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.

Pakistan has prepared to host ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, deploying security forces and refurbishing city streets ahead of the event. Acting as mediator, Pakistan expressed optimism, claiming it has earned the trust of both sides. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, leading the American delegation, said Washington would cooperate if Iran negotiates sincerely but warned against any deceptive tactics.

The discussions face multiple obstacles, including Israel’s ongoing attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Iran says could render talks meaningless. U.S. President Donald Trump noted that Israeli strikes have become less intense and announced upcoming direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington. Another major issue is control of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping and introduced new transit rules, prompting U.S. criticism.

Additional disputes include Iran’s nuclear program, its regional alliances with groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and demands for lifting international sanctions. Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while the U.S. demands a complete halt. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain as both sides maintain firm positions.

The Osmaninagar Upazila Health Complex in Sylhet has not yet opened a dedicated measles corner due to the absence of required administrative approval. Although hospitals were instructed to set up separate corners for measles cases, the facility remains pending approval. Since late March, only four suspected measles patients have been identified in the upazila, with two samples sent to the National Polio and Measles-Rubella Laboratory in Dhaka and two still under testing. No confirmed measles cases or related deaths have been reported so far.

Health officials stated that preventive measures have been strengthened for suspected patients, and vaccination activities have been expanded. A measles vaccination campaign is scheduled for April 20, with parents advised to remain alert. Sample collection from symptomatic patients continues across the upazila. Doctors emphasized that measles is highly contagious and that infected or symptomatic children should be isolated to prevent spread.

Separately, a One Stop Service Center for senior citizens has been launched at the same health complex to provide faster and prioritized medical services, inaugurated on January 15 by the Sylhet Civil Surgeon.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would prevail whether or not Iran agrees to a deal in the ongoing discussions. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that his administration had completely defeated Iran and that any outcome of the talks would not change America’s position. He added that Iran might or might not reach an agreement, but from the U.S. perspective, the result would still be a victory.

The remarks came amid the latest round of negotiations involving Iran, though details of the discussions were not disclosed in the report. The statement reflects Trump’s firm stance on maintaining U.S. dominance in dealings with Iran and his confidence in the country's strategic position.

The report also mentioned that Iran’s delegation had left Pakistan and that Iran’s negotiations were stuck on a few key issues, suggesting ongoing diplomatic challenges between the two nations.

Nizar Amedi, the candidate nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), has been elected as Iraq’s new president. The election took place on Saturday during the second round of parliamentary voting, where Amedi secured a decisive victory with 227 votes. His closest rival, independent candidate Muthanna Amin Nader, received only 15 votes.

According to the report, Amedi becomes Iraq’s sixth head of state since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The parliamentary vote marks a significant political development in Iraq, reflecting the continued influence of Kurdish parties within the country’s power structure.

The result concludes the presidential selection process and sets the stage for Amedi to assume office as the nation’s new leader, following the formal procedures outlined by Iraq’s political system.

BNP leader and Qatar expatriate Nurul Mostafa Khokon has donated Tk 1.2 million from his personal funds to renovate the Sandwip Upazila Health Complex in Chattogram. The initiative aims to address long-standing issues such as poor sanitation, lack of seating for patients, and inadequate cleanliness. The donation will fund repainting, toilet repairs, installation of 100 chairs, and the appointment of a full-time cleaner. A representative has already been sent to assess the hospital’s needs.

The initiative began after Khokon attended a parliamentary session where the health minister urged wealthy citizens to assist in improving healthcare facilities due to limited government funds. Khokon immediately pledged to support the renovation of the neglected Sandwip hospital. Local residents and BNP leaders have praised his humanitarian gesture, describing it as a model for others.

Health officials said the contribution will help improve patient services and working conditions for staff. The hospital, long plagued by staff shortages and poor infrastructure, is expected to see significant improvement once the renovation is complete.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said efforts are underway to bring home the body of Bangladeshi woman Dipali Khatun, who was killed in an Israeli attack in Lebanon two days ago. She made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a meeting with the local Hindu community at her home in Laskaradia village, Nagarkanda upazila of Faridpur.

The minister stated that the foreign ministry has already contacted Dipali’s sister and family. She explained that due to the ongoing war situation in Lebanon, flight operations are not currently favorable for immediate repatriation. However, both the foreign ministry and the Bangladesh mission in Lebanon are working to bring the body back as soon as possible.

Shama Obaid added that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East, including relocating them to safer areas. She said arrangements are being made to repatriate those unable to return due to security concerns, and some Bangladeshis have already been brought back on chartered flights.

Liverpool returned to winning form after three consecutive defeats across all competitions. Playing at their home ground Anfield, coach Arne Slot’s side defeated visiting Fulham 2-0. The goals came from Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah, marking a crucial turnaround for the Reds after a difficult run.

Before this match, Liverpool had suffered three straight losses: 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, 4-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals, and 2-0 to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

In another Premier League development, Arsenal stumbled in their title race after a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth. With 32 matches played, Arsenal remain on 70 points, while second-placed Manchester City trail by nine points but have two games in hand. City’s upcoming match against Chelsea could further narrow the gap.

Barcelona recovered from their Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat with a commanding 4-1 victory over Espanyol in La Liga. The match, held at the Nou Camp, saw Ferran Torres score twice, while Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford added one goal each. Paul Lozano netted Espanyol’s only goal. The win strengthened Barcelona’s position at the top of the league table with 79 points from 31 matches, including 26 wins, one draw, and four losses, placing them nine points ahead of Real Madrid.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, continued to struggle in April after a strong March. The team has failed to win any of their three matches this month, dropping points in all. On Friday night, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu. Earlier, they lost to Mallorca in La Liga and to Bayern Munich 2-1 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

The results have tightened Barcelona’s grip on the title race while Real Madrid’s recent slump threatens their championship hopes.