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North Korea on Sunday (Apr 19) test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, South Korea said. The projectiles were fired into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, from the Sinpo area of North Korea, Seoul’s military added. The launches come amid a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles, anti-warship cruise missiles and cluster munitions.“Our military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea from the Sinpo area of North Korea at around 6:10 am (GMT 21:10),” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.“The missiles flew approximately 140 kilometres (86.9 miles), and South Korean and US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of their exact specifications,” the statement added.It added that Seoul is maintaining a “firm combined defence posture” with the United States and will “respond overwhelmingly to any provocation”. About 28,000 US troops have been stationed in the South to help defend against threats by the North’s military.South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s office said that it held an emergency security meeting following the missile launches.Analysts have said that the tests suggest Pyongyang’s latest dismissal of efforts by Seoul to repair strained ties between the neighbours.Earlier in April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw strategic cruise missile tests from a naval warship, highlighting North Korea’s push to strengthen its navy. The tests involved the Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-ton destroyers launched last year, with two more under construction. Lawmaker Yoo Yong-won said Pyongyang is accelerating naval modernisation, possibly with support from Russia. Reports suggest North Korea is aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine, receiving military technology in return.

North Korea fired multiple short-range missiles into the East Sea, as South Korea holds emergency security meeting amid tensions.

North Korea on Sunday (Apr 19) test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, South Korea said. The projectiles were fired into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, from the Sinpo area of North Korea, Seoul’s military added. The launches come amid a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles, anti-warship cruise missiles and cluster munitions. “Our military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea from the Sinpo area of North Korea at around 6:10 am (GMT 21:10),” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. “The missiles flew approximately 140 kilometres (86.9 miles), and South Korean and US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of their exact specifications,” the statement added. It added that Seoul is maintaining a “firm combined defence posture” with the United States and will “respond overwhelmingly to any provocation”. About 28,000 US troops have been stationed in the South to help defend against threats by the North’s military. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s office said that it held an emergency security meeting following the missile launches. Analysts have said that the tests suggest Pyongyang’s latest dismissal of efforts by Seoul to repair strained ties between the neighbours. Earlier in April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw strategic cruise missile tests from a naval warship, highlighting North Korea’s push to strengthen its navy. The tests involved the Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-ton destroyers launched last year, with two more under construction. Lawmaker Yoo Yong-won said Pyongyang is accelerating naval modernisation, possibly with support from Russia. Reports suggest North Korea is aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine, receiving military technology in return.

North Korea fired multiple short-range missiles into the East Sea, as South Korea holds emergency security meeting amid tensions.

North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles into sea, Seoul holds emergency security meeting

The Central has announced the creation of the ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’ (BMI pool) on Saturday (April 18, 2026), with a sovereign guarantee of Rs 12,980 crore to ensure uninterrupted maritime insurance coverage for Indian trade. The coverage includes hull, machinery, cargo, protection and indemnity (P&amp;I) and war. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the move, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed reporters after the Cabinet meeting, saying, “A big factor of insurance, which the world understood during the West Asia conflict, is that insurers and reinsurers were not ready to insure the ships going to West Asia… In view of this, a decision has been taken to create a sovereign guarantee fund of Rs 12,980 crore to facilitate maritime insurance. It will cover all maritime risks including hull, machinery, cargo, P&amp;I and war. Vessels with the India flag will be covered under this.”<h3>BMI pool</h3>The initiative comes amid growing global volatility and geopolitical tensions that have increased risks for ships and cargo, driving up insurance premiums and creating uncertainty around coverage. The domestic pool aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign insurers and ensure smoother trade flows even through volatile maritime corridors. The BMI pool will provide coverage across a wide range of maritime risks, including Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&amp;I), and War-related risks. It will apply to Indian-flagged vessels as well as ships transporting goods to and from Indian ports, regardless of their origin. At present, Indian vessels largely depend on global insurers, such as the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (IGP&amp;I) Clubs, for third-party liability coverage, including risks such as oil spills, wreck removal, cargo damage, crew injuries, and collisions. The government has highlighted that such dependence can be risky, especially during sanctions or geopolitical conflicts that may disrupt access to coverage.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-they-are-bold-trump-praises-great-ally-israel-after-iran-tells-him-to-block-bibi-then-goes-on-to-post-39-times-in-minutes-1776570630538/1776570630541"> 'They are bold': Trump praises 'great ally' Israel after Iran tells him to 'block Bibi', then goes on to post 39 times in minutes</a>

The BMI pool will provide coverage across a wide range of maritime risks, including Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), and War-related risks. It will apply to Indian-flagged vessels as well as ships transporting goods to and from Indian ports.

The Central has announced the creation of the ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’ (BMI pool) on Saturday (April 18, 2026), with a sovereign guarantee of Rs 12,980 crore to ensure uninterrupted maritime insurance coverage for Indian trade. The coverage includes hull, machinery, cargo, protection and indemnity (P&I) and war. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the move, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed reporters after the Cabinet meeting, saying, “A big factor of insurance, which the world understood during the West Asia conflict, is that insurers and reinsurers were not ready to insure the ships going to West Asia… In view of this, a decision has been taken to create a sovereign guarantee fund of Rs 12,980 crore to facilitate maritime insurance. It will cover all maritime risks including hull, machinery, cargo, P&I and war. Vessels with the India flag will be covered under this.” BMI pool The initiative comes amid growing global volatility and geopolitical tensions that have increased risks for ships and cargo, driving up insurance premiums and creating uncertainty around coverage. The domestic pool aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign insurers and ensure smoother trade flows even through volatile maritime corridors. The BMI pool will provide coverage across a wide range of maritime risks, including Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), and War-related risks. It will apply to Indian-flagged vessels as well as ships transporting goods to and from Indian ports, regardless of their origin. At present, Indian vessels largely depend on global insurers, such as the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (IGP&I) Clubs, for third-party liability coverage, including risks such as oil spills, wreck removal, cargo damage, crew injuries, and collisions. The government has highlighted that such dependence can be risky, especially during sanctions or geopolitical conflicts that may disrupt access to coverage. Also read: 'They are bold': Trump praises 'great ally' Israel after Iran tells him to 'block Bibi', then goes on to post 39 times in minutes

The BMI pool will provide coverage across a wide range of maritime risks, including Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&amp;I), and War-related risks. It will apply to Indian-flagged vessels as well as ships transporting goods to and from Indian ports.

Big move: India launches Rs 12,980 Cr ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’ amid West Asia conflict - Here's why

US‑Iran‑Israel War Highlights | The 10-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran will end soon, with conflict not seeming to end in near future. Israel and Lebanon has also announced a 10-day ceasefire. However, Strait of Hormuz remains the major conflicting point between the two sides that are exchanging messages via Pakistan. First round of peace talks were held in Islamabad, while there is no certainty about second round of talks.On Feb 28, the United States and Israel pre-emptively launched strikes on Iran and killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict escalated as Iran targeted Gulf nations and Israel attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon after the group's attack.With violations already surfacing and tensions simmering, the durability of the current ceasefire remains deeply uncertain. Even as diplomacy inches forward, developments around the Strait of Hormuz — including renewed closures and attacks on vessels — suggest the risk of escalation is far from over. Is the region on the brink of a larger “water war,” or can fragile diplomacy still hold? Stay tuned for the latest updates, analysis, and live coverage of the unfolding US–Iran–Israel crisis.

Four people, including two foreign nationals, have been arrested in Iran’s northwest for being part of a “US-Israel-linked espionage network”, the Tasnim news agency reports.&nbsp;

Iran arrests 4 people for importing satellite internet technology

IRGC aerospace commander said Iran had replenished its missile and drone stocks during the ceasefire at a pace even faster than before the war, while saying the other side had failed to rebuild its own munitions.

Guards commander says Iran rebuilt missile, drone stocks faster during truce

President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran isn’t seeking war and is acting only in self-defence against the attack by the US and Israel, stressing his country’s commitment to peace and regional stability.

Pezeshkian says Iran is ‘peace-loving’ and only acting in self-defence

Iran’s intelligence agency says it dismantled “espionage and sabotage networks” linked to the US, Israel and the UK in Kerman City in southeastern Iran.

Iran arrests dozens for ‘intelligence gathering’ for US and Israel

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday (April 19) that Iran was seeking its rights while the United States was trying to deny those rights to Iran.“They are trying, through bullying, to deny the rights of a nation, of a society. They say they have decided that you must not exercise this right. Why? For what crime? Who are you to decide?” Pezeshkian said.U.S. President Donald Trump has no justification to deprive Iran of its nuclear rights, the Iranian Student News Agency quoted Pezeshkian as saying on Sunday, as Washington and Tehran continue to face disagreements over nuclear issues.

Iran's Pezeshkian says US trying to deny Iran of its rights

Ship tracking data from MarineTraffic showed two vessels moving eastbound around the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday (April 19).The data indicated that only two vessels, Chinese owned LPG tanker G Summer and Indian owned MEDA entered or exited the Gulf after midnight GMT.Tehran reversed course on Saturday (April 18) to reassert control over the strait, again closing the energy choke point and adding fresh uncertainty to the war, which the U.S. and Israel launched on February 28.

Two vessels transit through Strait of Hormuz as uncertainty hangs over waterway 

Indian Ships have been advised to keep away from Larak Island and not commence movement through Hormuz till the time clearances are given. Deployment of Indian Navy ships in the region continues as it was earlier.

Sources on movement on Indian vessels through Hormuz

There are signs that security is being ramped up in the Pakistani capital, though preparations are not at last weekend’s levels.More police officers were deployed and checkpoints installed around the Serena hotel in Islamabad, the location of the highest-level US-Iran negotiations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ended without agreement.Pakistan is expected to host the second round of talks between Iran and the US in the coming days.

