The fragile US-Iran ceasefire is set to expire this week with diplomats trading accusations of breach rather than progress. Both sides have scheduled talks for next week in a last-ditch effort to extend the agreement, but officials acknowledge significant gaps remain [NPR, DW English].

Meanwhile, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, demanding the US lift its blockade—escalating tensions just as negotiations get underway. The move threatens one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints [Guardian].

Domestic fallout

The prolonged Iran crisis is taking a political toll. Trump's approval rating has hit a second-term low, with Americans increasingly unhappy over the conflict and soaring gas prices. One analyst notes relief at the pump won't come "until next year" at earliest, keeping economic anxiety high through the midterms [NBC News, The Hill].

Meanwhile, the Trump administration faces new scrutiny over immigration court staffing. Former judges have publicly criticized recent purges from the bench, raising questions about judicial independence [CBS News].

International moves

Bulgaria's former president Rumen Radev is projected to win that country's presidential election, according to exit polls [PBS]. In Peru, officials say final election results won't arrive until mid-May following delays in the count [Al Jazeera].

On the ground in Lebanon, the human cost of earlier conflict became starkly visible as a displaced woman returned to find her home completely destroyed following the recent ceasefire [Al Jazeera].

In Russia, an unusual crack appeared in Putin's grip as influencers have begun leading rare public dissent against the government [Newsweek].