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President Donald Trump asserts he faces no pressure to reach a deal with Iran, while European diplomats express concern over an inexperienced US negotiating team. Meanwhile, a third US aircraft carrier arrives in West Asia and Iranian media report blasts over Tehran, underscoring the fragile ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump insists Israel did not influence his decision to go to war with Iran, citing the October 7 attacks and his long-standing view on Iranian nuclear weapons. The denial comes amid public disapproval, rising energy costs, and legal debates over the conflict's legitimacy.
Peter Magyar, leader of Hungary's Tisza party and soon-to-be prime minister, has called on Ukraine to restart Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, warning against 'blackmail' tied to EU loan conditions. The pipeline has been halted since late January, straining Hungary's energy security and prompting diplomatic tensions with Kyiv.
US Vice President JD Vance was reported to be heading to Pakistan for talks with Iran, but conflicting reports emerged about the trip's status. Iran has yet to confirm participation in the second round of negotiations, and the White House has indicated the visit may be postponed.
Former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party has won Bulgaria's parliamentary election with about 44.7% of the vote, according to official results. The victory could end years of political instability and potentially shift the country's foreign policy, with Radev calling for renewed ties with Russia and opposing military support for Ukraine.
The CSTO Secretary General has accused some European leaders of pursuing militarization and war preparations, while EU defense officials discuss strengthening European collective security within NATO. The statements reflect growing tensions over European defense responsibilities.
Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party has won a decisive victory in the country’s eighth parliamentary election in five years, securing an absolute majority. The result, which marks the first time a single formation has won outright since 1997, could end years of political instability, while raising questions about Bulgaria’s future foreign policy direction given Radev’s criticism of EU and NATO positions on Russia and Ukraine.
Oil prices have surged amid stalled peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely closed. Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran, including the cancellation of planned talks and the seizure of an Iranian vessel, have kept markets volatile.
Exit polls in Bulgaria indicate that former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party is set to win Sunday's parliamentary election, securing around 37-38% of the vote. Radev, a critic of EU sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, has promised to combat corruption and restore stable government. The election, the country's eighth in five years, follows months of anti-corruption protests.
France and Greece have renewed their 2021 defence and security pact for an additional five years, with automatic renewal thereafter. President Macron assured Greece of French support in any regional dispute, and both leaders suggested the alliance could serve as a model for European defence.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has positioned Spain as a vocal critic of US and Israeli military actions against Iran, drawing President Trump's ire and domestic criticism. Sanchez's actions, including blocking US military access and calling for EU sanctions on Israel, have sparked debate over his motives and Spain's NATO role.
Spain will officially propose on April 21 that the European Union suspend its association agreement with Israel, according to reports from Spanish broadcaster RTVE and Russian state agency TASS. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that any country violating international law cannot be an EU partner. Meanwhile, Spain's left-wing Podemos party is pushing for more drastic measures, including breaking all economic, diplomatic, trade, and sports ties with Israel if the EU fails to act, and also calling for Spain to leave NATO.
Bulgarians head to the polls for the eighth time since 2021, with ex-president Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria coalition expected to win on an anti-corruption platform. Radev's stance on Russia and the EU has drawn both support and concern as the country seeks to end political instability.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said Sunday that recent talks with the US did not resolve mutual mistrust, though they deepened understanding. He also accused Washington of violating the ceasefire, including through a naval blockade, and warned Iran would not negotiate under threats.
As the US Navy faces limited mine-clearing capabilities, the threat of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern. Germany has offered assistance, but Iran's denial of knowledge about the mines complicates any clearing effort. Experts note that the mere threat of mines is enough to deter passage, leaving seafarers and trade at risk.
As the conflict between Iran and Israel and the US winds down, assessments diverge sharply. Jerusalem Post analysts frame the campaign as a strategic success that degraded Iran's nuclear and missile programs, while Al Jazeera argues the war expanded the conflict and imposed heavy costs on Washington.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Israel "cannot live without an enemy" and is seeking to portray Turkey as a new adversary, prompting a sharp war of words with Israeli leaders. President Erdogan has threatened possible military action, and diplomatic ties have withered, with Azerbaijan reportedly stepping in to de-escalate. The escalating rhetoric reflects a broader regional clash over Iran, Gaza, and influence.
The Trump administration renewed a one-month waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil at sea, reversing an earlier decision not to extend sanctions relief. The move aims to ease global energy prices roiled by the US-Israeli war with Iran, but drew criticism from Ukraine and US lawmakers.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva convened progressive leaders in Barcelona to defend democracy and multilateralism against far-right and US foreign policy challenges. The meeting included leaders from Mexico, South Africa, and Colombia, and featured critiques of the UN Security Council and US leadership.
Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, but President Trump insists the US naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain until a deal is signed. The move comes amid a fragile ceasefire, with conflicting signals from Tehran and Washington over the terms of any agreement.