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Which NBA Playoffs Game 1 Loser Is Most Likely To Win Their Series? | Deadspin.com  Mar 27, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images   On Saturday, we watched all the higher seeds take care of business and start their series up 1-0. It’s way too early to overreact to these games, but I think a lot of these winners will end up moving on to the second round. Here are the teams I think have the best chance of coming back from their slow starts.Houston RocketsBefore the series, I picked the Lakers to pull off the big upset over Houston, and I still believe that’s the case; however, they’re the team I think has the best chance of turning their luck around.If the Rockets are without Kevin Durant, I have no idea where they’re generating any offense. Houston shot 38% from the field, and Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun struggled to generate any offense as primary ball handlers. On the other end, LeBron James and company did a great job of slowing the game down by running a consistently efficient offense. If Houston can get more stops and generate offense in the fastbreak, they could easily swing this series around.Atlanta Hawks Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) during the first quarter of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images   For most of 2026, the Hawks have looked like one of the best teams in the NBA. Offensively, they had a solid outing in game one against the Knicks, but New York had one of their better shooting performances, knocking down 48% of their triples.Atlanta will need to turn New York over more, but that’s something the Knicks have done a good job of preventing all season long. If Atlanta can find a way to steal game two on the road, I think they’ll be in a great spot to steal this series. I would still take the Knicks in this series, but the Hawks didn’t seem rattled on offense, and that’s an important factor in pulling off the upset.Minnesota TimberwolvesI am fully out on this iteration of the Timberwolves. It might be dumb to fade the team that’s been to two straight Western Conference Finals, especially one with Anthony Edwards, but I hate the construction of Minnesota in 2026.The Nuggets are going to get out and run all day on Minnesota, and have more shooting than they have in most years during the Nikola Jokic era. Denver shot poorly in game one and still won by double digits. Donte DiVincenzo is the only player outside of Edwards who can provide any gravity on offense for the T-Wolves, and I don’t think that’s enough to stop the Nuggets. If Jamal Murray starts hitting jumpers, this series could be ugly.Toronto Raptors  Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images   All season long, we wondered when the Cavs would turn it on, and I think we watched them take it to another level in game one. The Cavs are finally all healthy, and we got to see a 10-deep roster that looked very comfortable playing together.RJ Barrett, Jamal Shead, and Scottie Barnes combined for 11/16 from three, and they still weren’t in this game for most of the second half. Cleveland’s rotations were at their best in this one as well, with one of Donovan Mitchell or James Harden, and Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen on the floor at all times, and they provide way too much firepower for Toronto to handle. The Raptors might steal one game in Toronto, but I’d bet on this one being a sweep.   #NBA #Playoffs #Game #Loser #Win #Series #Deadspin.com

Which NBA Playoffs Game 1 Loser Is Most Likely To Win Their Series? | Deadspin.com
Which NBA Playoffs Game 1 Loser Is Most Likely To Win Their Series? | Deadspin.com  Mar 27, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images   On Saturday, we watched all the higher seeds take care of business and start their series up 1-0. It’s way too early to overreact to these games, but I think a lot of these winners will end up moving on to the second round. Here are the teams I think have the best chance of coming back from their slow starts.Houston RocketsBefore the series, I picked the Lakers to pull off the big upset over Houston, and I still believe that’s the case; however, they’re the team I think has the best chance of turning their luck around.If the Rockets are without Kevin Durant, I have no idea where they’re generating any offense. Houston shot 38% from the field, and Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun struggled to generate any offense as primary ball handlers. On the other end, LeBron James and company did a great job of slowing the game down by running a consistently efficient offense. If Houston can get more stops and generate offense in the fastbreak, they could easily swing this series around.Atlanta Hawks Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) during the first quarter of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images   For most of 2026, the Hawks have looked like one of the best teams in the NBA. Offensively, they had a solid outing in game one against the Knicks, but New York had one of their better shooting performances, knocking down 48% of their triples.Atlanta will need to turn New York over more, but that’s something the Knicks have done a good job of preventing all season long. If Atlanta can find a way to steal game two on the road, I think they’ll be in a great spot to steal this series. I would still take the Knicks in this series, but the Hawks didn’t seem rattled on offense, and that’s an important factor in pulling off the upset.Minnesota TimberwolvesI am fully out on this iteration of the Timberwolves. It might be dumb to fade the team that’s been to two straight Western Conference Finals, especially one with Anthony Edwards, but I hate the construction of Minnesota in 2026.The Nuggets are going to get out and run all day on Minnesota, and have more shooting than they have in most years during the Nikola Jokic era. Denver shot poorly in game one and still won by double digits. Donte DiVincenzo is the only player outside of Edwards who can provide any gravity on offense for the T-Wolves, and I don’t think that’s enough to stop the Nuggets. If Jamal Murray starts hitting jumpers, this series could be ugly.Toronto Raptors  Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images   All season long, we wondered when the Cavs would turn it on, and I think we watched them take it to another level in game one. The Cavs are finally all healthy, and we got to see a 10-deep roster that looked very comfortable playing together.RJ Barrett, Jamal Shead, and Scottie Barnes combined for 11/16 from three, and they still weren’t in this game for most of the second half. Cleveland’s rotations were at their best in this one as well, with one of Donovan Mitchell or James Harden, and Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen on the floor at all times, and they provide way too much firepower for Toronto to handle. The Raptors might steal one game in Toronto, but I’d bet on this one being a sweep.   #NBA #Playoffs #Game #Loser #Win #Series #Deadspin.comMar 27, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

On Saturday, we watched all the higher seeds take care of business and start their series up 1-0. It’s way too early to overreact to these games, but I think a lot of these winners will end up moving on to the second round. Here are the teams I think have the best chance of coming back from their slow starts.

