Keir Starmer said the UK will host a meeting of about 35 countries to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The talks will be led by Yvette Cooper. Starmer said the meeting will review “all viable diplomatic and political measures” to restore shipping. He added it will aim to ensure safety of ships and crews and restart key supplies. After this, military planners will study how to secure the route once fighting ends. Countries joining talks had earlier said they are ready to support efforts for safe passage through the strait. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates is reviewing a possible military role to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reports say. Officials told The Wall Street Journal the country may join the US and allies. This could include clearing mines and offering support. The UAE is also pushing for a UN resolution to allow action. One official said there is “broad global consensus” to keep the route open. The move follows similar signals from Saudi Arabia. The strait carries about 20% of global oil. Iran has restricted access during the conflict, raising global supply fears. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said he is “strongly considering” taking the United States out of NATO. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said the alliance is a “paper tiger”. He added that he was “never swayed by NATO”. Trump said the idea is “beyond reconsideration” after the current Middle East conflict. He also claimed that Russia’s Vladimir Putin knows NATO is weak. Trump criticised the UK’s military strength. He said, “You don’t even have a navy.” He also said Britain’s aircraft carriers “didn’t work”. NATO has not yet responded to his remarks. (PC: X)

Iran says it is ready to fight for “at least six months” as the US weighs an early exit. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is well prepared and not “begging for a deal”. He told Al Jazeera the country will defend itself “for as long as required”.   Trump has suggested the US may end its role in two to three weeks. Iran denied accepting any US peace terms. Araghchi said no reply has been given to a reported American plan. He stressed Iran wants a full end to the war, not a ceasefire. He also said “trust is at zero” after past US actions. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates may join the US and its allies in the Iran conflict, a report said. The UAE is considering a military role to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This comes as Iran continues attacks on Gulf states. The report said the UAE is also pushing for a UN resolution to support action. Even if it fails, officials say the country may still help. Support could include mine clearance and escorting ships. The move marks a shift from earlier efforts to mediate. Other Gulf nations are also changing their stance, but have not yet committed forces to the conflict.

Oracle Corporation has initiated a major wave of layoffs as part of a large-scale restructuring, with reports suggesting up to 30,000 employees could be affected globally. The move is aimed at cutting costs and reallocating resources toward aggressive investments in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. The company, which had around 162,000 employees, is under financial pressure due to massive spending on AI data centres and related projects. Analysts estimate the layoffs could save billions in cash flow. The decision reflects a broader tech industry trend where companies are downsizing traditional roles while accelerating AI-driven growth strategies. (PC: Deccan Herald)

Fresh missile and drone attacks have intensified the Middle East crisis, with Kuwait and Bahrain reporting new strikes and alerts amid the ongoing Iran-linked conflict. A tanker off Qatar’s coast was damaged by an unidentified projectile, though no casualties or oil spill were reported. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, signalling the widening involvement of regional actors. The incidents come as Gulf nations face repeated threats and infrastructure attacks, raising fears over maritime security and energy supplies in the Strait of Hormuz. The escalating violence underscores a rapidly expanding regional conflict. (The Times of India)

Stephen Lewis, a prominent Canadian politician, diplomat, and global human rights advocate, has died at the age of 88 following a prolonged battle with cancer. He was widely known for his leadership of Ontario’s New Democratic Party and later as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. Lewis gained international recognition for his passionate advocacy against HIV/AIDS in Africa and his criticism of global inequality. He also co-founded the Stephen Lewis Foundation to support affected communities. Canadian leaders praised his compassionate leadership and enduring commitment to social justice. (PC: AP) 

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American forces could leave the Iran conflict within “two to three weeks” even without a formal agreement with Tehran, emphasizing that the U.S. does not need a diplomatic deal to end its involvement. He suggested other nations could assume responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to continue operations aimed at weakening Iran’s military and regional influence, highlighting a divergence between U.S. withdrawal plans and Israel’s strategy in the Middle East. (PC: AP)

A Russian Antonov An-26 military transport aircraft crashed in Crimea on March 31, 2026, killing all 29 people on board, including 23 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft reportedly lost contact during a routine flight before crashing into a cliff. Rescue teams later located the wreckage, confirming no survivors. Preliminary investigations by Russia’s Defence Ministry suggest a technical malfunction as the likely cause, ruling out external interference. A formal inquiry has been launched to determine the exact cause, raising concerns over aging military aircraft safety. (PC: X)