The US-Iran crisis deepened after US President Donald Trump rejected any concessions on Iran’s nuclear programme and warned Tehran that it knows “what’s going to be happening soon.” Speaking to the New York Post, Trump dismissed the latest Iranian peace proposal as inadequate and signalled Washington may consider renewed military action. The remarks followed weekend meetings with his national security team amid reports of possible coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran. Trump also reversed his earlier suggestion of accepting a temporary uranium enrichment moratorium, saying he is “not open to anything right now.” The statement has intensified fears that the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran may soon collapse. (PC: X)

The United States has extended for 30 days a sanctions waiver allowing trade in Russian seaborne oil, citing requests from multiple countries seeking additional time to continue purchases. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the temporary license would help energy-vulnerable nations access Russian oil stranded at sea and stabilise global crude markets following disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. The waiver, first introduced in March during the US-Israel-Iran conflict, permits limited access to sanctioned Russian petroleum products without violating broader US restrictions on companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil. India has emerged as a major beneficiary, reportedly purchasing around 30 million barrels of Russian oil under the exemption after refiners previously reduced imports due to sanctions.

Iran sharply escalated tensions with the United States on Monday, warning that the “Sea of Oman could become your graveyard” if Washington continues its blockade of Iranian ports. Speaking on state television, former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei called the blockade an “act of war” and said Iran’s armed forces remain on high alert while diplomacy continues. Tehran also confirmed it had submitted a revised peace proposal through Pakistan to restart stalled US-Iran negotiations. Iranian officials insisted Washington must prove it is trustworthy before progress can be made. The remarks come as fears grow over renewed conflict, threats to the Strait of Hormuz, and disruptions to global energy supply chains.

Pakistan has reportedly deployed 8,000 troops, fighter jets, drones and an HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a confidential mutual defence pact amid the ongoing Iran conflict. According to Reuters, the deployment includes around 16 Chinese-made JF-17 fighter aircraft, two drone squadrons and Pakistani-operated defence systems financed by Riyadh. Sources described the force as combat-capable and intended to support Saudi Arabia if the kingdom faces further attacks. The pact reportedly allows deployment of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops if required. The move comes as Islamabad simultaneously acts as the principal mediator in US-Iran peace talks. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have not officially commented on the deployment, while reports also suggest Saudi retaliatory strikes inside Iran remained undisclosed publicly. (PC: X)

Pakistan has shared a revised peace proposal from Iran with the United States as efforts continue to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia. According to reports, Pakistan has emerged as the main mediator between Washington and Tehran during the temporary ceasefire.   A Pakistani source said both sides continue to change their demands, warning that “there is not much time” left for negotiations. Iran confirmed exchanges were taking place through Pakistan and signalled willingness to end the war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that “the clock is ticking” for Iran to reach a deal. (PC: HT)

Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will neither provoke conflict nor surrender its sovereignty after US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan during their Beijing summit. Lai said Taiwan is already a sovereign and democratic country and rejected Beijing’s claims over the island. He stressed that Taiwan’s future must be decided by its people and reaffirmed support for maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Lai also welcomed continued US arms sales and security cooperation, calling them essential for regional peace as China increases military pressure around Taiwan. (PC: BBC)

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies air show in Idaho on Sunday. All four crew members safely ejected before the aircraft crashed near Mountain Home Air Force Base, officials said. Videos from spectators showed the jets appearing to touch before spiralling downward and exploding on impact. The injured crew members were reported to be in stable condition. The air show was immediately cancelled after the crash. The US Navy has launched an investigation into the incident, while aviation experts said formation flying leaves little room for error during such performances.

Amid stalled peace talks and a fragile ceasefire, Iranian media reports claimed the United States has demanded that Iran keep only one nuclear facility operational and transfer 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to the US as part of a possible agreement. According to Fars news agency, Washington also refused to pay war reparations or release a portion of Iran’s frozen assets. The developments come as US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that the “clock is ticking” for reaching a deal. Iran has demanded sanctions relief, reparations and an end to hostilities before restarting negotiations. (PC: HT)

A US Senate ruling has jeopardised federal funding linked to President Donald Trump’s planned $400 million White House ballroom project. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough removed proposed security funding tied to the ballroom from a major spending package, saying it did not meet Senate procedural rules. Republicans had sought $1 billion for Secret Service security upgrades, including the ballroom, while Trump maintained construction would be funded by private donors. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats “blew up” the first funding attempt, calling the project costly and unnecessary amid rising living expenses in the US. (PC: The Guardian)

Meta Platforms employees are facing growing anxiety as the company prepares for another round of layoffs. Reports say nearly 10% of Meta’s workforce, or around 8,000 employees, could lose their jobs next week. The cuts are part of the company’s efforts to improve efficiency and invest more in artificial intelligence. Workers say morale has dropped sharply and many feel emotionally exhausted. Some fear the AI systems they are helping build could eventually replace them. The uncertainty is also affecting personal lives, with employees delaying major decisions such as moving, buying homes, and starting families while they wait to learn whether they will keep their jobs.