US-Israel-Iran war HIGHLIGHTS: Vance has not departed for Iran talks, says White House

“The EU has reached the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation”, said Kaja Kallas,Vice-President of the European Commission.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, received US charge d'affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, in Islamabad. he then took to X to write, "stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urged both sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance." 

Iran foreign ministry spokesperson says US moves against two Iranian vessels amount to 'piracy at sea and state terrorism' and questions US seriousness in negotiating.

"Since the start of the U.S. blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, U.S. forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port, says CENTCOM.

White House says Vice president JD Vance has not departed for Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. He will be participating in additional policy meetings in the White House.

Lebanon on Tuesday raised the toll from six weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah to 2,454 dead as a fragile 10-day ceasefire holds.

Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad peace talks is still awaited, said Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan Minister of Information and Broadcasting
 

Donald Trump declared on Tuesday (Apr 21) that the US holds a "very, very strong" position as it prepares for a high-stakes second round of talks with Iran in Pakistan. However, the US president’s optimistic rhetoric was tempered by a stark warning: if a deal is not reached before the current 14-day ceasefire expires on Wednesday (Apr 22), "lots of bombs" will begin to fall. Speaking in an interview with news outlet CNBC, the President signalled that while he is dispatching a heavyweight delegation to Islamabad led by US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, his patience for diplomacy is wearing thin.

Painful surges in oil prices are spurring countries to quickly rethink how to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as shortage risks from war in the Middle East grow greater by the day.

Britain's government on Tuesday was the latest to unveil its plans, vowing to "massively expand renewables" as a way of bolstering energy security while denting the impact of higher electricity and petrol costs.

Around 60 governments worldwide have announced strategic responses or reviews since US and Israeli forces began striking Iran on February 28, according to Carbon Brief, a specialised news site.

Using data from the International Energy Agency, Carbon Brief found many countries promising short-term relief such as cuts on fuel taxes or warning of rationing of fossil fuels.

But others have responded with plans to accelerate their green energy transitions toward low-carbon sources.

The US Defense Department said Tuesday that its forces intercepted and boarded a "stateless sanctioned" vessel as part of Washington's efforts against networks that provide support to Iran.

"Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility," the department posted on its X page.

The statement said the United States was determined "to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran -- anywhere they operate."

The exact location of the operation was not made clear. INDOPACOM is the US Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees a broad region that includes the Pacific and Indian oceans.

The Tifani is a "Botswana-flagged tanker," according to the intelligence firm Vanguard Tech, which said the vessel was intercepted in the Indian Ocean.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Iran it could boost the chances of success in peace talks with the United States by freeing eight women that he said face execution.

"I would greatly appreciate the release of these women," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Would be a great start to our negotiations!"

Trump's statement accompanied a re-posting of a claim on X by a pro-Israel youth activist in the United States, Eyal Yakoby, that eight women faced death by hanging. That claim, which did not give names but posted photographs of eight women, could not be immediately verified.

Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he does not want to extend the ceasefire, which is scheduled to expire on Wednesday. “We don’t have that much time,” he said in an interview with CNBC. “Iran can get itself on a very good footing if they make a deal,” he said, and added that Iranian officials have “no choice” but to negotiate.

Trump said on Tuesday that the US is in a 'very, very strong' position for Iran talks. 

Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun has justified engaging in negotiations with Israel, describing diplomacy as a form of “war without bloodshed” while addressing local representatives from southern Lebanon’s Jezzine district. In a post on X, he stressed that talks do not signal surrender but are aimed at resolving issues, urging citizens to support the state during a crucial period. He outlined key priorities for any potential agreement, including ending Israeli attacks, securing a withdrawal, and ensuring the return of detainees.

During a meeting in Beijing with Daniel Chapo, Xi Jinping said China is ready to collaborate with African nations to manage the wider impacts of the Middle East conflict. "The spillover effects of the Middle East conflict are affecting African countries, and China is willing to work with local [countries] to respond together, promote peace together, and pursue development together,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Amid the United States naval blockade, the US Central Command shared visuals as aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received supplies in the Arabian Sea during a vertical replenishment with supply ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) on Sunday (Apr 18). The aircraft carrier has been operating in the region since, enforcing the US blockade on vessels attempting to enter and leave Iranian ports. This comes days after reports surfaced claiming a shortage of food supplies on the US warships amid the Iran war.

