As the two-week ceasefire deadline between Iran and the United States approaches, tensions remain high ahead of expected talks in Islamabad, despite indications both sides may still pursue diplomacy.
Mohamad Elmasry, professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, told Al Jazeera the situation is “very precarious”, saying Washington “miscalculated” by declaring victory after Iran opened the Strait of Hormuz instead of also de-escalating, making negotiations more difficult following the US seizure of an Iranian cargo ship.
He said neither side has an appetite for renewed war but both are seeking an “off ramp”, warning positions have hardened, with the IRGC gaining greater influence during wartime. Elmasry added Iran may compromise on some of its demands but “won’t surrender all of them”.
Nilofer Afridi Qazi, a public policy specialist, told Al Jazeera from Islamabad that Pakistan is working “25-7” to move the dialogue forward, with expectations both sides will attend a second round of talks.
Elmasry described Pakistan as a “perfect mediator” due to its ties with both sides, helping bridge a “fundamental lack of trust”.
Qazi said mixed messaging is not unique to Iran, pointing to multiple centres of power globally and highlighting the “elephant in the room” — Israel’s influence on US decision-making — which she warned could undermine the peace process.
Both guests said talks are likely, but cautioned progress will be difficult amid rising tensions, hardened positions and deep mistrust.

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Voters in the U.S. state of Virginia are casting their final ballots on a key measure that could reshape federal congressional districts — and potentially shift the balance of power in Washington.

The proposed changes could give an advantage to the Democratic Party, possibly helping them secure a majority in the United States House of Representatives, where control currently hinges on just a handful of seats.

At the same time, other states are pursuing their own redistricting efforts, backed by a broader push from the White House, aimed at creating districts more favorable to the Republican Party.

The outcome in Virginia could play a decisive role in shaping the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan has more from Alexandria, Virginia on what could change.
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Thousands of families in Afghanistan have been forced into displacement camps following escalating clashes near the border with Pakistan.

In mountainous regions near the Kunar area, displaced civilians are now living in makeshift tents with limited access to food, healthcare, and education. Many say they fled after shelling hit their villages, destroying homes and schools.

Pakistan’s military says it carried out strikes targeting armed groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, which it claims operate from Afghan territory. However, Afghan authorities deny these accusations, further complicating tensions between the two countries.

According to the United Nations, nearly 60,000 people have been displaced in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan due to the recent fighting.
Al Jazeera's Assed Baig reports.


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More than 3,300 people have been killed in Israeli-U.S. air strikes on Iran, with hospitals increasingly caught in the impact of the war.

New CCTV footage released by the Iranian Red Crescent Society reveals the dramatic moments medical staff rushed to evacuate patients as missiles struck nearby.

In one case, a newborn baby had to be moved into an ambulance moments after birth, while nurses placed several infants into fruit baskets to carry them to safety.
Al Jazeera's Laura Khan reports

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Ukraine says it has carried out another major strike on a Russian oil refinery, targeting a key facility on the Black Sea coast.

The attack hit infrastructure near the Tuapse seaport—one of Russia’s critical export hubs—triggering a large fire and reportedly killing at least one person, with another injured.

Ukrainian military officials say the strike is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Moscow’s war funding by targeting energy exports. It marks the second attack on the same refinery within days, highlighting an intensified campaign against Russia’s oil infrastructure.

However, the strikes come amid growing international tension.
Some European allies have reportedly urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to scale back attacks on Russian energy assets, fearing further escalation and economic fallout.

At the same time, the United States has extended a sanctions waiver allowing certain Russian oil shipments to continue until mid-May—creating a complex backdrop where military action and economic policy appear to diverge.


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A major new report by Amnesty International warns that the global human rights system is facing unprecedented collapse, describing the current moment as a “systemic breakdown.”

The report singles out key world leaders—including Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin—accusing them of fueling conflicts and undermining international law for power and control.

According to Amnesty, violations range from alleged war crimes in Ukraine to accusations of genocide in Gaza Strip. The report also criticizes global powers for weakening institutions like the International Criminal Court.

Amnesty’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard described it as one of the most alarming reports in the organization’s history, warning that “humanity is under attack” and accusing governments worldwide of silence, complicity, or inaction.

Al Jazeera's Charlie Angela reports from London.


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A second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon is set to take place in Washington, D.C., as tensions remain high following months of conflict.

