, and Yosef Nachum, 28, are accused of engaging with an Iranian operative over an extended period, during which time one of them allegedly posed as a member of Israel’s elite intelligence Unit 8200 while communicating through AI-based platforms.

According to investigators, the Iranian agents initially reached the brothers through a Telegram-based “phishing” scheme. The connection reportedly continued for several months, during which the suspects carried out various security-related activities with the understanding that they were acting on behalf of Iran.

Prosecutors allege that Meir Nachum, identified as the primary defendant, received tens of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency from the Iranian agent. Among other actions, he is accused of contributing to the arrest of an innocent Iranian civilian. Yosef Nachum is charged with passing information to an enemy as part of a coordinated effort.

The brothers argued before the court that publicizing their names could endanger them by inviting retaliation and inflict serious emotional damage. However, Justice Stein rejected the request, stating that these claims were speculative and did not demonstrate a high likelihood of danger. He also noted that any psychological harm resulting from the publication would not be considered unusual compared to other defendants facing serious criminal charges.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu told members of Israel’s security cabinet that the country may ultimately need to dismantle Hamas’ weapons capabilities on its own, as a deadline for the group’s disarmament approaches without clear progress.

According to remarks reported Sunday evening, Netanyahu indicated that President Donald Trump shares the view that Hamas is unlikely to voluntarily surrender its arsenal.

Addressing cabinet ministers, Netanyahu said, “Trump understands that a foreign coalition will not succeed in disarming Hamas. He failed to assemble a coalition to open the Strait of Hormuz, so he also understands that building a coalition to disarm Hamas is less realistic—we will have to do it ourselves.”

The comments come as the timeline set for Hamas to relinquish its weapons is set to expire this week. Meanwhile, discussions tied to a broader diplomatic effort are ongoing.

A source familiar with talks involving Trump’s peace council and Hamas leadership said the coming days will be decisive. “This week we will know if Hamas will disarm as part of an agreement.”

The source added that the outcome could take different forms depending on developments. “This week we will know where things are headed. Whether there is voluntary disarmament or whether it will happen ‘by other means’,” echoing language previously used by Trump.

According to the source, negotiations are continuing at an intense pace, with the Trump administration and its representatives maintaining focus on Gaza even as attention shifts to Iran and Lebanon.

The report also noted that some of the contacts are being facilitated by Nikolay Mladenov, director-general of the peace council, who has reportedly met with senior Hamas officials in Cairo as part of the ongoing efforts.

Israeli police have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the 2019 murder of chareidi teenager Evyatar Azarzar, marking a significant development in the case six years after the killing.

The arrests were carried out Sunday by the central unit of the Tel Aviv District Police, following a recent breakthrough in the investigation. Earlier in the day, authorities had already detained a suspect in his 30s from Bnei Brak and indicated that further arrests were expected.

Later, two more suspects—also men in their 30s from Bnei Brak—were taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests in the latest development to three.

According to a report by Li Ayash on i24, the two newly arrested suspects are already being held in connection with the 2020 murder of Michael Miller, who was killed in a hotel restroom in Tel Aviv.

All three suspects are scheduled to appear Monday before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court for a hearing on extending their detention. Police also announced that a gag order previously placed on the case has now been lifted.

Earlier Sunday, Channel 13 News reported that four individuals had been arrested in connection with the murder. “We have strong evidence,” police sources said.

Evyatar Azarzar, 18, was found dead in December 2019 with signs of violence on his body, discovered in a pit in an open area near the Morasha Junction after he had been missing for approximately three weeks.

Azarzar, a resident of the Ramot neighborhood in Yerushalayim, was last seen on Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei (December 7) at the intersection of Jabotinsky and Ben Gurion streets in Ramat Gan, near Bnei Brak. He then disappeared, until his body was later located.

President Donald Trump’s move to cut off negotiations with Iran and impose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is being framed by some Republican leaders as a decisive show of strength, with former Rep. Pete King saying the United States has already secured victory and must now press its advantage.

