Washington and Tehran are locked in a tense stand-off over both the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite a fresh Iranian proposal that could ease the blockade of the crucial shipping lane, US President Donald Trump has shown little enthusiasm, fuelling uncertainty across global markets and diplomatic circles.Iran has choked traffic through the Strait since the US–Israeli offensive began two months ago, disrupting a route that carries a significant share of the world’s oil and gas. While the proposal reportedly includes easing restrictions on the waterway in exchange for relief on Iranian ports, US officials have questioned both its substance and whether Tehran’s negotiators have the authority to commit.Markets have reacted sharply. Brent crude surged past $110 a barrel, while US benchmark prices also jumped, reflecting fears of prolonged instability. Qatar, which has attempted to mediate despite being struck by Iranian forces, warned the conflict risks becoming a “frozen” crisis that could reignite at any moment.Tensions on the ground remain high. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have continued despite a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah, with casualties reported, including civil defence personnel. Meanwhile, drones targeted Baghdad’s Green Zone, underscoring the persistent threat to US interests in the region.Diplomatic strains have also widened. Trump criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after remarks suggesting Washington lacked a clear Iran strategy, while Britain’s King Charles III urged Western unity during an address to the US Congress. At the same time, Gulf leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia to coordinate their response to the deepening crisis.Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continued to disrupt global energy supplies and pushed oil prices higher.Donald Trump remained sceptical of Tehran’s proposal and demanded firm guarantees on Iran’s nuclear programme.Israeli and Hezbollah forces continued to clash despite a ceasefire, with strikes and evacuations ongoing in southern Lebanon.The United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit OPEC reflected shifting Gulf priorities and could have weakened the cartel’s influence.Divisions widened among Western allies and regional powers, complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Washington isn’t interested in being a guarantor of anything, including energy supplies. New Delhi’s strategic response must centre around the one energy source it has in abundance

United States President Donald Trump states the naval blockade on Iran will continue until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal. Military strikes are also being planned. Iran warns of unprecedented action if pressure persists. The situation is volatile, with potential for negotiation or confrontation.

MI vs SRH Highlights, IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a stunning six-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, chasing down a massive 244-run target in just 18.4 overs. The chase was powered by explosive knocks from Travis Head (76), Abhishek Sharma (45), and Heinrich Klaasen (65)*, who ensured SRH maintained control despite a brief middle-order wobble.SRH got off to a flying start, racing to 92/0 in the powerplay, with Head smashing a 20-ball fifty. Mumbai briefly fought back through Ghazanfar and Hardik Pandya, but Klaasen’s aggressive finish sealed the chase comfortably.Earlier, Mumbai Indians had posted a formidable 243/5, led by Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 123, the fastest century for MI, and Will Jacks’ 46. However, their bowlers failed to contain SRH’s relentless batting, as the visitors completed one of the most remarkable chases of IPL 2026.

Exit polls present a stark contrast for Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. While most predict a spoiler role with 10-24 seats, one outlier suggests a Kejriwal-like breakthrough of 98-120 seats. The outcome hinges on converting star power into grassroots strength, unlike Prashant Kishor's Bihar debut.

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Presidents Putin and Trump held a 1.5-hour call discussing the Middle East war and Ukraine. Putin backed Trump's Iran ceasefire extension, viewing it as a stabilizing move. He also proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day, aiming to advance peace negotiations.

Michael and Susan Dell have donated $750 million to the University of Texas at Austin for a new medical center and research campus. This facility will integrate AI and advanced computing to improve patient care, research, and education, with construction beginning this year and opening by 2030. The donation builds on their extensive philanthropic history and commitment to Austin's growth.

Mumbai Indians posted a huge 243/5 thanks to Ryan Rickelton's 123. Chasing this target, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head formed a record opening partnership. Their 129-run stand put Sunrisers Hyderabad in a strong position. This partnership now equals the record for most century stands for the opening wicket in IPL history.