In a sharp escalation of tensions in the Gulf region, US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that the United States military would “immediately eliminate” any Iranian vessels approaching the newly imposed naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The strong statement comes amid deteriorating diplomatic ties between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns over potential military confrontation in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors. Trump Issues Stern Warning to Iran In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that any Iranian ships nearing the blockade would face swift and forceful action. He said the US Navy would use aggressive tactics similar to those employed against maritime narcotics traffickers. The President also claimed that Iran’s primary naval capabilities had already been significantly weakened, though smaller fast-attack vessels had not yet been targeted. US Naval Blockade Comes Into Effect The warning coincided with the official enforcement of a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which began at 10 a.m. EDT on Monday following the expiration of a deadline set by the White House. The blockade is aimed at restricting maritime movement linked to Iran, particularly vessels engaging with Iranian ports and oil infrastructure. Maritime Restrictions Impact Key Gulf Routes According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), maritime access restrictions are now being enforced across key areas, including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz. These restrictions apply to vessels of all nationalities interacting with Iranian ports or coastal facilities. However, transit through the Strait of Hormuz for ships not linked to Iran remains unaffected for now. Collapse of US-Iran Talks Triggers Escalation The blockade follows the collapse of negotiations between the United States and Iran, which ended without a resolution. In response, Trump announced sweeping measures to restrict maritime access and increase pressure on Tehran. He further stated that the US Navy would track and board vessels suspected of making payments to Iran for passage, asserting that such actions would not be tolerated on international waters. Strong Military Posturing by US In his remarks, Trump underscored the readiness of US forces, warning that any attacks on American or civilian ships would be met with overwhelming retaliation. He emphasised that the military is fully prepared to act against remaining Iranian assets if provoked. A statement from United States Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that the restrictions are specifically targeted at vessels linked to Iranian trade routes, reinforcing the administration’s objective of isolating Tehran economically. (With inputs from ANI)
13 April,2026 09:29 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentThe Israeli military said on Monday its troops had completely surrounded a key town in southern Lebanon after killing more than 100 Hezbollah fighters there over the past week. The announcement marks a significant advance in Israel's ongoing invasion of southern Lebanon. "The forces of the 98th Division have completed the encirclement of the town of Bint Jbeil and have begun an assault on it," the military's Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee said on X. Over the past week, Israeli forces have killed more than 100 Hezbollah fighters in and around the town in "face-to-face" clashes and with air strikes, he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting that since Sunday the fighting in southern Lebanon had been "concentrated" in Bint Jbeil. "The fighting continues. It has not stopped, it is ongoing all the time. Yesterday and today it has been concentrated in Bint Jbeil," he said, according to a video statement released by his office on Monday. Netanyahu said that Israeli troops were pushing Hezbollah fighters away from the border. "We are talking about a solid security belt, deeper than before, one that prevents the danger of infiltration and pushes back the anti-tank threat," he said. "They are also dealing with the terror villages that were right up against us every terror position, and there were many, has simply been flattened." The Iran-backed Hezbollah said it has been engaged for days in clashes with Israeli forces in Bint Jbeil. Just five kilometres (three miles) from the Israeli border, Bint Jbeil has long been both a symbolic and strategic flashpoint in confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. It was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the 2006 war, when Hezbollah's resistance there became central to the group's narrative of defiance. Intense clashes It was from the stadium in Bint Jbeil in 2000 that the group's former chief Hassan Nasrallah delivered the "Liberation" speech following Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon after 22 years of occupation. "Full operation control of Bint Jbeil will be achieved within days," an Israeli military official told AFP. "At this stage, Hezbollah is limited in Bint Jbeil and can no longer conduct attacks on northern Israeli communities from this area." On Thursday, Hezbollah said it was engaged in "point-blank" clashes with Israeli forces in the town. Since then, the group has repeatedly reported targeting Israeli forces and vehicles there, most recently on Sunday, when the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported "intense clashes" in the town. On Monday, the NNA reported Israeli artillery shelling at the town's entrance. The escalation in Bint Jbeil comes as diplomatic efforts to contain the cross‑border fighting have risen over the past few days. Israeli and Lebanese officials are set to hold talks on Tuesday in Washington to end the war. Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei on February 28. Israel responded with massive strikes and a ground invasion. During a visit to troops in southern Lebanon on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israeli forces had eliminated the threat of an invasion by Hezbollah militants. But he added: "There is still more to do, and we are doing it." Israeli officials have repeatedly said that Israel wants to establish a "security zone" in south Lebanon to help prevent Hezbollah attacks. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 07:07 PM IST | Jerusalem | AFPPope Leo XIV on Monday made it clear that he intends to stay away from political confrontation, including with the administration of Donald Trump, and instead focus on promoting global peace and dialogue, reported ANI. Speaking to reporters aboard his flight to Algeria, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that his role is rooted in faith, not politics. He stated that he has no intention of engaging in debates with political leaders, adding that his mission is to advocate for peace and end ongoing conflicts worldwide, reported ANI. Pope Rejects Political Confrontation Responding to questions about tensions with the US administration, Pope Leo XIV asserted that he is “not a politician” and does not wish to enter into a debate with Donald Trump. He maintained that his responsibility lies in conveying the message of the Gospel rather than participating in political disputes, reported ANI. He further said that people can form their own opinions based on his words, reiterating that his priority remains spiritual guidance and global harmony. Emphasis on Peace, Dialogue and Reconciliation He underlined his continued commitment to speaking out against war and promoting peace through multilateral dialogue. He stressed the importance of building bridges between nations and communities, noting that too many people across the world continue to suffer due to ongoing conflicts, reported ANI. He reiterated that the Church’s message is centred on peace, famously referencing the principle that “blessed are the peacemakers,” and said he would continue advocating reconciliation efforts at the global level. African Visit Aimed at Interfaith Engagement Describing his visit to Algeria as a “blessing,” Pope Leo XIV said the trip is significant not only for him personally but also for the Church and the wider world. He highlighted the importance of fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect, especially in regions with diverse religious communities, reported ANI. The Pope also referred to Saint Augustine, a native of present-day Algeria, calling him a symbolic bridge for interreligious understanding. Notably, Pope Leo XIV has previously identified himself as a spiritual follower of Saint Augustine, reported ANI. Mission Focused on Fraternity in Muslim-Majority Nation The visit marks the first phase of the Pope’s third international apostolic journey. In Algeria, where the Catholic population is small compared to the Muslim majority, the Pontiff’s mission is expected to emphasise fraternity, coexistence, and dialogue among different faiths. Officials indicated that the 10-day tour will focus on strengthening humanitarian and spiritual ties, rather than engaging in political discourse. US Bishops Defend Pope Amid Political Remarks Meanwhile, tensions in the United States have escalated following remarks by Donald Trump targeting the Pope’s views on foreign policy. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) responded by defending the Pontiff. In a statement, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the USCCB, criticised the remarks as inappropriate and divisive, stressing that the Pope should not be viewed through a political lens. He described the Pontiff as the “Vicar of Christ” who speaks from the teachings of the Gospel, reported ANI. Pope Maintains Focus on Global Peace Mission Despite the sharp rhetoric emerging from Washington, Pope Leo XIV remains focused on his international mission. He continues to advocate diplomacy, humanitarian values, and peaceful resolution of conflicts over military intervention. His remarks from the papal flight signal a clear intent to rise above political tensions and prioritise a message of unity, reconciliation, and enduring peace across nations. (With inputs from ANI)
13 April,2026 06:54 PM IST | Algeria | mid-day online correspondentFrench President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom (UK) will jointly lead a multinational initiative aimed at restoring free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainties over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the United States (US) and Iran, news agency ANI reported. In a post on X, Macron said the move is part of broader diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions in the Middle East and ensure long-term regional stability. He emphasised that the mission would be "strictly defensive" and separate from any parties involved in ongoing hostilities. Macron stated that France and the UK will convene a conference in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a "peaceful multinational mission" to safeguard maritime traffic through the vital chokepoint, which is crucial for global energy shipments. "Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we will organise with the United Kingdom, in the coming days, a conference with countries ready to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This strictly defensive mission, distinct from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows," Macron said in his post. He also linked the initiative to wider regional concerns, including Iran's nuclear and ballistic activities and what he described as destabilising actions in the