Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing on Tuesday. 

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Mozambique Daniel Francisco Chapo will pay a state visit to China from April 16 to 22, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Tuesday. 

The heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group on Monday warned of the negative impacts of the war against Iran waged by the United States and Israel.

The three leaders met as part of a coordination group set up on April 1 to maximize their institutions' response to the energy and economic impacts of the war in the Middle East.

"The impact of the war is substantial, global and highly asymmetric, disproportionately affecting energy importers, in particular low-income countries. The shock has led to higher oil, gas and fertilizer prices, triggering concerns about food security and job losses as well. Some oil and gas producers in the Middle East have also seen a dramatic loss of export revenue," the heads of the organizations said in a statement.

Even after a resumption of regular shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz, it will take time for global supplies of key commodities to move back toward their pre-conflict levels, while fuel and fertilizer prices may remain high for a prolonged period given the damage to infrastructure, said the statement.

Due to supply disruptions, shortages of key inputs are likely to have implications for energy, food and other industries. The war has also forcibly displaced people, impacted jobs and reduced travel and tourism, which may take time to reverse, it added.

Teams from the organizations are working closely, including at country level, to leverage their respective expertise and help countries through tailored policy advice and, in the case of the IMF and World Bank, financial support where needed, according to the statement.

The three leaders vowed to continue to monitor closely and assess the impact of the war on energy markets, the global economy and individual countries, and to coordinate response and support to their respective member countries.

To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and president of Vietnam, arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit to China through Friday. 

China is the first country To Lam visits following his recent election as Vietnamese president.

A total of 496 people lost their lives in natural disasters in Nepal over the 12 months from April 14, 2025, to April 13, 2026, a government agency said on Monday.

In its annual report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said fires accounted for the highest number of deaths at 106, followed by 101 deaths from snakebites and 76 from landslides.

The authority noted that fires not only caused the highest number of fatalities but also resulted in the greatest number of injuries and the most property damage.

According to the report, 1,991 people were injured in 7,716 disaster-related incidents during the period. A total of 38 people remain missing, while 13,693 families were directly affected.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host a meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington on Tuesday, US online media outlet Axios reported.

The meeting, which will be the highest-level direct engagement between Israel and Lebanon since 1993, is expected to focus on the possibility of a ceasefire, the longer-term disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah, and prospects for a peace deal between the two countries, the report said.

"Israel is at war with Hezbollah, not Lebanon, so there is no reason the two neighbors should not be talking," a State Department official was quoted as saying.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, US State Department Counselor Michael Needham, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad will attend the meeting, the report said.

Israel and Lebanon laid out different expectations on Monday ahead of their upcoming talks in Washington, with Israel insisting on Hezbollah's disarmament and a peace agreement, and Lebanon voicing hope for direct negotiations and a ceasefire, according to reports.

Fierce fighting continued Monday between Hezbollah and the Israeli army in the border city of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.

Hezbollah entered the US-Israeli war with Iran on March 2, launching rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since the 2024 ceasefire. Israel responded with a ground offensive amid an intensified military campaign targeting multiple areas across the country, killing more than 2,000 people.

After negotiations with Iran failed to yield any agreement, the United States took drastic measures on Monday by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for the global energy market.

Experts say that given the complexity of the strait and the potential blowback to US own interests, a full blockade may be difficult to sustain. Nevertheless, this "reckless move" could further disrupt the global economy and heighten the risk of renewed regional conflict.

'Reckless move'

After US President Donald Trump threatened on Sunday to block ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command said that US forces will begin implementing a blockade of "all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports" on Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (1400 GMT).

In accordance with Trump's proclamation, the blockade will be enforced "impartially" against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including "all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman," according to the statement.

On Monday afternoon, the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz came into effect.

In a press conference following the blockade, Trump warned that the US military will "eliminate" any Iranian ship if it comes close to the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

The blockade adds yet another hurdle to a globally vital shipping route already battered by the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz "is not just a geopolitical escalation but a reckless move that risks choking the global economy, with American consumers bearing the brunt," Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency opined on Monday.

Unsustainable blockade

While the United States seeks to pressure Iran by blocking the strait to secure concessions on issues such as the reopening of Hormuz, experts say that a full blockade is unlikely to be either feasible or sustainable.

The United States is likely to rely on enhancing its naval presence, intensifying monitoring and inspection operations, and possibly imposing "selective restrictions" on the movement of certain vessels, said Abdulaziz Alshaabani, a Saudi researcher at Al Riyadh Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

"However, it is unlikely that the naval blockade would be complete or absolutely effective, given the complexities of maritime routes and the entanglement of international interests," Alshaabani added.

Mohammed Al-Jubouri, a professor at al-Iraqia University in Baghdad, echoes Alshaabani's assessment.

"Iran does not need to engage the US fleet directly to undermine the blockade," Al-Jubouri said. "It suffices for Tehran to employ tactics involving fast-attack craft, naval mines, coastal missile batteries, or even proxy attacks in other parts of the region. Such tools are capable of transforming any blockade into a prolonged war of attrition."

Abu Bakr al-Deeb, an advisor at the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies, argues that a complete blockade could end up shooting the United States in the foot, ultimately working against its own interests.

"The United States can impose temporary or partial control, but it would face immense difficulty in transforming that control into a stable, long-term blockade without incurring significant political and economic costs," he added.

Far-reaching impact

Even if a long-term blockade may be beyond Washington's reach, the move is sure to send additional shockwaves through a global energy market already roiled by ongoing US-Iran tensions and could further jeopardize the fragile ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran, raising the risk of renewed conflict.

