The attack occurred on Friday, a few minutes before midnight in the square in front of the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji in the industrial area of the town, according to La Sicilia newspaper.

The deceased were identified as Raginder Singh, 48, a resident of Covo, and Gurmit Singh, 48, from Agnadello.

The assailant allegedly approached the men, opened fire and then fled in a car, the paper reported.

According to initial findings, a sudden brawl that escalated into bloodshed has been ruled out, the report said.

Approximately ten shell casings were recovered from the scene as authorities investigate the hypothesis of a "coldly planned execution".

A witness was quoted as telling reporters that the shooter was "an Indian" who also frequented the gurdwara.

According to the same witness, the bullets also grazed a third person, it said.

An official celebration for Vaisakhi was planned for Saturday nearby with the participation of local institutions.

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Trump said the understanding comes as part of broader assurances from Tehran under the peace deal that Iran will not pursue its ambition to acquire a nuclear weapon.

Speaking to the media outside the White House on Thursday, Trump emphasised that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a top priority for his administration.

He further said, "It is very important that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon. And they`ve agreed to that. Iran`s agreed to that, and they`ve agreed to it very powerfully." 

Speaking about the current geopolitical tension between Israel and the US, Trump added, "They`ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that`s way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers. We have a lot of agreement with Iran, and I think something`s going to happen very positively."

Will the ceasefire between US and Iran continue?

The remarks come amid diplomatic engagements between Tehran and Washington to achieve a complete halt to the hostilities in West Asia, even as a fragile ceasefire continues between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Trump said it remains unclear whether the ceasefire with Iran will be extended, even as he expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations and indicated that the next round of talks could take place over the weekend.

Responding to a question on extending the ceasefire, President Trump said, "We`re doing very well. I can tell you, maybe it`ll happen before that. I`m not sure it needs to be extended. Just so you know, Iran wants to make a deal, and we`re dealing very nicely with them. We`ve got to have no nuclear weapons. If we do, that`s a big factor, and they`re willing to do things today that they weren`t willing to do two months ago."

Trump further added that the US is currently focused on concluding a deal with Iran, suggesting that progress in talks could make an extension unnecessary.

US President Trump on current global situation

He said, "We`re focused so much right now on Iran, seeing if we can get that completed, and I think we`re going to be in very good shape. And I think if you look, the stock market is good, the oil prices are coming down, and it`s looking very good that we`re going to make a deal with Iran. And it`s going to be a good deal; it`s going to be a deal with no nuclear weapons."

On the timeline for further negotiations, the US President indicated that the next in-person round may happen soon. "Probably maybe over the weekend," he added.

(With inputs from ANI)

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022, the museum held more than 14,000 works in a collection “ranging from America to Japan.” As the Russians retreated, they loaded much of it onto trucks and took it to Russian-annexed Crimea, according to Dotsenko and video filmed by residents. The fate of nearly 10,000 pieces remains unknown.

Ukraine is again raising its voice over the looting as Russia seeks to return to the world’s cultural stage. Next month’s Venice Biennale plans to allow Russian representatives to take part for the first time since 2022. Ukraine has said the event “must not become a stage for whitewashing the war crimes that Russia commits daily against the Ukrainian people and our cultural heritage.”

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Leo celebrated Mass at Yaounde Airport before an estimated 200,000 people, including President Paul Biya, 93, the world’s oldest leader. The jostling, joyful atmosphere underscored the joy the third pope to visit Cameroon has brought to the former French colony, where around a third of the population is Catholic.

Some people who struggled to walk were brought to the Mass in wheelbarrows pushed by family members. In his homily Saturday, delivered in French, Leo said the respect for human dignity was a cornerstone of every society.

“For this reason, every community has the obligation to create and sustain structures of solidarity and mutual aid in which, when faced with crises — be they social, political, medical or economic — everyone can give and receive assistance according to their own capacity and needs,” he said.

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US President Donald Trump

It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect. The announcement came the morning after US President Donald Trump said that even after Iran announced the strait’s reopening on Friday, the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear programme. 