Speaking Sunday on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America Weekend,” King welcomed the end of diplomatic talks, arguing they had yielded no progress. “Well, first, I’m glad that they called off the talks,” the New York Republican said. “They were going nowhere. To me, this was all just a subterfuge by Iran.”

King said Trump avoided being drawn into prolonged negotiations that would have benefited Tehran. He added that he would “give the president credit for not falling into a trap of endless negotiations, endless extensions.”

Declaring the outcome of the conflict, King said, “The fact is that the United States military has won this war,” and emphasized that continued pressure is necessary moving forward.

He said the immediate priorities should be reopening the Strait of Hormuz while continuing to address Iran’s nuclear activities. “To me, the main issue now is to reopen the strait and then work on the nuclear enrichment. But we cannot in any way accept the status quo,” King said.

King also argued that the blockade sends a broader signal to the international community, highlighting the global implications of the crisis. “I think sending a message that this is just not a United States issue. This does affect the entire world, and it has to be addressed,” he said. “I think the president is dramatically emphasizing that by us doing the blockading.”

He added that ensuring free navigation through the strait must remain a central objective while encouraging allied participation. “I think we have to begin the process to clear it and to make sure that there’s free access, freedom of waterways at the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. “But no, I think it is important that the president is bringing in the other nations, realizing it’s not just us, it’s everyone being affected by this.”

Responding to Iranian officials who have questioned U.S. credibility, King rejected those claims outright. “That’s typical of Iran. It’s absolute nonsense,” he said. “The fact is that for 47 years, they’ve been at war with us. They’ve threatened to destroy us, destroy Israel. Everything is going in that direction. Their word cannot be taken at all.”

Former Rep. Jack Kingston of Georgia offered a different perspective, suggesting Trump’s tone could open the door to broader international cooperation. “You know, I’m moving in the opposite direction. I feel like this is a tone that’s a lot different than it was a week ago,” Kingston said. “The president is kind of speaking more the language of the U.N. or NATO, our European allies.”

Kingston said the shift in messaging may resonate with key Western partners and encourage them to get involved. “I think this is the kind of language that France and Germany and Great Britain can respond to, and they are slowly moving toward helping us out and realizing that we are helping them out,” he said. “So I think that the president has made more of an international appeal with this sort of tone.”

He concluded by stressing the need for a unified global response to the situation. “I do think it is time for the nations of the world to unite, say, OK, listen, let’s agree. Iran is a thug nation. The Gulf of Hormuz is relevant to all of us. Energy certainly is. Free commerce is. Let’s all cooperate,” Kingston said.

Iran’s leadership remains firmly committed to advancing its nuclear ambitions and backing terrorist proxy groups, with little expectation of any meaningful policy change despite internal differences, Iranian opposition figure Ali Safavi said in an interview Sunday.

Safavi, a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and a parliamentarian in exile, told Newsmax that the regime’s various factions operate with the same overarching goals. “Well, to be honest, various factions within the Iranian regime throughout the 47 years of rule of this dictatorship are all cut from the same cloth,” Safavi said on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America Weekend.”

He explained that while disagreements may exist at the tactical level, they do not reflect any real strategic divide. “They may differ in tactics, but strategically they are all in for the continuation of the nuclear weapons program, support for the proxy terrorist groups, and of course, suppressing the Iranian people,” he added.

According to Safavi, any perceived divisions among Tehran’s leadership are largely superficial. “So there may be some nuances, but at the end of the day, they’re basically the same,” he said. “And interestingly, those who came to the negotiating table, the speaker of the parliament, the foreign minister, and they’re both die-hard and veteran IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] commanders.”

He pointed to recent developments as further evidence supporting his assessment of the regime’s intentions. “And clearly, I think what happened yesterday proved what we have been saying all along, that this regime will never abandon its nuclear weapons program. It will never stop funding and training its terrorist proxies. And, of course, it will not abate in suppressing the Iranian people,” Safavi said.

Safavi also highlighted recent executions as an illustration of continued repression. “Case in point, the execution of 13 dissidents, including six members of the main Iranian opposition, the Mujahideen, last week,” he said.