See pics here.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 21) accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times”. This comes days ahead of expected truce talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. In a short Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!”

Read full story here.

French Budget Minister David Amiel says that “€6 billion in spending could be cut” to offset the cost of the war in the Middle East, in remarks following a meeting of the Public Finance Alert Committee at the Ministry of Finance in Paris.

Iran’s High Council for Human Rights has condemned US and Israeli attacks on religious, cultural and historical sites across the country, saying the attacks reveal a deliberate attempt to destroy symbols of religious minorities in Iran, according to state news agency IRNA.

MP Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani, who sits on the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, has cast further doubt on the prospects of talks with the US.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Israel’s conduct in Lebanon is “completely unacceptable” and called for a partial suspension of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country's campaign in Lebanon relied on diplomatic and military pressure to disarm Iran-allied Hezbollah. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has asserted that the current administration is on the verge of securing a historic diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News, Leavitt credited the progress to the unique approach adopted by the US President, contrasting it with previous diplomatic efforts.

ran’s army says tanker entered territorial waters from Arabian Sea with Iranian Navy support, says state TV.

China’s Foreign Ministry in a statement said that it hopes that transit in the Strait of Hormuz will return to normal soon.

Iranian state television said on Tuesday (Apr 21) that no Iranian delegation had yet departed for talks with the United States in Pakistan. "So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation; primary or secondary," state TV said, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.

JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday (April 21), Al Jazeera reported. He is expected to depart Washington, DC, on Tuesday evening Pakistan time, arriving in the Pakistani capital by late morning or early afternoon on Wednesday.

Russia has lifted restrictions on flights over Iranian airspace and resumed overflights, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) said on Monday, reversing measures that had been in place since late February amid heightened regional tensions.
 

“The EU has reached the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation”, said Kaja Kallas,Vice-President of the European Commission.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, received US charge d'affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, in Islamabad. he then took to X to write, "stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urged both sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance." 

Iran foreign ministry spokesperson says US moves against two Iranian vessels amount to 'piracy at sea and state terrorism' and questions US seriousness in negotiating.

"Since the start of the U.S. blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, U.S. forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port, says CENTCOM.

White House says Vice president JD Vance has not departed for Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. He will be participating in additional policy meetings in the White House.

Lebanon on Tuesday raised the toll from six weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah to 2,454 dead as a fragile 10-day ceasefire holds.

Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad peace talks is still awaited, said Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan Minister of Information and Broadcasting
 

Donald Trump declared on Tuesday (Apr 21) that the US holds a "very, very strong" position as it prepares for a high-stakes second round of talks with Iran in Pakistan. However, the US president’s optimistic rhetoric was tempered by a stark warning: if a deal is not reached before the current 14-day ceasefire expires on Wednesday (Apr 22), "lots of bombs" will begin to fall. Speaking in an interview with news outlet CNBC, the President signalled that while he is dispatching a heavyweight delegation to Islamabad led by US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, his patience for diplomacy is wearing thin.

Painful surges in oil prices are spurring countries to quickly rethink how to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as shortage risks from war in the Middle East grow greater by the day.

Britain's government on Tuesday was the latest to unveil its plans, vowing to "massively expand renewables" as a way of bolstering energy security while denting the impact of higher electricity and petrol costs.

Around 60 governments worldwide have announced strategic responses or reviews since US and Israeli forces began striking Iran on February 28, according to Carbon Brief, a specialised news site.

Using data from the International Energy Agency, Carbon Brief found many countries promising short-term relief such as cuts on fuel taxes or warning of rationing of fossil fuels.

But others have responded with plans to accelerate their green energy transitions toward low-carbon sources.

The US Defense Department said Tuesday that its forces intercepted and boarded a "stateless sanctioned" vessel as part of Washington's efforts against networks that provide support to Iran.

"Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility," the department posted on its X page.

The statement said the United States was determined "to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran -- anywhere they operate."

The exact location of the operation was not made clear. INDOPACOM is the US Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees a broad region that includes the Pacific and Indian oceans.

The Tifani is a "Botswana-flagged tanker," according to the intelligence firm Vanguard Tech, which said the vessel was intercepted in the Indian Ocean.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Iran it could boost the chances of success in peace talks with the United States by freeing eight women that he said face execution.

