Middle East dwell weblog: ++ No leisure on the oil markets ++ | EUROtoday

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As of: April 22, 2026 • 7:27 a.m

Despite the introduced extension of the ceasefire with Iran, there aren’t any indicators of actual leisure on the oil markets. More than 30 nations are collaborating in a planning convention for a impartial operation within the Strait of Hormuz.

The most necessary developments at a look:

According to authorities info, a person who was convicted of spying for Israel has been executed in Iran. The man labored in a civil protection unit and handed on secret info to the Israeli secret service Mossad, reviews the justice portal Mizan. The demise sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court and carried out after the authorized course of was accomplished.

The US Department of Defense is abolishing the necessary flu vaccination for troopers, citing non secular causes, amongst different issues. “Your body, your faith and your convictions are non-negotiable,” emphasised Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who describes himself as Secretary of War, in a video message to the troops. The flu vaccination will subsequently solely be optionally available for troopers sooner or later. This overturns a rule launched after World War II and maintained for many years below each Republican and Democratic administrations.

Critics, resembling Democratic MP Jason Crow, take into account the minister’s change in fact to be a severe mistake: “Hegseth’s decision is negligent and puts our military readiness at risk,” warned Crow, who as soon as fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.

ARD-Korrespondentin Nina Barth from Washington with reactions to US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would lengthen the ceasefire with Iran.

US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran once more after extending the ceasefire. On his Truth Social platform, he defined that Iran doesn’t wish to shut the Strait of Hormuz, however moderately preserve it open in order that it will possibly promote its crude oil. If he permits this, there might “never be an agreement with Iran unless we blow up the rest of their country – including their leadership,” Trump wrote. It is unclear whether or not and when the talks might resume within the Pakistani capital.

Despite the extension of the ceasefire with Iran introduced by US President Donald Trump, there aren’t any indicators of actual leisure on the oil markets. Before Trump’s announcement, the North Sea Brent selection for supply in June value over $100 for the primary time in over every week. The worth then fell barely and was final at $99. Compared to the day before today, this corresponds to a rise of just about 4 %. The enhance within the US selection WTI was much less pronounced.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the USA and Iran. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi mentioned efforts to finish the battle between Tehran and Washington had been a “complex process” and it was necessary to provide this course of continuity.

Grossi, who’s at the moment operating to turn out to be the following UN secretary-general, additionally warned each side that any doable peace settlement must contain the IAEA from the beginning to make sure management over Iran’s nuclear program. Otherwise, he added, we might solely have “an illusion of an agreement.”

Military forces from 30 nations are assembly right now on the British navy headquarters Northwood in London for a doable operation to safe the Strait of Hormuz. The two-day planning assembly, hosted by Britain and France, follows a global convention in Paris final week.

London and Paris wish to set up a impartial naval operation that’s clearly separated from the combatants with a purpose to accompany and safe service provider ships. Germany can be contemplating contributing to mine clearance and maritime reconnaissance. The prerequisite is a secure ceasefire.

According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the continued blockade of Iran’s maritime commerce is severely affecting Tehran’s financial power. The warehouses on the island of Kharg, which is necessary for the oil commerce, could be full in a couple of days, which is why the oil fields must be shut down, Bessent wrote on Platform X. “The restriction on Iranian maritime trade directly targets the regime’s most important sources of income.”

US President Donald Trump had beforehand introduced that he was extending the ceasefire with Iran. However, he needs to stay to the ocean blockade. It impacts ships coming from or heading to Iranian ports. The island of Kharg within the Persian Gulf is taken into account the logistical spine for the nation’s export economic system.

It seems to be just like the ceasefire can be prolonged till additional discover, with no deadline, in line with ARD correspondent Torben Börgers. US President Donald Trump is essentially weakened. He neither reached a “deal” nor carried out his threats and attacked the nation.

Iran has known as on the United Nations to sentence the US seizure of its ships. Iran’s U.N. mission despatched a letter to the U.N. and Security Council calling for a “strong and unequivocal” condemnation of Sunday’s U.S. determination to assault and seize an Iranian-flagged cargo ship.

“This constitutes a serious violation of international law, a clear violation of the ceasefire and an act of aggression with the characteristics of piracy,” the mission on X mentioned. “Such reckless action directly endangers international shipping and undermines maritime security.” Washington mentioned the ship was trying to evade the US naval blockade close to the Strait of Hormuz.

A Revolutionary Guard commander has threatened Gulf states with the destruction of their oil manufacturing if they permit assaults on Iran from their territory. Hezbollah says it fired rockets at Israel.