region, despite a two-week ceasefire in place between the US-Israel coalition forces and Iran after over a month of conflict in the region. The French President further said the effort is part of a broader push for diplomatic resolution of conflicts in West Asia, including restoring stability in Lebanon while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. West Asia conflict: 'Solid and lasting resolution in Middle East must be achieved through diplomacy' "No effort must be spared to swiftly achieve a solid and lasting resolution to the conflict in the Middle East through diplomatic means. A resolution that would enable the region to be endowed with a robust framework allowing each party to live in peace and security. To achieve this, all substantive issues must be addressed with lasting solutions, whether concerning Iran's nuclear and ballistic activities or its destabilising actions in the region, but also to enable the resumption, as quickly as possible, of free and unhindered navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to ensure that Lebanon returns to the path of peace in full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity," the post added. Macron reiterated that France is ready to play a "full part" in the initiative, adding that the mission would be deployed once conditions allow. This remark by the French President comes amid escalating geopolitical friction after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) is set to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports. According to CENTCOM, the measures are being implemented under a directive from US President Donald Trump and will apply uniformly to vessels of all nationalities operating in and out of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM clarified that while the measures target port activity associated with Iran, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels transiting between non-Iranian ports would remain unaffected. In response, Iranian authorities strongly criticised the US move, warning that maritime security across the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman would be jeopardised if Iran's security interests were threatened. A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, quoted by state media IRIB, said that Tehran considers safeguarding national sovereignty in its territorial waters a "natural and legal duty", adding that maritime security must be ensured collectively by all regional actors. Iran also reiterated that it would continue to enforce control over access through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted passage, while others would be allowed transit under regulations set by Iranian authorities. (With ANI inputs)
13 April,2026 04:35 PM IST | Paris | mid-day online correspondentChina on Sunday called for unobstructed navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as US President Donald Trump threatened of a total blockade. "Safeguarding the security, stability, and unimpeded passage in the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday, as reported by Xinhua. When asked about Trump's tariff threats if China is found supplying arms aid to Iran, Guo said that tariffs have no winners. "China's position is very clear: tariff wars have no winners," he said, as cited by Global Times. The threats come at a critical time as Trump is anticipated to visit Beijing in mid-May for a high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping. The diplomatic mission was initially planned for early April, but was delayed by the US President, who stated at the time that his presence was required in Washington "to oversee the Iran war." Earlier on April 8, the Chinese government reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability following acknowledgements of its role in facilitating diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East, as reported by China Daily. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Beijing remains dedicated to fostering a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions in the region. The spokesperson's comments came as a direct response to international developments involving the United States and Iran. According to the report, Mao Ning addressed the media after US President Donald Trump credited Beijing with influencing the diplomatic shift, specifically noting that "China had helped bring Iran to the negotiating table." Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit China to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. #Announcement🇷🇺🇨🇳 On April 14-15, FM Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to China & hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.They are expected to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, along with pressing international & regional matters.#RussiaChina pic.twitter.com/ZfYLGmkEe1 — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) April 13, 2026 In a post on X, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, "On April 14-15, FM Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to China & hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They are expected to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, along with pressing international & regional matters." