Welcome to WION World News with Supriya Srivastava. Here are the top international and national headlines making news.

Iran's president acknowledges the growing problems faced by citizens as the United States imposes a new wave of sanctions aimed at further isolating Iran's economy.

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomes Nordic and Baltic leaders in Kyiv as the country marks National Flag Day, with important talks and announcements expected.

Iran's Foreign Ministry says Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, peace and regional security.

US President Donald Trump again shares an image depicting the Strait of Hormuz as a US territory, while Iran reiterates that the crucial maritime corridor will remain closed until Washington changes its position.

In Jammu and Kashmir, three people trapped in the Chenab River in Akhnoor are rescued by Indian Army and paramilitary forces after a sudden rise in water levels and strong currents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on India's space startups to show greater courage in the emerging sector and create an environment capable of attracting global talent.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia faces growing challenges in exporting oil through the Red Sea as Houthi threats disrupt shipping. Riyadh has shifted some crude exports north via Yanbu, while Egypt is using alternative routes to bypass the disruption and maintain exports.

Stay tuned for the latest global news, geopolitical developments and breaking headlines.

Iran Sanctions | Ukraine Flag Day | Hormuz Tensions | J&K Rescue | Saudi Oil Crisis | U.S. News 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday (Apr 22) appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts to resolve the devastating West Asia war, even as the diplomatic path toward a second round of peace talks remains uncertain. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei was quoted by news agency AFP as stating that Tehran "values and appreciates" the initiatives taken by Islamabad to establish regional stability. The remarks come as Pakistan continues its role as a pivotal "bridge" between the US and Iran, following the expiration of a critical two-week ceasefire earlier this morning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-lebanon-talks-envoys-to-hold-talks-in-washington-as-ceasefire-deadline-nears-1776879882673/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-lebanon-talks-envoys-to-hold-talks-in-washington-as-ceasefire-deadline-nears-1776879882673/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The spokesperson’s gratitude was tempered by a firm stance on national security. While thanking Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar for their "tireless" shuttle diplomacy, Baghaei emphasised that Iran’s future participation in negotiations remains conditional. "We appreciate Pakistan’s efforts to end this imposed war," Baghaei said, referring to the conflict that erupted in February 2026.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2-pakistani-astronauts-selected-for-china-s-manned-space-mission-to-undergo-training-1776873777161">2 Pakistani astronauts selected for China’s space mission, to undergo training</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the high-level thanks, Tehran has yet to formally commit to the second phase of the Islamabad talks. Originally scheduled to begin today (Apr 22), the talks hit a wall after the US seizure of the Iranian-flagged vessel Touska and continued naval blockade actions Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labelled as "flagrant violations" of the truce.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-security-alert-forces-press-evacuation-from-outdoor-positions-by-secret-service-1776878157084">White House security alert forces press evacuation from outdoor positions by Secret Service</a>&nbsp;Pakistan is currently navigating a severe energy crisis linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, has a massive stake in the success of these talks. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar noted that while Islamabad has made "all arrangements" to host the delegations, the diplomatic momentum is currently stalled by "contradictory messages" from Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei formally expressed appreciation for Pakistan's mediation efforts on Wednesday, while the fate of the second round of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad remains uncertain.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday (Apr 22) appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts to resolve the devastating West Asia war, even as the diplomatic path toward a second round of peace talks remains uncertain. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei was quoted by news agency AFP as stating that Tehran "values and appreciates" the initiatives taken by Islamabad to establish regional stability. The remarks come as Pakistan continues its role as a pivotal "bridge" between the US and Iran, following the expiration of a critical two-week ceasefire earlier this morning. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-lebanon-talks-envoys-to-hold-talks-in-washington-as-ceasefire-deadline-nears-1776879882673/embed The spokesperson’s gratitude was tempered by a firm stance on national security. While thanking Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar for their "tireless" shuttle diplomacy, Baghaei emphasised that Iran’s future participation in negotiations remains conditional. "We appreciate Pakistan’s efforts to end this imposed war," Baghaei said, referring to the conflict that erupted in February 2026. Also read: 2 Pakistani astronauts selected for China’s space mission, to undergo training Despite the high-level thanks, Tehran has yet to formally commit to the second phase of the Islamabad talks. Originally scheduled to begin today (Apr 22), the talks hit a wall after the US seizure of the Iranian-flagged vessel Touska and continued naval blockade actions Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labelled as "flagrant violations" of the truce. Also read: White House security alert forces press evacuation from outdoor positions by Secret Service Pakistan is currently navigating a severe energy crisis linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, has a massive stake in the success of these talks. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar noted that while Islamabad has made "all arrangements" to host the delegations, the diplomatic momentum is currently stalled by "contradictory messages" from Washington.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei formally expressed appreciation for Pakistan's mediation efforts on Wednesday, while the fate of the second round of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad remains uncertain.

Tehran praises Islamabad's mediation role amid stalled US-Iran peace talks

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Iran Sanctions | Ukraine Flag Day | Hormuz Tensions | J&K Rescue | Saudi Oil Crisis | U.S. News

Tehran praises Islamabad's mediation role amid stalled US-Iran peace talks