Iran, 4-3-26

For now, links to EIGHT-plus (about 16) reports, analyses, interviews, commentaries, and summaries: from the Associated Press, Middle East Eye, National Public Radio, the Cradle, Anadolu Ajansi, and Reuters; others or at least are accessible by clicking on their names or initials as highlighted. (Scroll down for IRAN 4-2-26.) — MCM

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Affiliate of Iranian state TV claims a U.S. pilot ejected from their aircraft over southwestern Iran, by Jon Gambrell and David Rising | AP  DUBAI — A channel affiliated with Iranian state television claimed today that a U.S. fighter pilot ejected from their aircraft over southwestern Iran. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for same AP report in Spanish, and HERE for others.  And HERE for live AP updates on Iran war. Click HERE and HERE for two reports from Middle East Eye.
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Iran hits Gulf refineries as Trump warns U.S. will attack Iranian bridges, power plants. From NPR. Blasts and sirens rang out across Israel, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia today as air defense systems tried to stave off Iranian drones and missiles. At least two refineries were set on fire by drone attacks or falling debris. The strikes came as President Trump repeated his threat to Iran’s leadership. READ MORE . . .

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U.S. intel says Iran retains significant launch capability, able to ‘wreak havok.’ From the Cradle. U.S. intelligence assessments have concluded that Iran “maintains significant missile launching capability” despite Washington and Tel Aviv’s attacks across the country, sources told CNN today. READ MORE . . .

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Over 40 countries meet to discuss ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Reported by   | NPR  Foreign ministers from more than 40 countries meet virtually to discuss President Trump’s request for help in ensuring shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Click HERE to listen and read; and HERE and HERE for links to nine or more items from NPR‘s “All Things Considered” Thursday and “Morning Edition” today.

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Iran says drafting protocol with Oman to oversee Strait of Hormuz transit, by Rania R.a. Abushamala | Anadolu  ISTANBUL — Iran is formulating a protocol with Oman to oversee maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior official said Thursday. READ MORE . . .

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Trump’s anger over Iran thrusts NATO into fresh crisis, by Gram Slattery, Andrea Shalal, Andrew Gray and John Irish | Reuters  WASHINGTON / BRUSSELS / PARIS — The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, thousands of miles from Europe, has nearly broken the 76-year-old bloc and threatens to leave it in its weakest state since its creation, say analysts and diplomats. READ MORE 

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Trump says U.S. can open Strait of Hormuz, ‘take the oil and make a fortune,‘ by Berk Kutay Gökmen | Anadolu  ISTANBUL — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said the U.S. can open the Strait of Hormuz, as well as “take the oil and make a fortune,” noting that the move would be a “gusher” for the world. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for same Anadolu report in French, and HERE for others.

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TO BE CONTINUED