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Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri,File)2026-04-13T03:55:11Z CAIRO (AP) The U.S. military announced it will begin a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, tempering President Donald Trump s earlier vow to entirely block the strategic Strait of Hormuz as early reports indicated that ships had stopped crossing the waterway.The move came after marathon U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement, and it set the stage for a showdown. Iranian leaders vowed to counter the blockade.U.S. Central Command announced the blockade would begin on Monday at 10 a.m. EDT, or 5:30 p.m. in Iran, and would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the strait, a step down from the presidents earlier threat to blockade the entire strait. The announcement of the blockade halted the limited ship traffic that resumed in the strait since the ceasefire, said an early report from Lloyds List intelligence. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire, down from roughly 100 to 135 vessel passages per day before the war. Later Sunday, Trump extended his feud over the war with Pope Leo XIV, lashing out in a Truth Social post that called the Catholic leader terrible on foreign policy. The extraordinary broadside came after Leo denounced the war and demanded that political leaders stop and negotiate peace. The blockade could have far-reaching effectsThe blockage is likely intended to add pressure on Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil since the war began, much of it likely carried by so-called dark transits that evade Western government sanctions and oversight.Trump also hopes to undercut Irans control over the Strait of Hormuz after demanding that it reopen the waterway where 20% of global oil transited before fighting began. A U.S. blockade could further rattle global energy markets.Oil prices rose in early market trading after the blockade announcement. The price of U.S. crude rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel, and Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7% to $102.29. Brent crude cost roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February. Read More Iran says if you fight, we will fightA chorus of top-ranking Iranian officials threatened retaliation. Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser and a former Revolutionary Guard Commander, wrote on X that the countrys armed forces had major untouched levers to counter a Hormuz blockade. He said Iran would not be coerced by tweets and imaginary plans.Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Irans side in the talks, addressed Trump in a statement on his return to Iran: If you fight, we will fight.Irans Revolutionary Guard later said the strait remained under Irans full control and was open for non-military vessels, but military ones would get a forceful response, two semi-official Iranian news agencies reported.During the 21-hour talks this weekend in Pakistan, the U.S. military said two destroyers had transited the strait ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Iran denied it. No word on what happens after ceasefire expiresThe face-to-face talks that ended early Sunday were the highest-level negotiations between the longtime rivals since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.Trump said Tehrans nuclear ambitions were the core reason for the talks failure. In comments to Fox News, he again threatened to strike civilian infrastructure if it didnt give up its nuclear program.In one half of a day they wouldnt have one bridge standing, they wouldnt have one electric generating plant standing, and theyre back in the stone ages, Trump said. Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. side in the talks, said Washington would need an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon.Iranian negotiators could not agree to all U.S. red lines, said a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe positions on the record. Those red lines included Iran never obtaining a nuclear weapon, ending uranium enrichment, dismantling major enrichment facilities and allowing retrieval of its highly enriched uranium, along with opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending funding for Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels. Iranian officials said talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called U.S. overreach. Qalibaf, who noted progress in negotiations, said it was time for the United States to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.Irans foreign minister claimed that the U.S. tanked the negotiations when they were within inches of an agreement, but did not provide evidence. We encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade, wrote Abbas Araghchi on X. Neither Iran nor the U.S. indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22.Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue in the coming days. Iran said it was open to continuing dialogue, state-run IRNA news agency reported. Irans nuclear program is a key sticking pointIrans nuclear program was at the center of tensions long before the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28. The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,055 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and damaged infrastructure in half a dozen countries.Tehran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but insists on its right to a civilian nuclear program. The landmark 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump later pulled the U.S. out of, took well over a year of negotiations. Experts say Irans stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away.___Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank, Boak from Miami and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers E. Eduardo Castillo in Beijing; Collin Binkley and Ben Finley in Washington; Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Brian Melley in London; Ghaya Ben MBarek in Tunis; Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City and Julia Frankel and Mae Anderson in New York contributed to this report. SAMY MAGDY Magdy is a Middle East reporter for The Associated Press, based in Cairo. He focuses on conflict, migration and human rights abuses. twitter facebook mailto

