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US Expands Sanctions on Mahan Air Over Alleged Weapon Transport

US Expands Sanctions on Mahan Air Over Alleged Weapon Transport

The United States has broadened its sanctions against Iranian carrier Mahan Air, citing the airline's alleged involvement in the procurement and transport of weapons. The sanctions now include several individuals and companies, as well as two Boeing 777-200ER aircraft recently added to Mahan Air's fleet. These aircraft, previously operated by Singapore Airlines, are identified as EP-MTB and EP-MTE. The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) accuses Mahan Air of transporting weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to and from Iran, supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The sanctions also target Mahan Air's parent company, Sepehr Kaveh Kish International Trading, and its subsidiary, Saman Air Services, for facilitating these activities.
Reuters Reuters
US says it does not object to Iran playing in World Cup but people with ties to IRGC won't be allowed

US says it does not object to Iran playing in World Cup but people with ties to IRGC won't be allowed

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, April 23 (Reuters) - U.S.
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U.S. Officials Reveal Iran's Military Capabilities Underestimated by Trump Administration

U.S. Officials Reveal Iran's Military Capabilities Underestimated by Trump Administration

Recent intelligence reports indicate that Iran's military capabilities are more robust than publicly acknowledged by the Trump administration. Despite significant U.S. military actions under Operation Epic Fury, which targeted Iranian military infrastructure, a substantial portion of Iran's military remains operational. According to U.S. officials, about half of Iran's ballistic missile stockpile and launch systems are still intact. Additionally, approximately 60% of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including fast-attack speed boats, remains active. This revelation comes after President Trump extended a ceasefire to facilitate peace talks, despite ongoing tensions exemplified by recent Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
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Iran's IRGC Seizes Two Boxships Linked to MSC Amid U.S. Blockade

Iran's IRGC Seizes Two Boxships Linked to MSC Amid U.S. Blockade

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two containerships linked to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company in retaliation for U.S. actions in the Persian Gulf. The seizures follow U.S. forces disabling an Iranian containership and boarding a crude oil tanker linked to Iranian trade. Iran claims the vessels disrupted the order and security of the Strait of Hormuz and lacked necessary permits. The IRGC has closed the Strait, demanding an end to the U.S. blockade as a condition for reopening.
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Iran Seizes Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Extended Ceasefire by Trump

Iran Seizes Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Extended Ceasefire by Trump

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, identified as the Epaminondas and MSC Francesca, following reports of attacks on vessels in the strategic waterway. This action comes after President Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request, while the U.S. military continues to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports. The IRGC warned that disrupting order in the Strait of Hormuz is a 'red line.' The situation remains tense as the U.S. and Iran are expected to engage in talks in Islamabad, although no timeline has been set for these discussions. Meanwhile, regional tensions are heightened with ongoing conflicts involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Reuters Reuters
Iran tightens control of Hormuz after US calls off renewed attacks

Iran tightens control of Hormuz after US calls off renewed attacks

WASHINGTON/DUBAI/ISLAMABAD, April 23 (Reuters) - Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz as it tightened its grip on the strategic waterway after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was indefinitely calling off attacks, with no sign of peace talks restarting.
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Iran's Military Capabilities Underestimated by Trump Administration, Sources Reveal

Iran's Military Capabilities Underestimated by Trump Administration, Sources Reveal

Recent intelligence reports indicate that Iran's military capabilities are more robust than publicly acknowledged by the Trump administration. Despite extensive U.S. and Israeli military operations, including Operation Epic Fury, which targeted thousands of Iranian military sites, a significant portion of Iran's military remains operational. Approximately half of Iran's ballistic missile stockpile and launch systems are still intact, and about 60% of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains active. This includes fast-attack speed boats that have recently engaged in aggressive actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, two-thirds of Iran's air force is believed to be operational, despite the degradation from recent strikes. These developments come as President Trump announced an extension of a ceasefire to facilitate peace talks.
AP News AP News
Trump says the US will extend its ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request

Trump says the US will extend its ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request

President Donald Trump says the United States is extending its ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request as he waits for a unified proposal from the Islamic Republic
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Iran Refuses Further Talks, Asserts Missile Program Non-Negotiable Amid U.S. Tensions

Iran Refuses Further Talks, Asserts Missile Program Non-Negotiable Amid U.S. Tensions

Iran has declared it will not participate in a second round of negotiations with the United States, maintaining that its missile program is non-negotiable. This stance comes amid ongoing tensions following U.S. military actions, including the seizure of an Iranian vessel. Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has stated that while they refrained from immediate retaliation to protect crew safety, they are prepared to take necessary actions against U.S. forces if provoked. The Iranian government insists that its defense capabilities are essential for national sovereignty and self-defense, rejecting any compromise on these issues. The situation remains tense, with Iran accusing the U.S. of violating ceasefire terms and showing a lack of seriousness in diplomatic efforts.