First, links to SEVEN-plus reports (10 or more): from the Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera, the Cradle, National Public Radio, and Middle East Eye; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials as highlighted. (Scroll down for IRAN 4-27-26 and today’s LEBANON so far.) — MCM

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Israel’s strikes and Trump’s blockade have battered Iran’s economy, by Amir-Hussein Radjy, Lee Keath and Sarah El Deeb | AP  CAIRO — Over more than five weeks of bombardment, U.S. and Israeli strikes hit thousands of factories. The damage is reverberating across Iran’s economy, threatening increasing waves of layoffs, even as Iranians face skyrocketing prices. READ MORE . . .

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UAE leaves OPEC and OPEC+ in major blow to global oil producers’ group, by Maha El Dahan | Reuters  DUBAI — The action by United Arab Emirates deals a heavy blow to the oil exporting groups ‌and their de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, at a time when the Iran war has ‌caused a historic energy shock and unsettled the global economy. It could create disarray ​and weaken the group, which has usually sought to show a united front despite internal disagreements. READ MORE . . .  Click HERE and HERE for report from Al Jazeera and the Cradle.

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Ceasefire in south Lebanon fraying as U.S.-Iran talks stall. Kat Lonsdorf and Steve Inskeep of NPR talks about it. Click HERE to listen and, later, read; and HERE for link to other Iran war-related reports today on NPR’s “Morning Edition.”

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