Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed its intelligence chief was killed in recent strikes. The incident adds to rising tensions in Iran. A senior official said Tehran has received a ceasefire proposal. However, Iran rejected reopening the Strait of Hormuz in return for a “temporary ceasefire”. Iran also criticised the United States over what it called readiness for a permanent ceasefire. US President Donald Trump extended his deadline for a deal. He warned of strikes if Iran does not agree. Fighting has continued across the region with rising casualties. (PC: HT)

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter Mass at the Vatican. Thousands gathered at St Peter’s Square to hear him. He urged global leaders to “choose peace” and avoid war. He said people are becoming used to violence and suffering. The pope asked those with power to stop conflicts. He did not name any country but spoke about global tensions. He also criticised ongoing wars in recent speeches. Pope Leo paid tribute to Pope Francis during his address. He ended with blessings in many languages. He will hold a prayer vigil for peace soon. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (PC: Vatican Media/Reuters)

Talks between the US and Iran are close to collapse despite a proposed 45-day ceasefire. Pakistan and other countries are trying to mediate. Iran is reviewing the proposal but has not agreed. It said it will not open the Strait of Hormuz without a permanent deal. US President Donald Trump warned of strong military action if talks fail. He set a deadline for Iran to respond. Key issues like uranium control and Hormuz access remain unresolved. Officials say chances of a deal are low. Failure could lead to major strikes and retaliation, risking wider conflict across the Middle East region.

The US used SEAL Team 6 to rescue a downed airman in Iran, according to US media reports. The unit is known for the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. US President Donald Trump called it “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history”. The airman was injured and hid for nearly two days before being rescued. The unit was formed after the failed Operation Eagle Claw. It now handles high-risk missions, including hostage rescues and counter-terror work. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iran struck more than 10 locations in Haifa, according to Israeli media reports. The attacks come as the US, Iran and regional mediators discuss a possible 45-day ceasefire.   In Tehran, local media said six children were killed in recent US-Israeli strikes. Gas outages were also reported in parts of the city.   US President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to agree on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He warned of major strikes if no deal is reached.   Regional tensions also spread to the UAE, where debris from an intercepted projectile caused injuries at a port. (PC: HT)

A US airman survived nearly 48 hours alone in Iran after his F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down on April 3. The pilot was rescued quickly, but the weapons systems officer remained missing. He hid in mountains, moved often, and climbed a 7,000-foot ridge to avoid capture. He was armed with a handgun and used SERE training to survive. Donald Trump called it “the most daring” rescue mission. US forces located him and carried out a rescue operation. Iran claimed it had “foiled” the mission and destroyed US aircraft, but US officials denied this. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has warned of a “much more devastating” response after strong threats from Donald Trump. Trump said Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on bridges and power plants. He used harsh language while setting a deadline. Iran said attacks on civilian targets would lead to serious retaliation. The situation has raised fears of wider conflict in the region. Reports said the main tension may now shift to sea routes near the Strait. Meanwhile, violence continues in nearby areas. Civilian deaths have been reported in strikes linked to the conflict. No agreement has been reached so far. (PC: BBC)

United States and Iran are in talks over a possible 45-day ceasefire to reduce tensions. The proposal is part of a two-step plan to end the war. Talks are being held through Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. Backchannel contact is ongoing between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi. A report said chances of a deal in the next 48 hours are low. Donald Trump has also extended his deadline by 24 hours. He warned of strikes if no deal is reached. Iran’s speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called the threats “reckless.” (PC: X)

Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran ahead of a Tuesday deadline. He said he would “blow up everything” if no deal is reached. He also warned of possible strikes on power plants and bridges. The US and Iran are holding indirect talks through Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. The aim is a ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said, “There is a good chance, but if they don’t make a deal…” Iran responded strongly. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Trump of risking wider conflict. Diplomats are trying to extend talks, but no deal is confirmed yet. (PC: India Today)

False claims about US President Donald Trump’s death went viral on X. Several posts said he was hospitalised or had died. One post claimed, “Trump is reportedly dead.” Many users shared these claims without proof. Some cited unnamed sources. However, reports show Trump was active and issuing statements. He recently spoke about the Iran conflict and a rescue mission. There is no official confirmation of any health issue. AI tool Grok called the claims “baseless.” Users later clarified some videos were old. The rumours spread quickly online, showing how misinformation can confuse people during tense global situations. (PC: Reuters)