Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-18 at 04:01

HEADLINES
Iran Reopens Airspace; Flights Resume Gradually
Hormuz Shipping Resumes, Iran Windfall Looms
Ceasefire Hinges on Deal by Wednesday

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

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran announced it would partially reopen its airspace, with flights at the country’s airports to resume gradually and based on technical readiness.

In Regional Impacts, shipping resumes through the Hormuz Strait as Trump couples claims of diplomatic progress with fresh threats of renewed bombing, part of what officials describe as a strategy to shock Tehran and push it toward a deal. The Gulf states warn that the economic component of any agreement will determine Iran’s recovery pace and its standing in the region; if sanctions are lifted and Iran is allowed to export oil, it could collect hundreds of billions in revenue, funding rapid upgrades to missiles, naval and air forces, and recognition of Hormuz shipping rights could add even more income and elevate Iran’s regional influence. Israel’s security circle says that anything less than full removal of enriched uranium would enable Iran to revive its nuclear program and would be a major win for Tehran. The head of the International Energy Agency warns of a dangerous supply gap, saying markets have not fully absorbed the damage from closing the Hormuz Strait, and price spikes are likely.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump says there has been some pretty good news on Iran, and that the temporary ceasefire may end unless a long-term deal is reached by Wednesday, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on the way back from Arizona. He said the United States and Israel would resume attacks on Iran if negotiations fail, and that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place until a deal is reached. The ceasefire announcement was received in Washington with caution, as Iran has faced military pressure but is seen to have gained economically, while the United States has achieved quiet without a diplomatic breakthrough. He also notes that negotiations are central to the future of Israel. There is also a layer of ambiguity, with Trump’s posts on social media suggesting Iran has backed down and cooperated with the United States, while Iran’s top officials say the opposite.

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
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https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1311254
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https://t.me/ILtoday/18749