The conflict over the chokepoint threatened to deepen the energy crisis roiling the global economy after oil prices began to fall again on Friday on hopes the US and Iran were drawing closer to an agreement. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the strait and further limits would squeeze already constrained supply, driving prices higher once again.

Iran says it will not hand over enriched uranium to the United States of America

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh. PIC/PTI

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh dismissed claims from US President Donald Trump over the uranium and sounded a note of caution with regard to future talks between the two countries. Khatibzadeh said the Iranians were not ready for a new round of face-to-face talks with the US because the Americans “have not abandoned their maximalist position.” On Friday, Trump said the US will go into Iran and “get all the nuclear dust,” referring to the 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium believed to be buried under nuclear sites badly damaged by US military strikes last year.

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French peacekeeper killed in Lebanon

A French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was killed and three others were injured in an attack in Lebanon. French President Emmanuel Macron said the attack appears to have been carried out by Hezbollah and urged Lebanese authorities to take action against those responsible.

This incident comes even as a temporary ceasefire is in place between Israel and Lebanon after weeks of conflict involving Hezbollah.

Ceasefire and ground developments

Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire to allow negotiations. However, the situation on the ground remains tense.

The Israeli military announced the creation of a “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon, marking a boundary for its forces. It also said action has been taken against suspected militants approaching this line.

Hezbollah rejects negotiations

Senior Hezbollah leader Mahmud Qamati dismissed Lebanon’s planned direct talks with Israel.

He described the negotiations as weak and ineffective, making it clear that Hezbollah is not aligned with the government’s diplomatic approach.

Iran-US talks still uncertain

There is no confirmed timeline for the next round of talks between Iran and the United States. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said both sides are still working on a framework before moving forward.

Meanwhile, Egypt and Pakistan are continuing mediation efforts and remain hopeful of progress.

Cargo vessel attacked in the Strait of Hormuz

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz increased after multiple maritime incidents. Iranian gunboats reportedly fired at a tanker near Oman. The vessel and crew were safe, but the incident raised security concerns, reported the British military.

In a separate development, a container vessel was also struck by an unidentified projectile about 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman, damaging some of its containers.

Supreme leader Mojtaba`s warning

A statement attributed to Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that Iran’s navy is ready to confront US forces.

At the same time, Iranian officials criticised US President Donald Trump, saying American statements on the conflict have been inconsistent.

Strait restrictions tightened again

Iran has announced it will resume strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, reversing an earlier easing of restrictions.

Officials said the decision was taken after accusing Washington of continuing naval pressure despite ongoing negotiations.

Turkey criticises Israel

Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel of using security concerns as a reason to expand territory. He criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the government’s actions go beyond self-defence.

Situation remains tense

Despite ceasefire efforts and ongoing diplomacy, the region continues to face instability. Repeated attacks, strong political statements, and lack of progress in talks suggest that tensions are likely to persist.

(With AFP Inputs)

The military`s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said an unknown projectile hit the vessel, 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) northeast of Oman.
Some containers on the vessel were damaged, it said.

The attack is the second Saturday after two gunboats from Iran`s Revelatory Guards opened fire on a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

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The pardon applied to over 4500 prisoners, but it wasn’t clear how many people imprisoned for opposing military rule, or if 80-year-old former leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be freed. 

Former president Win Myint

Win Myint was elected as president in 2018. He was arrested on February 1, 2021, the same day the military seized power and detained Suu Kyi. He was given a 12-year prison sentence, which was reduced to eight years in 2023.

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The GMT is one of three telescopes roughly in the thirty-meter (~98 feet) class that should come online in the 2030s. 

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The reaction produced 921 mmol of hydrogen per hour per gram of catalyst, working just as well as the most expensive, high-tech catalysts.

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The focuses on the North German Basin, the Central European Basin System’s largest basin.

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Their findings confirm a decades-old theoretical prediction that these points — also known as optical vortices — can move faster than the speed of light under specific conditions. The idea that such vortices could exceed the speed of light was first proposed in the 1970s.