Lebanon’s president has appointed former ambassador Simon Karam to lead negotiations, emphasizing that Lebanon will act independently and reject external influence—particularly from Iran. Officials say the talks aim to end hostilities, withdraw Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and deploy the Lebanese army to internationally recognized borders.

However, divisions remain inside Lebanon. While some groups, including Hezbollah, question direct negotiations with Israel, others see the move as a critical step toward restoring national sovereignty and preventing further escalation.

On the Israeli side, the government is reportedly reluctant but engaged under pressure. Israeli demands remain high, including disarming Hezbollah—an objective analysts warn could destabilize Lebanon further and even risk civil war.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.
Israeli air strikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley have caused widespread destruction, with thousands of casualties reported since the conflict intensified. Civilians describe homes destroyed, families displaced, and entire communities left uncertain about their future.

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Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate despite ongoing ceasefire efforts, as Iran signals reluctance to join diplomatic negotiations.

In the past 24 hours, high-level calls between Iranian and Pakistani officials have failed to produce a breakthrough, with Tehran citing U.S. actions—including the seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel—as a major obstacle to diplomacy. Iranian officials warn that continued military pressure and maritime confrontations could trigger retaliation, although restraint has so far been exercised to avoid civilian casualties.

The situation in the Strait remains extremely fragile. Iranian forces have tightened control over shipping lanes, while the United States Navy continues operations in the region, raising fears of further escalation.

Meanwhile, China has expressed concern over rising tensions and is increasingly seen as a key diplomatic player behind the scenes. Analysts suggest Beijing may step in more visibly if negotiations fail to progress, given its strong economic dependence on Middle Eastern energy flows.

Geopolitical experts say Iran’s hesitation to negotiate is strategic aimed at avoiding the perception of weakness while expanding talks beyond nuclear issues to include sanctions relief and security guarantees. However, the risk of renewed conflict remains high, with global markets reacting cautiously.

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Prices for food, fuel and water across Somalia surged in March, partly because of the instability in the Middle East, which has pushed up global shipping costs and disrupted supply chains to the Horn of Africa.
Aid agencies warn that the rising transport costs are shrinking the amount of food aid.

Al Jazeera’s Catherine Soi reports from Kismayo, southern Somalia

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The conflict in the Middle East is affecting global fertiliser supplies, as much of it is transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
As prices soar, farmers are worried that planting seasons will be disrupted.
Malawi’s fertiliser association says prices could rise by 85%.

Al Jazeera spoke to a tomato farmer in southern Malawi.

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Israeli attacks have killed nearly 2,300 people in Lebanon since the conflict with Hezbollah began in early March.
The Iran-allied group says the Israeli army has continued destroying homes in villages it now occupies in southern Lebanon.
Israeli air strikes have also targeted towns and villages in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon’s east.

Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb reports from Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

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Brazil is feeling the effects of the Iran war.
Rising global energy prices, driven in part by uncertainty over oil supplies, have pushed up the cost of cooking gas.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced a series of subsidies and tax cuts to ease the impact on consumers.
But many households are already under strain.

Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew reports from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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3D technology is helping many Palestinians who've been injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza.
But with Israel restricting supplies into the Strip, and clamping down on aid organizations, much-needed medical services are on the brink of collapse.
That means dozens of patients who rely on the high-tech treatment risk losing access to the specialized care.

Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary met one Palestinian girl whose recovery depends on the high-tech treatment.

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Ukraine attacks oil facilities in Russia - which is benefitting from higher fuel prices and sanctions relief due to the Iran war.
It comes after Moscow launches intense aerial attacks on its neighbour.
How is the Iran war affecting Russia and Ukraine?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests:

Chris Weafer -- CEO of Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on Russia and Eurasia

Steven Erlanger -- Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe at The New York Times

Michael Bociurkiw -- a global affairs analyst and a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council

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Ukrainian authorities say its military hit an oil refinery on Russia's southern coast, killing at least one person.
A fire broke out at the Tuapse seaport where one of Russia's key Black Sea export facilities is housed.
Ukraine's military drone forces commander said it struck the refinery for a second time this week.

Al Jazeera’s Audrey MacAlpine is in Kyiv with more on what Ukraine's been saying about the attack and Yulia Shapovalova has the latest updates from Moscow.

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Pakistani leaders have intensified their communications with Iran and the US, indicating that talks in Islamabad are likely to take place shortly, former Pakistani Ambassador to the UAE Jamil Khan tells Al Jazeera.

“Things are speeding up,” Khan said. “In the coming 24 to 48 hours, issues will be addressed, and the Iranian delegation will be there.”

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