At least 11 people were killed in a gun attack at a picnic spot in Afghanistan’s Herat province on Friday. The assault took place in Enjil district near Deh Mehri village, where unidentified armed men on motorcycles opened fire on visitors. Provincial officials initially reported four deaths, but later confirmed that seven more of the injured victims had died. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

According to a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, the shooting occurred at a popular leisure area that is usually crowded on Fridays. A doctor in Herat told the BBC that the victims had gone to a local shrine for a picnic. Herat’s provincial head of information and culture, Ahmadullah Muttaki, said the incident happened around 3 p.m. local time.

The report noted that Shia Muslims, a minority group in Afghanistan, have previously been targeted in similar attacks, though the motive behind this incident remains unclear.

Recent talks between the United States and Iran concluded without a final agreement, though negotiations have not collapsed. Despite extensive diplomatic efforts and multiple rounds of proposals and counterproposals, both sides remain divided on several critical issues. US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington has presented its “best and final offer” and is awaiting Tehran’s response.

The main sticking points include the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran views as a “maximum pressure tactic,” as well as disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and economic matters. Iran has also demanded the release of its frozen assets, making it a central issue in the discussions. Sources indicate that while some progress has been made, it has not reached a decisive stage.

An unconfirmed report suggested a possible understanding involving Israel, under which it might avoid strikes on Beirut while continuing operations in southern Lebanon. Overall, the diplomatic process continues, but uncertainty remains high after the talks ended without a concrete deal.

US Vice President JD Vance announced early Sunday that after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, the American delegation failed to reach an agreement with Iran and would leave Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference, Vance said he had spoken with President Donald Trump at least six times during the talks. He stated that Iran refused to accept US conditions, including restrictions on nuclear weapons development, and described the outcome as worse for Iran than for the United States.

The Islamabad meeting marked the first direct US-Iran talks in over a decade and the highest-level contact since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The discussions were expected to influence the fragile two-week ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20 percent of global energy supplies. Iran has kept the strait closed since the conflict began, driving up oil prices and causing heavy casualties.

According to Iranian officials, technical teams will continue exchanging documents despite unresolved differences, though no date was set for resuming talks. Pakistan’s mediation role represented a major diplomatic shift for the country after years of isolation.

US Vice President J.D. Vance announced in Islamabad that 21 hours of historic peace talks between the United States and Iran ended without any agreement. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, he confirmed that the US delegation plans to leave Pakistan without a deal, calling the outcome unfortunate. Vance thanked Pakistan’s prime minister and field marshal for their significant role in hosting the discussions.

Vance stated that the US had clearly presented its key conditions to Iran, but Tehran did not accept them. He also said Iran’s nuclear program had been destroyed, though firm commitments were still needed to ensure Iran would not develop nuclear weapons in the future. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described US demands as excessive and illegal, emphasizing that success depended on Washington’s recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

According to reports, the Iranian delegation has already left Pakistan, and the talks stalled over two or three core issues, leaving the future of negotiations uncertain.

US Vice President J.D. Vance announced that after 21 hours of continuous negotiations, the United States and Iran failed to reach any agreement. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday morning, Vance said the US plans to leave Pakistan without a deal, describing the outcome as bad news. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s prime minister and field marshal for their significant role in facilitating the discussions.

According to Vance, the United States had clearly presented its key conditions to Iran, but Tehran did not accept them. Responding to questions about Iran’s nuclear program, he claimed that the country’s nuclear capability had been destroyed, though he emphasized the need for stronger assurances to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in the future.

Al Jazeera reported that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai rejected the US demands as excessive and illegal, asserting that the success of the talks depended on recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli forces carried out new attacks in southern Lebanon, including a deadly strike in the town of Tefahata that killed at least five people, according to Al Jazeera. The NNA said that enemy drones were still flying overhead after the assault. During rescue operations following the initial strike, another attack occurred, injuring a medical worker.

In addition to the Tefahata strike, Israeli drones also targeted the towns of Seddikin, Tibnin, and Dibbin. However, the number of casualties in those areas was not immediately known. The attacks mark another escalation of hostilities in southern Lebanon, where cross-border tensions have persisted.

The NNA’s report did not specify the exact timing or targets of the strikes beyond the mentioned towns, and details about the broader military or political context were not provided.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning against the passage of any military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement released by its naval branch and published by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said any attempt by military ships to cross the waterway would face severe consequences. The statement emphasized that the IRGC holds full authority to monitor and control the strait with complete intelligence oversight.

According to the IRGC, only civilian vessels meeting specific conditions are currently permitted to navigate through the strait. The force also rejected a claim made earlier by the United States military that two of its warships had successfully passed through the area, calling the assertion baseless. The warning underscores Iran’s firm stance on maintaining control over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.

The IRGC’s declaration signals heightened tension in the region, particularly regarding military navigation rights and the enforcement of Iran’s maritime restrictions.

Talks between the United States and Iran have entered their second day under Pakistan’s mediation, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. The discussions, held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, have been ongoing for about 15 hours and are set to continue on Sunday. The report indicates that the dialogue remains active at the expert level.

