The popular AI framework Virtuals Protocol will host an in-person meet-up in Hong Kong on Friday, January 17.

April 18: Satellite images show two Iranian oil refineries caught fire—just days after multiple crude oil storage tanks at the same facilities were damaged, per U.S. network NBC.

April 18th — Per ChainNews, all Ethereum (ETH) raised by Ethereum privacy layer-2 project Aztec in last year’s public sale has now been fully cashed out. The final 5,020 ETH ($12.33 million) was sent to Coinbase 9 hours ago. In December 2023, the project team auctioned 15% of its AZTEC tokens (15 billion total) and raised 19,388.4 ETH ($59.13 million at the time). The AZTEC fundraising price was $0.0473, and the token has since dropped by 50%. During its token generation event (TGE) in February 2024, the team withdrew 4,234.6 ETH ($12.91 million) from the auction proceeds to provide liquidity. The remaining 15,154 ETH ($37 million) was gradually transferred to Coinbase over the past three months, with the last tranche of 5,020 ETH sent early this morning.

On April 18, Japan’s Tokyo Metropolitan Government rolled out a business support program to boost adoption of yen-pegged stablecoins in society. The initiative will cover two-thirds of costs tied to use case development, with a maximum subsidy of 40 million yen per project. Applications close June 30. Officials noted projects will undergo comprehensive evaluation based on social significance, innovativeness, feasibility, future scalability, security, and risk management. Key priorities include anti-money laundering (AML) measures, user protection, and policies for responding to incidents or fraud. (Source: Coinpost)

April 18 — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a social media post that 21 ships have turned back to Iran following U.S. military instructions since the U.S. naval blockade began. According to British shipping outlet Lloyd’s List (reporting on April 17), at least 8 vessels have broken through the U.S. blockade this week and are heading to Iranian ports or planning to load Iranian goods. (Xinhua)

On April 18, Jiang Zhuoer—founder of crypto platform BitPool (B.TOP)—announced he sold 25% of his Ethereum spot holdings at $2,420. Combined with his April 8 sale, he has now offloaded 50% of his position at an average price of $2,331. He also clarified his April 8 claim about “shorting Ethereum at $2,242” was a misstatement. Jiang noted: “Trump is lying—Iran hasn’t opened the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping data shows nearly all vessels attempting to transit the strait have turned back. Once the market reacts, there will be a repricing.”

April 18 — Iran’s Defense Ministry spokesperson said the Strait of Hormuz will only open under ceasefire terms and other conditions. Rear Admiral Reza Tara-Neck stated, “Warships and vessels linked to hostile forces have no right to transit the Strait of Hormuz.” The spokesperson added the strait’s current status is “temporary” — and the waterway could close again if the situation in Lebanon shifts. (Al Jazeera)