Trump extends ceasefire but keeps Iran port blockade in place

The United States has extended its ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistani officials, even as it maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports, Donald Trump, US president has said.

Trump said Washington had been asked to delay further military action to allow time for an Iranian proposal and continued negotiations. “Attacks on Iran will remain paused for now,” he said, while confirming the blockade would stay in force, according to BBC.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi sharply criticised the move, calling the blockade an “act of war” and a violation of the ceasefire. “Iran knows how to neutralise restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying,” he wrote on X. 

Tensions remain high. Over the weekend, Tehran cited the US blockade as justification for tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor. Iran has yet to confirm whether it will attend a new round of peace talks.

Trump said he hoped to secure a “great deal” to end the war but signalled readiness to escalate if diplomacy fails, noting that US forces were “raring to go”

Meanwhile, JD Vance, expected to lead the US delegation to talks in Islamabad, had not yet departed Washington, with officials saying he remained engaged in meetings.

Confusion also surrounds the ceasefire timeline. Trump initially said it would last two weeks from 7 April but later indicated it would run until the evening of April 22, effectively extending it by 24 hours.

EU court rules Hungary anti LGBTQ law breaches human rights

The European Union’s highest court has ruled that Hungary’s 2021 anti LGBTQ law violates EU law in what officials describe as a landmark decision.

The European Court of Justice found the legislation breached the bloc’s legal standards “on a number of separate levels”.

The case, backed by the European Commission, 16 member states and the European Parliament, is one of the largest human rights challenges in the EU’s history.
Viktor Orban, Hungary prime minister defended the law when it was introduced, saying it aimed to strengthen child protection. Critics argue it effectively bans the “promotion of homosexuality” to minors and has led to restrictions on books, films and public expression.

EU weighs fuel measures as Iran conflict strains supply

The European Union is considering emergency measures to secure jet fuel supplies as the Iran conflict disrupts global energy flows.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Transport commissioner said there was no evidence of immediate shortages, despite pressure on supply chains.

The bloc is exploring increased imports from the United States and minimum reserve quotas.
Concerns have been driven by the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one fifth of global oil passes. Fatih Birol recently warned Europe may have only weeks of jet fuel reserves if the situation persists.

Zelensky criticises US envoys over “wrong signal”

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president  has criticised US envoys for visiting Moscow but not Kyiv, calling the move “disrespectful”.

Zelensky said visits by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Russia, without a corresponding trip to Ukraine, sent the wrong signal. 

The envoys are part of the US team involved in broader diplomatic efforts, including talks linked to the Iran conflict. Zelensky acknowledged US focus has shifted to the Middle East but stressed the importance of continued cooperation.

UK moves to ban smoking for next generation

The UK is set to introduce a sweeping smoking ban for people born after January 1,2009, after parliament approved the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Wes Streeting, Health secretary described the legislation as “historic”, saying it would save lives and reduce pressure on the NHS, according to BBC.

The law will also expand restrictions on vaping, including bans in playgrounds, schools and cars carrying children, as part of efforts to create a smoke free generation.

AFRICA

South Africa police chief charged over health contract

Fannie Masemola, South Africa’s police chief  has been charged over his role in a controversial health services contract.

Masemola faces allegations of failing to exercise proper oversight under public finance laws linked to a $21m tender awarded in 2024 and later cancelled, according to BBC. He denies wrongdoing, saying the legal process should take its course.

Russia says Africa Corps freed abducted workers in Mali

Russia’s defence ministry says its Africa Corps has freed a Russian and a Ukrainian national abducted in West Africa.

The operation took place in Mali after the men were kidnapped in neighbouring Niger in 2024. Both were employees of a Russian geological company. 

Senegal insists debt figures transparent, aligned with IMF

Senegal has said its public debt data is now fully transparent and aligned with figures from the International Monetary Fund, following earlier concerns over undisclosed liabilities.

Alioune Diouf, Public debt director  said both the government and IMF are now working from identical data after audits covering recent years. He rejected claims of hidden arrears, saying there was “no difference” in reported figures.