Democrats Plan Sixth Senate Vote on Iran War Powers Resolution

Democrats in the U.S. Schumer stated on X that the vote comes as the conflict reaches 60 days. He noted that previous attempts in both the Senate and House of Representatives to require congressional authorization for military actions have not succeeded.

disruptions from the U.S.-Israel war on Iran have led to higher prices for printed circuit boards, which are used in electronic devices, Reuters reported as cited by @AJEnglish. An Iranian strike in early April on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail petrochemical complex halted production of high-purity polyphenylene ether resin, a key material for PCB laminates.

The Saudi chemical maker SABIC, which operates the complex and supplies about 70 percent of the global high-purity PPE, has not resumed output. PCB prices rose as much as 40 percent in April from March levels, according to a Goldman Sachs note cited by Reuters.

Oil prices increased amid stalled diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Brent crude futures for June delivery rose 45 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $108.68 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for June delivery increased 58 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $96.96 per barrel.

Developments Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi

met with Russian officials in St. Petersburg to discuss potential new negotiations with the U.S., with Russia positioning itself as a mediator. Araghchi stated on X that recent events demonstrated the strength of the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, and expressed gratitude for Russia's support for diplomacy.

Reporting from Tehran, @AJEnglish correspondent Almigdad Alruhaid said Araghchi is expected to return to Tehran after visits to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia, noting Iran's openness to diplomacy once the war ends.

The UN Security Council held a meeting called by Bahrain and supported by other countries affected by higher fuel prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the impact on vulnerable countries, noting that 20 percent of global oil and natural gas passes through the strait, where thousands of cargo ships and about 20,000 maritime workers remain stranded.

No action was taken at the meeting. A previous resolution to reopen the strait was blocked by China and Russia.

individuals in Sidon described fleeing renewed Israeli air attacks after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on April 17. Kadija Hasem told @AJEnglish that strikes hit a village previously described as safe, causing panic and civilian deaths, with roads also targeted.

Mohammed Nassar stated to @AJEnglish that Israel does not respect the ceasefire and targets civilians. Huda Hawrani said Hezbollah did not break the truce and that the Israeli army violated it first by striking civilians and destroying homes. The Israeli military stated it targets only Hezbollah fighters.

demonstrators gathered in Tehran on April 27, waving Iranian flags, according to photos from @AJEnglish.