<h3>Overview</h3>
<p>On <strong>बुधवार, 8 April 2026</strong>, the Islamic Republic of Iran shut the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strategic waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman; a chokepoint for global oil shipments (GS3: Economy, GS1: Geography)">Strait of Hormuz</span> after Israeli strikes hit Lebanon. The closure threatens global energy markets and adds pressure on ongoing <span class="key-term" data-definition="Temporary suspension of hostilities agreed by warring parties to create a window for diplomatic talks (GS2: Polity)">ceasefire</span> negotiations aimed at ending the Iran‑Israel‑Hezbollah confrontation.</p>
<h3>Key Developments</h3>
<ul>
<li>Iran ने Strait of Hormuz को फिर से बंद किया Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory के जवाब में।</li>
<li>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Executive office of the President of the United States, responsible for formulating foreign policy (GS2: Polity)">White House</span> demanded immediate reopening of the channel and urged both sides to keep peace talks on track.</li>
<li><span class="key-term" data-definition="Middle‑Eastern state engaged in ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and facing Iranian strategic threats (GS2: Polity)">Israel</span> intensified air strikes on <span class="key-term" data-definition="Lebanese Shiite militant and political organization backed by Iran; central to regional security dynamics (GS2: Polity, GS4: Ethics)">Hezbollah</span> positions in Beirut, causing civilian casualties.</li>
<li>Casualties rose to <strong>182 dead</strong> and hundreds injured, marking one of the deadliest days in the renewed war.</li>
<li>Tehran presented a <strong>10‑point plan</strong> on <strong>8 April 2026</strong> that ties the end of hostilities to U.S. acceptance of its <span class="key-term" data-definition="Process of increasing the concentration of U‑235 isotopes in uranium, enabling nuclear fuel or weapons; a core issue in Iran’s nuclear negotiations (GS3: Economy/Science & Technology, GS2: Polity)">uranium enrichment program</span> and full sanction relief.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Facts</h3>
<p>The closure of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strategic waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman; a chokepoint for global oil shipments (GS3: Economy, GS1: Geography)">Strait of Hormuz</span> disrupts an estimated <strong>20 % of global oil trade</strong>. Israeli air raids on Beirut targeted both commercial and residential zones without prior warning, escalating civilian suffering. Tehran’s 10‑point plan explicitly links diplomatic resolution to the lifting of all sanctions and recognition of its nuclear capabilities.</p>
<h3>UPSC Relevance</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Geopolitics & Energy Security:</strong> Understanding