India has resumed imports of Iranian crude for the first time in seven years, following a temporary waiver from the United States. Two tankers carrying oil from Iran have reached Indian ports, including the Iran-flagged Felicity at Sikka and the Curacao-flagged Jaya at Odisha. The shipments mark the first such delivery since May 2019, when US sanctions halted trade. The waiver, set to expire on April 19, has enabled refiners like Indian Oil Corporation and Reliance Industries to procure Iranian oil. The move reflects shifting energy dynamics amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves has sharply criticised the United States over the economic fallout of the Iran war, saying she is “very frustrated and angry” as UK families bear the brunt. Speaking about policies under Donald Trump, Reeves called the strategy a “folly” due to the lack of a clear exit plan. She highlighted that gas prices have surged בעקבות disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that previously carried about 20% of the world’s oil. The closure, following US-Israel strikes on Iran, has intensified global energy pressures. (PC: X)

S. Jaishankar and Israel Katz held discussions on escalating regional tensions, focusing on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and the situation in Lebanon. The Israeli side stressed the need for a firm United States stance in negotiations to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, including restrictions on uranium enrichment and removal of existing stockpiles. Concerns were also raised over threats to maritime security in Hormuz, with emphasis on ensuring safe navigation for India and Gulf nations. The dialogue highlights growing diplomatic coordination amid rising geopolitical tensions and risks to global energy supply routes.

The United States and Iran are considering a fresh round of talks later this week after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad ended without a deal. With a fragile ceasefire set to expire on April 21, both sides are weighing new in-person discussions, potentially on Thursday, with Geneva and Islamabad as possible venues. Donald Trump signalled openness to talks if Tehran shows flexibility, while JD Vance noted partial progress. Key sticking points include Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and control of the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s hosting of high-profile US–Iran talks in Islamabad has drawn embarrassment after reports it failed to clear dues at the Serena Hotel Islamabad. The April 10–12 summit, intended to showcase Islamabad’s diplomatic role, instead raised concerns over financial credibility when the hotel’s owner, linked to the Aga Khan Development Network, reportedly settled the bill. The incident has sparked criticism in diplomatic circles, highlighting a gap between Pakistan’s ambitions and economic realities. Amid IMF scrutiny, inflation pressures, and fiscal strain, the episode has amplified perceptions of administrative weakness, turning a strategic initiative into a reputational setback. (PC: News18)

A US-sanctioned Chinese-linked tanker, Rich Starry, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite the naval blockade ordered by Donald Trump, marking an early test of enforcement. The vessel, owned by a Shanghai-based firm and previously blacklisted for aiding Iran, had briefly turned back before proceeding after declaring a Chinese crew. Carrying 2,50,000 barrels of methanol from the UAE, its transit allowed Tehran to mock Washington’s move. Additional sanctioned ships also passed through. The incident highlights risks of confrontation with China, a major energy importer heavily reliant on Hormuz, as tensions escalate following failed US-Iran negotiations.

A heartwarming video shows Christina Koch reuniting with her dog Sadie after returning from the Artemis II mission. Shared on Instagram, the clip captures Sadie’s joyful reaction of barking, wagging her tail, and running excitedly as Koch enters her home. Koch humorously noted she might have been the happier one, crediting Sadie as an emotional support companion. Koch and fellow astronauts traveled 694,481 miles, setting a new record for the farthest human journey from Earth, surpassing Apollo 13. After 10 days in space, the crew safely splashed down in the Pacific, with mission data expected to support future lunar exploration.

China has issued a firm warning to the United States over its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, urging Washington not to interfere in its ties with Iran. Defence Minister Dong Jun confirmed that Beijing will continue honouring trade and energy agreements, with Chinese vessels operating normally in the region. The strait, crucial for global energy flows, supplies nearly 40% of China’s oil and 30% of its LNG. The warning follows disruption to tanker routes after the US blockade. Donald Trump said vessels linked to Iranian ports would be stopped, escalating tensions after failed US-Iran talks despite a temporary ceasefire. (PC: X)

In a landmark moment for human spaceflight, NASA released footage of the Artemis II crew’s recovery after their Moon mission, highlighting the critical “four green” confirmation. As divers reached the Orion capsule following splashdown, the phrase signaled that all four astronauts were conscious, stable, and free of immediate medical concerns. The recovery team then secured the capsule and began extraction procedures. Traveling at nearly 40,000 kmph during re-entry, the crew endured extreme conditions before safely returning to Earth. The successful mission demonstrates NASA’s capability to send humans to the Moon and back, marking a major step toward sustained lunar exploration and future crewed missions beyond Earth orbit in the years ahead.

The United States has launched a high-stakes naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, deploying advanced military assets including F-35B Lightning II jets, MV-22 Osprey aircraft, and over 15 warships across the Gulf. The move signals a significant escalation in tensions with Iran, aimed at restricting maritime access and exerting strategic pressure. The deployment underscores Washington’s intent to dominate key sea lanes and deter Iranian response, while raising concerns over regional stability, global energy supply disruptions, and the risk of broader military confrontation in one of the world’s most critical geopolitical theatres. (PC: ET)