13 Apr 2026, 20:00

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For Months, Pope Avoided Clash With Trump. Now He’s Clapping Back.

President Trump lashed out on Sunday night at Pope Leo XIV, who responded hours later by saying he would continue to oppose war.

US judge dismisses Trump’s $10bn lawsuit against WSJ over Epstein story

Dismissed lawsuit follows WSJ's report on letter allegedly signed by Donald Trump for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday.

Pope says he has 'no fear' of Trump after scathing criticism

The US president accuses Leo of being "weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy".

Retired U.S. Navy admiral on Trump's threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz

NPR's Michel Martin speaks to retired U. S. Navy Adm. James Foggo, dean of the Center for Maritime Strategy, about President Trump's command to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran War Live Updates: Deadline Passes for U.S. Blockade in Strait of Hormuz

The U. S. military said it would block ships entering or exiting Iranian ports or coastal areas, in an effort to cut off Iran’s oil income. There was no immediate confirmation that the blockade had begun at 10 a. m. Eastern, as scheduled.

As ceasefire holds, Iran war could become battle of competing blockades - BBC

As ceasefire holds, Iran war could become battle of competing blockades BBC As ceasefire holds, Iran war could become battle of competing blockades BBC.

Live updates: U.S. blockade of Iran's ports comes into effect; Trump says he doesn't care about new talks - NBC News

Live updates: U. S. blockade of Iran's ports comes into effect; Trump says he doesn't care about new talks NBC News blockade of Iran's ports comes into effect; Trump says he doesn't care about new talks NBC News.

Israelis Don’t Feel Much Like Victors in War With Iran

The regime in Iran has not changed and the nuclear and missile threats have not been eliminated, leaving many Israelis to wonder what this was all for.

Middle East crisis live: Trump vows that ships approaching US blockade of Iran’s ports will be ‘eliminated’, after sparring with pope - The Guardian

Middle East crisis live: Trump vows that ships approaching US blockade of Iran’s ports will be ‘eliminated’, after sparring with pope The Guardian Middle East crisis live: Trump vows that ships approaching US blockade of Iran’s ports will be ‘eliminated’, after sparring with pope The Guardian.

‘USazs–Iran Tensions: Diplomacy, Deterrence, or Escalation?’ - The Times of Israel

‘USazs–Iran Tensions: Diplomacy, Deterrence, or Escalation?’ The Times of Israel ‘USazs–Iran Tensions: Diplomacy, Deterrence, or Escalation?’ The Times of Israel.

Live updates: US military blockade on Iranian ports takes effect - CNN

Live updates: US military blockade on Iranian ports takes effect CNN Live updates: US military blockade on Iranian ports takes effect CNN.

Trump says Iranian ships will be ‘eliminated’ as US naval blockade begins

US president says Iranian military vessels approaching the blockade zone in Gulf will be 'immediately eliminated'.

Trump’s threat to blockade Hormuz: Why it’s the latest major escalation

Analysts warn Washington's blockade could harm the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Pakistan eyes narrow window to resuscitate US-Iran talks after breakdown

US and Iran end marathon Islamabad talks without agreement, leaving fragile ceasefire under growing strain.

Iran carried out highest number of executions in decades

Organisations warn many more people could be executed in the wake of the anti-government protests which swept Iran earlier this year.

Israeli forces kill three Palestinians in Gaza, arrest dozens in West Bank

Attacks come as Palestinian groups meet mediators from Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar in Cairo to discuss fragile 'ceasefire'.

"The door is not closed": Mediators rush to revive U.S.-Iran talks - Axios

The door is not closed": Mediators rush to revive U. S.-Iran talks Axios "The door is not closed": Mediators rush to revive U. S.-Iran talks Axios.

Pope Leo Heads to Africa to Meet the Future of Catholicism

On a four-country tour of the continent, where the faith is growing faster than anywhere else, the pontiff will be greeted by enthusiastic crowds and authoritarian leaders.

At least six killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

Attacks come as Israel says it is close to taking over a major town in the south, and before peace talks in the US.

Cement company Lafarge found guilty in Syria terrorism financing case

A French court has found cement company Lafarge guilty of financing armed groups during the Syrian war.

Israel is trying to change Jerusalem’s religious identity

Israel is destroying the Status Quo to establish full control over Muslim and Christian religious life at holy sites.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE 13 April: US-Iran talks falter; Strait of Hormuz uncertainty deepens

Weekend developments have raised fresh concerns worldwide after talks between the United States and Iran on Saturday ended without agreement, fuelling uncertainty and raising tensions once again. The planned US blockade targeting Iranian ports going into effect has added to fears of further escalation and global trade disruption. Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll mounts, with Lebanese authorities r Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll mounts, with Lebanese authorities r.

Trump says U.S. will blockade Iranian ports. And, Orbán loses Hungarian election

President Trump announced a blockade of Iranian ports after peace talks with Iran collapsed. And, Viktor Orbán concedes defeat after 16 years in power in Hungary.

The U.S. military is about to block ships from Iran's ports after talks failed

The U. S. Central Command said the blockade would be "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations" from 10 a. m. EDT, following the breakdown of talks after 21 hours of negotiations. military is about to block ships from Iran's ports after talks failed.

