Iran has accused the United States of violating an existing ceasefire after US forces seized an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran described the action as “armed piracy,” claiming the vessel was attacked, disabled, and boarded by US troops. Iran’s military warned that it would retaliate “soon,” escalating tensions in an already fragile truce. The US, however, stated the ship was intercepted after ignoring repeated warnings and attempting to breach a naval blockade. The incident has further strained diplomatic efforts, raising fears of renewed conflict and instability in the strategically vital region. (PC: India Today)

Fresh violence has intensified in Manipur, leaving at least five people dead since April 7, including two children, with no arrests made so far. The killings have triggered protests and heightened tensions, especially in sensitive districts like Bishnupur and Imphal. Residents have taken to the streets demanding justice and stronger action against perpetrators. Authorities have increased security presence, but the lack of arrests has raised concerns over law enforcement effectiveness. The incidents are part of the ongoing ethnic conflict that has repeatedly disrupted peace in the state, keeping the situation volatile and unpredictable. (PC: PTI)

Iran has refused to participate in a proposed second round of talks with the United States, accusing Washington of making “excessive demands” and engaging in a blame campaign. Tehran said inconsistent US positions, continued military pressure, and a naval blockade have made meaningful negotiations impossible. The talks, expected after an earlier failed round, were aimed at easing tensions and extending a fragile ceasefire. However, Iran dismissed reports of renewed dialogue as false, stressing that the current hostile environment prevents progress. The breakdown has further escalated tensions, with both sides exchanging threats and the regional situation remaining volatile. (PC: NDTV)

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)