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They added that delegations are likely to arrive in the Pakistani capital on Sunday, as reported by CNN.

The development comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to ease West Asia tensions.

Separately, Qatar`s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Pakistan`s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed "international efforts aimed at de-escalation and advancing diplomatic solutions", Al Jazeera reported.

"The Emir and the Turkish President commended the efforts undertaken by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in this regard, and expressed their support for the efforts of the prime minister," Qatar`s Amiri Diwan said, according to Al Jazeera.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, as per Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, Pakistan`s Army Chief Asim Munir met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran on Thursday as diplomatic efforts intensified to revive stalled US-Iran negotiations.

The visit comes amid heightened back-channel engagement between the United States and Iran, with Pakistani officials expressing hope for a breakthrough, particularly on Tehran`s nuclear programme, Al Jazeera reported.

Munir, who arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The visit aims to prepare the ground for a possible second round of talks after earlier discussions ended without progress.

The Islamabad Peace Talks, held on 11-12 April, marked a historic but inconclusive diplomatic attempt to end the 39-day Gulf War between the United States and Iran. Mediated by Pakistan, the talks were the first high-level, face-to-face negotiations between the two nations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which is seen as a potential step toward broader de-escalation.

The ceasefire comes amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, with exchanges involving Israeli armed forces and Hezbollah, which saw a major escalation following the US-Iran war in the region.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had reached an agreement to initiate a 10-day ceasefire, following intensified diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities in the region.

The US President shared that he held "excellent conversations" with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirming that both leaders have committed to the temporary truce as a step towards a broader resolution.

The ceasefire comes at a critical juncture for West Asia, following a period of significant volatility along the Israel-Lebanon border.

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While speaking at the Turning Point USA event here, Trump said the operation would be carried out jointly with lots of excavators.

"We`re going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators. We need the biggest excavators you can imagine. But we`re going in together with Iran, we`re going to get it, and we`re going to take it back home to the USA."

Earlier, Trump also referred to nuclear-related developments, saying, "The USA will get all nuclear dust...That white powdery substance created by our B-2 bombers, those great B-2 bombers, late one evening, seven months ago. No money will exchange hands in any way or form...Iran, with the help of the USA, has removed or is removing all of the sea mines...They will never have a nuclear weapon"

The remarks came shortly after Iran rejected US claims that it had agreed to transfer its enriched uranium to the United States.

Iran`s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would not allow such a move under any circumstances. "Enriched uranium is as sacred to us as Iranian soil and will not be transferred anywhere under any circumstances," he was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency, according to Al Jazeera.

The comments follow Trump`s earlier assertion that Iran had "agreed to everything" in talks with Washington, including joint removal of enriched uranium. He also said there were no remaining "sticking points" in negotiations and expressed confidence that a deal could be reached soon.

Trump further claimed Iran had agreed to stop supporting groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and said US discussions with Tehran would continue over the weekend, with a possible agreement expected soon.

Iran, however, pushed back against US statements, also criticising Washington`s position on maritime security. Baghaei said US remarks on the Strait of Hormuz reflected "desperation and helplessness" and dismissed them as inconsistent.

"We should not be influenced by the other side`s tweets," he said. "The statements by American officials are filled with contradictions and lies, and this is nothing new."

He added that decisions regarding the strategic waterway are made on the ground, not online. "The opening or closing of the Strait of Hormuz does not happen on social media, but on the ground," he said.

The exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, even as diplomatic engagements continue over Iran`s nuclear programme and regional security issues.

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Iran`s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would not allow such a move under any circumstances, according to Al Jazeera.

"Enriched uranium is as sacred to us as Iranian soil and will not be transferred anywhere under any circumstances," Baghaei was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency, as per Al Jazeera.

His remarks come after US President Donald Trump has said that Iran has "agreed to everything" in ongoing talks with the United States, including a plan to jointly remove enriched uranium from Iran and transport it to the US, CNN reported.