Fars News earlier reported that a previous round of direct talks between Iran and the United States had concluded, and both sides were now exchanging new drafts in the presence of expert teams. The discussions are part of continuing efforts to address unresolved issues between the two countries, though no specific outcomes have been disclosed.

The continuation of talks suggests that both parties are maintaining engagement despite the complexity of the negotiations, with Pakistan playing a facilitating role in the process.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that China would face major problems if it proceeds with plans to supply advanced air defense systems to Iran. His remarks came in response to a recent U.S. intelligence report, cited by CNN, which indicated that Beijing is preparing to deliver such weapons to Tehran within the next few weeks. Trump made the statement while speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Florida.

According to intelligence officials, Iran is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities and replenish its weapons stockpile with the help of foreign partners, taking advantage of a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. Tehran is reportedly seeking Chinese assistance to restore defense systems damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Trump’s warning comes shortly before his planned visit to Beijing early next month, where he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding further weight to the geopolitical stakes surrounding the issue.

Talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad aimed at establishing lasting peace in the Middle East have made limited progress, according to sources present in the negotiation room. The discussions cover a wide range of issues including security, diplomacy, and economics, with Washington also raising the issue of prisoner exchanges. Pakistan is reportedly facilitating confidence-building measures between the two sides.

This third round of dialogue is described as being at a critical stage. Iranian sources claim that the U.S. side has shown little flexibility, particularly regarding demands related to the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran has indicated willingness to compromise on some points. Pakistani officials remain hopeful that the talks will yield positive outcomes.

It remains unclear what the final results might be—whether an extension of the ceasefire, continued free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, or a major decision on Iran’s nuclear program. Information from the closed-door meetings is emerging slowly, and no definitive conclusions have yet been confirmed.

Pakistan has prepared to host ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, deploying security forces and refurbishing city streets ahead of the event. Acting as mediator, Pakistan expressed optimism, claiming it has earned the trust of both sides. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, leading the American delegation, said Washington would cooperate if Iran negotiates sincerely but warned against any deceptive tactics.

The discussions face multiple obstacles, including Israel’s ongoing attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Iran says could render talks meaningless. U.S. President Donald Trump noted that Israeli strikes have become less intense and announced upcoming direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington. Another major issue is control of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping and introduced new transit rules, prompting U.S. criticism.

Additional disputes include Iran’s nuclear program, its regional alliances with groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and demands for lifting international sanctions. Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while the U.S. demands a complete halt. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain as both sides maintain firm positions.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said efforts are underway to bring home the body of Bangladeshi woman Dipali Khatun, who was killed in an Israeli attack in Lebanon two days ago. She made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a meeting with the local Hindu community at her home in Laskaradia village, Nagarkanda upazila of Faridpur.

The minister stated that the foreign ministry has already contacted Dipali’s sister and family. She explained that due to the ongoing war situation in Lebanon, flight operations are not currently favorable for immediate repatriation. However, both the foreign ministry and the Bangladesh mission in Lebanon are working to bring the body back as soon as possible.

Shama Obaid added that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East, including relocating them to safer areas. She said arrangements are being made to repatriate those unable to return due to security concerns, and some Bangladeshis have already been brought back on chartered flights.

Pope Leo, the first American in the history of the Catholic Church to hold the papal office, reiterated his opposition to the ongoing U.S.-Israel war in Iran during an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica. He declared that displays of power and devotion to wealth had gone far enough, emphasizing that war itself had gone far enough. His remarks followed earlier statements in which he condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions against Iran as unacceptable and urged all sides to pursue a fair settlement through dialogue.

Although Pope Leo did not mention the United States or Trump by name in his latest address, many observers interpreted his message as directed toward American leaders who have justified the conflict on religious grounds while asserting military superiority. His continued stance underscores the Vatican’s consistent call for peace amid escalating tensions in the region.

The appeal comes as reports indicate that U.S.-Iran discussions remain ongoing, and Washington has agreed to return seized Iranian assets, signaling potential diplomatic movement.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that two US Navy guided-missile destroyers, USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement posted on X, the operation aims to verify that the waterway is free from naval mines allegedly planted by Iran.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated in another post that the US has begun establishing a new maritime route to promote the free flow of commerce. He added that this secure route will soon be shared with the maritime industry to facilitate safe navigation in the region.

The statement, citing BBC as a source, indicates that the operation is part of broader efforts to ensure maritime security and maintain open trade routes through one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, discussions between Iranian and United States delegations have continued for more than four hours as of April 11, 2026. The report states that both sides took short breaks during the meeting for consultations and rest before resuming the talks. No official information has been released regarding the conclusion of the discussions.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, notes that it remains unclear whether the negotiations will extend further. The ongoing dialogue reflects continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries, though the specific agenda or outcomes have not been disclosed.

As of the latest update, neither side has provided details about progress or next steps, leaving the duration and results of the talks uncertain.