Key Points to Remember
Tehran threatened on Thursday, April 30 that it would respond with “painful and prolonged attacks” against U.S. positions in the region if Washington resumes its airstrikes on Iran, as a plan for strikes was supposed to be discussed by Donald Trump on the same day. President Trump is facing the expiration on Friday of the deadline by law to end the war or seek approval from Congress.
Iran has reaffirmed its desire to control the Strait of Hormuz, while condemning the American maritime blockade, which President Pezeshkian called “contrary to international law” and destined to fail. Americans suffered a “shameful defeat,” according to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in a message written on Thursday, April 30. This situation complicates Trump administration’s efforts to establish a coalition to reopen navigation in this crucial global energy supply route.
If the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is extended indefinitely, the two sides still cannot agree to resume negotiations, after an unsuccessful first session on April 11 in Pakistan.
The Israeli army continues to bomb southern Lebanon. More than 2,500 people have been killed in the country since Israel launched a new air and ground military campaign in early March aimed at neutralizing the pro-Iranian Hezbollah. At least 28 people died on April 30, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.