Speaking to CBS, Trump ruled out deploying American troops, saying, "No. No troops." He added, "We`ll go down and get it with them, and then we`ll take it. We`ll be getting it together because by that time, we`ll have an agreement, and there`s no need for fighting when there`s an agreement. Nice right? That`s better."

Trump said the US would continue its blockade of Iranian ports "until we get it done" and expressed confidence that a deal could be reached "in the next day or two," with talks likely over the weekend, CNN reported. He also claimed Iran had agreed to stop backing groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

In remarks to AFP, Trump said there are no "sticking points" left, adding, "We`re very close. Looks like it`s going to be very good for everybody. And we`re very close to having a deal," Al Jazeera reported.

In a separate statement, Baghaei also criticised comments by US officials regarding the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as contradictory, in a sign of "desperation and helplessness", Al Jazeera reported.

"We should not be influenced by the other side`s tweets," the spokesperson said. "The statements by American officials are filled with contradictions and lies, and this is nothing new", as reported by Al Jazeera.

He further stressed that decisions regarding the Strait are based on ground realities rather than public messaging. He added, "The opening or closing of the Strait of Hormuz does not happen on social media, but on the ground," according to Al Jazeera.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over maritime security and ongoing negotiations.

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Iran`s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei offered clarification on an earlier statement by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Al Jazeera reported, citing the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

According to Al Jazeera, Baghaei said that "Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be allowed along a pre-determined route by Iran." He added, "If the maritime blockade of Iran`s ports continues, Iran will take reciprocal measures," and asserted that "Iran is the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and will show leniency where necessary."

Separately, Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy detailed conditions for vessels seeking to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported.

As per Al Jazeera, it stated that all ships would require its permission to pass, with civilian vessels allowed only through designated Iranian routes, while military vessels remain barred from transit.

"Movements will only be permitted with the permission of the IRGC Navy", it added, as per Al Jazeera.

"This movement is in line with the agreement on the period of silence on the battlefield and after the implementation of the Lebanese ceasefire," the IRGC Navy Command added in a statement, according to Al Jazeera.

The announcement comes after Iran`s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who had earlier said on X that passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire was "completely open".

In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026

"In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran," Aragchi wrote on X.

The strategic waterway had been obstructed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following joint US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on February 28.

As a conduit for 20 per cent of the world`s crude oil and liquefied natural gas, the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has had significant global economic repercussions, impacting supply chains and energy prices worldwide.

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The result is a high-resolution cosmic map that stretches across billions of years, offering scientists an unprecedented dataset to probe how the universe has evolved.

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In a post on X, Albanese said he participated in a virtual Leaders` Summit on the Strait of Hormuz co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where discussions focused on stabilising the key maritime corridor.

Overnight, I joined a virtual Leaders` Summit on the Strait of Hormuz co-hosted by President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer.

Australia has consistently called for an end to this conflict.

The longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will…

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 17, 2026

"Overnight, I joined a virtual Leaders` Summit on the Strait of Hormuz co-hosted by President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer. Australia has consistently called for an end to this conflict. The longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be, and the greater the human cost."

He highlighted that Australians were already feeling the effects of regional instability.

"Australians are feeling the impact on fuel supply and prices and we are working to shield families from the worst of it," he said.

Albanese also expressed support for diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability in the region.

"Australia stands ready to support efforts to restore stability and security in the Strait of Hormuz and I welcome the announcement overnight of the Strait`s reopening. We want to see this hold."

The remarks come after Iran announced that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would remain "completely open" during a 10-day ceasefire period.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had said, "In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

US President Donald Trump also confirmed the reopening, saying the waterway was "fully open" and "ready for full passage," though he maintained that the US naval blockade on Iran would remain until a final agreement is reached.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint handling around 20 per cent of the world`s oil and gas shipments, has remained central to geopolitical tensions following recent regional escalations.

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Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman (NASA), Pilot Victor Glover (NASA), Mission Specialist Christina Koch (NASA), and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency) were launched on April 1, spending just over nine days on a path that took them around the Moon and back to Earth.