A blockade of a strait as vital as Hormuz cannot remain a "purely American affair" in terms of its impact, al-Deeb said, adding, "The global economy – particularly Asia and Europe – would suffer immediate and direct harm."

Following the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict on February 28, Brent Crude oil prices have already soared, reaching highs of over $120 per barrel by early April.

Oil could rise to $150 a barrel under a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Jorge Montepeque, managing director at Britain-based Onyx Capital Group, told Bloomberg.

The US blockade is also believed to raise the risk of hostilities reigniting between Washington and Tehran, potentially undermining the ceasefire that was just agreed upon last week.

"The US insistence and lack of flexibility regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz ... reveals Washington's intention to use these issues as a pretext for launching further strikes and attacks," said Al-Jubouri.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to use new military capabilities if the war with the United States and Israel continues.

"We have not yet used our capabilities, and if the war continues, we will unveil capabilities that the enemy has no idea about," IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said after the US blockade took effect.

Sharply rising needs in Iran and the deepening crises in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip are complicating relief delivery across the Middle East, UN humanitarians said Monday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that access restrictions and broader economic disruptions are adding to operational challenges in the region.

OCHA said the United Nations and its partners continue to support the government-led humanitarian response in Iran amid sharply rising needs.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said it has been working with its partners to support children and families, including increasing psychosocial support. As needs grow, UNICEF is also helping to restore access to essential health services.

Working with Iran's Ministry of Health, UNICEF said two mobile health units, eight primary health care tents, and more than 80 emergency primary health care kits have been deployed. Tents and emergency kits were delivered, helping to reach more than 225,000 people.

OCHA said that humanitarian needs continue to deepen across Lebanon amid high-intensity hostilities.

"While negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese authorities are expected tomorrow, Israeli military activity remains particularly intense in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa governorate," the office said.

OCHA said the government reported that more than 2,000 people have been killed and more than 6,500 injured, as casualties continue to rise. On Friday, 19 people, including 13 members of State Security, were killed and about 15 were injured following strikes targeting a government building in the city of Nabatieh.

UNICEF said there were at least 18 incidents affecting water systems across Lebanon, damaging reservoirs, pumping stations, and main supply lines, disrupting access to safe water.

"Despite severe access constraints and ongoing hostilities, humanitarian partners continue to deliver assistance," OCHA said.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon supported the protection of civilians and humanitarian access amid the hostilities.

In Gaza, OCHA said the Israeli authorities reopened the Zikim crossing in the north after it was closed for more than 40 days. Supplies were offloaded there over the weekend, and UN cargo collection inside Gaza resumed on Monday, starting with food, nutrition and other humanitarian items administered by the World Food Programme and UNICEF.

However, the office said that major constraints remain, including Israeli requirements for customs clearance, which are often delayed, insufficient scanning capacity, which makes it difficult to secure approval for many critical items, and blanket bans on specific UN agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

On Sunday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners supported the medical evacuation of more than two dozen patients and more than 40 of their companions through the Rafah crossing.

The WHO suspended its support for medical evacuations led by Gaza's Ministry of Health following a security incident in which a person contracted to provide services to the WHO in Gaza was killed.

The agency said resumption followed commitments from the involved parties to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) expressed their alarm at the sustained violations of the rules of war and international humanitarian law.

They said in a statement that thousands of civilians have been killed and injured and hundreds of thousands displaced, many multiple times. The numbers continue to rise and essential services are increasingly difficult to access.

"Our humanitarian colleagues have been caught up in the hostilities," the IASC said. "This year alone, 14 aid workers have been killed or injured in the occupied Palestinian territory, eight in Iran and five in Lebanon. This is an alarming toll, not least for national staff and local organizations, working courageously on the humanitarian front lines every day."

The committee members demanded that all parties, whether UN member states or armed groups, respect their legal obligations to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure, adding that all violations must be met with accountability.

"Even wars have rules, and these rules must be respected," the statement said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez underscored the vital role of cooperation in driving scientific progress during a visit to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Monday.

"Cooperation does not weaken science. It strengthens. It improves its quality, expands its impact, and creates lasting bonds between science communities," Sanchez said as he was awarded an honorary professorship by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS).

Earlier in the day, he toured an exhibition highlighting CAS sci-tech achievements, where he was briefed on the institution's recent landmark innovations.

The visit underlines the maturing scientific partnership between China and Spain, which has progressively shifted from high-level strategic alignment to concrete, on-the-ground implementation.

In the area of large-scale scientific facilities, the CAS Institute of High Energy Physics has signed agreements with its Spanish counterparts to jointly advance technologies for fourth-generation synchrotron radiation light source, while in agriculture, the two nations have established a joint center for plant-environment interactions to tackle global food security challenges, according to the CAS.

In the field of optical astronomy, research bodies from both countries maintain a long-standing collaboration that includes the joint construction of astronomical optical infrastructure. In marine science, sustained cooperation spans ocean remote sensing, disaster mitigation, marine ecology, and the sustainable management of marine resources, the CAS said.

The UCAS continues to foster robust ties with Spanish universities and research institutions. This relationship is reflected in a steady two-way exchange of talent. Over the past decade, more than 10 Spanish scholars have pursued advanced studies at the UCAS, while nearly 100 UCAS students have embarked on research and academic programs in Spain, according to the CAS.

This reciprocal flow injects enduring momentum into the innovation partnership between the two countries.

Expressing his gratitude for the honorary professorship, Sanchez said that he will continue to promote deeper exchanges and cooperation between Spanish scientific and educational institutions and those of the CAS, including the UCAS, for the benefit of the people of both countries and the world.