Signs of increased security in Islamabad ahead of expected US-Iran talks

Lebanon's military said Sunday it had reopened a road and bridge damaged by Israeli strikes in the country's south, as a 10-day truce holds between Hezbollah and Israel.In a statement, the military said it "fully reopened" a road linking the city of Nabatieh with the Khardali area, and had "partially reopened the Burj Rahal-Tyre bridge"."Work is also underway to rehabilitate the Tayr Falsay-Tyre bridge... following damage caused by the Israeli aggression," the army added.

Lebanese army restores road, bridge damaged by Israeli strikes

According to reporting from CNN-News18, the Iranian Ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, informed Indian officials that the firing was "unintentional." Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, said he has no information about the specific event but emphasised that Iran and India share strong bilateral relations.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260419/image-1776583171137.png"></figure>

What Iran said after the incident?

India summoned the Iranian Ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed India’s "deep concern and displeasure" over the unprovoked firing.

What India did after the incident?

"This is motor tanker Sanmar Herald… You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back!” the captain of the India-flagged "Sanmar Herald" tanker can be heard saying in the audio widely circulated on social media.

‘You gave me clearance to go': Indian vessel’s distress call goes viral

Two Indian ships were targeted at the Strait of Hormuz when they were attempting to pass the passage. They were reportedly fired upon by boats of IRGC. The vessels turned back following the incident. This marks the first time that Iranian forces have fired upon Indian-flagged or owned merchant vessels. The shipping ministry has identified the two vessels as the Sanmar Herald, a crude oil tanker, and the Jag Arnav, a bulk carrier. It must be noted that Iran had allowed India and other nations like China and Pakistan to use the Strait amid the war and blockade. Multiple Indian-flagged ships passed through the strait in recent weeks without incident.

What we know of the two Indian ships hit in Hormuz Strait

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="fa" dir="rtl"&gt;قالیباف: گاها از مردم عزیر و حتی رسانه ملی می شنوم که می گویند ما تمام قدرت نظامی آنان را نابود کردیم پس پیش برویم و بقیه را نابود کنیم و مذاکره نکنیم حتما برتری میدان به دست ماست و به همین دلیل است که ترامپ درخواست آتش بس دارد. &lt;a href="https://t.co/B0R9QgUZbe"&gt;pic.twitter.com/B0R9QgUZbe&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; خبرگزاری میزان (@MizanNewsAgency) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/MizanNewsAgency/status/2045620457789911335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 18, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Ghalibaf claims ‘Trump requesting ceasefire’

Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's ties with the US with Trump targeting NATO nations including the UK

As Iran war strains ties with Trump's US, UK looks to Europe

Israeli forces have said that they have established a “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, similar to an Israeli military measure in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said in a statement on Saturday that over the previous 24 hours, its forces “operating south of the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon identified terrorists who violated the ceasefire understandings and approached the forces from north of the Yellow Line in a manner that posed an immediate threat”.

Israel says established a ‘yellow line’ in Lebanon

No date has been set for the next round of negotiations between Iran and the United States, Iran's deputy foreign minister said ​on Saturday, adding that a framework of understanding must be agreed first. "We are now focusing on finalising ⁠the framework of understanding between two sides. We don't want to enter into any ​negotiation or meeting which is doomed to fail and which can be a pretext ​for another round of escalation," Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters on the sidelines of a diplomacy forum in the southern Turkish province of Antalya."Until we agree the framework, we cannot set the date... There ​was significant progress made actually. But then the maximalist approach by the other side, ​trying to make Iran an exception from international law prevented us to reach an agreement," he said, ‌referring ⁠to U.S. demands over Iran's nuclear programme. “I have to be very crystal clear that Iran would not accept to be an exception from the international law. Anything that we are going to be committed will be within the international regulations and international law.”"The other side, the American side, tried to sabotage that by saying that it is open except for Iranians. So that was ⁠the reason ​we said that 'if you are going to violate ​the ceasefire terms and conditions, if Americans are not going to honour their words, there will be repercussions ​for them'," he said.

No date has been set for the next round of negotiations 

US President Donald Trump said that Tehran "can't blackmail" the US, while asserting that ongoing talks are "working out really well." He mocked Iran over its move to reimpose closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran had “got a little cute”&nbsp;

Trump mocks Iran, says Hormuz move won't blackmail US

Naim Qassem said the 10-day ceasefire with Israel cannot be one-sided, warning Hezbollah will respond to violations. He stressed resistance fighters remain ready, rejected US influence on Lebanon, and called for mutual adherence to the truce amid rising regional tensions.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-insult-to-our-country-hezbollah-chief-issues-first-response-to-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-after-trump-s-act-nicely-warning-1776553387827"> READ MORE</a>

Hezbollah chief issues first response to Israel-Lebanon ceasefire 

"We warn that no ship, of any kind, should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted," the navy of Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement on its official Sepah News website.

Iranian Navy issues warning

Israeli forces on Saturday carried out demolitions in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil -- about five kilometers from the border -- the scene of intense fighting with Hezbollah prior to the recently agreed 10-day truce, Lebanese state media reported."The Israeli enemy is repeating its house detonating operations in the town of Bint Jbeil," Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said, also reporting demolitions in other border towns where Israeli troops are present.

Israel demolishes buildings in south Lebanon

Iran's state-run Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying Saturday that the war with the United States and Israel had killed 3,468 people in the Islamic republic.

Iran's death toll in the war

Israel’s military said on Sunday that a soldier died during combat in southern Lebanon, where a temporary ceasefire had come into effect. “Lidor Porat, aged 31, from Ashdod, a soldier in the 7106th Battalion, 769th Regional Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon,” the Israeli military said in a statement

Israeli army says soldier killed in southern Lebanon

A French UN peacekeeper was killed and three others injured in an attack in southern Lebanon. French President Emmanuel Macron blamed Hezbollah, though the group denied involvement. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Saturday that French United Nations peacekeepers had been attacked in southern Lebanon, ordering an investigation into the incident. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack.

What we know about the attack that killed a French peacekeeper in Lebanon

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, in a national televised address, has delivered a defiant message amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel, and declared that Iran won the war against the aggressors. He said that negotiations with the US have progressed but far from final agreement. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-shooting-down-f-35-not-small-event-iran-declares-victory-in-war-ghalibaf-says-negotiations-far-from-final-agreement-1776555686132/1776555686133">READ MORE</a>

Iran says final deal still far off

fter Israel targeted civilian infrastructure and crucial road links to south Lebanon, the Lebanese army said that its specialised units have fully reopened the Khardali-Nabatieh road and partially reopened the Burj Rahal-Tyre bridge. “Work is also underway to rehabilitate the Tayr Falsay-Tyre bridge in cooperation with the National Authority for the Litani River, following the damage caused by the Israeli aggression,” an army statement said.

Lebanese army working to restore bridges, roads in south

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran's navy is ready to inflict "new bitter defeats" on the US and Israel. Read out on state TV on Saturday (April 18), stated "The army stood against the sinister plans of the United States, the remnants of the Pahlavi regime, and separatists who wanted a dismembered Iran, and created epic achievements."

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei issues new military threats against US, Israel 

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social 39 times in a short span. This rapid-fire posting occurred after he praised Israel as a "great ally" following these comments. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-they-are-bold-trump-praises-great-ally-israel-after-iran-tells-him-to-block-bibi-then-goes-on-to-post-39-times-in-minutes-1776570630538">Read more</a>

 Trump goes on to post 39 times in minutes

US‑Iran‑Israel War LIVE | Trump praises 'great ally' and 'bold and courageous' Israel

The two-week ceasefire in the war between the United States and Iran is currently set to expire on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The initial truce, mediated by Pakistan and effective since April 8. US President Donald Trump has warned he may not extend the ceasefire if a permanent deal is not reached. Iran has said it will not bow down if its demands are not met

US‑Iran‑Israel War LIVE | Ceasefire deadline nears

No official date has been set for a second round of Pakistan-mediated peace talks between the United States and Iran. While US President Donald Trump previously expressed optimism that negotiations could resume in Islamabad, current diplomatic efforts are stalled

US‑Iran‑Israel War LIVE | No date set for Pak mediated peace talks

The US–Iran–Israel conflict remains volatile despite parallel 10-day ceasefires involving Iran and Lebanon. Tensions persist over the Strait of Hormuz, with violations and stalled talks raising fears of escalation, even as diplomacy through Pakistan struggles to hold peace.

US‑Iran‑Israel War Highlights | The 10-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran will end soon, with conflict not seeming to end in near future. Israel and Lebanon has also announced a 10-day ceasefire. However, Strait of Hormuz remains the major conflicting point between the two sides that are exchanging messages via Pakistan. First round of peace talks were held in Islamabad, while there is no certainty about second round of talks. On Feb 28, the United States and Israel pre-emptively launched strikes on Iran and killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict escalated as Iran targeted Gulf nations and Israel attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon after the group's attack. With violations already surfacing and tensions simmering, the durability of the current ceasefire remains deeply uncertain. Even as diplomacy inches forward, developments around the Strait of Hormuz — including renewed closures and attacks on vessels — suggest the risk of escalation is far from over. Is the region on the brink of a larger “water war,” or can fragile diplomacy still hold? Stay tuned for the latest updates, analysis, and live coverage of the unfolding US–Iran–Israel crisis.

