Iranian Woman Held in France Returns Home After Release of Two French Detainees
Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari has returned to Iran after being released in France, days after two French citizens were allowed to leave Iran, in a sequence of events that has intensified scrutiny over a possible detainee swap between Paris and Tehran.
April 15, 2026
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Al Aqsa Reopening Overshadowed by Ben Gvir Provocation
Worshippers returned to Jerusalem’s holy sites this week after restrictions were lifted following the fragile ceasefire between Israel, Iran and the United States. More than 100,000 Muslims gathered for Friday prayers at the Al Aqsa compound, while Christian worshippers also returned to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre ahead of Orthodox Easter observances.
April 14, 2026
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Yechiel Leiter Emerges as Israel’s Point Man in Lebanon Talks
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, has moved to the front of efforts to open direct talks with Lebanon, after officials from both sides confirmed a phone call between Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad ahead of a planned meeting at the US State Department in Washington. The contact marks a rare diplomatic step between two countries that do not have formal relations.
April 13, 2026
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US to Launch Naval Blockade on Iranian Ports as Tehran Issues Strong Warning
Washington announces immediate maritime restrictions targeting Iranian ports, while Iranian officials vow resistance amid rising regional tensions.
April 13, 2026
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Iranian Ports Face US Naval Blockade After Talks Collapse
The United States said it will begin blocking all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, April 13, after ceasefire talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement. US Central Command said the measure will apply to ships of any nationality using Iranian ports on the Gulf and Gulf of Oman.