Donald Trump said he is not under pressure to make a deal with Iran. He rejected reports and blamed Democrats for hurting the US position. “I am under no pressure whatsoever,” he said. He added that a new deal would be better than the 2015 nuclear agreement. Trump said he will not rush into a weak deal. The two-week ceasefire will end on April 22. He called an extension unlikely. The US will attend talks in Islamabad led by Vice President JD Vance. Iran has not confirmed participation. The situation remains uncertain as the deadline nears. (PC: Reuters)

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the United States seized an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to call the move a ceasefire violation and threaten retaliation. Iran initially stated it would not participate in upcoming peace talks in Pakistan, blaming U.S. actions and ongoing naval blockade. However, officials later indicated they are “positively reviewing” participation, creating uncertainty over diplomatic progress. With the ceasefire nearing expiry, conflicting signals from Iran and continued military actions have raised fears of renewed conflict. The crisis has also disrupted global oil routes, intensifying concerns about energy security and regional stability. (PC: Reuters)

The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified on April 20, 2026, with rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, while Iran has intermittently restricted passage through the vital oil route. The recent seizure of an Iranian vessel by U.S. forces has further strained fragile ceasefire conditions and cast doubt on planned peace talks in Pakistan. Global oil prices have surged amid disrupted shipping, with several vessels stranded or reversing course. Diplomatic efforts continue, but threats of retaliation and military escalation raise concerns over regional stability and global energy security. (PC: AP)

A powerful 7.4–7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan’s Sanriku coast on April 20, 2026, prompting immediate tsunami warnings. Authorities warned of waves up to 3 meters, though initial waves measured about 80 cm. Evacuation advisories were issued for over 170,000 residents across affected coastal regions. Transport services, including bullet trains, were temporarily suspended as a precaution. While no major damage or fatalities were reported, some minor injuries occurred. Officials later downgraded warnings to advisories but cautioned about possible aftershocks and a heightened risk of another strong earthquake. (PC: Reuters)

JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad for possible talks with Iran. At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has an “unfinished job” in Iran. Iran has said it may not attend the talks, calling US demands unrealistic. However, some sources say this stance may change. The talks are being planned as a ceasefire nears its end. Key issues include Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials say preparations are ongoing, but uncertainty still surrounds whether Iran will join the meeting. (PC: AP, AFP)

Iran has reopened its main airports in Tehran after weeks of war-related closure. Authorities said, “Passenger flights have been authorised” at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports. The move comes as tensions with the United States and Israel remain high. Iran has also reopened more airports for travel. However, uncertainty continues over peace talks planned in Islamabad. Iran said no final decision has been made on joining talks. Officials say the situation remains tense as the ceasefire nears its end this week.

Donald Trump said a possible deal with Iran could be signed “today” as a US team heads to Islamabad. The delegation includes JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. They are set to hold talks to ease tensions before the ceasefire ends. Trump said he is open to meeting Iranian leaders if progress is made. However, Iran has shown hesitation and said no final decision on talks is taken. Reports also mentioned a US aircraft landing in Pakistan. Officials say there is cautious hope for progress. (PC: Reuters)

Iran said it has "no plans for now" to join the next round of peace talks as the United States sends a delegation to Pakistan led by Vice-President JD Vance. The two-week US-Iran ceasefire is due to end on Wednesday. The talks come after President Donald Trump said US forces seized an Iranian cargo ship trying to cross a naval blockade. Trump said the vessel was warned to stop but did not comply. Iran's military has said it will respond. Iranian media also reported drone attacks on US ships, with no damage confirmed.

A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit northern Japan on April 20, causing tsunami warnings in several coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that waves up to 3 metres could reach parts of Iwate and Hokkaido. Smaller waves, between 40 and 80 centimetres, were already recorded at ports. The quake struck off the Sanriku coast at around 4:53 pm. Authorities asked people to move to higher ground immediately. Bullet train services in Aomori were briefly stopped. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi formed an emergency task force. Officials are checking for damage as rescue teams remain on alert across affected regions. (PC: Reuters)

A strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings in northern coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of waves up to 3 metres for Hokkaido, Iwate and Aomori. Smaller waves were later recorded in Iwate. Authorities ordered residents in several port towns to leave coastal areas at once. NHK showed ships moving out from Hachinohe port as alerts said, "Tsunami! Evacuate!" Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said an emergency task force had been formed. Bullet train services between Tokyo and Aomori were suspended after the quake. (PC: India Today)