Saudi Arabia is pushing the U.S. to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks, fearing escalation with Iran.

Officials warn Iran could retaliate by disrupting the Bab al-Mandeb, a key route for oil exports.

Source: WSJ

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in China:

We are living through times of change; the international order that once prevailed is being undermined by significant actors.

There are those who choose to deny reality. We prefer to focus our efforts on reforming this international order.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in China:

Relations between China and Spain are in very good shape... We have established a strategic dialogue.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in China:

I firmly believe it is in the interest of both Spain and Europe to strengthen ties with China.

Iran says initial estimates put war losses at $270 billion.

The figure is not final.

The defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia appears uneven.

Pakistan is explicitly obligated to send military forces to defend Saudi Arabia if requested, with clear language outlining that responsibility.

By contrast, there is no equally clear clause requiring Saudi Arabia to defend Pakistan in return.

Source: Drop Site News

A U.S.-sanctioned Chinese tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. blockade, according to shipping data.

The vessel, Rich Starry, carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol, is the first known tanker to exit the Gulf since the blockade began.

The U.S. and Indonesia launched a new “Major Defense Cooperation Partnership” (MDCP) to deepen military ties in the Indo-Pacific.

It focuses on:
Military modernization (tech, maritime systems, MRO support).

Training & education (including special forces programs).

Expanded joint exercises & interoperability.

Separately, the two countries are in early discussions about possible U.S. military overflight access in Indonesian airspace.

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez:

International law is being violated mainly by one country, which is the government of Israel.

There is also an absolutely illegal response on the part of the Iranian regime.

Xi Jinping to Pedro Sánchez:

China and Spain are both principled and reasonable countries. We are willing to stand on the right side of history.

We should oppose the law of the jungle and together maintain true multilateralism and protect world peace and development.

U.S. and Iranian negotiation teams will return to Islamabad for peace talks later this week.

Source: Reuters

Spain has officially launched a major plan to regularize undocumented migrants.

Norway’s planned delivery of at least six F-16 jets to Ukraine is facing major delays, with none transferred as of April 2026.

Even in the best-case scenario, the jets may not arrive until 2027—far later than the original 2024 timeline.

Source: Defense Express

Ukraine has made antisemitism a criminal offense.

Penalties include fines or prison time up to 8 years, depending on severity.

BREAKING: Italy will suspend the automatic renewal of its defence agreement with Israel.

Zelensky:

For the first time in the war, an enemy position was captured entirely by ground robotic systems and drones - without any infantry.

A robot entered the most dangerous zones instead of a soldier and took the positions.

📸 The cover of Italy’s L’Espresso features a photo of an armed Israeli "settler" filming a distressed Palestinian woman in the West Bank, under the headline L’abuso (Abuse).