Sanchez is undertaking an official visit to China from Saturday to Wednesday, marking his fourth trip to the country within four years.

Fatou, a gorilla described by Zoo Berlin as the world's oldest, celebrated her 69th birthday on Monday with a bamboo bouquet and a basket of vegetables.

"That age is very unusual for a gorilla," said zookeeper Christian Aust, as gorillas in the wild typically live between 35 and 45 years, according to a zoo press release.

To mark the occasion, the female gorilla was given lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot and broccoli. Fruit is no longer part of her diet because of its high sugar content and the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Fatou arrived in the German capital in 1959 and has been living in a separate enclosure away from the zoo's younger gorillas to enjoy a quieter environment. Her health is being closely monitored.

"She has arthritis; she can no longer fully extend her joints, so she can't completely straighten her legs and arms," said curator Jennifer Hahn. Despite this, Fatou is still able to move around quite well.

The zoo said animals in human care often live significantly longer than those in the wild because they are protected from predators and receive regular veterinary care.

In their natural habitat, older and weaker animals are more vulnerable to predators, rivals and food shortages.

Benin's Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni was elected president with 94 percent of the vote, according to provisional results released by the electoral commission overnight Monday to Tuesday. 

U.S. President Trump deleted an AI-generated image of himself which many people believed depicted him as Jesus on Truth Social after backlash. The post came shortly after he criticized Pope Leo XIV over comments on U.S. actions against Iran. Asked about it, Trump said, “I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor.” Critics, including conservatives, called the image inappropriate and blasphemous.

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Peru heads into a highly fragmented presidential runoff election. With political instability and low public trust shaping the race, voters face a crowded field and an uncertain outcome.

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At least 25 people were killed and scores more were injured in a stampede at a mountaintop fortress in northern Haiti on Saturday, April 11.

The location was a popular tourist destination in Milot, 12 miles south of Cap-Haitien. Municipal authorities said in their preliminary investigation that severe overcrowding and a lack of proper crowd management led to the tragedy. 

In a statement, authorities added that the stampede "resulted in numerous cases of asphyxiation, trampling and loss of consciousness."

Dozens were treated at local hospitals, while many others were reported missing. Haiti's government offered condolences to the families of the victims.

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On Sunday, April 12, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blockade on ships entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz, following the breakdown of U.S.-Iran talks.

World leaders reacted to the announcement, with many expressing concerns that further tensions could affect global markets.

Take a look.

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Nigeria's Finance Minister, Wale Edun, said on Monday that the West African nation will be seeking increased international financial support at this week's International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings, as rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in Iran threaten domestic reforms.

While higher crude oil prices have boosted foreign exchange earnings for Africa's largest oil producer, Edun warned that the surge comes at a "critical transition point," intensifying inflation and raising the cost of living for households.

Since the onset of the conflict, petrol prices in Nigeria have jumped more than 50% to 1,330 naira ($0.98) per liter, while diesel has surged over 70% to 1,550 naira per liter, placing strain on both consumers and businesses.

The spike threatens to derail reforms introduced in 2023 under President Bola Tinubu, which aimed to stabilize the economy and reignite growth. Tinubu's economic overhaul included ending costly fuel and energy subsidies, devaluing the currency, and restructuring the tax system.

At the IMF-World Bank meetings, Edun, who chairs the G24 group of developing nations, plans to advocate for lower borrowing costs, fairer global financial conditions, and greater support for countries undertaking reforms.

Nigeria's benchmark Bonny Light crude has surged from roughly $70–$73 per barrel before the conflict to over $120 per barrel, government figures show.

Although inflation fell sharply to 15.06% in February from around 33% in December 2024, it remains high by regional standards and has been pushed upward again following the conflict, according to the World Bank.

Edun emphasized that the government remains focused on attracting private investment, creating jobs, sustaining growth, and protecting vulnerable households from rising prices.

US President Donald Trump threatened to eliminate any Iranian ships that go near the US blockade of Iran's ports.

The deadline set by US President Donald Trump for the start of a US-imposed naval blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports has passed.

Tune in via the live broadcast links below.

Live ship tracking map showing the Strait of Hormuz

LIVE: View of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

Live: Vessel tracker showing traffic in Strait of Hormuz

WATCH LIVE: View of Beirut skyline

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that the top priority is to make every effort to prevent the conflict from reigniting in the Middle East and maintain the hard-won momentum of the ceasefire.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a phone conversation with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Wang reaffirmed China's principled position and commended Pakistan for brokering the temporary US-Iran ceasefire by hosting the Islamabad talks, in which it played a fair and balanced mediating role.

He called on the international community to continue to step up efforts to promote peace talks, and unequivocally oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire or escalate confrontation.

Wang said the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region put forward by China and Pakistan, embodies the international consensus on promoting peace, adding that it can still serve as a roadmap for resolving the crisis.

China welcomes Pakistan playing a greater role and stands ready to work with Pakistan and the international community to contribute actively to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East, he added.

Dar gave a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan's mediation efforts in the talks between Iran and the United States and expressed gratitude for China's efforts in promoting peace.

Pakistan is ready to maintain close communication and cooperation with China to play a positive role in achieving regional peace, Dar said.

A messaging app developed under Elon Musk's social media platform X is set to launch on April 17, with pre-orders now open on Apple's App Store.

The app, called XChat, is widely seen as a key step in Musk's ambition to transform X into an all-in-one "super app." Industry observers say the move aims to compete with leading global messaging platforms such as WeChat and WhatsApp.

