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.

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.

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.

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.