"I would greatly appreciate the release of these women," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Would be a great start to our negotiations!"

Trump's statement accompanied a re-posting of a claim on X by a pro-Israel youth activist in the United States, Eyal Yakoby, that eight women faced death by hanging. That claim, which did not give names but posted photographs of eight women, could not be immediately verified.

Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he does not want to extend the ceasefire, which is scheduled to expire on Wednesday. “We don’t have that much time,” he said in an interview with CNBC. “Iran can get itself on a very good footing if they make a deal,” he said, and added that Iranian officials have “no choice” but to negotiate.

Trump said on Tuesday that the US is in a 'very, very strong' position for Iran talks. 

Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun has justified engaging in negotiations with Israel, describing diplomacy as a form of “war without bloodshed” while addressing local representatives from southern Lebanon’s Jezzine district. In a post on X, he stressed that talks do not signal surrender but are aimed at resolving issues, urging citizens to support the state during a crucial period. He outlined key priorities for any potential agreement, including ending Israeli attacks, securing a withdrawal, and ensuring the return of detainees.

During a meeting in Beijing with Daniel Chapo, Xi Jinping said China is ready to collaborate with African nations to manage the wider impacts of the Middle East conflict. "The spillover effects of the Middle East conflict are affecting African countries, and China is willing to work with local [countries] to respond together, promote peace together, and pursue development together,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Amid the United States naval blockade, the US Central Command shared visuals as aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received supplies in the Arabian Sea during a vertical replenishment with supply ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) on Sunday (Apr 18). The aircraft carrier has been operating in the region since, enforcing the US blockade on vessels attempting to enter and leave Iranian ports. This comes days after reports surfaced claiming a shortage of food supplies on the US warships amid the Iran war.

See pics here.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 21) accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times”. This comes days ahead of expected truce talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. In a short Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!”

Read full story here.

French Budget Minister David Amiel says that “€6 billion in spending could be cut” to offset the cost of the war in the Middle East, in remarks following a meeting of the Public Finance Alert Committee at the Ministry of Finance in Paris.

Iran’s High Council for Human Rights has condemned US and Israeli attacks on religious, cultural and historical sites across the country, saying the attacks reveal a deliberate attempt to destroy symbols of religious minorities in Iran, according to state news agency IRNA.

MP Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani, who sits on the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, has cast further doubt on the prospects of talks with the US.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Israel’s conduct in Lebanon is “completely unacceptable” and called for a partial suspension of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country's campaign in Lebanon relied on diplomatic and military pressure to disarm Iran-allied Hezbollah. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has asserted that the current administration is on the verge of securing a historic diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News, Leavitt credited the progress to the unique approach adopted by the US President, contrasting it with previous diplomatic efforts.

ran’s army says tanker entered territorial waters from Arabian Sea with Iranian Navy support, says state TV.

China’s Foreign Ministry in a statement said that it hopes that transit in the Strait of Hormuz will return to normal soon.

Iranian state television said on Tuesday (Apr 21) that no Iranian delegation had yet departed for talks with the United States in Pakistan. "So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation; primary or secondary," state TV said, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.

JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday (April 21), Al Jazeera reported. He is expected to depart Washington, DC, on Tuesday evening Pakistan time, arriving in the Pakistani capital by late morning or early afternoon on Wednesday.

Russia has lifted restrictions on flights over Iranian airspace and resumed overflights, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) said on Monday, reversing measures that had been in place since late February amid heightened regional tensions.
 

“The EU has reached the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation”, said Kaja Kallas,Vice-President of the European Commission.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, received US charge d'affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, in Islamabad. he then took to X to write, "stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urged both sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance." 

Iran foreign ministry spokesperson says US moves against two Iranian vessels amount to 'piracy at sea and state terrorism' and questions US seriousness in negotiating.

"Since the start of the U.S. blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, U.S. forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port, says CENTCOM.

White House says Vice president JD Vance has not departed for Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. He will be participating in additional policy meetings in the White House.

Lebanon on Tuesday raised the toll from six weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah to 2,454 dead as a fragile 10-day ceasefire holds.

Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad peace talks is still awaited, said Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan Minister of Information and Broadcasting
 

Donald Trump declared on Tuesday (Apr 21) that the US holds a "very, very strong" position as it prepares for a high-stakes second round of talks with Iran in Pakistan. However, the US president’s optimistic rhetoric was tempered by a stark warning: if a deal is not reached before the current 14-day ceasefire expires on Wednesday (Apr 22), "lots of bombs" will begin to fall. Speaking in an interview with news outlet CNBC, the President signalled that while he is dispatching a heavyweight delegation to Islamabad led by US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, his patience for diplomacy is wearing thin.

Painful surges in oil prices are spurring countries to quickly rethink how to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as shortage risks from war in the Middle East grow greater by the day.

Britain's government on Tuesday was the latest to unveil its plans, vowing to "massively expand renewables" as a way of bolstering energy security while denting the impact of higher electricity and petrol costs.

Around 60 governments worldwide have announced strategic responses or reviews since US and Israeli forces began striking Iran on February 28, according to Carbon Brief, a specialised news site.

Using data from the International Energy Agency, Carbon Brief found many countries promising short-term relief such as cuts on fuel taxes or warning of rationing of fossil fuels.

But others have responded with plans to accelerate their green energy transitions toward low-carbon sources.

The US Defense Department said Tuesday that its forces intercepted and boarded a "stateless sanctioned" vessel as part of Washington's efforts against networks that provide support to Iran.

"Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility," the department posted on its X page.

The statement said the United States was determined "to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran -- anywhere they operate."

The exact location of the operation was not made clear. INDOPACOM is the US Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees a broad region that includes the Pacific and Indian oceans.

The Tifani is a "Botswana-flagged tanker," according to the intelligence firm Vanguard Tech, which said the vessel was intercepted in the Indian Ocean.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Iran it could boost the chances of success in peace talks with the United States by freeing eight women that he said face execution.

"I would greatly appreciate the release of these women," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Would be a great start to our negotiations!"

Trump's statement accompanied a re-posting of a claim on X by a pro-Israel youth activist in the United States, Eyal Yakoby, that eight women faced death by hanging. That claim, which did not give names but posted photographs of eight women, could not be immediately verified.

Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he does not want to extend the ceasefire, which is scheduled to expire on Wednesday. “We don’t have that much time,” he said in an interview with CNBC. “Iran can get itself on a very good footing if they make a deal,” he said, and added that Iranian officials have “no choice” but to negotiate.

Trump said on Tuesday that the US is in a 'very, very strong' position for Iran talks. 

Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun has justified engaging in negotiations with Israel, describing diplomacy as a form of “war without bloodshed” while addressing local representatives from southern Lebanon’s Jezzine district. In a post on X, he stressed that talks do not signal surrender but are aimed at resolving issues, urging citizens to support the state during a crucial period. He outlined key priorities for any potential agreement, including ending Israeli attacks, securing a withdrawal, and ensuring the return of detainees.

During a meeting in Beijing with Daniel Chapo, Xi Jinping said China is ready to collaborate with African nations to manage the wider impacts of the Middle East conflict. "The spillover effects of the Middle East conflict are affecting African countries, and China is willing to work with local [countries] to respond together, promote peace together, and pursue development together,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Amid the United States naval blockade, the US Central Command shared visuals as aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received supplies in the Arabian Sea during a vertical replenishment with supply ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) on Sunday (Apr 18). The aircraft carrier has been operating in the region since, enforcing the US blockade on vessels attempting to enter and leave Iranian ports. This comes days after reports surfaced claiming a shortage of food supplies on the US warships amid the Iran war.

See pics here.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 21) accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times”. This comes days ahead of expected truce talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. In a short Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!”

Read full story here.

French Budget Minister David Amiel says that “€6 billion in spending could be cut” to offset the cost of the war in the Middle East, in remarks following a meeting of the Public Finance Alert Committee at the Ministry of Finance in Paris.

Iran’s High Council for Human Rights has condemned US and Israeli attacks on religious, cultural and historical sites across the country, saying the attacks reveal a deliberate attempt to destroy symbols of religious minorities in Iran, according to state news agency IRNA.

MP Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani, who sits on the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, has cast further doubt on the prospects of talks with the US.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Israel’s conduct in Lebanon is “completely unacceptable” and called for a partial suspension of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country's campaign in Lebanon relied on diplomatic and military pressure to disarm Iran-allied Hezbollah. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has asserted that the current administration is on the verge of securing a historic diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News, Leavitt credited the progress to the unique approach adopted by the US President, contrasting it with previous diplomatic efforts.

ran’s army says tanker entered territorial waters from Arabian Sea with Iranian Navy support, says state TV.

