The United States Department of State has suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh. The decision, effective from January 21, 2026, was announced through a post on the official Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka on April 25, 2026. The suspension applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant categories such as tourist or student visas.

According to the announcement, the suspension targets countries whose immigrants have a higher rate of receiving public assistance funded by US taxpayers. The Department of State stated that it is reviewing all screening and verification policies to ensure that immigrants from high-risk countries do not unlawfully access welfare benefits or become a financial burden on the state. The list includes countries from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

The measure aligns with President Trump’s stated policy that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and should not impose economic strain on American citizens.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir in Islamabad, according to the Iranian embassy. The meeting focused on regional security and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and National Security Adviser General Asim Malik also attended the discussions.

The Iranian delegation included Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei and Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amir Mokaddam. Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting peace and stability in the region and agreed to deepen security collaboration. Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday night, where he was received by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Munir.

The visit comes amid a deadlock in talks between the United States and Iran. Observers view the trip as a potentially significant step toward a second round of discussions between Tehran and Washington.

The United States has suspended the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh. The announcement was made on Saturday, April 25, 2026, through a verified Facebook post by the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. According to the embassy, the U.S. Department of State halted immigrant visa issuance for these countries due to a high rate of government assistance use among immigrants supported by U.S. taxpayers. The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist or student visas.

The State Department documents cited by the embassy indicate that the review process for applicants will be reassessed to prevent individuals likely to depend on public assistance from entering the United States. Until this review is completed, the issuance of immigrant visas will remain suspended. The suspension has been in effect since January 21, 2026, covering a wide range of countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

Further details were provided through a link shared by the embassy for those seeking additional information on the suspension and its implications for affected applicants.

Police in India's northeastern state of Manipur reported that three people were killed in gunfire between rival ethnic groups in Mullam village of Ukhrul district late Friday night. Authorities said security forces have been reinforced in the area to prevent further escalation, and operations remain ongoing.

Manipur has faced nearly three years of conflict between the majority Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki community. The violence, rooted in disputes over land and government jobs, has claimed more than 250 lives so far. Human rights activists have accused local political leaders of aggravating the divisions for political gain.

Although the situation had calmed somewhat, renewed clashes earlier this month left four people dead, including two children, after a Kuki group attack triggered a retaliatory assault by Meitei members on a paramilitary camp.

Iran’s Ministry of Defense has stated that a significant portion of the country’s missile capability remains unused. The ministry also reported that more than one thousand types of weapons are currently being produced domestically using Iranian technology.

According to ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei-Nik, despite recent conflicts involving the United States and Israel, Iran continues to maintain a high level of defensive and counterattack readiness. He added that thousands of institutions across the country are contributing to weapons production, and that manufacturing will not stop even if some facilities are damaged.

Talaei-Nik further described the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic tool under Iran’s control, underscoring its importance in the country’s defense posture.

The United States has imposed sanctions on China's Hengli Petrochemical refinery for purchasing crude oil from Iran. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the decision on Friday, stating that the refinery, located near Dalian in northeastern China, is one of the largest buyers of Iranian crude and petroleum products. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control also sanctioned about 40 shipping companies and vessels linked to Iran’s so-called shadow fleet.

China has criticized the sanctions as illegal. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said normal trade should not be harmed and urged the U.S. to stop what it called the misuse of sanctions targeting Chinese companies. The move follows earlier U.S. actions last year against several other Chinese chemical and petrochemical firms, including Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengjing Chemical.

The sanctions reflect continued U.S. efforts to restrict Iran’s oil trade and pressure entities that facilitate its exports, while drawing renewed diplomatic friction between Washington and Beijing.

Israel is reportedly seeking approval from the United States to resume military operations against Iran. According to a report by Israel’s state broadcaster Kan, Tel Aviv has sent a message to Washington expressing its interest in restarting the campaign. The report states that Israel is on high alert and awaiting a decision from US President Donald Trump before proceeding.

In the past 24 hours, the United States has strengthened its presence in the Middle East by deploying an additional squadron of F/A-18 fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and relocating defense systems and interceptor missiles across the region. These moves come as tensions continue to rise between Israel and Iran.

The report, citing sources, indicates that Israel’s next steps depend on the US decision, underscoring Washington’s central role in shaping the regional security situation.

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to Pakistan for discussions involving Iran, according to the report. Vice President JD Vance has indicated he is prepared to join them in Islamabad if there is a prospect of reaching an agreement with Tehran. An Iranian delegation has already arrived in Pakistan but has stated it will not meet with the US side.

Al Jazeera’s Washington correspondent Allen Fisher reported that there are indications in Washington suggesting JD Vance has been temporarily sidelined to allow talks in Islamabad to proceed. However, Fisher noted that the situation may not be as it appears. He added that if significant progress is made toward a potential deal, both JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio would be called to Islamabad to finalize it.

The discussions are expected to address key issues including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its regional proxies, enriched uranium stockpiles, and unresolved matters concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the American blockade on Iran is expanding globally. Speaking on April 25, 2026, he said that no ship can currently pass through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization from the US Navy. Hegseth emphasized that the opportunity for a 'good deal' with Washington has not yet ended.

