Lindsey Graham has raised doubts over Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the US-Iran tensions after reports claimed Iranian military aircraft were parked at a Pakistani airbase during the conflict. Reacting to the report, Graham said he did not trust Pakistan and questioned whether Washington should look for another mediator if the claims were true.   A report by CBS News alleged that Iranian aircraft, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane, had landed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi after the ceasefire announcement. Pakistan’s foreign ministry rejected the report as “misleading and sensationalised”, insisting the aircraft arrivals were linked only to diplomatic and logistical support during the ceasefire period. (PC: NDTV)

US inflation climbed to 3.8% in April, marking its highest level since May 2023, as rising energy and food prices intensified pressure on American households amid the ongoing Iran conflict. Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed surging gasoline prices accounted for nearly half of the increase after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz drove global oil prices sharply higher.   Airfares and grocery costs also increased, while wage growth slipped below inflation for the first time in three years. The figures have weakened expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and created fresh political pressure for Donald Trump ahead of the midterm elections. (PC: BBC)

Russia launched more than 200 drones across Ukraine overnight after a three-day ceasefire linked to World War II Victory Day celebrations ended, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday. Ukraine claimed Moscow rejected Kyiv’s proposal to extend the truce and instead targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, including a kindergarten and residential buildings. At least one person was killed and several others injured in the attacks across multiple regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia “chose to end the partial silence”, while officials reported blackouts and damage to transport and energy facilities following the large-scale overnight drone assault. (PC: India Today)

At least 269 people were killed after Pakistani airstrikes hit the Omid Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Kabul on March 16, according to a UN report. Families of victims say recovering addicts and staff members were among the dead, rejecting Pakistan’s claim that only militant targets were struck. Many bodies were burned or torn apart, forcing relatives to identify loved ones through clothes or birthmarks. The rehabilitation centre, operating since 2016, was widely known in Kabul. Human Rights Watch called the strike a possible war crime, while grieving families questioned why civilians seeking treatment were targeted in the deadly attack. (PC: BBC)

Iran has warned that it may enrich uranium to 90 per cent purity if attacked again by the United States or Israel. Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei said this option would be considered by parliament. Uranium enriched to 90 per cent is considered weapons-grade. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran already has 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity. The warning comes as nuclear talks remain stalled and tensions continue in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his cabinet he would “get on with governing” despite mounting pressure from within the Labour Party to step down after the party’s poor election performance.   The crisis deepened after a government minister resigned and 78 Labour MPs either demanded Starmer’s immediate resignation or asked him to set a departure timetable. Reports suggest divisions have also emerged within the cabinet over his future.   Senior minister Darren Jones dismissed speculation about Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham replacing Starmer, calling such discussions “fantasy politics”.

Israel has passed a new law allowing the death penalty for people accused of taking part in the October 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas. The law was approved by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, by 93 votes. It also allows public trials to be broadcast online. Supporters say the law will help deliver justice to victims and their families. Human rights groups have opposed the move, warning about unfair trials and the use of confessions obtained under torture. The special military court will try suspects captured during and after the attacks. (PC: BBC)

Hopes for a US-Iran peace deal weakened after Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s response to Washington’s ceasefire proposal, calling it “garbage” and saying the truce was “on life support”. Iran demanded an end to conflicts across all fronts, including Lebanon, compensation for war damage, recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US naval blockade. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent crude prices above $104.50 per barrel as shipping disruptions intensified. The United States also imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports to China, while global diplomatic efforts continued amid growing concerns over energy supplies and regional instability. (PC: ANI)

Pakistan reportedly allowed Iranian military aircraft to quietly park at its airbases during the US-Iran conflict, potentially shielding them from possible American airstrikes, according to US officials cited by CBS News. Reports said several Iranian aircraft, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane, were moved to Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan near Rawalpindi shortly after the April ceasefire announcement. Iran also reportedly relocated some civilian aircraft to Afghanistan as part of efforts to protect aviation assets amid escalating tensions. Pakistani officials denied the claims, arguing such aircraft movements could not remain hidden at a major urban airbase. US Senator Lindsey Graham said Pakistan’s mediator role would require “complete reevaluation” if the allegations proved true. (PC: X)

A dramatic wildlife encounter unfolded near Chitwan National Park after two one-horned rhinos were seen engaged in a fierce fight close to a public road in Sauraha, Nepal. Videos of the clash quickly went viral, showing the rhinos charging and pushing each other as shocked tourists watched from a safe distance. Wildlife officials later urged visitors not to crowd or disturb wild animals during such incidents. Experts said the confrontation was likely linked to a territorial or dominance dispute. Chitwan is known for frequent wildlife sightings, including endangered greater one-horned rhinos near tourist and settlement areas.