Ahead of a critical truce deadline, Donald Trump issued a stark warning, stating that the United States could “take out” Iran in a single night if necessary. The remark underscores escalating rhetoric amid ongoing conflict and fragile diplomatic efforts. Trump’s statement comes as ceasefire negotiations remain uncertain and tensions intensify over key issues, including nuclear ambitions and regional security. While talks continue through intermediaries, the warning highlights the high-stakes environment surrounding the crisis, raising concerns over potential military escalation and its broader implications for global stability and energy markets. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has rejected a US ceasefire proposal, conveying its response via Pakistan and outlining a 10-condition framework for ending the conflict. Tehran insists on a permanent end to war across the region, including Lebanon and Gaza, along with guarantees against future attacks. It seeks sanctions relief, recognition of its uranium enrichment rights, and compensation for war damages. Iran also demands control over the Strait of Hormuz, including regulating maritime traffic. Donald Trump said alternatives remain as military operations continue. Mediation efforts involving Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are ongoing, reflecting intensified diplomacy amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

At the Grenke Freestyle Open, Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev again drew attention for greeting with “Namaste” instead of a handshake, initially seen when he declined Harika Dronavalli’s handshake. The moment went viral and was later mirrored by Krishnan Sasikiran, who folded his hands in a similar gesture, which Yakubboev reciprocated. The Uzbek player has previously avoided handshakes with women, citing religious beliefs, including an earlier incident involving R Vaishali, for which he apologised, clarifying his respect. The repeated gestures have sparked discussion on cultural sensitivity, personal beliefs, and etiquette in international chess tournaments. (PC: Times Now)

Amid escalating tensions, Donald Trump said Iran is “not so strong” compared to a month ago, while acknowledging its forces remain “capable fighters.” His remarks come as negotiations continue over a potential ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump indicated Iran had made a “significant” proposal, though insufficient, as military operations persist. He reiterated that the conflict centres on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The statement reflects Washington’s dual stance of pressure and negotiation, even as Tehran maintains firm conditions for a permanent resolution, keeping geopolitical and energy market uncertainties elevated.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran has set firm conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, insisting it will remain closed until a permanent peace agreement is achieved. Rejecting temporary ceasefires, Tehran outlined four key demands: a complete end to war, no short-term truce, guaranteed non-aggression from the United States and Israel, and using Hormuz as leverage. Iran also dismissed negotiations under pressure and mocked Donald Trump’s deadline with sarcastic remarks online. As the strategic oil route remains restricted, the standoff intensifies, raising concerns over global energy stability and highlighting Hormuz’s central role in the geopolitical conflict. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court of India sharply criticised top West Bengal officials over their response to the Malda incident, where judicial officers were allegedly held hostage for nine hours. The Chief Justice of India rebuked the Chief Secretary and DGP for being unreachable during the crisis, calling it a failure of administration and policing. Justice Bagchi stressed officials cannot remain inaccessible to the judiciary. The court ordered a written apology and termed the situation evidence of bureaucratic chaos. It directed full cooperation with judicial authorities and sought accountability, noting the incident was “instigated” and not spontaneous, with arrests already made. (PC: India Today)

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, warned that strikes near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant pose a serious nuclear safety risk and must stop immediately. The 1,000-megawatt facility has reportedly been targeted four times since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began, with the latest strike reported on Saturday. Grossi cautioned that attacks near an operational nuclear plant could trigger a severe radiological accident, endangering people and the environment beyond Iran’s borders. He stressed that nuclear facilities and their surrounding areas should never be targeted under any circumstances. (PC: CGTN)

Amid escalating tensions, Iran announced it has drafted a diplomatic response to US-mediated proposals, rejecting a reported “15-point plan” as illogical and overly ambitious. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran’s demands reflect its “interests” and “red lines” and will be revealed later. Iran accused the United States of targeting its nuclear programme, alleging the Isfahan operation was a failed “uranium theft plot.” Tehran dismissed claims of weakness and opposed any temporary ceasefire, calling it a prelude to renewed conflict. Instead, it demands a complete end to hostilities and guarantees against recurrence, while accusing Washington of sidelining diplomacy.

During the Artemis II journey, astronauts will face a 40-minute communication blackout as their Orion spacecraft passes behind the Moon, blocking signals with Earth. This moment of isolation echoes past missions like Apollo 11, when Michael Collins experienced similar solitude. While mission control awaits anxiously, teams track the spacecraft’s position. Astronauts will use the time for lunar observation and reflection. Experts highlight the need for continuous communication systems, with initiatives like Moonlight programme aiming to prevent future blackouts as lunar exploration expands toward sustained human presence. (PC: NASA)

Amid escalating US-Iran tensions, UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash stressed that access to the Strait of Hormuz must be guaranteed in any ceasefire deal, calling it a global economic necessity handling 20% of world energy flows. He warned against agreements that fail to address Iran’s nuclear programme, missiles, and drones, cautioning such gaps could worsen regional instability. Supporting US-led efforts to secure shipping routes, the UAE emphasized de-escalation but not at the cost of unresolved threats. Meanwhile, tensions intensified as Donald Trump threatened Iran, which responded with warnings of global energy disruption and regional instability.