The US–Iran–Israel conflict remains volatile despite parallel 10-day ceasefires involving Iran and Lebanon. Tensions persist over the Strait of Hormuz, with violations and stalled talks raising fears of escalation, even as diplomacy through Pakistan struggles to hold peace.

US‑Iran‑Israel War Highlights | No date set for Pak mediated peace talks as ceasefire deadline nears, Supreme Leader issues new threat

Donald Trump praised Israel as a “courageous, bold, loyal, and smart” ally amid Iran tensions, while criticizing NATO nations. Iran mocked Trump and accused him of an “Israel first” policy, as leaders including Kamala Harris weighed in on the conflict.

'They are bold': Trump praises 'great ally' Israel after Iran tells him to 'block Bibi', then goes on to post 39 times in minutes

Just nine days after President Donald Trump announced in a pre-dawn social media post that America had attacked Iran, the president said: “We have already won in many ways.”Two days later, at a campaign rally in Kentucky: “We won in the first hour.” By the end of March, there were several additional declarations of victory, including “We won. The war is over.”Fifty days after the February 28 war announcement, the only place where the war is actually over, and peace is near, is in the alternative universe inhabited by Trump.On April 18, four days before a fragile two-week ceasefire was to end, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz just a day after having declared it open to traffic. Iranian state media declared the U.S. had failed to hold up its end of the bargain by blockading Iranian ports.How the present stalemate will be resolved is anyone’s guess, but it confirms that the American war of choice, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by Washington, would better be called Operation Epic Miscalculation.Trump’s repeated claims of victory are based on the fact that the American attack killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and the top tier of the Iranian government on the first day and damaged or destroyed dozens of missile factories and industrial; installations.It left intact the institutions of a dictatorial state and failed to crush its most powerful military establishment, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Its units responded to the American attack by using its sizeable arsenal of missiles to attack Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases.A series of confused, contradictory and often extreme statements since the beginning of the war have stirred a growing and unusually public debate over the mental acuity of Trump. He turns 80 in June and began his second term in office as the oldest person ever to move into the White House.You might be forgiven for thinking that the war with Iran and its global implications – the Straits of Hormuz carries twenty per cent of the world’s oil – would keep the president too busy to pick rhetorical fights with high-profile critics.Such as Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, is the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. The pope enraged his fellow Americans by condemning the war on Iran and branding as “unacceptable” Trump’s actions and rhetoric, specifically a threat to destroy Iran’s civilisation.In a social media post, Trump responded by calling the pope “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.”This had a foreign policy follow-up: A noisy row with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, a right-wing conservative long considered the European leader closest to Trump. She described Trump’s attack on the pope as “unacceptable” and he shot back by accusing her of being indifferent to the threat of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.This dispute did not go down well with many of the 53 million Roman Catholics in the United States, and neither did an AI-generated social media image he posted showing himself as a Christ-like figure. The image prompted so many complaints that it was taken down from his Truth Social platform.Trump explained that the picture showed him not as Christ but as a doctor tending to a sick patient.This and a long string of confusing and contradictory statements on the war have left many Americans with what New York Times writer Peter Baker described as “the impression of a deranged autocrat mad with power.”Presidential historians say that the mental stability of a president has never been discussed as publicly, not even that of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, who declined visibly after a disastrous debate performance with Trump.How widely debated Trump’s mental acuity is was thrown into sharp focus by a reporter’s question during a televised press conference. “What is your response to critics who say that it is your mental health that should perhaps be examined as this war continues?”The question, from Danny Kemp, a reporter for Agence France-Presse, followed a Trump social media posting which said: “Open the f****ng Strait (of Hormuz), you crazy b*****ds, or you’ll be living in hell.”While other presidents have used profanities when talking about adversaries, they did so in private to aides, not in public at a nationally televised press briefing.Democrats have long advocated removing Trump from power for disability to serve through the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution. But these are hollow words: such a move requires the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to inform Congress in writing that the President cannot serve.Remarkably, questions about Trump’s mental state are being asked by retired generals, diplomats and late-night comedians. Perhaps the most notable are charges from several prominent figures and former allies on the political right.Such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican who was long one of the president’s closest allies but recently broke with him. In a CNN interview on the war Trump started, she said the president’s apocalyptic threats were “not tough rhetoric but insanity.”

Democrats have long advocated removing Trump from power for disability to serve through the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution. But these are hollow words: such a move requires the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to inform Congress in writing that the President cannot serve.

Just nine days after President Donald Trump announced in a pre-dawn social media post that America had attacked Iran, the president said: “We have already won in many ways.” Two days later, at a campaign rally in Kentucky: “We won in the first hour.” By the end of March, there were several additional declarations of victory, including “We won. The war is over.” Fifty days after the February 28 war announcement, the only place where the war is actually over, and peace is near, is in the alternative universe inhabited by Trump. On April 18, four days before a fragile two-week ceasefire was to end, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz just a day after having declared it open to traffic. Iranian state media declared the U.S. had failed to hold up its end of the bargain by blockading Iranian ports. How the present stalemate will be resolved is anyone’s guess, but it confirms that the American war of choice, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by Washington, would better be called Operation Epic Miscalculation. Trump’s repeated claims of victory are based on the fact that the American attack killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and the top tier of the Iranian government on the first day and damaged or destroyed dozens of missile factories and industrial; installations. It left intact the institutions of a dictatorial state and failed to crush its most powerful military establishment, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Its units responded to the American attack by using its sizeable arsenal of missiles to attack Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases. A series of confused, contradictory and often extreme statements since the beginning of the war have stirred a growing and unusually public debate over the mental acuity of Trump. He turns 80 in June and began his second term in office as the oldest person ever to move into the White House. You might be forgiven for thinking that the war with Iran and its global implications – the Straits of Hormuz carries twenty per cent of the world’s oil – would keep the president too busy to pick rhetorical fights with high-profile critics. Such as Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, is the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. The pope enraged his fellow Americans by condemning the war on Iran and branding as “unacceptable” Trump’s actions and rhetoric, specifically a threat to destroy Iran’s civilisation. In a social media post, Trump responded by calling the pope “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.” This had a foreign policy follow-up: A noisy row with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, a right-wing conservative long considered the European leader closest to Trump. She described Trump’s attack on the pope as “unacceptable” and he shot back by accusing her of being indifferent to the threat of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. This dispute did not go down well with many of the 53 million Roman Catholics in the United States, and neither did an AI-generated social media image he posted showing himself as a Christ-like figure. The image prompted so many complaints that it was taken down from his Truth Social platform. Trump explained that the picture showed him not as Christ but as a doctor tending to a sick patient. This and a long string of confusing and contradictory statements on the war have left many Americans with what New York Times writer Peter Baker described as “the impression of a deranged autocrat mad with power.” Presidential historians say that the mental stability of a president has never been discussed as publicly, not even that of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, who declined visibly after a disastrous debate performance with Trump. How widely debated Trump’s mental acuity is was thrown into sharp focus by a reporter’s question during a televised press conference. “What is your response to critics who say that it is your mental health that should perhaps be examined as this war continues?” The question, from Danny Kemp, a reporter for Agence France-Presse, followed a Trump social media posting which said: “Open the f****ng Strait (of Hormuz), you crazy b*****ds, or you’ll be living in hell.” While other presidents have used profanities when talking about adversaries, they did so in private to aides, not in public at a nationally televised press briefing. Democrats have long advocated removing Trump from power for disability to serve through the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution. But these are hollow words: such a move requires the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to inform Congress in writing that the President cannot serve. Remarkably, questions about Trump’s mental state are being asked by retired generals, diplomats and late-night comedians. Perhaps the most notable are charges from several prominent figures and former allies on the political right. Such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican who was long one of the president’s closest allies but recently broke with him. In a CNN interview on the war Trump started, she said the president’s apocalyptic threats were “not tough rhetoric but insanity.”

Democrats have long advocated removing Trump from power for disability to serve through the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution. But these are hollow words: such a move requires the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to inform Congress in writing that the President cannot serve.

Trump 2.0: At home and abroad, doubts over the president’s sanity

Iran is not ready to hold a new round of face-to-face talks with the United States due to Washington’s refusal to abandon “maximalist” demands on key issues, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said. He added that his country will not give up its enriched uranium to the US, dismissing claims made by US President Donald Trump. This comes after Tehran reimposed restrictions on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of “breaches of trust” amid the fragile ceasefire. Meanwhile, Trump has said that negotiations were ongoing but warned Tehran that the US won’t tolerate “blackmail” over the strait.In an interview with The Associated Press, Khatibzadeh said, “I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to the United States.” He added, “This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we’re not going to accept things that are nonstarters.”Earlier on Friday, Trump said the US will go into Iran and “get all the nuclear dust.” It is believed that 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium were buried under nuclear sites that were severely damaged after being targeted by US strikes last year.Khatibzadeh said that while there have been many exchanges of messages between both sides, the US was holding firm demands that were viewed as excessive by Iran.“We are still not there yet to move on to an actual meeting because there are issues that the Americans have not yet abandoned their maximalist position,” he said, adding that Tehran was seeking the finalisation of a “framework agreement” before moving to in-person discussions.“The other sides also should understand and address our main concerns, which are illegal unilateral sanctions that Americans have imposed on Iranians and this economic terrorism which has targeted Iranian people to suffocate them and make them to revolt against the political structure inside Iran,” Khatibzadeh said.When asked whether Tehran would respond to renewed Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite the ceasefire, Khatibzadeh said that “Iran has no option, just to stop aggressors once and forever.”Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has rejected US “maximalist” demands, with Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stating it will not hand over enriched uranium.

