At least 21 villagers were killed in an attack by armed bandits in Zamfara state, northern Nigeria, according to local residents cited by AFP on Saturday. The assault occurred on Friday in Bunkasau village of Bukkuyum district, where dozens of gunmen arrived on about 80 motorcycles. Villagers attempted to resist, leading to a gun battle between the two sides.

Zamfara, located in northwestern and central Nigeria, has long suffered from repeated assaults, kidnappings, and looting by criminal groups locally known as bandits. Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed awareness of the incident and said an investigation was underway but provided no further details. Local community leader Lawali Umar said villagers had stopped paying extortion money to the bandits and instead used the funds to buy weapons for self-defense.

The violence in the region initially stemmed from disputes between herders and farmers over land and water but has since evolved into organized cattle rustling and kidnapping networks. Despite military deployment and peace efforts since 2015, such attacks continue to persist.

Bayern Munich continued their dominant Bundesliga campaign with a 5-0 victory over relegation-threatened St. Pauli, setting a new single-season scoring record. Despite missing key players Harry Kane and Aleksandar Pavlović, Vincent Kompany’s side reached 105 goals for the season. Leon Goretzka’s strike marked Bayern’s record-breaking 102nd goal, surpassing the 101-goal mark set by Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller’s 1971–72 team. Michael Olise, Nicolas Jackson, and Raphaël Guerreiro added further goals to complete the rout.

With five matches remaining, Bayern now hold a 12-point lead over Borussia Dortmund, putting them within reach of another Bundesliga title. The team’s attacking form has also placed them close to surpassing European scoring records held by Manchester City and Real Madrid. Although the Bundesliga has fewer matches, Bayern remain optimistic about chasing those milestones.

Next, Bayern face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg at the Allianz Arena, holding a 2-1 advantage, followed by a German Cup semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen.

Recent talks between the United States and Iran concluded without a final agreement, though negotiations have not collapsed. Despite extensive diplomatic efforts and multiple rounds of proposals and counterproposals, both sides remain divided on several critical issues. US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington has presented its “best and final offer” and is awaiting Tehran’s response.

The main sticking points include the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran views as a “maximum pressure tactic,” as well as disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and economic matters. Iran has also demanded the release of its frozen assets, making it a central issue in the discussions. Sources indicate that while some progress has been made, it has not reached a decisive stage.

An unconfirmed report suggested a possible understanding involving Israel, under which it might avoid strikes on Beirut while continuing operations in southern Lebanon. Overall, the diplomatic process continues, but uncertainty remains high after the talks ended without a concrete deal.

The United States Air Force operates a fleet of four Boeing E-4B aircraft, known as 'Doomsday Planes', designed to function as airborne command centers during nuclear attacks or other extreme emergencies. These aircraft can fly continuously for seven days and are equipped to maintain national command and control if ground-based systems are destroyed. The E-4B serves as a secure operations hub for the US President, Defense Secretary, and Joint Chiefs of Staff during crises.

To modernize its capabilities, the Air Force is converting five Boeing 747–8 aircraft, previously used by Korean Air, into replacements for the E-4B fleet. The upgrades include radiation and electromagnetic pulse protection, advanced communication antennas, mission systems, and in-flight refueling capability. The total cost of the five aircraft is estimated at 13 billion US dollars.

The E-4B’s unique features include 67 antennas for global communication, missile-launch capability, and protection against nuclear, cyber, and electromagnetic threats. The aircraft can take off within minutes of an emergency and remains on standby 24 hours a day, ensuring uninterrupted command continuity for the United States.

US Vice President JD Vance announced early Sunday that after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, the American delegation failed to reach an agreement with Iran and would leave Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference, Vance said he had spoken with President Donald Trump at least six times during the talks. He stated that Iran refused to accept US conditions, including restrictions on nuclear weapons development, and described the outcome as worse for Iran than for the United States.

The Islamabad meeting marked the first direct US-Iran talks in over a decade and the highest-level contact since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The discussions were expected to influence the fragile two-week ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20 percent of global energy supplies. Iran has kept the strait closed since the conflict began, driving up oil prices and causing heavy casualties.

According to Iranian officials, technical teams will continue exchanging documents despite unresolved differences, though no date was set for resuming talks. Pakistan’s mediation role represented a major diplomatic shift for the country after years of isolation.

US Vice President J.D. Vance announced in Islamabad that 21 hours of historic peace talks between the United States and Iran ended without any agreement. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, he confirmed that the US delegation plans to leave Pakistan without a deal, calling the outcome unfortunate. Vance thanked Pakistan’s prime minister and field marshal for their significant role in hosting the discussions.

Vance stated that the US had clearly presented its key conditions to Iran, but Tehran did not accept them. He also said Iran’s nuclear program had been destroyed, though firm commitments were still needed to ensure Iran would not develop nuclear weapons in the future. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described US demands as excessive and illegal, emphasizing that success depended on Washington’s recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

According to reports, the Iranian delegation has already left Pakistan, and the talks stalled over two or three core issues, leaving the future of negotiations uncertain.

The Bangladesh Parliament has passed the Bank Resolution Bill 2026, overturning a previous ordinance that barred individuals responsible for bank failures from regaining ownership even after repaying losses. The new law enables former shareholders of five merged banks to reapply for ownership, including groups such as S Alam and Nasa, which previously held major stakes. Applicants must pledge to repay government and central bank support, inject new capital, and ensure full repayment to depositors and creditors.