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Speaking to journalists during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Iran`s Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, emphasised that any potential truce must encompass every active battleground "from Lebanon to the Red Sea". He further categorised this broad scope as a "red line" for the Iranian government.

Elaborating on Tehran`s rigid stance against incremental deals, Khatibzadeh told the press, "We are not accepting any temporary ceasefire." He maintained that the current wave of violence "should end here once and for all" rather than being merely paused.

The senior diplomat also addressed maritime security, specifically regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Al Jazeera reported his observations that while the vital shipping lane is located inside Iran`s sovereign territory, it has historically been kept accessible for international passage.

Shifting the blame for regional volatility, Khatibzadeh pointed towards the United States and Israel. He claimed that they have been the catalysts for local unrest, which has subsequently damaged international commerce and the broader global financial system.

According to Al Jazeera, the Deputy Minister`s remarks underscore Iran`s refusal to engage in piecemeal diplomacy, instead demanding a comprehensive resolution to the multiple overlapping crises currently affecting the region.

This demand for a regional resolution comes as tensions peak at the United Nations, where Iran`s Permanent Representative, Amir-Saeid Iravani, argued that stability in the Strait of Hormuz is contingent upon "full respect for Iran`s sovereignty and rights." According to Iranian state media Press TV, Iravani`s remarks were a direct response to a recently announced US "naval blockade" intended to pressure Tehran into ensuring the waterway remains open.

Addressing the legalities of the strategic corridor, Iravani asserted that freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is only achievable if the rights of coastal states are upheld. Per Press TV, he warned that Washington`s measures constitute an "unlawful" act of aggression and a "flagrant breach" of the UN Charter, specifically Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force.

The diplomatic friction has been further compounded by military escalation on the ground. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces are actively enforcing a large-scale maritime blockade. This operation involves over 10,000 personnel, a dozen naval vessels, and more than 100 aircraft, aimed specifically at Iranian ports and the coastline.

Highlighting the effectiveness of these measures, US President Donald Trump stated that the Navy`s performance has been "incredible," noting that the blockade is proceeding routinely with no ships attempting to bypass the American fleet. However, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, clarified to the media that the mission is a blockade of Iranian territory rather than the Strait of Hormuz itself, applying to all vessels regardless of nationality.

Amid these military manoeuvres, Iravani maintained that Iran has consistently upheld maritime security while accusing the US and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure during a "40-day military assault." Despite the rhetoric, the envoy noted that Tehran remains open to diplomatic initiatives involving regional partners like Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, as well as China and Russia, to find a sustainable end to the crisis.

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Former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, took to social media `X` and said, "This is the second ED raid on an Aam Aadmi Party leader`s premises within just three days. Will the Prime Minister explain how much `black money` has been recovered from the countless raids conducted on AAP leaders so far? Was even a single rupee found?"

He criticised the Centre, stating, “The entire nation is watching the petty politics you are engaging in — solely for the sake of power.”

Meanwhile, Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora also confirmed that an ED raid had taken place at his premises.

"Good Morning! An action by the Enforcement Directorate took place at my premises. As a responsible citizen, I will fully cooperate with the agencies and I am confident that the truth will prevail," he said.

Meanwhile, the ED conducted raids at 13 places on the premises of Sanjeev Arora under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Jalandhar. The raids also covered residences and offices of Sanjeev Arora, Hemanth Sood and Chandrasekhar Aggarwal.

According to officials and sources, ED teams reached the minister’s residence early in the day, while Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel were deployed outside the premises to secure the area. Searches were also carried out at other locations linked to the minister.

The action is reportedly connected to an old money laundering case and alleged irregularities in land deals.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj reacted to the development, alleging that the BJP follows this pattern to start its preparation for a state election.

In a post on X, he said, “ED has now raided Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora. This is a clear pattern. This is how BJP starts its preparation for a state election.”

Earlier on April 15, the ED conducted searches on the premises of AAP Rajya Sabha MP, Ashok Kumar Mittal and the educational institutions promoted by him and his family in Haryana and Punjab, under the FEMA.