Iran is not ready to hold a new round of face-to-face talks with the United States due to Washington’s refusal to abandon “maximalist” demands on key issues, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said. He added that his country will not give up its enriched uranium to the US, dismissing claims made by US President Donald Trump. This comes after Tehran reimposed restrictions on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of “breaches of trust” amid the fragile ceasefire. Meanwhile, Trump has said that negotiations were ongoing but warned Tehran that the US won’t tolerate “blackmail” over the strait. In an interview with The Associated Press, Khatibzadeh said, “I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to the United States.” He added, “This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we’re not going to accept things that are nonstarters.” Earlier on Friday, Trump said the US will go into Iran and “get all the nuclear dust.” It is believed that 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium were buried under nuclear sites that were severely damaged after being targeted by US strikes last year. Khatibzadeh said that while there have been many exchanges of messages between both sides, the US was holding firm demands that were viewed as excessive by Iran. “We are still not there yet to move on to an actual meeting because there are issues that the Americans have not yet abandoned their maximalist position,” he said, adding that Tehran was seeking the finalisation of a “framework agreement” before moving to in-person discussions. “The other sides also should understand and address our main concerns, which are illegal unilateral sanctions that Americans have imposed on Iranians and this economic terrorism which has targeted Iranian people to suffocate them and make them to revolt against the political structure inside Iran,” Khatibzadeh said. When asked whether Tehran would respond to renewed Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite the ceasefire, Khatibzadeh said that “Iran has no option, just to stop aggressors once and forever.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has rejected US “maximalist” demands, with Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stating it will not hand over enriched uranium.

‘Non-starter’: Iran blames US ‘maximalist’ demands for stalling face-to-face talks, rejects giving up uranium

Former President Barack Obama met with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the first time on Saturday (Apr 12) at a child care center in the South Bronx. The two read to preschoolers and led a singalong in what looked like a fun interaction with kids. The meeting comes as Mamdani marked his 100th day in office just over a week ago. While Obama praised Mamdani’s mayoral campaign as "impressive" in a November 2025 phone call and offered to be a "sounding board," he withheld a public, formal endorsement during his 2025 mayoral campaign. Obama and Mamdani did not take questions after reading the book “Alone and Together” to the children and leading a singalong of “The Wheels on the Bus.” Mamdani took office in January after a campaign centered on making New York City a more affordable place to live.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Child: I know your name. Mamdani. Obama: What’s his first name? Child: Mayor. <a href="https://t.co/lXIpdt5Yzb">pic.twitter.com/lXIpdt5Yzb</a>&mdash; Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/2045620770324504936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-zohran-mamdani-pied-a-terre-tax-new-york-feud-1776429804366">End of bromance; Trump slams Zohran Mamdani over pied-à-terre tax</a>&nbsp;Obama posted images from the visit and praised the kids as “cutest.” He said nothing about the discussion he had with Mamdani. “In between singing wheels on the bus, we discussed our administration’s vision for this City— one where New York’s Cutest have the strongest start possible,” Mamdani wrote on the social platform X. &nbsp;A spokesperson for the mayor said the pair discussed “the importance of giving New York’s Cutest the strongest start possible” during their meeting. This meeting also comes as Mamdani pushes to expand free childcare programs across New York City.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Great spending time with New York City’s Cutest. And thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCMayor</a> for giving me an excuse to break out my best “Wheels on the Bus” <a href="https://t.co/RxJ7ZRZse6">pic.twitter.com/RxJ7ZRZse6</a>&mdash; Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/2045611513029730633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-srk-s-pose-to-dhoom-macchale-how-zohran-mamdani-used-bollywood-and-south-asian-language-culture-to-win-big-in-new-york-city-1762335898756">From SRK's pose to Dhoom macchale: How Zohran Mamdani used Bollywood and South Asian language, culture to win big in New York City</a>&nbsp;Videos shared on X show the two leaders waving and joining preschoolers in the popular nursery rhyme, even playfully singing along to “squish, squish, squish.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 WATCH: Barack Obama and Zohran Mamdani sing nursery rhymes at a childcare centre in New York City <a href="https://t.co/Nef04DxJ73">pic.twitter.com/Nef04DxJ73</a>&mdash; The Middle East (@A_M_R_M1) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_M_R_M1/status/2045617439359013065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump and Mamdani</h2>It must be noted that Mamdani is also attempting to build a relationship with US President Donald Trump, who he had criticised throughout his mayoral campaign and in his victory speech. He has met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-find-someone-who-looks-at-you-trump-mamdani-meeting-breaks-the-internet-sparks-memefest-online-1763807438321">twice with Trump at the White House</a> in November and February to discuss issues affecting New York.Despite those friendly meetings, their relationship has shown signs of strain recently. Last week, Trump blasted the mayor's proposed "pied-à-terre" tax on secondary homes worth more than $5 million, calling it an attempt to "destroy New York" and claiming it would drive investment out of the city.

Barack Obama met New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a Bronx childcare center, reading to children and discussing early education. The visit highlighted childcare expansion plans, while Mamdani also maintains a complex working relationship with Donald Trump amid policy disagreements.

Former President Barack Obama met with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the first time on Saturday (Apr 12) at a child care center in the South Bronx. The two read to preschoolers and led a singalong in what looked like a fun interaction with kids. The meeting comes as Mamdani marked his 100th day in office just over a week ago. While Obama praised Mamdani’s mayoral campaign as "impressive" in a November 2025 phone call and offered to be a "sounding board," he withheld a public, formal endorsement during his 2025 mayoral campaign. Obama and Mamdani did not take questions after reading the book “Alone and Together” to the children and leading a singalong of “The Wheels on the Bus.” Mamdani took office in January after a campaign centered on making New York City a more affordable place to live.

Barack Obama met New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a Bronx childcare center, reading to children and discussing early education. The visit highlighted childcare expansion plans, while Mamdani also maintains a complex working relationship with Donald Trump amid policy disagreements.

Obama meets Mamdani for the first time, breaks into singing 'Wheels on the Bus' with children — VIDEO

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, on Saturday (Apr 18), said that the ongoing 10-day truce with Israel cannot be one-sided, vowing that his fighters would respond to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. In his first reaction after the ceasefire announced by the US, Qassem said that it is “an insult to our country and our homeland, Lebanon, that America dictates its text and speaks on behalf of the Lebanese government.” The truce came days after Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors to the US met in Washington ahead of planned direct negotiations between the two countries, the first in decades.&nbsp;"A ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities. Because we do not trust this enemy, the resistance fighters will remain in the field with their hands on the trigger, and they will respond to violations accordingly. There is no ceasefire from the side of the resistance only, it must be from both sides," Qassem said in a statement read out on TV. "Enough of subjecting Lebanon to these humiliations by negotiating directly with the Israeli enemy and listening to its dictates, and by the shameful spectacle in Washington," Qassem added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-finger-on-the-trigger-in-case-israel-violates-ceasefire-says-hezbollah-1776425297394">'Finger on the trigger' in case Israel violates ceasefire, says Hezbollah</a><h2>Israel-Lebanon ceasefire</h2>Israel and Lebanon held rare direct talks in Washington earlier this week and soon after US President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire. Under the ceasefire terms agreed by both sides, Israel retains its “right to take all necessary measures in self-defence, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.” Lebanon must take "meaningful steps" to prevent Hezbollah and all other "rogue non-state armed groups" from carrying out attacks against Israeli targets. While Trump has warned Hezbollah to “act nicely” during the ceasefire, Hezbollah has warned Israel saying their fighters have kept “hands on trigger.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-operation-against-hezbollah-still-not-complete-here-s-what-israeli-defence-minister-said-amid-ceasefire-1776428180642">Military operation against Hezbollah still not complete? Here's what Israeli Defence minister said amid ceasefire</a><h2>Lebanon issue in Iran-US ceasefire</h2>Iran, while announcing the ceasefire on Apr 7, said that the POTUS has accepted the general framework of Iran's 10-point proposal. The 10 point proposal by Iran clearly included end of hostilities on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said that both sides have agreed to a ceasefire "everywhere", including Lebanon. However, there was no mention of Lebanon in the statement by the US. This came into limelight when Israeli PM Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire "did not cover Lebanon." Soon, US followed Israeli narrative with US President Trump warning Iran to honour the “real agreement"&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Naim Qassem said the 10-day ceasefire with Israel cannot be one-sided, warning Hezbollah will respond to violations. He stressed resistance fighters remain ready, rejected US influence on Lebanon, and called for mutual adherence to the truce amid rising regional tensions.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, on Saturday (Apr 18), said that the ongoing 10-day truce with Israel cannot be one-sided, vowing that his fighters would respond to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. In his first reaction after the ceasefire announced by the US, Qassem said that it is “an insult to our country and our homeland, Lebanon, that America dictates its text and speaks on behalf of the Lebanese government.” The truce came days after Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors to the US met in Washington ahead of planned direct negotiations between the two countries, the first in decades. "A ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities. Because we do not trust this enemy, the resistance fighters will remain in the field with their hands on the trigger, and they will respond to violations accordingly. There is no ceasefire from the side of the resistance only, it must be from both sides," Qassem said in a statement read out on TV. "Enough of subjecting Lebanon to these humiliations by negotiating directly with the Israeli enemy and listening to its dictates, and by the shameful spectacle in Washington," Qassem added. Also Read: 'Finger on the trigger' in case Israel violates ceasefire, says Hezbollah Israel-Lebanon ceasefire Israel and Lebanon held rare direct talks in Washington earlier this week and soon after US President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire. Under the ceasefire terms agreed by both sides, Israel retains its “right to take all necessary measures in self-defence, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.” Lebanon must take "meaningful steps" to prevent Hezbollah and all other "rogue non-state armed groups" from carrying out attacks against Israeli targets. While Trump has warned Hezbollah to “act nicely” during the ceasefire, Hezbollah has warned Israel saying their fighters have kept “hands on trigger.” Also Read: Military operation against Hezbollah still not complete? Here's what Israeli Defence minister said amid ceasefire Lebanon issue in Iran-US ceasefire Iran, while announcing the ceasefire on Apr 7, said that the POTUS has accepted the general framework of Iran's 10-point proposal. The 10 point proposal by Iran clearly included end of hostilities on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said that both sides have agreed to a ceasefire "everywhere", including Lebanon. However, there was no mention of Lebanon in the statement by the US. This came into limelight when Israeli PM Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire "did not cover Lebanon." Soon, US followed Israeli narrative with US President Trump warning Iran to honour the “real agreement" Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Naim Qassem said the 10-day ceasefire with Israel cannot be one-sided, warning Hezbollah will respond to violations. He stressed resistance fighters remain ready, rejected US influence on Lebanon, and called for mutual adherence to the truce amid rising regional tensions.