Musk has repeatedly expressed admiration for China's WeChat, describing it as a perfect blend of Twitter, PayPal, and many other functions. He has noted that in China, users can rely on a single app for nearly all aspects of daily life, adding that no equivalent all-encompassing platform currently exists in Western markets.

US President Donald Trump warned ‌on Monday that any Iranian "fast-attack" ships that go ‌near a ‌US maritime blockade ‌on Iran would be ‌eliminated.

"What we have not hit are their small number ‌of, what they call, 'fast attack ships,' because we did ‌not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of ​kill that ‌we use against the ‌drug dealers on boats at Sea. It is quick and brutal," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Trump announced on Sunday that he ordered the US Navy to block all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, starting at 14:00 GMT on Monday, after peace talks with Iran failed to produce a deal.

Iran's acting defense minister, Sayyed Majid Ebn Al-Reza, said on Monday that Iranian armed forces are currently at the highest level of combat readiness and fully prepared for all scenarios, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Any hostile act would be met with a "strong and decisive response" that would make the other side pay the price for its aggression, he stressed.

The deadline set by US President Donald Trump for the start of a US imposed naval blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports has passed. 

The US military announced on Sunday it will begin blockading all Iranian Gulf ports on Monday at 1400 GMT, but will allow ships not coming or going to Iran to pass through the strait.

This screenshot shows the situation of the strait when the deadline hit.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) ‌agency said on Monday it has ‌been ‌informed that effective ‌from 1400 ‌UTC on Monday, maritime access restrictions ⁠are ‌being enforced affecting Iranian ports and ‌coastal areas, including locations along the Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz.

"Access restrictions apply without distinction to ‌vessels of any flag ‌engaging with ⁠Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities," it added.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday a ceasefire between the United States and Iran was "holding" and that efforts were underway to reach an agreement after weekend talks failed to do so.

"The ceasefire is still holding and, as I speak, full efforts are underway to resolve the outstanding issues," Sharif told a cabinet meeting in brief televised remarks.

Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition by securing a majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Office (NEO).

With 98.13% of votes counted by the NEO, Tisza had won 53.62% of the vote and was projected to win 138 of the 199 parliament seats, exceeding the two-thirds threshold. Orban's ruling Fidesz-KDNP alliance received 37.79% and was projected to win 55 seats. 

Addressing supporters in Budapest, 45-year-old Magyar hailed his party's "decisive victory," saying it was a win seen "from every Hungarian window." He added that Hungary will once again be a strong ally in the European Union (EU) and NATO.

Orban, 62, conceded defeat. "The election results, though not yet final, are clear and understandable; for us, they are painful but unambiguous," he told reporters. "We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulated the winning party."

The victory of the center-right Tisza party signals the imminent end of Orban's 16 consecutive years in power. Orban served as Hungary's prime minister from 1998 to 2002 and has remained in office since returning to power in 2010.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday extended congratulations to Hungary's Tisza party led by Peter Magyar on winning the parliamentary elections.

Noting that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Hungary relations, the ministry's spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China is willing to, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, strengthen high-level exchanges with the new Hungarian government, enhance political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation and boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges to better benefit the two peoples.

"Hungary has chosen Europe," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media just 17 minutes after Orban conceded defeat. "Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger."

In a post on X, French President Emmanuel Macron said he held a meeting with Magyar to congratulate him on the victory, describing it as a win for democratic participation and European values, adding that both countries would work towards a stronger and more sovereign Europe.

The office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended congratulations to Magyar and his Tisza Party, expressing optimism about future cooperation. The statement, posted on X, noted that Canada looks forward to working with the incoming government to strengthen bilateral ties and advance shared priorities, including economic prosperity and global security.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Magyar, while acknowledging outgoing leader Viktor Orban for his years of leadership. In a social media post, Meloni said Italy values its strong relationship with Hungary, adding that Italy will continue to collaborate in a constructive spirit in the interest of the two peoples and the common challenges at the European and international level.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also extended congratulations to Magyar. Rutte wrote on X on Monday: "I look forward to working with him to further strengthen Euro-Atlantic security."

US Democrats celebrated the defeat of Orban, while US President Donald Trump's allies and Republican peers offered a more mixed response to the loss of the leader that Trump had endorsed.

Trump supported Orban's reelection bid and even dispatched US Vice President JD Vance to Budapest last week to stump for him.

Congratulations also flowed in online from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Romanian President Nicusor Dan, European Council President Antonio Costa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also posted well-wishes.

Orban has long been regarded as a "troublemaker" within the EU.

He has frequently obstructed the EU's key policy objectives, including blocking a loan to Ukraine, EU sanctions packages targeting Russia, migration pacts and budget agreements. His administration, due to its relatively close ties with Russia, has long been seen as a security risk in sensitive EU meetings.

To resolve deadlocks over Ukraine aid and Russia-related sanctions, EU leaders have held private "pull-asides" – sidelining Orban – to negotiate compromises, or launched off-budget, intergovernmental initiatives that do not require unanimous consent.

Meanwhile, the EU has frozen billions of euros in funding for Hungary, including funds suspended over rule-of-law violations, corruption and failure to meet judicial reform requirements. While approximately 10 billion euros were released in late 2023, this decision is being challenged in court, raising fears that Hungary could face a clawback of these funds.

Magyar and his Tisza party have adopted a friendlier stance toward both the EU and NATO. Most immediately, the new leadership is widely expected to clear the way for a 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine – one that has been frozen for weeks due to Orban's objections.

