Vance Heckled as He Chides Pope Leo on Iran War
US Vice-President JD Vance faced heckling at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia as he criticized Pope Leo for commenting on matters of theology, according to the BBC.
Middle East
Pain Worth Long-Term Security from Iran, Bessent Says
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told the BBC that a 'small bit of economic pain' is worth the long-term security gained from eliminating the threat of Iranian nuclear strikes on Western capitals, according to the BBC.
Israel and Lebanon Hold First Direct Talks in 30 Years
Israel and Lebanon have held their first direct diplomatic talks in over 30 years, according to the BBC, as efforts to address the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah continue.
Hamas Rejects Gaza Disarmament Plan, Official Says
Hamas has rejected the disarmament plan proposed by a key figure in President Donald Trump's Gaza peace efforts, according to a senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations, as the conflict continues to stall.
Lebanon Seeks Peace, Hezbollah Resistance Stalls Talks
Lebanon seeks peace, but Hezbollah needs to be convinced first, according to a report from the BBC. With Israel carrying out near-daily attacks on targets linked to the group, the situation remains fragile.
Lebanon Enters Talks with Israel Amid Limited Options
Lebanon has entered discussions with Israel, but with limited influence over Hezbollah, the government faces an uncertain path to peace, according to the BBC.
Bahamas Police Again Question US Man Over Wife’s Disappearance
Bahamas police are set to again interview a US man over the disappearance of his wife at sea, according to The Guardian.
BBC Joins Paramedics on Duty in Lebanon Amid Israeli Strikes
The BBC's Middle East correspondent joined paramedics on duty in Nabatieh, Lebanon, a city now abandoned due to Israeli strikes, according to the BBC.
UK Military College Seeks Distance from Israeli Ban Amid Gaza War
The United Kingdom’s decision to ban Israelis from a top military college over Israel’s war on Gaza prompted concern about the college’s reputation, with its leadership seeking to distance the institution from the decision, according to emails obtained by Al Jazeera.
10 People Israel Killed in Lebanon on a Single Day
On a single day, Israel killed 10 people in Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera. The incident has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict in the region.
Trump Announces Strait of Hormuz Blockade as Talks Collapse
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. Navy will begin a blockade of all vessels in the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of U.S.-Iran peace talks, according to Korean media.
Severe Flooding Closes Schools in Saudi Arabia, 12 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia has ordered the closure of schools following severe flooding that impacted several regions, according to Al Jazeera. The heavy rain caused significant disruptions in Riyadh and the Al Ahsa governorate.
Satellite Provider Restricts Iran Images, Raising Concerns
Humanitarian organizations and journalists have raised concerns after a leading satellite imagery company restricted access to images of Iran and parts of the Middle East following a request from the US government, according to BBC Verify.
Lyse Doucet: Historic US-Iran Talks Face Deep Distrust
Historic US-Iran talks, involving US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, are set to take place in Islamabad, according to Lyse Doucet. These talks are the highest-level face-to-face meetings between the two nations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Lebanon-Israel Officials Meet in US as Ceasefire Talks Begin
Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors to the US have agreed to meet in Washington on Tuesday to discuss a ceasefire and potential direct negotiations, according to the Lebanese presidency.