US Vice President JD Vance stated that recent discussions between Washington and Tehran have achieved significant progress. In an interview with Fox News, he said the talks clarified conditions under which the United States might show flexibility and identified key issues needed for a 'good deal' for the country. Vance described the meeting as a historic milestone, noting it was possibly the first time such high-level talks occurred between the two governments.

Addressing regional tensions, Vance accused Iran of engaging in 'economic terrorism' by threatening global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. He defended the US naval blockade against Iranian shipping as a necessary countermeasure, asserting that Washington was prepared to act firmly if Iran disrupted international commerce.

While maintaining a tough stance, Vance added that President Donald Trump still wished prosperity for the Iranian people. He cautioned that despite progress, the final outcome of the talks would depend on how far Iran was willing to advance the process.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the New York Times for its coverage of the ongoing Iran war. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump labeled the newspaper as “corrupt” and accused it of spreading “fake news.” He claimed that despite Iran being completely defeated militarily and otherwise, the Times’ reporting gives the impression that Iran is winning or performing well.

Trump further questioned the integrity of the publication, demanding to know when it would apologize for what he described as lies and disgraceful actions against him, his supporters, and the country. He also accused the media outlet of lacking shame and decency.

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and come amid heightened tensions surrounding the Iran conflict and differing narratives in international media coverage.

Former US Deputy National Security Adviser Mark Pfeifle described President Donald Trump’s blockade strategy as a high-risk, real estate-style negotiation approach. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Pfeifle said a recent 21-hour meeting in Pakistan marked the start of new talks where both sides sought to understand each other’s positions. He characterized the meeting as a stress test and a fresh attempt to restart dialogue.

Pfeifle explained that the effectiveness of the current blockade strategy is not measured only by the number of ships detained but also by how quickly global markets respond. He warned that if Trump declares that no ships will move, it would signal an attempt to assert control over all maritime traffic. According to him, failure to detain even one vessel could undermine the entire strategy, increasing its overall risk.

Analysts cited in the report noted that while such a strategy could yield quick results, it carries significant risks that may affect regional and global stability.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent verbal attack on Pope Leo XIV. The incident occurred on Sunday night after the Pope criticized Trump’s foreign and immigration policies, prompting the American leader to respond angrily. The exchange has sparked widespread outrage across Italy.

Meloni, who is known as a close political ally of Trump, described his comments about the Pope as unacceptable. She stated that as the head of the Catholic Church, it is natural for the Pope to speak for peace and condemn war. Her public rebuke marks a rare instance of disagreement between the two leaders.

Observers noted that Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump’s 2025 inauguration, making her criticism particularly significant in the context of their previously close relationship.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has rejected a proposal to engage in potential talks with Israel. The group’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, announced the decision, stating that such discussions are not realistic. He argued that the proposed dialogue is essentially a tactic to pressure Hezbollah into disarmament rather than a genuine diplomatic effort.

The announcement comes as Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C. Hezbollah’s refusal has cast uncertainty over that initiative’s prospects. Analysts cited in the report suggest that this rejection could heighten existing tensions in the Middle East and underscores the deep mistrust that persists among the involved parties despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The development highlights the fragile state of regional diplomacy, with Hezbollah’s stance potentially complicating future negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

Twenty platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across key areas of Dhaka to strengthen overall security during the celebration of Bangla New Year 1433. The deployment was confirmed on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by BGB’s Public Relations Officer Md. Shariful Islam. The move aims to ensure a safe and festive environment for citizens participating in the New Year festivities.

BGB personnel are stationed at major locations including Ramna Batamul and its surrounding areas, Hotel Intercontinental, Kakrail, Matsya Bhaban, Engineers Institution gate, Doel Chattar, Shahbagh National Museum, Shaheed Zia Shishu Park, the Chhayanaut venue at Ramna Batamul, Ramna stage, and Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi. The deployment is part of coordinated efforts with other law enforcement agencies to maintain order and public safety.

BGB has urged all citizens to celebrate the New Year peacefully and responsibly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and security throughout the festivities.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Bengali-speaking communities worldwide on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh 1433. In a verified Facebook post on Monday evening, he urged citizens to rise above narrow interests and embrace human welfare. He described the Bengali New Year as a symbol of national identity and cultural continuity, emphasizing its deep ties with agriculture and nature.

Rahman noted that the new democratic government, formed after the February 12 national election, has begun implementing programs to improve citizens’ lives. These include the launch of family cards, sports cards, canal excavation projects, and financial aid for religious leaders of all faiths. He announced the start of the “Farmer Card” program on the first day of the new year, expressing hope that it would transform the agricultural economy.

He concluded by calling for unity, compassion, and mutual respect amid global crises, wishing happiness, peace, and prosperity for all in the Bengali New Year 1433.

Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqul Rahman has extended greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion of the Bengali New Year. In a statement released to the media on Monday, he conveyed his wishes, noting that the arrival of the new year marks a historic moment of change for the nation.

In his message, Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of continuing an uncompromising struggle to free the country from fascism through united efforts. He called for collective action to build a just, economically free, and humane society, expressing hope that divine guidance would assist in achieving these goals.

The statement framed the New Year as both a time for celebration and a renewed commitment to national transformation and justice.

