The United States has decided not to extend the temporary waiver on sanctions for Russian and Iranian oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the 30-day exemption, granted to stabilize the global energy market during the ongoing Middle East conflict, will not be renewed. He confirmed at a White House briefing that the waiver for Russian oil had already expired last week, and no further extension would be granted for Iran either.

Earlier, the US had allowed limited unloading and sale of Russian and Iranian oil that had been shipped before the sanctions deadline, citing rising global oil prices and supply shortages. According to Bessent, the temporary measure enabled the release of approximately 140 million barrels of oil into the global market, helping to ease supply pressures during wartime conditions.

The decision signals Washington’s intent to resume full enforcement of sanctions, potentially tightening global oil supply and influencing energy market stability in the near term.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the United States must adhere to a ceasefire agreement that includes Lebanon, according to a report citing BBC. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Ghalibaf said that achieving a full ceasefire in Lebanon depends on the steadfast struggle of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in the country.

He described Iran and the so-called 'axis of resistance'—a term referring to Iran-aligned groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Yemen’s Houthis, and Iraqi Shia militias—as a unified entity in both war and peace. Ghalibaf further commented that the United States should move away from what he called its Israel-centered policy.

The remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions and discussions over ceasefire arrangements involving Lebanon, though the source did not specify the status or parties to the agreement.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard seized a fishing boat carrying a large quantity of cement allegedly being smuggled to Myanmar. The operation took place on Wednesday morning, April 15, 2026, at the Sarikait Gachtali Ghat area in Sandwip, Chattogram. According to the Coast Guard headquarters, the raid was conducted based on secret information, leading to the recovery of 660 sacks of cement valued at approximately 363,000 taka.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the Coast Guard’s media officer, stated that the cement was being transported illegally to evade government duties. The suspected traffickers fled upon noticing the presence of Coast Guard personnel, and no arrests were made during the operation. The fishing boat used in the smuggling attempt was seized.

The Coast Guard confirmed that legal proceedings regarding the seized items are underway. Authorities also emphasized that similar operations will continue to prevent smuggling and illegal trade along maritime and coastal routes.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks targeting Israeli military positions and installations. According to statements released over several hours, the group said it launched rocket strikes on the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona. It also reported an attack on an Israeli military bulldozer in the southern Lebanese area of Bint Jbeil, where intense clashes were said to be continuing.

Hezbollah further claimed to have targeted two Israeli tanks in the center of the Lebanese border town of Mays al-Jabal. The group stated that rockets and shells were fired at Israeli troops and vehicles in the Bint Jbeil area. As of the latest reports, Israel has not issued any official comment on these alleged attacks.

The developments come amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides reporting intermittent exchanges of fire in recent days.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for organizing a dialogue between the two countries. He made the remarks after meeting with a Pakistani delegation led by Army Chief General Asim Munir in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera. Araghchi shared his appreciation in a post on social media platform X, highlighting Pakistan’s sincere cooperation in facilitating the talks.

In his post, Araghchi described the dialogue as a reflection of the deep and strong bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan. He also shared a video showing him embracing General Munir upon his arrival at the airport, emphasizing that both nations share a firm and common commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.

The meeting and public statements underscore ongoing diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Islamabad, focusing on strengthening mutual understanding and regional cooperation.

International donors have pledged 1.3 billion euros ($1.5bn) in humanitarian aid for Sudan as global leaders met in Berlin on the third anniversary of the country’s civil war. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the conflict a “tragic milestone” and urged an end to the violence, warning that its consequences are destabilising the wider region. Nearly 34 million people in Sudan now need humanitarian assistance, and more than 4.5 million have been displaced since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Berlin conference brought together about a dozen foreign ministers and over 60 delegations, aiming both to raise funds and to revive stalled peace negotiations, though the warring parties were not invited. Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the meeting as a “colonial tutelage approach,” accusing Western nations of imposing their agenda without consulting Khartoum. The African Union’s chairman, Mahmoud Ali Youssou, called for an immediate ceasefire and greater unity among Sudan’s civilian groups.

Germany, the host nation, pledged 212 million euros ($250m) as part of the total aid package, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul saying the funds would help alleviate suffering and save lives.

The US Senate has rejected for the fourth time a resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war with Iran. The measure, voted down 47–53 mostly along party lines, followed a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran that began last week. Talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed to produce a lasting peace, though both sides indicated willingness for further dialogue. The resolution’s defeat came despite renewed calls from lawmakers to curb Trump’s unilateral military actions, which began alongside Israel on February 28.

Supporters argued that Trump acted outside constitutional authority, while opponents insisted he was within his presidential rights. Senator Chris Murphy criticized the conflict as mismanaged and costly, citing billions spent weekly and over a dozen American deaths. Republican Senator Jim Risch defended Trump’s actions as a duty to protect the US. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a similar measure, though any passage would be largely symbolic given Trump’s veto power.

The ceasefire’s future remains uncertain as US forces maintain a naval blockade near Iran and both nations prepare for possible renewed talks in Islamabad.

The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting individuals, companies, and ships linked to Iran, according to an update published on the US Treasury Department’s website. The announcement came during a period of ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The Treasury stated that three individuals, 17 entities, and nine vessels have been added to the sanctions list.

