Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has raised concerns over the US approach in the Iran war. Speaking in North Rhine-Westphalia, he said, “I don’t see what exit strategy the Americans are choosing.”   Merz warned that Iran appears stronger than expected. He said, “Iranians are clearly stronger than one thought.” He also noted that Tehran is negotiating carefully.   He highlighted risks in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is “partially mined”. He said any disruption could hit global energy supply.   Merz called for a quick end to the conflict due to economic risks. (PC: India Today)

Iran is struggling to store its crude as exports remain blocked at the Strait of Hormuz. Output from Kharg Island continues, but storage is almost full. Tehran has revived the ageing tanker Nasha to hold excess oil at sea. Analysts say only 13 million barrels of space remain, with inflows of about 1 million barrels a day. Storage could fill within two weeks. Officials warn shutting wells is risky and may cause lasting damage. The tanker move is a short-term fix as pressure grows on Iran’s oil system. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said King Charles III will be “very safe” as his US state visit begins despite a recent shooting in Washington DC. The visit will go ahead with only minor changes to events. Trump told CBS News that “the White House grounds are really safe.” Officials said there is no sign of further threats. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe the attack targeted the president and top officials. Security has been reviewed ahead of the visit. Authorities continue to probe the shooting and its motive. (PC: Sky News)

United Arab Emirates sought help from allies during heavy attacks by Iran, and Israel responded by sending its Iron Dome system and troops. Reports said the move followed a call between Mohammed bin Zayed and Benjamin Netanyahu. The system helped intercept many missiles and drones targeting key sites. UAE officials said hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones were launched. Some still hit civilian and military areas. An official said the country would “not forget” the support. The move has strengthened ties between the UAE and Israel during the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Jitendra Singh reviewed a plan to set up seven space labs in universities and colleges across India. The labs will give students hands-on training in satellite systems, rocketry, and mission design. Officials said the aim is to build skilled talent for the growing space sector. India’s private space industry has attracted over USD 600 million in investment and now has more than 400 startups. Students earlier had limited practical exposure in this field. The new labs will offer real-world learning. The move is part of a wider push to support innovation and meet rising demand for trained engineers. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said he “was not worried” during the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC. He told CBS News, “We live in a crazy world.” Gunshots were heard near a security checkpoint, and Trump was quickly escorted out by agents. Authorities believe senior officials, including Trump, may have been targets. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from California, was arrested at the scene. He is expected to appear in court in Washington. Officials said preliminary findings suggest he may have been targeting members of the Trump administration. (PC: BBC)

Israel reportedly deployed its Iron Dome and troops to the United Arab Emirates to counter Iranian missile threats, marking its first such overseas deployment. The move followed talks between Benjamin Netanyahu and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE has faced heavy attacks, with hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones reportedly launched by Iran since February 28. Israeli forces also conducted strikes on Iranian missile sites. The deployment reflects deepening Israel-UAE cooperation amid escalating conflict, shifting regional dynamics, and ongoing but fragile ceasefire efforts. (PC: AFP)

Pakistan faces criticism for allegedly amplifying disinformation around stalled US-Iran talks to project itself as a mediator. The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, reportedly circulated misleading updates claiming Iranian participation in negotiations despite Tehran’s reluctance. This narrative coincided with diplomatic movements by Abbas Araghchi, who engaged Pakistani leaders to convey concerns to Washington, not to hold talks. The strategy aimed to position Islamabad as a peacemaker but risks undermining credibility. Analysts warn such actions could erode Iran’s trust and damage Pakistan’s mediation prospects, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions and already fragile diplomatic channels. (PC: X)

Iran has proposed a new plan to the United States via Pakistani intermediaries aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the ongoing war, according to reports. The conflict began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Donald Trump said Iran could directly contact Washington to negotiate, emphasising open communication channels. The proposal signals Tehran’s attempt to ease tensions and restore critical global energy transit routes disrupted during the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to global oil flows, making its reopening a key strategic objective as diplomatic efforts continue amid stalled negotiations and heightened regional instability. (PC: X)

Oil prices surged after US-Iran peace talks stalled, heightening global supply concerns. Brent crude rose 2.2% to $107.70 per barrel, while US crude gained 2.1% to $96.40. Donald Trump confirmed Washington cancelled plans to send officials to Pakistan for negotiations, citing delays and internal divisions in Tehran. The conflict has strained energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively disrupted after Iranian threats following US and Israeli airstrikes. Abbas Araghchi said discussions with Oman continue on regional stability and safe transit. Roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG flows through the strait, amplifying market volatility and geopolitical risk concerns. (PC: Getty Images)