Why has Italy’s Giorgia Meloni suspended a defence pact with Israel?
Italy’s decision has little immediate impact, but marks an unprecedented U-turn by one of Israel’s staunchest allies.
![Aragon's team cuts peppers as she cooks chicken in the kitchen. [Justin Salhani/Al Jazeera]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-15-at-09.35.33-1776234948.png?resize=678%2C513&quality=80)
![Al Jazeera’s Marah Rayan breaks down why the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz is deepening an energy crisis that is driving up costs for everyone. [Al Jazeera]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-1776197399.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Israel-Lebanon direct talks in the US: All to know
Israel and Lebanon hold first direct talks since 1993, but Hezbollah’s rejection threatens the US-brokered effort.
Indonesia, US sign ‘major’ defence cooperation agreement
Signing of defence partnership follows reports that US is seeking overflight access in Indonesia for military planes.
Trump deletes image of himself as Jesus-like saviour after backlash
Trump draws criticism from church leaders and conservatives over AI-Jesus image and pope remarks.
![The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross transits the Atlantic Ocean, February 21, 2026. [Jayden Brown/US Navy]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9532152_cropped-1776099339.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
From: NewsFeed
What are the pros and cons of Trump’s Iranian naval blockade?
What does Donald Trump’s naval blockade of Iranian ports look like and can it achieve what the US president wants?
Published On 13 Apr 2026
What do we know about sea mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz?
The psychological terror that the presence of sea mines can generate could paralyse the Strait of Hormuz.
EXCLUSIVE
How a UK military college sought to distance itself from ban on Israelis
Head of defence college asked military official to ensure government took ownership of ban, emails reveal.
Map quiz: How well do you know Iran?This article will be opened in a new browser window
Drop a pin on the map for every location and see how close you get. Can you get a perfect score of 100?
‘Blown to hell’: Trump orders Hormuz blockade after US-Iran peace talks end
US Navy to enforce blockade, Trump says after condemning Iran for blocking waterway, complaining of no deal in Pakistan.
US and Iran fail to reach a deal after marathon talks in Pakistan
US VP Vance says Iran is choosing not to accept US terms, while Iran says it did not expect a deal at the first meeting.
Oil tankers exit Strait of Hormuz amid fragile US-Iran ceasefire
Three supertankers laden with oil exit waterway amid global energy crunch, shipping data shows.
