The British parliament passes the Tobacco and Vapes Bill formally banning anyone in England born after December 31, 2008, from buying cigarettes and other tobacco products in an effort to create a “smoke-free generation”. The age controls will enter force on January 1, 2027. (AP)
A French UNIFIL peacekeeper dies from their wounds sustained from an ambush last week blamed on Hezbollah. (AFP via Al Arabiya)
France and the United Kingdom begin a military conference involving over 30 countries in Northwood, London, to discuss the use of military forces for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow. (AA)
German airline Lufthansa announces that it will cut 20,000 short-haul flights in Europe this summer, saying rising fuel prices have made many journeys “unprofitable” for the company. Among the destinations mostly impacted by the cuts are Heringsdorf, Cork, Gdańsk, Ljubljana, Rijeka, Sibiu, Stuttgart, Trondheim, Tivat, and Wrocław. (BBC News)
Judges of the International Criminal Court dismiss a jurisdictional challenge filed by former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte regarding the court’s authority over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member, allowing proceedings to continue against him on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign. (Reuters)
Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te cancels his planned visit to Eswatini after the governments of Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles denied overflight permissions for his aircraft, with Taiwan attributing the decision to pressure from China. (Reuters)
The Emperor announces that the ceasefire will be extended so that Iran can make a “unified proposal,” upon Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and field marshal Asim Munir‘s request. However, Trump also says the blockade will remain. (CNBC)
Vitol CEO Russell Hardy says that at least one billion barrels of oil production will be lost because of the war even if it ends immediately, and that the current loss is in the range of 600 to 700 million barrels. (Financial Times)
A shell explodes inside a Type 10 main battle tank from the 8th Division‘s Western Army Tank Battalion, during a live fire exercise at Hijudai Training Area in Kusu, Ōita Prefecture, Japan, which is under the AOR of 4th Division, killing three soldiers and injuring another. (Asahi Shimbun Company)
Japan approves new rules easing long-standing restrictions on arms exports, allowing the overseas transfer of a broader range of defense equipment, including deadly weapons. (AFP via The Manila Times)
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi calls the blockade “an act of war” and a violation of the ceasefire. (Al Jazeera)
Two Israeli soldiers are sentenced to 30 days in military prison for destroying a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in the Christian village of Debel, Lebanon. (The Times of Israel)
Two Palestinians are killed and three are injured in an attack towards a school by settlers and Israeli soldiers in Al-Mughayyir, in the West Bank (Reuters)
Israeli troops raid the Quneitra Governorate in Syria, where they detain three people. (AA)
A United Nations investigation finds that the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar facilitated the transfer of weapons, vehicles and Colombian mercenaries to Sudan to fight for the Rapid Support Forces against government forces. The operation was centred around Kufra, Libya, where LNA forces control Kufra Airport. (AP)
A joint investigation by the Indonesian human rights commission, the ombudsman, and the child protection commission finds that police and other state security personnel violated human rights, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and alleged child sexual abuse, during anti-government protests in 2025 that left at least 11 people dead and thousands detained. (Reuters)
South Korean police seek an arrest warrant for Hybe founder and chairperson Bang Si-hyuk over alleged violations of capital market laws related to Hybe’s initial public offering, accusing him of misleading early investors and receiving profits through a related private equity fund. (Reuters)
The Indonesian parliament passes the landmark Domestic Workers Protection Bill into law after 22 years of deliberation. (Bloomberg)
New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon secures the support of his caucus after initiating and winning a confidence vote on his leadership within the National Party. (Reuters)
Monday, April 20th, 2026
New Space Race American company Blue Origin successfully launches its New Glenn rocket using a reused booster, which it recovers after liftoff, but the communications satellite it carried for AST SpaceMobile is placed in an incorrect orbit. (AFP via France 24)
A Iranian official says that Iran may attend ceasefire talks with the United States in Islamabad, Pakistan, following moves by Pakistan to end the blockade of Iranian ports. However, a decision has yet to be made. (Al Jazeera)
The cruise ship Aroya arrives in the Gulf of Oman, becoming the latest of six cruise ships in the Middle East to cross the Strait of Hormuz since the war started on February 28. (Seatrade Cruise News)