Standing beside top US General Dan Kane, Hegseth said the United States is not anxious about reaching an agreement with Iran and that it has sufficient time to do so. He added that Iran still has a chance to make a wise decision at the negotiation table by giving up nuclear weapons in a meaningful and verifiable way.

The remarks reflect Washington’s continued pressure on Tehran and its control over key maritime routes, highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in global trade and security.

At least 12 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Friday, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. The attacks, which violated an existing ceasefire, included a strike on a police vehicle in Khan Younis that killed eight people, among them three civilians. Two police officers were killed in a separate attack in Gaza City, while two others died in a bombing on a house in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

The Gaza Interior Ministry urged the international community to intervene to stop the attacks, stating that the Khan Younis strike occurred after security forces attempted to halt a local clash. In its statement, the ministry criticized what it described as the silence of international organizations over attacks targeting civilian police, calling such inaction indirect cooperation with Israeli occupation forces.

The ministry warned that continued silence could encourage further violence, emphasizing the need for immediate international response to prevent escalation.

An Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, according to Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi. The visit coincides with the White House announcement that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will also travel to Pakistan for discussions involving Iran. However, Iran has stated that it will not hold any meetings with the United States.

Andrabi said on social media that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Chief and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials welcomed Araghchi. During the visit, the Iranian foreign minister is expected to discuss recent regional developments and ongoing efforts for peace and stability with Pakistan’s top leadership.

The trip is being viewed as a significant step toward potential second-round talks between Iran and the United States, though Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei reiterated that no meeting with US officials is planned. The White House noted that if discussions progress, US Vice President JD Vance is prepared to visit Pakistan.

The United States has claimed to have seized an Iran-flagged vessel. According to the US Central Command, the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta intercepted the ship as it was heading toward an Iranian port. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, though further details about the vessel or the circumstances of the seizure were not disclosed.

At the same time, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting Pakistan, a trip viewed as a significant step toward potential second-round talks between Iran and the United States. The visit coincides with preparations by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are expected to travel to Pakistan on Saturday to participate in discussions aimed at ending the conflict with Iran.

The developments suggest renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, with Pakistan emerging as a possible venue for dialogue following the reported maritime incident.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has responded to a reported US threat to suspend Spain from NATO for not cooperating in a military operation against Iran. Speaking at a European Union summit in Nicosia on Friday, Sánchez described Spain as a reliable NATO member and said he was not concerned about speculation surrounding an internal Pentagon email.

According to Reuters, cited by AFP, the email discussed possible punitive measures against NATO allies that refused to join the Iran-related operation, including the potential suspension of Spain. Sánchez emphasized that Spain fulfills all its NATO responsibilities and bases its decisions on official documents and declared US policy, not on leaked communications. He reiterated that Spain supports full cooperation with NATO within the framework of international law.

The report notes that NATO’s founding treaty does not explicitly provide for suspension or expulsion of members. Amid tensions over the Iran conflict, US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with allies such as Spain, France, and Italy for denying US military aircraft access to their bases or airspace, calling NATO a “paper tiger.”

The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2026 confirmed famine in parts of the Gaza Strip and Sudan in 2025, marking the first dual famine confirmation since formal reporting began. The report, compiled by 18 humanitarian and development partners, found that 22.9 percent of populations across 47 crisis-affected countries—about 266 million people—faced acute food insecurity last year. Although slightly lower than 2024’s total, the decline reflected fewer countries analyzed rather than an improvement in conditions.

The Gaza Strip was the worst affected, with 640,700 people—32 percent of its population—facing famine conditions, followed by Sudan with 637,200 people. Four other countries, including South Sudan, Yemen, Haiti, and Mali, recorded smaller groups in catastrophic food shortages. Conflict and violence were the leading causes of hunger in 19 countries, affecting 147.4 million people, while weather extremes and economic shocks drove crises in others. Humanitarian and development funding for food crises dropped to levels last seen in 2016–2017.

The report warned that without sustained action to address structural drivers of hunger, fragile countries will continue to bear a disproportionate burden into 2026, with ongoing risks from conflict and market disruptions.

United States President Donald Trump announced that Iran is “collapsing financially” due to a US naval blockade of Iranian ports that began on April 13. The blockade includes the seizure of Iranian-flagged tankers and redirection of vessels trading with Iran. In retaliation, Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping and captured several foreign vessels. Iranian leaders, including First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have said the blockade must end for any ceasefire to take effect.

Analysts cited in the report say the blockade is straining Iran’s economy but that the country retains significant oil reserves and export capacity. Iran continues to earn billions from oil already in transit and has imposed tolls on ships passing through the Strait. Experts note that Iran’s floating oil reserves could sustain revenues until August, while the US faces domestic political limits on maintaining the blockade beyond May 1. China’s opposition to disruptions of its trade with Iran adds further pressure on Washington.

The standoff has driven up global oil prices and heightened regional instability. Both sides appear entrenched, with Iran signaling patience and unity, and the US facing growing political and logistical challenges to sustain the blockade.