The raids come amid heightened political tensions between the ruling AAP in Punjab and the Central government, with Opposition leaders alleging selective targeting by central investigative agencies.

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The US and Iran held rare direct talks in Pakistan over the weekend aimed at ending their conflict, but the talks ended early Sunday without any agreement.

Official sources in Pakistan on Friday said that a feverish diplomatic activity followed to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table. It was met with success as both continue to observe the temporary two-week ceasefire, allowing Pakistan to relaunch its mediatory push.

After working behind the scenes, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a tri-nation tour on Wednesday, while Field Marshal Asim Munir landed in Tehran on the same day.

The Prime Minister, after discussion with the Saudi and Qatari leaders, reached Turkiye on Thursday night as the Field Marshal spent more than 24 hours in Iran meeting its political and military leaders.

Though nothing has been officially said about the outcome of talks between the Pakistani civil and military leaders, security officials back home suddenly became active on Thursday evening, authorities said.

According to officials in Islamabad, "preparations have started in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi as thousands of police and paramilitary personnel have started coming from other provinces."

Traditionally, the Islamabad administration seeks support from provinces to help in the work of law enforcement in case mega security arrangements are needed.

During the first round of talks, more than 10,000 security personnel were deployed.

There are also reports that transport companies have been approached by the Islamabad and Rawalpindi districts officials to inform them that traffic coming from other cities or leaving the twin cities may face drastic restrictions.

According to a message shared on social media, such restrictions, once imposed, may continue until the end of next week. It urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the next week or plan well in advance.

Similarly, educational institutions may be closed in the two cities along with markets in areas close to the airport to reduce traffic on roads, officials said.

US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said the talks failed to reach a deal, citing Tehran not forgoing its nuclear programme as one of the key sticking points.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation in marathon peace talks, said that his team raised "forward-looking initiatives, but the opposite side ultimately failed to win the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations."

The conflict began after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, paralysing global energy markets and disrupting trade.

The ceasefire between the US and Iran would expire on April 22.

The chances of a peace deal got further support when President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that he may travel to Islamabad if a final agreement with Iran is signed there, while claiming that Tehran has accepted "almost everything" currently under negotiation.

"If a deal is signed in Islamabad, I may go...They want me," he told the reporters on the White House lawn before departing for Nevada and Arizona.

Trump expressed optimism about Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts to end hostilities and secure a settlement before the current ceasefire expires, indicating that he would extend it, although he suggested such a move might not be necessary if a deal is reached in time.

The US leader has repeatedly praised Pakistan and its leaders, Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir, as "extraordinary, kind and very competent", has once again shown his ability to swing the global conversation with a single statement.

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The incident occurred in Hattar Industrial Estate area of Haripur district.

According to Rescue 1122 sources, the explosion happened near a grinding mill along the Grand Trunk Road, where a powerful blast in the gas pipeline triggered a massive fire. It also set a nearby house ablaze, intensifying the damage and complicating rescue efforts.

The district police officer of Haripur said at least four women and six children have been saved so far, while the fire continued to spread rapidly. Several women and children sustained severe burn injuries, and emergency teams are continuing rescue operations as they work to bring the blaze under control.

Haripur Deputy Commissioner Waseem Ahmed said the deaths appeared to have been caused mainly by suffocation.

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According to the Yonhap News Agency, citing Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, authorities are preparing to release public reserves of urea and urea solution later this month to address anticipated supply shortages triggered by the ongoing regional tensions.

The minister outlined the measures during an emergency virtual economic meeting with officials from ministries involved in the West Asia crisis response.

Highlighting the broader economic risks, Koo said the government would continue to respond actively to supply chain disruptions until the conflict between the United States and Iran comes to an end, describing the crisis as the most significant threat to the global economy at present.

"Until the end of the war becomes clear, we will firmly maintain an emergency economic response system and actively address supply chain issues and difficulties in people`s livelihoods," he said, as quoted by Yonhap News Agency.

He further directed relevant ministries to swiftly execute the supplementary budget recently approved by the National Assembly to ensure timely support measures and stabilisation efforts.