'Insult to our country...': Hezbollah chief issues first response to Israel-Lebanon ceasefire after Trump's 'act nicely' warning

Despite Donald Trump claiming the Iranian navy was defeated, Iran’s “mosquito fleet” of small, fast boats continues to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Experts say this low-cost swarm strategy is difficult to counter and poses a major threat to global oil flows.

Iran uses 'mosquito boats’ in Hormuz to target US naval power: What are these fast-attack boats

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz, warned the US over naval actions. He stressed Iran’s military strength, criticized the US blockade, and highlighted major differences in ongoing negotiations.

'Shooting down F-35 not small event': Iran declares victory in war, Ghalibaf says negotiations 'far from final agreement'

Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday (Apr 18) made a big claim by saying that US President Donald Trump was"pulled into the war" with Iran because of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She hit out at Trump for spoiling American relationship with allies and called him an “insecure man.” She criticized the US president for endangering American service members and fueling what she described as an “internal war” that is hurting the public, as rising gasoline prices continue to strain households. She also spoke about the economy as the top issue affecting women and the need to prioritize “soft power” at a&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking at at Detroit’s Huntington Place at a women’s luncheon during Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention, Harris said, "Trump entered a war — and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let's be clear about that — that the American people didn't want. Among the many consequences of it is jacking up the price of gas," Harris said. Since the start of the war, Iran has also claimed that America started the war due to Israel, but Trump denied the claims.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-us-war-to-reignite-again-trump-says-i-don-t-care-reports-claim-he-may-be-planning-limited-strikes-1776064619378">Iran-US war to reignite again? Trump says 'I don't care'; reports claim he may be planning 'limited' strikes</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">You all should have voted for Kamala Harris. We wouldn&#39;t be in this war that Trump keeps lying about. “He entered a war, got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu. Let us be clear about that. Entered a war that the American people do not want, putting at risk American service… <a href="https://t.co/DBL9Fhq1A0">pic.twitter.com/DBL9Fhq1A0</a>&mdash; Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdKrassen/status/2045607831777251427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We are dealing with the most corrupt, callous and incompetent presidential administration in the history of the United States,” Harris said, adding that Donald Trump is the most "insecure man.” Harris called the Iran War a “feeble attempt to distract from the Epstein files,” referencing convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “The man doesn’t understand what real strength looks like, and he overcompensates full time, trying to pretend that basically, he’s some kind of mob boss,” Harris said. “Speaking truth, being trustworthy, being consistent. He has failed on all accounts,” she said, adding that “nature abhors a vacuum,” and countries like China will fill the void the U.S. has left behind.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-s-ai-video-response-to-trump-s-jesus-christ-image-amid-pope-leorow-1776228030383">'Your reckoning has come': Iran's AI video response to Trump's Jesus Christ image amid Pope row</a><h2>Kamala Harris hints at running for Presidency</h2>Former US vice president Kamala Harris on Friday delivered her clearest signal yet that she may mount another bid for the White House, telling a Democratic audience she is thinking about running in 2028.Speaking at a convention hosted by civil rights leader Al Sharpton's National Action Network, the 61-year-old stopped short of a formal declaration but left little doubt she is weighing a third campaign.The Democrat -- defeated in 2024 by Donald Trump in a tumultuous presidential election -- was asked if she would run again in 2028 and electrified the crowd of party activists in New York when she replied: "I might, I might -- I'm thinking about it."

Kamala Harris criticized Donald Trump on the economy, foreign policy, and Iran conflict at a Michigan event, calling his administration incompetent. She also claimed that Trump started the Iran war because of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday (Apr 18) made a big claim by saying that US President Donald Trump was"pulled into the war" with Iran because of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She hit out at Trump for spoiling American relationship with allies and called him an “insecure man.” She criticized the US president for endangering American service members and fueling what she described as an “internal war” that is hurting the public, as rising gasoline prices continue to strain households. She also spoke about the economy as the top issue affecting women and the need to prioritize “soft power” at a Speaking at at Detroit’s Huntington Place at a women’s luncheon during Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention, Harris said, "Trump entered a war — and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let's be clear about that — that the American people didn't want. Among the many consequences of it is jacking up the price of gas," Harris said. Since the start of the war, Iran has also claimed that America started the war due to Israel, but Trump denied the claims. Also Read: Iran-US war to reignite again? Trump says 'I don't care'; reports claim he may be planning 'limited' strikes

Kamala Harris criticized Donald Trump on the economy, foreign policy, and Iran conflict at a Michigan event, calling his administration incompetent. She also claimed that Trump started the Iran war because of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

'To distract from Epstein files': Kamala Harris says Trump was pulled into Iran war by Netanyahu, calls him 'mob boss'

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday (April 18) &nbsp;said he regretted that his recent remarks were interpreted as a response to criticism from Donald Trump, stressing that he has no interest in engaging in a public debate with the US President.&nbsp;Speaking to journalists while travelling during his Africa tour, Leo said a speech he delivered in Cameroon, referring to “tyrants” ransacking the world, had been misread. The address, delivered on Thursday in Bamenda, had drawn attention amid ongoing tensions and was widely interpreted, particularly in US media, as an indirect reference to Trump.&nbsp;Clarifying his stand, the Pope said the remarks had been prepared well before Trump’s recent criticism of him.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The remarks were written before his comment on me and on the message of peace that I am promoting,” Leo said, adding that it was unfortunate the speech was perceived as an attempt to provoke a debate. “It was interpreted as if I were trying to start a new debate with the president, which doesn’t interest me at all,” he said.&nbsp;Leo also pointed to what he described as a distorted narrative around his comments, saying “Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said,” he noted, adding that “there’s been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-five-dead-in-kyiv-attack-gunman-killed-after-hostage-situation-1776530541273">At least five dead in Kyiv attack, gunman killed after hostage situation</a>&nbsp;The original remarks were made during a high-security visit to Bamenda, a region affected by a long-running English-speaking separatist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives. In that context, Leo had criticised global leaders he described as “tyrants”.&nbsp;The clarification comes after Trump publicly criticised the Pope on April 12, saying he was “not a big fan of Pope Leo” and accusing him of being soft on issues related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump later reiterated his stance on social media, stating, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” and calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”

The clarification comes after Trump publicly criticised the Pope on April 12, saying he was “not a big fan of Pope Leo” and accusing him of being soft on issues related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday (April 18) said he regretted that his recent remarks were interpreted as a response to criticism from Donald Trump, stressing that he has no interest in engaging in a public debate with the US President. Speaking to journalists while travelling during his Africa tour, Leo said a speech he delivered in Cameroon, referring to “tyrants” ransacking the world, had been misread. The address, delivered on Thursday in Bamenda, had drawn attention amid ongoing tensions and was widely interpreted, particularly in US media, as an indirect reference to Trump. Clarifying his stand, the Pope said the remarks had been prepared well before Trump’s recent criticism of him. “The remarks were written before his comment on me and on the message of peace that I am promoting,” Leo said, adding that it was unfortunate the speech was perceived as an attempt to provoke a debate. “It was interpreted as if I were trying to start a new debate with the president, which doesn’t interest me at all,” he said. Leo also pointed to what he described as a distorted narrative around his comments, saying “Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said,” he noted, adding that “there’s been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects”. Also Read: At least five dead in Kyiv attack, gunman killed after hostage situation The original remarks were made during a high-security visit to Bamenda, a region affected by a long-running English-speaking separatist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives. In that context, Leo had criticised global leaders he described as “tyrants”. The clarification comes after Trump publicly criticised the Pope on April 12, saying he was “not a big fan of Pope Leo” and accusing him of being soft on issues related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump later reiterated his stance on social media, stating, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” and calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”

The clarification comes after Trump publicly criticised the Pope on April 12, saying he was “not a big fan of Pope Leo” and accusing him of being soft on issues related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Pope Leo XIV clarifies ‘tyrants’ remark, says no interest in debating Trump

