Iran has taken a firm stance amid ongoing negotiations with the US, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei declaring that the country “has not forgotten and will not forget” past breaches of promise by the United States, underscoring deep mistrust even as talks continue in Islamabad. In a detailed post on X, Baqaei stated, “Diplomacy for us is the continuation of the sacred jihad of the defenders of the Iranian land. We have not forgotten and will not forget the experiences of America’s breaches of promise and malicious acts. Just as we will not forgive the heinous crimes committed by them and the Zionist regime during the course of the second and third imposed wars.” He described the negotiations as intense and prolonged, noting, “Today was a busy and long day for the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad. The intensive negotiations that began from the morning of Saturday with Pakistan’s benevolent efforts and mediation have continued without interruption until now, and numerous messages and texts have been exchanged between the two sides.” Highlighting the determination of the Iranian delegation, Baqaei added, “The Iranian negotiators are employing all their capabilities, experience, and knowledge to safeguard Iran’s rights and interests. The heavy loss of our great elders, dear ones, and fellow countrymen has made our resolve to pursue the Iranian nation’s interests and rights firmer than ever before.” Reaffirming Iran’s broader stance, he said, “Nothing can or should deter us from pursuing our great historical mission toward our beloved homeland and noble Iranian civilization. The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to utilize all tools, including diplomacy, to secure national interests and protect the country’s well-being.” According to Baqaei, discussions over the past 24 hours covered key issues including the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear programme, war reparations, sanctions relief, and ending ongoing regional conflicts. He stressed, “The success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.” At the conclusion of the latest round of talks, negotiations between Iran and the United States have been extended for another day at Pakistan’s proposal, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions. The talks, which began at 1 p.m. local time on Saturday, lasted over 14 hours and involved continuous exchanges of messages and draft texts. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the extension comes amid continued disagreements, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and other critical issues. The report noted that while some initial progress had been made, “serious” differences persist, largely due to what Iran describes as “illogical and excessive demands” from the US side. 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 02:39 AM IST | Tehran | IANSPolice in London said they had arrested more than 500 pro-Palestinian protesters at a demonstration in support of the banned group Palestine Action on Saturday. Officers carried away activists to cheers and clapping from other demonstrators who gathered for the sit-down demonstration in the capital's Trafalgar Square. The protesters held placards in support of the banned group Palestine Action, making them liable for arrest. 🧵 Updates on the Defend our Juries activity will be shared on this thread.Palestine Action remains a proscribed organisation and any expression of support for it constitutes a criminal offence.https://t.co/KYrG3ZEgBu — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) April 11, 2026 London's Metropolitan Police said on social media platform X just before midnight that they had arrested 523 people aged between 18 and 87. Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July, making it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The High Court in London upheld a challenge to the ban in mid-February, saying it had interfered with the right to freedom of speech. The government has been granted leave to appeal against the decision. London's Metropolitan Police paused arrests in the wake of the High Court ruling before announcing in late March that they would resume. "It's really important to continue to show up," said Freya, 28, manager of a London environmental organisation, one of those sitting towards the front of the crowd of protesters. "It's important that we all continue to oppose genocide... The government might flip-flop in their legal argument but the morals of these people (here) do not change," she said. 