And the election winner is … the candidate who can afford Africa’s soaring nomination fees

Presidential elections in Djibouti and Benin at the weekend highlighted how a costly electoral system is reshaping democracyAlexis Mohamed would have loved to stand against his former boss. A longtime adviser to Djibouti’s president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, Mohamed resigned last September, citing democratic regression in the country. But at the election at the weekend, Mohamed was not on the ballot. N N.

Political Legitimacy, Monarchy, and Democratic Transition in Iran - E-International Relations

Political Legitimacy, Monarchy, and Democratic Transition in Iran E-International Relations Political Legitimacy, Monarchy, and Democratic Transition in Iran E-International Relations.

Trump says U.S. will blockade Iranian ports after peace talks fail

On Sunday, President Trump said the U. S. would blockade the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations between the U. S. and Iran broke down over the weekend.

Pope Leo stands firm with Trump as Vatican–Washington rift deepens over Iran war

Pope Leo XIV says he will not be deterred by criticism from President Trump, vowing to continue his calls for peace as tensions escalate between the Vatican and Washington over the Iran conflict.

Senior UN official highlights deepening UN-EU cooperation amid global challenges - Anadolu Ajansı

Senior UN official highlights deepening UN-EU cooperation amid global challenges Anadolu Ajansı Senior UN official highlights deepening UN-EU cooperation amid global challenges Anadolu Ajansı.

Baylor Expert to Speak on U.S. Diplomacy at ASU - sanangelolive.com

Baylor Expert to Speak on U. S. Diplomacy at ASU sanangelolive. com.

Drilling Tools International Benefits From Diversification Despite Geopolitical Turmoil - Seeking Alpha

Drilling Tools International Benefits From Diversification Despite Geopolitical Turmoil Seeking Alpha Drilling Tools International Benefits From Diversification Despite Geopolitical Turmoil Seeking Alpha.

Diplomatic push underway on Hormuz fertiliser proposal, UN says, as shortages bite - Reuters

Diplomatic push underway on Hormuz fertiliser proposal, UN says, as shortages bite Reuters Diplomatic push underway on Hormuz fertiliser proposal, UN says, as shortages bite Reuters.

How information disorder shapes global politics - UC Santa Barbara

How information disorder shapes global politics UC Santa Barbara How information disorder shapes global politics UC Santa Barbara.

‘Drinking Arsenal tears’: How the Gunners’ stumble sparked a meme frenzy

As a Man City fan's 'Arsenal bottle job' celebration goes viral, football fans take a dig at the London club's stumble.

What do we know about sea mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz?

The psychological terror that the presence of sea mines can generate could paralyse the Strait of Hormuz.

Stranded Sailors in Gulf Face ‘Significant Risks,’ U.N. Maritime Chief Says - WSJ

Stranded Sailors in Gulf Face ‘Significant Risks,’ U. N. Maritime Chief Says WSJ.

How Orban Lost His Touch, and Hungary’s Election

The election defeat for Prime Minister Viktor Orban is less the result of an ideological shift in Hungary, and more the playing out of a fundamental rule of politics.

Ghanaian footballer killed after armed attackers open fire at team bus

The team was returning from a match when they were attacked by "masked men wielding guns", officials say.

Air Cargo Security Screening Systems Market Growth and Outlook - Precedence Research

Air Cargo Security Screening Systems Market Growth and Outlook Precedence Research Air Cargo Security Screening Systems Market Growth and Outlook Precedence Research.

Peru election drags into second day after ballot delivery fiasco

Technical and logistical problems mean Peruvians choosing a new president and members of Congress continue to vote on Monday.

Ghanaian winger Dominic Frimpong killed at age of 20 in attack on team bus

Armed men fired at Berekum Chelsea bus on SundayFrimpong dies of wounds at hospitalBerekum Chelsea winger Dominic Frimpong was killed in an armed robbery on his team’s bus as they returned from a match on Sunday, the Ghana Football Association said. Berekum Chelsea said six “masked men wielding guns and assault rifles” had blocked the road as the team returned from their Ghana Premier League match.

Can the Balkans Fight Corruption Without Weakening Due Process? - Global Security Review

Can the Balkans Fight Corruption Without Weakening Due Process? Global Security Review.

Orbán era swept away by Péter Magyar's Hungary election landslide

Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule is over, defeated by a 45-year-old ex-party insider who convinced a majority of Hungarians to oust him.

King's students gain front-row insight into global security at London Defence Conference - King's College London

King's students gain front-row insight into global security at London Defence Conference King's College London King's students gain front-row insight into global security at London Defence Conference King's College London.

NATO allies refuse to join Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade - Reuters

NATO allies refuse to join Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade Reuters NATO allies refuse to join Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade Reuters.

Is NATO Headed for a Crack-Up? - The National Interest

Is NATO Headed for a Crack-Up? The National Interest.

Brazil’s Lula, 80, livestreams workouts before election against rival half his age

President contrasts his health with challenger Flávio Bolsonaro, who fainted during a TV debateThe Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is seeking to lunge and leg press his way to a historic fourth term, as the octogenarian politician uses a flurry of workout videos to convince voters he is fighting fit ahead of October’s crunch election. Lula looks set to face off against a senator alm.

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