world 25 April 2026
President Donald Trump has scrapped a planned trip by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks with Pakistan on Iran mediation, following Iran's foreign minister's abrupt departure. The move highlights deepening tensions after failed negotiations, with Trump citing confusion in Iranian leadership. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-cancels-envoys-trip-to-islamabad-5436340
world 23 April 2026
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire for three more weeks following White House talks led by U.S. President Donald Trump, who insists on securing the optimal long-term agreement with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz stays blocked, disrupting global energy flows, as tensions persist despite Trump's rejection of nuclear options. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/israel-lebanon-extend-ceasefire-as-trump-seeks-best-deal-with-iran--5434578
world 22 April 2026
Iran has intensified control over the Strait of Hormuz by seizing two foreign vessels following US President Donald Trump's decision to indefinitely suspend planned attacks amid an unclear two-week ceasefire. The move escalates tensions as peace talks stall and oil prices soar above $100 per barrel. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/iran-tightens-control-of-hormuz-after-us-calls-off-renewed-attacks-5433274
world 21 April 2026
US President Donald Trump has declared an extension to the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, but doubts linger as neither side has confirmed their agreement to the move. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-declares-iran-ceasefire-extension-with-peace-talks-in-doubt-5431858
world 20 April 2026
Iran is cautiously considering joining upcoming peace negotiations amid uncertainty, while a Pakistani source reveals former U.S. President Trump's involvement. The ceasefire's expiration adds pressure to the faltering diplomatic efforts. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/fate-of-iran-peace-talks-uncertain-as-deadline-approaches-for-end-of-ceasefire-5430676
world 19 April 2026
The United States has intercepted an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach its blockade, prompting Iran to vow retaliation and reject upcoming peace talks. With the ceasefire nearing its end, preparations continue in Islamabad amid fears of renewed conflict in the oil-rich region. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/world-weighs-fate-of-mideast-ceasefire-after-us-seizes-iranian-cargo-ship-5429472
world 18 April 2026
Iran's top negotiator and U.S. President Donald Trump have acknowledged advances in discussions over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, even as Tehran reimposed control over the vital shipping route days before a ceasefire expires. The ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has disrupted global oil flows, spiking prices and stranding vessels. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-iran-cite-progress-in-talks-as-uncertainty-hangs-over-strait-5428580
world 18 April 2026
Pope Leo, the first U.S. pope, clarified that his recent remarks about 'tyrants ravaging the world' during his Africa tour were not directed at President Trump. Speaking on his flight to Angola, he emphasized that debating the president is not his goal. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/pope-leo-downplays-feud-with-trump-says-not-in-my-interest-to-debate-him-5428574
world 16 April 2026
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon began on Thursday, marked by celebratory gunfire in Beirut despite reports of Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon. President Trump expressed optimism for an imminent end to the Iran war, with possible US-Iran talks over the weekend and plans for White House meetings with Israeli and Lebanese leaders. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/israel-and-lebanon-begin-ceasefire-trump-says-iran-may-meet-us-over-weekend-5426480
world 15 April 2026
Pope Leo XIV called on Cameroon's long-ruling President Paul Biya to combat corruption and end the Anglophone conflict during his Africa tour stop in Yaounde. The pontiff, recently criticized again by U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasized protecting human rights and listening to citizens. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/pope-attacked-again-by-trump-tells-cameroon-rich-and-powerful-threaten-peace-5425206
world 15 April 2026
The US has imposed a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz, with no breaches reported in the first 24 hours despite some vessels transiting the strait. Shipping traffic has plummeted over 95% since the conflict began, as new talks between the US and Iran loom. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/explainer-what-is-happening-after-us-blockades-strait-of-hormuz--5424562
world 14 April 2026
The United States and Iran are poised to resume negotiations in Pakistan by the end of the week, even as the US maintains its enforcement of a blockade on Iranian ports. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-iran-may-resume-talks-this-week-despite-port-blockade-5423854
world 13 April 2026
The United States has initiated a naval blockade of Iran's key ports, prompting strong threats of retaliation from Tehran. President Trump claims Iran seeks a deal, while VP Vance conditions future negotiations on specific actions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-begins-blockade-of-iran-s-ports-tehran-threatens-retaliation-5422682
world 13 April 2026
