Newshour

Militant groups in Mali have launched a wave of coordinated attacks across the country. The ruling junta says they've been repulsed and has urged people to stay calm. We hear from a former US ambassador to Mali. Also on the programme: how five schoolchildren stepped in to stop a runaway school bus in Mississippi after the driver had an asthma attack; and English football honours its first overseas football star. (Picture: A Malian soldier stands in position with his weapon during an attack on Mali's main military outside the capital Bamako. Credit: REUTERS/Stringer)

Iranian foreign minister Arras Araghchi is in Islamabad today to discuss peace between his country and the US. Donald Trump’s foreign policy advisors Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are travelling to Pakistan’s capital later to do the same. The Iranian foreign ministry, however, has said no direct talks with the US are planned. The BBC’s Pakistan correspondent gives us the latest.Also in the programme: Explosions and gunfire in Mali as armed groups launch coordinated attacks.(Photo: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, 17th February 2026. Credit: Reuters/Pierre Albouy TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

The White House says President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son in law, Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran. Also on the programme, from inside Russia, a look at the Kremlin's tightening grip on the internet; and, Ringo Starr on his new country album.(Photo: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Peace Missions listen as Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via REUTERS)

A leaked Pentagon email reportedly outlines options to punish allies over a perceived lack of support for the Iran war. The email also suggested reviewing the US position on the UK's claim to the Falklands islands in the south Atlantic, which are also claimed by Argentina. We get reaction from Spain. Also on the programme: representatives from dozens of countries are gathering in Colombia to discuss moving away from fossil fuels; and as the ceasefire in Lebanon is extended for another three weeks, we talk to one family who've just returned to their flat in Beirut.(Credit: Reuters)

Confusion surrounds the second round of talks scheduled in Pakistan between US and Iranian officials. Also in the programme: the immunotherapy that could save cancer patients; and comparisons between the King of Horror, Stephen King and Shakespeare.Photograph: Pakistani security officers outside Islamabad's Red Zone, where most diplomatic missions are based. Credit: Shutterstock

The US and Iran have agreed a two-week ceasefire and as part of the agreement Iran says it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Both sides have claimed victory, with the US defense secretary saying it "offers chance at real peace".Also in the programme: Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued pummelling what it says are dozens of command centres belonging to Hezbollah, Iran's proxy force in Lebanon; and we'll hear more about the impact of powerchair football for participants with life-limiting disabilities.(Photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump at a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C. on 6 April 2026. Evan Vucci/Reuters)