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US defence chief Hegseth says Pentagon role done for now, troops on standby

Washington, Apr 8 (UNI) US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that the military's job was done for now, describing the new ceasefire as the moment for diplomacy to resume, as all hostilities are paused for the time being.
"Now we have a chance at real peace and a real deal," Hegseth said, adding, "The war department, for now — for now — has done its part."
Thanking all service members involved in the US military assault, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, Hegseth nonetheless urged them to "stay vigilant, and stay ready," making it clear that the ceasefire was not peace, and to constantly be in a state of operational readiness, reports CBS News.
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China criticizes US' Iran blockade amid rising energy pressures

14 Apr 2026 | 4:37 PM

Beijing, April 14 (UNI) China, being the largest buyer of Iranian crude, on Tuesday criticised the US blockade as “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” according to its foreign ministry.

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Iran put forward proposal to halt its uranium enrichment for 20 years during its talks with US

14 Apr 2026 | 4:29 PM

Tehran, Apr 14 (UNI) Iran put forward a proposal where it reportedly offered to pause uranium enrichment for up to five years during negotiations with the US in Islamabad, offering a shorter-term compromise against Washington's far more expansive demand for a 20-year halt.

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Rubio to host talks between Israel, Lebanon marking highest diplomatic engagement in decades

14 Apr 2026 | 4:02 PM

Washington, April 14 (UNI) In a rare diplomatic opening, Washington is gearing to mediate between Israel and Lebanon, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to host Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors for direct talks, marking the highest-level diplomatic engagement between the two sides in more than three decades.

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JD Vance says 'two can play' as US defends blockade, accuses Iran of 'economic terrorism'

14 Apr 2026 | 3:23 PM

Washington/Tehran, Apr 14 (UNI) US Vice President JD Vance has accused Iran of engaging in "economic terrorism" by effectively restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz, while defending Washington's blockade of Iranian ports as a proportionate response and asserting "two can play at that game".

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UN urges respect for navigation in Strait of Hormuz

14 Apr 2026 | 2:35 PM

New York, April 14 (UNI) The United Nations has called on “all parties” in the current West Asia conflict to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law, following the US military’s blockade of Iranian maritime traffic.

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