Iran has announced that it has no plans to participate in peace talks with the United States. According to reports published by Iranian state media on Sunday, the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains the main obstacle to any dialogue. Tensions have escalated further following attacks and seizures of Iranian ships by U.S. military forces.

Citing the state broadcaster IRIB, the report stated that there is currently no plan to take part in the next round of discussions. Earlier, news agencies Fars and Tasnim, quoting unnamed sources, said the overall situation cannot be described as positive and that lifting the U.S. blockade is a condition for any talks. The state-run IRNA also referred to Washington’s “unreasonable and unrealistic demands,” saying there is no clear prospect for productive negotiations under the current circumstances.

The report comes as diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with both sides maintaining firm positions over sanctions and maritime security issues.

Iran has launched a drone attack targeting a United States military ship in the Sea of Oman, according to reports. The strike was described as a retaliatory move following the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel. The incident has raised concerns over escalating tensions and the fragility of an existing ceasefire, India Today reported.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency stated that US forces fired on and detained an Iranian commercial ship before Tehran’s forces responded with the drone attack. The report emphasized that the action was a direct response to the seizure of the Iranian vessel.

Details about the scale of the attack, the number of drones used, or whether any US assets were damaged have not been disclosed in the report.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung received a red-carpet welcome in New Delhi as he began his state visit to India. On Monday, he held key talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on shipbuilding and artificial intelligence (AI) as major agenda items. The meeting also included discussions on trade, investment, semiconductors, and emerging technologies, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

In a social media statement, President Lee said that amid global economic instability and supply chain disruptions following conflicts in the Middle East, South Korea and India are becoming vital strategic partners for each other. Ahead of the visit, South Korea’s National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lak noted that the two leaders would also discuss maintaining regional peace, including on the Korean Peninsula.

The two countries are working to strengthen their 2010 economic partnership agreement. Bilateral trade has grown from 14.2 billion to 26.89 billion dollars in the 2024–25 fiscal year, marking nearly a 90 percent increase.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Israeli troops deployed in Lebanon have been instructed to use their full strength if threatened, even during the ongoing ceasefire. Speaking at an event in the occupied West Bank, Katz said that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had authorized the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to respond by land and air to any threat against their soldiers. He added that troops were ordered to destroy potentially dangerous sites and roads that might contain traps.

According to military sources, a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon began on Friday, but an Israeli soldier was killed the same day in southern Lebanon after a bomb exploded inside a building. Katz reiterated that Israel’s goal is to eliminate Hezbollah bases near the border and remove threats to Israeli communities. He warned that if the Lebanese government fails to act, the IDF will continue operations to ensure security.

The conflict escalated in early March when Iran-backed Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes and ground operations across southern Lebanon.

A United States delegation led by Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Pakistan as Islamabad prepares to host a high-level meeting. Iran has not yet confirmed its participation, though Pakistani officials expect Iranian representatives to join the discussions. In preparation for the talks, Islamabad has implemented unprecedented security measures, deploying 20,000 personnel and sealing off large parts of the city, including two major hotels.

Over the past 24 hours, several US C-17 Globemaster aircraft have landed in Islamabad, with more expected to arrive. These flights are believed to have transported bulletproof vehicles and security teams for the American delegation. The scale of the security operation underscores the significance of the upcoming meeting.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, stated that Iran intends to continue dialogue but not “at any cost.” The talks appear to be part of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Pakistan, and potentially Iran.

A United States delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is set to arrive in Pakistan on Monday evening for a second round of discussions with Iran. President Donald Trump announced the visit, stating that the delegation would reach Islamabad to continue diplomatic efforts. The White House later confirmed Vance’s leadership of the team.

According to a White House official cited by the BBC, the delegation includes Trump’s adviser Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, both of whom participated in the previous round of talks. However, Iran has not yet confirmed its participation. Iranian state media reported that officials would not attend while US sanctions remain in place.

The first round of talks between Washington and Tehran failed to produce a peace agreement, with major differences persisting over Iran’s nuclear program and other key issues.

A Jerusalem court has postponed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony in his ongoing corruption trial this week, according to local media reports. Netanyahu’s lawyer requested the cancellation of the testimony, citing “security and diplomatic” reasons. The trial, which began in 2019, involves three separate corruption charges and is currently at the stage of Netanyahu’s cross-examination.

This is not the first delay in the proceedings. The report notes that Netanyahu’s court appearances have been postponed multiple times in the past, often due to military tensions and conflicts involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Each postponement has contributed to extending the duration of the trial.

The latest decision is expected to further delay the judicial process, adding to the already lengthy timeline of the case.

Iran has clarified its stance on potential discussions with the United States, stating that it will continue talks but not at any cost. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee and a former IRGC commander, said that engaging in dialogue does not mean Iran will accept all conditions or methods proposed by the other side. He emphasized that Iran has set certain 'red lines' that must be respected.

When asked whether Iran would send a delegation to a possible meeting in Islamabad, Azizi indicated that the decision depends on whether Tehran receives a positive signal. He noted that Iran has never feared the principle of negotiation and could see positive prospects if the US negotiating team responds constructively to Iran’s messages.

