United States Pope Leo XIV defies Trump threats, vows to continue anti-war stance First American pontiff declares "no fear" of administration amid escalating tensions over Iran conflict criticism By Alex Thompson / 13 Apr 2026
United States US begins blockade of Iranian ports as peace talks collapse CENTCOM enforces maritime interdiction on all traffic entering Iranian waters following failed Islamabad negotiations By Alex Thompson / 13 Apr 2026
United States NATO allies refuse to join US blockade of Strait of Hormuz Britain and France propose intervention only after fighting ends as Trump acts unilaterally By Alex Thompson / 13 Apr 2026
Nigeria Militant attack on Nigerian army base kills commander and six soldiers Islamist fighters on motorbikes storm northeastern border post near Chad By Alex Thompson / 13 Apr 2026
Nigeria Nigerian airstrike hits Jilli Market, over 200 feared dead Local official confirms escalating death toll from Saturday operation targeting Boko Haram along Borno-Yobe border By Alex Thompson / 12 Apr 2026
Haiti Stampede at Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière kills at least 30 Historic fortress site suspended after Easter weekend incident triggers panic, heavy rain exacerbates crowding By Alex Thompson / 12 Apr 2026
United States US Navy to blockade Strait of Hormuz following failed Iran talks Trump announces immediate interdiction of vessels paying Iranian tolls as diplomatic efforts collapse in Islamabad By Alex Thompson / 12 Apr 2026
Iran US-Iran peace talks end without agreement in Islamabad Marathon 21-hour negotiations fail to bridge nuclear program dispute as two-week ceasefire hangs in balance By Alex Thompson / 12 Apr 2026
Russia Russia and Ukraine exchange 175 prisoners on Orthodox Easter eve UAE-mediated swap coincides with 32-hour ceasefire declared by Putin for Orthodox holiday By Alex Thompson / 11 Apr 2026
Iran US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad imperiled by conflicting ceasefire interpretations Vice President Vance arrives as Iran demands Lebanon ceasefire and asset release before negotiations can proceed By Alex Thompson / 11 Apr 2026
New Zealand New Zealand declares emergencies as Cyclone Vaianu approaches North Island Multiple regions evacuate as subtropical storm forecast to bring 140 km/h winds, 110mm rain, and 8-meter swells starting Saturday night By Alex Thompson / 11 Apr 2026
China China prepares air defense shipments to Iran amid US-brokered ceasefire US intelligence reveals Beijing plans to deliver advanced missile systems within weeks, routing transfers through third countries to conceal origin - CNN By Layla Hassan / 11 Apr 2026
