Donald Trump has backed the Secret Service after a shooting at a Washington hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. A White House official said Trump is “standing by the leadership” and believes agents “did an excellent job” securing leaders. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arrested at the scene. He is due to appear in court in Washington. Police said he opened fire near a security checkpoint. Guests took cover as shots were heard. Officials said a review of security steps will take place this week. (PC: BBC)

Iran has reportedly sent a new proposal to the United States to reduce tensions. The offer was shared through Pakistan as a mediator. It focuses on three key points. First, Iran wants the war to end through a longer ceasefire or a permanent stop to fighting. Second, it seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and remove the US naval blockade. Third, it suggests delaying nuclear talks until later. The White House has received the proposal. A spokesperson said the US will not discuss such “sensitive diplomatic” matters through the press. It is unclear if Washington will consider the deal. (PC: HT)

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has raised concerns over the US approach in the Iran war. Speaking in North Rhine-Westphalia, he said, “I don’t see what exit strategy the Americans are choosing.”   Merz warned that Iran appears stronger than expected. He said, “Iranians are clearly stronger than one thought.” He also noted that Tehran is negotiating carefully.   He highlighted risks in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is “partially mined”. He said any disruption could hit global energy supply.   Merz called for a quick end to the conflict due to economic risks. (PC: India Today)

Iran is struggling to store its crude as exports remain blocked at the Strait of Hormuz. Output from Kharg Island continues, but storage is almost full. Tehran has revived the ageing tanker Nasha to hold excess oil at sea. Analysts say only 13 million barrels of space remain, with inflows of about 1 million barrels a day. Storage could fill within two weeks. Officials warn shutting wells is risky and may cause lasting damage. The tanker move is a short-term fix as pressure grows on Iran’s oil system. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said King Charles III will be “very safe” as his US state visit begins despite a recent shooting in Washington DC. The visit will go ahead with only minor changes to events. Trump told CBS News that “the White House grounds are really safe.” Officials said there is no sign of further threats. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe the attack targeted the president and top officials. Security has been reviewed ahead of the visit. Authorities continue to probe the shooting and its motive. (PC: Sky News)

United Arab Emirates sought help from allies during heavy attacks by Iran, and Israel responded by sending its Iron Dome system and troops. Reports said the move followed a call between Mohammed bin Zayed and Benjamin Netanyahu. The system helped intercept many missiles and drones targeting key sites. UAE officials said hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones were launched. Some still hit civilian and military areas. An official said the country would “not forget” the support. The move has strengthened ties between the UAE and Israel during the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Jitendra Singh reviewed a plan to set up seven space labs in universities and colleges across India. The labs will give students hands-on training in satellite systems, rocketry, and mission design. Officials said the aim is to build skilled talent for the growing space sector. India’s private space industry has attracted over USD 600 million in investment and now has more than 400 startups. Students earlier had limited practical exposure in this field. The new labs will offer real-world learning. The move is part of a wider push to support innovation and meet rising demand for trained engineers. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said he “was not worried” during the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC. He told CBS News, “We live in a crazy world.” Gunshots were heard near a security checkpoint, and Trump was quickly escorted out by agents. Authorities believe senior officials, including Trump, may have been targets. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from California, was arrested at the scene. He is expected to appear in court in Washington. Officials said preliminary findings suggest he may have been targeting members of the Trump administration. (PC: BBC)

Israel reportedly deployed its Iron Dome and troops to the United Arab Emirates to counter Iranian missile threats, marking its first such overseas deployment. The move followed talks between Benjamin Netanyahu and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE has faced heavy attacks, with hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones reportedly launched by Iran since February 28. Israeli forces also conducted strikes on Iranian missile sites. The deployment reflects deepening Israel-UAE cooperation amid escalating conflict, shifting regional dynamics, and ongoing but fragile ceasefire efforts. (PC: AFP)

Pakistan faces criticism for allegedly amplifying disinformation around stalled US-Iran talks to project itself as a mediator. The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, reportedly circulated misleading updates claiming Iranian participation in negotiations despite Tehran’s reluctance. This narrative coincided with diplomatic movements by Abbas Araghchi, who engaged Pakistani leaders to convey concerns to Washington, not to hold talks. The strategy aimed to position Islamabad as a peacemaker but risks undermining credibility. Analysts warn such actions could erode Iran’s trust and damage Pakistan’s mediation prospects, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions and already fragile diplomatic channels. (PC: X)