The statement underscores that while Iran remains open to dialogue, it intends to uphold its own terms and conditions in any future engagement with Washington.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war with Iran is not yet over and that the situation could change at any moment. He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Argentine President Javier Milei. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel and the United States are fighting what he described as a battle of civilization against barbarism.

According to Netanyahu, Israel is working alongside the United States against Iran’s authoritarian government, which he said spreads fear across the world. He claimed that Israel has achieved significant success in this struggle but cautioned that new developments could occur at any time.

The comments highlight ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, with Netanyahu signaling that the conflict remains fluid and unpredictable.

Global oil prices rose sharply on Monday amid uncertainty surrounding shipping through the Hormuz Strait and ongoing peace discussions. In early trading, Brent crude increased by 5.8 percent to reach 95.64 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed 6.4 percent to 87.90 dollars per barrel.

Asian stock markets also reacted positively, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng up 0.8 percent, Japan’s Nikkei rising 1 percent, and South Korea’s Kospi gaining 1.4 percent. However, financial caution emerged as Australia’s largest business lender, National Australia Bank, signaled a 500 million dollar impairment charge, citing concerns that the ongoing conflict could increase bad loans.

The developments reflect heightened market sensitivity to geopolitical risks affecting global trade routes and energy supplies, with financial institutions preparing for potential credit impacts.

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran on April 20, 2026, to show support for their government and call on officials not to back down amid tensions with the United States. Participants voiced distrust toward Washington and urged continued diplomatic efforts while maintaining a firm stance. The rally featured strong nationalist sentiment and calls for resistance against perceived external threats.

Several attendees expressed frustration over what they described as broken U.S. promises and agreements. One participant, Masoumeh Alimohammadi, told Reuters that Iran should pursue diplomacy but remain wary of the United States. Another, Hamidreza Heidari, declared that Iranians “do not fear war” and insisted that Iran would respond with greater strength if attacked. Negin Gholizadeh urged the government to continue resisting U.S. pressure, referencing a recent episode she viewed as a sign of American retreat.

The demonstration reflected ongoing public support for Iran’s leadership amid strained relations with the United States and Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Bangladesh has started drilling its first deep exploration well at the Titas gas field in Brahmanbaria’s Budhal area. The drilling was inaugurated by Petrobangla’s Director (Finance) Mizanur Rahman on Sunday. Officials expect the well to add about 15 million cubic feet of gas per day to the national grid upon completion. The Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL) currently supplies around 325 million cubic feet of gas daily from 22 existing wells at Titas, with production declining due to reduced pressure and reserves.

To address the decline, BGFCL launched a 3D seismic survey and initiated two deep exploration wells at Titas and Bakhrabad fields, with a total cost of Tk 594 crore. The new Titas-31 well will reach a depth of 5,600 meters and take about seven months to complete, with Chinese contractor CCDC handling the drilling. According to project officials, seismic data suggest reserves of 1–1.5 trillion cubic feet of gas.

If successful, the project could lead to seven additional wells and mark a milestone for Bangladesh’s energy sector, contributing to national energy security amid global supply uncertainties.

Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that the security of the Hormuz Strait cannot be guaranteed for free. In a post on social media platform X, he said that those obstructing Iran’s oil exports should not expect to receive security benefits without cost. Aref emphasized that the choice is clear: either the global oil market remains open to all, or everyone faces the risk of significant losses.

He further noted that the stability of global energy prices depends on a definite and lasting end to economic and military pressures against Iran and its allies. His remarks highlight Tehran’s stance linking regional security and global energy stability to the lifting of restrictions on its oil trade.

The statement underscores Iran’s warning that continued economic and military pressure could have broader consequences for international energy markets and maritime security in the region.

After a long wait, the 150-year-old Bogura Municipality is being upgraded to a city corporation today, Monday, April 20, 2026. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the new Bogura City Corporation during his visit to the district. All preparations have been completed for the event, which will make Bogura the country’s 13th city corporation and recognize it as a metropolitan area, according to municipal officials.

Bogura’s municipal history dates back to 1869, when the Bogura Town Committee was formed under British rule. Over time, the municipality expanded in size and population, reaching 69.56 square kilometers with 21 wards and about 700,000 residents. Despite fulfilling all criteria for city corporation status, Bogura remained a municipality for decades, which locals attributed to political neglect. The interim government approved the upgrade following recommendations from local authorities and the Ministry of Local Government.

Local BNP leaders said the city’s transformation fulfills a long-cherished dream of residents and expressed hope that Bogura will now develop as a model city corporation under the new administration.

Former US ambassador Donald Heflin has said that while there is optimism about a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran, the process will not be easy. Speaking about the prospects of negotiations between Washington and Tehran, Heflin explained that the discussions would not simply result in an immediate ceasefire or a comprehensive written agreement to end hostilities.

He described the process as one that would move forward in stages, with partial agreements and occasional setbacks. Heflin noted that misunderstandings and accusations of bad faith could arise during the talks, yet both sides have incentives to reach a lasting ceasefire. He expressed confidence that such an outcome is achievable despite ongoing tensions.

Heflin also mentioned that US Vice President JD Vance is en route to Islamabad and suggested that Iran is likely to send representatives to participate in the discussions.