Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s military goals in the Iran war are “definitely beyond the halfway point,” clarifying it refers to missions, not time.   At the same time, a Kuwaiti oil tanker caught fire after being hit while docked in Dubai. Officials blamed Iran. All 24 crew members are safe and the fire is under control.   Fresh strikes were reported in both Israel and Iran, with parts of Tehran facing power cuts.   Donald Trump warned of stronger action, saying the US could “obliterate” Iran’s key facilities if no deal is reached soon. Iran denied any ongoing talks.

The United States is spending about Rs 9.8 lakh every second on its war with Iran, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The conflict has entered its 31st day and cost around $27.68 billion so far.   Under Donald Trump, daily spending is estimated at $890 million, or about Rs 8,455 crore.   Munitions and missiles form the largest share at $320 million per day. Air operations and naval deployments also add major costs.   The White House said Trump may ask Arab nations to share expenses. “It’s something the president would be quite interested in,” a spokesperson said. (PC: NDTV)

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged India to include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the England tour squad after his explosive IPL innings. The 15-year-old scored 52 off 17 balls against Chennai Super Kings and impressed with his attacking style. Vaughan said, “Just bring him in… get him on a tour.” He added that early exposure will help the youngster. Sooryavanshi shared a 75-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal but dominated the scoring. Vaughan noted a clear difference in approach, calling it a “gulf in fearlessness.” Jaiswal stayed unbeaten on 38, playing a steady role in the chase. (PC: HT)

Abu Faye, 26, sparked a major manhunt after escaping mid-hearing from Croydon Crown Court on March 17. The incident occurred when he realised the judge intended to remand him in custody. Faye, who had admitted to drug possession, fled before entering pleas on more serious charges, including supplying Class A drugs such as cocaine and MDMA, along with ketamine and cannabis. Charged with 10 offences, he escaped on foot, prompting an urgent response from Metropolitan Police. Authorities are analysing CCTV and urging public assistance, warning people not to approach him. (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump has postponed his China visit to mid-May due to uncertainties from the West Asia conflict. Reports suggest Vladimir Putin may also visit China around the same time, signalling Beijing’s strategic global positioning. The developments highlight China’s efforts to balance major power relations amid shifting geopolitical tensions. Trump is expected to use the visit to engage key domestic constituencies, including farmers, ahead of US midterm elections. Separately, India has appointed a new ambassador to China, while reports indicate China is expanding ocean mapping activities, underlining its growing maritime and strategic ambitions. (PC: X)

Donald Trump is reportedly willing to end the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely restricted, according to The Wall Street Journal. Citing administration officials, the report states that forcing the reopening of the key maritime route could extend the conflict beyond the planned four-to-six-week timeline. Instead, Trump is considering concluding military operations after reportedly weakening Iran’s naval and missile capabilities, while shifting focus to diplomatic pressure to restore trade flow. The White House has not yet commented on the report. (PC: X)

Iran has rejected US claims of ongoing negotiations, stating no direct or indirect talks have occurred since the war began on February 28. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said only requests and proposals from United States were received via intermediaries, including Pakistan. Tehran emphasised its focus on defence amid continued military action and cited past “betrayals” in diplomacy. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and the White House maintain talks are progressing. The conflict, launched under Operation Epic Fury, has entered its second month without de-escalation, despite competing peace proposals and rising regional tensions.

Donald Trump shared a video on social media showing massive explosions in Isfahan during early Tuesday hours, with large fires illuminating the night sky. While Trump provided no context, media reports suggest the footage depicts US-Israeli joint strikes targeting a major ammunition depot in the city. Isfahan, home to around 2.3 million people, also houses the strategically significant Badr military airbase. The reported use of bunker buster bombs indicates a high-intensity strike aimed at fortified infrastructure. However, there has been no official confirmation from US or Israeli authorities regarding the operation or the authenticity and timing of the video.

A fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker, Al-Salmi, was attacked by Iran near Dubai port, damaging its hull and triggering a fire later extinguished by authorities. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation warned of a potential oil spill in surrounding waters. The vessel had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, docked at regional ports, and was bound for Qingdao. Emergency teams are managing the situation. The attack marks a sharp escalation in the Iran-US conflict, raising concerns over global oil supply and maritime security as tensions intensify across critical Gulf shipping routes. (PC: AP)

Mohamad Safa, associated with Patriotic Vision, resigned from his United Nations-linked roles, alleging preparations for possible nuclear weapon use in Iran. In a post on X and an accompanying letter, he accused senior United Nations officials of serving a powerful lobby. Safa, PVA’s representative to the UN Economic and Social Council since 2016, said he stepped down after reflection and to avoid complicity in a “crime against humanity.” He warned of catastrophic consequences, citing Tehran’s large population, and urged global protests. He also alleged censorship, threats, and bias after expressing views post-2023 Hamas attack. The UN has not responded.