The Pakistani capital, Islamabad, is preparing to host the second round of US-Iran talks, despite harsh statements and actions coming out from  both Washington and Tehran. Logistical and security arrangements are being out in place, amId hopes that the two sides may meet before Friday. Pressure is building up for the conflict, started by the US and Israeli attack on Iran on  28 February, to be brought to a swift end. Many countries are suffering as a result of the economic consequences, caused by the disruption of energy supplies, and the closure of the Straits of Hormuz. Foremost are the six countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council, whose economies are dependent on their energy exports. The Iranians say they are targeting any shipping trying to get through the Strait of Hormuz, while the Americans are imposing their naval blockade on all Iran’s Gulf ports. In normal times you have about 140 ships passing both ways through the Strait to collect oil, gas, fertiliser and other products. But only a trickle of ships has been getting through since the conflict started. Iran is insisting all maritime traffic goes up a new route set by them to be inspected by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy and in some cases pay a toll.

More than 120,000 people joined Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon for an open-air Mass on Friday (17 April), the biggest crowd so far during his 11-day Africa tour. Arriving in the economic city of Douala on Friday, the Pope reiterated his message of peace after visiting the country's Anglophone region hit by a decade-long rebellion the day before. He later warned of the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI), which he said was leading to the spread of "polarisation, conflict, fear and violence". Jubliant crowds welcomed the Pope as he arrived at the Japoma Stadium. Standing in his vehicle - known as the Popemobile - the pontiff waved at the droves of people waiting for his entrance. Some worshippers camped outside the premises on Thursday night in a bid to get a prime spot for the pontiff's address, with some having been there for more than 24 hours By Friday, tens of thousands of people of all ages, including several from the priesthood, braved the heat to participate in the occasion. “Do not give in to distrust and discouragement,” he said. “Reject every form of abuse or violence, which deceives by promising easy gains but hardens the heart and makes it insensitive. Do not forget that your people are even richer than this land, for your treasure lies in your values: faith, family, hospitality, and work.” Pope Leo invited African youth to follow the vocation that God sets out for them, so that they may be protagonists of their own future. “Do not let yourselves be corrupted by temptations that waste your energies and do not serve the progress of society,” he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, writing on X that it proved that US and European sanctions against Russia should not be weakened. Russia launched more than 700 drones and missiles at Ukraine in multiple waves overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, killing at least 18 people in what local officials said was the deadliest attack in months. Ukraine's air force said on Thursday morning that Russia had launched 659 drones and 44 cruise and ballistic missiles in the prior 24 hours. It said that 636 drones and 31 missiles had been shot down - but there had been direct hits in 26 locations. (click picture to read more)