The United States and Iran remain far from ending their ongoing conflict despite fresh diplomatic efforts to secure peace in the Gulf region. Tensions escalated near the Strait of Hormuz after reports of clashes between Iranian forces and U.S. vessels, alongside drone and missile incidents targeting Gulf states. Iran has reportedly sent a response to a U.S.-backed peace proposal through Pakistani mediators, focusing on ending hostilities and ensuring maritime security. However, disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and control of shipping routes continue to block progress. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, increased regional instability, and raised fears of broader escalation across the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

A report citing US officials claimed Israel secretly established a military base in Iraq’s western desert to support air operations against Iran during the recent regional conflict. The covert installation allegedly housed Israeli special forces, logistics units and search-and-rescue teams for downed pilots. According to reports, Iraqi authorities were unaware of the base until local troops reportedly approached the area after suspicious activity was spotted by a shepherd. Israeli airstrikes were then allegedly launched to prevent exposure of the site, killing one Iraqi soldier and injuring others. The revelations have intensified scrutiny over covert regional military operations and escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and Iraq. (PC: AFP)

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary under US President Donald Trump, received congratulations from Iran after announcing the birth of her daughter on social media. However, Iran’s embassy in Armenia also referred to children allegedly killed in a strike on a school in Minab during the Iran-US-Israel conflict. Sharing Leavitt’s post, the embassy urged her to remember the mothers of the children killed in the attack. The remarks came as tensions continue between Tehran and Washington over ceasefire talks and regional security in West Asia.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing his first public leadership challenge after Labour MP Catherine West openly questioned his future as party leader. The remarks have triggered intense discussions within the Labour Party following recent political setbacks and dissatisfaction among MPs. While West reportedly has support from around 10 MPs, a formal challenge would require backing from 81 Labour lawmakers. Discussions within the party have also centred around Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a possible future contender. Downing Street has so far dismissed concerns and said Starmer plans to lead Labour into the next election.

Israel reportedly built a secret military base in Iraq before launching its air campaign against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The outpost allegedly housed Israeli special forces and search-and-rescue teams to support operations near Iran. The report claimed Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Iraqi troops after the base was nearly discovered during a military patrol in March. Iraq later condemned the strike, which reportedly killed a soldier. The base reportedly helped Israel respond quickly during rescue operations after Iran shot down a US fighter jet near Isfahan during the conflict. (PC: HT)

The United States is still waiting for Iran to respond to a peace proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. President Donald Trump said he expected a reply soon, but Tehran has not responded. Fighting also continued in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes killed at least 17 people, according to Lebanese authorities. Britain has sent warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East to support possible security operations. The Strait of Hormuz remained calm on Sunday after recent clashes. The United States has imposed new sanctions on individuals and companies accused of helping Iran build drones and support its military activities. (PC: AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the war in Ukraine may be coming to an end. He made the statement during Russia's Victory Day events in Moscow. Russia and Ukraine began a three-day ceasefire backed by US President Donald Trump. Both countries also agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, one of the biggest swaps since the war began. Putin said he is open to talks if both sides agree on a lasting peace plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted cautiously. The war has caused heavy loss of life and destruction across Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. (PC: Reuters)

Péter Magyar was officially sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, marking the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. Magyar’s pro-European Tisza Party secured a landslide parliamentary victory, promising democratic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and stronger ties with the European Union. During his inauguration speech in Budapest, Magyar pledged to restore judicial independence, reform state media, and rebuild Hungary’s economy after years of political division. Celebrations erupted across the capital as supporters welcomed a major political shift. The new administration also signaled a return to closer cooperation with Western allies and EU institutions after years of strained relations. (PC: Reuters)

Russia marked its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow with a significantly reduced military display amid ongoing security fears linked to the Ukraine war. President Vladimir Putin attended the Red Square ceremony and vowed victory in what the Kremlin calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Unlike previous years, the parade featured no tanks or heavy military hardware, reflecting both battlefield pressures and fears of Ukrainian attacks. North Korean troops who reportedly assisted Russian forces also participated. Tight security measures surrounded the event, while fighter jets flew above Moscow. The scaled-back celebration highlighted the prolonged strain of the war on Russia’s military and economy. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The temporary truce includes a suspension of military operations and a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the agreement, though both nations previously accused each other of violating earlier ceasefires. Trump described the development as a hopeful step toward broader peace negotiations in the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: Getty Images)