China’s Foreign Ministry in a statement said that it hopes that transit in the Strait of Hormuz will return to normal soon.

Iranian state television said on Tuesday (Apr 21) that no Iranian delegation had yet departed for talks with the United States in Pakistan. "So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation; primary or secondary," state TV said, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.

JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday (April 21), Al Jazeera reported. He is expected to depart Washington, DC, on Tuesday evening Pakistan time, arriving in the Pakistani capital by late morning or early afternoon on Wednesday.

Russia has lifted restrictions on flights over Iranian airspace and resumed overflights, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) said on Monday, reversing measures that had been in place since late February amid heightened regional tensions.
 

“The EU has reached the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation”, said Kaja Kallas,Vice-President of the European Commission.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, received US charge d'affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, in Islamabad. he then took to X to write, "stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urged both sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance." 

Iran foreign ministry spokesperson says US moves against two Iranian vessels amount to 'piracy at sea and state terrorism' and questions US seriousness in negotiating.

"Since the start of the U.S. blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, U.S. forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port, says CENTCOM.

White House says Vice president JD Vance has not departed for Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. He will be participating in additional policy meetings in the White House.

Lebanon on Tuesday raised the toll from six weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah to 2,454 dead as a fragile 10-day ceasefire holds.

Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad peace talks is still awaited, said Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan Minister of Information and Broadcasting
 

Donald Trump declared on Tuesday (Apr 21) that the US holds a "very, very strong" position as it prepares for a high-stakes second round of talks with Iran in Pakistan. However, the US president’s optimistic rhetoric was tempered by a stark warning: if a deal is not reached before the current 14-day ceasefire expires on Wednesday (Apr 22), "lots of bombs" will begin to fall. Speaking in an interview with news outlet CNBC, the President signalled that while he is dispatching a heavyweight delegation to Islamabad led by US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, his patience for diplomacy is wearing thin.

Painful surges in oil prices are spurring countries to quickly rethink how to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as shortage risks from war in the Middle East grow greater by the day.

Britain's government on Tuesday was the latest to unveil its plans, vowing to "massively expand renewables" as a way of bolstering energy security while denting the impact of higher electricity and petrol costs.

Around 60 governments worldwide have announced strategic responses or reviews since US and Israeli forces began striking Iran on February 28, according to Carbon Brief, a specialised news site.

Using data from the International Energy Agency, Carbon Brief found many countries promising short-term relief such as cuts on fuel taxes or warning of rationing of fossil fuels.

But others have responded with plans to accelerate their green energy transitions toward low-carbon sources.

The US Defense Department said Tuesday that its forces intercepted and boarded a "stateless sanctioned" vessel as part of Washington's efforts against networks that provide support to Iran.

"Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility," the department posted on its X page.

The statement said the United States was determined "to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran -- anywhere they operate."

The exact location of the operation was not made clear. INDOPACOM is the US Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees a broad region that includes the Pacific and Indian oceans.

The Tifani is a "Botswana-flagged tanker," according to the intelligence firm Vanguard Tech, which said the vessel was intercepted in the Indian Ocean.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Iran it could boost the chances of success in peace talks with the United States by freeing eight women that he said face execution.

"I would greatly appreciate the release of these women," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Would be a great start to our negotiations!"

Trump's statement accompanied a re-posting of a claim on X by a pro-Israel youth activist in the United States, Eyal Yakoby, that eight women faced death by hanging. That claim, which did not give names but posted photographs of eight women, could not be immediately verified.

Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he does not want to extend the ceasefire, which is scheduled to expire on Wednesday. “We don’t have that much time,” he said in an interview with CNBC. “Iran can get itself on a very good footing if they make a deal,” he said, and added that Iranian officials have “no choice” but to negotiate.

Trump said on Tuesday that the US is in a 'very, very strong' position for Iran talks. 

Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun has justified engaging in negotiations with Israel, describing diplomacy as a form of “war without bloodshed” while addressing local representatives from southern Lebanon’s Jezzine district. In a post on X, he stressed that talks do not signal surrender but are aimed at resolving issues, urging citizens to support the state during a crucial period. He outlined key priorities for any potential agreement, including ending Israeli attacks, securing a withdrawal, and ensuring the return of detainees.

