Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran will not engage in any negotiations under pressure, threats, or sanctions. He made the remarks during a conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

Pezeshkian noted that diplomatic processes face various obstacles that complicate dialogue. He emphasized that as long as the United States continues its hostile actions and strategic pressure, rebuilding trust and advancing dialogue will face serious challenges.

The statement reflects Iran’s firm stance on maintaining independence in its diplomatic decisions amid ongoing tensions with the United States and regional complexities.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is ready to make a deal with those currently in power in Iran. Speaking to reporters, he suggested that Iran’s leadership is facing internal conflict and that the United States has already eliminated two levels of their leadership. Trump added that Iran could call him whenever they want, claiming that all the cards are now in U.S. hands.

Trump revealed that Iran had sent a proposal which he found insufficient, though a subsequent offer was better after he canceled sending an envoy to Pakistan. He reiterated that the U.S. position remains firm that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. When asked whether he would continue the ceasefire, Trump replied that he had not yet thought about it.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides exchanging diplomatic signals over potential negotiations and regional security issues.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi may travel to Pakistan again after completing his visit to Oman and before departing for Russia. The report stated that part of the Iranian delegation has already returned to Tehran under a foreign ministry plan to discuss ceasefire and related issues.

According to IRNA, the delegation members are expected to rejoin Araghchi in Islamabad on Sunday night, though no details were provided about the specific topics or participants of the upcoming discussions. The report noted that Araghchi had concluded a previous visit to Pakistan only a few hours earlier, describing his talks with Pakistani officials as very productive.

Araghchi also commented that it remains unclear whether the United States is genuinely sincere about diplomacy, though no further context was given in the report.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States is ready to engage in discussions with Iran and is willing to talk with 'whoever necessary.' He emphasized that Washington is open to dialogue with those 'running everything' in Iran and that Tehran can reach out whenever it wishes.

Trump added that he is prepared to negotiate with anyone required but sees no reason to delay talks or make people travel long distances for meetings. His remarks, reported by BBC and published by Amar Desh Online on April 26, 2026, highlight a flexible stance toward potential diplomatic engagement with Iran.

The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, though the report did not specify any immediate plans or responses from Iranian officials.

Iran’s armed forces have issued a strong warning to the United States against launching any new military aggression. In a statement released by the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, the Iranian military pledged to maintain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route in the region.

According to the statement published by the state-run Tasnim news agency, Iran cautioned that if U.S. forces continue what it described as “blockade, piracy, and maritime banditry” in the area, they will face a powerful counter-response from Iran’s armed forces. The statement added that Iran remains prepared and determined to deliver a more severe blow to what it called American-Zionist enemies in the event of another act of aggression.

The Iranian military further emphasized that it will continue monitoring the movements and activities of hostile forces in the region while maintaining management and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that controlling the Strait of Hormuz is its “ultimate strategy” in the event of a potential conflict with the United States. The statement was released through the IRGC’s official Telegram channel on April 26, 2026, emphasizing the strategic importance of the narrow waterway for global oil and gas supplies.

According to the IRGC, maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz would provide Iran with a significant strategic advantage and serve as a deterrent against the United States and its allies in the region. The statement described this control as central to the Islamic Republic’s defensive and deterrent posture.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights the IRGC’s focus on the geopolitical leverage of the Strait, which remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for energy transport.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has questioned the sincerity of the United States in diplomatic efforts. He made the remark in a post on social media platform X after arriving in Oman as part of a three-nation tour. Earlier, Araghchi described his visit to Pakistan, the first stop of the tour, as highly productive and praised Pakistan’s brotherly efforts to restore peace in the region.

Araghchi’s comments came shortly after US President Donald Trump canceled a planned visit by an American delegation to Pakistan that was intended for peace talks with Iran. Trump announced the cancellation in an interview with Fox News in Washington, D.C., on Saturday morning local time. The developments highlight growing uncertainty surrounding diplomatic initiatives between Tehran and Washington.

The Iranian minister’s remarks suggest continued skepticism toward US intentions, while his regional tour underscores Tehran’s focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries amid strained relations with the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled a planned visit by an American delegation to Pakistan, citing the excessive travel time as the main reason. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he stopped the team from departing, explaining that an 18-hour flight was unnecessary for what he described as idle discussions. He emphasized that the United States holds all the necessary authority and that communication with Pakistan could occur by phone instead of through lengthy travel.

The decision came shortly after an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi completed its visit to Islamabad. During that trip, the Iranian team met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief and Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials to discuss regional security and bilateral interests. Following the meetings, Sharif described the talks as productive and sincere.

Trump’s cancellation followed the Iranian delegation’s departure, marking a shift in diplomatic scheduling between the two countries.

A political controversy has erupted in Chandina upazila of Cumilla after a reception was organized under a party banner for an expelled leader. The event took place on Saturday at the Chandina municipal auditorium, where expelled upazila Jubo Dal convener Abul Khayer presided over the program honoring Cumilla-7 MP Atikul Alam Shawon. Shawon had been expelled from the BNP for violating party directives by contesting in the 13th national election, while Khayer had also been expelled earlier from the upazila Jubo Dal.

Local sources said the reception, held under the BNP banner, angered many party activists who questioned its legitimacy. Cumilla North Jubo Dal leader Borhan Uddin stated that using the party banner for such an event was completely against party rules. Another unnamed leader questioned how expelled members could organize a program under the party’s name.