The Israeli military launches airstrikes in southern Lebanon against individuals that it accused of posing a threat to northern Israel or to Israeli troops. (NBC News)
The United States announces that another round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held in Washington, D.C., on April 23. (Al Jazeera)
Lebanese president Joseph Aoun announces that he is appointing a new negotiator for the next talks, former ambassador Simon Karam. (Al Jazeera)
Ukrainian forces say they have struck two Russian Navy landing ships docked at Sevastopol Naval Base in Russian-occupied Crimea. Separately, a Ukrainian drone attack on Tuapse oil terminal in Krasnodar Krai, Russia, kills one person and causes several large fires at the facility. (Al Jazeera)
Russia’s Federal Security Service says it has arrested a German woman and a Central Asian man in Pyatigorsk, Stavropol Krai, and seizes an improvised explosive device, alleging they planned an attack on a law enforcement facility on instructions from Ukraine. (AFP via The Straits Times)
An earthquake on a scale of 7.7 is measured off the coast of Sanriku, Japan. A subsequent 80-centimetre (2.6 ft) high tsunami is reported in Kuji, Iwate prefecture. (Kyodo News)
At least 21 people are killed and 45 others are injured when a passenger bus rolls into a gorge in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. (Hindustan Times)(Al Jazeera)
Several Central European countries, including Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, begin pulling baby food produced by Hipp Holding from supermarket shelves after rat poison was detected in some jars over the weekend. (AP)
France is investigating allegations that two Lebanese banks transferred billions of U.S. dollars out of the country despite strict capital controls. (Naharnet)
Apple Inc. announces that Tim Cook will step down as chief executive officer with senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus taking on the role from September 1. (Reuters)
At least 62 U.S. military veterans are arrested by police inside the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., during a anti-war protest against the Iran war after occupying the Cannon House Office Building. (The Hill)
Sunday, April 19th, 2026
The Emperor says that negotiations with Iran will be held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 20, with a U.S. delegation led by vice president JD Vance and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. (Al Jazeera)
Tasnim News Agency reports that Iran is undecided as to sending a negotiating delegation to Islamabad while a naval blockade remains in place. (Reuters)
Friday, April 17th, 2026 – Crude oil – $82 low for month
Police arrest singer d4vd in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on suspicion of killing a 14-year-old girl whose remains were previously found in a vehicle registered to him. (BBC News)
A South Korean tanker transports crude oil to the country via the Red Sea for the first time since disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, as the government implements alternative supply routes to secure energy imports. (AFP via CNA)
Australian Army veteran and Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith is granted bail with travel restrictions after his previous arrest for war crimes while deployed to Afghanistan. (Reuters)
Ten Maute Group militants, including a leader, are killed in a shootout with soldiers during a raid in Marantao, Lanao del Sur, Phillippines. (AFP via The Punch)
Myanmar’s ousted president Win Myint is released under an amnesty on Myanmar’s New Year’s Day. (Reuters)
Seven people are killed and several others are injured after a car collided head-on with a private bus in Karnataka, Yadgir, India. (News18)
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
United States defense secretary Pete Hegseth says that the U.S. is prepared to resume combat operations if Iran does not agree to a permanent deal. (Al Jazeera)
The Emperor announces that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, after his conversations with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese president Joseph Aoun. (NBC News)
U.S. troops complete their withdrawal from the Qasrak air base in Hasakah province, ending U.S. involvement in Syria after troops first arrived in 2015 to fight against the Islamic State. (Middle East Eye)
The U.S. House of Representatives rejects the War Powers Resolution to stop military operations by a 214–213 vote. (Politico)
In the United States, Fairfax County officials say that former Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax murdered his wife, then killed himself, after police find them dead at their home. (Hindustan Times)
Sri Lankan customs officials arrest nine Chinese nationals at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for attempting to smuggle communication equipment concealed on their bodies, which officials say is intended for use in internet fraud operations. (AFP via CNA)
Hungarian prime minister-designate Péter Magyar says his election victory over Viktor Orbán will not lead to a policy shift on migration, saying his government will strengthen borders and “protect our country and Europe” from illegal immigration. (Newsweek)
Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including on Kyiv and Odesa, kill at least 22 people and wound more than 131 others. (The Kyiv Independent)
The Russian defence ministry publishes a list of locations in Europe that are reportedly supporting drone production for Ukraine, including in Germany and Italy, saying the locations are “potential targets for the Russian Armed Forces”. (Euractiv)
Five gunmen are killed and a state trooper is wounded during a security operation in Los Herreras, Nuevo León, Mexico. Authorities implement coordinated surveillance in the area for more suspects. (Milenio in Spanish)
German airline Lufthansa announces the permanent withdrawal of 27 aircraft operated by its CityLine regional subsidiary and plans additional fleet reductions, citing increased fuel costs linked to the Iran war and labor disruptions. (Xinhua)
A fire at the major Viva oil refinery near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, halts its gasoline production. (NOS)
Argentine president Javier Milei announces a trip to Israel where he is expected to receive the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor and meet Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite the transfer of the Argentine embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (Infobae)
The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank restore official relations with Venezuela and recognize the administration of acting president Delcy Rodríguez, enabling engagement on economic policy and potential financial assistance. (AFP via France 24)
Philippine president Bongbong Marcos says that Czech authorities have arrested former legislator Zaldy Co in Prague after he entered the country without proper documentation, following his designation as a fugitive in connection with graft and malversation charges linked to a flood control project. (AP)
Surrey Police issue a disorder warning in Epsom, England, after protesters clash with riot police in the town. The protesters are demanding the description of men who gang raped a woman outside a Methodist Church the previous weekend. (BBC News)
Approximately 18 people are killed when a minibus catches fire on a highway near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. (AP)
The Balen Shah cabinet establishes a five-member commission, led by a former Supreme Court judge, to investigate the assets of current and former Nepali public officials. (AFP via The Manila Times)
In chess, Javokhir Sindarov wins the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. The Women’s Tournament is won by Vaishali Rameshbabu. (FIDE)
A Pakistani delegation led by military chief Asim Munir arrives in Tehran, Iran, to facilitate the continuation of diplomacy between Iran and the United States. (Al Jazeera)
The U.S. says that it has not formally agreed to extend the ceasefire, although there is ongoing engagement between Iran and the U.S. towards a peace deal. (Al Jazeera)
The Israeli security cabinet convenes and does not make a decision about a ceasefire in Lebanon, following the previous day’s negotiations. (Times of Israel)(Axios)
At least 13 people are killed by Israeli attacks across Lebanon. (Al Jazeera)
A drone strike in West Darfur kills three people including Chadian nationals at a border crossing. (Sudan Tribune)
The civil war in Sudan enters its fourth year between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. (AP)
Three people are killed in an airstrike carried out by the United States Navy against an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific. (Reuters)
Swedish civil defence minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin reports that the Swedish Security Service had prevented a cyberattack on a thermal power station in West Sweden in mid-2025, identifying the perpetrators as a group linked to Russian intelligence, with no significant disruption to operations. (AFP via Macau Business)
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov states that Russia can supply energy to China and other countries affected by disruptions in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war. (AFP via CNA)
Syria begins loading the first tanker carrying Iraqi oil at the Baniyas Refinery for export by sea under a bilateral arrangement to reroute shipments amid disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. (AFP via SpaceWar.com)
Norway records its highest-ever crude oil export value in March, reaching 57.4 billion kroner (US$6.08 billion) for 56.6 million barrels, contributing to a trade surplus of 97.5 billion kroner ($10.3 billion) amid a global fuel crisis. (Bloomberg)
South Korea secures imports of 273 million barrels of crude oil (by the end of the year) and 2.1 million tons of naphtha through alternative routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, providing several months of supply amid disruptions linked to the Iran war. (AFP via SpaceWar.com)
The Iraqi transport ministry announces that Iraqi Airways will resume flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, beginning tomorrow and Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday. (Iraqi News)
The BBC announces that it will cut between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs, around 1-in-10 employees, citing the need to address “significant financial pressures”. (Variety)
