Yasin Gungor
16 April 2026•Update: 16 April 2026
Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Thursday with, including US President Donald Trump saying that leaders of Israel, Lebanon are set to speak, Israel's continuing strikes in Lebanon and US Senate rejecting bid to curb the president's Iran war powers.
TOP STORIES
- Trump says leaders of Israel, Lebanon set to speak
Trump said late Wednesday that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon would speak directly with each other on Thursday for the first time in roughly three decades.
"Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
- Fresh Israeli strikes kills 16 in southern Lebanon
At least 16 people were killed and several others injured in latest Israeli airstrikes targeting multiple areas in southern Lebanon.
The strikes came after Israel and Lebanon held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington.
- US Senate blocks Democratic bid to curb Trump’s Iran war powers
The US Senate on blocked a Democratic effort aimed at limiting Trump’s war powers on Iran war.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth's war powers resolution was rejected by a vote of 47-52.
The Senate also rejected two resolutions introduced by Bernie Sanders to block nearly $500 million in arms sales to Israel.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- A giant Iranian crude carrier entered Iranian waters after transiting the Strait of Hormuz despite US blockade threats
- Israel’s High Court of Justice began hearing a petition seeking the removal of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over allegations of interference in police
- Trump said there will be no peace deal if Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons
- A high-level Pakistani delegation led by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reached Tehran to outline a plan for a second round of talks between Iran and the US
- The Central Command said no vessels breached the US naval blockade on Iran during its first 48 hours
- White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the next round of negotiations with Iran is expected in the Pakistani capital
- Israeli forces arrested 17 Palestinians, including a woman, in raids across the occupied West Bank
- Washington named veteran diplomat John M. Barrett as the new charge d’affaires in Venezuela
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Roelf Meyer, a former Cabinet minister under the apartheid regime who later played a pivotal role in negotiating its end, as the new ambassador to the US
BUSINNESS & ECONOMY
- IMF chief warns of tough times ahead if oil prices stay high amid Middle East conflict
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that the global economy could face difficult conditions if the conflict in the Middle East drags on and oil prices remain elevated.
Georgieva said the Fund is closely monitoring developments in the region and voiced hope that a ceasefire announced last week could pave the way for lasting peace.
“The impact on the global economy is already large,” she said. “If the conflict persists and oil prices stay high for an extended period, we must brace for tough times ahead."
- War-linked damage to Middle East energy infrastructure may cost up to $58B
Repair and restoration costs for energy-linked infrastructure damaged in the Middle East war could reach as much as $58 billion, Rystad Energy said, which indicated oil and gas facilities may account for up to $50 billion of the total.
The consultancy estimated that total repair and restoration spending across affected energy-linked facilities at between $34 billion and $58 billion, with an average estimate of $46 billion, including about $5 billion for industrial, power and desalination assets.
