Monday, 20 April 2026
Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE’s minister of state for international cooperation, reported that Iran has launched over 2,800 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates in the first 40 days of the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel, with more than 90% of these strikes hitting civilian infrastructure. Al Hashimy emphasized that Iran aims to undermine the UAE's economic model, contrasting the UAE's development with Iran's military pursuits.
The Russian army is advancing on the Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka, with the goal of occupying the entire Donbas region, where local residents continue to resist. As of April 12, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported that Russia has gained almost complete control over the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk, while approximately 18% of the Donetsk region remains outside of Russian control.
Ebrahim Azizi, chair of Iran's Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated in an interview with the BBC that Iran will never relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting it as an integral part of the nation's sovereignty. He announced plans to introduce a bill in parliament to formalize this control, emphasizing that Iran will determine the right of passage for vessels through this critical shipping route.
President Trump announced that a U.S. Navy destroyer attacked and seized an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions ahead of impending peace talks in Pakistan. The USS Spruance fired on the vessel, which was under U.S. sanctions, as Trump warned of further military action if Iran does not agree to a deal to end the war before the cease-fire expires on April 22. Despite the U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, preparing for negotiations, Iranian state media reported that Tehran has not agreed to participate, citing excessive U.S. demands.
The BBC has reported on a pattern of suspicious trading activities linked to US President Donald Trump's major foreign policy announcements, suggesting potential insider trading during his presidency. Market data indicates significant spikes in trading volumes just before Trump made public statements, including a surge of $950 million in bets on oil futures prior to his announcement of a ceasefire with Iran on April 7, 2026. Lawmakers and experts are raising concerns over these trades, which have resulted in substantial profits for some traders, prompting calls for regulatory scrutiny.
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