Houston Rockets
Before the series, I picked the Lakers to pull off the big upset over Houston, and I still believe that’s the case; however, they’re the team I think has the best chance of turning their luck around.

If the Rockets are without Kevin Durant, I have no idea where they’re generating any offense. Houston shot 38% from the field, and Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun struggled to generate any offense as primary ball handlers. On the other end, LeBron James and company did a great job of slowing the game down by running a consistently efficient offense. If Houston can get more stops and generate offense in the fastbreak, they could easily swing this series around.

Atlanta Hawks

Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) during the first quarter of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesApr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) during the first quarter of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

For most of 2026, the Hawks have looked like one of the best teams in the NBA. Offensively, they had a solid outing in game one against the Knicks, but New York had one of their better shooting performances, knocking down 48% of their triples.

Atlanta will need to turn New York over more, but that’s something the Knicks have done a good job of preventing all season long. If Atlanta can find a way to steal game two on the road, I think they’ll be in a great spot to steal this series. I would still take the Knicks in this series, but the Hawks didn’t seem rattled on offense, and that’s an important factor in pulling off the upset.

Minnesota Timberwolves
I am fully out on this iteration of the Timberwolves. 

It might be dumb to fade the team that’s been to two straight Western Conference Finals, especially one with Anthony Edwards, but I hate the construction of Minnesota in 2026.

The Nuggets are going to get out and run all day on Minnesota, and have more shooting than they have in most years during the Nikola Jokic era. Denver shot poorly in game one and still won by double digits. Donte DiVincenzo is the only player outside of Edwards who can provide any gravity on offense for the T-Wolves, and I don’t think that’s enough to stop the Nuggets. If Jamal Murray starts hitting jumpers, this series could be ugly.

Toronto Raptors

Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesApr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

All season long, we wondered when the Cavs would turn it on, and I think we watched them take it to another level in game one. The Cavs are finally all healthy, and we got to see a 10-deep roster that looked very comfortable playing together.

RJ Barrett, Jamal Shead, and Scottie Barnes combined for 11/16 from three, and they still weren’t in this game for most of the second half. Cleveland’s rotations were at their best in this one as well, with one of Donovan Mitchell or James Harden, and Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen on the floor at all times, and they provide way too much firepower for Toronto to handle. The Raptors might steal one game in Toronto, but I’d bet on this one being a sweep.

#NBA #Playoffs #Game #Loser #Win #Series #Deadspin.com

Mar 27, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

On Saturday, we watched all the higher seeds take care of business and start their series up 1-0. It’s way too early to overreact to these games, but I think a lot of these winners will end up moving on to the second round. Here are the teams I think have the best chance of coming back from their slow starts.

Houston Rockets
Before the series, I picked the Lakers to pull off the big upset over Houston, and I still believe that’s the case; however, they’re the team I think has the best chance of turning their luck around.

If the Rockets are without Kevin Durant, I have no idea where they’re generating any offense. Houston shot 38% from the field, and Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun struggled to generate any offense as primary ball handlers. On the other end, LeBron James and company did a great job of slowing the game down by running a consistently efficient offense. If Houston can get more stops and generate offense in the fastbreak, they could easily swing this series around.

Atlanta Hawks

Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) during the first quarter of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesApr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) during the first quarter of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

For most of 2026, the Hawks have looked like one of the best teams in the NBA. Offensively, they had a solid outing in game one against the Knicks, but New York had one of their better shooting performances, knocking down 48% of their triples.

Atlanta will need to turn New York over more, but that’s something the Knicks have done a good job of preventing all season long. If Atlanta can find a way to steal game two on the road, I think they’ll be in a great spot to steal this series. I would still take the Knicks in this series, but the Hawks didn’t seem rattled on offense, and that’s an important factor in pulling off the upset.

Minnesota Timberwolves
I am fully out on this iteration of the Timberwolves. 

It might be dumb to fade the team that’s been to two straight Western Conference Finals, especially one with Anthony Edwards, but I hate the construction of Minnesota in 2026.

The Nuggets are going to get out and run all day on Minnesota, and have more shooting than they have in most years during the Nikola Jokic era. Denver shot poorly in game one and still won by double digits. Donte DiVincenzo is the only player outside of Edwards who can provide any gravity on offense for the T-Wolves, and I don’t think that’s enough to stop the Nuggets. If Jamal Murray starts hitting jumpers, this series could be ugly.

Toronto Raptors

Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesApr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

All season long, we wondered when the Cavs would turn it on, and I think we watched them take it to another level in game one. The Cavs are finally all healthy, and we got to see a 10-deep roster that looked very comfortable playing together.

RJ Barrett, Jamal Shead, and Scottie Barnes combined for 11/16 from three, and they still weren’t in this game for most of the second half. Cleveland’s rotations were at their best in this one as well, with one of Donovan Mitchell or James Harden, and Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen on the floor at all times, and they provide way too much firepower for Toronto to handle. The Raptors might steal one game in Toronto, but I’d bet on this one being a sweep.