'Misguided crackdown' There have been nearly 3,000 arrests since the ban on Palestine Action was imposed, mainly for carrying placards defending it. Hundreds of people are facing charges. Protester Denis MacDermot, 73, from Edinburgh, said he had been arrested before and had no hesitation about turning out again. "I'm a supporter of these great people," he said, waving towards other protesters, adding that if the court process was definitive "there would be no need for all this". Protest organisers Defend Our Juries said hundreds of people had taken part in Saturday's demonstration, protesting against "the UK Government's complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza and the misguided crackdown on peaceful protest at home". Police were "choosing to make arrests despite the government's ban on the group being ruled unlawful by the High Court, and leading lawyers warning that any arrests would be unlawful", it added in a statement. Amnesty UK condemned the arrests as "yet another blow to civil liberties in this country". "The Met rightly said it would stop making arrests. It has now gone back to its old, failed policy - mass arrests of people holding pieces of card, including today an elderly woman with walking sticks," it said in a statement on X. The ban, which put Palestine Action on a blacklist that also includes Palestinian militants Hamas and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, has sparked severe backlash. A judge has put on hold all trials of people charged with supporting Palestine Action, scheduling a blanket review of cases for July 30. Set up in 2020, Palestine Action's stated goal on its now-blocked website is to end "global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime". It has mainly targeted weapons factories, especially those belonging to the Israeli defence group Elbit Systems. 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 02:33 AM IST | London | AgenciesUS President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the American Navy will block all maritime traffic entering the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in tensions with Iran following the collapse of peace talks. In a statement, Trump said US forces would interdict any vessel in international waters found to have paid transit tolls to Tehran, signalling a tougher enforcement posture in one of the world’s most critical energy routes. Trump Accuses Iran of Failing Commitments Outlining the decision, Trump accused Iran of reneging on earlier assurances regarding free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the failure to uphold commitments had caused disruption and uncertainty for global trade and energy markets. The US President also dismissed Iran’s claims about its naval capabilities, asserting that its maritime strength had been significantly weakened. Talks in Islamabad End Without Breakthrough The announcement follows the breakdown of high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad. Despite extended discussions aimed at securing a long-term resolution, both sides failed to reach an agreement, leaving the existing ceasefire in a fragile state. US Vice President J. D. Vance acknowledged that while some progress was made, the talks ultimately ended in a stalemate, which he described as more detrimental to Iran than to the United States. US Navy Presence Signals Strategic Advantage Earlier indications of a potential blockade emerged after Trump shared an analysis suggesting that the US Navy could effectively control maritime movement in the region. The report highlighted the deployment of major assets, including aircraft carriers such as the USS Gerald Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, in the Persian Gulf. These deployments are seen as strengthening Washington’s ability to enforce a blockade and assert control over the crucial shipping lane. Iran Responds, Blames ‘Excessive Demands’ Reacting to the stalled negotiations, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Tehran remains committed to safeguarding its national interests through all available means, including diplomacy. He said the discussions covered key issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and war-related matters, but were hindered by what he described as excessive demands from the opposing side. Global Concerns Rise Over Key Energy Route The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital oil transit chokepoints, and any disruption to shipping in the region could have far-reaching global consequences. With tensions escalating and diplomatic efforts stalled, the situation has raised concerns about stability in the region and the potential impact on international energy supplies and trade routes. (With inputs from Agencies)
12 April,2026 09:54 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentIran’s nationwide internet blackout entered its 44th day on Sunday, setting a global record for the longest disruption of connectivity in a sovereign state, according to data from NetBlocks. The watchdog group stated that the ongoing shutdown has surpassed all previous benchmarks, warning that the human and economic consequences of the prolonged digital isolation continue to intensify. It described the blackout as unprecedented in a modern, connected society. Blackout Imposed After Military Escalation The restrictions were introduced shortly after military strikes involving the United States and Israel, following escalating tensions with Iran. Since then, authorities have maintained a near-total block on external internet access across the country. This is not the first such measure in recent months. Earlier in the year, Iran witnessed another prolonged internet shutdown during widespread anti-government protests, reflecting a pattern of digital