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President Donald Trump has reiterated criticism of Australia's stance on the Strait of Hormuz, saying he is 'not happy' with the ally. Canberra maintains no formal request for help was made, even as Australian officials prepare for potential fuel supply disruptions and face pressure over defence spending.
Recent diplomatic efforts have yielded a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, announced by US President Donald Trump, following rare direct talks. Additionally, a US-Iran ceasefire has been agreed, though tensions persist across the region, especially in Lebanon, as Israel continues its attacks.
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.
President Trump told reporters that Iran has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons and that Washington is 'very close' to a deal. He indicated the next round of talks could take place over the weekend, while declining to specify consequences if negotiations collapse.
President Trump said the Israeli and Lebanese leaders could speak for the first time in decades, but Lebanese officials quickly pushed back, saying no such call is likely before a ceasefire. Domestic pressure and Hezbollah opposition are cited as obstacles.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military blockade of Iran's ports will persist indefinitely and that the US is prepared to strike Iranian energy infrastructure if no nuclear deal is reached. A Pakistani delegation is in Tehran to coordinate talks, while Iran warns the blockade could end the current pause in fighting.
US President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak on Thursday, marking the first direct communication between the two in 34 years. The announcement follows a rare face-to-face meeting in Washington, as diplomatic efforts intensify to end a conflict that has killed over 2,000 people in Lebanon. While Lebanese officials see a possible deal, details remain unresolved, including the scope of a ceasefire.
Julius Malema sentenced to five years for 2018 rally shooting; released on bail pending appeal. The EFF leader's case has drawn political battle lines, with supporters and rivals weighing in.
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.
As Pakistan's army chief shuttles between Tehran and Washington's interests, efforts to revive US-Iran talks gain momentum while Iran warns of expanding its response to the US naval blockade. US Central Command claims the blockade is working, but Iran says a supertanker breached the line.
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.
Pakistani mediators are stepping up diplomatic efforts to broker a new round of US-Iran talks, with officials expressing optimism about a potential breakthrough on Tehran's nuclear programme. A high-level delegation led by Army Chief Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran to deliver a US message and lay the groundwork for renewed negotiations as a fragile truce approaches expiry.
President Donald Trump's son Eric and his wife Lara will join the president's May 14-15 trip to China, a family spokeswoman confirmed. The visit has drawn criticism from Democrats over potential conflicts of interest, while the White House frames it as a diplomatic effort.
Wall Street's S&P 500 closed at a fresh all-time high on Wednesday, erasing losses from the early days of the US-Iran conflict, as investors grew optimistic about a possible de-escalation. Robust earnings expectations and comments from President Trump that the war is 'very close to over' fueled the rally.
Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded a three-day visit to Iran, part of Islamabad's efforts to mediate between the US and Iran. The visit included meetings with Iranian leadership, and Iran confirmed it is reviewing new US proposals. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about talks and praised Pakistan's role, with a ceasefire set to expire on April 22.
The United States and Iran have opened face-to-face negotiations in Islamabad, marking the highest-level direct engagement between the two countries in decades. The talks, facilitated by Pakistan, aim to end the weeks-long conflict as a two-week ceasefire holds, with key issues including Iran's enriched uranium and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House has denied reports that the United States formally requested an extension of the temporary ceasefire with Iran, while indicating that the next round of peace talks will likely take place in Pakistan. Iranian officials have also dismissed reports of an agreement to extend the ceasefire, stressing that negotiations remain unresolved.
Pope Leo XIV has called for peace and reconciliation as he continues his Africa tour, responding to recent social media attacks from US President Donald Trump over the pope's criticism of the US-Israeli war on Iran. The pope said he is not afraid of the Trump administration and plans to keep speaking out against war.
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.
President Trump says the US-Iran war is 'very close to over,' with peace talks expected to resume in Pakistan after the first high-level negotiations in Islamabad ended without a deal. As the US naval blockade continues, Trump hinted at a possible 'grand bargain' with Tehran, while the IMF warned of a global recession risk and regional tensions persist.