The US military is preparing to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters in the coming days, thereby expanding its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East, said a Wall Street Journal report, citing US officials. The report says that the US is planning to expand its campaign to the entire globe and will target ships ferrying Iranian oil outside the Persian Gulf as well as vessels transporting weapons that could support the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;The planning assumes significance as the Iranian military continues to tighten its grip on the Strait of Hormuz and attacked several commercial vessels on Saturday. The developments sent shipping companies scrambling a day after Iran’s foreign minister said the strait was fully open to commercial traffic, an announcement that was welcomed by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-summons-iranian-envoy-lodges-formal-protest-over-gunfire-on-indian-vessels-in-hormuz-1776523917375">India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz</a><h2>Trump admin stepping up economic pressure on Tehran</h2>&nbsp;The Trump administration’s decision to step up the economic pressure on Tehran is intended to force the regime to reopen the strait and make concessions on its nuclear programme.&nbsp;Trump said on Friday that Iran has already agreed to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the US, but Tehran has rejected that claim.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to US Central Command, 23 ships that sought to leave Iranian ports have been turned back as part of a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The broadening of the campaign will enable the US to take control of Iran-linked vessels around the world, including ships carrying Iranian oil that are already sailing outside the Persian Gulf and those carrying arms that could support the Iranian regime.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-tanker-among-vessels-shot-at-by-iranian-gunboats-in-strait-of-hormuz-reports-1776514445896">Indian tanker among vessels shot at by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz: Reports</a><h2>‘Trump optimistic that Economic Fury measures will facilitate peace deal’</h2>&nbsp;The US “will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Thursday.&nbsp;The move is part of the US pressure campaign against Tehran, which Trump administration officials have dubbed “Economic Fury.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump is optimistic that the naval blockade, combined with measures imposed under Economic Fury, will help facilitate a peace deal, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told WSJ.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-suspended-nuclear-programme-deal-to-end-war-mostly-complete-says-trump-1776450628924">Iran has suspended nuclear programme, deal to end war ‘mostly complete,’ says Trump</a>&nbsp;Stepping up the economic pressure is vital as the temporary ceasefire between US and Iran expires next week and talks held in Pakistan ended without a breakthrough.&nbsp;US officials say that the country’s defence industry has been bombed heavily.Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that US forces were “maximally postured” to resume military operations if talks fail.

The broadening of the campaign will enable the US to take control of Iran-linked vessels around the world, including ships carrying Iranian oil that are already sailing outside the Persian Gulf and those carrying arms that could support the Iranian regime.

The US military is preparing to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters in the coming days, thereby expanding its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East, said a Wall Street Journal report, citing US officials. The report says that the US is planning to expand its campaign to the entire globe and will target ships ferrying Iranian oil outside the Persian Gulf as well as vessels transporting weapons that could support the Islamic Republic. The planning assumes significance as the Iranian military continues to tighten its grip on the Strait of Hormuz and attacked several commercial vessels on Saturday. The developments sent shipping companies scrambling a day after Iran’s foreign minister said the strait was fully open to commercial traffic, an announcement that was welcomed by President Donald Trump. Also Read: India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz Trump admin stepping up economic pressure on Tehran The Trump administration’s decision to step up the economic pressure on Tehran is intended to force the regime to reopen the strait and make concessions on its nuclear programme. Trump said on Friday that Iran has already agreed to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the US, but Tehran has rejected that claim. According to US Central Command, 23 ships that sought to leave Iranian ports have been turned back as part of a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The broadening of the campaign will enable the US to take control of Iran-linked vessels around the world, including ships carrying Iranian oil that are already sailing outside the Persian Gulf and those carrying arms that could support the Iranian regime. Also Read: Indian tanker among vessels shot at by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz: Reports ‘Trump optimistic that Economic Fury measures will facilitate peace deal’ The US “will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Thursday. The move is part of the US pressure campaign against Tehran, which Trump administration officials have dubbed “Economic Fury.” Trump is optimistic that the naval blockade, combined with measures imposed under Economic Fury, will help facilitate a peace deal, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told WSJ. Also Read: Iran has suspended nuclear programme, deal to end war ‘mostly complete,’ says Trump Stepping up the economic pressure is vital as the temporary ceasefire between US and Iran expires next week and talks held in Pakistan ended without a breakthrough. US officials say that the country’s defence industry has been bombed heavily. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that US forces were “maximally postured” to resume military operations if talks fail.

The broadening of the campaign will enable the US to take control of Iran-linked vessels around the world, including ships carrying Iranian oil that are already sailing outside the Persian Gulf and those carrying arms that could support the Iranian regime.

US military prepares to board and seize Iran-linked tankers, commercial ships: Report

At least five people were killed and 15 others injured on Saturday (April 18) after a gunman opened fire in a residential area of Kyiv before taking hostages inside a local supermarket in the Holosiivskyi district.&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the fatalities, saying, “At present, five people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to the families and loved ones. Ten people are currently hospitalised with injuries and trauma,” while calling for a swift investigation into the attack.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko has just reported that the attacker in Kyiv who opened fire on civilians has been eliminated. All the circumstances are being established. At present, 5 people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to the families and…&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2045525463615893703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, the assailant first opened fire on pedestrians before entering the supermarket, where he barricaded himself and took hostages. Police responded quickly, leading to a shootout between the gunman and security forces. After negotiations failed, special tactical units stormed the building, rescued four hostages, and neutralised the attacker.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-apologises-to-women-over-quota-bill-setback-slams-congress-as-anti-reform-party-1776526321091">PM Modi apologises to women over quota bill setback, slams Congress as ‘anti-reform party’</a>&nbsp;Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the injured included a child, with several victims suffering gunshot wounds and trauma. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said four people were killed on the street, while another victim died inside the supermarket.&nbsp;Authorities identified the gunman as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow, who held Ukrainian citizenship and had previously lived in Bakhmut. Investigators said he used an automatic weapon in the attack. A fire was also reported at the apartment where he was registered shortly after the shooting began. Officials said the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

Authorities identified the gunman as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow, who held Ukrainian citizenship and had previously lived in Bakhmut.

At least five people were killed and 15 others injured on Saturday (April 18) after a gunman opened fire in a residential area of Kyiv before taking hostages inside a local supermarket in the Holosiivskyi district. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the fatalities, saying, “At present, five people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to the families and loved ones. Ten people are currently hospitalised with injuries and trauma,” while calling for a swift investigation into the attack.

Authorities identified the gunman as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow, who held Ukrainian citizenship and had previously lived in Bakhmut.

At least five dead in Kyiv attack, gunman killed after hostage situation

Iran has not agreed to a second round of negotiations with the US, as per the Iranian media, underscoring continued tensions between Tehran and Washington.&nbsp;The unnamed Iranian source, cited by Tasnim news agency, said Tehran believes the US put forward excessive demands during recent exchanges and has made the withdrawal of those demands a condition for any further talks. The source added that Iran has communicated its stance to Washington through an intermediary in Pakistan.&nbsp;“We informed the American side of our non-agreement to a second round through the Pakistani intermediary,” the source said, adding that Tehran is unwilling to engage in prolonged negotiations that do not yield concrete results.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-tanker-among-vessels-shot-at-by-iranian-gunboats-in-strait-of-hormuz-reports-1776514445896">Indian tanker among vessels shot at by Iranian gunboats in Hormuz: Reports</a><h2>‘Until we agree on the framework’</h2>Separately, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date could be set for further discussions until both sides agree on a basic framework.“Until we agree on the framework, we cannot set the date,” Khatibzadeh said, stressing that any agreement must safeguard Iran’s rights under international law. He added that Iran would not accept being treated as an exception or being asked to abandon its legal rights.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-summons-iranian-envoy-lodges-formal-protest-over-gunfire-on-indian-vessels-in-hormuz-1776523917375">India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz</a>&nbsp;Khatibzadeh also aimed at US messaging, criticising President Donald Trump for inconsistent communication. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum in Antalya, he said the American side “tweets a lot, talks a lot”, describing the messaging as at times confusing and contradictory.&nbsp;The remarks come amid heightened rhetoric from Washington, which has warned of possible further action if a deal with Tehran is not reached.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reviewing-us-proposal-as-trump-says-tehran-cannot-blackmail-us-on-strait-of-hormuz-1776524852186">Iran 'reviewing' US proposal as Trump says 'Tehran cannot blackmail...'</a>

Iran rejected a second round of peace talks with the US, citing "excessive demands" and a lack of an agreed framework. Officials criticised President Trump’s inconsistent communication and insisted on protecting Iran's legal rights.

Iran has not agreed to a second round of negotiations with the US, as per the Iranian media, underscoring continued tensions between Tehran and Washington. The unnamed Iranian source, cited by Tasnim news agency, said Tehran believes the US put forward excessive demands during recent exchanges and has made the withdrawal of those demands a condition for any further talks. The source added that Iran has communicated its stance to Washington through an intermediary in Pakistan. “We informed the American side of our non-agreement to a second round through the Pakistani intermediary,” the source said, adding that Tehran is unwilling to engage in prolonged negotiations that do not yield concrete results. Also read: Indian tanker among vessels shot at by Iranian gunboats in Hormuz: Reports ‘Until we agree on the framework’ Separately, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date could be set for further discussions until both sides agree on a basic framework. “Until we agree on the framework, we cannot set the date,” Khatibzadeh said, stressing that any agreement must safeguard Iran’s rights under international law. He added that Iran would not accept being treated as an exception or being asked to abandon its legal rights. Also read: India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz Khatibzadeh also aimed at US messaging, criticising President Donald Trump for inconsistent communication. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum in Antalya, he said the American side “tweets a lot, talks a lot”, describing the messaging as at times confusing and contradictory. The remarks come amid heightened rhetoric from Washington, which has warned of possible further action if a deal with Tehran is not reached. Also read: Iran 'reviewing' US proposal as Trump says 'Tehran cannot blackmail...'

Iran rejected a second round of peace talks with the US, citing "excessive demands" and a lack of an agreed framework. Officials criticised President Trump’s inconsistent communication and insisted on protecting Iran's legal rights.

