Natarsha Belling

Coming up in our deep dive, President Trump has offended millions of Christians around the world with a controversial social media post that likened him to Jesus Christ.

It comes as President Trump lashed out at Pope Leo.

As a growing number of conservative commentators now turn on the US leader, is Donald Trump losing the support of his MAGA power base?

All those details in just a moment.

But first, let's check the afternoon headlines this Tuesday, the 14th of April.

U.S.

Vice President J.D.

Vance has accused Iran of engaging in economic terrorism by blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

Mr. Vance warning the U.S.

won't stand down, telling Fox News two can play that game.

Despite the latest escalation, there are reports negotiations to end the war between Iran, Israel and the U.S.

look set to continue.

with officials in the US saying that a second round of face-to-face talks are now being discussed.

Iran's ambitions to make enriched uranium were reportedly at the centre of negotiations breaking down in Pakistan over the weekend.

Officials claiming Iran offered to suspend its enrichment for five years, which the US rejected.

Meantime, a spokesperson for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire with Hezbollah.

And the death toll continues to increase in the Middle East, with latest reports claiming more than 1,700 civilians have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 in Lebanon.

Staying in the Middle East and Australia is set to join a summit of more than 40 nations later this week to discuss a post-war plan to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

France and the UK will be hosting the summit with the UK's Prime Minister saying that reopening the waterway is, quote, vital to ease cost of living pressures.

Labor MPs in Australia have today described the plan as strictly defensive, with Defence Minister Richard Miles saying a permanent ceasefire would be necessary before Australia contributed to safeguarding the Strait.