Abul Khayer claimed he had permission from higher authorities but did not specify from whom. MP Shawon did not respond to calls for comment. The incident has sparked debate in local political circles about the validity of organizing a party-branded event for expelled members.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that collective practice of technology-based modern knowledge and creative thinking will become a strategic strength for future civilization. He made the remarks on Saturday in Dhaka at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh ICT Stakeholders Association (BISA) on the Telecom, Data and Cyber Security Bill 2026. The minister emphasized transforming the nation’s creative intellect, innovative ideas, and technological skills into assets for national development.

Addressing technology experts, Swapan said their gathering represented not only attendance but also a convergence of creative thinking, which could become a national resource. He expressed hope that BISA would build an effective platform for stakeholders in the technology sector to collectively invest their knowledge, skills, and ideas. He also noted that semiconductors, rare earth materials, and communication technologies have become key strategic elements in global politics, economics, and technology.

The minister added that expert knowledge and research are vital for formulating timely and realistic policies suited to the demands of a technology-driven civilization, helping the elected government fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

Two primary school students, Junayet from Patuakhali’s Dashmina upazila and Sifatulllah Siam from Pirojpur’s Mathbaria upazila, fell ill in their classrooms on Saturday during an ongoing heatwave. Both fourth-grade students fainted while classes were in session and received primary treatment. Teachers said the incidents occurred due to extreme heat and lack of electricity during class hours.

Earlier, a third-grade student named Amena Akter from Cumilla’s Makrampur Government Primary School had also fainted in class on Thursday. Parents and teachers attributed the incidents to the combination of intense heat and frequent load-shedding, which left classrooms without fans. Teachers reported that many students were suffering from dizziness, vomiting, and weakness, while normal teaching activities were being disrupted.

The Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association urged the government to adjust school hours so that classes end by noon to protect children from rising temperatures. The Directorate of Primary Education declined to comment, calling it a policy matter, and the state minister for primary and mass education could not be reached for response.

China has announced the discovery of two new minerals from lunar samples collected by its Chang’e-5 mission. The country’s state media reported the finding on Friday, citing the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The minerals, named Magnesiochangesite-(Y) and Changesite-(Ce), were identified from samples brought back to Earth in December 2020. The Chang’e-5 mission returned with about 1,731 grams of lunar soil, marking China’s first collected lunar sample and the first brought to Earth in 44 years.

According to CNSA, the announcement was made at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Space Day of China in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The International Mineralogical Association’s Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification has officially approved the two new minerals. With this discovery, the total number of known lunar minerals worldwide has increased to eight.

China previously discovered a lunar mineral named Changesite-(Y) in 2022, and its continued lunar exploration follows earlier milestones such as the Chang’e-4 probe’s historic landing on the moon’s far side in 2019.

A violent clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over a paddy harvesting dispute left one person dead and several others injured in Madhupur village of Terokhada upazila, Khulna, on Saturday morning. The confrontation occurred between groups led by Advocate Shahidul Islam and local leader Saiful Islam, resulting in the death of 56-year-old Nur Alam, son of Ikram Sheikh of Madhupur.

According to local accounts, the conflict began when followers of the two BNP leaders argued over harvesting paddy from a disputed plot. The situation escalated when supporters of Idris Molla, aligned with Shahidul, allegedly attacked Nur Alam’s group with sharp weapons. Nur Alam and several others were taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where Nur Alam died during treatment.

Police Superintendent Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the death and said law enforcement and intelligence personnel were deployed to control the situation. A drive is underway to arrest those involved.

State-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has reported a significant rise in profits for the first nine months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, driven by growing internet bandwidth demand and digital infrastructure expansion. According to the unaudited financial report approved at the company’s 252nd board meeting on April 23, 2026, net profit reached Tk 2.19 billion, up from Tk 1.40 billion in the same period last year, marking a 56% increase.

The company’s Deputy General Manager (Marketing and Sales), Engineer Md. Ariful Haque, said the growth reflects customer trust and the rising national demand for bandwidth. BSCCPLC earned Tk 3.77 billion in revenue from bandwidth sales and related services, compared to Tk 2.94 billion a year earlier. Earnings per share rose from Tk 7.49 to Tk 11.71, while net asset value per share increased to Tk 98.71.

BSCCPLC is investing Tk 12.86 billion in the third submarine cable project, with Tk 8.09 billion from its own funds and Tk 4.76 billion in government equity. The project aims to expand bandwidth capacity and strengthen the company’s long-term revenue base.

The Australian government has announced it will not repatriate any citizens suspected of links to ISIS from Syria. The statement came after reports that several Australian families were attempting to return home from a camp in northeastern Syria. According to national broadcaster ABC, four Australian women and nine of their children and grandchildren left the Roj camp on Friday, with Syrian authorities reportedly taking them to Damascus to facilitate their return.

A government spokesperson told AFP that Australia is neither repatriating nor planning to repatriate anyone from Syria. The spokesperson added that security agencies are monitoring the situation and remain prepared for any Australians who may attempt to return. The government warned that anyone found guilty of crimes would face the full force of the law, emphasizing that national security and the country’s interests remain top priorities.

The group is part of 34 Australians who failed to return in February due to coordination issues. The issue of repatriating families of ISIS members remains controversial in Australia, with some politicians viewing them as potential security threats.