Shoe company Allbirds announces it will be pivoting to providing computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence, with plans to rename itself to “NewBird AI”. The company’s shares rose nearly 600% on the news. (CNBC)
Israel appoints Michael Lotem as the first Israeli ambassador to Somaliland, months after Israel officially recognised the breakaway region in Somalia. Lotem previously served as the Israeli ambassador to Kenya. (Al Jazeera)(Garowe Online)(Horseed Media)
A Taiwanese court sentences six current and former military personnel to prison terms of four and a half to eight and a half years for espionage offenses, including organizing networks and transmitting classified information to individuals linked to China. (AFP via The Edge)
A court in Nairobi, Kenya, sentences a Chinese national to one year in prison and imposes a fine after he pleads guilty to attempting to smuggle more than 2,200 ants out of Kenya without authorization. (AFP via CP24)
The U.S. Senate rejects the War Powers Resolution by a 52–47 vote in the fourth Democratic-led attempt to stop hostilities until they are authorized by the U.S. Congress. (Reuters)
The End Thursday
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
A United States official says that the U.S. has not formally agreed to extend the ceasefire, though there is ongoing engagement between the U.S. and Iran towards a peace deal. (Al Jazeera)
Iran’s military headquarters threatens to close the Red Sea in addition to the strait if the U.S. naval blockade of Iran continues. (Al Jazeera)
Norway records its highest-ever crude oilexport value in March, reaching 57.4 billion kroner (US$6.08 billion) for 56.6 million barrels, contributing to a trade surplus of 97.5 billion kroner ($10.3 billion) amid a global fuel crisis. (Bloomberg)
South Korea secures imports of 273 million barrels of crude oil (by the end of the year) and 2.1 million tons of naphtha through alternative routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, providing several months of supply amid disruptions linked to the Iran war. (AFP via SpaceWar.com)
A Taiwanesecourt sentences six current and former military personnel to prison terms of four and a half to eight and a half years for espionage offenses, including organizing networks and transmitting classified information to individuals linked to China. (AFP via The Edge)
American stocks, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite, rise amidst the possibility of renewed Iran–U.S. talks. (CNBC)
Israeli and Lebanese officials meet in Washington, D.C., U.S., for the first direct peace talks between the countries in decades, with Israel prioritizing Hezbollah‘s disarmament and Lebanon limiting its mandate to ceasefire discussions. (AFP via The Economic Times)
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian tells French president Emmanuel Macron that the Islamabad Talks did not lead to a deal because the United States took “maximalist positions” and had a “lack of goodwill”. (Al Jazeera)
Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif says that he will visit fellow mediators in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Ankara, Turkey, to push for a second round of talks between Iran and the U.S. (Al Jazeera)
The Emperor reportedly tells the New York Post that a second round of talks between Iran and the U.S. could occur within the next two days. (CNBC)
At least three oil tankers pass through the strait, including the Panama-flagged Peace Gulf, which took the new route through Iranian waters as instructed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (Al Jazeera)
Saudi Arabia asks the U.S. to end its naval blockade of the strait. (AA)
At the Washington meeting, Israeli and Lebanese officials agree to begin direct negotiations in the future. (AA)
Three people are killed by an Israeli raid in Adloun, Sidon District, Lebanon. (Al Jazeera)
The Israeli military announces that troops from the 205th Brigade and Yahalom have destroyed four Hamas tunnels over the weekend. (The Jerusalem Post)
Four people, including a three-year-old, are killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a police vehicle in Gaza City. (Reuters)
Médecins Sans Frontières reports that two people are killed and 56 injured following five drone strikes by the Sudanese military in West Darfur and Central Darfur, Sudan. (ReliefWeb)
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher reports that around 700 people have been killed in drone strikes in Sudan since the year started as the conflict enters its fourth year. (AFP via The Straits Times)
Four people are killed in an airstrike carried out by the United States Navy against an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific. (Al Jazeera)
Eleven kidnapping victims, including two NDLEA personnel, are rescued and several suspected bandits are arrested by the Nigerian Army in raids across Nigeria. (The Punch)
Four people are killed and at least 25 others are injured in a Russian drone attack in Dnipro, Ukraine. (RTÉ)
In a joint operation with international support, Somali military and Jubaland regional forces kill at least 27 al-Shabaab militants in the semi-autonomous state of Jubaland. (Reuters)