"It makes things easier. You don't have the systematic blackmail," said Eric Maurice, a policy analyst at the European Policy Center, referring to the frequent obstacles that Orban has mounted. "But it does't make things easy."

Navigating the Orban government has proven challenging for EU officials, as exemplified by the 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine. EU leaders agreed to approve the loan in late 2025 and Hungary initially allowed the plan to pass. However, Orban and his party stunned Brussels in February by blocking the loan, citing Ukraine's delays in repairing a pipeline that crosses its territory to deliver Russian fuel to Hungary and Slovakia.

This hold-up was widely seen as electoral posturing ahead of Hungary's elections, where Orban's party, Fidesz, adopted an openly anti-Ukraine and anti-EU stance. Fidesz plastered unflattering images of Zelenskyy on billboards across Hungary, blaming him and the EU for rising unemployment, stagnant growth and alleged attempts to "take Hungarian money."

A few days before the election, Chatham House, a British think tank, noted on its website that the outcome of the general election would not only reshape Hungary's development trajectory but also affect the EU's ability to act in unison, rebalance influence between Russia and the West in Central Europe, and serve as a stress test for Trump's efforts to build a network of like-minded political allies in Europe.

Jian Junbo, director of the Center for China-Europe Relations at Fudan University, said that following Orban's defeat, US-Hungary relations may become less close than before but will not undergo a "fundamental change."

Noting that the Tisza party is generally more pro-EU, Jian said Brussels may also exert pressure on it to bring Hungary back into line with the EU's mainstream positions on a range of issues including aid to Ukraine – a shift that could pose certain challenges for Russia.

He also pointed out, however, that Hungary remains heavily dependent on Russia for energy. The Tisza party, he argued, "will not go too far in antagonizing Russia, nor will it actively back Ukraine at the EU level." Instead, it is more likely to adopt a go‑with‑the‑flow stance.

Visiting the Chinese capital, Beijing, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a speech at Tsinghua University on Monday, urging the international community to develop a more accurate and balanced understanding of China.

In his remarks, Sánchez referenced the story of Matteo Ricci to highlight the importance of perspective. He noted that when Ricci first arrived in China, the world map he introduced was centered on Europe, placing Asia at the margins and reflecting a clear bias. More than 400 years later, Sánchez said, some still view China and the world through similarly distorted lenses.

He warned against interpreting today's global dynamics through a "zero-sum" mindset, where one country's growth is seen as another's loss. He said that this view is not only mistaken but also dangerous, adding that it holds us back, traps us in the past, and limits the possibilities of the future.

Sánchez emphasized that the world today is increasingly multipolar and reaffirmed Spain's commitment to multilateralism. He called for cooperation based on mutual respect and for managing differences constructively.

Rejecting claims that multilateral systems are outdated, Sánchez said global governance mechanisms, effective in the 20th century, are now more necessary than ever.

He said that a multipolar world requires strong multilateral frameworks, not to impose a single viewpoint, but to turn diversity of perspectives into a shared strength.

He added that rather than eliminating differences, countries should seek common ground while respecting diversity and pursuing peaceful coexistence. He said that if Spain, Europe and China have prospered together in the past, there is no reason we cannot do so again.

At the invitation of the Turkmen side, from April 15 to 17, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will visit Turkmenistan, and attend the ground-breaking of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field as Chinese President Xi Jinping's Special Representative, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Monday.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will jointly chair with the Turkmen side the seventh meeting of the Chinese-Turkmen intergovernmental cooperation committee as the Chinese co-chair, according to the spokesperson.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Monday that China is ready to further play a constructive role and contribute to the restoration of peace and tranquility in the Gulf region.

Li made the remarks when holding talks with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Beijing. Li noted that since the conflict in Iran broke out, China has been in close communication with relevant parties and actively committed to promoting peace and ending the war.

Li hoped that the UAE will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in the country.

Noting that China and the UAE are comprehensive strategic partners, Li said that the two countries have a profound traditional friendship and have long supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have continued to deepen and develop, and cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries, Li added.

He said that China is willing to continue to walk hand in hand with the UAE on the path of common development, enhance communication and coordination, consolidate political mutual trust, and promote China-UAE relations and cooperation to continuously reach new heights.

Li pointed out that China stands ready to work with the UAE to consolidate the foundation of energy cooperation, expand cooperation in areas like energy storage, hydrogen energy, new energy vehicles and power batteries, and promote the green transformation of the two countries.

Both sides should create more growth points for trade, Li said, adding that China is willing to import more high-quality products from the UAE and welcomes the UAE to actively participate in the "Big Market for All: Export to China" activities, and make good use of platforms like the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to enhance product promotion.

Noting that China and the UAE have broad prospects for cooperation in the field of innovation and development, Li said that China welcomes the UAE to increase investment in China in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and life sciences.

He said that China supports the universities, research institutions and enterprises of the two countries in strengthening joint research and talent cultivation, and in jointly fostering and expanding emerging and future industries.

The two sides can also enhance cooperation in areas including connectivity and finance, and continuously promote trade and investment facilitation, the premier added.

For his part, Sheikh Khaled said that China is an important comprehensive strategic partner and trusted friend of the UAE, and bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, mutual respect and common interests.

He said the UAE attaches great importance to and prioritizes the development of relations with China in its foreign policy, and is willing to further intensify high-level exchanges with China, expand exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, energy, scientific and technological innovation, education, culture and other fields, to better serve the development of the two countries and the interests of the two peoples.