Under the new provisions, Bangladesh Bank will verify applications and seek government approval before any transfer of control. Former owners must initially deposit 7.5 percent of the government’s investment and repay the remaining 92.5 percent within two years with 10 percent interest. The central bank will supervise the restructured banks for two years to ensure compliance.

Critics, including economists and opposition lawmakers, warned that the bill rewards those responsible for past mismanagement and could endanger depositors’ funds. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury defended the bill, saying it aims to maintain financial stability and protect depositors while reducing the government’s fiscal burden.

US Vice President J.D. Vance announced that after 21 hours of continuous negotiations, the United States and Iran failed to reach any agreement. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday morning, Vance said the US plans to leave Pakistan without a deal, describing the outcome as bad news. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s prime minister and field marshal for their significant role in facilitating the discussions.

According to Vance, the United States had clearly presented its key conditions to Iran, but Tehran did not accept them. Responding to questions about Iran’s nuclear program, he claimed that the country’s nuclear capability had been destroyed, though he emphasized the need for stronger assurances to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in the future.

Al Jazeera reported that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai rejected the US demands as excessive and illegal, asserting that the success of the talks depended on recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli forces carried out new attacks in southern Lebanon, including a deadly strike in the town of Tefahata that killed at least five people, according to Al Jazeera. The NNA said that enemy drones were still flying overhead after the assault. During rescue operations following the initial strike, another attack occurred, injuring a medical worker.

In addition to the Tefahata strike, Israeli drones also targeted the towns of Seddikin, Tibnin, and Dibbin. However, the number of casualties in those areas was not immediately known. The attacks mark another escalation of hostilities in southern Lebanon, where cross-border tensions have persisted.

The NNA’s report did not specify the exact timing or targets of the strikes beyond the mentioned towns, and details about the broader military or political context were not provided.

Iran has indicated that its planned peace talks with the United States could still be canceled if Washington fails to meet Tehran’s preconditions. The information was reported by a journalist from Iran’s state news agency IRINN, based in Islamabad. Iranian officials reportedly view withdrawal from the talks as a form of ‘strong diplomacy’ if their national interests, demands, and red lines are not respected.

According to Iran’s state television, the government currently places the highest emphasis on its own conditions and a lack of trust toward Washington. The report suggests that Iran considers itself to be in a favorable position and may proceed with further steps even without the planned discussions if its demands are not fulfilled.

The situation underscores ongoing uncertainty surrounding the talks, with Iran signaling readiness to act independently should its preconditions remain unmet.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning against the passage of any military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement released by its naval branch and published by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said any attempt by military ships to cross the waterway would face severe consequences. The statement emphasized that the IRGC holds full authority to monitor and control the strait with complete intelligence oversight.

According to the IRGC, only civilian vessels meeting specific conditions are currently permitted to navigate through the strait. The force also rejected a claim made earlier by the United States military that two of its warships had successfully passed through the area, calling the assertion baseless. The warning underscores Iran’s firm stance on maintaining control over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.

The IRGC’s declaration signals heightened tension in the region, particularly regarding military navigation rights and the enforcement of Iran’s maritime restrictions.

Talks between the United States and Iran have entered their second day under Pakistan’s mediation, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. The discussions, held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, have been ongoing for about 15 hours and are set to continue on Sunday. The report indicates that the dialogue remains active at the expert level.

Fars News earlier reported that a previous round of direct talks between Iran and the United States had concluded, and both sides were now exchanging new drafts in the presence of expert teams. The discussions are part of continuing efforts to address unresolved issues between the two countries, though no specific outcomes have been disclosed.

The continuation of talks suggests that both parties are maintaining engagement despite the complexity of the negotiations, with Pakistan playing a facilitating role in the process.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that China would face major problems if it proceeds with plans to supply advanced air defense systems to Iran. His remarks came in response to a recent U.S. intelligence report, cited by CNN, which indicated that Beijing is preparing to deliver such weapons to Tehran within the next few weeks. Trump made the statement while speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Florida.

According to intelligence officials, Iran is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities and replenish its weapons stockpile with the help of foreign partners, taking advantage of a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. Tehran is reportedly seeking Chinese assistance to restore defense systems damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Trump’s warning comes shortly before his planned visit to Beijing early next month, where he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding further weight to the geopolitical stakes surrounding the issue.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States has completely defeated Iran, commenting on the latest round of discussions between the two countries. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that regardless of what happens next, victory belongs to the United States. He added that Iran might or might not agree to a deal, but from the American perspective, the outcome is already a success.

Trump’s remarks came as high-level delegations from the United States and Iran continued ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan. According to Al Jazeera, the talks are ongoing, with both sides engaged in discussions over unresolved issues. The timing of Trump’s statement coincides with these diplomatic efforts, highlighting the tense and uncertain nature of the negotiations.

The outcome of the Islamabad talks remains unclear, as both nations appear to be weighing their options regarding a potential agreement.

Talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad aimed at establishing lasting peace in the Middle East have made limited progress, according to sources present in the negotiation room. The discussions cover a wide range of issues including security, diplomacy, and economics, with Washington also raising the issue of prisoner exchanges. Pakistan is reportedly facilitating confidence-building measures between the two sides.

This third round of dialogue is described as being at a critical stage. Iranian sources claim that the U.S. side has shown little flexibility, particularly regarding demands related to the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran has indicated willingness to compromise on some points. Pakistani officials remain hopeful that the talks will yield positive outcomes.

It remains unclear what the final results might be—whether an extension of the ceasefire, continued free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, or a major decision on Iran’s nuclear program. Information from the closed-door meetings is emerging slowly, and no definitive conclusions have yet been confirmed.