Appearing alongside Safavi, Asaf Romirowsky, executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, said he largely agrees with that assessment, emphasizing that internal disagreements do not weaken the regime’s hold on power. “The fact of the matter is, I have no disagreement with what my colleague is saying here,” Romirowsky said.

“I mean, the fact is that these axis of oppression forces are still controlled by the regime itself. There’s still enough power that the IRGC has. And so any opposition forces really are being squashed.”

Romirowsky added that while Iran’s leadership may have suffered setbacks, its guiding ideology remains firmly in place. While agreeing the leadership has been “decapitated,” Romirowsky said “the ideology is still alive and well, and they’re the ones who are controlling what’s going on.”

He also pointed to the strategic and economic importance of key waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, as a critical factor moving forward. “Now, obviously, the main concern going forward, economically speaking, is going to be who’s controlling the Straits of Hormuz, and that is the IRGC,” Romirowsky said. “And we’re going to see probably more activity in that area for sure. So that’s part of what you’re going to see play out here.”

Romirowsky concluded that as long as the current leadership remains in power, repression will continue. “So long as they’re in power, this tyrannical regime and the suppressive, you know, repression forces are going to continue to squash any opposition forces,” he said.

Israel’s advisory committee on senior appointments has approved the selection of Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman as the next head of the Mossad, clearing the way for his appointment despite opposition from the committee’s chairman, retired Supreme Court President Asher Grunis.

The panel granted its approval on Sunday evening, with Grunis voting against the nomination but remaining in the minority. Following the decision, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu signed off on the appointment, which he had first announced in early December. Gofman is scheduled to take office on June 2 for a five-year term.

Gofman brings with him a long military career that includes a variety of senior operational and leadership roles within the IDF. He began his service in the Armored Corps as a tank crewman and commander, later serving as commander of the 75th Battalion in the 7th Brigade. He went on to serve as operations officer in the Ga’ash Formation (36th Division), commander of the Etzion Brigade and subsequently the 7th Brigade, head of the Bashan Division (210), commander of the National Ground Training Center, and chief of the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories.

Despite his extensive record, two past incidents have drawn attention. In one case, during his time leading the Etzion Brigade, Gofman reportedly ran a network of Palestinian informants without informing either the ISA or IDF Military Intelligence, and was later called in to provide clarification.

A more serious matter stems from his tenure as commander of the Bashan Division. According to allegations, Gofman directed two subordinate officers to pass along highly classified information—defined by both the ISA and the IDF as top secret—to a 17-year-old from Ashkelon, Uri Elmakayes, who operated a Telegram-based news channel.

The teenager was later detained by the ISA and police and charged with treason and severe espionage offenses. At the time of his arrest, authorities were reportedly unaware of any connection to Gofman. His alleged involvement only surfaced later in the process, when defense attorneys introduced evidence suggesting the senior officer had acted independently.

Israel is considering restarting its military campaign against Iran, with preparations already underway in coordination with the United States, according to a report aired Sunday by Kan News.

A senior security source cited in the report said that Operation “Roaring Lion” was brought to a halt prematurely, before Israel had achieved sufficient leverage over Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, and while the Strait of Hormuz was still not reopened.

The report states that Israel is now waiting for a decision from President Donald Trump, even as the IDF continues to make operational preparations alongside U.S. forces for a possible renewed offensive against Iran.

As part of these preparations, additional American military assets are continuing to arrive in the region, with close coordination taking place between Israeli and U.S. leadership at the highest levels. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday for consultations.

If authorization is granted by the White House, Israel is expected to broaden its target bank, potentially striking key national infrastructure and energy facilities throughout Iran. The objective would be to apply heavy economic pressure on the Iranian regime in an effort to force it to abandon its nuclear program.

Chap-A-Nosh of Brooklyn, a longtime kosher staple in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn that served the community for over 40 years, has permanently shut its doors, with owner Elie Pollak announcing that April 7th marked the restaurant’s final day of operation.