Earlier, the South Korean National Assembly passed the additional budget of KRW 26.2 trillion (approximately USD 17.1 billion) supplementary spending package aimed at mitigating the economic impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia prior to the ceasefire announcement made by US President Donald Trump in order to halt the hostilities in the region with Iran for two weeks.

The additional budget was approved on April 10 after lawmakers from both the ruling party and the main opposition had reached an agreement, reflecting a rare bipartisan consensus over the need to respond to the economic fallout due to the continuing West Asia conflict.

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Israeli artillery continued targeting the towns of Khiam and Dibbine, with reports of machinegun fire during sweeping operations in the area, Al Jazeera stated, citing Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). In the western Bekaa Valley, reconnaissance aircraft activity was also observed over the Rashaya region and the western slopes of Jabal al-Sheikh.

Amid the developments, the Israeli military issued a warning to residents in southern Lebanon, urging them not to move south of the Litani River as forces remain deployed, ANI reported, quoting CNN.

Military Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israeli troops continue to maintain positions in the region, as reported by CNN.

“For your safety and the safety of your family members - until further notice - you are requested not to move to the south of the Litani River,” Adraee said.

He added that the deployment remains in place “in the face of Hezbollah’s ongoing terrorist activities”, ANI reported.

West Asia conflict: Antonio Guterres welcomes truce as Jordan, UAE back ceasefire efforts

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire agreement, expressing hope that it could lead to long-term peace in the region.

“I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel & Lebanon, and commend the role of the US in facilitating it. I hope this will pave the way for negotiations towards a long-term solution to the conflict & contribute to ongoing efforts toward a lasting & comprehensive peace in the region. I urge everyone to fully respect the ceasefire and to comply with international law at all times,” he wrote on X.

I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel & Lebanon, and commend the role of the US in facilitating it.

I hope this will pave the way for negotiations towards a long-term solution to the conflict & contribute to ongoing efforts toward a lasting & comprehensive…

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 16, 2026

Regional reactions have also been largely supportive. Jordan welcomed the ceasefire and praised the role of Lebanese leadership, including President Joseph Aoun, in the negotiations, Al Jazeera reported.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs reiterated its “firm support” for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stressed the need for arms to remain under state control, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The United Arab Emirates also backed the agreement, highlighting the importance of diplomacy in reducing tensions.

In a statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it hoped the ceasefire would mark “a positive step towards fostering a supportive environment for regional stability” and emphasised the need for continued international coordination to prevent further escalation, as per Al Jazeera.

(With ANI inputs) 

As the ceasefire took hold, gunfire echoed in Beirut’s southern suburbs — Hezbollah’s stronghold — in what appeared to be spontaneous celebrations by residents.

The wider regional conflict escalated when the US and Israel struck Iran on February 28. Lebanon was drawn in shortly afterwards when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel on March 2. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon and displaced over one million, while Israeli ground forces entered southern Lebanon.

Just as the ceasefire began, the Israeli military stated that it had struck over 380 “Hezbollah terror organisation targets” in southern Lebanon in recent operations and remained on “high alert” to resume strikes if necessary.

President Trump described the deal as the outcome of “excellent” telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Posting on Truth Social, he said the two leaders had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting at 5 p.m. EST. He later indicated that Netanyahu and Aoun could visit the White House within the next four or five days. Such a direct meeting would mark a historic development in Israel-Lebanon relations.

An Israeli hospital spokesman reported that three people were injured on Thursday shortly before the truce. Earlier that day, an Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese town of Ghazieh killed at least seven people and wounded 33, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Netanyahu welcomed the ceasefire as an opportunity for a “historic peace agreement” with Beirut, but stressed that the disarmament of Hezbollah remained a key precondition. Trump stated that Hezbollah was covered by the truce, while the US State Department clarified that Lebanon itself had committed to dismantling the Iran-backed group.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and urged “all actors to fully respect” it — a call that implicitly includes Hezbollah. He expressed hope that the truce would advance negotiations for a lasting solution and contribute to broader regional peace, while stressing full compliance with international law and the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

Celebrations break out in Lebanon

In Beirut, housewife Jamal Shehab, 61, said: “We are very happy that a ceasefire has been reached in Lebanon because we are tired of war and we want safety and peace.”

