Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-09 at 16:02

HEADLINES
Iran Shifts Hormuz Control Into New Phase
Ceasefire Between US and Iran Pauses Tension
Ex CENTCOM Chief IRGC Could Concede

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran will move the management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz into a new phase, according to a written statement by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei read on state TV. The statement says Iran is not seeking war but will not forfeits its rights and considers all resistance fronts as a unified entity. The statement, released on the 40th day since the assassination of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, praised the former leader. It quotes that Iran emerged victorious despite enemy aggression and losses, and that the Iranian nation has achieved victory. It describes the rise of the Islamic Republic as a major power and the decline of global arrogance as visible to all. For forty days, the devoted followers of the revolution have stood with courage in the fields, streets, and battlefronts, and the Iranian people, though grieving, turned their sorrow into resistance.

In Iranian Retaliation, Ex-CENTCOM Chief: IRGC running Iran can make concessions without regime change - interview, General Kenneth McKenzie Jr. told The Jerusalem Post that Iran is likely governed by a hardline IRGC-led committee, but such leadership has shown in the past a readiness to make concessions that help achieve their aims without regime change. McKenzie, who oversaw the integration of Israel into CENTCOM’s architecture, suggested Iran would respond to existential pressure and that concessions could be pursued to advance strategic goals without toppling the regime.

In Regional Impacts, What just happened? Breaking down the ceasefire, a ceasefire between the United States and Iran was announced after Operation Roaring Lion, marking a sudden pause after weeks of tension and uncertainty. The agreement comes after a period of escalating rhetoric and limited diplomatic contact, prompting questions about whether this signals a broader de-escalation or a temporary pause. The development comes as regional volatility persists, with Israel experiencing sirens on April 8 underscoring the ongoing fragility of the situation.

In Regional Impacts, Container (green) and tanker (red) vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz via MarineTraffic since the announcement of the ceasefire shows that the few vessel transits that have occurred continued to deviate out of the main channel around the north side of Larak Island for inspection by Iran.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Argentine President Javier Milei has been invited to light one of the Independence Day torches in Jerusalem on April 21. The invitation was extended for Milei to participate in the Jerusalem ceremony on Independence Day.

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.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892542
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-892532
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-podcast/article-892496
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20171
https://t.me/ILtoday/18579