US to Escort Ships Through Strait of Hormuz as Tensions with Iran Persist

He described the initiative as Project Freedom and stated it would begin in Middle East time. Trump also rejected Iran's proposed peace plan, which includes three stages aimed at ending the war within 30 days and was presented as a response to a US nine-point plan. Iran accused the US of piracy and threatened its carrier fleet, according to reports.

Iran executed three men involved in January protests, local media reported. The executions follow ongoing tensions in the region. Operation Roaring Lion, launched by Israel and the US on February 28, aimed to create conditions for regime change in Iran.

An Israeli strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a Tehran bunker, along with Iran's defense minister and several IRGC generals. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Gulf nations and US military bases. Since the operation began, 12 Israeli soldiers and 23 civilians have been killed, with at least 7,693 injured in ballistic missile attacks across Israel.

A ceasefire was announced on April 7 and took effect on April 8.

Israel announced plans to purchase 100 F-35 fighter jets and 50 new F-15s, doubling its fleet in a deal valued at NIS 350 billion. The agreement resolves a debate over aircraft investments and allocates a larger budget for both types. The invitation came from President Herzog to begin preliminary talks on the case.

Board of Peace reached an impasse in negotiations over a disarmament agreement. Hamas stated it would only give up weapons after the full implementation of phase one, which requires Israel to withdraw from Gaza. In Lebanon, protests erupted after a displaced Shia community refused to leave private school grounds.

Parents claimed the individuals forced their way in, with some suggesting involvement by Hezbollah. Friedrich Merz stated that the US and Germany share the goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.