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#NBA #Playoffs #Game #Loser #Win #Series #Deadspin.com

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Iran war: Tehran vows response to US seizure of cargo ship<div id="liveblog-post-76851849"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76851849" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Oil prices up, stocks down amid Strait of Hormuz standoff</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/20/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 20, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Oil prices up, stocks down amid Strait of Hormuz standoff</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p>Crude prices jumped and the US dollar rose but equity futures fell in early Asian trading on Monday.</p> <p>The price of Brent crude, the international benchmark, soared as much as 7% to $96.85 a barrel.</p> <p>The S&P 500 futures, meanwhile, fell about 0.9%, while the US dollar appreciated against several other currencies, including the euro and the Japanese yen.</p> <p>The market movements signal investor concern over the Middle East situation, with Iran shutting the Strait of Hormuz once again amid the continuing US blockade of Iranian ports and ships.</p> <div class="vjs-wrapper embed big"><h2 aria-label="Embedded video — Will the Iran war cause a global recession?" class="headline"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20"><g fill-rule="evenodd"><path d="M14.114 7.599H13.5l.002 4.706h.601l4.582 3.25-.005-11.11zM11.084 4.444l-9.007.002-1.336.797.002 9.514 1.334.793 9.007.006 1.509-.799-.004-9.516z"/></g></svg>Will the Iran war cause a global recession?</h2><video id="video-76807572" controls="" playsinline="" preload="none" poster="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" data-id="76807572" data-posterurl="https://static.dw.com/image/72213810_605.webp" data-duration="10:32"><source src="https://hlsvod.dw.com/i/vps/webvideos/ENG/2026/NEWS/NEWSENG260416_NewRECESSIONNew_01SSW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8" type="application/x-mpegURL"><source src="https://tvdownloaddw-a.akamaihd.net/vps/webvideos/ENG/2026/NEWS/NEWSENG260416_NewRECESSIONNew_01SSW_AVC_1920x1080.mp4" type="video/mp4"><p class="vjs-no-js">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href="https://videojs.com/html5-video-support/" target="_blank">supports HTML5 video</a></p></source></source></video></div> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CSfx</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76851839"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76851839" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Iran ‘will soon respond’ to US seizure of Iranian-flagged ship, military says</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/20/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 20, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Iran ‘will soon respond’ to US seizure of Iranian-flagged ship, military says</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p>Iranian authorities have accused the US of ‌violating ⁠the ⁠ceasefire agreement between the two sides by firing at one of ​Iran’s commercial ships in ​the Gulf of ​Oman.</p> <p>Iran’s top joint military command, the Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, vowed to respond swiftly to the US actions.</p> <p>“We warn that the ⁠armed ​forces of ​the Islamic Republic ​of Iran will ‌soon respond and retaliate against ​this ⁠armed piracy by the US military,” ⁠the ​spokesperson said.</p> <p>Earlier, US naval forces stationed in the region intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, which they said had tried to sail through the waters of the Gulf of Oman, in violation of the US blockade of Iranian ports and shipping.</p> <p>Iranian state media quoted a military ‌spokesperson as saying that the vessel was en route from ​China to Iran.</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CSfn</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76851796"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76851796" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Why is Iran not planning to join new round of talks with US?</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Why is Iran not planning to join new round of talks with US?</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><figure class="placeholder-image master_landscape big"><img data-format="MASTER_LANDSCAPE" data-id="76825026" data-url="https://static.dw.com/image/76825026_${formatId}.jpg" data-aspect-ratio="16/9" alt="Billboards for the Islamabad talks on April 11, 2026" style="padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; max-height: 0;"/><figcaption class="img-caption">Pakistan said it was ready to host a new round of talks, but Iran appears unwilling to attend<small class="copyright">Image: Qamar Zaman/dpa/picture alliance</small></figcaption></figure><p>Hours after Donald Trump announced he was dispatching US negotiators for a fresh round of talks in Islamabad, Iran said it has no intention of joining.</p> <p>So far, engagement between Washington and Tehran has been limited to a single 21-hour negotiating session in Islamabad on April 11 <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/us-iran-talks-what-prevented-a-deal-and-whats-next/a-76755660">that ended without any breakthrough</a>.</p> <p>Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said afterwards that the US side “ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiation.”</p> <h3>Washington’s hardline stance further complicates matters</h3> <p>A major sticking point is the US blockade of Iranian ports, which continues to overshadow diplomacy just days before the two-week ceasefire is due to expire.</p> <p>Trump’s announcement that US Marines had seized an Iranian ship attempting to evade the blockade is likely to fuel tensions further.</p> <p>Although <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-open-amid-israel-lebanon-truce/live-76816644">Iran briefly reopened the Strait of Hormuz</a> following a ceasefire in Lebanon, it quickly reversed course in response to the ongoing US blockade.</p> <p>Earlier, the Fars and Tasnim news agencies, citing anonymous sources, reported that lifting the US blockade was a precondition for any renewed talks.</p> <h3>Another point of contention: Iran’s enrichment program</h3> <p><a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/iran-us-war-nuclear-weapons-jcpoa-barak-obama-donald-trump/a-76798388">Trump</a> said on Friday that Iran had agreed to give up its stock of around 440 kilograms of enriched uranium. </p> <p>However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry later said the stockpile was “not going to be transferred anywhere.”</p> <p>Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told state TV that the “transfer of Iran’s enriched uranium to the US has never been raised in negotiations.”</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CSf6</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76851267"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76851267" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Iran has ‘no plans’ to join talks in Islamabad: state media</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><div class="l3vczb5"><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Iran has ‘no plans’ to join talks in Islamabad: state media</h2></div><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p>Tehran was not planning to take part in a new round of negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, Iranian state media reported on Sunday</p> <p>“There are currently no plans to participate in the next round of Iran-US talks,” state broadcaster IRIB reported, in English, on X.</p> <blockquote class="tweet embed" data-id="2045952943459831818"/> <p>It was not immediately clear who was behind the announcement.</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CSWZ</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76850666"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76850666" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Trump: US Marines seized Iranian-flagged cargo ship</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Trump: US Marines seized Iranian-flagged cargo ship</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p>President Donald Trump said US forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday. The vessel was trying to evade a US naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, he wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.</p> <p>“Our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom,” Trump wrote.</p> <p>He added that US Marines had taken custody of the ship, named Touska, and were “seeing what’s on board!”</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CSMs</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76849977"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76849977" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Pakistani PM assures Iranian president of committment as mediator of peace</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Pakistani PM assures Iranian president of committment as mediator of peace</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p>Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he discussed the conflict in the Gulf with Iranian President ⁠Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday.</p> <p>Sharif wrote in a post on X that he “shared insights from my recent engagements with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye.”</p><blockquote class="tweet embed" data-id="2045931011746476130"/> <p>“I appreciated Iran’s engagement, including its high-level delegation to Islamabad for the historic talks, ⁠and recent discussions with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir,” Sharif said.</p> <p>Sharif told Pezeshkian that Pakistan remains ⁠committed to its role as a ⁠facilitator of peace and regional stability.</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CSBl</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76849615"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76849615" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Unclear if Iran will join second round of Islamabad talks</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Unclear if Iran will join second round of Islamabad talks</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p>It is still unclear whether Iran will ultimately join the second round of talks in Islamabad with the United States.</p> <p>State-run Iranian news agency Irna reported Sunday that “there is no clear prospect of fruitful negotiations.”</p> <p>Irna also pointed to Washington’s “maximalism and unreasonable and unrealistic demands, frequent changes of positions, constant contradictions and the continuation of the so-called naval blockade.”</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Fars and Tasnim news agencies, quoting anonymous sources, said, “The overall atmosphere cannot be assessed as very positive.” </p> <p>Fars cited one source as saying that the lifting of a US blockade on Iranian ports was a precondition for continued talks.</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CS5v</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76849578"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76849578" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section IN DEPTH: Mines in the Strait of Hormuz: How dangerous are they?</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">IN DEPTH: Mines in the Strait of Hormuz: How dangerous are they?</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><figure class="placeholder-image master_landscape big"><img data-format="MASTER_LANDSCAPE" data-id="62337020" data-url="https://static.dw.com/image/62337020_${formatId}.jpg" data-aspect-ratio="16/9" alt="Bulgarian navy personnel destroy a naval mine in the Black Sea, Bulgaria, in this handout image released on July 1, 2022" style="padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; max-height: 0;"/><figcaption class="img-caption">Underwater mines can pose a threat in infested areas for decades to come [FILE: Black Sea, Bulgaria on July 1, 2022]<small class="copyright">Image: BULGARIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Via REUTERS</small></figcaption></figure><p>On Friday, German Chancellor <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/friedrich-merz/t-60575802">Friedrich Merz</a> said his country was prepared to supply mine clearance and maritime reconnaissance to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>The same day, Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi declared the critical waterway “completely open” for the duration of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, and US President Donald Trump likewise said it was “ready for full passage.”</p> <p>The following day, <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/iran-war-trump-says-tehran-cannot-blackmail-us/live-76839599">Iran reversed its decision</a>, shutting the strait again.</p> <p>Either way, maritime traffic might still be at risk, given that Iranian authorities had previously indicated there may be underwater mines in the strait.</p> <p>How dangerous are naval mines, and what can be done to clear them? <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/mines-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-how-dangerous-are-they/a-76847658">Find out here.</a></p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CS5K</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76849177"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76849177" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Vance to return to Islamabad for new round of talks</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Vance to return to Islamabad for new round of talks</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><figure class="placeholder-image master_landscape big"><img data-format="MASTER_LANDSCAPE" data-id="76751055" data-url="https://static.dw.com/image/76751055_${formatId}.jpg" data-aspect-ratio="16/9" alt="JD Vance (right), Jared Kushner (left) and Steve Witkoff (middle) after meeting with with representatives from Pakistan and Iran on April 12, 2026" style="padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; max-height: 0;"/><figcaption class="img-caption">The trio — JD Vance (right), Jared Kushner (left) and Steve Witkoff (middle) — were in Islambad during the first round of talks [FILE: April 12, 2026]<small class="copyright">Image: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo/picture alliance</small></figcaption></figure><p>US Vice President <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/jd-vance/t-70177094">JD Vance</a>, who led the first round of talks between the US and Iran last weekend, will return to Islamabad for the negotiations, according to a White House official.</p> <p>Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner will also be part of the delegation.</p> <p>Earlier, Trump had said Vance would not go to the Pakistani capital. “It’s only because of security,” Trump told ABC News. “JD’s great.”</p> <p>Last Sunday, Vance left Islamabad after 21 hours of talks with Iranian officials ended without a breakthrough. </p><div class="vjs-wrapper embed big"><h2 aria-label="Embedded video — Iran war: What's next after Islamabad talks fail?" class="headline"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20"><g fill-rule="evenodd"><path d="M14.114 7.599H13.5l.002 4.706h.601l4.582 3.25-.005-11.11zM11.084 4.444l-9.007.002-1.336.797.002 9.514 1.334.793 9.007.006 1.509-.799-.004-9.516z"/></g></svg>Iran war: What’s next after Islamabad talks fail?</h2><video id="video-76767728" controls="" playsinline="" preload="none" poster="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" data-id="76767728" data-posterurl="https://static.dw.com/image/76752760_605.webp" data-duration="04:05"><source src="https://hlsvod.dw.com/i/vps/webvideos/ENG/2026/DWVG/DWVGENG260413_Dirty_IslamabadTalksFail_01IMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8" type="application/x-mpegURL"><source src="https://tvdownloaddw-a.akamaihd.net/vps/webvideos/ENG/2026/DWVG/DWVGENG260413_Dirty_IslamabadTalksFail_01IMW_AVC_1920x1080.mp4" type="video/mp4"><track src="https://www.dw.com/media/subtitles/76768346" srclang="en" label="ENGLISH" default=""><p class="vjs-no-js">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href="https://videojs.com/html5-video-support/" target="_blank">supports HTML5 video</a></p></track></source></source></video></div> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CRyr</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76848966"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76848966" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Two cruise ships pass through Hormuz</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Two cruise ships pass through Hormuz</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><figure class="placeholder-image master_landscape big"><img data-format="MASTER_LANDSCAPE" data-id="60699150" data-url="https://static.dw.com/image/60699150_${formatId}.jpg" data-aspect-ratio="16/9" alt="Deutschland, Kiel | AIDA prima und Mein Schiff 4 " style="padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; max-height: 0;"/><figcaption class="img-caption">The Mein Schiff 4, seen here on the right in 2020, passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday (File photo: July 2020)<small class="copyright">Image: Petra Nowack/penofoto/imago images</small></figcaption></figure><p>Germany-based TUI Cruises said ‌that ⁠its ⁠Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff ​5 ships passed through the ​Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.</p> <p>According to the maritime data service MarineTraffic, only one other cruise ship, the Celestial Discovery, formerly known as the Aida aura, had been able to pass the strait since the start of the Iran war on February 28, when the US and Israel attacked Iran.</p> <p>Tui ​said that all passengers ​had previously been ‌brought home and both ships were ​operating ⁠with reduced crews, adding that it had obtained approvals ‌from ​relevant authorities to cross the strait, under careful consideration of the security situation.</p> <p>It said ​the ships would now continue on to the Mediterranean ⁠Sea.