Pope Leo XIV responded to sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump by asserting that he and the Catholic Church are not politicians but messengers of peace. Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane before his visit to Algeria, the Pope said he does not fear the Trump administration and will continue to proclaim the Gospel’s message strongly, describing it as both his and the Church’s duty.

He emphasized that the Church views foreign policy differently from political leaders, focusing instead on peace and faith in the Gospel. Trump had recently accused the Pope of being weak on crime and poor in foreign policy through social media posts. Reports suggest Trump’s remarks followed the Pope’s criticism of U.S.-Israeli military actions surrounding Iran.

The exchange highlights ongoing tension between religious advocacy for peace and political responses to international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, announced that a national movement has already begun and must be carried forward to success. He made the statement on Monday, April 13, at a national seminar in Dhaka titled “Government Against the Referendum Verdict: Bangladesh Facing Crisis.” The event was chaired by Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis leader Allama Mamunul Haque and attended by several opposition figures, including MP Nahid Islam, Dr. Col. Oli Ahmed, and Mahmudur Rahman.

In his speech, Dr. Rahman used a metaphorical story to suggest that unseen forces influence the country’s political instability and government decisions. Referring to the July uprising, he said the movement was driven not only by students or politicians but also by workers who sacrificed their lives against fascism and for change. He described the current parliament as a “July product” and warned the government against opposing the spirit of that uprising.

Rahman criticized what he called the government’s double standards and vowed that the opposition would not accept illegal privileges or compromise on public interests. He urged citizens to join the movement, emphasizing that it seeks respect for the people’s mandate and the fulfillment of the martyrs’ promises.

Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, said the current government has been possessed by what he called Sheikh Hasina’s ‘ghost of insulting the people’. Speaking on Monday at a national seminar titled ‘Government Against the Referendum Verdict: The Nation in Crisis’ at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka, he sharply criticized the government’s attitude toward citizens. The event was organized under the initiative of the 11-party electoral alliance, with opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP as chief guest and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam MP as special guest.

Mamunul Haque alleged that the government undermines people’s sovereignty by prioritizing its parliamentary majority and ridiculing citizens. He also criticized Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed for allegedly calling voters ignorant, saying such arrogance reflects the same spirit of contempt once associated with Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Haque urged the government not to underestimate public power and warned against ignoring the results of the recent referendum.

He called on citizens to ensure the success of a rally organized by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis at Suhrawardy Udyan on April 24.

All members of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh have resigned following the repeal of the ordinance under which they were appointed. The resignations came after the National Parliament passed the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Reintroduction) Bill by voice vote on April 9, 2026. The bill, effective upon presidential approval and gazette publication, nullifies the interim government’s ordinance and reinstates the 2009 National Human Rights Commission Act enacted under the Awami League government. The outgoing members sent an open letter to the media after their resignation.

Commission member Nur Khan stated that the government did not directly ask them to resign but that the situation had been left unclear. Since their appointments were based on the now-repealed ordinance, they considered resignation appropriate. Commission Secretary Kudrat-e-Elahi said the repeal automatically dissolved the previous commission. The members, including Chairperson Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, had been appointed on February 5, 2026, during the final phase of the interim government’s tenure.

The resignations mark a transition back to the earlier legal framework for the commission’s operation under the 2009 law.

Tensions have arisen between Pope Leo XIV and U.S. President Donald Trump following the Pope’s comments on the Middle East war. Despite the friction, Pope Leo made it clear that he has no intention of engaging in any political debate. Speaking to journalists, he defended his earlier remarks, emphasizing that his message remains focused on peace, not politics.

Earlier, on Saturday, while Iranian and American negotiators met in Pakistan to discuss ending the war, Pope Leo urged the international community to stop what he called the “madness of war.” He also condemned the use of Christian religious language to justify conflict. In response, Trump reacted sharply, labeling the Pope as dangerous and criticizing him as weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.

The exchange underscores growing tension between religious and political leaders over the ongoing Middle East conflict and the moral framing of warfare.

A new survey by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that nearly two-thirds of Israelis oppose a ceasefire with Iran amid the ongoing conflict. The poll, reported by Al Jazeera, indicates that the Israeli public remains divided over whether to honor a proposed two-week truce or resume attacks on Iran. According to the findings, 39 percent of respondents believe Israel should continue its military operations, while 41 percent support respecting the ceasefire.

The survey also highlights strong opposition to extending the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, with 61 percent of Israelis rejecting such an extension. This comes as Tehran has been pressing the issue in its talks with the United States. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s popularity has declined since the war began, with only 34 percent now wanting him to remain in office, down from 40 percent at the start of the conflict.

The results suggest growing internal political pressure and increasing complexity in Israel’s decision-making regarding the war and regional stability.

Former CIA Director John Brennan has joined growing calls to remove U.S. President Donald Trump from office, citing concerns over his mental stability and fitness to lead. In an interview with MSNBC on Saturday, Brennan argued that the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was written with situations like Trump’s in mind. He described Trump as mentally unbalanced and said his recent provocative remarks about destroying Iranian civilization have endangered many lives.

Brennan, who served as CIA chief under President Barack Obama, stated that Trump poses a significant risk as commander-in-chief because he controls the nation’s nuclear arsenal and vast military power. His comments add to a rising chorus of voices questioning Trump’s capacity to govern amid escalating tensions with Iran.

The remarks come as the United States has reportedly blocked all Iranian Gulf ports, while Qatar and Iran are engaged in talks over ceasefire and regional stability.