Pope Leo XIV criticized 'neocolonial' powers for breaching international law during his first stop in Algeria on a demanding four-nation African tour, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump labeled him 'terrible.' The 70-year-old pontiff plans to address war, resource exploitation, and interfaith dialogue across 11 cities in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/pope-leo-in-algeria-blasts-neocolonial-conflicts-after-trump-criticism-5422312
Business 12 April 2026
Oil prices jumped sharply after the US announced a blockade on Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following collapsed peace talks, while the dollar firmed and Asian stocks declined. Investors fear prolonged high energy costs could fuel inflation, prompting expectations of central bank rate hikes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/oil-leaps-dollar-firm-and-stocks-wobble-as-us-iran-peace-talks-collapse-5421436
world 12 April 2026
President Donald Trump has directed the US Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of peace negotiations with Iran in Islamabad. Both sides pointed fingers, with the US demanding an end to Iran's nuclear ambitions and Iran seeking regional ceasefires and control over the vital waterway. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-vows-to-blockade-strait-of-hormuz-after-iran-peace-talks-stumble-5421298
world 12 April 2026
Negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad ended without a deal after 21 hours, with both sides pointing fingers over trust issues and unmet demands. The US insists on Iran's commitment against nuclear weapons, while Iran demands regional ceasefires, Hormuz control, and reparations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-iran-peace-talks-end-without-a-deal-as-delegations-leave-pakistan-5420886
world 11 April 2026
Pope Leo passionately urged global leaders to halt the 'madness of war' during a prayer vigil, coinciding with US and Iranian officials meeting in Pakistan to resolve their six-week conflict. He condemned the misuse of religion to justify violence and echoed past papal calls for peace. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/pope-leo-urges-end-to-madness-of-war-as-us-iran-start-talks-5420494
world 11 April 2026
US and Iranian officials engaged in their highest-level discussions in decades in Islamabad, Pakistan, seeking to end a six-week war, while President Trump claimed US forces are clearing the Strait of Hormuz. Conflicting reports persist on naval operations, with Iran denying US claims and demanding regional ceasefire and reparations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-iran-talks-underway-trump-says-hormuz-strait-clearing-underway-5420434
world 10 April 2026
Ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz have barely picked up after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, with only 15 vessels passing since April 8 according to Kpler data. Iran is directing ships through its waters near Larak Island amid ongoing risks and toll rumors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/hormuz-remains-at-near-standstill-after-ceasefire-5419796
Business 8 April 2026
Global oil prices dropped sharply below $100 per barrel following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, contingent on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The decline was amplified by a larger-than-expected rise in U.S. crude inventories. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/oil-tumbles-below-100-after-trump-announces-two-week-ceasefire-5417162
world 8 April 2026
Simon Mulongo contends that over a month into the US-Israel war against Iran, perceptions are rivaling military might as airstrikes fail to neutralize threats. Despite massive operations, Iran sustains missile launches and economic pressure, exposing flaws in strategy and alliances. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/iran-war-misinformation-and-the-fiction-of-victory-5416480
world 7 April 2026
The United States and Iran have reached a two-week ceasefire agreement just before President Trump's deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following mediation by Pakistani leaders. The deal, hailed as a victory by both sides, aims to pause hostilities and resume vital oil shipments, though skepticism remains amid ongoing strikes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-iran-agree-to-two-week-ceasefire-with-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz-5416164
world 6 April 2026
Iran has turned down a proposed ceasefire amid mounting threats from US President Donald Trump, who has pledged to obliterate the country if it fails to comply by the deadline. Tensions continue to rise in the escalating standoff between the two nations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/iran-rejects-ceasefire-as-trump-ramps-up-threats-ahead-of-deadline-5415168
world 5 April 2026
A high-stakes US special operations mission in Iran successfully extracted a downed weapons specialist but faced a critical setback when transport aircraft malfunctioned, forcing commanders to improvise an extraction under enemy fire. Quick decisions ensured the elite team escaped without capture amid the escalating five-week conflict. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/how-a-perilous-us-rescue-mission-in-iran-nearly-went-off-course-5414208
Business 5 April 2026
Oil prices rose sharply on Monday due to ongoing supply fears from the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted shipping. Brent crude climbed 1.6% to $110.74 per barrel, while WTI gained 0.6% to $112.25. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/oil-prices-rise-as-us-israeli-war-with-iran-continues-to-disrupt-supply-5414206
