Chinese commentary says China played a central role in failed ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. Analysts claim Beijing led efforts through backchannels while Pakistan handled visible mediation. Chinese platforms blame US and Israeli actions for tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. They highlight China’s outreach and “invisible” diplomacy. A commentator said Washington was “playing the China card”. Some claims suggest China ensured safety for Iran’s team. The narrative presents Beijing as decisive, while Pakistan is described as a proxy with limited independent role. (PC: The Print)

Iran used a Chinese-built satellite to track US military sites in the Middle East, a report said. The satellite, TEE-01B, was developed by Earth Eye and later taken over by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It was used to monitor bases in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait. The report said it also tracked US-linked sites and key infrastructure in the Gulf. A former Western intelligence official said such a launch would need approval from authorities. China has denied giving military support to Iran. The report also said Iran may have accessed Russian satellite data during the conflict. (PC: X)

Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine killed at least 15 people and injured around 90, officials said. In Kyiv, four people died, including a 12-year-old boy, after a residential building collapsed. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said rescuers pulled survivors from the rubble. Three people were killed in Dnipro, while eight died in Odesa. In Kharkiv, two elderly people were injured. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the strikes “war crimes” and urged other countries to take action and increase pressure on Russia. (PC: BBC)

Strait of Hormuz may see partial relief as Iran considers allowing ships to transit via the Oman side during ongoing talks with the United States. According to Reuters, the proposal is part of Tehran’s negotiation framework following its blockade after February 28 airstrikes by the US and Israel, which disrupted global energy flows. The strait handles nearly 20% of global oil and LNG shipments. While Iran may permit safe passage on one side, uncertainties remain over naval mines and whether Israel-linked vessels will be allowed. The plan’s implementation depends on US acceptance of Iran’s conditions. No official confirmation has been issued by either side. (PC: Times Now)

Donald Trump announced a historic meeting between leaders of Israel and Lebanon, marking their first interaction in 34 years. The talks, expected Thursday, aim to ease tensions as the US pushes for de-escalation in West Asia. Though Trump did not name participants, he appeared to refer to Benjamin Netanyahu and Joseph Aoun. Israel and Lebanon lack formal diplomatic ties and have remained in conflict since 1948, with rare engagements including a 1983 US-mediated truce. The meeting comes amid possible ceasefire developments, though Israel continues operations against Hezbollah, and no final decision on a Lebanon ceasefire has yet been reached.

Tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz as Mohsen Rezaei warned the United States that Iranian forces could sink its naval vessels if Washington continues attempts to “police” the strategic route. Speaking ahead of renewed talks, the adviser to Mojtaba Khamenei said US ships are vulnerable to missile strikes, calling the situation dangerous for American forces. The warning comes amid an ongoing standoff over control of the waterway, a vital artery for global oil trade. The sharp rhetoric underscores fragile ceasefire conditions and highlights the risk of rapid escalation even as diplomatic efforts continue. (PC: X)

Under a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, uncertainty dominates public sentiment as citizens cautiously return home after weeks of conflict. Many report that strikes targeted military sites, though some recount civilian suffering and ongoing fear. At border crossings with Turkey, returning Iranians express anxiety over the truce’s durability, with some doubting it will hold. Concerns persist over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz and continued geopolitical tensions. With airports still shut and infrastructure damaged, daily life remains disrupted. Public opinion reflects deep mistrust of Washington and scepticism about prospects for a lasting agreement despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The White House has denied reports that the US asked to extend the Iran ceasefire. Karoline Leavitt said the claim was “not true at this moment.” She called earlier reports incorrect. However, she confirmed that talks with Iran are still ongoing. Donald Trump and senior officials remain involved in discussions. The ceasefire is set to end soon, but both sides continue to talk. The US said it is open to a deal if its conditions are met. Pakistan will continue to act as a mediator in the next round of talks. (PC: AP)

The United States has confirmed the loss of a costly surveillance drone in the Iran conflict. The MQ-4C Triton crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. It costs about $240 million, more than two F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The US Navy said the drone sent an emergency signal before the crash. Earlier reports claimed Iran shot it down, but officials did not confirm this. No injuries were reported. The drone was used for long missions and sea monitoring. The US has also lost several other drones in recent weeks, raising the total losses to hundreds of millions of dollars. (PC: Reuters/AI Colour Correction)

Hezbollah has hinted at a ceasefire in Lebanon, linking it to wider talks with the US and Israel. Hezbollah said Iran may use control of the Strait of Hormuz as pressure. However, Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire. Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir approved plans to continue attacks. Fighting has intensified after recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Over 2,000 people have died in Lebanon, officials said. Lebanon has called for talks and wants Israeli forces to withdraw. Key issues include disarming Hezbollah and ending hostilities. (PC: Reuters)