Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-11 at 12:02

HEADLINES
- US warships cross Hormuz as Iran threatens
- Kataib Hezbollah flexes power in Baghdad
- Hidden Iranian assets amid Islamabad talks

The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, US warships transit Hormuz for first time since war began, Iran issues threats
US warships crossed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the conflict began, while Iran warned of retaliation and denied any crossings. Chinese oil tankers resumed passage as fragile ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran proceed amid ongoing regional tensions.

In US Military Role, Two American warships crossed the Strait of Hormuz today. The event passed without unusual incidents, and this is the first time since the beginning of the war that US military ships have crossed the strait.

In Regional Impacts, US clearing out Strait of Hormuz, Trump claims as Iran threatens to attack unauthorized ships
US Navy ships reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday afternoon as US-Iran ceasefire negotiations kicked off in Pakistan, though Iran denied the reports and threatened to attack any unauthorized ships in the strait. Axios, citing a US official, reported that several US Navy ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, the move was not coordinated with the Iranian Navy and was the first time US Navy ships made such a move since the start of the war. According to the Wall Street Journal, three US officials confirmed that two US Navy guided-missile destroyers passed through the strait without issue in what was described as a "freedom-of-navigation mission." Minutes later, a senior Iranian military official denied the reported crossing of US vessels on Iranian government-owned state television. Iranian media additionally released a warning that any US Military ship will be attacked within 30 minutes if it attempts to cross the Strait. According to State TV, a US vessel in the strait turned back after receiving the warning. Axios reporter Barak Ravid disputed Iranian media claims that the ship turned back after the warning, stating that a senior US official indicated otherwise.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iraq’s militia state: Shelly Kittleson’s kidnapping exposes who runs Baghdad
The brief incarceration and swift release of US freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson at the hands of Kataib Hezbollah reveals power dynamics in Iraq. Kittleson was held in the Jurf al-Nasr area south of Baghdad, a zone long associated with IRGC-supported KH activity. KH representatives contacted Iraqi authorities on April 1, demanding the release of four KH members detained for taking part in a rocket attack on a US base in Hasakah; those individuals were released in exchange for Kittleson’s freedom. The exchange underscores the influence of KH within the Iraqi security landscape and the cross-purposes that shape Baghdad’s governance.

In Israeli Economy and Business, איפה מסתתרים יותר מ־100 מיליארד דולר איראניים?
The piece asks where more than $100 billion of Iranian assets may be hidden and outlines Tehran’s hard-line demands in negotiations in Islamabad, with emphasis on the struggle over enriched uranium and Iran’s worst-case considerations. It notes Israel’s potential responses in the face of these pressures, mentions reports of a ceasefire with Israel, and indicates Israeli denial and counterclaims regarding recent statements. It also highlights that the United States is pushing to advance talks and has deployed a significant naval presence to the region as tensions persist.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1ukspv2zg
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74887
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892632
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-892631
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-892546
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1308564