During a meeting in Beijing with Daniel Chapo, Xi Jinping said China is ready to collaborate with African nations to manage the wider impacts of the Middle East conflict. "The spillover effects of the Middle East conflict are affecting African countries, and China is willing to work with local [countries] to respond together, promote peace together, and pursue development together,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Amid the United States naval blockade, the US Central Command shared visuals as aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received supplies in the Arabian Sea during a vertical replenishment with supply ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) on Sunday (Apr 18). The aircraft carrier has been operating in the region since, enforcing the US blockade on vessels attempting to enter and leave Iranian ports. This comes days after reports surfaced claiming a shortage of food supplies on the US warships amid the Iran war.

See pics here.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 21) accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times”. This comes days ahead of expected truce talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. In a short Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!”

Read full story here.

French Budget Minister David Amiel says that “€6 billion in spending could be cut” to offset the cost of the war in the Middle East, in remarks following a meeting of the Public Finance Alert Committee at the Ministry of Finance in Paris.

Iran’s High Council for Human Rights has condemned US and Israeli attacks on religious, cultural and historical sites across the country, saying the attacks reveal a deliberate attempt to destroy symbols of religious minorities in Iran, according to state news agency IRNA.

MP Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani, who sits on the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, has cast further doubt on the prospects of talks with the US.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Israel’s conduct in Lebanon is “completely unacceptable” and called for a partial suspension of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country's campaign in Lebanon relied on diplomatic and military pressure to disarm Iran-allied Hezbollah. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has asserted that the current administration is on the verge of securing a historic diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News, Leavitt credited the progress to the unique approach adopted by the US President, contrasting it with previous diplomatic efforts.

ran’s army says tanker entered territorial waters from Arabian Sea with Iranian Navy support, says state TV.

China’s Foreign Ministry in a statement said that it hopes that transit in the Strait of Hormuz will return to normal soon.

Iranian state television said on Tuesday (Apr 21) that no Iranian delegation had yet departed for talks with the United States in Pakistan. "So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation; primary or secondary," state TV said, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.

JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday (April 21), Al Jazeera reported. He is expected to depart Washington, DC, on Tuesday evening Pakistan time, arriving in the Pakistani capital by late morning or early afternoon on Wednesday.

Russia has lifted restrictions on flights over Iranian airspace and resumed overflights, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) said on Monday, reversing measures that had been in place since late February amid heightened regional tensions.
 

“The EU has reached the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation”, said Kaja Kallas,Vice-President of the European Commission.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, received US charge d'affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, in Islamabad. he then took to X to write, "stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urged both sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance." 

Iran foreign ministry spokesperson says US moves against two Iranian vessels amount to 'piracy at sea and state terrorism' and questions US seriousness in negotiating.

"Since the start of the U.S. blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, U.S. forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port, says CENTCOM.

White House says Vice president JD Vance has not departed for Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. He will be participating in additional policy meetings in the White House.

Lebanon on Tuesday raised the toll from six weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah to 2,454 dead as a fragile 10-day ceasefire holds.

Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad peace talks is still awaited, said Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan Minister of Information and Broadcasting
 

Donald Trump declared on Tuesday (Apr 21) that the US holds a "very, very strong" position as it prepares for a high-stakes second round of talks with Iran in Pakistan. However, the US president’s optimistic rhetoric was tempered by a stark warning: if a deal is not reached before the current 14-day ceasefire expires on Wednesday (Apr 22), "lots of bombs" will begin to fall. Speaking in an interview with news outlet CNBC, the President signalled that while he is dispatching a heavyweight delegation to Islamabad led by US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, his patience for diplomacy is wearing thin.

Painful surges in oil prices are spurring countries to quickly rethink how to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as shortage risks from war in the Middle East grow greater by the day.

Britain's government on Tuesday was the latest to unveil its plans, vowing to "massively expand renewables" as a way of bolstering energy security while denting the impact of higher electricity and petrol costs.

Around 60 governments worldwide have announced strategic responses or reviews since US and Israeli forces began striking Iran on February 28, according to Carbon Brief, a specialised news site.