</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CRvS</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76848965"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76848965" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Macron to meet with Lebanese PM</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Macron to meet with Lebanese PM</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><figure class="placeholder-image master_landscape big"><img data-format="MASTER_LANDSCAPE" data-id="76702654" data-url="https://static.dw.com/image/76702654_${formatId}.jpg" data-aspect-ratio="16/9" alt="French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting of France's defence and security council following the Iran war ceasefire announcement and to address the return of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French nationals freed by Iran after three and a half years in detention, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on April 8, 2026" style="padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; max-height: 0;"/><figcaption class="img-caption">Macron has demanded that the Lebanese government arrest those responsible for the attack [FILE: April 8, 2026]<small class="copyright">Image: Tom Nicholson/REUTERS</small></figcaption></figure><p>French President <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/emmanuel-macron/t-38774225">Emmanuel Macron</a> is expected to meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Paris this week, his office announced.</p> <p>The meeting comes amid a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.</p> <p>The visit was announced a day after France blamed Hezbollah for an ambush on UN peacekeepers that left one French soldier dead and three others wounded.</p> <p>Macron is expected to urge Lebanese authorities to “shed full light on the incident” and “identify and prosecute those responsible without delay,” his office added.</p> <p>With the move, the French government will highlight Macron’s commitment to seeing “full and complete respect for the ceasefire in Lebanon” as well as France’s support for Lebanon’s “territorial integrity,” the president’s office said on Sunday.</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CRvR</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76848952"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76848952" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Iran not sending negotiating delegation to Pakistan, Tasnim reports</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Iran not sending negotiating delegation to Pakistan, Tasnim reports</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p>Iran is not sending a ​negotiating ​delegation ‌to Pakistan “as long ‌as there is ‌a ​naval blockade,” Iran’s Tasnim ​news agency ⁠reported on ​Sunday.</p> <p>The development came after Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, had said his country was working to “bridge” differences between Washington and Tehran.</p> <p>Earlier, US President Donald Trump had announced that US negotiators were due in Islamabad on Monday evening.</p> <p>Late Saturday, Parliament Speaker <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/an-iranian-to-negotiate-with-who-is-mohammad-qalibaf/a-76530987">Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf</a>, who has emerged as Iran’s main negotiator, said in an interview on state television that “there will be no retreat in the field of diplomacy.” </p><p>[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TDeUMPkqbE[/embed]</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CRvE</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76848338"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76848338" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Trump accuses Iran of ceasefire violations</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Trump accuses Iran of ceasefire violations</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><figure class="placeholder-image master_landscape big"><img data-format="MASTER_LANDSCAPE" data-id="76817344" data-url="https://static.dw.com/image/76817344_${formatId}.jpg" data-aspect-ratio="16/9" alt="US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House en route to Las Vegas, Nevada on April 16, 2026" style="padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; max-height: 0;"/><figcaption class="img-caption">Trump has said he won’t let Tehran ‘blackmail us’ over the Strait of Hormuz [April 16, 2026]<small class="copyright">Image: Mehmet Eser/SOPA Images/ZUMA/picture alliance</small></figcaption></figure><p>US President Donald Trump accused the Iranian regime of violating <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/how-pakistan-brokered-a-us-iran-ceasefire-and-whats-next/a-76706834">the current ceasefire agreement</a> and threatened to “to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge,” if Iran does not make a deal with the US.</p> <p>Tehran said on Saturday it would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. ​At least two ships ⁠reported they had been fired upon while approaching the strait on Saturday. </p> <p>“Iran decided to ⁠fire bullets yesterday ​in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!” Trump wrote in a post Sunday on his Truth Social platform. “That wasn’t nice, was it?”</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CRlK</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76848359"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76848359" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section Iran accuses US of violating ceasefire via blockade</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Iran accuses US of violating ceasefire via blockade</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p><a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/iran/t-18996175">Iran</a> has called the US blockade on its ports a “violation” of the ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan some 10-days ago, which paused over six weeks of fighting.</p> <p>“The United States’ so-called ‘blockade’ of Iran’s ports or coastline is not only a violation of Pakistani-mediated ceasefire but also both unlawful and criminal,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismaeil Baqaei said Sunday on X.</p><blockquote class="tweet embed" data-id="2045837366154408301"/> <p>He cited a United Nations General Assembly resolution to argue that the blockade was an “act of aggression” against Iran.</p> <p>“Moreover, by deliberately inflicting collective punishment on the Iranian population, it amounts to war crime and crime against humanity,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman went on to say.</p> <p>Iran has reverted to shuttering the critical <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/strait-of-hormuz/t-76193780">Strait of Hormuz</a> after Trump refused to lift the blockade.</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CRlf</span></p></div><div id="liveblog-post-76848158"><a href="#post-liveblog-post-76848158" class="q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item"><span class="ly75pgs p1s74fjj s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">Skip next section US negotiators due in Pakistan early next week, Trump says</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 20 20" class="r1ly0d8v"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="#002D5A" stroke-width="2"><path d="M4 9L4 16 11 16" transform="rotate(45 7.5 12.5)"/><path stroke-linecap="square" d="M3.5 12.5L17.5 12.5M17.5 12.5L17.5 5.5M17.5 5L12 5"/></g></svg></a><p><span class="t1i8qhb9 l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><span class="publication l1wr4k6o blt0baw s16w0xvi mcjjkz7 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><time aria-hidden="true">04/19/2026</time><span class="s28j2rd">April 19, 2026</span></span></span><h2 class="pmcvy6l lxoq797 p1y8x1v s16w0xvi s1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z">US negotiators due in Pakistan early next week, Trump says</h2></p><div data-tracking-skip="true" data-tracking-name="rich-text" class="post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1r94ulj lxoq797 blt0baw s16w0xvi r128axg5 w1mzytge b1fzgn0z"><p>US negotiators are due in the <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan/t-19069841">Pakistani</a> capital on Monday evening, US President <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/us-president-donald-trump-russia-ukraine-israel-gaza-tariffs-trade-war/t-19434433">Donald Trump</a> announced on Sunday, as Islamabad mediates efforts aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.</p> <p>“My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations,” Trump said in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform.</p> <p>He then strayed into criticism and threats against Iran, which he accused of violating the ceasefire agreement by <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/iran-war-trump-says-tehran-cannot-blackmail-us/live-76839599">attacking ships attempting to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz</a> on Saturday.</p> <p>Iran had <a class="internal-link" href="https://www.dw.com/en/iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-open-amid-israel-lebanon-truce/live-76816644">briefly reopened the critical waterway</a> on Friday, only to announce closing it again less than 24 hours later after Trump refused to lift a blockade on its ports.</p> <p>Questioning Iran’s closure of the strait, Trump called it “strange” because “our BLOCKADE has already closed it.”</p> <p>Without mentioning any of the terms, he also said the US proposed a peace agreement.</p> <p>“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” Trump went on to say.</p> </div><p><span class="svdcmki">https://p.dw.com/p/5CRiQ</span></p></div>#Iran #war #Tehran #vows #response #seizure #cargo #ship

