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Iran's nationwide internet blackout has entered its 56th day, making it the longest disruption ever recorded, according to NetBlocks. The outage began after US and Israeli military operations launched on February 28, and has continued through diplomatic efforts and a ceasefire announcement. Iranian authorities report 3,375 deaths from the attacks, while talks in Islamabad have failed to reach a long-term agreement.
Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of the La Liga season after sustaining a hamstring injury while scoring the winning penalty against Celta Vigo. According to his club, he is still expected to be fit for the 2026 World Cup with Spain. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe is doubtful for the upcoming El Clasico due to a thigh injury, adding to the injury concerns ahead of the tournament.
Pakistan's interior minister met with the US envoy while the foreign minister spoke with his Iranian counterpart, as Islamabad pushes for a second round of US-Iran talks. An Iranian delegation is expected in Islamabad, but details remain fluid amid ongoing tensions.
Pakistan LNG Limited has issued its first spot tender for three LNG cargoes since December 2023, as the country grapples with supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. The tender, which closes on April 24, seeks bids for deliveries between April 27 and May 8. Officials say the move aims to meet rising power demand and reduce reliance on costlier fuels.
US Central Command reports 31 vessels turned away since the naval blockade of Iran began on April 13. The figure, which varies across statements, comes amid ongoing tensions and failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad. Iran insists talks could resume if the blockade is lifted.
As Warner Bros Discovery shareholders prepare to vote on a merger with Paramount Skydance, journalists and regulators are raising concerns about the deal's implications for editorial independence and media diversity, including at CNN and CBS News.
As a ceasefire between the US and Iran nears its end, both sides continue to pressure each other in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan is preparing to host another round of talks, though uncertainty remains over whether delegates will attend.
Amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, China has emerged as a key diplomatic player, calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and supporting political solutions. President Xi Jinping has engaged with regional leaders, while Beijing balances its economic interests with a non-interference policy, positioning itself as a responsible global power.
At the Defense Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Russia showcased military UAVs and loitering munitions, with the manufacturer STC stating that production of its Orlan reconnaissance drones could be localized in foreign countries as part of ongoing negotiations. The exhibition featured over 400 military products, including the Lancet-E system and the Su-57E fighter mockup.
US President Donald Trump said US forces intercepted a ship bound for Iran carrying what he called a 'gift from China,' suggesting Beijing may have aided Tehran. China's foreign ministry denied the allegation, while reports also emerged of Iran secretly acquiring a Chinese spy satellite and potential upcoming air defense deliveries.
The United States has halted shipments of nearly $500 million in US banknotes to Iraq and paused some security cooperation programs, pressuring Baghdad to curb Iran-aligned militias. The move follows a series of attacks on US facilities and is part of a broader effort to reduce Iranian influence, as reported by multiple outlets citing The Wall Street Journal.
Russia has showcased its latest man-portable loitering munition, the Rus-PE, for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region at the DSA exhibition in Malaysia. A Kalashnikov executive said several Southeast Asian countries are interested in purchasing the system, which has been tested in Ukraine. Russia also signaled readiness to supply small arms and explore licensed production in the region.
South Korea's fuel price cap system, introduced on March 13, helped reduce consumer prices by up to 0.8 percentage point in March, according to a state-run think tank. The system also appears to have curbed fuel consumption, with gasoline and diesel sales declining year-on-year. Expanded fuel tax cuts are expected to further lower prices this month.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi cautioned that any US-Iran nuclear agreement lacking IAEA verification would be meaningless, describing it as an 'illusion of an agreement.' He also discussed the risks of a US invasion of Iran and voiced concerns about a potential nuclear arms race.
Rostec has stated that Russian tanks, including the T-90, are designed to operate autonomously away from supply bases for extended periods, with emphasis on field repairability. The company also highlighted the T-90S's performance in extreme climatic conditions during 2000 tender trials, citing tests in Saudi Arabia, India, and Malaysia.
Russian newspaper reviews highlight Pakistan's mediation efforts toward a US-Iran ceasefire, ongoing violations of the truce, and Russia's involvement in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. The US extends the ceasefire despite Tehran's objections, while Switzerland offers to host Ukraine talks, and Kiev is accused of using the Druzhba pipeline to pressure Hungary. Russia's oil exports rebound amid Middle East tensions, and Japan lifts arms export restrictions.
The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said that more than 80 energy facilities were damaged during the Middle East conflict, with over a third suffering heavy damage. He warned that restoring production could take at least two years, and that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat to global energy security.
With the Strait of Hormuz closed for nearly two months, the FAO and World Food Programme warn of a potential global food catastrophe. Fertilizer prices have jumped 20-30%, tanker traffic collapsed by over 90%, and countries from India to East Africa face acute shortages if the disruption persists.
Iraq's largest Shia parliamentary bloc, the Coordination Framework, has failed to agree on a prime ministerial candidate more than five months after elections, with internal divisions and external pressure from the US and Iran complicating the process. The bloc faces a constitutional deadline to nominate a candidate, while the US has suspended some security cooperation and dollar transfers to pressure Baghdad.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and diplomatic resolution as US-Iran talks get underway in Islamabad, while pressing for the ceasefire to be extended to Lebanon. Macron also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, agreeing to stay in close contact to ease regional tensions.