Real-time News

April 19th - According to analysis firm Kpler, since the outbreak of the war with Iran in late February, the global market has lost more than 500 million barrels of crude oil and condensate, making it the largest energy supply disruption in modern history. During the conflict, the average price of crude oil was around $100 per barrel. Analysts and Reuters calculations indicate that the lost production is worth over $50 billion, and this loss could last for months or even years.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister: We exchanged information with the United States, but the United States insisted on making excessive demands.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister: As part of the negotiations, new instructions will be issued regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue.

April 19th - During the Beijing Yizhuang Robotics Marathon, the Yushu H1 robot from Hangzhou Team S unexpectedly fell over. The emergency plan was immediately activated, and a backup robot took its place.

BP: An incident occurred at BP’s Cherry Point refinery on Saturday morning, April 18, resulting in injuries to three people.

On April 19th, the Victorian government announced that all public transport will be free in May, with fares halved for the remainder of the year. The measure will cost approximately AU$432 million (US$310 million). This move aims to increase support for consumers affected by high fuel prices, exacerbated by the Middle East wars leading to soaring fuel costs and a fire at one of Australia's last two refineries, further fueling concerns about fuel supplies.

The Iranian Martyrs' Foundation reports that the war between the US, Israel, and Iran has resulted in the deaths of 3,468 Iranians.

On April 19th, according to Hubei Daily, on April 16th, the V1000 passenger-type eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) prototype made its first public appearance after rolling off the assembly line at the Wuhan Xunqi Technology Co., Ltd. workshop in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park, attracting the attention of visitors. Reporters at the scene observed that the V1000 passenger-type aircraft's appearance is closer to that of a passenger plane, with windows and added seats. Xu Zhilin, chief engineer of the Wuhan Xunqi Technology project, said, "The V1000 passenger-type aircraft is expected to make its maiden flight in June this year. Currently, airworthiness certification work is underway, and it is expected to be officially launched to the market around 2030."

On April 19th, Unitree Robotics officially announced that in the Beijing Humanoid Robot Marathon qualifying race on April 16th, Unitree H1 (23-year revised version) autonomously completed the 1.9-kilometer multi-curve course in 4 minutes and 13 seconds, breaking the human 1500-meter world record (calculated proportionally).

On April 19, local time, the South Korean National Security Office held an emergency security briefing regarding North Korea's ballistic missile launch. According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched several unidentified ballistic missiles from the Sinpo area into the East Sea (Sea of Japan) at approximately 6:10 AM. North Korea has not yet responded.

On April 19th, according to Israeli sources, the Israeli military has established a new "Yellow Line" in southern Lebanon, aiming to implement a "Gaza Model" there. Previously, the "Yellow Line" only referred to the ceasefire line in the Gaza Strip. According to the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the area outside the "Yellow Line" was under Israeli control, and the Israeli military had repeatedly shot and killed Palestinians who crossed the "Yellow Line." According to Israeli sources, the new "Yellow Line" refers to a strip of "defense zone" controlled by the Israeli military, extending approximately 10 kilometers along the temporary Israeli-Lebanese border towards the Lebanese side. Even during the ceasefire, the Israeli military continued operations along the new "Yellow Line" closer to the Israeli side. Other Israeli reports indicate that the Israeli military is implementing the "Gaza Model" in southern Lebanon, setting up obstacles within the newly demarcated "Yellow Line buffer zone" to prevent residents from returning to their homes, clearing Hezbollah infrastructure there, and strengthening a "multi-layered defense line" extending to the Litani River in southern Lebanon.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemns Saturday's attack on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, which resulted in the death of a French peacekeeper and injuries to three others.

On April 19th, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf posted on social media, stating, "In the third war imposed upon us, we have undoubtedly surpassed our past capabilities in offensive strategy and design, a fact already proven on the battlefield." Ghalibaf claimed that Iran shot down approximately 180 drones, a capability it lacked previously. The downing of the F-35 was not accidental, but rather a comprehensive operation at the technological and design levels, from which the enemy has recognized Iran's capabilities and direction. He emphasized that Iran is not militarily stronger than the United States, which possesses more resources, equipment, and experience, and Israel, as its proxy, is also very powerful. However, Iran successfully repelled its enemies through asymmetric warfare design and preparation. While the enemy has money and resources, it has repeatedly made mistakes in strategic decision-making and military design. Ghalibaf also criticized the US government for claiming "America First," but in reality prioritizing Israel and making decisions based on false information from Israel.

April 19 – Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda stated that the yen could face further pressure if the market perceives the Bank of Japan as too slow to address inflation risks. Kanda, a former top foreign exchange diplomat for Japan, told reporters Friday evening that investors are buying dollars during periods of global tension, partly because the US is an oil exporter, but even if these positions are unwound, the yen is unlikely to appreciate significantly against the dollar. He said, “The biggest reason is the interest rate differential. With the market particularly focused on potential actions by the Federal Reserve, if many believe the Bank of Japan will lag behind the curve in addressing inflation risks, the yen will be left behind.” Speaking in Washington this week at meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, Kanda added that investors might also sell yen if they are concerned about Japan’s fiscal sustainability.

The China Earthquake Networks Center officially reported that a magnitude 3.4 earthquake occurred at 05:27 on April 19 in Ando County, Nagqu City, Tibet (32.62 degrees north latitude, 90.36 degrees east longitude), with a focal depth of 10 kilometers.

U.S. State Department: All parties agreed to facilitate the free movement of humanitarian personnel, assets, and humanitarian convoys.

On April 19, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghae posted a sarcastic message on social media, stating that the "international law" touted by the EU is nothing more than a tool used to lecture others while ignoring the US and Israeli aggression against Iran and the atrocities committed against Iranians. He argued that Europe's long-standing inconsistency between words and deeds has rendered "international law" a mere hypocritical rhetoric. He countered that no international law prohibits Iran, as a coastal state, from taking necessary measures to prevent the Straits from being used for military aggression against it. As for the "unconditional right of transit," it became meaningless the moment the US and Israel brought military forces into the Straits' backyard.

The China Earthquake Networks Center officially reported that a 5.6-magnitude earthquake occurred at 04:06 on April 19 in Nias Island, Indonesia (1.30°N, 97.20°E), with a focal depth of 30 kilometers.