Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly emerged as the de facto authority amid a leadership vacuum following the absence of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and tensions with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Reports suggest a military council of IRGC commanders is making key decisions, sidelining civilian leadership and blocking presidential appointments. Limited access to Mojtaba and lack of communication have deepened uncertainty over authority. The IRGC, already controlling military operations and the Strait of Hormuz, has expanded influence across governance and security. The situation reflects an intensifying power struggle, raising concerns over institutional balance and the future of Iran’s political structure. (PC: India Today)

Iran has said it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite pressure from Donald Trump. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strait is under its “full and decisive control”. It called Trump’s statements “ridiculous displays”. Trump had said the US may consider a ceasefire if the strait is “open, free, and clear”. Iran denied seeking any ceasefire. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “No proposal was made.” He added that Iran will continue the conflict until its demands are met. Iran also said only regional countries will decide the strait’s future. Tensions remain high.

The Iranian Consulate in Mumbai mocked Donald Trump for claiming Iran had a “new regime president” seeking a ceasefire, calling the remark inaccurate and “April Fools’ Day” irony. It clarified that Masoud Pezeshkian remains in office and leadership is decided through elections, not social media. Trump had said the “new president” approached the US for a ceasefire tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reiterated no such proposal exists, with officials maintaining that the country will continue defending itself amid escalating conflict. The exchange underscores rising tensions, conflicting narratives, and ongoing mistrust as war rhetoric intensifies between Washington and Tehran across multiple fronts.

Sheikh Hasina has asked Bangladesh’s tribunal to set aside her death sentence as “legally void,” citing serious due process violations and demanding a fair trial under international standards. Through her London-based lawyers, she urged fresh proceedings with full disclosure of evidence, legal representation, and an impartial court. Convicted in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal over the 2024 protest crackdown, Hasina argued the process lacked judicial independence and showed prosecutorial bias. Living in exile in India since her government’s fall, she also called for protection of Awami League members and compliance with global human rights obligations. (PC: AFP)

Donald Trump claimed Iran sought a ceasefire and said the US would consider it only if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and secure, warning strikes would continue until then. Tehran rejected the claim, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating no proposal was made and insisting the war will continue until the “aggressor is punished” and compensation paid. The conflict began on February 28 after US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with regional attacks, escalating the war. Trump also hinted the conflict could end within weeks despite ongoing strikes and mounting tensions.

US President Donald Trump said American forces could leave Iran “pretty quickly” but may return for limited strikes if needed. He said, “We’re going to be out pretty quickly.” He added the US could come back for “spot hits” if threats remain. Trump also said Iran would not be able to build a nuclear weapon after US strikes. He linked any ceasefire to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran denied direct talks and rejected US claims. Trump is expected to outline the next steps in a national address. (PC: India Today)

Around 2,000 ships and 20,000 sailors are stuck due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Many crews face shortages of food and water. Aid groups say distress calls are rising. “Immediate supply of food, drinking water… is required,” one message said. The International Transport Workers' Federation said many sailors are in panic. Some cannot leave due to contract issues. “They are forcing us to continue,” one seafarer wrote. About half the messages are about unpaid wages. At least 10 sailors have died in recent incidents, according to the International Maritime Organization. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has expanded control during the ongoing war, as questions remain over the condition of Mojtaba Khamenei. Reports say a council of IRGC commanders is taking key decisions. President Masoud Pezeshkian has seen limited authority and no direct contact with the Supreme Leader. The IRGC has also blocked key appointments. US officials suggested Mojtaba may be in critical condition, though Iran has not confirmed this. “Vital positions should be managed directly,” IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi reportedly said. The force now also controls the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

An American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31. Iraqi officials confirmed a foreign journalist was taken but gave few details. US officials said a suspect linked to Kataib Hizballah has been detained. Authorities said two vehicles were used. One crashed during a chase, but Kittleson was moved to another car that escaped. The US State Department said it had warned her of threats earlier. “We previously fulfilled our duty to warn,” said Dylan Johnson. Efforts are ongoing to find her and arrest others involved. (PC: HT)

China is trying to mediate in the Iran war as the conflict disrupts global energy supply. Xi Jinping is backing a joint peace plan with Pakistan. The plan calls for a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. China said dialogue is “the only viable option”. Experts say Beijing wants stability to protect trade and growth. It imports large amounts of oil from the region. However, China has limited military presence and influence. Past mediation efforts had mixed results. The US and Iran have not responded yet to the latest proposal. (PC: BBC)