U.S. President Donald Trump has said that the United States and Iran may engage in discussions within the next two days. He made the comment in an interview with the New York Post, suggesting that some development could occur soon and noting an interest in visiting Pakistan.

Earlier, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met with Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other officials in Islamabad over the weekend. That meeting concluded without any agreement. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday that Tehran and Pakistan had exchanged messages but stated there was no information confirming any agreement to hold further talks with the United States.

The statements indicate ongoing diplomatic movement but no confirmed schedule or venue for a new round of U.S.–Iran negotiations.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad announced that the distribution of farmer and family cards will be conducted without any political bias. He made the statement on Tuesday afternoon while attending a farmer card distribution event at Bairati High School field in Paikpir Union of Boda upazila, Panchagarh. The minister said that all eligible citizens, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, will receive government assistance.

As part of a pilot project, 2,000 farmers in Paikpir area have received agricultural cards, while another 1,592 farmers in Kamalapur block of Dhakkamara Union under Sadar upazila were given cards. The minister emphasized that the selection process involved three levels of verification led by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Upazila Executive Officer to ensure fairness. He also mentioned plans to bring four crore families under the family card program, with 50 lakh more cards to be distributed within two to three months.

Local farmers expressed satisfaction after receiving the cards, noting that such assistance had not always been properly distributed in the past.

Speculation is mounting over the possible venue for the next round of talks between Iran and the United States, with Islamabad and Istanbul emerging as potential hosts, according to Al Jazeera. While no official announcement has been made by Iranian officials, sources in Tehran suggest that there are opportunities for compromise to advance the discussions.

Key issues on the table include uranium enrichment limits and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that the United States has proposed a 20-year limit on uranium enrichment, while Iran has countered with a five-year proposal. Iran’s new supreme leader has also hinted that the future of the Strait of Hormuz will not remain as before.

Another focal point is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, reportedly over 450 kilograms, which the United States claims is stored at a damaged nuclear facility. Iran has stated that the material will be relocated and could be diluted below 3 percent if necessary. Despite the complexity of these issues, sources suggest that a compromise remains possible.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Italy decided to suspend the renewal of a long-standing defense agreement with Israel. Lapid described the move as another embarrassing failure for Netanyahu’s government and said the foreign minister’s activities were effectively nonexistent. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

In a post on social media platform X, Lapid noted that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is a right-wing conservative leader who understands the need to fight terrorism, yet Israel’s government failed to maintain cooperation even with such allies. The defense pact, approved in 2006, had been automatically renewed every five years and covered defense industry collaboration, military training, research, and technology.

Italy, traditionally one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, has recently criticized Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, a stance that has begun to strain bilateral relations.

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has declared that the United States’ naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will not affect the country. He stated that Iran’s more than 8,000 kilometers of land and water borders will serve as the main tool to counter the blockade. According to Iranian media, Momeni has instructed officials in border provinces to simplify and accelerate the import of essential goods to neutralize the perceived threat of the US blockade.

Momeni emphasized that Iran’s extensive and diverse border system ensures the country will not be isolated from the rest of the world. Tehran’s current priority is to maintain the flow of necessary supplies through land-based trade routes. Analysts cited in the report noted that even if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, Iran could avoid a major crisis by keeping trade active with neighboring countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and those in Central Asia.

The announcement underscores Iran’s strategy to rely on regional land connections to mitigate external pressure on its maritime routes.

Beijing has warned of retaliatory action if the United States increases tariffs on Chinese goods over allegations that China is preparing to supply weapons to Iran. The warning came after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese imports if intelligence reports about Chinese military assistance to Tehran proved true. Trump said that China would face serious consequences if it provided military support to Iran.

According to CNN, citing three sources, US intelligence agencies indicated that China was preparing to deliver a new air defense system to Iran within weeks. Beijing, however, dismissed these reports as false and claimed that the US threat was based on misinformation spread by the media. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on social media platform X that the allegations were fabricated and that China would respond if Washington acted on them.

Guo added that China exercises prudence and responsibility in exporting military products and strictly adheres to laws and international obligations governing such exports.

Saudi Arabia has imposed new restrictions on entry into the holy city of Mecca, effective from Monday, April 13. According to the Saudi Press Agency, both foreign nationals and Saudi residents are now prohibited from entering Mecca without official authorization. The measure aims to ensure the safety of pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Hajj season.

Officials stated that foreigners must possess valid permits to enter Mecca, and those without such authorization will be denied entry. The rule applies to anyone lacking a Hajj visa or work permit for the Grand Mosque. Security forces have been deployed to enforce the restrictions, turning back unauthorized individuals at checkpoints.

Additionally, people holding Umrah visas have been instructed to leave Mecca by April 18. The directive underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to regulate movement in and around the holy city as preparations for the Hajj intensify.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami central executive council member and Dhaka South Ameer Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP has accused the government of disregarding the referendum verdict and driving the country toward crisis. Speaking as chief guest at the Jamaat’s Paltan-Shahbagh-Ramna zone advanced worker education camp on Tuesday, he alleged that the BNP trampled on the 70 percent people's verdict and warned that citizens must unite to respond if the party fails to act within the 180-day timeframe for convening the Constitutional Reform Council session.

Bulbul further stated that Bangladesh’s independence, achieved through the 1971 Liberation War, was once compromised to a neighboring state but later restored through the July uprising. He cautioned that if the BNP again hands over national sovereignty to foreign powers by ignoring the July Charter, it will bear the consequences. He urged members to prioritize divine satisfaction over personal or party interests and to continue working for the establishment of an Islamic social system.