In a notice shared with staff and associates, Pollak acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and expressed appreciation for those who had been part of the business over the years. “I am writing to share some difficult news. Unfortunately today will be the last day Chap A Nosh will be open,” he wrote. “This is not an easy decision on my part and have worked alongside each and every one of you. Over the last nine years, your dedication and friendship meant a lot to me.” He concluded, “Thank you for all that you have done and wish you much continued success in the future.”

Chap-A-Nosh’s closure brings an end to a decades-long presence in Brooklyn’s kosher dining scene. The restaurant had been operating for more than four decades, with roots going back to the early 1980s or earlier. Over the years, it became a fixture in Midwood, known for its Chinese-American offerings.

The business had expanded beyond its original storefront. Adjacent to Chap-A-Nosh, the family operated Yun Kee, a sit-down Chinese restaurant, as well as Chap-A-Nosh Plus, a takeout establishment that included a butcher shop, bakery, and Shabbos food preparations. It remains unclear whether those neighboring operations will also be affected by the closure.

While the Brooklyn location has ceased operations, the Chap-A-Nosh catering division in the Five Towns continues to operate. That arm of the business runs out of a kosher deli and takeout counter inside the Gourmet Glatt supermarket in Cedarhurst, New York, and has not been impacted by the shutdown.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and 2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley said Sunday that the United States may ultimately have to deploy special operations forces inside Iran to eliminate its reserves of highly enriched uranium.

Speaking during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, Haley suggested that such a move may be unavoidable given the current situation. “That’s probably what it’s going to come down to. I mean, this is a special force mission. It would take about a week to ten days to get done. They know how to do it. It’s dangerous,” she said.

Haley emphasized that while the operation would carry serious risks, she believes it is necessary to neutralize a key threat posed by Iran. “It’s not something that we can, you know, just sit and think is casual. I think they have to do it. But once they do that, they’re taking away literally one arm of the Iranian regime to where they no longer can threaten any of our allies,” she added.

She also addressed President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that the move is not intended to be a prolonged deployment. Responding to a question about the situation, Haley said, “I think that this is just a matter of continuing to weaken the regime. No, we don‘t want an endless war. This needs to be completed fast. And I think Trump is showing he‘s not going to wait around for talks anymore to do this. Keep in mind, we‘ve got a lot of the naval military already there, so they‘re prepared to do this if they can show that they can de-mine that strait, if they can show that it‘s safe to go through, typically 135 ships would go through the strait a day. Now we‘ve got maybe a handful. You‘ve got a backlog of 400 ships. This is affecting the global economy. If the Trump Administration can manage to get the strait open without Iran having any leverage to hold it hostage, that will be a huge feat, not just for the us, but for the region and the global economy.”

When asked about her political future, Haley ruled out another presidential bid in the next election cycle. She said she “will not” run in 2028 and noted that it is still too early for her to decide whom she might support for the Republican nomination.

Israeli forces operating in the central Gaza Strip thwarted an imminent terror plot, eliminating an armed Hamas cell that had advanced toward the Yellow Line with plans to attack IDF troops, the military announced.

According to the IDF, troops under Southern Command, working in coordination with the ISA, carried out the strike after identifying the threat through intelligence assessments.

The military said that among those killed was Ali Sami Mohammad Shakra, identified as a Hamas Nukhba platoon commander who had infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre and participated in the abduction of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alon Ohel, Eliya Cohen, and Or Levy from a bomb shelter in Re’im.

The strike also resulted in the deaths of Mohammad Mabhouh, a company commander in Hamas’ al-Bureij Battalion, and Mohammad Fuad Jaser Sayyid. The IDF said both individuals were involved in holding Avinatan Or while he was in Hamas captivity.

In addition, the military released an image showing Mohammad Fuad Jaser Sayyid, described as a Hamas platoon commander, together with Avinatan Or during his captivity inside a Hamas tunnel.

The IDF added that several other Hamas Nukhba operatives were killed in the strike, including individuals involved in launching rockets toward Israel.