Day: April 16, 2026

President Trump keeps saying the war with Iran is very close to over, but peace talks have stalled and Iran is threatening to block Red Sea traffic if the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues. Pakistan is trying to restart peace talks between the U.S and Iran, and Trump posted that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak today for the first time in 34 years. Vice President JD Vance told a Catholic audience that the Pope should be careful when he talks about theology, as Trump’s feud with Pope Leo puts some of his most loyal supporters in an awkward spot. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Ruth Sherlock, Dana Farrington, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Lindsay Totty. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens. (0:00) Introduction (01:57) Trump’s Iran War Timeline (05:42) Iran Blockade And Peace Talks (09:34) GOP And Trump Pope Feud See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump keeps saying the war with Iran is very close to over, but peace talks have stalled and Iran is threatening to block Red Sea traffic if the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues. Pakistan is trying to restart peace talks between the U.S and Iran, and Trump posted that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak today for the first time in 34 years. Vice President JD Vance told a Catholic audience that the Pope should be careful when he talks about theology, as Trump’s feud with Pope Leo puts some of his most loyal supporters in an awkward spot. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Ruth Sherlock, Dana Farrington, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Lindsay Totty. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens. (0:00) Introduction (01:57) Trump’s Iran War Timeline (05:42) Iran Blockade And Peace Talks (09:34) GOP And Trump Pope Feud See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

This day in 1945, troops of the US 9th Armored Division liberated Oflag IV-C, Colditz Castle, one of the most noted German Army prisoner-of-war camps for captured enemy officers.  #WW2

— WWII Pictures (@WWIIpix) Apr 16, 2026