The world's eyes are still focused on the Strait of Hormuz , which remains blocked by the US , while negotiations between Washington and Tehran to reach a definitive ceasefire remain stalled . After the failure of the initial negotiations launched in Pakistan , US President Donald Trump revealed: "Tehran called us, they want a deal." But according to the New York Times, the US has rejected Iran's new offer of a suspension of uranium enrichment programs for up to five years , compared to the 20 years requested by the American delegation in the negotiations held in Islamabad over the weekend. Pakistan, however, has offered to host a new round of talks between the US and Iranian delegations to reach an agreement, with negotiations potentially starting as early as next weekend.
Updates for April 14, 2026
Trump: "Meloni doesn't want to help us, I'm shocked" – "Do people like Giorgia Meloni? I can't imagine. I'm shocked by her. I thought she was brave, but I was wrong." This was Donald Trump's statement to Corriere della Sera regarding the prime minister's stance on the Middle East crisis. Trump also criticized Meloni for her defense of Pope Leo, whom he attacked and called "weak." "She's the one who's unacceptable, because she doesn't care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if she had the chance," Trump said, adding that the Italian government "doesn't want to help us with NATO, it doesn't want to help us get rid of nuclear weapons. Meloni is very different from what I thought."
Meloni: "Continue efforts for negotiations" – Regarding the international situation, "we must continue working to advance the peace negotiations, make every effort to stabilize the situation, and reopen the Strait" of Hormuz. This was stated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, arriving at Vinitaly. The reopening of the Strait "is essential for us, not only for fuel but also for fertilizers."
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China presents peace plan – Chinese President Xi Jinping presented a four-point proposal aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East to Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, during a meeting in Beijing. Xinhua reports. The proposal includes respect for the principle of peaceful coexistence, respect for the principle of national sovereignty, respect for the principle of the international rule of law, and respect for coordination between development and security.
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Israel-Lebanon talks with Marco Rubio – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate in talks between Israel and Lebanon today, hosting a meeting between the two countries' ambassadors in Washington with the aim of initiating direct negotiations between the two countries. Axios reports that the talks, amid clashes between Israel and Hezbollah and a large-scale Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon, will focus on the possibility of a ceasefire and the long-term disarmament of Hezbollah, as well as a peace agreement between the two countries, according to sources.
CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST: ALL THE NEWS
(Unioneonline)