The event, held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh auditorium, was presided over by Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin and attended by several central and city-level Jamaat leaders.

Iran has shown renewed interest in participating in fresh rounds of negotiations, though deep-rooted mutual distrust continues to pose a major obstacle. According to Al Jazeera, Iran’s foreign minister has been holding phone discussions with various regional and international parties as part of efforts to prepare for the talks.

Despite this diplomatic activity, key issues remain unresolved, and the long-standing atmosphere of mistrust persists. Among ordinary Iranians, reactions are mixed: some hope that dialogue could improve the situation, while others doubt that lasting peace or the complete removal of war threats can be achieved.

Many observers believe that, in the long term, these negotiations could open a path toward lifting sanctions. The country has been heavily affected by a recent 40-day conflict that damaged thousands of residential areas, schools, and infrastructure, placing severe pressure on civilian life.

Eleven Israeli soldiers were injured in a drone attack in the Bint Jbeil area of southern Lebanon on Monday night, according to Israeli media reports cited by Al Jazeera. The Times of Israel reported that ten soldiers were wounded in the same incident. The Israeli military confirmed that the clash with Hezbollah gunmen in Bint Jbeil left ten soldiers injured, three of them in critical condition, one moderately hurt, and six with minor injuries.

The injured soldiers, belonging to the Paratrooper Brigade, were evacuated to a hospital, and their families were informed, the Israeli military said. Bint Jbeil, known as a Hezbollah stronghold, has been a focal point of Israeli ground operations in recent days.

The reports highlight the ongoing intensity of confrontations in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters continue to exchange attacks amid heightened regional tensions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in China amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports. According to an Al Jazeera report on Tuesday, Lavrov received a red-carpet welcome in Beijing. Both China and Russia have criticized the United States and Israel over the Iran issue, while China faces economic strain due to the energy crisis as one of the largest buyers of Iranian oil.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiao Jiakun emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global trade and energy, and ensuring its security is in the international community’s interest. Lavrov also held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stressing the need to avoid new conflicts in the Middle East and offering Russia’s support for a diplomatic resolution. Moscow reiterated that the crisis has no military solution.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of a 50% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing provides military aid to Iran, a claim China dismissed as fabricated. During this period, China is hosting several world leaders, including those from the UAE, Spain, and Vietnam.

Pakistan has called for peace and restraint ahead of a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran, after the first round ended without an agreement, according to Al Jazeera. Technical teams and experts from both sides are continuing discussions, and Pakistan’s mediation has led to an invitation for both parties to meet again, possibly on Thursday.

US Vice President JD Vance said some progress had been made in the talks, while the US President confirmed that the other side had shown interest in reaching an agreement and had been contacted. However, the situation remains tense due to US sanctions, economic pressure, and concerns over Iran’s potential retaliatory actions.

The ongoing sanctions-induced economic crisis, Iran’s oil sales during wartime, and Washington’s dissatisfaction with those revenues have further complicated the situation. Pakistan’s appeal for restraint aims to maintain dialogue momentum and prevent escalation before the next meeting.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that a special operation will soon be launched to eradicate drug and human trafficking. Speaking at an agricultural card distribution event in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, he said law enforcement agencies have already identified those involved and will conduct coordinated operations shortly. The event took place on Tuesday at Teknaf Ejahar Government High School grounds.

The minister described drug abuse as a severe social disease that is leading the youth astray, prompting the government to adopt a strict stance. He also noted the alarming rise of online and video gambling, saying research is underway to find sustainable solutions. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the agricultural card distribution program via video conference from Dhaka and Tangail, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fulfilling election promises and supporting farmers.

Salahuddin Ahmed added that Teknaf, Ukhiya, and Cox’s Bazar have been identified as high-risk areas for human trafficking. Law enforcement has been instructed to identify routes and points used for trafficking and conduct planned operations. He urged media and citizens to share timely information to help ensure national security and welfare.

China has dismissed Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong from his position, according to a report published on April 14, 2026. The move comes as Beijing continues a series of actions targeting senior officials. The country’s Ministry of Human Resources stated that the dismissal was made under a decision by the State Council, though no details were provided on the reasons or exact timing of his removal.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website, Sun Weidong’s last public engagement took place on March 13, when he met with the ambassadors of Brunei and Malaysia. Two days earlier, he had held discussions with Pakistan’s ambassador Khalil Hashmi on bilateral cooperation. The same announcement also confirmed the removal of An Lusheng, deputy director of the National Railway Administration.

The report noted that since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, China has pursued a sweeping anti-corruption campaign known as “Tigers and Flies,” targeting both senior and lower-level officials. Official data show that over one million corruption cases were investigated last year, with disciplinary action taken against about 938,000 officials.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed deep sorrow over a fatal road accident in Daudkandi, Cumilla, that killed seven people and injured at least six others early on April 14. In a statement issued on Tuesday, he conveyed condolences to the victims’ families, prayed for the deceased, and wished a quick recovery for the injured.

Dr. Rahman said the repeated occurrence of such accidents highlights severe irregularities and chaos in the country’s road management system. He cited reckless driving, unregulated vehicle movement, lack of driver training, and weak highway safety measures as major causes of recurring fatalities. He called for immediate restoration of discipline in road management, strict enforcement of traffic laws, proper driver training, and stronger highway monitoring.

He urged the government to act responsibly by investigating the causes of the accident, punishing those responsible, and ensuring full medical support for the injured to prevent similar tragedies in the future.