★UNITED STATES

1. US Rescues Downed Airman As Energy Strike Planning Advances

U.S. forces rescued a downed Air Force officer after he evaded capture, with drones and coordinated strikes securing the area. President Donald Trump warned infrastructure targets could be struck if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Regional reporting indicates U.S. and Israeli officials approved contingency plans targeting Iran’s energy sector, while Iran said the strait will remain closed pending compensation. Reports indicate U.S. and Iranian officials are discussing a 45-day ceasefire framework via mediators and direct channels, though Reuters said the claims are not independently confirmed.

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★IRAN

2. Iranian Media Warns US Strikes Trigger Indirect Domestic Consequences

Iranian state-aligned outlet Tasnim News Agency cited an unnamed source warning that U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure could bring consequences affecting American interests and conditions inside U.S. territory. The source framed potential escalation as indirect rather than a direct military attack. 

3. Iran Launches Cluster Missile Attacks on Israel, Causing Civilian Casualties

Israeli officials reported multiple Iranian ballistic missile attacks targeting central and northern Israel, including strikes assessed to carry cluster munition warheads. Medics said at least two civilians were injured, including one seriously, while additional casualties and damage were reported in Haifa and Tel Aviv areas. Israeli air defenses intercepted some projectiles, while others struck open areas or caused localized damage.

4. Iran Signals Hormuz Closure Until Compensation Demands Are Met

Iranian officials indicated the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until compensation for war-related damages is secured, while signaling preparations for a new operational posture in the Gulf. 

5. Airstrikes Hit Tehran University and Multiple Iranian Cities

Airstrikes targeted Sharif University and several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Mehrabad, Bandar Abbas, Qom, and Shiraz, killing at least 18. The attacks coincide with Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening strikes on bridges and energy infrastructure.

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★LEBANON

6. Israeli Strikes Kill Civilians as Lebanon Fighting Intensifies

Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon on Easter Sunday killed at least 11 people, including a child, and injured dozens amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces conducted raids, killed militants, seized weapons, and struck infrastructure while issuing evacuation warnings in Beirut, marking one of the deadliest days.

7. Hezbollah Rockets Strike UN Sites During Lebanon Conflict Escalation

The Israel Defense Forces said about 165 Hezbollah rockets struck near UN posts in southern Lebanon, accusing the group of endangering peacekeepers. A recent strike hit a UNIFIL position, injuring three personnel, while Israel said it continues coordinating with UN forces.

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★IRAQ

8. Iran Grants Iraq Hormuz Exemption As Oil Export Planning Accelerates

Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil requested buyers submit crude lifting schedules within 24 hours following reports Iran granted Baghdad an exemption for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The directive included vessel nominations and contractual volumes to sustain export continuity. The move signals efforts to preserve Iraqi oil flows despite regional disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict and maritime restrictions.

9. Drone Attack Targets US Site Near Baghdad Airport During Escalation

An attempted drone attack targeted an area near Baghdad International Airport hosting U.S. logistical and diplomatic support facilities, according to Iraqi security sources, with two drones reportedly failing to hit their intended targets. No casualties were reported. 

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★GULF STATES

10. Gulf States Report Iranian Drone And Missile Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

Officials in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE reported Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting critical energy and industrial infrastructure, including oil facilities, power plants, and ports. Kuwaiti authorities said multiple projectiles were intercepted, while strikes caused fires and damage without reported fatalities. Bahrain and UAE confirmed additional incidents affecting energy sites and industrial zones amid ongoing regional escalation.

11. Oman Engages Iran To Stabilize Hormuz Shipping During Escalation Risks

Oman and Iran conducted diplomatic talks focused on securing maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz as military tensions increase. Discussions included coordination mechanisms, information sharing, and crisis response measures to prevent disruptions. The engagement reflects efforts to preserve energy flows through the critical chokepoint following Iranian navigation restrictions and growing U.S. pressure to reopen the waterway.

12. Oil Prices Surge Above One Hundred Ten Dollars During Hormuz Disruption Risks

Oil prices rose above $110 per barrel as conflict escalation and threats to the Strait of Hormuz increased concerns over global energy supply disruptions. Market movements reflect heightened risk tied to military escalation and potential constraints on maritime transit through the critical chokepoint, which carries a significant share of global oil flows.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.