world 5 April 2026
In his Easter 'Urbi et Orbi' message, Pope Leo called on world leaders to halt ongoing conflicts, reject ambitions of conquest, and choose peace over violence. He highlighted growing indifference to war and announced a upcoming peace vigil. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/on-easter-pope-leo-urges-world-leaders-to-end-wars-renounce-conquest-5413688
world 4 April 2026
The United States successfully rescued an injured F-15 pilot behind enemy lines after Iran downed his jet, marking a key success in the ongoing war now in its sixth week. President Trump and Israel have intensified pressure on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Monday or face strikes on energy sites. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-rescues-airman-as-trump-israel-pressure-iran-ahead-of-deadline-5413588
world 4 April 2026
Iranian forces continue searching for a missing US pilot after downing two American warplanes, while the foreign minister signals openness to mediated peace talks through Pakistan. The conflict escalates with strikes on Iranian petrochemical sites and the Bushehr nuclear plant, amid rising global energy concerns. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/iran-leaves-door-open-for-peace-talks-as-hunt-for-missing-us-pilot-continues-5413268
world 3 April 2026
Two US warplanes have been shot down over Iran and the Gulf, leaving one pilot missing amid an intense search by Iranian forces, while 13 American troops have died and over 300 wounded in the ongoing conflict. The incidents challenge US claims of air superiority as tensions rise with no ceasefire in sight. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/downed-planes-raise-new-perils-for-trump-as-tehran-hunts-for-missing-us-pilot-5412904
world 1 April 2026
A potential US-Israel conflict with Iran could backfire, strengthening Tehran's rulers instead of toppling them while exposing Gulf Arab nations to heightened threats and energy disruptions. Experts warn that ending the war without a deal would leave Iran dominant over key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/a-war-meant-to-break-iran-could-leave-tehran-stronger-and-gulf-exposed-5410720
world 31 March 2026
Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz have triggered a global fuel crisis, but the US under President Trump has not used military force to secure the vital oil route. Experts point to Iran's geographic edge with cheap drones and vessels, plus high risks and diversion from core war goals as key barriers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/strait-of-hormuz-why-hasn-t-trump-used-force-to-secure-it--5409616
world 30 March 2026
Iran set ablaze a massive Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker off Dubai in the latest attack amid a month-long war that has killed thousands and disrupted global energy supplies. U.S. President Trump warned of devastating strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, as troop deployments and talks continue. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/giant-oil-tanker-off-dubai-hit-by-iranian-strike-5408450
world 29 March 2026
Israeli authorities initially barred Jerusalem's Catholic cardinal from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday due to security fears amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, but Prime Minister Netanyahu quickly reversed the decision following global backlash. The incident disrupted Christian Holy Week observances at the sacred site believed to be Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection location. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/israel-blocks-cardinal-from-jerusalem-s-holy-sepulchre-on-palm-sunday-5407362
world 29 March 2026
Pope Leo XIV asserted during Palm Sunday celebrations that God ignores prayers from war-mongering leaders with blood-stained hands, emphasizing Jesus cannot justify any conflict. He intensified his critique of the ongoing Iran war amid escalating tensions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/pope-leo-says-god-rejects-prayers-of-leaders-who-wage-wars-5407358
world 28 March 2026
The US-Israeli war on Iran, sparked by strikes on February 28, has led to thousands of deaths across the region, including heavy casualties in Iran and Lebanon. Reports detail losses in multiple countries from retaliatory attacks and related incidents. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/how-many-people-have-been-killed-in-the-us-israeli-war-on-iran--5406554
world 27 March 2026
US President Donald Trump has pushed back his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days to April 7, following Tehran's rejection of a 15-point peace proposal. The move comes as the US confirms destruction of only a third of Iran's missiles, with the conflict escalating across the Middle East and disrupting global energy markets. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-extends-deadline-for-striking-iran-s-energy-plants-to-april-7-5404856
world 25 March 2026
While wars shift across regions like sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, with innovations like drones altering battlefields, core principles persist: no plan survives contact, wars are hard to end, and the best victory avoids fighting altogether. Over 240,000 deaths in the past year underscore a world far from peaceful despite fewer major global wars. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/columnists/daniel-kalinaki/war-war-everywhere-but-it-s-the-same-old-blood-letting-5403454
religion 25 March 2026
