NPR News: 04-14-2026 6AM EDT

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of U.S.-Iran talks in the coming days, according to the Associated Press, with the aim of holding them before the current ceasefire ends. Last weekend's talks concluded without an agreement, though Vice President Vance acknowledged some progress. Both countries continue to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world's crude oil and much of its liquefied natural gas is shipped. NPR's Greg Myre reported that all countries are taking an economic hit, including the U.S., which gets a minimal amount of oil from the Gulf but now faces oil prices around $100 a barrel, driving higher gas prices domestically and abroad.

Direct diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon are taking place today in Washington for the first time in more than 30 years, intended to prepare negotiations aimed at resolving Israel's conflict with Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Lebanon and Israel have never had formal relations, making today's talks rare. They come after more than a month of fighting: Hezbollah has fired at Israel, killing soldiers and civilians, while Israel invaded southern Lebanon, destroying tens of thousands of homes according to Lebanese officials, and carrying out strikes that killed Hezbollah operatives and civilians. Today's talks at the U.S. State Department are between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors. Lebanon