Deadspin | George Kirby the answer to Mariners beating Rangers this season  Apr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after being pulled from a game in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   George Kirby continued his mastery of the Texas Rangers, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the host Seattle Mariners posted a 7-3 victory Saturday against their American League West rivals.  Luke Raley homered for the Mariners, who snapped a four-game losing streak and beat Texas for the first time in five tries this season.  Seattle closer Andres Munoz entered with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth and struck out Brandon Nimmo for the right-hander’s second save of the season.  Josh Jung went deep for the Rangers, who had won their previous two games.  Trailing 7-1, the Rangers scored twice in the ninth off Cole Wilcox, with singles by Wyatt Langford and Josh Smith and a walk to Jung loading the bases. Evan Carter hit a sacrifice fly down the right field line caught in foul territory by second baseman Cole Young. Ezequiel Duran’s run-scoring double into the left field corner made it 7-3 and a walk to Kyle Higashioka forced the Mariners to use Munoz.  Kirby (3-2) improved to 9-1 in 12 career starts against Texas. The right-hander gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out five. The only run he allowed came on Jung’s homer to straightaway center field with one out in the sixth that trimmed Seattle’s lead to 3-1.  An out later, Duran grounded a single to right, ending Kirby’s outing. Reliever Matt Brash got Higashioka to ground out to short to end the threat.   Raley led off the bottom of the inning with a towering shot to right off Nathan Eovaldi (2-3) to restore Seattle’s three-run lead.  The Mariners scored three more runs off Cal Quantrill in the eighth. Raley drew a one-out walk and took third on Dominic Canzone’s double off the wall in left. Young grounded a two-run single to center against a drawn-in infield to make it 6-1. Young stole second, took third on catcher Higashioka’s throwing error and scored on Leo Rivas’ sacrifice fly.  Eovaldi gave up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five-plus innings. The righty walked one and struck out three.  The Mariners opened the scoring in the first. J.P. Crawford, batting leadoff with Brendan Donovan out with a hip injury, doubled to right and advanced as Cal Raleigh grounded out to first. With the infield drawn in, Julio Rodriguez grounded an RBI single into right.  Seattle extended its lead with a pair of unearned runs in the fourth. With one out, Randy Arozarena hit a bloop single down the right field line. Raley grounded to second, with Duran’s throw in a bid to start a double play sailing into left field, putting the runners at second and third. With the infield again drawn in, Canzone hit a hard grounder up the middle to make it 3-0.  Nimmo got his 1,000th career hit with an eighth-inning single.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #George #Kirby #answer #Mariners #beating #Rangers #seasonApr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after being pulled from a game in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

