World Bitter Tea News – April 4, 2026

Iran Shoots Down Two U.S. Military Aircraft

• On April 3, Iran shot down two U.S. military planes. One of the aircraft, suspected to be an F-15E Strike Eagle, was downed over Iranian airspace, resulting in one crew member being rescued and at least one other reported missing. The other aircraft was an A-10 Warthog attack plane, from which the pilot ejected after flying out of Iranian territory and was subsequently rescued. The U.S. military is conducting a search and rescue operation. Iranian state media has offered a reward for information regarding the missing individual. Israel delayed some airstrike plans on the same day to avoid interfering with the rescue efforts. Former President Trump declined to comment on the rescue operation but stated that the incident would not affect negotiations with Iran.
• On April 2, the Beik Highway Bridge in Karaj, Iran, was targeted in an airstrike by the U.S. and Israel, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and 95 injuries. The bridge, which is under construction, connects Tehran and Karaj. Victims recalled that debris fell “like rain” on people below.
• China Eastern Airlines will increase fuel surcharges on domestic routes starting April 5. As tensions in the Middle East escalate, impacting global energy supplies, several Chinese airlines have raised fuel fees. China Eastern announced that the surcharge for routes under 800 kilometers will rise to 60 yuan, while those over 800 kilometers will increase to 120 yuan. Previously, the surcharges were 10 yuan and 20 yuan, indicating an increase of 50 yuan and 100 yuan respectively, a fivefold rise. The airline industry is under pressure due to the Middle East conflict, leading to widespread fare hikes and revised performance expectations. The three major state-owned airlines in China reported losses in Q4 last year and are maintaining a cautious outlook for overall performance this year.
• A French-owned vessel has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. The container ship, flagged under Malta and owned by French company CMA CGM, is the first large vessel from a Western European entity to transit the strait since the recent hostilities began. Despite Iran’s claims that “non-hostile vessels” can use the waterway, regular shipping activities have been severely disrupted due to ongoing attacks on multiple vessels. Tracking data indicates that the French ship passed near the Oman coast, though its cargo remains unknown. Additionally, a Japanese ship carrying natural gas has also exited the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran may impose a toll of $1 per barrel for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to a report by Bloomberg on April 1, Iran plans to charge a toll for ships passing through the strait, suggesting a fee of at least $1 per barrel of crude oil. In light of the ongoing conflict, there is a growing trend of seeking alternative shipping routes. Iranian authorities stated that vessels from “friendly nations” may pass through after paying the toll, which will be assessed based on the degree of friendliness towards Iran.
• Countries including Japan and those in Europe are refusing to pay the toll for passage through Hormuz. British Foreign Secretary Cooper held an online meeting with foreign ministers to advocate for the resumption of navigation and to reject the toll charges, exploring sanctions and other economic measures. Experts suggest that due to extensive sanctions on Iran related to its nuclear program, there is limited room for additional sanctions.
• French and South Korean leaders have agreed to collaborate on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. In a meeting in Seoul, French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung discussed enhancing defense cooperation and addressing the economic and energy crisis triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East. This visit marks Macron’s first official trip to South Korea since taking office in 2017.
• As the war with Iran reignites protests, Bahrain has intensified its crackdown on dissent. Following missile strikes from Iran last month, a detainee in Bahrain went missing for several days until family members were informed to claim his body from a military hospital. Critics argue that the authorities have returned to tactics used during the 2011 suppression of the Arab Spring protests. During the conflict, Bahrain has arrested dozens of individuals for various reasons, including filming airstrikes and expressing support for Iran.
• Trump threatens to target civilian infrastructure in Iran, including bridges and power plants. In a late-night post on social media, he warned that U.S. forces would strike these key facilities, asserting that the military is capable of significant destruction. He emphasized that the new Iranian leadership must understand the consequences of its actions.
• Oil prices soar as Pakistan faces record fuel price hikes. Pakistan experienced a staggering 54% increase in fuel prices, attributed to surging global oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. The price of gasoline and diesel rose dramatically, putting further strain on an already struggling economy. The Pakistani Oil Minister indicated that the increases were “inevitable,” with adjustments reflecting global market trends.