Formal discussions between Israel and Lebanon are set to begin in Washington, marking a rare diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The meeting, to be held at the U.S. State Department, will include Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad. U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Michael Isao will also participate in the talks.

The dialogue follows a recent phone call between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, an unprecedented event given the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the countries. The talks come amid intense international pressure on Israel to halt its military operations in Lebanon, which have reportedly caused over 2,000 deaths and displaced more than one million people. Israeli forces have advanced into southern Lebanon and carried out multiple strikes on Beirut.

Israel has stated it will not negotiate a ceasefire with Hezbollah, while the group has publicly rejected Lebanon’s direct engagement with Israel. The outcome of the Washington discussions remains uncertain.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has said that Canberra supports freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and is working with partners including France and the United Kingdom on this issue. He made the remarks in an interview with ABC, responding to a question about whether Australia supports the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Marles stated that Australia is deeply interested in keeping the Strait open and restoring global energy supply chains to normal. However, he emphasized that Australia would only contribute to efforts to reopen the Strait if the current ceasefire becomes permanent. He described the situation as highly uncertain and said that developments during the remaining ceasefire period would determine future actions.

The comments highlight Australia’s cautious approach to involvement in the region, balancing its support for maritime freedom with the need for stability before committing to any operational role.

On the 46th day of the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, US President Donald Trump stated that despite the American naval blockade of Iranian ports, there is still an opportunity for Tehran to reach an agreement. His remarks came as tensions remained high in the region.

Iran has described the US naval blockade as an act of piracy. Thousands of people in Tehran have protested against the American move targeting shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The Associated Press reported that diplomatic efforts to restart talks between the two countries are continuing, with Pakistan proposing a second round of discussions in Islamabad this week.

According to Trump, the United States and Iran could sit for talks within the next two days, signaling a possible opening for renewed negotiations despite the ongoing conflict and public unrest in Iran.

Russia’s oil export revenue nearly doubled in March as Western sanctions were partially eased during the ongoing war between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that Russia earned about 19 billion dollars from oil exports last month, compared to significantly lower earnings in February.

According to the IEA, Russia’s crude and refined oil exports rose from 3.2 million barrels per day in February to 7.1 million barrels per day in March. The United States relaxed some restrictions originally imposed due to the Ukraine war, allowing countries to purchase oil from floating tankers until April 11. This temporary relaxation contributed to the sharp increase in Russia’s export income.

The report indicates that the combination of high global fuel prices and limited sanctions enforcement has boosted Russia’s oil revenue despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

US Vice President JD Vance has accused Iran of engaging in 'economic terrorism' by blocking navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, Vance said President Donald Trump had shown that both sides could play this game, referring to the strategic waterway. He warned that if Iran pursued economic terrorism, the United States would respond by preventing any Iranian ships from leaving port.

Vance also revealed that recent talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, had made significant progress. He stated that the next move was up to Iran, urging Tehran to show flexibility and accept what he described as key US demands. These include US oversight of Iran’s enriched uranium and the establishment of a verification system to ensure Iran cannot produce nuclear weapons.

The report cited BBC Bangla as its source and noted that China criticized US sanctions as irresponsible, while Pakistan expressed readiness to host further discussions if needed.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has indicated that global oil prices could reach their highest levels in the coming weeks due to ongoing disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the ‘Semaphore World Economy’ conference in Washington, D.C., Wright said fuel prices will remain high until meaningful maritime traffic resumes through the key waterway, adding that prices could rise even further before stabilizing.

Wright explained that oil prices may begin to decline once the United States-Iran conflict ends and energy supplies return to normal. However, he cautioned that this process will take time and may not occur until around September. His remarks highlight the sensitivity of global energy markets to geopolitical tensions and supply chain interruptions in critical maritime routes.

The statement underscores the potential for short-term volatility in global fuel markets as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to constrain supply routes vital to international trade.

US President Donald Trump has expressed strong anger at American media outlets for their coverage of the ongoing Iran war. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused leading organizations such as The New York Times and CNN of spreading 'fake news.' He claimed that despite Iran being 'completely devastated' by US military operations, the media was portraying the situation as if Iran was performing well in the conflict.

Trump specifically criticized The New York Times, alleging that it was deliberately publishing false information and should apologize for its reporting. He also questioned the media’s integrity, asking whether they had any sense of shame or decency. Earlier, on April 13, Trump accused CNN of broadcasting a 'fake' Iranian statement and warned of an investigation. His administration even threatened to revoke the broadcast licenses of certain outlets, labeling their actions as 'treasonous.'

The dispute follows the February 28 launch of 'Operation Epic Fury,' after which US media questioned the effectiveness and humanitarian impact of Trump’s war strategy, prompting his latest outburst.

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.

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.