Oil prices decline, with West Texas Intermediate for May delivery falling 6.2% to US$92.94 per barrel and Brent Crude decreasing 3.77% to $95.61, amid expectations of reduced tensions in the Middle East. (AFP via NAMPA)
The Pakistani energy ministry announces daily power outages of about two hours during evening peak demand periods throughout the country, except in Hyderabad and Karachi, to reduce fuel costs and limit tariff increases amid higher energy prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. (AFP via CNA)
Stocks in the United Kingdom increase amidst hopes of new Iran–U.S. talks. (Reuters)
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni announces that Italy is suspending the automatic renewal of an agreement with Israel on exchanging military equipment and technology “in view of the current situation.” (Al Jazeera)
The Norwegian government announces that Ukraine will produce drones in the country as part of a bilateral defence cooperation agreement. Norway will support the production of Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine will share data, information and knowledge of the technology with Norway. (Reuters)
The founder of the property development company EvergrandeHui Ka Yan pleads guilty to several charges, including fundraising fraud and illegally taking public deposits, at a trial in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. (ABC News Australia)
An 18-year-old man opens fire at a school in Siverek, Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey, wounding 16 people, before killing himself. (CNN)
The Somali federal government fails to ensure the timely succession of the Federal Parliament, as its term expired on 14 April. The lapse creates significant uncertainty, with no clear plan for forthcoming elections following a series of constitutional crises. (Garowe Online)
Papuan soldiers block several roads across Port Moresby, protesting the military’s recent recruitment controversies. (NBC PNG)
Monday, April 13th, 2026
Colombian environment minister Irene Vélez Torres approves the cull of dozens of wild hippos brought to the country by drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s with Torres saying up to 80 will be killed out of an estimated population of about 200, citing the need to protect local villagers and native species. (AP)
In a notice to seafarers, the U.S. Central Command announces that a blockade of Iranian ports is now in effect, with all unauthorized vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz subject to interdiction. (Al Jazeera)
Three ships successfully cross the Strait of Hormuz since the blockade was announced, including Marshall Islands-flagged vessel New Future, Vietnam-flagged NV Sunshine, and Panama-flagged tanker Auroura, which was recently sanctioned by the United States for its links to Iranian oil trading. (Caspian Post)
Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif says that the ceasefire is still in force and efforts are still underway to end the war despite the recent talks ending without an agreement. (Arab News PK)
The Israeli army claims to have killed over 100 Hezbollah fighters during the battle in Bint Jbeil. (Al Jazeera)
At least six people are killed by Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, including at an International Red Cross location in Tyre. (Al Jazeera)
Two people are killed in an airstrike carried out by the United States Navy against an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific. (Reuters)
Seven people are killed after a police station in Marigot, Sud-Est, Haiti, was burned during a gang attack. (AP)
Two suicide bombers blow themself up near a police station in Blida, Algeria, wounding several people. (Le Monde)
Spanish airline Iberia announces the suspension of flights to Cuba from June to late October due to fuel supply constraints and reduced passenger demand linked to the U.S.-imposed oil blockade of the country. The airline states that it plans to resume operations in November if conditions improve. (AFP via The Economic Times)
Philippine president Bongbong Marcos suspends excises on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas to reduce household fuel costs amid rising global oil prices linked to the Iran war. (Reuters)
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov states that Russia is prepared to receive Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement with the United States, following unsuccessful negotiations between Iran and the U.S. (AFP via Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez, is charged with influence peddling and corruption in the private sector. (Bloomberg)
Lafarge scandal A court in Paris, France, convicts cement company Lafarge and several former executives, including former CEOBruno Lafont, for financing the Islamic State and other Syrian armed groups between 2013 and 2014, imposing fines, asset forfeiture, and prison sentences. (Al Jazeera)
Three people are killed and four more injured in a mass shooting during a family dispute inside a mosque in Khinjan District, Baghlan Province, Afghanistan. (Amu TV)
Provisional results reveal that finance minister Romuald Wadagni won in a landslide victory with 94% of the vote. (Reuters)