control during periods of unrest. Economic, Social Impact of Prolonged Digital Isolation Experts and rights groups have raised concerns over the far-reaching impact of the blackout. With limited access to global communication platforms, businesses, students, and ordinary citizens have faced significant disruption. NetBlocks highlighted that the continued censorship has led to mounting economic losses and social hardships, as essential services and communication channels remain restricted. Iran Signals Distrust as Talks with US Stall The blackout coincides with stalled diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed scepticism over the outcome of recent negotiations, stating that Iran entered the talks with goodwill but lacked trust due to past conflicts. He noted that the opposing side failed to gain the confidence of the Iranian delegation, underscoring the persistent mistrust between the two nations. Diplomacy Continues Despite Deadlock Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the discussions with US officials were among the longest in the past year, lasting over 24 hours. Despite the lack of a final agreement, he emphasised that diplomacy remains ongoing. Baqaei pointed to the complexity of the issues involved, including regional concerns and maritime security, as well as Iran’s nuclear programme. He indicated that while some progress was made on a multi-point proposal, key disagreements prevented a breakthrough. Pakistan’s Role in Mediation Acknowledged Iranian officials also acknowledged the role of Pakistan in facilitating the talks. Both Ghalibaf and Baqaei expressed appreciation for the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir in hosting and supporting the negotiations. Rising Tensions Over Nuclear and Maritime Issues The developments come amid continued tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and strategic control in the region, including concerns related to the Strait of Hormuz. Adding to the pressure, US President Donald Trump recently shared an article suggesting the possibility of a naval blockade against Iran, further signalling the deepening deadlock between the two sides. As diplomatic efforts remain inconclusive and digital restrictions persist, Iran continues to face both internal disruption and external geopolitical pressure. (With inputs from ANI)
12 April,2026 05:09 PM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentWidespread condemnation followed a deadly gun attack at a shrine in Afghanistan’s Injil district, where armed assailants opened fire on civilians, killing and injuring several people. The incident took place in Herat province and has raised fresh concerns over the safety of minority communities in the region, reported news agency IANS. According to local reports, gunmen on motorcycles targeted worshippers at close range after allegedly separating men from women. Several victims are believed to belong to the Shia community. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers looted victims before opening fire and fleeing the scene, reported IANS. European Union Condemns ‘Heinous Attack’ The European Union strongly condemned the violence, calling it an unjustifiable act of terror against civilians. In a statement, the EU expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and extended solidarity to those affected by the attack, reported IANS. The EU reiterated its stance against all forms of violence targeting civilians, regardless of the perpetrators, and stressed the need for accountability. UN Calls for Independent Investigation Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, called for a thorough and independent investigation into the incident. He noted that the attack appears to follow a troubling pattern of violence targeting Shia community members, reported IANS. Bennett emphasised that those responsible must be brought to justice, underlining the importance of accountability in preventing further such incidents, reported IANS. Hamid Karzai Terms Attack ‘Crime Against Humanity’ Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a crime against humanity. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of those injured, reported IANS. Karzai also highlighted that women and children were among the victims, underscoring the brutality of the assault on civilians. Conflicting Casualty Figures, Rising Concerns Over Safety Reports indicate discrepancies in casualty figures, with hospital sources suggesting higher numbers than official accounts. The lack of clarity has added to concerns surrounding transparency and the scale of the attack, reported IANS. In recent years, western Afghanistan has witnessed repeated incidents of violence targeting minority communities, particularly Shia groups. The latest attack has once again brought attention to the persistent security challenges in the region. The incident underscores growing fears of recurring targeted violence, even as international voices call for urgent measures to ensure civilian protection and accountability. (With inputs from IANS)