Using data from the International Energy Agency, Carbon Brief found many countries promising short-term relief such as cuts on fuel taxes or warning of rationing of fossil fuels.

But others have responded with plans to accelerate their green energy transitions toward low-carbon sources.

The US Defense Department said Tuesday that its forces intercepted and boarded a "stateless sanctioned" vessel as part of Washington's efforts against networks that provide support to Iran.

"Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility," the department posted on its X page.

The statement said the United States was determined "to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran -- anywhere they operate."

The exact location of the operation was not made clear. INDOPACOM is the US Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees a broad region that includes the Pacific and Indian oceans.

The Tifani is a "Botswana-flagged tanker," according to the intelligence firm Vanguard Tech, which said the vessel was intercepted in the Indian Ocean.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Iran it could boost the chances of success in peace talks with the United States by freeing eight women that he said face execution.

"I would greatly appreciate the release of these women," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Would be a great start to our negotiations!"

Trump's statement accompanied a re-posting of a claim on X by a pro-Israel youth activist in the United States, Eyal Yakoby, that eight women faced death by hanging. That claim, which did not give names but posted photographs of eight women, could not be immediately verified.

Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he does not want to extend the ceasefire, which is scheduled to expire on Wednesday. “We don’t have that much time,” he said in an interview with CNBC. “Iran can get itself on a very good footing if they make a deal,” he said, and added that Iranian officials have “no choice” but to negotiate.

Trump said on Tuesday that the US is in a 'very, very strong' position for Iran talks. 

Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun has justified engaging in negotiations with Israel, describing diplomacy as a form of “war without bloodshed” while addressing local representatives from southern Lebanon’s Jezzine district. In a post on X, he stressed that talks do not signal surrender but are aimed at resolving issues, urging citizens to support the state during a crucial period. He outlined key priorities for any potential agreement, including ending Israeli attacks, securing a withdrawal, and ensuring the return of detainees.

During a meeting in Beijing with Daniel Chapo, Xi Jinping said China is ready to collaborate with African nations to manage the wider impacts of the Middle East conflict. "The spillover effects of the Middle East conflict are affecting African countries, and China is willing to work with local [countries] to respond together, promote peace together, and pursue development together,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Amid the United States naval blockade, the US Central Command shared visuals as aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received supplies in the Arabian Sea during a vertical replenishment with supply ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) on Sunday (Apr 18). The aircraft carrier has been operating in the region since, enforcing the US blockade on vessels attempting to enter and leave Iranian ports. This comes days after reports surfaced claiming a shortage of food supplies on the US warships amid the Iran war.

See pics here.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 21) accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times”. This comes days ahead of expected truce talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. In a short Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!”

Read full story here.

French Budget Minister David Amiel says that “€6 billion in spending could be cut” to offset the cost of the war in the Middle East, in remarks following a meeting of the Public Finance Alert Committee at the Ministry of Finance in Paris.

Iran’s High Council for Human Rights has condemned US and Israeli attacks on religious, cultural and historical sites across the country, saying the attacks reveal a deliberate attempt to destroy symbols of religious minorities in Iran, according to state news agency IRNA.

MP Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani, who sits on the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, has cast further doubt on the prospects of talks with the US.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Israel’s conduct in Lebanon is “completely unacceptable” and called for a partial suspension of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country's campaign in Lebanon relied on diplomatic and military pressure to disarm Iran-allied Hezbollah. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has asserted that the current administration is on the verge of securing a historic diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News, Leavitt credited the progress to the unique approach adopted by the US President, contrasting it with previous diplomatic efforts.

ran’s army says tanker entered territorial waters from Arabian Sea with Iranian Navy support, says state TV.

China’s Foreign Ministry in a statement said that it hopes that transit in the Strait of Hormuz will return to normal soon.

Iranian state television said on Tuesday (Apr 21) that no Iranian delegation had yet departed for talks with the United States in Pakistan. "So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation; primary or secondary," state TV said, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.

JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday (April 21), Al Jazeera reported. He is expected to depart Washington, DC, on Tuesday evening Pakistan time, arriving in the Pakistani capital by late morning or early afternoon on Wednesday.

Russia has lifted restrictions on flights over Iranian airspace and resumed overflights, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) said on Monday, reversing measures that had been in place since late February amid heightened regional tensions.