JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad for possible talks with Iran. At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has an “unfinished job” in Iran. Iran has said it may not attend the talks, calling US demands unrealistic. However, some sources say this stance may change. The talks are being planned as a ceasefire nears its end. Key issues include Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials say preparations are ongoing, but uncertainty still surrounds whether Iran will join the meeting. (PC: AP, AFP)

Iran has reopened its main airports in Tehran after weeks of war-related closure. Authorities said, “Passenger flights have been authorised” at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports. The move comes as tensions with the United States and Israel remain high. Iran has also reopened more airports for travel. However, uncertainty continues over peace talks planned in Islamabad. Iran said no final decision has been made on joining talks. Officials say the situation remains tense as the ceasefire nears its end this week.

Donald Trump said a possible deal with Iran could be signed “today” as a US team heads to Islamabad. The delegation includes JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. They are set to hold talks to ease tensions before the ceasefire ends. Trump said he is open to meeting Iranian leaders if progress is made. However, Iran has shown hesitation and said no final decision on talks is taken. Reports also mentioned a US aircraft landing in Pakistan. Officials say there is cautious hope for progress. (PC: Reuters)

Iran said it has "no plans for now" to join the next round of peace talks as the United States sends a delegation to Pakistan led by Vice-President JD Vance. The two-week US-Iran ceasefire is due to end on Wednesday. The talks come after President Donald Trump said US forces seized an Iranian cargo ship trying to cross a naval blockade. Trump said the vessel was warned to stop but did not comply. Iran's military has said it will respond. Iranian media also reported drone attacks on US ships, with no damage confirmed.

A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit northern Japan on April 20, causing tsunami warnings in several coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that waves up to 3 metres could reach parts of Iwate and Hokkaido. Smaller waves, between 40 and 80 centimetres, were already recorded at ports. The quake struck off the Sanriku coast at around 4:53 pm. Authorities asked people to move to higher ground immediately. Bullet train services in Aomori were briefly stopped. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi formed an emergency task force. Officials are checking for damage as rescue teams remain on alert across affected regions. (PC: Reuters)

A strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings in northern coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of waves up to 3 metres for Hokkaido, Iwate and Aomori. Smaller waves were later recorded in Iwate. Authorities ordered residents in several port towns to leave coastal areas at once. NHK showed ships moving out from Hachinohe port as alerts said, "Tsunami! Evacuate!" Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said an emergency task force had been formed. Bullet train services between Tokyo and Aomori were suspended after the quake. (PC: India Today)

Global oil prices rose sharply after US President Donald Trump said the US Navy had intercepted and seized an Iran-flagged cargo ship. Brent crude climbed more than 6% to about $96 a barrel. The rise came after prices fell on Friday when Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would stay open during the ceasefire. Iran later said the route was closed again and warned ships could be targeted. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of global oil and gas trade. Trump also said US officials would travel to Pakistan on Monday for talks with Iran. (PC: BBC)

India has issued a fresh advisory for Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf after two Indian ships came under fire near the Strait of Hormuz on April 18. Indian vessels were told to stay away from Larak Island and move only after Navy clearance. Sources said the Indian Navy is giving priority to the safety of all Indian ships waiting to cross the strait. Fourteen Indian ships are still in the Gulf awaiting permission to sail. Seven Indian Navy ships have been deployed nearby to escort vessels after crossing. Eleven Indian ships have already passed through the route safely. (PC: India Today)

The United States attacked and seized an Iranian cargo ship that was trying to pass a US blockade, President Donald Trump said. Trump said the vessel was given “fair warning to stop,” but did not comply. He said US naval forces then used disabling fire and damaged the engine room. Iran’s military said it would respond. Iranian media later reported drone attacks on US ships, but no damage was confirmed. The US and Iran are expected to hold peace talks in Pakistan this week. However, an Iranian spokesman said there are “no plans” yet and “no decision has been made” on joining the talks. (PC: BBC)

The CPI, CPI(M), and Congress have approached the Election Commission over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent national address. They said the speech may have broken Model Code of Conduct rules in poll-bound Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The parties said government broadcasters Doordarshan and Sansad TV were used for a political speech. They also objected to Modi naming opposition parties during the address. CPI leader Sandosh Kumar P. said public platforms should not be used for partisan messages during elections. CPI(M) and Congress also asked the Election Commission to examine whether the speech gave the BJP an unfair advantage. (PC: The Wire)