Iran has reportedly rejected joining the second round of talks with the United States, while US negotiators are set to arrive in Islamabad on Monday. Iranian media said Tehran was unhappy with US "unreasonable and unrealistic demands", policy changes and the continued naval blockade. Reports also said Iran has not made a final decision on sending a delegation. US President Donald Trump said American representatives would travel to Pakistan for negotiations. A White House official said Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would attend. The ceasefire between the two sides is due to expire on April 22. (PC: HT)

An Indian-flagged oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, the same day Iranian forces fired at two other Indian vessels, officials said. The tanker Desh Garima was carrying 31 Indian crew members and is expected to reach Mumbai on April 22. The Petroleum Ministry said the passage was completed safely. Two other ships, Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were forced to turn back after the firing. No injuries were reported. India later raised concerns with Iran's ambassador and sought safe passage for India-bound vessels. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise stop for jhalmuri during his election campaign in West Bengal on Sunday. During a visit to Jhargram, Modi was seen asking a street vendor, "Bhai, hame apna Jhalmuri khilao." He then asked the price and paid for the snack after the seller first refused to take money. Modi later shared photos and a video on X, calling it a "Jhalmuri Break in Jhargram". He said he enjoyed the spicy puffed rice snack between four public meetings held across West Bengal during a busy campaign day. (PC: X)

US negotiators will return to Pakistan on Monday for talks on the Iran conflict, President Donald Trump said. A White House official said the delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance. Trump also warned he could strike Iran's power plants and bridges if no deal is reached. Iran's state media said reports of fresh talks in Pakistan were "not true", though no official position was announced. Tensions remain high after gunfire near ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also accused the US of breaching the ceasefire by blockading its ports. (PC: BBC)

2 US citizens were detained at Srinagar Airport after security staff found a satellite communicator and GPS device in luggage, officials said. One of those held was of Indian origin. Both were later handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Police for questioning. Sources said the devices were found during routine screening before a flight to New Delhi. The traveller was identified as Jeffry Scott Prather. Officials said the devices used the Iridium satellite network. Police are checking the purpose of their Kashmir visit and planned use of the equipment. (PC: The Indian Express)

A US permanent resident of Iranian origin has been charged in California for allegedly arranging arms deals worth millions of dollars for Iran. Prosecutors said Shamim Mafi, 44, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. She is accused of using an Oman-registered company to broker weapons sales without approval. Authorities said the deals included more than $70 million in Mohajer-6 armed drones, bomb fuses and ammunition linked to Sudan. Court papers said phone records showed contact with Iran's intelligence ministry between 2022 and 2025. Mafi denied working for Tehran inside the United States. (PC: NDTV)

Iran said on Sunday it will not join the planned second round of talks with the United States in Pakistan. The move hurt hopes of progress before the ceasefire ends on April 22. Iranian state media said Tehran blamed Washington's "excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions" and the US naval blockade of its ports. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said American officials would reach Islamabad on Monday for talks. Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref also criticised the US approach and called its positions "childish". Key disputes remain over Iran's nuclear programme, regional allies, and control of the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

Eight children aged 1 to 14 were killed in a shooting in Louisiana on Sunday, police said. Authorities believe it was linked to a domestic incident. The suspect opened fire at different homes in Shreveport before fleeing in a stolen car. Police chased the suspect, who was later killed after officers opened fire. Two women were shot in the head but survived. A young boy was hurt after jumping from a roof during the chaos. Police said some of the children killed "were his descendants". Officials called the crime scene "unlike anything most of us have ever seen". An investigation is underway. (PC: HT)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the US for extending a waiver on Russian oil sales. He said, “every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war.” The waiver allows countries to buy oil already at sea until May 16. The US said it wants to ease supply problems. These issues grew after tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Zelensky said Russia may earn billions from these sales. He warned this could fund more attacks. Fighting continues, with Russia launching drones, bombs, and missiles on Ukrainian cities. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan has stepped up security for possible US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The city is on “red alert.” Hotels have been told to vacate guests. Officials said this is to host delegations. The Noor Khan Airbase is set as a VIP entry point. Security teams are already in place. Roads will be monitored and residents warned not to record convoys. Some universities are shut till April 26. Talks may start in a few days, though Iran has sent mixed signals. Pakistan hopes to host the second round after the first meeting failed last week. (PC: News18)