A Pakistani delegation is heading to Iran with a message from the United States. This comes after recent talks in Islamabad failed to reach an agreement. Donald Trump said new talks could happen soon. Iran confirmed it is ready to receive the team. Pakistan is trying to bring both sides back to the table. However, tensions remain high. The US has started a naval blockade, but some ships are still moving. Key issues include Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides say they want a deal, but major differences continue.

Fatou, a female Western lowland gorilla, celebrated her 69th birthday at Zoologischer Garten Berlin, reaffirming her status as the world’s oldest known gorilla. Born in the wild in West Africa and brought to Berlin in 1959 at an estimated age of two, Fatou has become a symbol of longevity and conservation. The zoo marked the occasion with special treats suited to her age and health. Her remarkable lifespan, far exceeding typical gorilla life expectancy, highlights advances in animal care while drawing attention to the conservation challenges faced by her species in the wild. (PC: X)

Donald Trump claimed he is “permanently” reopening the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Xi Jinping would welcome the move and even “give him a big, fat hug.” Trump said China supports the decision and has agreed not to send weapons to Iran, following direct communication between the leaders. However, Beijing recently criticised the US naval blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible,” highlighting contradictions. The development comes amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, disrupted global energy routes, and fragile ceasefire efforts. Trump’s remarks signal a mix of diplomatic messaging and strategic posturing, even as geopolitical risks and uncertainty remain elevated. (PC: X)

Donald Trump has claimed the Iran war is “very close to over,” even as the Pentagon moves to deploy nearly 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East. The parallel signals underscore a dual-track strategy—public optimism alongside military preparedness. With a fragile ceasefire nearing its April 22 deadline and no breakthrough in negotiations, tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. The buildup suggests Washington is hedging against escalation, preparing for prolonged conflict despite diplomatic messaging. The contradiction reflects uncertainty on the ground, where de-escalation efforts continue but risks of renewed confrontation remain significant. (PC: X)

A Pakistani delegation is travelling to Iran to deliver a message from the United States, state media reported. The visit may also prepare for a second round of talks between both sides.   Pakistan has been trying to mediate between the US and Iran. Earlier talks were held in Islamabad but ended without a clear result.   Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran is “very likely” to receive the delegation. He added, “Several messages have been exchanged through Pakistan.”   He also said some US demands were “unreasonable and unrealistic.” (PC: HT)

A satirical post by Iran’s embassy in Ghana has gone viral after it “applied” to become Italy’s new ally. The message came during tensions between Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni.   The embassy wrote, “We’d like to apply for the vacancy,” mocking Trump as the “Commander in Grief.” It also joked about Iran and Italy only arguing over who invented ice cream.   The post followed reports that Meloni criticised Trump’s remarks on the Pope, calling them “unacceptable.”   Iranian diplomatic accounts have recently used humour online to target Washington, in what analysts call a growing “meme diplomacy” strategy.

Four people were killed and 20 injured after a student opened fire at a high school in Turkey’s Kahramanmaras province. Governor Mukerrem Unluer said the attacker later died. The victims include one teacher and three students. Officials said the student used weapons belonging to his retired police officer father. The motive is still not known. Police and emergency teams reached the school in the Onikiubat district soon after reports of gunfire. This is the second school shooting in two days. A day earlier, 16 people were injured in a similar attack in Sanliurfa. (PC: India Today)

More than 200 Iranian sailors stranded in Sri Lanka after a US submarine attack have now returned home. Sri Lanka’s Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara said 32 sailors from Iris Dena and 206 from Irins Bushehr flew out on Tuesday night. The Iris Dena sank on 4 March near Sri Lanka after a torpedo strike, killing 104 sailors. Survivors were given 30-day visas and stayed in military camps. Sri Lanka said it acted on humanitarian grounds. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the country would “never hesitate to protect humanity” while maintaining neutrality. (PC: BBC)

A US-sanctioned Chinese-linked tanker, Rich Starry, failed to breach the American naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and was forced to turn back, highlighting strict enforcement of the new restrictions. The blockade, ordered by Donald Trump after failed Iran-US talks, targets vessels linked to Iranian ports. Within the first 24 hours, no ship successfully crossed the blockade, with multiple vessels complying with US orders to reverse course. The US Navy has deployed warships and is intercepting tankers attempting to exit Iranian ports. The move has disrupted global shipping, sharply reducing traffic through the strategic oil route and escalating regional tensions. (PC: NDTV)

New satellite images from Isfahan, Iran, have exposed the aftermath of a high-risk US rescue mission to recover personnel from a downed F-15E fighter jet. The images show multiple aircraft wreckage at a makeshift airstrip near a key nuclear complex, highlighting the scale of the operation. The mission followed Iran’s shootdown of the jet, triggering a complex search-and-rescue effort involving special forces and multiple aircraft. Reports indicate several US aircraft were destroyed—some possibly by Iranian forces, while others were intentionally blown up by US troops to prevent capture. The incident underscores escalating tensions and operational risks in the ongoing Iran conflict. (PC: India Today)