US and Iran signal they will return to Pakistan for ceasefire talks, officials say
A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was expected to leave shortly from Washington for Islamabad, which earlier this month hosted a first round of talks, ending without progress.
Apr 21, 2026 22:15
MIDDLE EAST
A senior Iranian commander threatens to destroy the region’s oil industry if war resumes with the US
A senior Iranian commander threatens to destroy the region’s oil industry if war resumes with the US
Apr 21, 2026 20:33
Despite a ceasefire, Israeli military says Hezbollah launched rockets at troops in Lebanon
The army said the rockets were fired at Israeli soldiers positioned in southern Lebanon and that it responded by striking the launcher.
This appears to be the first time Hezbollah fired on Israeli troops since a ceasefire took effect Friday, although the Iran-backed group said it detonated explosives Sunday targeting an Israeli convoy inside Lebanon.
“The launches constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” the army said.
Israel has left thousands of troops inside Lebanon during the 10-day truce.
The army says it also intercepted a drone launched from Lebanon before it crossed into Israeli territory.
There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.
Apr 21, 2026 19:36
WORLD
Israel’s military says it has replaced a crucifix in southern Lebanon after a soldier smashed it down
The Israeli military posted a photo on social media of the replacement crucifix, which appeared smaller but more ornate than the original statue that a soldier was photographed destroying in southern Lebanon. Israel says two soldiers involved in the episode will be held for a month in military detention.
Tuesday’s post on X said troops worked with the community in the Lebanese village of Debel to coordinate the replacement, which includes a metallic-sheened Jesus figure and four paintings of saints, one on each arm of the cross.
Christians are estimated to make up around a third of Lebanon’s population of roughly 5.5 million people. Thousands of Christians were displaced from their homes in the country’s south during the war.