Sheikh Hasina has asked Bangladesh’s tribunal to set aside her death sentence as “legally void,” citing serious due process violations and demanding a fair trial under international standards. Through her London-based lawyers, she urged fresh proceedings with full disclosure of evidence, legal representation, and an impartial court. Convicted in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal over the 2024 protest crackdown, Hasina argued the process lacked judicial independence and showed prosecutorial bias. Living in exile in India since her government’s fall, she also called for protection of Awami League members and compliance with global human rights obligations. (PC: AFP)

Donald Trump claimed Iran sought a ceasefire and said the US would consider it only if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and secure, warning strikes would continue until then. Tehran rejected the claim, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating no proposal was made and insisting the war will continue until the “aggressor is punished” and compensation paid. The conflict began on February 28 after US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with regional attacks, escalating the war. Trump also hinted the conflict could end within weeks despite ongoing strikes and mounting tensions.

US President Donald Trump said American forces could leave Iran “pretty quickly” but may return for limited strikes if needed. He said, “We’re going to be out pretty quickly.” He added the US could come back for “spot hits” if threats remain. Trump also said Iran would not be able to build a nuclear weapon after US strikes. He linked any ceasefire to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran denied direct talks and rejected US claims. Trump is expected to outline the next steps in a national address. (PC: India Today)

Around 2,000 ships and 20,000 sailors are stuck due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Many crews face shortages of food and water. Aid groups say distress calls are rising. “Immediate supply of food, drinking water… is required,” one message said. The International Transport Workers' Federation said many sailors are in panic. Some cannot leave due to contract issues. “They are forcing us to continue,” one seafarer wrote. About half the messages are about unpaid wages. At least 10 sailors have died in recent incidents, according to the International Maritime Organization. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has expanded control during the ongoing war, as questions remain over the condition of Mojtaba Khamenei. Reports say a council of IRGC commanders is taking key decisions. President Masoud Pezeshkian has seen limited authority and no direct contact with the Supreme Leader. The IRGC has also blocked key appointments. US officials suggested Mojtaba may be in critical condition, though Iran has not confirmed this. “Vital positions should be managed directly,” IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi reportedly said. The force now also controls the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

An American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31. Iraqi officials confirmed a foreign journalist was taken but gave few details. US officials said a suspect linked to Kataib Hizballah has been detained. Authorities said two vehicles were used. One crashed during a chase, but Kittleson was moved to another car that escaped. The US State Department said it had warned her of threats earlier. “We previously fulfilled our duty to warn,” said Dylan Johnson. Efforts are ongoing to find her and arrest others involved. (PC: HT)

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)

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)