US negotiators will return to Pakistan on Monday for talks on the Iran conflict, President Donald Trump said. A White House official said the delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance. Trump also warned he could strike Iran's power plants and bridges if no deal is reached. Iran's state media said reports of fresh talks in Pakistan were "not true", though no official position was announced. Tensions remain high after gunfire near ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also accused the US of breaching the ceasefire by blockading its ports. (PC: BBC)

2 US citizens were detained at Srinagar Airport after security staff found a satellite communicator and GPS device in luggage, officials said. One of those held was of Indian origin. Both were later handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Police for questioning. Sources said the devices were found during routine screening before a flight to New Delhi. The traveller was identified as Jeffry Scott Prather. Officials said the devices used the Iridium satellite network. Police are checking the purpose of their Kashmir visit and planned use of the equipment. (PC: The Indian Express)

A US permanent resident of Iranian origin has been charged in California for allegedly arranging arms deals worth millions of dollars for Iran. Prosecutors said Shamim Mafi, 44, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. She is accused of using an Oman-registered company to broker weapons sales without approval. Authorities said the deals included more than $70 million in Mohajer-6 armed drones, bomb fuses and ammunition linked to Sudan. Court papers said phone records showed contact with Iran's intelligence ministry between 2022 and 2025. Mafi denied working for Tehran inside the United States. (PC: NDTV)

Iran said on Sunday it will not join the planned second round of talks with the United States in Pakistan. The move hurt hopes of progress before the ceasefire ends on April 22. Iranian state media said Tehran blamed Washington's "excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions" and the US naval blockade of its ports. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said American officials would reach Islamabad on Monday for talks. Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref also criticised the US approach and called its positions "childish". Key disputes remain over Iran's nuclear programme, regional allies, and control of the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

Eight children aged 1 to 14 were killed in a shooting in Louisiana on Sunday, police said. Authorities believe it was linked to a domestic incident. The suspect opened fire at different homes in Shreveport before fleeing in a stolen car. Police chased the suspect, who was later killed after officers opened fire. Two women were shot in the head but survived. A young boy was hurt after jumping from a roof during the chaos. Police said some of the children killed "were his descendants". Officials called the crime scene "unlike anything most of us have ever seen". An investigation is underway. (PC: HT)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the US for extending a waiver on Russian oil sales. He said, “every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war.” The waiver allows countries to buy oil already at sea until May 16. The US said it wants to ease supply problems. These issues grew after tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Zelensky said Russia may earn billions from these sales. He warned this could fund more attacks. Fighting continues, with Russia launching drones, bombs, and missiles on Ukrainian cities. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan has stepped up security for possible US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The city is on “red alert.” Hotels have been told to vacate guests. Officials said this is to host delegations. The Noor Khan Airbase is set as a VIP entry point. Security teams are already in place. Roads will be monitored and residents warned not to record convoys. Some universities are shut till April 26. Talks may start in a few days, though Iran has sent mixed signals. Pakistan hopes to host the second round after the first meeting failed last week. (PC: News18)

At least 19 people died in a blast at a firecracker unit in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. Six people were injured and taken to hospital. The fire is now under control. Rescue work is still on. A probe has started. Officials said the factory was open on a Sunday, a “rest day.” This may be a rule break. Four teams are looking for those responsible. Leaders shared condolences. Narendra Modi called it “deeply distressing.” M. K. Stalin ordered help for victims. The district has seen many such accidents in recent years.

US President Donald Trump used sharp and mixed words on Sunday. He warned Iran of strikes but also spoke of a deal. “No More Mr Nice Guy,” he said, while calling his offer a “very fair and reasonable deal.” He added that US officials will travel to Islamabad for talks on Monday. The warning followed reports of firing near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump called it a ceasefire violation. The truce remains fragile. Both sides blame each other. The first round of talks in Pakistan had failed earlier. (PC: AP)

Iran has once again shut the strategic Strait of Hormuz, declaring it will remain closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iranian forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted, with some ships already turned back or attacked. The move reverses a brief reopening and comes as negotiations between the US and Iran show limited progress, with key disagreements still unresolved. As nearly 20% of global oil flows through the strait, the closure has intensified fears of supply disruptions, rising energy prices, and prolonged geopolitical instability worldwide. (PC: Reuters)