George Kirby continued his mastery of the Texas Rangers, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the host Seattle Mariners posted a 7-3 victory Saturday against their American League West rivals.

Luke Raley homered for the Mariners, who snapped a four-game losing streak and beat Texas for the first time in five tries this season.

Seattle closer Andres Munoz entered with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth and struck out Brandon Nimmo for the right-hander’s second save of the season.

Josh Jung went deep for the Rangers, who had won their previous two games.

Trailing 7-1, the Rangers scored twice in the ninth off Cole Wilcox, with singles by Wyatt Langford and Josh Smith and a walk to Jung loading the bases. Evan Carter hit a sacrifice fly down the right field line caught in foul territory by second baseman Cole Young. Ezequiel Duran’s run-scoring double into the left field corner made it 7-3 and a walk to Kyle Higashioka forced the Mariners to use Munoz.

Kirby (3-2) improved to 9-1 in 12 career starts against Texas. The right-hander gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out five. The only run he allowed came on Jung’s homer to straightaway center field with one out in the sixth that trimmed Seattle’s lead to 3-1.


An out later, Duran grounded a single to right, ending Kirby’s outing. Reliever Matt Brash got Higashioka to ground out to short to end the threat.

Raley led off the bottom of the inning with a towering shot to right off Nathan Eovaldi (2-3) to restore Seattle’s three-run lead.

The Mariners scored three more runs off Cal Quantrill in the eighth. Raley drew a one-out walk and took third on Dominic Canzone’s double off the wall in left. Young grounded a two-run single to center against a drawn-in infield to make it 6-1. Young stole second, took third on catcher Higashioka’s throwing error and scored on Leo Rivas’ sacrifice fly.

Eovaldi gave up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five-plus innings. The righty walked one and struck out three.

The Mariners opened the scoring in the first. J.P. Crawford, batting leadoff with Brendan Donovan out with a hip injury, doubled to right and advanced as Cal Raleigh grounded out to first. With the infield drawn in, Julio Rodriguez grounded an RBI single into right.

Seattle extended its lead with a pair of unearned runs in the fourth. With one out, Randy Arozarena hit a bloop single down the right field line. Raley grounded to second, with Duran’s throw in a bid to start a double play sailing into left field, putting the runners at second and third. With the infield again drawn in, Canzone hit a hard grounder up the middle to make it 3-0.

Nimmo got his 1,000th career hit with an eighth-inning single.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #George #Kirby #answer #Mariners #beating #Rangers #season">Deadspin | George Kirby the answer to Mariners beating Rangers this season  Apr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after being pulled from a game in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   George Kirby continued his mastery of the Texas Rangers, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the host Seattle Mariners posted a 7-3 victory Saturday against their American League West rivals.  Luke Raley homered for the Mariners, who snapped a four-game losing streak and beat Texas for the first time in five tries this season.  Seattle closer Andres Munoz entered with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth and struck out Brandon Nimmo for the right-hander’s second save of the season.  Josh Jung went deep for the Rangers, who had won their previous two games.  Trailing 7-1, the Rangers scored twice in the ninth off Cole Wilcox, with singles by Wyatt Langford and Josh Smith and a walk to Jung loading the bases. Evan Carter hit a sacrifice fly down the right field line caught in foul territory by second baseman Cole Young. Ezequiel Duran’s run-scoring double into the left field corner made it 7-3 and a walk to Kyle Higashioka forced the Mariners to use Munoz.  Kirby (3-2) improved to 9-1 in 12 career starts against Texas. The right-hander gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out five. The only run he allowed came on Jung’s homer to straightaway center field with one out in the sixth that trimmed Seattle’s lead to 3-1.  An out later, Duran grounded a single to right, ending Kirby’s outing. Reliever Matt Brash got Higashioka to ground out to short to end the threat.   Raley led off the bottom of the inning with a towering shot to right off Nathan Eovaldi (2-3) to restore Seattle’s three-run lead.  The Mariners scored three more runs off Cal Quantrill in the eighth. Raley drew a one-out walk and took third on Dominic Canzone’s double off the wall in left. Young grounded a two-run single to center against a drawn-in infield to make it 6-1. Young stole second, took third on catcher Higashioka’s throwing error and scored on Leo Rivas’ sacrifice fly.  Eovaldi gave up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five-plus innings. The righty walked one and struck out three.  The Mariners opened the scoring in the first. J.P. Crawford, batting leadoff with Brendan Donovan out with a hip injury, doubled to right and advanced as Cal Raleigh grounded out to first. With the infield drawn in, Julio Rodriguez grounded an RBI single into right.  Seattle extended its lead with a pair of unearned runs in the fourth. With one out, Randy Arozarena hit a bloop single down the right field line. Raley grounded to second, with Duran’s throw in a bid to start a double play sailing into left field, putting the runners at second and third. With the infield again drawn in, Canzone hit a hard grounder up the middle to make it 3-0.  Nimmo got his 1,000th career hit with an eighth-inning single.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #George #Kirby #answer #Mariners #beating #Rangers #season

Deadspin | St. Bonaventure sees influx of transfers added to basketball roster  Feb 28, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mason Blackwood (1) drives the ball to the basket during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images   Former Penn State forward Mason Blackwood became the latest transfer to commit to St. Bonaventure and to new head coach Mike MacDonald.  ESPN broke that news Sunday morning, and Blackwood’s transfer caps an eventful week for the Bonnies.  Per the 247 transfer portal and multiple reports, St. Bonaventure, located in Olean, N.Y., has added to its roster this week, along with Blackwood:  –Akbar Waheed III, a 6-foot-6 guard who redshirted at Boston College last season.   –Zach Philipkoski, a 6-4 guard, and 6-10 center Benjamin Bill, both of whom played for MacDonald at Division II Daemen.  –Taj Au-Duke, a 6-3 point guard who started his college career at Pepperdine but transferred to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, where he became a first-team JUCO All-American.  –Ryan Kalambay, a 6-9 forward from Detroit Mercy.  Returning to the Bonnies from the 2005-06 roster are Ilia Ermakov, a 6-6 guard from Russia; John Ikpotokin, a 6-7 center from Ireland; Jack DeRose, a 6-foot guard and local product from Olean High School; Achille Lonati, a 6-5 Italian guard; and Joe Grahovac, a 6-10 forward from Santa Ana, Calif.  With Kalambay and Au-Duke from Canada, the Bonnies will have an international flair.   The Bonnies are losing four seniors and seven players to the transfer portal. According to 247Sports’ portal tracker, none of them have selected a new school.  Adding two players with experience in a power-conference program is a boost for St. Bonaventure.  Blackwood, from nearby Rochester, N.Y., appeared in 26 games as a freshman (one start) and averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds over 12.2 minutes. The 6-7 forward is expected to be a building block for the revamped Bonnies.  Waheed didn’t appear in any games at Boston College as a freshman. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.  St. Bonaventure finished 17-17 in the 2025-26 season and 4-14 in Atlantic 10 play.  MacDonald was hired as head coach on March 31 to replace Mark Schmidt, who retired after 19 seasons on the job. A 1988 St. Bonaventure alum, he led Daemen to a 265-86 record over 12 seasons. He led the Wildcats to NCAA Division II East Regional championships in 2026 and 2021.  He is the only coach to win 100 games with programs at the Division I (Canisius), II (Daemen) and III (Medaille) levels.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Bonaventure #sees #influx #transfers #added #basketball #rosterFeb 28, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mason Blackwood (1) drives the ball to the basket during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Former Penn State forward Mason Blackwood became the latest transfer to commit to St. Bonaventure and to new head coach Mike MacDonald.

