President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, directing the FDA to issue research guidance on ibogaine, a Schedule I substance prohibited in the U.S. but used abroad for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, while committing $50 million to federal studies and expanding Right to Try access for desperately ill patients. The order does not reclassify ibogaine and emphasizes treatments in advanced clinical trials. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., confirmed as Health Secretary, was present at related events.
U.S. naval forces intercepted and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman after its crew refused warnings to halt amid a U.S. naval blockade near the Strait of Oman. The USS Spruance disabled the vessel by blowing a hole in its engine room, allowing U.S. Marines to take custody for inspection. President Trump commented on the incident via Truth Social, while broader context including the blockade's targets and ship history remains disputed.
US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on April 19, 2026, warning Iran of strikes on power plants and bridges if ongoing talks fail, as US negotiators including JD Vance prepare to arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening for a second round. The first round of talks last weekend ended without agreement under a two-week ceasefire, following Iran's firing in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. A US naval presence persists amid Iran's partial blockade of the strait since late February.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to expedite reviews of certain psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, for mental health applications such as PTSD and opioid addiction. The signing occurred in the Oval Office, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s prior pledges noted, and ibogaine confirmed as a Schedule I substance. While veteran advocates support its potential, specific claims about clinical trials and additional officials remain unverified.
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Tankers and bulk carriers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026, following restrictions by Iran and a US naval blockade affirmed by President Trump. The US military seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to bypass the blockade, prompting Iran to reverse a brief reopening announcement and vow retaliation. Oil prices surged then partially reversed, amid the eighth week of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Iran has temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, allowing a convoy of tankers to pass for the first time in seven weeks of war. US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about ongoing weekend negotiations while warning that a ceasefire may not extend past Wednesday without a deal, as a US naval blockade on Iranian ports persists. Several of Trump's claims about negotiation progress are disputed by Iran and contradicted by reports.
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President Donald Trump stated in interviews that a U.S.-Iran deal is imminent, with most points finalized and a meeting expected soon in Islamabad following the first round of talks there. This comes after a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and Iran's announcement reopening the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran agreeing to turn over uranium is verified across sources, specifics on other concessions remain unverified.
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A French soldier was killed and three others injured in an attack targeting the French contingent of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon on April 18. Evidence suggests Hezbollah responsibility, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to demand action from Lebanese authorities. The incident occurred amid ongoing regional tensions.
Bulgaria conducted its eighth parliamentary election in five years on Sunday, following the resignation of a conservative-led government amid anti-corruption protests. Former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria leads with approximately 44.7% of votes after over 91% counted, per partial results, potentially securing around 130 of 240 seats, though final outcomes and majority claims remain disputed. Radev described the result as a 'victory of hope' and expressed openness to forming a stable government.
The U.S. Senate passed a short-term renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) program on Friday, maintaining tools used by U.S. spy agencies for foreign intelligence collection. This action followed the derailment of a longer-term renewal proposal. Coverage is limited to left-center sources, raising questions about broader perspectives.