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)

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)