When is second round of US-Iran peace talks? Tehran says ‘cen’t set date until we agree on framework’

New Delhi: In what is seen as a diplomatic snub, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu cancelled a meeting with the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, during the American diplomat’s visit to the Indian Ocean nation in March 2026.&nbsp;Mr Gor, who also serves as US ambassador to India, arrived in the capital Malé (23rd March) as part of a regional tour that included Sri Lanka. The trip was intended to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Washington and the Maldives, while exploring cooperation on security, infrastructure and economic development in the strategically important Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;The special envoy Gor held talks with the then Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, describing the discussions on X as productive and focused on bilateral ties and regional issues. Yet the centrepiece of the visit, a face-to-face encounter with President Muizzu, did not materialise. Mr Gor departed without meeting the president, an absence that drew immediate attention in diplomatic circles.&nbsp;Speaking at a press conference on the same day, President Muizzu made his government’s position unequivocal. “There is nothing I want to discuss regarding the ongoing war,” he said, according to local media outlet Adhadhu.&nbsp;“Access will not be granted to use any area of Maldives for purposes of this war or any war. That will not happen.”&nbsp;The cancellation came against the backdrop of the wider conflict in West Asia, including US and Israeli military actions on Iran, and Iranian strikes on US assets in Gulf countries, impacting many of the Arab neighbours. President Muizzu has repeatedly stressed that the Maldives, a small Muslim-majority archipelago, will not allow its territory to be used in any capacity related to these hostilities.He has called for an immediate cessation of violence and condemned actions that violate national sovereignty.&nbsp;Responding to questions about the US envoy’s visit, Mr Muizzu said the Maldives remained open to dialogue with representatives of other countries, but explicitly excluded Israel. He also confirmed that a request has been received by Gor’s team for a meeting, adding that, even if such a meeting takes place, the Maldives would maintain a clear and consistent position of non-involvement in the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;Important to note, Gor got a meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during that two country visit. Sri Lanka had also refused access to land US warplanes in the country amid the war. The country had hosted a number of surviving sailors from the Iranian warship Dena that was torpedoed by Americans in the Indian Ocean.

US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, who also serves as US ambassador to India, arrived in the capital Malé as part of a regional tour that included Sri Lanka. The trip was intended to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Washington and the Maldives.

New Delhi: In what is seen as a diplomatic snub, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu cancelled a meeting with the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, during the American diplomat’s visit to the Indian Ocean nation in March 2026. Mr Gor, who also serves as US ambassador to India, arrived in the capital Malé (23rd March) as part of a regional tour that included Sri Lanka. The trip was intended to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Washington and the Maldives, while exploring cooperation on security, infrastructure and economic development in the strategically important Indian Ocean region. The special envoy Gor held talks with the then Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, describing the discussions on X as productive and focused on bilateral ties and regional issues. Yet the centrepiece of the visit, a face-to-face encounter with President Muizzu, did not materialise. Mr Gor departed without meeting the president, an absence that drew immediate attention in diplomatic circles. Speaking at a press conference on the same day, President Muizzu made his government’s position unequivocal. “There is nothing I want to discuss regarding the ongoing war,” he said, according to local media outlet Adhadhu. “Access will not be granted to use any area of Maldives for purposes of this war or any war. That will not happen.” The cancellation came against the backdrop of the wider conflict in West Asia, including US and Israeli military actions on Iran, and Iranian strikes on US assets in Gulf countries, impacting many of the Arab neighbours. President Muizzu has repeatedly stressed that the Maldives, a small Muslim-majority archipelago, will not allow its territory to be used in any capacity related to these hostilities. He has called for an immediate cessation of violence and condemned actions that violate national sovereignty. Responding to questions about the US envoy’s visit, Mr Muizzu said the Maldives remained open to dialogue with representatives of other countries, but explicitly excluded Israel. He also confirmed that a request has been received by Gor’s team for a meeting, adding that, even if such a meeting takes place, the Maldives would maintain a clear and consistent position of non-involvement in the ongoing conflict. Important to note, Gor got a meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during that two country visit. Sri Lanka had also refused access to land US warplanes in the country amid the war. The country had hosted a number of surviving sailors from the Iranian warship Dena that was torpedoed by Americans in the Indian Ocean.

US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, who also serves as US ambassador to India, arrived in the capital Malé as part of a regional tour that included Sri Lanka. The trip was intended to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Washington and the Maldives.

Amid West Asia War, Maldives cancelled meeting with US envoy Gor last month

An AI-generated image shared by Iran’s diplomatic mission in South Africa has gone viral on social media, highlighting a sharp shift in how official state accounts are communicating during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.&nbsp;The image, posted by the Iranian Embassy, depicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu covered from shoulders to shins in an exaggerated array of military-style medals. The accompanying caption read, “If Netanyahu were to be awarded medals for child killing and genocide”, signalling a direct and provocative attack on Israel’s leadership.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-summons-iranian-envoy-lodges-formal-protest-over-gunfire-on-indian-vessels-in-hormuz-1776523917375">India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If netanyahu were to be awarded medals for child killing and genocide. <a href="https://t.co/B0KBa1VqU5">pic.twitter.com/B0KBa1VqU5</a>&mdash; Iran Embassy SA (@IraninSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IraninSA/status/2045082658976236031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The post quickly drew widespread attention online, with the comment section turning into a heated exchange. One user wrote, “The Islamic republic of Iran has murdered more children, teenagers and young adults than any other group. They are truly demonic and deserve to burn and rot in hell for all eternity.” Another commented, “The medal on his arm is still empty, it should be full too.” Several others mocked the image itself, suggesting the medals should be larger or extended to cover his arms, with one remarking, “The medals are too small.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fighter-jets-were-deployed-to-escort-iranian-delegation-home-from-pakistan-amid-fear-of-israeli-strike-report-1776513205495">Jets were deployed to escort Iranian delegation home from Pakistan: Report</a><h2>A trend of fighting wars with memes?</h2>The viral post is part of a broader trend in which Iranian diplomatic accounts are increasingly adopting meme-style content and AI-generated visuals in place of traditional, formal messaging. In recent weeks, embassies linked to Iran have shared posts that draw on internet humour, satire and pop culture references.&nbsp;This shift has included content targeting political figures such as US President Donald Trump, often using AI imagery, film references and even Bollywood-inspired captions. Other posts have featured cartoons, parody scenarios and stylised videos, including Lego-style animations and exaggerated clips aimed at Western leaders.&nbsp;

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa sparked a social media firestorm by posting an AI-generated image of Benjamin Netanyahu covered in medals for "child killing." The move reflects a new Iranian diplomatic strategy of using aggressive memes and AI satire.

An AI-generated image shared by Iran’s diplomatic mission in South Africa has gone viral on social media, highlighting a sharp shift in how official state accounts are communicating during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions. The image, posted by the Iranian Embassy, depicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu covered from shoulders to shins in an exaggerated array of military-style medals. The accompanying caption read, “If Netanyahu were to be awarded medals for child killing and genocide”, signalling a direct and provocative attack on Israel’s leadership. Also read: India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa sparked a social media firestorm by posting an AI-generated image of Benjamin Netanyahu covered in medals for "child killing." The move reflects a new Iranian diplomatic strategy of using aggressive memes and AI satire.

After Trump, Iran mocks Netanyahu with AI-generated image. This is how internet reacts

India summoned the Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali on Saturday and lodged a formal protest over the firing incident involving an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the day. Government sources confirmed that the Iranian IRGC Navy gunboats fired warning shots near Indian-flagged tankers, with no confirmed damage or casualties. Two vessels, Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald, were involved in the incident.&nbsp;The firing is being seen as a signal to vessels attempting to pass without prior IRGC clearance, despite earlier assurances that the Strait of Hormuz was open.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Ambassador of Iran to India, Dr. Mohammad Fathali leaves from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/01AlP4KBlR">pic.twitter.com/01AlP4KBlR</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2045497768215720207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-tanker-among-vessels-shot-at-by-iranian-gunboats-in-strait-of-hormuz-reports-1776514445896">Indian tanker among vessels shot at by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz: Reports</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities said the Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and India-flagged ships operating in the region.The government has reiterated that the safety of seafarers remains its top priority.&nbsp;The incident comes as Iran reimposed strict control over the Strait of Hormuz amid a standoff with the United States, with both sides enforcing rival restrictions on maritime movement.&nbsp;Officials said that while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had announced safe passage saying the strait was open for all commercial vessels, the IRGC, which controls operations at sea, continues to enforce strict rules, including prior permission and designated routes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-suspended-nuclear-programme-deal-to-end-war-mostly-complete-says-trump-1776450628924">Iran has suspended nuclear programme, deal to end war ‘mostly complete,’ says Trump</a>&nbsp;<h2>Indian vessels struck by stray bullets</h2>&nbsp;The government sources said there was small arms firing in the area when two Indian vessels near the narrow stretch of the Strait of Hormuz were struck by stray bullets. Officials clarified that the ships were not specifically targeted.Both vessels suffered minor damage, with one bridge window on each ship being hit. No other damage or injuries have been reported.The reports have heightened concerns among shipping companies and insurers, many of whom remain cautious about resuming normal operations in the region.The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported a security incident roughly 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-will-get-all-of-iran-s-nuclear-dust-won-t-pay-anything-for-it-1776442071680">Trump says US will get all of Iran’s ‘nuclear dust’, won’t pay anything for it</a><h2>Shots fired from IRGC boats</h2>&nbsp;A tanker’s captain told authorities that two gunboats, believed to be linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, approached the vessel and fired shots. Despite the scare, the ship’s crew were unharmed.In another development, a container vessel in the region was also reportedly hit by gunfire, according to a maritime security source.Several ships navigating the area said they picked up a VHF radio broadcast attributed to Iran’s navy, announcing that the Strait of Hormuz had been shut once again.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-state-media-slam-foreign-minister-araghchi-s-hormuz-tweet-say-it-let-trump-claim-victory-1776457471014">Iran’s state media slam Foreign Minister Araghchi’s Hormuz tweet, say it let Trump claim victory</a>&nbsp;“Attention all ships, regarding the failure of the US government to fulfil its commitment in the negotiation, Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” it said.The uncertainty has left a large number of vessels stranded. Hundreds of ships, along with nearly 20,000 seafarers, are awaiting clearance to move. The Strait remains one of the world’s most critical energy routes, handling about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.&nbsp;

Authorities said the Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and India-flagged ships operating in the region. The government has reiterated that the safety of seafarers remains its top priority.

