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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iranian 'attack ships' will be destroyed if they attempt to break the American blockade. The warning was issued through a post on his social media platform Truth Social, shortly after the blockade began at 10 a.m. Washington time on Monday. Trump stated that Iran’s navy had already lost 158 ships and that the remaining fast attack vessels would be targeted if they approached the restricted area.

The statement followed Trump’s earlier announcement of a full blockade on all Iranian ports. He emphasized that any Iranian naval vessel nearing the blockade zone would be immediately destroyed using the same methods applied against drug traffickers at sea. The post was reported by Al Jazeera.

China has criticized the U.S. blockade as irresponsible, while Iran’s reported war losses stand at 270 billion dollars. Iran’s oil minister described March and April oil sales as satisfactory, and the U.S. vice president said the next move now rests with Iran.

The United States military has announced the enforcement of a blockade across the Gulf of Oman and the eastern Arabian Sea near the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), any vessel entering or leaving the restricted area without authorization may be detained, redirected, or seized. The announcement was made on April 13, 2026.

CENTCOM clarified that the blockade will not disrupt normal passage of neutral ships through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly those not bound for Iran. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows reports of discussions between Iran and Qatar on ceasefire and stability issues.

Analysts warn that the blockade could further escalate tensions in the Middle East and pose significant risks to international trade, especially in the energy transport sector, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical maritime route for global oil shipments.

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.

New York Mayor Zohraan Mamdani marked his first 100 days in office on Sunday with a rally in Queens, highlighting his early achievements and reaffirming his commitment to a clear socialist agenda. The 34-year-old mayor cited the repair of over 100,000 potholes since January 1 as evidence of his administration’s focus on improving everyday life for residents. Veteran leftist leader Bernie Sanders attended the event in support.

Mamdani outlined progress on his campaign promises, including plans to open city-run grocery stores offering free childcare services, and restructuring city committees to potentially freeze rent increases in the coming months. He noted that discussions with state authorities on implementing free bus rides are still ongoing.

Recent polls show mixed public sentiment: his approval stands at 48 percent among New Yorkers and 43 percent among voters. While many support his childcare and housing initiatives, significant portions of Hispanic and Black voters believe the city is moving in the wrong direction. Despite past criticism of Donald Trump, Mamdani has developed a cordial relationship with the Republican president, visiting the White House twice.

Australia has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the new Chief of Army, marking the first time a woman will lead the Australian Army. The government confirmed that Coyle, currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will assume her new role in July, succeeding Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this is the first time in the army’s 125-year history that a woman has been appointed to the top position.

Defense Minister Richard Marles described the appointment as a historic moment, noting that Coyle’s achievements will serve as an important source of inspiration for women serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The 55-year-old officer joined the army in 1987 and has held several key command positions throughout her career.

Women currently make up about 21 percent of the ADF, with 18.5 percent in senior leadership roles. The ADF aims to increase female representation to 25 percent by 2030, a goal that aligns with the significance of Coyle’s appointment.

U.S. President Donald Trump adopted a hardline stance after peace talks between Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement in Islamabad. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, he said he was unconcerned whether Iran returned to the negotiating table, declaring, “It doesn’t matter to me if Iran comes back or not.” The talks, described earlier by Trump as friendly, ended without any breakthrough.

Trump’s comments marked a sharp shift from his earlier optimism that Iran might agree to a deal. Within hours of the failed discussions, Washington announced a stricter naval blockade against Iran. U.S. officials said the deadlock stemmed from Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions and to stop financing armed groups.

The developments underscored escalating tensions following the breakdown of the Islamabad talks, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.

US President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with NATO for not supporting the United States during the recent Iran conflict and the Israel issue. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on April 13, he announced that US spending within NATO would now be subject to deep examination. Trump argued that the alliance failed to stand by the US when needed and questioned the value of maintaining membership under such circumstances.

He reiterated his long-standing criticism that many NATO members do not contribute their fair share to defense budgets and fail to assist the US adequately during crises. Trump also described the massive US expenditure to protect NATO members from Russia as increasingly unreasonable. His remarks have reignited uncertainty over the future of US participation and financial commitment to the alliance.

The comments mark another escalation in Trump’s ongoing tension with NATO, raising questions about Washington’s strategic priorities and alliance obligations.

Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley stated that former President Donald Trump has no alternative but to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. She made the remarks on a CNN program on Sunday, emphasizing that failing to act against Iran would allow Tehran to gain more financial and strategic advantages, including funding proxies, purchasing ballistic missile equipment, and continuing its nuclear program.

According to a CNN report cited in the source, Trump’s plan to blockade the strait could serve as a test of Iran’s control over the key waterway. Such a move might avoid the need for risky ground troop deployments but could expose U.S. naval vessels to increased Iranian attacks. The report also noted that obstructing the strait could heighten diplomatic tensions with major powers such as China if U.S. forces attempt to stop their ships.

The issue has drawn global attention, with reports of international reactions and related developments involving Iran, the United States, and other stakeholders.

The US military reported that five people were killed and one survived in its latest anti-drug operation in the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to a statement issued on Sunday, the attacks took place on April 11 against two suspected drug-trafficking vessels. The US Southern Command also released aerial footage of the operation on social media platform X, according to AFP.

The statement said that two men described as 'narco-terrorists' were killed and one survived in the first strike, while three more men labeled the same were killed in the second. However, no evidence was presented to support the drug-trafficking allegations. The military added that the total number of people killed in these operations has now reached at least 168.

The report did not provide further details about the identity of those killed or the specific location of the incidents within the eastern Pacific.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that several countries are actively cooperating with the United States to prevent Iran from selling oil. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday, Trump said that many positive developments were taking place regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He added that a naval blockade, set to begin Monday morning, would be highly effective as other nations were now assisting in stopping Iran’s oil exports.

Trump claimed that Iran’s military was nearly “destroyed,” mocking its current condition, and asserted that the country’s entire navy was “underwater.” He also said many tankers were changing routes to avoid the Strait of Hormuz and that numerous ships were heading toward the United States to collect oil instead.

When asked whether Iran would return to the negotiating table, Trump responded that it did not matter to him whether they did or not. The remarks were reported by Anadolu Agency.

Public support among Americans for the ongoing war with Iran has declined, according to a new CBS and YouGov poll. The survey found that support fell by two percentage points from the end of last month, standing now at 36 percent. The drop follows a broader decline in President Donald Trump’s popularity, which had already fallen to 38 percent in a Reuters and Ipsos poll in February, marking the lowest level since his return to office for a second term.

By late March, 62 percent of Americans opposed the Iran war, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with its domestic impact. The latest consumer price index showed rising inflation in the United States, which many Americans view as a negative consequence of the conflict. The combination of economic strain and declining presidential approval appears to be shaping public sentiment toward the war.

The polling data suggest that continued inflation and opposition to the Iran war could further challenge Trump’s administration in maintaining public support.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV for opposing the ongoing war with Iran. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused the Pope of being weak on crime and disastrous on foreign policy. The Pope had earlier urged an end to the Iran conflict, calling it a product of a misguided pursuit of power and warning that civilization could face destruction if peace was not reached.

Responding to Trump’s earlier remarks about Iran, Pope Leo said such threats were unacceptable and raised both legal and moral concerns. Trump countered by saying he did not want a Pope who tolerated Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He further advised Pope Leo to correct himself, use common sense, stop appeasing leftists, and focus on being a great Pope rather than a politician.

Trump also claimed partial credit for Pope Leo’s election, suggesting that Vatican support for the first American-born Pope came due to White House influence during his presidency.

Shipping expert Lars Jensen has said that U.S. President Donald Trump’s announced blockade threat will likely affect only a very small number of vessels. According to Jensen, if the United States actually implements such a measure, only limited ship movements would be halted, and the overall impact on global shipping would remain minimal.

Jensen, the chief executive of Vespucci Maritime, explained that Trump’s warning to act against ships paying tolls to Iran would not bring major changes, as those vessels were already exposed to U.S. sanctions risks. He noted that few ships currently use that route, and even fewer pay tolls, meaning the measure’s reach would be narrow.

Jensen added that most shipping companies are expected to monitor the situation initially to see whether any temporary agreements emerge. If such arrangements occur, vessel traffic could gradually increase again. However, he did not confirm whether the route would become safe for navigation, emphasizing that the outcome depends on trust and the durability of any U.S.–Iran understanding.