World Aquatics says that they will allow athletes from Belarus and Russia to compete under their national anthems and flag. (ESPN)
The End Wednesday
New above
Above posted Friday 4/17 3pm maybe
Monday, April 13th, 2026
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov states that Russia is prepared to receive Iran‘s enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement with the United States, following unsuccessful negotiations between Iran and the U.S. (AFP via Philippine Daily Inquirer)
In a notice to seafarers, the U.S. Central Command announces that a blockade is now in effect, with all unauthorized vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz subject to interdiction. (Al Jazeera)
Three ships successfully cross the Strait of Hormuz since the blockade was announced including Marshall Islands-flagged vessel New Future, Vietnam-flagged NV Sunshine, and Panama-flagged tanker Auroura, which was recently sanctioned by the United States for its links to Iranian oil trading. (Bloomberg)(Caspian Post)
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says that the ceasefire is still in force and efforts are still underway to end the war despite the recent talks ending without an agreement. (Arab News PK)
The Israeli army claims to have killed over 100 Hezbollah fighters during the battle in Bint Jbeil. (Al Jazeera)
Spanish airline Iberia announces the suspension of flights to Cuba from June to late October due to fuel supply constraints and reduced passenger demand linked to the U.S.-imposed oil blockade of the country. The airline states that it plans to resume operations in November if conditions improve. (AFP via The Economic Times)
Philippine president Bongbong Marcos suspends excises on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas to reduce household fuel costs amid rising global oil prices linked to the Iran war. (Reuters)
A court in Beijing, China, orders the liquidation of Zhongzhi Enterprise Group and more than 300 affiliated companies through a consolidated bankruptcy process, with creditors instructed to submit claims by June 10. (Reuters)
Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez, is charged with influence peddling and corruption in the private sector. (Bloomberg)
Sunday, April 12th, 2026
The initial three rounds of ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States conclude in Islamabad, Pakistan, after 14 hours. However, the Iranian government says that negotiations will continue. (AA)(Reuters)
U.S. vice president JD Vance, who led the American delegation in the ceasefire talks, says that the two sides have not reached a deal to end the war, with disagreement over nuclear weapon development, and that the U.S. made its “final and best offer” and stated “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it”. (Al Jazeera)
Pakistani deputy prime ministerIshaq Dar urges Iran and the U.S. to uphold their commitment to observe a ceasefire after Vance said that both sides didn’t reach an agreement. Dar also says that Pakistan will continue to play its role in facilitating engagement and dialogue between both sides. (Arab News PK)
Pakistani sources say that the major disagreements during the talks were Iran’s nuclear program, missile program, restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, and calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon. (MENA via The New Arab)
U.S. president Donald Trump announces a U.S. naval blockade of Iran and the strait “effective immediately,” which will “seek and interdict” any vessel that paid Iran’s toll to cross the strait. (Axios)
Azerbaijan‘s embassy in Tehran resumes its operations during the ceasefire, initially with a limited staff. (AA)
The Saudi foreign ministry summons the ambassador of Iraq over “continued attacks and threats” against it and other Gulf Arab states from Iraqi territory. (AA)
Hungarians vote to elect all 199 members of the National Assembly. The incumbent prime minister, Viktor Orbán, who was seeking a fifth consecutive term in office, concedes defeat and calls TISZA leader Péter Magyar on the telephone to congratulate him on his victory. The Pro-EuropeanTisza Party wins two-thirds of the seats in Hungary’s legislature. The turnout is the highest since the fall of communism, at 77.8%. (BBC)(The Guardian)
Peruvians vote to elect 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies and 60 members of a newly created senate, while also determining the top two presidential candidates that will advance to a run-off election. (AP)
Peruvian police and prosecutors conduct searches at the electoral authority‘s headquarters and a private company as part of an investigation into delays in delivering voting materials that prevent more than 60,000 people from voting. Officials attribute the issue to logistical failures affecting multiple polling stations in Lima. The electoral authority later announces that some polling stations will reopen. (AFP via Free Malaysia Today)(AFP via NAMPA)
India-flagged LPGgas tankerJag Vikram crosses the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first Indian vessel to cross the Hormuz since the ceasefire. It is expected to arrive in Mumbai on April 15. (Hindustan Times)
artificial stupid 