China is trying to mediate in the Iran war as the conflict disrupts global energy supply. Xi Jinping is backing a joint peace plan with Pakistan. The plan calls for a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. China said dialogue is “the only viable option”. Experts say Beijing wants stability to protect trade and growth. It imports large amounts of oil from the region. However, China has limited military presence and influence. Past mediation efforts had mixed results. The US and Iran have not responded yet to the latest proposal. (PC: BBC)

Keir Starmer said the UK will host a meeting of about 35 countries to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The talks will be led by Yvette Cooper. Starmer said the meeting will review “all viable diplomatic and political measures” to restore shipping. He added it will aim to ensure safety of ships and crews and restart key supplies. After this, military planners will study how to secure the route once fighting ends. Countries joining talks had earlier said they are ready to support efforts for safe passage through the strait. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates is reviewing a possible military role to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reports say. Officials told The Wall Street Journal the country may join the US and allies. This could include clearing mines and offering support. The UAE is also pushing for a UN resolution to allow action. One official said there is “broad global consensus” to keep the route open. The move follows similar signals from Saudi Arabia. The strait carries about 20% of global oil. Iran has restricted access during the conflict, raising global supply fears. (PC: India Today)

Fresh reports say Oracle has started large layoffs, hitting workers in India hard. Many employees got termination emails between 5 and 6 am without warning. Some said access was cut soon after. Reports suggest about 30,000 jobs may be lost globally, with nearly 12,000 in India. The company has not confirmed numbers. One employee wrote, “Just got an email at 5 am over 20 years of service.” Another said, “6 am on the nose.” Oracle said roles became “redundant” due to changes. The layoffs come as the company shifts focus to AI investments. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said he is “strongly considering” taking the United States out of NATO. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said the alliance is a “paper tiger”. He added that he was “never swayed by NATO”. Trump said the idea is “beyond reconsideration” after the current Middle East conflict. He also claimed that Russia’s Vladimir Putin knows NATO is weak. Trump criticised the UK’s military strength. He said, “You don’t even have a navy.” He also said Britain’s aircraft carriers “didn’t work”. NATO has not yet responded to his remarks. (PC: X)

Iran says it is ready to fight for “at least six months” as the US weighs an early exit. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is well prepared and not “begging for a deal”. He told Al Jazeera the country will defend itself “for as long as required”.   Trump has suggested the US may end its role in two to three weeks. Iran denied accepting any US peace terms. Araghchi said no reply has been given to a reported American plan. He stressed Iran wants a full end to the war, not a ceasefire. He also said “trust is at zero” after past US actions. (PC: X)

Fuel prices have increased in Delhi, raising costs for consumers and airlines. Premium petrol now costs Rs 160 per litre, up from Rs 149. Premium diesel prices also saw a small rise. Jet fuel prices were briefly doubled before being revised for domestic airlines. Even after the cut, rates remain high. Commercial LPG cylinder prices have also increased sharply since March. Officials linked the rise to global oil price surge and supply issues. The government had earlier reduced excise duty to control normal fuel prices. However, premium fuel and aviation costs continue to rise due to ongoing global disruptions.

India’s neighbours are seeking help as the Iran war causes an energy crisis, a report said. Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka are facing fuel shortages. These countries had earlier seen anti-India sentiment. Now they are turning to India for support. India has already sent diesel and petrol to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is also considering a request from the Maldives. The crisis has disrupted daily life and industries. Despite past tensions, India has extended help. The report said this shows India’s key role in regional energy security during difficult times. The shift highlights changing ties in South Asia.

The United Arab Emirates may join the US and its allies in the Iran conflict, a report said. The UAE is considering a military role to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This comes as Iran continues attacks on Gulf states. The report said the UAE is also pushing for a UN resolution to support action. Even if it fails, officials say the country may still help. Support could include mine clearance and escorting ships. The move marks a shift from earlier efforts to mediate. Other Gulf nations are also changing their stance, but have not yet committed forces to the conflict.

Oracle Corporation has initiated a major wave of layoffs as part of a large-scale restructuring, with reports suggesting up to 30,000 employees could be affected globally. The move is aimed at cutting costs and reallocating resources toward aggressive investments in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. The company, which had around 162,000 employees, is under financial pressure due to massive spending on AI data centres and related projects. Analysts estimate the layoffs could save billions in cash flow. The decision reflects a broader tech industry trend where companies are downsizing traditional roles while accelerating AI-driven growth strategies. (PC: Deccan Herald)