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Iran's deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stated that Tehran does not accept temporary ceasefire agreements with the US, warning they would lead to a resumption of hostilities. He spoke at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he also indicated that no date has been set for the next round of Iran–US talks following the failure of initial negotiations.
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has stated that imposing tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz would violate international law, emphasizing that freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. His comments come amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and diplomatic efforts following recent hostilities.
A Hong Kong-flagged tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz, while a Chinese tanker reportedly turned back, amid a US naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iranian ports. Reports from maritime data firms detail the movements and highlight the risks faced by commercial shipping in the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are chairing a virtual summit of around 40 leaders to discuss a future multinational force to secure the Strait of Hormuz after the current conflict ends. The US, Israel, and Iran are not involved, while Germany and Australia have signaled contributions. The meeting aims to restore freedom of navigation and address economic fallout from the blockade.
South Korea is taking extensive measures to secure alternative naphtha supplies as the U.S.-Iran conflict disrupts Middle East shipments. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with industry officials, the U.S. emerged as the largest naphtha exporter to South Korea, and financial support has been extended to key producers like Yeochun NCC.
US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, effective April 16, 2026, following six weeks of conflict involving Hezbollah. The truce, brokered with US mediation, aims to facilitate negotiations for a lasting peace, though violations and unresolved issues remain.
Disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is raising costs and cash-flow pressures for Indian SMEs, particularly spice traders in Kerala and firms linked to Kandla in Gujarat. Deutsche Welle reports freight rates have jumped sharply while the government has eased some export credit and insurance rules. Economists warn the episode highlights India's exposure to the Middle East trade corridor.
Pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful message in Cameroon, denouncing leaders who spend billions on war and exploit religion to justify conflict, in the backdrop of his public feud with US President Donald Trump. The pope also presided over an interfaith peace meeting in Bamenda, a region scarred by a decade-long separatist insurgency.
Iranian officials have issued new threats against US naval forces in the Persian Gulf while diplomatic talks in Islamabad remain deadlocked. The negotiations, held on April 11, failed to produce a long-term agreement, with both sides citing multiple disagreements. Meanwhile, Tehran continues to assert its military capabilities and maintains a hardline stance.
The US military has begun enforcing a naval blockade on all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, aiming to halt the country's oil trade, which was valued at around $45 billion in 2025. The move follows the collapse of US-Iran peace talks. In response, Iran has proposed a new initiative through Pakistani mediators to reopen the strategic waterway, while analysts warn of potential retaliation via the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Kenya's energy regulator has increased fuel prices significantly, citing surging import costs and global market tensions. The rise has already impacted transport fares and raised concerns about broader economic effects, while a separate controversy over a disputed fuel shipment adds to public unease.
As the war in Sudan enters its fourth year, international diplomats convened in Berlin to address a humanitarian catastrophe affecting millions. With funding shortfalls and a stalled peace process, the conference aimed to secure fresh pledges and refocus global attention on a conflict that has killed around 150,000 people and displaced 12 million.
Pakistan is intensifying its shuttle diplomacy between the US and Iran, with the army chief visiting Tehran and the prime minister touring Gulf states, as Washington expresses optimism about a second round of talks in Islamabad.
Amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Australia has secured 250,000 tonnes of urea from Indonesia and extra diesel from Brunei and South Korea. The moves aim to safeguard domestic fertiliser and fuel supplies, with the government emphasising the importance of regional partnerships.
Russia's aviation regulator has authorized flights to Israel from April 16 to May 15, while Iranian airspace remains closed. Restrictions on Israeli and Iranian airspace are in effect until April 17, and recommendations to suspend UAE ticket sales have been extended.
Iran’s military has warned it will block exports and imports across the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea unless the United States lifts its naval blockade, which has halted sea trade with Iranian ports. The threats come amid a fragile ceasefire, with Washington and Tehran signalling possible new talks.
After three years of conflict, Sudan remains divided between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, with over 11 million displaced and widespread famine. Amidst the failure of international mediation, Sudanese communities have organised mutual aid networks to cope with the crisis.
International donors pledged €1.3 billion for humanitarian aid in Sudan at a Berlin conference, marking the third anniversary of the conflict. The UN's chief called for an end to the 'nightmare' war, while Sudan's government criticized the event as a 'colonial tutelage approach'.
The European Commission has cautioned member states that continued Middle East tensions could trigger a prolonged energy supply shock, with potential fuel rationing and a 14 billion euro rise in import bills. Officials urge preparedness for worst-case scenarios, including impacts on gas storage and fertilizer supplies.
Three years after fighting erupted between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces, reports detail more than 40,000 deaths, 14 million people displaced, and long-term GDP losses projected at nearly $19 billion even under optimistic peace scenarios. Coverage draws on United Nations Development Programme assessments of infrastructure collapse alongside personal accounts of violence and calls for a ceasefire and inclusive political process. The conflict has reversed decades of economic progress and disrupted education, health, and basic services across the country.