Trump issues an expletive-filled threat against Iran as details of US aviator's rescue emerge
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an expletive-filled threat to escalate strikes on Iran if it doesn’t open the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday deadline. It follows the U.S. rescue of an aviator whose plane was downed by Iran. Trump on Sunday promised strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges. Iran shows no sign of backing down and has hit targets in Gulf Arab countries. Both sides threaten civilian targets. War crime concerns have been raised. Diplomatic efforts continue with countries like Oman and Pakistan trying to mediate. The war, now in its sixth week, has already caused significant casualties and economic disruption.
US military jets hit in Iran war are the first shot down by enemy fire in over 20 years
WASHINGTON (AP) — Iran shooting down two American military jets marks an exceedingly rare assault for the U.S. that hasn't happened in more than 20 years. It shows the Islamic Republic has a continued ability to hit back despite President Donald Trump asserting the country has been “completely decimated.” The last time a U.S. warplane was shot down in combat was during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. Experts suggest a shoulder-fired missile likely was used. Some analysts say the attacks reflect how Iran is “weak but still lethal."
A long Mideast war could take away from support for Ukraine, Zelenskyy tells the AP
ISTANBUL (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is concerned that a prolonged U.S.-Israeli war on Iran could erode America's support for Ukraine as Washington's global priorities shift. He says Ukraine urgently needs more Patriot air defense systems from the United States as Kyiv tries to fend off relentless Russian aerial attacks. Zelenskyy says he fears there will be reduced deliveries as resources are diverted to the Middle East. He spoke late on Saturday. Zelenskyy also claims Russia benefits economically from the war and is sharing intelligence with Iran. Zelenskyy has offered Ukraine's expertise in countering Iranian drones and defense cooperation with Gulf Arab states as measures that would keep Ukraine on the global agenda.
European ministers call for profit caps on energy companies as Iran war drives price surge
Finance ministers from five European Union member states are urging the bloc to introduce a windfall tax on energy companies as surging oil and gas prices raise inflation fears. Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Austria warned of market distortions linked to the Iran conflict that are driving up costs for households and businesses. The proposal would revive profit caps used during the 2022 energy crisis after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Inflation in the eurozone has already risen to 2.5% in March. With Iran disrupting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, officials warn fuel prices may stay elevated.
Artemis II toilet acts up again as astronauts speed toward the moon to break Apollo 13's record
HOUSTON (AP) — The Artemis II astronauts are more than halfway to the moon. The three Americans and one Canadian will reach their destination Monday, performing a lunar flyby and then coming straight back home. They are the first moonbound crew in more than half a century, picking up where NASA's Apollo program left off. On the downside, their toilet is on the blink again. Until it is fixed, Mission Control has instructed the astronauts to break out more of the backup urine collection bags. The toilet malfunctioned following Wednesday's liftoff and has been hit and miss ever since.
Outspoken Iranians overseas say their loved ones are being detained back home
CAIRO (AP) — Iran's government is detaining family members of opposition figures in exile, according to some who spoke to The Associated Press. The crackdown on dissent comes amid the ongoing war with the United States and Israel. The internet shutdown during recent nationwide protests has made documenting these actions difficult. Iran "took my mother away to make me be quiet," one activist in exile says. Iran's judiciary is also seizing property of outspoken exiles. Rights groups report worsening conditions inside Iran, with increased detentions and executions. The situation has inspired new attempts to organize the Iranian opposition abroad.
Judge halts Trump effort requiring colleges to show they aren’t considering race in admissions
BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge has halted efforts by the Trump administration to collect data that proves higher education institutions aren’t considering race in admissions. The ruling granting the preliminary injunction follows a lawsuit filed last month by a coalition of 17 Democratic state attorneys general. President Donald Trump ordered the new policy in August after he raised concerns that colleges and universities were using personal statements and other proxies to consider race. The states argue the data collection effort threats student privacy and could lead to baseless investigations of colleges and universities. The federal judge said the federal government likely has the authority to collect the data, but the demand was rolled out to universities in a “rushed and chaotic” manner.
A mountain hideout and aircraft under fire: US carries out daring rescue of service member in Iran
The United States has pulled off a daring rescue of two aviators whose fighter jet was shot down by Iran. After plucking the pilot from behind enemy lines, it launched a complicated extraction of the second service member hiding deep in the mountains as Tehran called for Iranians to help capture him. The CIA looked to throw off Iran’s government before the crew member was found, launching a deception campaign to spread word he had already been located. Rescuers also faced major obstacles, including two Black Hawk helicopters coming under fire and problems with two transport planes that forced the U.S. military to blow them up.
China aims to show global leadership with Iran war diplomacy. US appears uninterested
WASHINGTON (AP) — China is stepping up its diplomacy as the Iran war drags on. It has put forward a five-point proposal with Pakistan and is rallying support for the plan from Gulf countries and Western governments. China also has joined Russia in opposing a proposal by Bahrain to open the Strait of Hormuz using “all necessary means.” China's visible diplomacy in world capitals and at the United Nations headquarters is its latest push for a more prominent role in global affairs. It may, however, prove to be more rhetorical than substantive, with the U.S. appearing uninterested in Beijing’s efforts.
Pope Leo urges peace in first Easter Mass as Christians celebrate in Jerusalem, Gaza and Tehran
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff, urging peace through dialogue and calling for an end to conflicts worldwide. He departed from tradition by not listing global woes in his Urbi et Orbi blessing. Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, emphasized Easter’s message of hope and transformation. With ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, he acknowledges indifference to the suffering caused by wars. Leo announced a prayer vigil for peace on April 11. In the Holy Land, Easter celebrations are subdued due to restrictions on public gatherings, while Gazan Christians celebrated the first Easter since a ceasefire. Armenian Christians gathered in the Iranian capital during the fifth week of war.
