Starting the third week of April 2026, the US Navy is enforcing its blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas, including the Strait of Hormuz. Iran takes a complete U-turn and announces that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed once again in response to a US blockade on Iranian shipping and ports.
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, brokered by the United States, officially came into effect on 17 April 2026. Here is what we know about the ceasefire. Initially it is set to expire on 22 April 2026, with a possibility of extension if peace negotiations make progress. The ceasefire was a result of the first direct talks since 1993 between Israel and Lebanon arranged by the US.
Australia and Japan also made headlines after they signed a major $7 billion defence agreement for warships. And while making a U-turn, the Trump administration renewed the Russian oil waiver for 30 days. Check full details below of the international developments this week.
Top 5 World Current Affairs This Week
1. Strait of Hormuz blockade
Why in news? The US military said the blockade had begun on Monday, 13 April 2026, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time and would apply to any ships entering or departing Iranian ports or coastal areas. While ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz for other destinations will not be impeded. The Strait of Hormuz blockade comes into effect after, a day ago, Iran had declared the Strait of Hormuz completely open to commercial traffic.
2. Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire
Why in news? A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force on 16 April 2026, following six weeks of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group, Hezbollah. The 2026 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was brokered by the US President Donald Trump after talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The 10-day ceasefire aims at reaching a peace agreement and disarming Hezbollah.
3. Australia-Japan Warship Defence Deal
Why in news? On April 18, 2026, Australia and Japan signed a landmark $7 billion deal for Japan to supply advanced, upgraded Mogami-class multi-role frigates to the Royal Australian Navy. This deal, Tokyo's largest military export since 2014, includes building three vessels in Japan and eight in Australia, aiming to boost Australia’s navy to 26 major ships.
4. India-Uzbekistan Military Exercise
Why in news? The 7th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, Dustlik 2026, is being held from April 12 to April 25, 2026, at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability, sharing best practices in counter-terrorism, and conducting joint operations in semi-mountainous terrain.
5. US Renews Sanctions Waiver To Buy Russian Oil
Why in news? The US President Donald Trump Administration, on 18 April 2026, renewed a waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil till 16 May. Just two days before the renewal, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had explicitly stated that the waiver would not be extended.\
