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In a rare diplomatic breakthrough, Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors met in Washington under US mediation for their first high-level talks in over three decades. The two sides agreed to launch direct negotiations, though significant differences remain, and Hezbollah has voiced strong opposition while continuing attacks.
US President Donald Trump has indicated that a second round of US-Iran talks could take place in Islamabad within the next two days, praising Pakistan's army chief for his mediation efforts. The comments come after the first round of talks ended without an agreement and as a two-week ceasefire approaches its expiration.
The US Central Command reports that its naval blockade of Iranian ports is fully implemented, with no ships able to pass in the first 24 hours and six merchant vessels turned back. The blockade applies to all nations' vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, while freedom of navigation is maintained for non-Iranian traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions remain high as Iran's economy is heavily reliant on seaborne trade, and diplomatic talks between the US and Iran appear stalled.
An investigation by BBC Eye has found that dangerous injection practices continued at a government hospital in Taunsa, Pakistan, months after it was linked to an HIV outbreak among children. Undercover footage shows syringes being reused and injections administered through clothing. At least 331 children tested positive for HIV in the area between November 2024 and October 2025.
President Donald Trump has signaled that US-Iran talks could resume within days, praising Pakistan's mediation efforts. The first round of direct talks in Islamabad ended without agreement, and a planned second round was postponed after Iran declined to meet US envoys. Trump now says talks may continue remotely, while Tehran remains cautious.
US Central Command reported that no ships passed the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the first 24 hours, with six merchant vessels turning back. Over 10,000 US personnel are enforcing the blockade, which began after failed peace talks. The UKMTO issued advisories, and President Trump warned of immediate action against Iranian fast attack ships.
France and the UK will co-host a video conference of countries ready to contribute to a 'purely defensive mission' to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as the US blockade of Iranian ports tightens. The initiative aims to restore freedom of navigation once the conflict ends, but experts and leaders urge caution.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply since the US-Iran conflict began, with only a handful of vessels transiting daily compared to a pre-war average of 140. The US military has redirected dozens of ships since imposing a blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has announced the strait is open but under its own conditions. Shipping companies remain cautious, citing mine risks and the need for clarifications.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has banned Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani from the next two editions of the Pakistan Super League for breaching his contractual commitments with Islamabad United by joining IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. The ban is part of a broader crackdown on players opting for the IPL over the PSL, which also saw Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka and South Africa's Corbin Bosch penalized.
Pakistan is mediating renewed US-Iran talks, with a possible second round in Islamabad before the ceasefire expires on April 21. The talks aim to cement a permanent ceasefire, though Iran has ruled out direct negotiations and internal disputes over the nuclear issue complicate the process.
Pakistan has formalized a plan for about 2.25 hours of daily loadshedding during peak evening hours to avoid a sharp rise in electricity tariffs, following a force majeure suspension of Qatari LNG imports. The Power Division emphasized that the measure is temporary and aimed at minimizing reliance on costly fuels. A subsequent apology from the Power Division came after consumers reported longer than scheduled outages due to reduced hydropower generation.
China has publicly condemned the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a 'dangerous and irresponsible move' that threatens the fragile ceasefire. The move, which began Monday, is aimed at pressuring Iran over its nuclear program but also risks cutting off Chinese oil imports. Beijing has urged all parties to resume dialogue and restore normal shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid a US blockade on vessels visiting Iranian ports, several sanctioned tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, while shipping in Pakistan remains normal. The blockade follows failed US-Iran peace talks, and transits through the crucial waterway have dropped sharply.
Negotiating teams from the US and Iran may return to Islamabad as early as this weekend for a second round of talks, following weekend discussions that ended without a final agreement. Pakistan is working to extend the ceasefire and bring both parties back to the table, while conflicting statements from officials highlight ongoing distrust.
The US Navy has blockaded Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Tehran, drawing condemnation from Iran's UN ambassador and impacting global oil markets. Reports detail interdictions, covert oil transfers, and the blockade's economic toll.
Following the first round of direct negotiations in Islamabad on April 11, reports indicate the next Iran-US talks may be held in the Pakistani capital or Geneva, with timing still uncertain. Pakistani officials express optimism about diplomatic progress, while the US has announced a maritime blockade on Iran starting April 13.
Diplomatic efforts to broker a US-Iran agreement appeared increasingly fragile after American and Iranian delegations left Islamabad without a deal. President Donald Trump's latest threats — including a call to 'take out' Iran 'one night' and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — drew sharp criticism from Pakistani media, which argue his rhetoric is undermining peace overtures.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has announced that assembly elections will be held on June 7, 2026, with nominations from April 16-20. Local government polls are scheduled for June 14. Over 666 candidates have filed, but no women are among them.
US Vice President JD Vance said Washington and Tehran made progress in the Islamabad negotiations but stopped short of an agreement, with a key sticking point being Iran's uranium-enrichment rights. The talks, the first at such a high level, ended without a deal as Vance left the ball in Iran's court.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described recent US-Iran talks hosted by Pakistan as a 'positive and meaningful step' toward renewed dialogue, while warning that there is no military solution to the conflict. Meanwhile, UN envoy Jean Arnault is set to visit Islamabad and has already traveled to Iran to support a comprehensive settlement.