Search

As Trump visits Beijing, an LA-area mayor admits to acting as an agent for China

negotiating with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, in a remarkably friendly visit despite friction between the two nations on trade, sanctions, and China's role in the Iran war. Back at home, court documents

First Thing: White House correspondents’ dinner suspect to be charged as motive examined

negotiate an end to the war and that it must agree never to have a nuclear weapon, while Pakistan’s leaders have sought to revive the stalled peace talks between Washington and Tehran. ## **Texas tornado

First Thing: US military seizes Iran-flagged ship trying to pass strait of Hormuz blockade

negotiations, which the US had said would take place on Monday in Pakistan, into doubt. Iran state media reported on Sunday evening that [Tehran is not currently planning](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/19/trumps-sends-delegation-to-pakistan-for-possible-new-round-of-iran-war-talks) to take part

First Thing: China trip winds down but Trump-Xi Iran accord remains elusive

Trump took a muted approach as he sidestepped questions on Taiwan. A White House readout of the meeting published later also omitted mention of the country. ## **At least 24 killed in Kyiv

First Thing: US-Iran ceasefire at risk after exchange of fire in strait of Hormuz

negotiations up to before the strikes?** There were reports the two sides could be nearing an agreement to halt the war, with a one-page memorandum shared between Washington and Tehran, via Pakistan. [Here

'Britain at the heart of Europe': How Starmer's plans are going down in the EU

comments as "a damp squib". It lacked even "one single new proposal", she told me. The response across the Channel is mixed. Quite different on trade and the economy, as opposed to defence and security

US-Iran peace talks could resume in next two days, Trump says | First Thing

negotiators in Washington. - **For the latest updates,** [follow our liveblog](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/15/iran-war-live-news-us-naval-blockade-strait-of-hormuz-pakistan-peace-talks-middle-east-crisis-latest). ## **House Democrats call for commission led by JD Vance to oust Trump** ![Composite image of Jamie Raskin and JD Vance](https://i.guim.co.uk

First Thing: ‘Impossible’ to reopen strait of Hormuz amid ‘flagrant’ ceasefire breaches, Iran says

negotiating positions amid Tehran’s “seriously fractured” government. He had earlier threatened to renew bombing. White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said Trump was “satisfied” with the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and “understands

First Thing: Trump announces extension of Iran ceasefire until ‘discussion concluded’

Iran to take the initiative has come”. - **How are Trump’s negotiating tactics being received?** The president’s impatience and rough-house diplomatic style, including his frequent online posting, has been a key stumbling block

First Thing: Vance to lead US delegation in Pakistan if Iran agrees to talks

negotiations with the US while under threat, adding in the post on X early on Tuesday: “We have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.” The head of the UN’s humanitarian agency

Trump calls Iran’s response to peace plan ‘totally unacceptable’ as ceasefire frays | First Thing

negotiations included lifting US sanctions, ending the US blockade of the strait of Hormuz after the signing of initial understanding, and an immediate end to the war with guarantees against any renewed attack. It followed