South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has warned that escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could have lasting effects on global energy supplies and supply chains. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he said instability in global energy and raw material markets is now inevitable and likely to persist for an extended period.

Lee emphasized that the current situation will continue to cause disruptions in global energy and raw material supply chains and maintain high oil prices. He called for the rapid development of alternative supply routes and structural changes in the industrial sector to mitigate the impact.

The president further stated that building alternative supply chains, pursuing medium- and long-term industrial restructuring, and transitioning toward a post-plastic economy should be treated as national strategic priorities.

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.

A new survey by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has found that Israelis are increasingly fatigued by the ongoing conflict. Despite this exhaustion, nearly two-thirds of respondents oppose a potential ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. The survey was conducted on April 9 and 10 among 1,312 Israelis, including 1,084 Jews and 228 Arabs.

According to the findings, most participants believe that recent attacks by the United States and Israel have not significantly weakened Iran or Lebanon’s Hezbollah. About 39.5 percent of respondents said strikes on Tehran should continue, while 41.4 percent supported adhering to a ceasefire. When asked about their current emotions, one-third of respondents chose the word “frustration,” followed by “confusion” and “anger,” with “hope” ranking fourth.

The survey results, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight a complex public mood in Israel—marked by war fatigue but persistent resistance to halting hostilities between the United States and 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.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that a special operation will soon be launched to make Bangladesh free from drugs. He made the statement on Tuesday, April 14, during a speech at a farmer card distribution event held at the premises of Ejahar Girls High School in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.

The minister said that gambling and online gambling have become serious social problems. The government is conducting research to identify effective measures to address these issues and will take necessary actions accordingly. He also highlighted that human trafficking remains a major concern in certain regions, particularly Teknaf, Ukhiya, and Cox’s Bazar.

According to the minister, law enforcement agencies have already been instructed to strengthen surveillance and carry out organized operations at all relevant points to curb human trafficking and related crimes.

A Pakistani government official has said that Pakistan is prepared to host as many rounds of peace talks as necessary to advance the ongoing peace process. The official, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, stated that diplomatic communication among all parties remains active and that Pakistan is committed to a long-term effort to establish peace.

Earlier, representatives from Iran and the United States met in Islamabad on April 11 following a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. Despite 21 hours of discussions, the two sides failed to reach an agreement but indicated a willingness to keep diplomatic channels open. Pakistani officials said they are maintaining contact with both sides to revive the diplomatic process before the ceasefire expires.

According to the officials, efforts are underway to organize another round of direct talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, with the goal of achieving a long-term ceasefire and preventing renewed hostilities.

A new phase of the trial investigating the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has begun. The hearing resumed on Tuesday after the previous proceedings were halted due to controversy involving a judge. Maradona died shortly after returning home from brain surgery, and allegations were made that medical negligence led to his death. Following his death in November 2020, a seven-member medical team was charged and brought before the court.

The earlier trial, which lasted two and a half months, was abruptly stopped and later annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that a judge, Julieta Makinthakh, had participated in a documentary related to the case, violating judicial ethics. She was subsequently impeached. The restarted trial will hear testimony from at least 120 witnesses as the court examines the extent of responsibility borne by Maradona’s medical team.

The accused include doctors, a psychologist, and nurses who oversaw Maradona’s care after his hospital discharge. If found guilty, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to twenty-five years. The case has once again drawn global attention as the football world awaits justice.

China has criticized the United States for imposing a naval blockade on Iran’s ports, describing the move as “dangerous and irresponsible.” The statement came from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press conference on April 14, 2026. Guo said the US had expanded its military operations and targeted specific areas with the blockade, a step that would only heighten tensions and disrupt an already fragile ceasefire agreement.

According to the spokesperson, the US action has also placed maritime navigation safety at greater risk. Guo characterized the blockade as a reckless act that undermines regional stability. The remarks reflect China’s concern over escalating military measures in the region and their potential to destabilize ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The comments were reported by Al Jazeera and highlight Beijing’s position against unilateral military actions that could endanger international shipping and peace initiatives.

