Politics

Latest Politics News

📅April 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM
US-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan fail amid nuclear disputes; fragile truces hold in Ukraine-Russia, Armenia-Azerbaijan; Israel-Lebanon negotiations loom as global tensions persist.
1

US-Iran Ceasefire Talks End Without Agreement in Pakistan

Vice President JD Vance led a 21-hour US delegation meeting with Iranian officials in Islamabad, but talks collapsed over Iran's refusal to commit against nuclear weapons development. The fragile two-week ceasefire persists amid US mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz and Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon.Source 1Source 2Source 4 Pakistani mediators urge continued truce and future dialogue.Source 4

2

Trump Warns China Against Arming Iran

President Trump cautioned Beijing of 'big problems' if it supplies weapons to Iran during high-stakes peace negotiations. This follows US efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's key leverage point.Source 2 Tensions heighten as talks falter.Source 1

3

US Forces Begin Clearing Mines from Strait of Hormuz

US military starts sweeping mines in the Strait of Hormuz regardless of negotiation outcomes, as stated by President Trump. The strait remains critical for global energy amid the shaky ceasefire.Source 1Source 2 Vance emphasized ongoing operations post-talks.Source 4

4

Israel Agrees to Direct Talks with Lebanon Despite Hezbollah Threat

Israel authorizes negotiations with Lebanon starting Tuesday in Washington, but vows continued operations against Hezbollah posing threats to northern citizens. Lebanese protests oppose talks as a surrender amid ongoing fire exchanges.Source 3Source 4 Hezbollah health ministry reports over 2,000 deaths.Source 4

5

Ukraine and Russia Exchange Prisoners Ahead of Easter Truce

Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner swap prior to an Orthodox Easter truce. Ukrainian forces reportedly downed Iranian drones in the Gulf, per Zelenskyy.Source 1 This occurs amid broader regional tensions.Source 1

6

Armenia and Azerbaijan Civil Societies Push Peace Plans

Civil society groups from Armenia and Azerbaijan held talks to advance peace initiatives. Efforts aim to resolve longstanding conflicts through dialogue.Source 1 Developments signal potential diplomatic progress.Source 1

7

Turkey's Trade Minister: NATO Not Obliged to Reopen Strait

Turkey states NATO has no obligation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions. This reflects alliance dynamics during US-led talks.Source 1 President Trump publicly challenged NATO's role.Source 2

8

US Partial Government Shutdown Reaches 55 Days

The US faces a 55-day partial shutdown affecting border enforcement, immigration, and disaster response. Lawmakers return to pressure for funding amid post-Iran conflict priorities and budget hearings.Source 2 Committees launch oversight on federal fraud.Source 2

9

JD Vance Warns Iran Not to 'Play' US in Pakistan Talks

Vice President Vance cautioned Iran against gamesmanship during Islamabad negotiations. He consulted Trump, Rubio, and others multiple times over 21 hours without resolution.Source 1Source 4 No deal emerged on ceasefire extension or nuclear issues.Source 4

10

Israel Continues Strikes in Lebanon on Ceasefire Day 5

Day five of the two-week ceasefire sees no progress, with Israel pressing strikes against Hezbollah. Defense Minister Katz highlights success in separating arenas from Iran conflict.Source 3 Protests erupt in Beirut against negotiations.Source 3

11

Pakistan Hosts Failed US-Iran Talks, Prepares for More

Pakistan mediated 21-hour talks between US (led by Vance, Witkoff, Kushner) and Iran (led by Qalibaf), ending without agreement. Foreign Minister Dar calls for ceasefire maintenance and new dialogues.Source 1Source 4 US 15-point proposal included nuclear curbs and strait reopening.Source 4