Shortly before this update, Treasury Secretary Scott Besent announced that the previous waiver allowing the purchase of oil from Russia and Iran while at sea would not be renewed. This move signals a tightening of economic pressure on Iran’s oil trade and related networks.

The decision is expected to further restrict Iran’s ability to conduct international oil transactions and increase economic strain on sectors connected to its energy exports, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack has sharply criticized India’s expanding dominance and political entanglement in global cricket administration. Editor Lawrence Booth described the current state of world cricket as increasingly “Orwellian,” claiming that political influence over the sport is now stronger than ever. The report highlights that both the International Cricket Council’s chief executive and chairman are Indian nationals, with chairman Jay Shah also being the son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah and a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Wisden argues that India’s cricket board has effectively functioned as a sporting arm of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, strengthening India’s control over international cricket. The 2025 Asia Cup was cited as an example of politics infiltrating the game, with Indian and Pakistani players refusing to shake hands amid military tensions. Booth also noted symbolic gestures such as India’s captain dedicating a victory to the armed forces and Modi’s social media message framing the win in militaristic terms.

The report further mentions regional ripple effects, including Bangladesh’s cricketing uncertainties linked to political and security concerns. Wisden concludes that world cricket now faces a critical question over whether it can preserve its competitive integrity under India’s growing political shadow.

Five Israeli soldiers were injured in a rocket attack in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the army said one soldier was seriously wounded while four others sustained minor injuries. The incident occurred amid ongoing hostilities in the Bint Jbeil area, where fierce fighting continues between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

Israeli Army Radio reported that the soldiers were hurt in the same area where clashes remain active. The violence follows days of heavy fighting in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message on X that the Israeli army is moving to take control of the southern Lebanese town where the battles have been concentrated. He added that he has instructed the military to strengthen security measures.

Netanyahu also mentioned that Israel is being kept informed by its American allies regarding contacts with Iran and stated that Israel is prepared for any possible escalation as fighting risks resuming.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country’s military is close to capturing the strategic southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbeil. In a video message posted on his social media account, he said that Israeli forces are advancing in the area where intense fighting with Hezbollah has continued for several days.

The city, located near Israel’s border, holds both strategic and symbolic importance. Netanyahu added that he had instructed the military to further strengthen security, describing the move as part of Israel’s broader operations in Lebanese territory. He also mentioned that the United States has been keeping Israel informed about its communications with Iran, noting that both countries share the same objectives.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is preparing for any possible escalation, as the potential for renewed conflict remains high, according to his statement cited by Al Jazeera.

Lebanon has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council against Israel following a series of airstrikes across the country. According to Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry, the complaint concerns more than 100 Israeli air raids carried out on April 8, which struck densely populated residential areas in Beirut during busy hours without prior warning.

The ministry stated that these attacks constitute a clear violation of international law. Official figures released by the Lebanese government report that 303 people were killed in the strikes, including 30 children and 71 women, while at least 1,150 others were injured.

The complaint marks Lebanon’s latest diplomatic move amid escalating regional tensions, as cited by Al Jazeera, which reported the details of the ministry’s statement.

Police in Dhaka have arrested a suspected mugger accused of robbing passengers on moving vehicles in the city’s Jatrabari area. The detainee, identified as Md. Aminul Islam, 24, was apprehended on Wednesday night, April 15, following a targeted operation. The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Media and Public Relations Division, signed by Deputy Commissioner N M Nasir Uddin.

According to Jatrabari police sources, Aminul Islam was captured around 7:30 p.m. based on secret intelligence and with the help of technology. Authorities reported that he has multiple cases of robbery and mugging filed against him at Jatrabari Police Station. Preliminary interrogation revealed that he had been involved in robbing passengers on moving buses, microbuses, and other vehicles in the area for a long time.

Police stated that legal proceedings are underway against the arrested suspect.

The government of Bangladesh has imposed a 58-day ban on fishing in the country's maritime territory of the Bay of Bengal, effective from Wednesday until June 11. As a result, around 64,000 registered fishermen across seven upazilas of Bhola district have become temporarily unemployed. The restriction aims to protect fish resources during the breeding season. Each registered fisherman is set to receive 77 kilograms of rice during the ban period, distributed at a rate of 40 kilograms per month.

According to the district fisheries office, trawlers are returning from the sea to local docks, and rice distribution will begin once they arrive. Some fishermen have complained about irregularities and delays in previous relief distributions. Local officials assured that rice allocations have already reached union councils and will be distributed on time. Ice factory and fuel sellers have also been instructed not to supply trawlers during the ban.

Bhola’s district administration said it will monitor fair distribution and request NGOs to suspend loan installments for fishermen during the two-month fishing ban.

US Vice President JD Vance faced intense protests while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia. The disruption began about ten minutes into his speech when several audience members shouted accusations about US support for violence in Gaza. Vance paused to address the protesters, partially agreeing with their statement that 'Jesus Christ does not support genocide,' while also defending the Trump administration’s policies.

Later in his remarks, Vance expressed sympathy toward critics of the Iran war and acknowledged that many young American voters disapprove of the country’s Middle East policy. He said he understood their concerns but insisted that the administration was working to resolve conflicts and prevent further wars. Vance also urged the audience to engage in politics rather than limit themselves to criticism.

The incident occurred amid growing dissatisfaction among Trump supporters over the administration’s war policies, with some prominent conservative figures openly voicing criticism.