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)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe military action, including strikes on bridges and power plants, if it refuses to accept a proposed US deal. The threat comes amid heightened tensions following accusations that Iran violated a ceasefire and continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump signalled both diplomacy and aggression, confirming that US officials will resume talks with Iranian representatives in Pakistan. Iran, however, has resisted US demands, maintaining control over the strategic waterway. The situation has raised fears of further escalation, threatening global oil supplies and regional stability. (PC: Reuters)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly criticised former US President Donald Trump, stating he has “no justification” to deprive Iran of its nuclear rights. Pezeshkian questioned Trump’s authority, asking why a nation should be denied its legal entitlements without reason. He reaffirmed that Iran considers its nuclear programme a sovereign right and insisted the country is not seeking to escalate conflict, claiming its actions are defensive. The remarks come amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and stalled negotiations over nuclear issues, with both sides still far from reaching a comprehensive agreement. 

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris said President Donald Trump was “pulled into” the war with Iran by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to BBC News. Speaking at an event in Michigan, Harris said Trump entered a war that many Americans did not want. She said the conflict was putting US service members at risk. Harris also criticised the administration’s foreign policy and called it unreliable for allies. She said Trump could use military force against people he chooses. Trump did not directly reply to Harris. However, he praised Israel on social media and called it a “great ally” of the United States. (PC: The Indian Express)