Like almost everyone else on Earth, I’ve been glued to my screen to catch all of the updates about Artemis II’s historic trip to space. Now that they’re safely back on solid ground (and I’ve read every single comment on Commander Reid Wiseman’s Instagram after he was reunited with his daughters), I have to find other ways to spark joy. That includes watching Justin Bieber heal his younger self at Coachella (this might be the first thing Katy Perry and I have agreed on) and following a 104-year-old woman’s advice for a long life (we share the same favorite pantry staple, after all). Meanwhile, this explanation of hope vs. optimism has a few expert-backed tips I’d like to try. As for what’s happening in the rest of the world, here’s what you need to know…
— Kylie McConville / VP, Editorial / Queens, NY
International
Back at Square One
What’s going on: After 21 hours of negotiations, the US and Iran are no closer to ending the war. Surprising no one, the two sides blame each other. Vice President JD Vance, who led the talks, said Tehran would not commit to ending its nuclear program — a key point for the Trump admin. Iranian officials told The New York Timesthat the two sides couldn’t agree on the Strait of Hormuz and reparations for damage from US-Israeli strikes either. Unhappy with the results, President Donald Trump is now going after the Strait. The US Navy is expected to begin a blockade there today, intercepting every ship that tries to leave or enter Iran. Trump warned that other countries would join the effort, though at least one has already said no. A top Iranian official’s response to the blockade: “Enjoy the current pump figures… Soon you’ll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas.”
Where do things stand now?: It’s not often that the US and Iran come to the table, and Saturday’s meeting marked their highest-level talks since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. But when things didn’t go Trump’s way, he re-upped his earlier, dangerous threats to Iran and named potential targets. If the war restarts, crude oil prices could increase after a momentary drop, inflation will only get worse (it’s already at a two-year high), and civilian life in the region would be upended once again. Pakistan said it hopes to schedule a fresh round of talks soon, and Iran is open to it. Still, it’s unclear what will happen if both sides can’t reach an agreement by the time the ceasefire expires on April 22.
