The death toll in Iran has crossed 2,000 amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes, the country’s health ministry said on Sunday. At least 2,076 people have died since February 28, including 216 children. Around 26,500 people have been injured, with 1,767 of them children. The situation remains tense as attacks continue across several regions. Pakistan is leading talks to reduce tensions and push for an end to the conflict. Fears of a wider war are growing, with possible ground operations being discussed. Countries in West Asia are on high alert, while global energy and trade routes remain under pressure. (PC: AP)

Iran’s death toll from US-Israeli strikes has crossed 2,000, according to the health ministry. Tensions remain high as the US sends more Marines to the region. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that forces are ready for any ground entry. “Our men are waiting for the arrival of American soldiers,” he said. Reports say the Pentagon is preparing possible ground operations, though no final decision has been made by Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Pakistan is hosting talks with regional powers to end the conflict. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are part of the discussions. (PC: HT)

Images released by Iranian media show a US E-3 Sentry aircraft damaged at Prince Sultan Air Base. Iran said the strike was carried out using missiles and drones. Reports said the plane was largely destroyed, with only parts of it still intact. At least 10 US personnel were injured, including two seriously, according to the Associated Press. Some refuelling aircraft were also damaged. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it targeted US-linked sites. The United States Central Command has not commented on the incident. (PC: NDTV)

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker, said the country’s forces are “waiting for American soldiers” to enter, warning they would “rain fire upon them”. His remarks came as the US sent more troops to the region.   The Pentagon said about 3,500 personnel arrived aboard USS Tripoli.   The Washington Post reported the US is preparing for possible ground operations, though approval by Donald Trump is unclear.   Marco Rubio said goals could be achieved “without any ground troops”. (PC: BBC)

The Pentagon is preparing for possible ground operations in Iran, including raids near the Strait of Hormuz and plans linked to Kharg Island, the Washington Post reported. Officials said the operations may involve special forces and infantry but will not be a full invasion. One official said the timeline could take “weeks, not months”. A former defence official said, “This is not last-minute planning.” Another warned holding territory would be difficult. It remains unclear if Donald Trump will approve the plans. (PC: X)

Iranian Embassy in India warned the United States after reports of possible ground action in Iran. In a post on X, it shared a page from Tehran Times that read “Welcome to hell.” The page said US troops entering Iran would “leave only in a coffin.”   The warning came after US Central Command confirmed 3,500 sailors and marines aboard USS Tripoli reached its area on March 27.   The Washington Post reported the Pentagon may carry out weeks of ground operations. 

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched missile strikes towards Israel and warned of more attacks in the coming days. The Iran-backed group said operations will continue. Gulf infrastructure has been hit, with Emirates Global Aluminium reporting major damage at its Abu Dhabi plant. Yemen’s recognised government accused Iran of trying to drag the country deeper into the conflict. Analysts warn that any attack on ships near the Bab al-Mandab strait could hurt global trade. The United States said about 3,500 troops have reached the region, along with the warship USS Tripoli. Separate Israeli strikes killed three journalists, while one Israeli soldier died in southern Lebanon. (PC: BBC)

Thousands of people gathered across the United States and several countries for ‘No Kings’ protests against President Donald Trump. The rallies focused on the Iran war, immigration actions, and rights issues. Organisers expected up to 9 million participants, though final numbers were unclear. Minnesota saw one of the largest events, with crowds protesting immigration enforcement. Musician Bruce Springsteen performed and criticised recent deaths linked to federal agents. In cities like San Diego, Washington, New York, and Los Angeles, marches drew large crowds, with some clashes reported. Protests were also held in Rome, London, and Paris. The White House dismissed the rallies as driven by “leftist funding networks.”

Multiple explosions were reported in Tehran as the conflict widened. The Pentagon is preparing possible ground operations in Iran. Officials said these would be limited raids, not a full invasion. The focus is on quick strikes by special forces on key targets. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthis launched a missile towards Israel, setting off sirens in the south. Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” with NATO over its response. Tensions remain high across the region. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Pentagon is preparing options for ground action in Iran, including fast raids and possible strikes on key sites. Officials said the plan is not a full invasion but short missions to hit missile systems and defences. Targets may include Kharg Island and areas near the Strait of Hormuz. Thousands of US troops are already in position. One official said, “This is not last-minute planning.” The Donald Trump administration is also weighing a wider “final blow” if talks fail. Iran has warned it will respond strongly to any attack. (PC: India Today)