12 April,2026 04:38 PM IST | Kabul | mid-day online correspondentPakistan’s power regulator, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), has increased electricity tariffs by Rs 1.42 per unit under the monthly fuel cost adjustment mechanism, adding to the financial strain on consumers already grappling with rising fuel prices, reported IANS. The hike is linked to variations in fuel costs recorded in February 2026 and will be reflected in electricity bills issued in April. The move is expected to impose an additional burden of approximately Rs 10.57 billion on consumers nationwide, according to media reports, reported IANS. Consumers Hit Amid Rising Cost of Living The tariff increase comes at a time when households are already dealing with escalating living costs. With fuel prices on the rise, the latest revision in electricity rates has created a double impact, affecting both transportation and household expenses. Analysts note that while the government has introduced certain austerity measures in response to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, these steps have done little to shield ordinary citizens from rising costs. Consumers continue to face higher expenses both at fuel stations and in their monthly utility bills, reported IANS. Industry Warns of Mounting Financial Pressure The hike has also raised concerns within Pakistan’s industrial sector. A representative from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) warned that continued increases in energy costs could severely impact industrial sustainability, reported IANS. According to estimates, the industrial sector has already borne a cumulative burden of Rs 564.7 billion over the past three years. Stakeholders fear that additional tariff hikes may further erode competitiveness and hinder economic growth, reported IANS. Long-Standing Structural Issues in Power Sector Experts point out that Pakistan’s energy challenges are not new and predate current geopolitical tensions. Structural inefficiencies, including transmission and distribution losses, continue to weigh heavily on the power sector. During the financial year 2024–25, Pakistan’s power distribution companies reportedly suffered combined losses of around Rs 397 billion due to inefficiencies and poor bill recovery. These systemic issues remain largely unresolved and continue to drive up costs for consumers. Uncertain Global Energy Outlook Adds to Concerns The global energy market remains uncertain, with fluctuating fuel prices adding to the volatility. This uncertainty is expected to keep pressure on Pakistan’s power tariffs in the coming months, reported IANS. Experts also highlight concerns over fixed capacity payments to power producers, which must be made regardless of actual electricity generation, as well as the underutilisation of power plants. Addressing these issues, they say, is critical to achieving long-term stability in the energy sector, reported IANS. For now, however, consumers and businesses alike appear set to bear the brunt of rising electricity and fuel costs, with limited relief in sight. (With inputs from IANS)
12 April,2026 04:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentResidents of Rawalpindi faced significant disruptions over the weekend as markets across the city remained shut following directives from the district administration. The closures were enforced due to heightened security arrangements linked to ongoing talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, reported IANS. Key areas including Peshawar Road, Murree Road, and localities bordering Islamabad were among the worst affected. According to local reports, all commercial establishments — including milk shops, bakeries, tandoors, and grocery outlets — remained closed. Even the main grain market in Raja Bazaar did not operate during this period, reported IANS. Traders Say Closure Ordered by Administration Leaders of the local traders’ body confirmed that shopkeepers were instructed to keep their establishments shut on both Saturday and Sunday. The directive, they said, came directly from district authorities as part of precautionary measures during the high-profile diplomatic engagement, reported IANS. Residents Struggle to Access Essentials The shutdown led to widespread inconvenience for residents, who struggled to procure daily essentials such as milk, vegetables, and bread. Many were forced to search for basic food items in inner lanes and smaller outlets that remained partially accessible. Some residents reported difficulties in preparing meals at home due to low gas pressure in several parts of the city, compounding the challenges created by the market closures. The unavailability of vegetables and staple items added to the hardship faced by families, reported IANS. Transport Shortage Adds to Public Distress Commuters also faced problems due to a shortage of public transport on the roads. With fewer vehicles operating, taxi and rickshaw drivers reportedly charged higher fares, taking advantage of the situation. Passengers complained of inflated pricing and limited availability of transport options, reported IANS. Talks Fail to Yield Agreement, US Signals Tough Stand The market shutdown coincided with prolonged negotiations between the United States and Iran, which ultimately failed to