ESPN broke that news Sunday morning, and Blackwood’s transfer caps an eventful week for the Bonnies.

Per the 247 transfer portal and multiple reports, St. Bonaventure, located in Olean, N.Y., has added to its roster this week, along with Blackwood:

–Akbar Waheed III, a 6-foot-6 guard who redshirted at Boston College last season.

–Zach Philipkoski, a 6-4 guard, and 6-10 center Benjamin Bill, both of whom played for MacDonald at Division II Daemen.

–Taj Au-Duke, a 6-3 point guard who started his college career at Pepperdine but transferred to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, where he became a first-team JUCO All-American.

–Ryan Kalambay, a 6-9 forward from Detroit Mercy.

Returning to the Bonnies from the 2005-06 roster are Ilia Ermakov, a 6-6 guard from Russia; John Ikpotokin, a 6-7 center from Ireland; Jack DeRose, a 6-foot guard and local product from Olean High School; Achille Lonati, a 6-5 Italian guard; and Joe Grahovac, a 6-10 forward from Santa Ana, Calif.


With Kalambay and Au-Duke from Canada, the Bonnies will have an international flair.

The Bonnies are losing four seniors and seven players to the transfer portal. According to 247Sports’ portal tracker, none of them have selected a new school.

Adding two players with experience in a power-conference program is a boost for St. Bonaventure.

Blackwood, from nearby Rochester, N.Y., appeared in 26 games as a freshman (one start) and averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds over 12.2 minutes. The 6-7 forward is expected to be a building block for the revamped Bonnies.

Waheed didn’t appear in any games at Boston College as a freshman. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.

St. Bonaventure finished 17-17 in the 2025-26 season and 4-14 in Atlantic 10 play.

MacDonald was hired as head coach on March 31 to replace Mark Schmidt, who retired after 19 seasons on the job. A 1988 St. Bonaventure alum, he led Daemen to a 265-86 record over 12 seasons. He led the Wildcats to NCAA Division II East Regional championships in 2026 and 2021.

He is the only coach to win 100 games with programs at the Division I (Canisius), II (Daemen) and III (Medaille) levels.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bonaventure #sees #influx #transfers #added #basketball #roster">Deadspin | St. Bonaventure sees influx of transfers added to basketball roster  Feb 28, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mason Blackwood (1) drives the ball to the basket during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images   Former Penn State forward Mason Blackwood became the latest transfer to commit to St. Bonaventure and to new head coach Mike MacDonald.  ESPN broke that news Sunday morning, and Blackwood’s transfer caps an eventful week for the Bonnies.  Per the 247 transfer portal and multiple reports, St. Bonaventure, located in Olean, N.Y., has added to its roster this week, along with Blackwood:  –Akbar Waheed III, a 6-foot-6 guard who redshirted at Boston College last season.   –Zach Philipkoski, a 6-4 guard, and 6-10 center Benjamin Bill, both of whom played for MacDonald at Division II Daemen.  –Taj Au-Duke, a 6-3 point guard who started his college career at Pepperdine but transferred to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, where he became a first-team JUCO All-American.  –Ryan Kalambay, a 6-9 forward from Detroit Mercy.  Returning to the Bonnies from the 2005-06 roster are Ilia Ermakov, a 6-6 guard from Russia; John Ikpotokin, a 6-7 center from Ireland; Jack DeRose, a 6-foot guard and local product from Olean High School; Achille Lonati, a 6-5 Italian guard; and Joe Grahovac, a 6-10 forward from Santa Ana, Calif.  With Kalambay and Au-Duke from Canada, the Bonnies will have an international flair.   The Bonnies are losing four seniors and seven players to the transfer portal. According to 247Sports’ portal tracker, none of them have selected a new school.  Adding two players with experience in a power-conference program is a boost for St. Bonaventure.  Blackwood, from nearby Rochester, N.Y., appeared in 26 games as a freshman (one start) and averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds over 12.2 minutes. The 6-7 forward is expected to be a building block for the revamped Bonnies.  Waheed didn’t appear in any games at Boston College as a freshman. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.  St. Bonaventure finished 17-17 in the 2025-26 season and 4-14 in Atlantic 10 play.  MacDonald was hired as head coach on March 31 to replace Mark Schmidt, who retired after 19 seasons on the job. A 1988 St. Bonaventure alum, he led Daemen to a 265-86 record over 12 seasons. He led the Wildcats to NCAA Division II East Regional championships in 2026 and 2021.  He is the only coach to win 100 games with programs at the Division I (Canisius), II (Daemen) and III (Medaille) levels.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Bonaventure #sees #influx #transfers #added #basketball #roster

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