Donald Trump said the United States is fully prepared for military action against Iran if negotiations fail, while maintaining optimism for a potential agreement. Speaking as the ceasefire deadline approaches, Trump ruled out extending the truce, indicating a hardening stance. He defended the US blockade of Iranian ports as effective leverage in talks, despite Tehran’s objections calling it destabilising. The expiring two-week ceasefire had paused weeks of conflict, but mutual accusations of violations have weakened prospects for continuation. With diplomacy uncertain and pressure tactics intensifying, the risk of renewed confrontation is rising amid fragile negotiations and heightened tensions. (PC: X)

32-year-old man pleaded guilty to the religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman at Birmingham Crown Court. The accused, John Ashby, admitted the crime in Walsall. Prosecutors said he followed the woman from a bus to her home last October. He attacked her with a stick and used abusive language. The victim told police she was assaulted inside her home. The case was adjourned for sentencing. The judge warned that a life sentence is being considered. The incident has raised concerns over hate crimes and violence against women in the United Kingdom.

Volodymyr Zelensky said it is “disrespectful” that US envoys visited Moscow but not Kyiv. He referred to Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who met Vladimir Putin several times. Zelensky said talks could happen in other countries if needed. Peace talks have slowed as US focus shifted to the Middle East. The war between Russia and Ukraine continues, with key issues still unresolved. Fighting and attacks are ongoing across regions. (PC: Getty Images)

Donald Trump said, “We don’t have that much time,” as he refused to extend the ceasefire with Iran. The ceasefire ends on Wednesday. Trump warned that attacks could restart if no deal is reached soon. He said the US military is ready. Talks may take place in Islamabad, led by JD Vance. Iran has not confirmed its participation and rejected threats. Tensions remain high. Oil prices have also risen due to concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global supplies.

Former negotiators say fresh talks between the United States and Iran remain difficult because of deep mistrust and very different styles. Iran state media said no delegation had yet left for Pakistan for planned talks. Former US negotiator Wendy Sherman said, “You cannot do a negotiation with Iran in one day.” She noted the 2015 nuclear deal took about 18 months. Former adviser Rob Malley said Iran’s leaders are “stubborn and tenacious,” while trust is near an all-time low. Officials said Iran’s attendance depends on changes in US behaviour and positions. (PC: HT)

US Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Pakistan for another round of Iran peace talks as the ceasefire nears its end. Iranian officials have not confirmed if they will attend. Earlier talks reportedly failed to secure agreement on nuclear limits, shipping routes or oil flow. The uncertainty follows the US seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, which added fresh tension. President Donald Trump said the truce is unlikely to be extended. He warned of heavy bombing if no deal is reached. Both sides now have little time to avoid renewed conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Backchannel talks between the United States and Iran had moved close to a framework deal to end their seven-week conflict, but public comments by US President Donald Trump may have slowed progress. CNN reported that Trump said Iran had accepted major US demands, including a long halt to its nuclear programme. Iranian officials quickly denied any final agreement or new talks date. US officials told CNN that such public claims may have hurt trust during sensitive talks. Iran’s leaders also face pressure at home over any deal. With the ceasefire deadline near, both sides are still trying to avoid renewed fighting. (PC: India Today)

US Republican leader Nikki Haley said a vessel seized by the United States near the Strait of Hormuz was travelling from China to Iran with chemicals linked to missile production. In a post on X, Haley said the ship ignored repeated orders to stop. She added that China was helping support Iran’s government. Tehran strongly criticised the seizure and called it “armed piracy”. Iranian officials said future talks may not happen unless the US blockade is lifted. The vessel, MV Touska, was intercepted in the Gulf of Oman. The current ceasefire between Washington and Tehran ends on Wednesday. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump could join planned talks with Iran in Pakistan this week, either in person or online, Reuters reported, citing a Pakistani source. The source said talks remain on track for Wednesday. The current two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is due to end the same day. Reuters also cited a senior Iranian official saying Tehran is positively reviewing participation, but no final decision has been made. Pakistan is preparing to host the meeting in Islamabad. Officials said nearly 20,000 security personnel have been deployed. Axios reported that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan on Tuesday for the talks. (PC: NDTV)

An Israeli soldier seen striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in south Lebanon has triggered strong criticism online. The Israeli military said it viewed the act with “great severity” and said the soldier’s behaviour did not match army values. It added that action would be taken. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel apologised to Christians hurt by the incident. Local church leader Father Fadi Flaifel said the cross is a sacred symbol and its desecration was rejected. The military also said it was working to restore the statue. (PC: BBC)