Noting the current severe situation in the Middle East, the crown prince said China has always been committed to peacefully resolving disputes through political means and promoting harmonious coexistence among regional countries, which is highly appreciated by the UAE and other regional countries.

The UAE looks forward to China continuing to play an important role in promoting regional peace and security, and is ready to take all necessary measures to safeguard the safety of Chinese citizens in the UAE, he added.

After their talks, Li and Sheikh Khaled witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in such areas as agriculture, science and technology, investment and traditional Chinese medicine.

As darkness falls on April 13, the 2026 International Dark Sky Week kicks off with a simple yet powerful call: go dark. 

The annual campaign, running April 13 to 20, invites people around the world to step outside after sunset, reconnect with the night sky and take meaningful action to protect the vanishing resource that is darkness itself. The urgency has never been greater. Light pollution is growing at an alarming rate of nearly 10% globally each year, pushing truly dark skies farther out of reach and leaving more than 80% of the world's population living under light-polluted skies.

China is emerging as an unexpected but significant force in the global dark sky movement. On March 12, the National People's Congress passed the Ecological Environment Code, which will take effect on August 15. For the first time in the nation's legislative history, light pollution control has been systematically codified at the national level. The Code establishes clear definitions, regulatory standards and enforcement mechanisms for light pollution, filling a long-standing legal void that has allowed this invisible pollutant to spread unchecked for decades. 

The breakthrough was widely celebrated by environmental advocates and legal scholars alike, who noted that the Code directly addresses what citizens have long experienced as a "hidden pollution" affecting quality of life.

Across China, dark sky protection is no longer just a concept, it is transforming local economies. In south China's Shenzhen's Xichong community, the country's first International Dark Sky Community welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors in 2025, driving a 20.63% increase in collective economic income while safeguarding some of the most pristine stargazing conditions in the Pearl River Delta. 

In northwest China's Qinghai Province, the remote town of Lenghu has placed its entire 17,800-square-kilometer territory under dark sky protection, transitioning from a depleted oil town into a world-class astronomical observatory hub.

The story continues in other regions of China. In Kaihua County, east China's Zhejiang Province, a thousand-year-old village called Gaotiankeng has become a star-gazing destination where ancient stone houses share the hillside with astronomy-themed retreats. 

And in Liuba County, north China's Shaanxi Province, the Huoshaodian Town, nestled deep in the Qinling Mountains, has transformed its pristine dark skies into a thriving tourism brand, complete with a rural astronomical observatory, star-themed accommodations and immersive night-sky experiences that attract urban visitors from across the region.

As the 2026 Global Dark Sky Week invites the world to look up, China is demonstrating that protecting darkness is not about turning off the lights and walking away. It is about turning on new possibilities, where starry nights become the foundation for sustainable development, rural revitalization and a deeper connection to the cosmos.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Monday said that blocking the Strait of Hormuz would not serve the common interests of the international community, stressing that a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means is the fundamental way forward to resolve regional tensions.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks in talks with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to China, who is accompanying Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on a visit to China.

Wang outlined China's principled position on the current situation in the Middle East, stating that China fully understands the legitimate security concerns of Gulf Arab states and supports the United Arab Emirates in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and legitimate rights and interests.

Noting China has consistently worked to promote peace and de-escalation, Wang said China stands ready to work with the international community, including the UAE, to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East as soon as possible.

Wang further said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have maintained strong momentum.

He described Crown Prince Khaled's visit as an important milestone in bilateral relations, expressing confidence that the trip would be a success through joint efforts and would further enhance strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries, which is especially significant amid the current complex regional and international situation.

Khaldoun thanked China for its warm and thoughtful arrangements for the Crown Prince's visit, describing China as a "second home" and a uniquely friendly comprehensive strategic partner.

He expressed confidence that the visit would strongly promote cooperation across various fields and deliver greater benefits to both peoples.

The UAE side also appreciated China's constructive efforts to ease regional tensions and expressed hope that China would continue to play a more significant role in promoting peace in the Middle East, he added.

Just one week after assuming office as Vietnam's president, To Lam is set to embark on his first overseas visit to China on Tuesday, an unusually swift diplomatic move that underscores the strategic weight Hanoi places on its relationship with Beijing.

The rapid scheduling breaks from conventional diplomatic pacing, sending a clear message: China remains Vietnam's top foreign policy priority at a critical juncture marked by global uncertainty.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, To Lam's decision "fully shows the great significance attached to developing relations between the two parties and two countries."  

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh described the trip as "the most important bilateral diplomatic engagement" between the two countries in 2026, noting it is expected to deliver substantive outcomes across political, economic and cultural fields.

Political trust anchors bilateral momentum

Analysts say the visit is rooted in both political tradition and strategic intent.

Vietnamese leaders have long prioritized China in their first overseas trips, reinforcing what both sides describe as a relationship of "comrades and brothers." Shared socialist systems further facilitate governance exchanges and policy coordination.

Ding Duo, a deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, noted that, against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, the visit signals Vietnam's new leadership is "not swayed by external interference" and remains committed to stable ties with China.

Similarly, Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute at Hainan Tropical Ocean University, said the move underscores China's role as a primary partner in helping Vietnam maintain a stable external environment while advancing its development goals.

Economic interdependence amid global headwinds

Beyond political symbolism, the visit reflects pressing economic realities.

Facing a global energy crisis, trade uncertainties and tariff pressures, Vietnam is seeking closer cooperation with China on energy security and supply chain resilience.

Ding said that China can support Vietnam through power grid connectivity, clean energy investment and LNG cooperation, helping stabilize supply chains and mitigate risks to global manufacturing.

