Live Coverage of the Iran–U.S.–Israel Conflict / April 16
WANA – Our team is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran.
This report is being updated …
Iranian Embassy Mocks Trump: “No Signal”
WANA (Apr 16) – The Iranian Embassy in Tajikistan has released a satirical graphic aimed at Donald Trump, captioned: “Speaking without thinking.”
Ghalibaf: US Must Adhere to Agreements and Abandon “Israel First” Policy
WANA (Apr 16) – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, issued a statement via social media calling for the United States to fulfill its diplomatic obligations and shift its regional priorities.
In a post on X, the Speaker emphasized that the U.S. must comply with established agreements and urged Washington to move away from what he described as the “Israel First” mistake.
Ghalibaf further underscored the strategic bond between Tehran and regional movements, stating that Iran and the Resistance share a unified stance in both times of conflict and during ceasefire.
Iranian Embassy’s Response to Trump “Icon” Post Hits 17 Million Views
WANA (Apr 16) – A video by the Iranian Embassy in Tajikistan responding to a controversial image of Donald Trump has gone viral, garnering 17 million views in just a few hours.
The embassy’s post follows the circulation of an image shared by Trump portraying himself in the likeness of Jesus Christ. The depiction sparked widespread social media debate before the embassy’s video response set its own engagement record online.
Iran’s Suicide Drone Production Surges 10-Fold
Shahed-107 Suicide Drone Unveiled by IRGC, 16 June 2025 / WANA News Agency
WANA (Apr 16) – The Iranian Army’s Executive Deputy, Brigadier General Sheikh, announced a massive escalation in military readiness, stating that production of suicide drones increased tenfold in the seven months following the “Twelve-Day War.”
The General noted that all operational plans implemented in the “third imposed war” were written by late General Mousavi, the former Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, seven months prior to the conflict and communicated to all forces, including the Aerospace Force and the Army.
He further emphasized that if the enemy intends to carry out an operation again, the system of the Islamic Republic will undoubtedly confront it using the measures previously established.
Velayati: Iran’s Power is Enduring
WANA (Apr 16) – Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to the Leader, affirmed Iran’s historical and future strength in a recent statement. “Iran is a power that stood strong in the past, remains so today, and will endure into the future,” he noted.
The message, shared via social media, emphasizes Iran’s position as a “fourth power” and a central Islamic pole in global relations.
Israel: War with Iran Costs Israel $11.5 Billion
WANA (Apr 16) – The war with Iran has drained approximately 35 billion shekels ($11.5 billion) from Israel’s budget, according to the Times of Israel.
The Finance Ministry warned of significant economic damage and a sharp rise in government spending. Officials noted that the full financial impact, including reconstruction and long-term economic consequences, remains unknown.
Iran’s Judiciary Chief: Enemy Cannot Decide for Us or Set Deadlines
WANA (Apr 16) – Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the Head of Iran’s Judiciary, speaking on Monday, asserted that the United States is in a state of desperation and can no longer dictate terms to the Islamic Republic.
Addressing the global standing of U.S. President Donald Trump, Ejei stated that Trump has become even more “hated” internationally than the “criminal and child-killing Netanyahu.” He noted that domestically, U.S. senators are questioning Trump for his “lies and defeat” regarding the aggression against Iran.
Iran’s Judiciary Chief: Enemy Cannot Decide for Us or Set Deadlines
WANA (Apr 16) – Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the Head of Iran’s Judiciary, speaking on Thursday, asserted that the United States is in a state of desperation and can no longer dictate terms to the Islamic Republic. Addressing the global standing of U.S. President Donald Trump, Ejei stated that Trump has become even more “hated” internationally […]
Aref: The U.S. Has Become Israel’s “Seventh Province”
WANA (Apr 16) – Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, launched a sharp critique of Washington’s foreign policy, asserting that the White House has effectively turned the United States into the “seventh province” of Israel.
Speaking during a series of strategic meetings with cabinet ministers, Aref reviewed reports on damages caused by recent “U.S.-Israeli military aggression” and issued directives for the swift reconstruction of national infrastructure and the fulfillment of public needs.
Aref: The U.S. Has Become Israel’s “Seventh Province”
WANA (Apr 16) – Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, launched a sharp critique of Washington’s foreign policy, asserting that the White House has effectively turned the United States into the “seventh province” of Israel. Speaking during a series of strategic meetings with cabinet ministers, Aref reviewed reports on damages caused by recent […]
Drone Strikes and Hormuz Closure Sidelining Fujairah
WANA (Apr 16) – The UAE’s Port of Fujairah, once a strategic refueling hub for tankers, has seen its fuel sales plummet by 70% and lost its regional standing due to the twin blows of drone attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has dealt a heavy, and perhaps irreparable, blow to one of the United Arab Emirates’ most profitable industries.
Drone Strikes and Hormuz Closure Sidelining Fujairah
WANA (Apr 16) – The UAE’s Port of Fujairah, once a strategic refueling hub for tankers, has seen its fuel sales plummet by 70% and lost its regional standing due to the twin blows of drone attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has dealt a heavy, […]
Pakistan Army Chief to Visit Washington Following Iran Trip
General Asim Munir Arrives in Tehran on Apr 15, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency
WANA (Apr 16) – A Pakistani security source said that the country’s army chief will soon travel to the United States as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
According to the source, Field Marshal Asim Munir will visit Washington tomorrow after returning from his trip to Iran.
The visit is described as part of mediation efforts and aimed at continuing diplomatic consultations.
Trump Adviser: Military Option Against Iran Still on the Table
WANA (Apr 16) – A senior policy adviser to the U.S. president reiterated threats against Iran, stating that military options remain under consideration.
Stephen Miller said that the military option includes potential actions that could impact Iran’s energy infrastructure for years.
He also pointed to increasing pressure on Iran’s economy, citing naval restrictions and constraints on energy transportation as contributing factors.
Marandi: Vance Was Reporting to Netanyahu During Islamabad Talks
WANA (Apr 16) – An international affairs analyst and participant in the Islamabad negotiations said that the U.S. vice president maintained ongoing contact with senior officials, including Israel’s prime minister, during the talks.
Marandi explained that the Iranian side entered negotiations without prior contact from the United States, and a framework for discussions was established. During this period, he said, frequent calls were made to the White House and other figures.
He added that Vance was also in contact with Benjamin Netanyahu, providing updates on the negotiations, which he described as “astonishing.”
Marandi criticized the process, saying such actions could be shocking to the American public and ultimately prevented an agreement that would have served U.S. interests, while warning of broader economic consequences.
China Stresses Protection of Iran’s Rights in the Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
WANA (Apr 16) – China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the current situation as standing on the brink between war and peace, calling it “critical.”
Lin Jian stated that despite the tensions, a window for peace still exists, and Beijing supports maintaining a ceasefire and advancing peace talks. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty, security, and legal rights as a country bordering the Strait of Hormuz, adding that these rights must be respected and protected.
He also underscored the need to ensure freedom and security of navigation through the Strait, noting that China is ready to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East under President Xi’s proposed framework.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
