April 13, 2026 Highlights – US naval blockade of Iran commenced amid $103 oil surge; Israeli jets hit Tehran missile sites, killing 12 IRGC; Iran fired 50+ drones at US bases in UAE, all intercepted.
Key Developments
- Hormuz Standoff: Trump’s destroyers mine strait; Iran vows “vortex of destruction,” denies passage—20% global oil at risk.
- Lebanon Front: IDF strikes Hezbollah in Beirut (31 dead); Netanyahu-Netanyahu call to Vance links de-escalation to truce.
- Diplomatic Deadlock: Post-Islamabad flop, Ghalibaf taunts US resilience; Pakistan mediation fails.
Oil volatility grips markets; India secures Gulf LNG amid Jaishankar’s UAE thanks.