Economic data further highlights the depth of ties. China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner for over two decades, while Vietnam is China's top trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In 2025, bilateral trade reached $296 billion, up 13.7% year-on-year. Vietnamese fruits and vegetables earned $5.5 billion in foreign exchange through exports to China, significantly contributing to local farmers' incomes and prosperity.

Such interdependence makes stronger ties with China not just a diplomatic option, but a practical pathway for Vietnam to sustain long-term growth and hedge against external shocks.

Strategic alignment gains new momentum

The visit coincides with a pivotal time for both countries' development agendas, as 2026 marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan and a new phase for Vietnam's 14th Party Congress goals, creating a crucial window to align strategies.

Recent developments highlight this momentum. In March, the two countries held their first ministerial-level "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense, and public security, signaling a new level of institutionalized coordination.

Infrastructure connectivity is another key pillar. Construction on the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong standard-gauge railway, a major project linking China's Yunnan Province with northern Vietnam, began in December 2025. Designed for speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour and expected to be completed before 2030, the railway will form a vital economic corridor facilitating cross-border trade and logistics. In addition, the planning for the Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong and Dong Dang-Hanoi standard gauge railways is expected to be completed in 2026, signaling a broader push toward regional connectivity.

Ding noted that integrating standard-gauge rail with cooperation in areas such as 5G could significantly boost logistics efficiency and drive digital economic integration.

Meanwhile, cooperation is expanding into emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, while "smart border gates" are enhancing trade efficiency. Under the framework of the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, interactions in tourism, culture, and youth engagement are also gaining momentum, strengthening the social foundation of bilateral ties.

The US military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz and it will apply to all vessel traffic regardless of flag, the US Central Command said in a note to seafarers seen by Reuters on Monday. The note said the blockade would come into effect at 1400 GMT on Monday.

"Any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion and capture," the note said.

"The blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations."

The blockade "encompasses the entirety of the Iranian coastline to ⁠include but ⁠not limited to ports and oil terminals," the note said, adding that humanitarian shipments including food, medical supplies and other essential goods would be ⁠permitted, subject to inspection.

Tehran has threatened to retaliate against ports of its Gulf neighbours, after weekend ⁠talks failed to reach a deal to end the war, leaving a ceasefire in jeopardy.

A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is not in the common interests of the international community, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, stressing that achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means is the fundamental way to resolve the issue.

Wang made the remarks during his meeting in Beijing with Special Envoy of UAE President to China Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, who is accompanying HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on a visit to China.

Earlier in the day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also responded to a query about US President Donald Trump announcing on Sunday that the US Navy would begin blocking ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, after peace talks with Iran failed to produce a deal.

Guo said the Strait of Hormuz is a vital international corridor for trade and energy transportation. Safeguarding the security, stability, and unimpeded passage in the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of the international community. He noted that disruptions to navigation in the strait stem from the ongoing US-Iran conflict, stressing that the way forward lies in achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible. All parties should remain calm and exercise restraint, he added, noting that China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role.

Reactions from relevant parties

Iran strongly condemned the US move, saying restrictions on maritime navigation in international waters violate international law and constitute piracy, according to a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the unified command of the Iranian armed forces.

European leaders broadly stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and safeguarding freedom of navigation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that restoring navigation in the strait is of "paramount" importance, warning that the disruption is causing significant damage.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that the United Kingdom would not be drawn into the conflict and does not support any blockade of the strait. He emphasized that efforts should focus on ensuring the waterway remains open.

"It is, in my view, vital that we get the strait open and fully open, and that's where we've put all of our efforts in the last few weeks, and we'll continue to do so," Starmer told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Echoing Starmer, French President ‌Emmanuel Macron on Monday confirmed that they will soon organize with ​Britain a conference ‌aimed at ⁠restoring freedom of navigation on the Strait of ‌Hormuz, adding that any ‌such naval mission would be done on a strictly defensive ⁠basis ‌only.

The Kremlin criticized a proposed US blockade, stating it would negatively affect global markets. 

Spain and Germany also voiced concerns. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles described the proposed blockade as "senseless" and called for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions, stressing the importance of respecting international law. The German government said it expects negotiations to continue, viewing the move as an attempt to increase pressure rather than the end of the diplomatic process.

Türkiye emphasized the need to ensure free passage through the strait. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said international transit should remain free and unimpeded, adding that Ankara is maintaining contacts with both Washington and Tehran to help advance talks and assess how it can contribute to the negotiation process.

Diplomatic efforts and next steps

Amid mounting tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent a further deterioration of the situation. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, mediators are working to arrange another round of US-Iran talks within days, after earlier negotiations in Islamabad ended without agreement.

Key sticking points include whether the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened without transit fees, the future of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and Tehran's demand for the release of about $27 billion in frozen revenues.

Pakistani authorities, who hosted the initial talks, are reportedly in close contact with both sides in a bid to revive dialogue before a fragile ceasefire deadline on April 22. While no breakthrough has been reached, mediators remain cautiously optimistic that continued engagement could help avert a return to open conflict.

(With input from agencies)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was awarded an honorary professorship from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) on Monday, during a visit to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), where he toured an exhibition showcasing the country's latest sci-tech achievements. CAS President Hou Jianguo accompanied Sánchez and UCAS President Zhou Qi presented the honorary certificate.

During the visit, Sánchez said he gained an in-depth understanding of the major scientific and technological innovations achieved by CAS in recent years and held discussions with representatives of scientists working in fields such as optical astronomy, synchrotron radiation, space science, embodied intelligence and intelligent breeding. He noted that CAS is a world-renowned research institution with outstanding achievements in science and technology as well as education and talent cultivation.