A feature article published on April 14, 2026, in Amader Desh examines the intertwined relationship between state power, culture, and festivals in Bangladesh. The author argues that national festivals often serve as instruments of state ideology, helping to construct collective identity and social cohesion. The piece discusses how governments use festivals to legitimize authority, promote specific cultural narratives, and foster a sense of unity among citizens.

The article traces the evolution of Pahela Baishakh from a rural and economic observance into a major national celebration shaped by urban middle-class participation and state sponsorship. It highlights how different regimes have infused ideological meanings into festivals, including attempts to balance religious and secular elements. The discussion references thinkers such as Durkheim, Turner, and Hobsbawm to frame festivals as both stabilizing and transformative social forces.

The essay concludes that Pahela Baishakh is expanding in scope and inclusivity, driven by economic incentives like bonuses and corporate participation. It suggests that despite ideological influences, the enduring vitality of festivals lies in their spontaneous and participatory nature, reflecting the hybrid and evolving character of Bengali culture.

Iran has reported an estimated $270 billion in preliminary losses from the ongoing war, according to a statement released on April 14, 2026. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani shared the figure in an interview with Russia’s RIA Novosti, as cited by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency. She cautioned that the figure represents only an initial assessment and that the final amount could be significantly higher.

Mohajerani explained that Iran’s negotiating team has been addressing war compensation issues, which were also discussed at a meeting in Islamabad. She noted that damage assessments are conducted in several stages. The reported losses stem from attacks by the United States and Israel, which have caused extensive damage to Iran’s infrastructure and economy.

The report underscores the scale of destruction Iran faces amid the ongoing conflict and highlights the government’s focus on securing reparations through diplomatic channels.

A steel Bailey bridge on the Sunamganj–Jagannathpur–Aushkandi–Dhaka regional highway collapsed again on Tuesday morning, April 14, 2026, when a freight truck was crossing it. Two steel planks in the middle section gave way, forcing authorities to suspend all passenger and heavy vehicle movement toward the capital. Only light vehicles such as CNG-run auto-rickshaws and motorcycles are moving cautiously, while fear and frustration spread among commuters.

Residents said the bridge has collapsed multiple times in recent years, including a fatal incident in August 2024 when a cement-laden truck plunged into the river, killing two people. Despite a strict ban by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) on vehicles carrying more than ten tons, overloaded trucks continue to use the bridge. Locals blame this disregard for safety rules for repeated accidents and fear more casualties if the bridge remains in use.

Although a permanent RCC bridge was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in September 2023, no visible construction has begun. The local RHD executive engineer said repair work on the planks is underway and traffic is expected to resume by evening, while the permanent bridge project remains in process.

Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad stated that the country’s oil sales during March and April were satisfactory, according to a report by Iran’s Fars News Agency. The minister emphasized that part of the oil revenue should be used to rebuild the oil industry, which has been damaged by the ongoing war.

Earlier, Paknejad had mentioned that the price of Iran’s crude oil had risen significantly in the previous month. The report did not specify the volume of oil sold or the exact reasons behind the increase in sales performance.

The statement comes as Iran continues to face economic and industrial challenges linked to the conflict, with the government focusing on recovery and stabilization of its energy sector.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid Yasin stated that the newly introduced 'Farmer Card' will make the agricultural sector stronger and that future farming will be a respected profession. He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon during the inauguration ceremony of the 'Farmer Card' program held at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar Upazila, coinciding with the celebration of Pahela Baishakh.

According to the minister, about seventy percent of the country's population is involved in agriculture, and national economic progress depends on improving the livelihoods of farmers. Before his speech, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman handed over the 'Farmer Card' to local cultivators in Tangail, marking the official start of the program and the distribution of incentive funds to farmers.

The initiative also includes plans to establish factories in agriculture-dependent areas, with the belief that a prosperous farming community will ensure Bangladesh’s overall well-being.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has presented a four-point proposal aimed at enhancing peace and stability in the Middle East. The announcement was made during a meeting with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, according to China’s official news agency Xinhua.

Xinhua reported that the proposal emphasizes peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, and adherence to international law. It also highlights the need to balance security and development in the region. According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, Xi Jinping stated that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the Gulf countries should be sincerely respected.

The proposal reflects China’s stated interest in promoting regional stability through dialogue and respect for international norms, though specific implementation details were not disclosed in the report.