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 03:20 PM IST | Beijing (China) | ANIIran has criticised reported plans by the United States to impose a blockade on its ports, warning that such a move could destabilise maritime security across the region, reported the ANI. Officials said that if Iran’s port security is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf region would remain safe. According to Iranian state media, the armed forces stated that security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be maintained collectively. They stressed that defending Iran’s sovereignty in its territorial waters is both a “natural and legal duty”, adding that any threat to its ports would have wider consequences for all countries in the region. Legal rights According to the Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be upheld collectively, adding that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic consider safeguarding the country's rights and sovereignty in its territorial waters a "natural and legal duty", according to the ANI. "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consider defending the legal rights of our country a natural and legal duty, and accordingly, exercising the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the territorial waters of our country is the natural right of the Iranian nation," the statement read, as quoted by IRIB, the news agency reported. Strait of Hormuz in focus Iran reiterated that it would continue to control access through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. It warned that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be allowed passage, while others could transit under Iranian regulations. The country also indicated plans to establish a long-term mechanism to maintain control over the waterway, as per the ANI. Iran described the proposed blockade as illegal and likened restrictions on ship movement in international waters to “piracy”. The warning follows an announcement by the United States Central Command that it would begin enforcing restrictions on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports. The proposed blockade According to CENTCOM, the blockade would apply to vessels of all nations operating in and out of Iranian ports in the Gulf region. However, it clarified that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for ships travelling to non-Iranian ports would not be affected. Mariners have been advised to follow official updates and maintain communication with US naval forces, the news agency reported. (with ANI inputs)
13 April,2026 03:12 PM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentThe Iran Embassy in Ghana on Monday criticised US President Donald Trump for calling Pope Leo XIV "weak"" after he prayed for peace. In a post on X, the embassy mentioned that Trump paid hush money to a porn star while his wife was pregnant and got convicted for it. "The Pope prayed for peace. Trump tonight called him 'WEAK' and said: 'I don't want a Pope who criticises me!'. Let the record show who this man is: He went to Epstein's island consistently FOR YEARS! He paid hush money to a porn star while his wife was pregnant and got convicted for it. 34 felonies. His missile hit a school full of innocent children in Minab. 168 dead," the Iran Embassy in Ghana posted on X. The Pope prayed for peace. Trump tonight called him "WEAK" and said: "I don't want a Pope who criticizes me!".Let the record show who this man is:He went to Epstein's island consistently FOR YEARS! He paid hush money to a porn star while his wife was pregnant — and got… — Iran in Ghana (@IRAN_GHANA) April 13, 2026 "Six months ago, he said with his own mouth: "I'M NOT HEAVEN-BOUND" (the only honest sentence he's ever said). The Pope lit a candle for your DARK soul. But there are 168 little girls at heaven's gate who got there before you. BECAUSE OF YOU! They'll be the jury. And they remember your name. THE HELL AWAITS YOU, DON," it added. The embassy's statement came after Trump launched a sharp attack on Pope Leo XIV in a lengthy social media post, accusing the pontiff of being “weak on crime” and criticising his stance on foreign policy, Iran, and US domestic issues. “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, setting off a fresh escalation in tensions between the White House and the Vatican. “He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church… had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding Church Services,” Trump wrote. The President also targeted the Pope’s position on Iran, asserting disagreement with what he characterised as leniency. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” he said. Trump further defended US actions abroad, including Venezuela, linking them to concerns over drugs and crime entering the United States. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States,” he wrote, adding that the country was “emptying their prisons… into our Country.” The post also turned personal, with Trump comparing the Pope unfavourably to his brother. “I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!” he said. Trump went on to defend his own presidency, citing electoral victory, crime reduction, and economic performance. “I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History,” he wrote. In a striking claim, Trump suggested the Pope’s election was linked to his own presidency.“ Leo should be thankful because… he was a shocking surprise… If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he said. He also criticised the Pope’s interactions with political figures, singling out former adviser David Axelrod. “Leo should get his act together as Pope… stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician,” Trump added. Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has in recent weeks spoken out against war and called for restraint and dialogue in global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 01:59 PM IST | Accra | IANSUS President Donald Trump said that the rescued airmen from Iran are in a good shape. He said, "They are in very good shape, and we're very proud of them." Trump had said on April 5 that the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations. He said, "WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Office Members, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is SAFE and SOUND!" 