'Troubled, dishonest’ Pakistan unfit as venue for US-Iran talks, says Baloch leader

IANS | April 13, 2026 1:14 PM

Washington, April 13 (IANS) Following the conclusion of high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran without any breakthrough, Tara Chand, President of the Baloch American Congress, raised concerns over the choice of Pakistan as the venue, describing it as a “troubled and dishonest” country and questioning the credibility of hosting sensitive peace negotiations there.

Bangladeshi citizens slam repeal of reform ordinances in Parliament

IANS | April 13, 2026 12:52 PM

Dhaka, April 13 (IANS) Several prominent citizens in Bangladesh have expressed “strong anger and condemnation” over the national Parliament’s decision to repeal multiple reform ordinances, saying the move not only ignores public expectations but also goes against commitments made by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, with critics warning that the step undermines reform efforts and raises concerns over the government’s adherence to its own promises, according to local media reports.

Iran blames US 'maximalism' as near-final Islamabad MoU collapses

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:25 AM

Tehran, April 13 (IANS) Iran has accused the United States of derailing a potential breakthrough agreement, saying that "maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade tactics" prevented what was "inches away" from becoming the proposed "Islamabad MoU", after 21 hours of intense negotiations ended without a deal.

Trump calls Pope Leo ‘weak on crime’

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:24 AM

Washington, April 13 (IANS) US President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on Pope Leo XIV in a lengthy social media post, accusing the pontiff of being “weak on crime” and criticising his stance on foreign policy, Iran, and US domestic issues.

Trump says Iran ‘desperate’ as blockade looms

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:12 AM

Washington, April 13 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that Iran was in “very bad shape” and “pretty desperate,” as he confirmed a planned blockade would take effect within hours.