Morning Briefing: April 23, 2026

Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday, including the US saying it does not consider Iran's recent seizure of ships in the Strait of Hormuz a ceasefire violation, an Israeli strike killing a Lebanese journalist, and the Turkish president and chief of NATO meeting in the capital Ankara.

TOP STORIES

White House says Trump doesn’t see Iran's recent seizure of ships as ceasefire violation

US President Donald Trump does not consider Iran's recent seizure of ships in the Strait of Hormuz a ceasefire violation, the White House said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the president does not view the seizures as violations of the truce he unilaterally extended Tuesday "because these were not US ships. These were not Israeli ships."

"These were two international vessels. And for the American media, who is sort of blowing this out of proportion to discredit the president's facts that he has completely obliterated Iran's conventional navy, these two ships were taken by speedy gunboats," she told Fox News.

• Lebanese journalist killed on duty by Israeli strike

An Israeli strike on Lebanon killed Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil while she was carrying out her duties, the Red Cross said Wednesday.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported earlier in the day that “Israeli occupation forces are besieging journalists Amal Khalil and Zeinab Faraj, and preventing the Red Cross and the Lebanese army from reaching them.”

• Turkish president, NATO chief discuss Ankara summit preparations, alliance agenda

Meeting in Ankara on Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed preparations for the July NATO leaders’ summit set to be held in Türkiye, issues facing the alliance, and regional and global developments.

Erdogan said the unstable regional environment once again underscores the importance of solidarity and cooperation among NATO allies, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• US forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday.
• President Donald Trump indicated Wednesday that a second round of US-Iran negotiations could take place within the next "36 to 72 hours," as Pakistan continues mediating between the two sides.
• Iran said on Wednesday that the US’ "breach of commitments, blockade, and threats" are primary hindrances to "genuine" talks with US officials.
• US Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is departing the administration "effective immediately," said the Pentagon Wednesday, in the latest departure of a top military leader since the US and Israel launched the Iran war on Feb. 28.
• Israeli ceasefire violations have destroyed 428 housing units in southern Lebanon over the past three days, Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research said Wednesday.
• The UN said Wednesday that a second peacekeeper died following a recent attack in southern Lebanon, prompting renewed calls for accountability and the protection of international peacekeepers in the region.
• A senior envoy to US President Donald Trump proposed that Italy replace Iran in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
• Tesla reported first-quarter earnings above analyst estimates Wednesday, as the electric vehicle maker said it continued investing heavily in artificial intelligence, robotaxi services, and battery production infrastructure.
• Türkiye introduced new social media regulations Wednesday aimed at strengthening protections for children and young users online, joining countries such as Australia, France, Greece, and Portugal in adopting similar measures.
• Amnesty International issued a stark warning on Colombia’s worsening humanitarian situation, describing it as one of the most dangerous countries globally for human rights defenders and civilians.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US stocks close higher after Trump extends ceasefire with Iran, earnings boost sentiment

US stock markets closed higher Wednesday after President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran, while stronger-than-expected corporate earnings also supported investor sentiment.

The Dow rose 0.69% or 340.65 points to end the day at 49,490.03.

The S&P 500 added 1.05%, or 73.89 points, to an all-time high of 7,137.90, while the Nasdaq composite rose 1.64%, or 397.60 points, to 4,657.57.

The Volatility Index (VIX), often called the market’s “fear index,” fell 2.97% to 18.92.

• Türkiye invests in regional trade corridors against global fragmentation

Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek highlighted Türkiye's investments in global trade routes like the Development Road and Middle Corridor to combat rising international protectionism and economic fragmentation.

Türkiye invested in connectivity and regional economic integration to strengthen corridors for the country's benefit against global fragmentations, Simsek said in a speech at the Rising Türkiye Summits, organized by local broadcaster Kanal 7.