King Charles III said the partnership between the UK and the US is “more important than ever” during his address to the US Congress. He told lawmakers that global challenges are too large for one country alone. “The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone,” he said. The King spoke about shared history and values. He said the “rule of law” helped both nations grow. Earlier, the King met Donald Trump at the White House during his state visit. He attended the session with Queen Camilla. (PC: BBC)

Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad for a possible second round of peace talks with the United States amid escalating tensions. Iran has asserted that Washington can no longer “dictate” its actions, rejecting what it calls “illegal and irrational demands.” Defence spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik reiterated Tehran’s stance as the US reviews Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict. Meanwhile, António Guterres warned that maritime security threats linked to the crisis now impact all nations, including landlocked ones, and cautioned that growing global divisions are undermining trust, international law, and the foundations of collective security worldwide. (PC: X)

Donald Trump claimed that Iran has informed the United States it is in a “state of collapse” and requested the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on social media, Trump said Tehran is struggling with internal leadership divisions and is seeking urgent relief. However, the White House has not confirmed the source or nature of this communication. The US administration remains cautious about Iran’s proposal to end the conflict and reopen the strategic waterway, especially as it delays discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that any agreement must prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons.

Donald Trump emphasised the enduring alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, stating that Americans have “no closer friends than the British” during remarks alongside King Charles III. Highlighting historical ties, Trump referenced a tree planted by Queen Elizabeth II at the White House as a symbol of the relationship’s growth and resilience. He said the tree’s expansion mirrors the strengthening bond between the two nations over centuries since American independence. The remarks come during a high-profile visit underscoring diplomatic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between the long-standing allies on the global stage.

The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on a transnational opioid supply network linked to Sinaloa Cartel, targeting 23 individuals and entities across India, Latin America, and Mexico. Acting through the Office of Foreign Assets Control, officials accused the network of supplying fentanyl precursor chemicals disguised as safe materials. India-based individuals and firms were among those designated, with arrests already made in 2025. The crackdown highlights growing concerns over globalised chemical supply chains fueling synthetic drug production. Sanctions freeze US-linked assets and restrict financial dealings, aiming to disrupt trafficking networks and curb the proliferation of highly lethal opioids worldwide. (PC: iStock)

Iran has banned the export of steel products following airstrikes targeting its industrial infrastructure during the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. According to local media reports citing customs authorities, the directive came into effect on April 26. The move is aimed at stabilising domestic supply and managing economic disruptions caused by damage to key steel facilities. Iran’s steel sector is a major contributor to its non-oil exports, and the sudden restriction highlights the broader economic fallout of the conflict. The ban could impact regional markets and supply chains already under strain due to escalating geopolitical tensions. (PC: X)

King Charles III will attend a White House ceremony with Donald Trump during his US state visit. Queen Camilla will also be present. The visit enters its second day with a formal event and a bilateral meeting. Later, the King will deliver a rare address to US lawmakers. He is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal” between the UK and US. The visit comes at a time of tension over the Iran conflict. Officials say it is a major diplomatic test. It is the first British state visit to the US since 2007. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump is unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report citing sources. The plan suggests reopening the key shipping route while leaving Iran’s nuclear programme for later talks. Officials said such a move could remove US leverage. They remain concerned about Iran’s uranium stockpile and enrichment. Trump shared his view during a meeting with national security officials. Talks between the two sides are ongoing, but differences remain. Iran has rejected US demands, calling them “illegal and irrational.” Oil prices have risen as uncertainty over the strait continues. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran is in a “state of collapse” and has asked Washington to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though he did not provide evidence. The claim comes as the vital global trade route remains shut following weeks of conflict involving the US and Israel. Trump reiterated that Iran faces a leadership crisis, adding to a series of assertions made in recent weeks. Meanwhile, negotiations to end the blockade and broader tensions have made little progress. Iran has proposed reopening the strait in exchange for easing restrictions, but no agreement has been reached, leaving around 2,000 ships stranded in the region.

The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave oil production groups OPEC and OPEC+ from May 1 after months of differences over output limits.   Officials said the decision is part of a long-term energy plan. Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei said it followed a “careful review”.   The move comes as global markets face pressure due to conflicts affecting oil supply.   The UAE has been a key member of these oil production groups for decades. Its exit may weaken unity and create uncertainty over future output plans. (PC: HT)