India summoned the Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali on Saturday and lodged a formal protest over the firing incident involving an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the day. Government sources confirmed that the Iranian IRGC Navy gunboats fired warning shots near Indian-flagged tankers, with no confirmed damage or casualties. Two vessels, Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald, were involved in the incident. The firing is being seen as a signal to vessels attempting to pass without prior IRGC clearance, despite earlier assurances that the Strait of Hormuz was open.

Authorities said the Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and India-flagged ships operating in the region. The government has reiterated that the safety of seafarers remains its top priority.

India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz

After the talks held in Pakistan failed to yield any result, Iran on Saturday (April 18) said it is reviewing new proposals from the United States delivered through Islamabad. However, a response from its side is yet to be issued an is under consideration.&nbsp;“In recent days, with the Commander of the Pakistani Army in Tehran as a mediator and intermediary, new proposals have been put forward by the Americans, which the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently reviewing and has not yet responded to,” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement.&nbsp;The statement further said that its negotiating delegation "will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation".<h2>Iran cannot 'blackmail us'</h2>&nbsp;While the United States President Donald Trump while speaking at an event in the White House on Saturday warned Iran against any "blackmail" on Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran declared the strategic waterway once again closed.&nbsp;"We're talking to them. They wanted to close up the strait again -- you know, as they've been doing for years -- and they can't blackmail us," Trump said.&nbsp;Early today, IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state”. The move, according to IRGC is being taken due to US’s continuing blockade of Iranian ports.&nbsp;"Every breach of promise by America will be met with a fitting response. As long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in its previous state. By the will of Allah," IRGC said.&nbsp;The head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, too reacted and mocked United States by saying, "We warned you, but you ignored it. Now ENJOY the Strait of Hormuz returning to the status quo."&nbsp;

The statement by Iran said that its negotiating delegation will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation.

After the talks held in Pakistan failed to yield any result, Iran on Saturday (April 18) said it is reviewing new proposals from the United States delivered through Islamabad. However, a response from its side is yet to be issued an is under consideration. “In recent days, with the Commander of the Pakistani Army in Tehran as a mediator and intermediary, new proposals have been put forward by the Americans, which the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently reviewing and has not yet responded to,” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement. The statement further said that its negotiating delegation "will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation". Iran cannot 'blackmail us' While the United States President Donald Trump while speaking at an event in the White House on Saturday warned Iran against any "blackmail" on Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran declared the strategic waterway once again closed. "We're talking to them. They wanted to close up the strait again -- you know, as they've been doing for years -- and they can't blackmail us," Trump said. Early today, IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state”. The move, according to IRGC is being taken due to US’s continuing blockade of Iranian ports. "Every breach of promise by America will be met with a fitting response. As long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in its previous state. By the will of Allah," IRGC said. The head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, too reacted and mocked United States by saying, "We warned you, but you ignored it. Now ENJOY the Strait of Hormuz returning to the status quo."

The statement by Iran said that its negotiating delegation "will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation".

Iran 'reviewing' US proposal as Trump says 'Tehran cannot blackmail us on Strait of Hormuz'

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (April 18) announced sweeping reforms aimed at accelerating access to medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs.&nbsp;Trump signed an executive order directing the US Food and Drug Administration to expedite the review of drugs such as ibogaine, which US military veteran groups say can help treat post-traumatic stress disorder.&nbsp;The move will “dramatically accelerate access to new medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs,” Trump said.&nbsp;The order, signed in the Oval Office in the presence of federal health officials, advocates and podcaster Joe Rogan, directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue fresh guidance for researchers conducting clinical trials on psychedelics.&nbsp;“In many cases, these experimental treatments have shown life-changing potential for those suffering from severe mental illness and depression, including our cherished veterans,” Trump said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dmk-moves-private-member-s-bill-for-women-s-reservation-seeks-rajya-sabha-discussion-1776514757948">DMK moves private member’s bill for women’s reservation, seeks Rajya Sabha discussion</a>&nbsp;He added that the steps outlined in the order would “clear away unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, improve data sharing among the FDA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and facilitate fast rescheduling of any psychedelic drugs that become FDA-approved.”&nbsp;Trump also announced that the federal government will provide $50 million to support state-level research on ibogaine and is “opening a pathway for the substance to be administered to desperately ill patients under the Right to Try law” signed during his first term.&nbsp;Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. said the order would accelerate research, approval and access to new mental health treatments, including psychedelic therapies.&nbsp;“We’re taking this decision, this decisive step, to confront one of the most urgent public health challenges facing our nation, the mental health crisis,” he said adding that “This executive order will remove legal impediments that block American researchers, scientists, physicians and clinicians from properly studying these medicines and, where appropriate, establishing protocols for their safe therapeutic use.”

The order, signed in the Oval Office in the presence of federal health officials, advocates and podcaster Joe Rogan, directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue fresh guidance for researchers conducting clinical trials on psychedelics.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (April 18) announced sweeping reforms aimed at accelerating access to medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs. Trump signed an executive order directing the US Food and Drug Administration to expedite the review of drugs such as ibogaine, which US military veteran groups say can help treat post-traumatic stress disorder. The move will “dramatically accelerate access to new medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs,” Trump said. The order, signed in the Oval Office in the presence of federal health officials, advocates and podcaster Joe Rogan, directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue fresh guidance for researchers conducting clinical trials on psychedelics. “In many cases, these experimental treatments have shown life-changing potential for those suffering from severe mental illness and depression, including our cherished veterans,” Trump said. Also Read: DMK moves private member’s bill for women’s reservation, seeks Rajya Sabha discussion He added that the steps outlined in the order would “clear away unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, improve data sharing among the FDA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and facilitate fast rescheduling of any psychedelic drugs that become FDA-approved.” Trump also announced that the federal government will provide $50 million to support state-level research on ibogaine and is “opening a pathway for the substance to be administered to desperately ill patients under the Right to Try law” signed during his first term. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. said the order would accelerate research, approval and access to new mental health treatments, including psychedelic therapies. “We’re taking this decision, this decisive step, to confront one of the most urgent public health challenges facing our nation, the mental health crisis,” he said adding that “This executive order will remove legal impediments that block American researchers, scientists, physicians and clinicians from properly studying these medicines and, where appropriate, establishing protocols for their safe therapeutic use.”

The order, signed in the Oval Office in the presence of federal health officials, advocates and podcaster Joe Rogan, directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue fresh guidance for researchers conducting clinical trials on psychedelics.

Trump signs executive order to fast-track psychedelic drug research, announces $50 million support

A day after US president Donald Trump declared that the Strait of Hormuz is ‘completely open’ for all commercial ships for the remaining period of the ceasefire but naval blockade will continue until "our transaction with Iran is 100% complete," US Apache helicopters flew above the Strait of Hormuz during a patrol on Saturday(April 18).&nbsp;US argued that the patrol is being taken in support of freedom of navigation.&nbsp;In a post on X the US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote, "AH-64 Apaches fly above the Strait of Hormuz during a patrol, April 17. U.S. Army Soldiers are flying in and around the strait providing a visible presence in support of freedom of navigation."<h2>"Status of the Strait of Hormuz will not change"</h2>&nbsp;The naval blockade by US has irked Iran that says the status of the Strait of Hormuz will not change "as long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fighter-jets-were-deployed-to-escort-iranian-delegation-home-from-pakistan-amid-fear-of-israeli-strike-report-1776513205495">Fighter jets were deployed to escort Iranian delegation home from Pakistan amid fear of Israeli strike: Report</a>&nbsp;IRGC’s joint military command released a statement o f Saturday saying that the Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state”.

US Apache helicopters flew above the Strait of Hormuz during a patrol on Saturday(April 18), claiming it was done in support of freedom of navigation.

A day after US president Donald Trump declared that the Strait of Hormuz is ‘completely open’ for all commercial ships for the remaining period of the ceasefire but naval blockade will continue until "our transaction with Iran is 100% complete," US Apache helicopters flew above the Strait of Hormuz during a patrol on Saturday(April 18). US argued that the patrol is being taken in support of freedom of navigation. In a post on X the US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote, "AH-64 Apaches fly above the Strait of Hormuz during a patrol, April 17. U.S. Army Soldiers are flying in and around the strait providing a visible presence in support of freedom of navigation." "Status of the Strait of Hormuz will not change" The naval blockade by US has irked Iran that says the status of the Strait of Hormuz will not change "as long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat." ALSO READ: Fighter jets were deployed to escort Iranian delegation home from Pakistan amid fear of Israeli strike: Report IRGC’s joint military command released a statement o f Saturday saying that the Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state”.

US Apache helicopters flew above the Strait of Hormuz during a patrol on Saturday(April 18), claiming it was done in support of freedom of navigation.

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