🚨“WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Office Members, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I… pic.twitter.com/FNPWV6MPvA — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 5, 2026 The two crew members of the F-15E Strike Eagle, the first lost to enemy fire in the monthlong war, had both ejected from the cockpit on April 3 after Iran's military struck their plane. The jet's pilot was quickly rescued, but its weapons systems officer could not be found, setting off an urgent search with major consequences for Mr. Trump and the war that the United States and Israel launched on February 28, as per New York Times. Trump on April 6 said US authorities are actively searching for a suspected "leaker" who disclosed sensitive information about a second stranded American airman in Iran, warning of legal action against the media outlet involved. Speaking at the White House briefing, Trump said the leak had complicated an ongoing rescue effort. According to him, Iranian authorities were previously unaware of the second pilot's situation. Trump stated that US officials are attempting to identify the source of the disclosure. "We're looking very hard to find that leaker," he said. He further warned that the administration may take legal steps to compel cooperation from the media organisation that published the report. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 01:15 PM IST | Washington DC [US] | ANIHezbollah's Islamic Resistance claimed responsibility for carrying out 43 military operations against Israeli positions and troop concentrations on Sunday, saying the strikes were in response to alleged ceasefire violations and continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon, Iranian State Media Press TV reported. According to Press TV, citing a statement from the militant group, the operations targeted Israeli military sites along the border as well as deeper inside occupied territories, including the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and northern Israel. The attacks included a drone strike on a communications facility at the Al-Alika barracks in the Golan Heights, which it said resulted in a "direct hit". The group also claimed a drone strike on an Israeli Merkava tank near a hospital in Mays al-Jabal in Lebanon. The group further said it launched coordinated drone attacks on Israeli troop gatherings in areas including Al-Bayyada, Yaroun, and Kfar Yuval, along with rocket fire targeting Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya, and the headquarters of Israel's 146th Division, as reported by Press TV. Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for shelling newly established Israeli positions in southern Lebanon and striking additional military sites, including surveillance and command facilities such as the Meron air surveillance base and the Filon base near Rosh Pina. The group said the operations continued from Sunday morning into late night, targeting troop movements and military gatherings in multiple border towns, including Khiam, Bint Jbeil, Taybeh, and Aita al-Shaab, Press TV reported. Hezbollah described the attacks as part of its "duty to defend Lebanon and its people", alleging repeated Israeli violations of ceasefire arrangements. It warned that its operations would continue if what it called Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon persists. "The Islamic Resistance is committed to defending its land and people," the statement said, as quoted by Press TV, adding that the strikes aim to counter what it described as Israel's continued military escalation. According to Al Jazeera, since the beginning of the Israeli offensive on March 2, a total of 2,055 people have been reportedly killed in Lebanon, according to the country's Ministry of Health. The ministry further added that at least 6,588 others have been injured during the same period. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 01:06 PM IST | Beirut [Lebanon] | ANIChina has set up a new county in its volatile Xinjiang province near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border in an apparent move to beef up security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor to curb infiltration of Uyghur separatist militants. The county, named Cenling, is located near the Karakoram mountain range and close to the borders with PoK and Afghanistan, underscoring its strategic significance. It is the third new county established by China in Xinjiang Chinese autonomous region, a predominantly Muslim Uyghur region, in over a year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 April,2026 12:13 PM IST | Beijing | AgenciesThe US and Iran failed to reach a peace deal at their historic 21-hour talks in Pakistan, leaving the fate of a tenuous two-week ceasefire in doubt, with both sides attempting to hold each other responsible for the collapse of the negotiations. Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation at the negotiations in Islamabad, said the Iranian side did not accept Washington’s terms for ending the war even as the US presented its “final and best offer”. He indicated that Tehran’s reluctance to abandon its nuclear programme was one of the key sticking points. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of the Iranian team, said it is for the US to decide whether it can “earn our trust or not”. The Iranian foreign ministry said the US side resorted to “excessive” and “illegal demands”. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 April,2026 11:57 AM IST | Islamabad | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1776087242384_d.png "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File Pic")
-1776073639089_d.png "Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. File Pic")
-1776068776271_d.png "Pope Leo XIV. PIC/AFP")