produce an agreement. US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that despite more than 20 hours of discussions, both sides could not reach a consensus, reported IANS. He indicated that while there were substantive exchanges, Iran did not agree to the terms proposed by the US. Vance reiterated that Washington’s primary objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability and securing long-term assurances on the issue, reported IANS. Situation Highlights Civilian Impact of Security Measures While authorities imposed restrictions citing security concerns, the situation in Rawalpindi underscores the broader impact such measures can have on everyday life. With essential services disrupted and mobility restricted, residents bore the brunt of the precautionary shutdown, reported IANS. The developments reflect how geopolitical events and security considerations can directly affect civilian life, particularly in densely populated urban centres like Rawalpindi. (With inputs from IANS)
12 April,2026 04:09 PM IST | Islamabad | mid-day online correspondentIt all started when this unidentified 58-year-old Greek woman was working outdoors and grazing sheep. She noticed a bunch of flies swarming around her face, but she did not pay them that much heed. A week later, she began to experience pain in her sinuses after which she was coughing a lot for the next few weeks, but she had no other symptoms. One day, she sneezed out a worm. Ach(ew)! This led to the surgical removal of ten larvae and a pupa from the big sinuses on the side of her nose. The woman made a full recovery, and fortunately, none of her co-workers came forward with similar symptoms. The sheep bot fly typically grows in the nasal passages of sheep and goats. PIC/ISTOCK These dislodged critters were baby sheep bot flies, which is a parasite that is known to reside in the nasal passages of sheep and goats, but never really in humans. Up until now. Healthy, well-functioning sinuses are not really an ideal landing pad for these flies, since there are certain biological elements that create unfit conditions for the development of the pupa. Doctors believe that in this case specifically, the patient’s septum deviation fully changed the environment of the sinuses and made it a cozy shelter for the larvae. Run-believable! An animal café in Thailand reports a runaway ostrich on a busy highway The ostrich ran about 15 kilometres after its escape. PIC/THAILANDBLOG Isara Boriboon, owner of a cat café in Bang Lamung, Thailand, said that one of his two five-month old ostriches went through an open gate and followed a cement truck all the way to a highway. These ostriches normally roam around the café, and never strayed onto public roads. According to Isara, the ostrich ran for around 15 km before it was captured and rescued. The ostrich caused traffic delays, with vehicles backed up for one kilometre. Officers spent two hours in catching the bird who was finally contained and returned home uninjured. Those stuck in traffic had a truly unbelievable excuse that day! Parrot-marine PIC/REDDIT @R/INTERESTING Who said only humans could explore the deep seas? A pet parrot is going viral as the newest adventurer in the Bahamas. Bebe, the parrot is seen inside a bird-sized submarine that was custom built just for him by his owner, Steven Lawyer. The miniature submarine was engineered with safety measures, with multiple test runs before the final ocean dive. That’s fortune-ate PIC/ODDITY CENTRAL Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman had his future predicted by a fortune cookie in 2017, which predicted his voyage to the moon by saying that he would travel to a “strange place.” In a post on X, which has now gone viral, Wiseman mentioned that he chose to “believe the fortune” and that this so-called visit to a strange place would hopefully be the moon! Where’s Jessica? Parents have a fun, new trick to get their toddlers to stop crying. Videos of parents shouting the name “Jessica” while their child is in the middle of a meltdown are circulating, and the funny thing is, it actually seems to work to stop kids from crying and screaming. Give them a break After thousands of Kit Kat bars vanished mysteriously in Europe, this candy giant is not here to play. Kit Kats now have presidential-level protection. Security escorts, in-store guards, and SUV convoys to make sure the candy makes it safely from truck to checkout line. Delivered by air A passenger on a Caribbean Airlines flight from Jamaica to New York gave birth just as the flight was landing at John F Kennedy Airport. The ground control worker at the time jokingly suggested that she should name her kid “Kennedy”. However, there is an ongoing debate about the newborn’s nationality, as lawyers say the baby’s nationality depends on the exact airspace location at the time of birth. Cham cham cham! PIC/INSTAGRAM@kalitaku Talk about a DIY queen! ’Chella attendee Kalita Hon cooked up a fashion statement for the ages with a dress made entirely out of jewellery. The outfit was so delicate that she had to Saran wrap it on a mannequin to transport it to the desert. Imagine having to explain that to TSA officials!