Lawyer Tarek Bou Khalil, speaking at a cafe, remarked: “It’s well known Trump cannot be taken at his word, and Netanyahu cannot be trusted. But we know that the result of the pressures of the war with Iran and the blunders of Netanyahu and the enemy army in south Lebanon, forced them into a ceasefire.”

A Hezbollah lawmaker, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, told AFP the group would “cautiously adhere” to the ceasefire provided Israel stopped its attacks. He thanked Iran for its pressure, adding that “the ceasefire would not have happened without Iran considering the ceasefire as equal to closing the Strait of Hormuz.”

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the truce as “a key Lebanese demand that we have pursued since the very first day of the war.” President Aoun’s office thanked Trump for his efforts, though Aoun reportedly declined a direct call with Netanyahu.

The ceasefire follows a rare meeting this week in Washington between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors — the first such contact since 1993.

Israel imposes two conditions

Netanyahu said Israel had agreed to the truce but would maintain a 10-kilometre (six-mile) “security zone” along the border in southern Lebanon. He reiterated two conditions: the disarmament of Hezbollah and a lasting peace agreement “based on strength.”

According to a six-point US State Department statement, the ceasefire is framed as “a gesture of goodwill by the Government of Israel” to enable negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement. Israel retains the right to take all necessary measures in self-defence against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks, while agreeing not to conduct offensive operations against Lebanese targets by land, air or sea.

Lebanon’s army later reported “acts of aggression” by Israel that it described as violations of the ceasefire, and called on southern residents to remain cautious.

Iran credits ceasefire to Hezbollah

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf credited the ceasefire to “Hezbollah’s steadfastness and the unity of the Axis of Resistance.” He described the truce as equally important for Lebanon as for Iran and thanked Pakistan and General Asim Munir for their mediation efforts.

Separately, the United States continued enforcing a large-scale maritime blockade on Iranian ports and coastline, deploying over 10,000 personnel, 12 ships including the USS Abraham Lincoln, and more than 100 aircraft. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that the blockade does not cover the Strait of Hormuz itself.

Speaking in Las Vegas, President Trump said the US was heading toward “victory very shortly” against Iran. He claimed Iran “has no Navy left,” stating that 158 Iranian ships were “at the bottom of the sea,” and described the country as “a tough, smart country” whose military capabilities had been significantly degraded.

Trump added that Washington was “very close” to a peace deal with Iran after six weeks of conflict and might travel to Pakistan to sign any agreement.

The durability of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire will likely depend on both sides — and Hezbollah — refraining from further attacks in the coming days.

(With AFP and ANI inputs)

Referring to US efforts to impose a naval blockade on Iran, Rezaei claimed the move would fail. “Just as the US suffered a historic defeat in trying to open the Strait of Hormuz, it is also doomed to fail in the naval blockade. Iran will not leave the Strait of Hormuz until its rights are fully secured,” he said.

This comes amid an announcement by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday that a comprehensive blockade of Iran’s ports has been successfully implemented.

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Russia launched nearly 700 drones and dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles, primarily targeting civilians, in its biggest aerial barrage in almost two weeks, authorities said.

The bombardment came in the wake of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip this week to Germany, Norway and Italy in search for more air defence systems that can stop Russian missiles.

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This research indicates that the rare native breed has maintained a continuous lineage on the island over thousands of years.

The study uses biomolecular and archaeological evidence to reshape current views of Ireland’s farming history. 

It also strengthens the case for preserving the Old Irish Goat as a direct link to early agricultural life.

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A newly discovered 17th-century map sheds new light on the Bard’s London life, pinpointing for the first time the exact location of the only home Shakespeare bought in the city, and where he may have worked on his final plays. 

Historians have long known that Shakespeare bought property in 1613 near the Black friars Theatre, but the exact location was a mystery.

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