Dame Sarah Mullally, a former nurse, was enthroned as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in a vibrant ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral, attended by royals and leaders. The event highlighted the Anglican Communion's global diversity amid ongoing debates on church issues. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/religion/mullally-enthroned-as-first-female-archbishop-of-canterbury-5403456
world 24 March 2026
Iran's military leadership mocked U.S. President Donald Trump's assertions of ongoing negotiations, insisting no deal is possible, as Israel and Iran traded airstrikes on key targets. The conflict, now four weeks old, continues to disrupt global energy markets with attacks on infrastructure and U.S. bases. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/iran-rejects-trump-s-talk-of-negotiation-as-israel-and-iran-launch-airstrikes-5402132
world 23 March 2026
President Donald Trump has decided against striking Iran's power network after productive discussions with Tehran, postponing any military action for five days. The move follows Iran's threats and comes amid a conflict that has disrupted global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-backs-down-on-strikes-on-iran-s-power-network-says-us-and-tehran-holding-talks-5400138
world 21 March 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of strikes on its power plants if it fails to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict. The threats come amid rising energy prices, Iranian missile attacks on distant targets, and strikes near Israel's nuclear sites. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-threatens-iran-with-power-plant-strikes-over-hormuz-oil-blockade-5398970
world 21 March 2026
Three weeks into the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, President Trump faces surging global energy prices, allied reluctance, and escalating missile attacks from a defiant Tehran. Rising gas costs and troop buildups are eroding Republican support ahead of midterms. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/three-weeks-in-iran-war-escalates-beyond-trump-s-control-5398660
world 19 March 2026
Israel has unleashed a new series of airstrikes on Iranian infrastructure in Tehran, intensifying a war that has already claimed thousands of lives and disrupted global energy markets. Regional nations including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE report missile attacks, while Iran vows relentless retaliation against energy sites. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/israel-launches-new-wave-of-attacks-on-iran-as-crisis-deepens-5397148
world 18 March 2026
The United States is evaluating military reinforcements in the Middle East as the conflict with Iran potentially enters a new phase. Options under consideration include securing the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic measures. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-weighs-military-reinforcements-as-iran-war-enters-possible-new-phase-5396014
Business 18 March 2026
The ongoing US-Israeli military actions against Iran are causing widespread chaos in global business, from skyrocketing energy costs to flight cancellations and supply chain breakdowns. Industries like aviation, shipping, and manufacturing face severe disruptions as key routes and resources become unreliable. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/how-us-israeli-war-on-iran-is-upending-global-business-5395776
world 17 March 2026
Iran fired missiles with cluster warheads at Tel Aviv, killing two people, as payback for Israel's killing of security chief Ali Larijani amid the escalating U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Tensions rise with no ceasefire in sight, Strait of Hormuz disruptions, and surging oil prices threatening global economies. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/iran-strikes-tel-aviv-with-cluster-warheads-in-retaliation-for-killing-of-security-chief-5394756
world 16 March 2026
South Africa's top diplomat has dismissed US pressure to end relations with Iran amid strained ties under Trump's second term. Pretoria also rejects demands to drop its Israel genocide case, alter Black empowerment policies, or accept special refugee status for white South Africans. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/south-africa-rejects-us-pressure-to-distance-itself-from-iran-5392886
world 16 March 2026
US allies, particularly NATO members, have declined President Trump's request to deploy naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran blocked it in retaliation to US-Israeli strikes. European leaders emphasize that the conflict is not theirs and prioritize de-escalation over military involvement. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-allies-rebuff-trump-s-request-for-support-in-strait-of-hormuz-5392852
world 13 March 2026
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is injured and likely disfigured following an Israeli strike, casting doubt on his leadership amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. The Pentagon announced reinforcements to the region while vowing no mercy in the conflict. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/iran-s-new-supreme-leader-wounded-likely-disfigured-hegseth-says-5390506
world 13 March 2026
US President Donald Trump warned of intensified strikes against Iran over the coming week, while issuing a temporary waiver allowing purchases of sanctioned Russian oil to curb rising global fuel prices. The move drew criticism from Ukraine and European allies as the Middle East conflict escalates with heavy casualties and widespread disruptions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-says-us-will-hit-iran-very-hard-after-easing-sanctions-on-russian-oil-5390342