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, center, addresses after a parliamentary election in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)2026-04-13T04:10:10Z BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungarys Viktor Orbn had such an outsize global influence that his crushing electoral defeat is resounding far and wide.During his 16 years in power, admirers emulated Orbns playbook for reshaping political institutions to his advantage and squeezing minority rights and media freedoms, and viewed him as a defender of national sovereignty in the face of globalization and migration. To his detractors, he was a threat to European democracy and the continents hard-fought values of human rights and rule of law.Ultimately, Hungarian voters decided it was time to turn the page and overwhelmingly favored challenger Pter Magyar in Sundays election. Heres how global leaders reacted, in their own words. Ukraine has a lot at stakeOrbns was the Kremlins strongest ally in the European Union and repeatedly blocked aid for Ukraine to fend off Russias invasion. After Magyars election win, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly reached out in hopes of support.It is important when constructive approach prevails. Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary,' he posted on social media. We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe,' Zelenskyy said. For the EU, a sigh of reliefOrbn was especially and constantly critical of the EU, even though his country enjoys billions in funding from the bloc.Within minutes of his concession speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a frequent target of Orbns pronouncements, posted on X: Europes heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.Europes biggest powers also jumped in.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy. I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries. Read More German Chancellor Friedrich Merz messaged Magyar: Lets join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe. Gratullok, kedves Magyar Pter! French President Emmanuel Macron said that France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian peoples commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungarys commitment to Europe.'Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is visiting Seoul, South Korea, posted on X Monday the flags of Hungary, his country and the European Union and said Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!He later posted a short video clip apparently showing him speaking to Magyar by phone while overlooking the Korean capital. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Oh, I am so happy. I think I am happier than you, you know, Tusk said in English.In his victory speech, Magyar said that his first foreign stop would be to Poland, which has historically had longstanding, friendly ties to Hungary.Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, an ally of Orbn who is visiting Vietnam, posted a statement offering his congratulations and saying he is ready for intensive cooperation with Magyar. Fellow populists chose their words carefullyItalian Premier Giorgia Meloni thanked her friend Viktor Orbn for their collaboration. I know that even from the opposition he will continue to serve his Nation.'Frances far-right National Rally, jockeying to replace Macron in the French presidency next year, supported Orbn and tread cautiously after his defeat. This result, respectfully welcomed by Viktor Orbn, shows that the incessant accusations by European institutions in recent years against Hungarian democracy were unfounded,' posted the partys president Jordan Bardella. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

The Pentagon is seen from an airplane, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)2026-04-13T01:38:58Z WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. military said Sunday that it blew up two boats accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing a total of five people and leaving one survivor, as the Trump administration pursues its campaign against alleged traffickers in Latin America while preparing a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The attacks on Saturday bring the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 168 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls narcoterrorists in early September. As with most of the militarys statements on the dozens of strikes in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. Videos posted on X showed small boats moving across the water before they each were engulfed in a bright explosion. U.S. Southern Command stated on X that it notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the search-and-rescue system for the survivor. The Coast Guard confirmed it was coordinating the search and said updates would be provided when available. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in armed conflict with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and fatal overdoses claiming American lives. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing narcoterrorists. Read More Critics have questioned the overall legality of the boat strikes as well as their effectiveness, in part because the fentanyl behind many fatal overdoses is typically trafficked to the U.S. over land from Mexico, where it is produced with chemicals imported from China and India.The boat strikes have continued in Latin America even as the U.S. military has focused on operations in the Middle East, where the U.S. was engaged in a war with Iran for several weeks. Trump on Sunday said the U.S. Navy would begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement. Trump wants to weaken Irans key leverage in the war after demanding that it reopen the crucial waterway through which 20% of global oil normally passes. U.S. Central Command said the blockade would involve Iranian ports. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Frustrated voters in long lines were unable to cast ballots in parts of the capital, Lima, due to logistical failures, eroding trust for some in the process.

Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, center, celebrates with his party colleagues following the announcement of the partial results of the parliamentary election, in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)2026-04-12T23:35:01Z BUDAPEST (AP) European leaders heaped praise on Pter Magyar after his stunning election victory in Hungary, not just for what the vibrant campaigner and the countrys next premier might do but who he is not long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orbn, who many saw as a direct threat to the continents peace and prosperity.The outpouring reflected a deep frustration with Orbn across the 27-nation European Union and its institutions. Today Europe wins and European values win, said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez in a post on X on Sunday night. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk exclaimed on social media: Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends!Orbns 16-year grip on power has tested the EU system of governance meant to ensure peace through economic and political integration after the ravages of the world wars. Claiming he sought to advance Hungarians national interests over strategy forged in Brussels, Orbn time and again vetoed collective action such as support for Ukraine following Russias all-out invasion. Recently, the far-right leaders government outraged EU leaders and officials when it admitted to providing a backchannel to Russia during summits. In a recent interview, Magyar told The Associated Press that if elected, he would repair Hungarys relationship with the EU. However, he has carefully avoided taking firm positions on a number of divisive issues during the election campaign including Orbns anti-LGBTQ+ policies and whether Hungary should extend more support to Ukraine. All Hungarians know that this is a shared victory. Our homeland made up its mind. It wants to live again. It wants to be a European country, Magyar said during his victory speech from the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, the capital. Read More After Orbn concedes, congratulations for Magyar pour in fastMagyar said he received calls on Sunday night before he took the stage to announce his victory from French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.Online, congratulations also flowed in from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Irish Prime Minister Michel Martin, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Romanian President Nicuor Dan and European Council President Antnio Costa also posted their well-wishes for Magyar. This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy, Starmer said.France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian peoples commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungarys commitment to Europe, Macron said. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Merz said, Lets join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.Kristersson referenced both the EU and NATO in his congratulation note to Magyar: I look forward to working closely with you as Allies and EU Members. This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary.Slovenias liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob congratulated Magyar, saying his victory over right-wing populism is also a great victory for the EU and its future. Only a more united and more effective EU will be able to respond to the extremely serious challenges of the times ahead, Golob said.Israeli opposition figure Yair Lapid, himself a descendent of Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust, also congratulated Magyar.And from some, kind words for Orbn Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Magyar but also thanked Orbn for intense collaboration for these years.Far-right French politician Jordan Bardella, seen as a nationally competitive politician in the 2027 French elections, praised Orbns record on populist causes in a post on X. He made no mention of Magyar.Even Orbns staunchest allies in Europe congratulated Magyar.Populist Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babi said that in the election, facing such a strong opponent as Viktor Orbn was never easy, yet he earned the trust of the majority of Hungarians and carries great hopes and expectations. He must not disappoint. Slovakias populist Prime Minister Robert Fico congratulated Magyar and said he was ready for intensive cooperation with the new Hungarian Prime Minister. Referencing the Druzhba pipeline shuttered since an attack in Ukraine an issue Orbn campaigned on and one exacerbated by rising energy prices over the Iran war Fico said Slovakia is interested in friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Hungary and in the above-standard status of national minorities living on the territories of our countries,. Both Babi and Fico vowed to work with Hungarys next leader.Von der Leyen, who had like many EU officials avoided any public position on the Hungarian election, posted on X that Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together, we are stronger. A country returns to its European path. The Union grows stronger. Orbn had vilified the Brussels-based EU executive and frequently stymied her agenda.European Peoples Party President Manfried Weber, also a frequent Orbn target, said on social media that Hungary is back at the heart of Europe.German lawmaker Daniel Freund said that Hungarians are sending a signal to the world and warned that Orbns election loss will reverberate among populist leaders world over.The icon of illiberal anti-European forces has now failed - brought down by a disastrous economy, corruption, and his own unfair electoral system, Freund said.Ukraines posted congratulations to Magyar on its X account, referencing two historic rivers of Ukraine and Hungary.The Dnipro and the Tisza flow through a shared home Europe, it said.___Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report. SAM McNEIL McNeil covers Europe and beyond with a focus on conflict and the environment. twitter instagram facebook mailto

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The Hungarian prime ministers defeat demonstrates that opposition to his party was so strong it was able to overwhelm all the structures Viktor Orban put in place to protect his rule.