Backchannel talks between the United States and Iran had moved close to a framework deal to end their seven-week conflict, but public comments by US President Donald Trump may have slowed progress. CNN reported that Trump said Iran had accepted major US demands, including a long halt to its nuclear programme. Iranian officials quickly denied any final agreement or new talks date. US officials told CNN that such public claims may have hurt trust during sensitive talks. Iran’s leaders also face pressure at home over any deal. With the ceasefire deadline near, both sides are still trying to avoid renewed fighting. (PC: India Today)

US Republican leader Nikki Haley said a vessel seized by the United States near the Strait of Hormuz was travelling from China to Iran with chemicals linked to missile production. In a post on X, Haley said the ship ignored repeated orders to stop. She added that China was helping support Iran’s government. Tehran strongly criticised the seizure and called it “armed piracy”. Iranian officials said future talks may not happen unless the US blockade is lifted. The vessel, MV Touska, was intercepted in the Gulf of Oman. The current ceasefire between Washington and Tehran ends on Wednesday. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump could join planned talks with Iran in Pakistan this week, either in person or online, Reuters reported, citing a Pakistani source. The source said talks remain on track for Wednesday. The current two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is due to end the same day. Reuters also cited a senior Iranian official saying Tehran is positively reviewing participation, but no final decision has been made. Pakistan is preparing to host the meeting in Islamabad. Officials said nearly 20,000 security personnel have been deployed. Axios reported that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan on Tuesday for the talks. (PC: NDTV)

An Israeli soldier seen striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in south Lebanon has triggered strong criticism online. The Israeli military said it viewed the act with “great severity” and said the soldier’s behaviour did not match army values. It added that action would be taken. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel apologised to Christians hurt by the incident. Local church leader Father Fadi Flaifel said the cross is a sacred symbol and its desecration was rejected. The military also said it was working to restore the statue. (PC: BBC)

J. D. Vance is set to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday (April 21, 2026) to participate in talks related to Iran, according to a report by Axios published on Monday (April 20, 2026). The development, citing US sources, signals ongoing diplomatic engagement involving Washington in addressing tensions linked to Iran. No additional operational or agenda details were specified in the report. The planned visit underscores Pakistan’s role as a venue for discussions connected to Iran-related issues, reflecting continued efforts by the United States to engage through diplomatic channels amid a complex geopolitical environment. (PC: X)  

Donald Trump said recovering uranium from Iran would be a “long and difficult process” following US strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities last year. Referring to “Operation Midnight Hammer,” Trump claimed the sites were completely destroyed, leaving behind what he calls “nuclear dust”, a term he uses for enriched uranium or residual material from the attacks. He reiterated that Iran’s uranium stockpile could eventually be transferred to the United States. However, Tehran has denied any such arrangement. The remarks underscore ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme and highlight technical and political challenges in post-strike recovery efforts. (PC: X)

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signalled a tougher stance by Iran, rejecting negotiations with the United States under pressure and accusing Donald Trump of undermining diplomacy through threats and ceasefire violations. He warned that Washington was attempting to turn talks into a “table of surrender” and said Tehran had prepared “new cards on the battlefield” if tensions escalate. The remarks reflect a sharp deterioration in diplomatic prospects, with Iran emphasising resistance over compromise. The standoff raises concerns of further military escalation, as both sides continue signalling readiness for confrontation alongside fragile, uncertain diplomatic engagement. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said he is “winning the war by a lot” as uncertainty continues over US-Iran talks in Pakistan. A US team may travel to Islamabad for fresh talks. Iran has not confirmed participation. “They’re supposed to be there,” Trump said. The first round ended without a deal. He said it is “highly unlikely” the ceasefire will be extended. He also warned that “lots of bombs” could follow if talks fail. JD Vance is expected to lead the US side. Tensions rose after the US seized an Iranian cargo ship.

A new report by the United Nations and the European Union says rebuilding Gaza will cost over £50bn. More than 370,000 homes have been destroyed. Over 60% of people have lost their homes. “Human development has been set back by 77 years,” the report said. About 1.9 million people have been displaced. Gaza’s economy has shrunk by 84%. Half of its hospitals are not working. The report said £19.5bn is needed soon to restore basic services. It also stressed that a ceasefire and security are necessary for rebuilding to begin. (PC: Reuters)

20-year-old student, Gabriela Saldana, was arrested in Florida after a message in a WhatsApp group. She allegedly asked Benjamin Netanyahu to “drop bombs” on her college. Police said the message was seen as a threat. She later claimed it was a joke. Officers from Florida International University Police Department took her into custody. “To an objective person, it’s not a joke,” a judge said. The message was sent to over 200 students. She now faces charges under state law. Her bond has been set at $5,000.