Links to SEVEN reports, analyses, commentaries and interviews: from Al Jazeera, the Cradle, National Public Radio, the Associated Press, Consortium News, and ScheerPost; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials as highlighted. (Scroll down for IRAN 4-16-26.  Scroll up for GAZA and LEBANON.) — MCM

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Iran foreign minister says Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open.’ From Al Jazeera. The Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for all commercial vessels and will remain so during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, Iran’s foreign minister has said. READ MORE . . .  Click HERE for report from the Cradle.

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Hezbollah vows ‘finger on trigger’ as ceasefire takes effect. From the Cradle. Hezbollah released a statement on 17 April vowing its fingers would remain “on the trigger,” hours after a temporary ceasefire took effect across the country following 45 days of war. READ MORE . . .

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U.S.-Iran ceasefire appears to hold as economic pressure builds globally. Reported by Quil Lawrence and Leila Fadel | NPR U.S. military officials say the blockade of Iranian ports is holding and so is a ceasefire in the war with Iran. Click HERE to listen and read.

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FROM APRIL 16  U.S. military will target Iran-linked ships worldwide, broadening scope beyond blockade, by Konstantin Toropin, Ben Finley and David Klepper | AP  WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has widened its efforts beyond the blockade of Iran’s ports to allow its forces around the world to stop any ship tied to Tehran or those suspected of carrying supplies that could help its government, from weapons to oil, metals and electronics. READ MORE . . .  Click HERE for same AP report in Spanish, and HERE for others.

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FROM APRIL 16  Watch: CN Live! — ‘The pirate state.’ Joe Lauria of Consortium News talks with British journalist and filmmaker Richard Medhurst. From intro: “A broad overview of U.S. military action in Venezuela, Iran, and Russia reveals a U.S. plan to disable its competitors and corner the oil market, says a new film. Click HERE for interview, print introduction, and a comment. 

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FROM APRIL 10  All wars are bankers’ wars, by Ellen Brown | ScheerPost  In February 2026, the United States and Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iran. The officially proffered reasons — preventing Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon and forestalling its aggression — have not held up under scrutiny. READ MORE . . .