Iran Reimposes Closure of Strait of Hormuz
Iran said on April 18 that the Strait of Hormuz was closed again, one day after the regime stated it would be “completely open” to shipping traffic. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy announced that the narrow waterway will remain shuttered until the US blockade is lifted and that passage will require approval. “It is announced that until the US ends its obstruction of the full freedom of movement of vessels from and to Iran, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control and in its previous state,” an IRGC spokesperson said on X.
Seizure: Several media reports, including from The Hill, indicate that the US military is preparing to board vessels and seize commercial ships in international waters. This is part of the US efforts to implement the naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman. Related: Trump lays foundation for peace between Israel and Lebanon…
Joe Rogan Joins Trump Supporting Psychedelic Drug Research
Joe Rogan, the world’s top podcaster, joined President Donald Trump and others in the White House on April 18. Trump signed an executive order, accelerating research for various psychedelic drugs to treat mental health disorders. “Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life,” the president stated. The order directs the Food and Drug Administration to speed up its evaluation of emerging therapies. Trump noted that the directive covers certain medications, including psychedelic-based treatments, that are already in the later phases of clinical testing.
What Rogan Said: Rogan said that he learned about some of these treatments during a taping of his podcast, later sending “some information” about them to the president. “I sent him that information. The text message that came back: ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.’ Literally that quick,” Rogan said. Related: Social media giants found guilty of causing harm to children…
Pope Leo XIV Expresses Little Interest in Trump Debate
Pope Leo XIV, speaking to reporters on April 18, said that he has little interest in debating President Trump about the war in Iran aside from continuing to promote peace. Prior to boarding his papal plane flying from Cameroon to Angola, the pope addressed the back-and-forth of the past week, noting that his comments were not aimed at Trump. “There’s been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects, but because of the political situation created when, on the first day of the trip, the president of the United States made some comments about myself,” he said. “Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said.”
Thank You: Vice President JD Vance thanked the Pope for his clarification and expressed gratitude. “While the media narrative constantly gins up conflict–and yes, real disagreements have happened and will happen–the reality is often much more complicated,” Vance said on X. “The President–and the entire administration–work to apply those moral principles in a messy world,” he continued. “He will be in our prayers, and I hope that we’ll be in his.” Related: Politics of the Pope…
Peter Magyar’s Tisza Party Adds to Seat Count in Hungarian Parliament
Hungarian election winner Peter Magyar’s Tisza party has added to its seat count in the Parliament, one week after winning in a landslide. Hungary’s election office confirmed on April 18 that the center-right party increased its parliamentary supermajority to 141 seats out of 199 after officials processed foreign mission, postal, and transferred votes. Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party will have 52 seats.
‘Unprecedented’: “Here are the results of the 2026 parliamentary election: an unprecedented majority, an unprecedented mandate — and, at the same time, an unprecedented responsibility,” Magyar, who is considered even more to the right on immigration than Orban, said on X. “We are now working with all our colleagues to ensure that, by mid-May, the TISZA Party can begin its work with a government that will prove every single day — even if it is not perfect — that it can live up to the trust of the Hungarian people and is capable of building a functioning and humane Hungary.” Related: Trump ally Viktor Orban concedes defeat in Hungary…
Six Dead, Others Injured in Kyiv Shooting
At least six people are dead and 14 others are wounded after a shooting in Kyiv on April 18. Ukrainian officials confirmed that a local man started shooting at people on the street and took others hostage in a grocery store. The man was killed following a shoot-out with authorities.
‘Acting Chaotically’: Officials stated that the man was “acting chaotically” as negotiators spoke with the shooter for about 40 minutes. “We tried to persuade him, realizing that there was an injured person there,” Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenk told the press. “We offered to bring in tourniquets to stop the bleeding and so on. But he did not respond, so the order was given to eliminate him, especially after he killed one of the hostages.” Related: EU members struggle to unify on Ukraine…