12 April,2026 04:04 PM IST | Los Angeles | AgenciesArtemis II astronauts on Saturday expressed awe over their record-setting lunar flyby mission, calling for unity on Earth after witnessing the planet’s isolation as a “lifeboat” in space, news agency AFP reported. The crew made the remarks at a news conference as NASA marked the success of the mission, taking a victory lap following its completion. The astronauts completed the first slingshot around the Moon in more than 50 years and travelled deeper into space than any humans before, culminating in a smooth splashdown off the coast of California on Friday. Flanked by mission commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen, astronaut Christina Koch called for humanity on Earth to recognise its shared existence. “What struck me wasn't necessarily just Earth, it was all the blackness around it. Earth was just this lifeboat hanging undisturbingly in the universe,” said Koch. “There's one new thing I know and that is: Planet Earth -- you are a crew.” Astronauts highlight milestones as Artemis II captures stunning lunar visuals Hansen urged supporters of the Artemis mission to see themselves reflected in the crew of four, which achieved multiple milestones: Glover became the first person of colour to fly around the Moon, Koch the first woman, and Canadian Hansen the first non-American. “I would suggest to you that when you look up here, you're not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you,” Hansen said, adding, “And if you like what you see, then just look a little deeper. This is you.” During their deep-space journey and lunar flyby, the Artemis astronauts captured thousands of photographs, creating a significant visual record of the mission. They also observed a solar eclipse along with meteorite impacts on the lunar surface. “Artemis II will always be remembered. It was the moment we all saw the moon again, where childhood dreams became missions. You helped the world start believing again, and this is something no one's ever going to forget,” NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said. Artemis II marks the first crewed mission under NASA’s programme aimed at establishing a sustained presence on the Moon, including the eventual construction of a base for further exploration, including missions to Mars. NASA is aiming for a potential crewed return to the lunar surface as early as 2028. (With AFP inputs)
12 April,2026 11:51 AM IST | Houston | mid-day online correspondentThe US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday said that two of its naval ships had begun efforts to clear sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that was promptly denied by Iran, Al Jazeera reported. CENTCOM said that USS Frank E Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure that the waterway is free of sea mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), news agency ANI reported. “Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said in a statement. On Saturday, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters rejected the US claim, according to Al Jazeera. “The claim by the CENTCOM commander regarding the approach and entry of American vessels into the Strait of Hormuz is strongly denied,” the spokesperson said. “The initiative for the passage and movement of any vessel is in the hands of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The IRGC also warned of “a strong response” to any military vessels passing through the strait, as per the report. Key trade route remains flashpoint as US-Iran talks fail to yield agreement The Strait of Hormuz has remained a key flashpoint between the two countries, with Iran effectively restricting movement through the crucial waterway, allowing only limited vessel traffic on a daily basis. “The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and an essential trade corridor that supports regional and global economic prosperity. Additional US forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days,” the CENTCOM statement added. The developments come amid ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, which have so far failed to yield a breakthrough. After nearly 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement had been reached, adding that the outcome was “bad news for Iran” more than for the United States. Addressing reporters, Vance said that while several substantive discussions took place during the talks, they did not lead to a conclusion. “We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America.” (With ANI inputs)
12 April,2026 11:21 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentA 20-year-old man suspected of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s San Francisco home and making threats at the company’s headquarters was arrested Friday, police and the company said. Officers went to the home for a fire investigation shortly after 4 am Friday, where someone had thrown an incendiary device, setting an exterior gate on fire, and then fled on foot, police said. Less than an hour later, police were called to a business in a different part of town where a man had reportedly threatened to burn down the building. Officers recognised the man as the same suspect and detained him, the police department posted on social media. Police haven’t publicly identified the man. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, released a statement confirming that the home belongs to Altman and that the threats were made at the company’s headquarters. No one was hurt in the incident, the company said, and OpenAI is assisting in the investigation. Charges have not yet been filed. 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
12 April,2026 10:39 AM IST | San Francisco | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