Sánchez expressed his honor at being named an honorary professor of UCAS and pledged to continue promoting deeper exchanges and cooperation between Spanish scientific and educational institutions and those of CAS, including UCAS, for the benefit of the people of both countries and the world.

The Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 have killed 2,055 people and wounded a further 6,588, according to a statement by Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operation Center on Sunday.

The center noted that 35 were killed and 152 others wounded across Lebanon during the day.

Iran and the United States agreed to a ceasefire on Wednesday. Israel said it would abide by the truce but argued the agreement did not apply to Lebanon – that assertion was rejected by Iran and by mediator Pakistan.

'War continues'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video statement, described the Lebanese territory as a buffer zone, saying, "the war continues, including inside the security zone in Lebanon," during a visit to southern Lebanon on Sunday.

Netanyahu was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Their visit came ahead of peace talks with the Lebanese government, which are due to begin later on Tuesday in the United States.

Nevertheless, Katz still stated on Sunday that the military has launched a new operation, "The Silver Plough," to demolish all homes in the villages along the Israel-Lebanon border, which are repeatedly used as "terror outposts," without providing evidence.

Speaking to troops during the visit, Katz said Israeli forces would not withdraw unless Hezbollah's rocket fire toward northern Israel stops.

"We decided that we are not leaving the north anymore," he said. "We will continue this, and the goal is to disarm Hezbollah."

Netanyahu also said on Saturday that the disarmament of Hezbollah is a prerequisite for any ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.

In separate actions, Israeli warplanes launched dawn air strikes on Sunday on multiple sites, including the towns of Aaitat, Samaya, Mahrouna, Maarakeh, and Khiam's Jallahiya neighborhood, where three people were wounded and taken to Tyre's Hiram Hospital, local officials said.

UN peacekeeper incidents

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Sunday that Israeli forces rammed UNIFIL vehicles and damaged monitoring equipment in southern Lebanon, calling the incidents a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

UNIFIL said in a statement that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on two occasions rammed UN vehicles with a Merkava tank, causing significant damage in one incident. The Israeli troops also blocked a road in the town of Bayada that was used to access UNIFIL positions.

Over the past week, Israeli soldiers have fired "warning shots" in the area, hitting and damaging clearly marked UNIFIL vehicles. In one incident, a shot landed roughly one meter from a peacekeeper who had exited his vehicle, according to the statement.

The statement added that Israeli forces have repeatedly denied peacekeepers freedom of movement in recent days and destroyed surveillance cameras at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura and other positions along the Blue Line.

The IDF also vandalized facilities at the headquarters by spray-painting the windows of a pedestrian access gate, thereby obstructing visibility of the external perimeter, said UNIFIL.

It added that these actions compromise the safety and security of peacekeepers and impede the mission's ability to fulfill its mandate, including reporting violations by all parties.

Lebanon calls for unity

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Sunday that Lebanon is making efforts to halt the ongoing war and stressed the need to safeguard national unity and rebuild the state, Lebanon's National News Agency reported.

Salam made the remarks while commemorating the anniversary of the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War on April 13, 1975.

The objective is not only to prevent a return to civil war, but also to build a just, strong and unified state for all, he said.

He highlighted the importance of fully implementing the Taif Agreement, calling for rectifying any misapplications that violate its letter and spirit.

The Taif Agreement, negotiated in Saudi Arabia in 1989 and approved later that year, ended a 15-year-long civil war in Lebanon and reasserted the Lebanese government's authority in the south.

(With input from Xinhua)

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social early on Monday that the US will blockade ships entering or exiting Iranian ports at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (1400 GMT) later in the day, echoing an announcement from the US Central Command on the issue.

The US forces struck two alleged drug boats in the eastern Pacific on April 11, killing five people on board, the US Southern Command said on Sunday.

The command said in a press release that it carried out two "lethal kinetic strikes" on the vessels, which were allegedly "transiting along known narco-trafficking routes" and were "engaged in narco-trafficking operations."

Two people were killed and one survived in the first strike, while three more were killed in the second, the command added.

The United States and Iran are set to resume top-level peace talks in Pakistan later Sunday, Iranian media reported, following marathon negotiations that lasted nearly 15 hours.

"End of 15-hour marathon talks on first day of Iran-US talks in Islamabad," Tasnim news agency reported, with another media outlet Mehr saying the next round of negotiations will be held after sunrise.

As the world welcomes a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, all eyes now turn to crucial peace talks taking place this weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan. 

But even before the talks began, there were accusations from both sides that the terms of the ceasefire are being broken.

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While a tenuous ceasefire is in place in Iran, the fallout from the conflict in the Middle East is still being felt far beyond the region itself. 

Across Latin America, rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty are exposing vulnerabilities in global supply chains. 

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In Brazil this week, representatives from Africa and South America wrapped up the ninth meeting of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone forum. 

On the group’s 40th anniversary, members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties and, for the first time, agreed to cooperate on several cross-Atlantic projects.

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Pakistani ​Foreign Minister Ishaq ‌Dar ⁠said on Saturday that ‌he ‌hoped the United States ‌and Iran ‌would engage constructively in peace ⁠talks ‌as the US delegation landed ‌in the Pakistani ​capital.

Dar also reiterated Islamabad's desire to continue facilitating the ⁠parties to ⁠reach ⁠a "lasting and ​durable solution ​to ‌the conflict," according ‌to a ⁠statement from Pakistan's foreign ministry.