Talks between the US and Iran began in Islamabad after a delay of more than five hours. The delay was caused by deep distrust and several preconditions set by both sides. Iran said it entered talks without trust. It also demanded a halt to Israeli strikes and release of frozen assets. The US rejected these conditions.   US President Donald Trump said he had “no idea” how talks would go and would judge Iran’s intent quickly. He warned the US could “reset” its approach if diplomacy fails.   Pakistan, led by Shehbaz Sharif, is hosting and mediating the talks. (PC: X)

Iran said it issued a direct warning to a US military ship near the Strait of Hormuz. State television reported the vessel was told it could face an attack within 30 minutes if it entered Iranian-controlled waters. A senior Iranian military official said the ship turned back after the warning.   The move followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said the US was “starting the process of clearing out” the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping. He also said Iran’s military had been weakened.   Iran has not shared details of the ship. Shipping in the strait remains limited due to ongoing tensions. (PC: X)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is recovering from severe, disfiguring injuries after an airstrike at the start of the war, according to a Reuters report. Sources said he suffered major damage to his face and legs and may have lost a leg. The strike also killed his father, Ali Khamenei. Despite this, he is said to be “mentally sharp” and taking part in key decisions through audio calls. Iran has not issued any official update. His continued absence from public view has raised questions about his health and leadership. (PC: HT)

Four astronauts from NASA’s Artemis II mission returned safely after a complex re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The Orion capsule faced extreme heat and a brief signal loss during descent. Commander Reid Wiseman said, “Houston, Integrity here. We hear you loud and clear” after contact resumed. Parachutes deployed smoothly, leading to what NASA called a “perfect” landing. The crew — Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — are recovering on a naval ship. NASA said the mission helps prepare for future human landings on the Moon. (PC: BBC)

The US has agreed to release frozen Iranian funds held in Qatar and other foreign banks, according to a senior Iranian source. The source said the step shows “seriousness” in reaching a deal with Washington during talks in Islamabad. The funds release is “directly linked” to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key issue in the discussions. The US has not made any public statement on the matter. The move comes as both sides prepare for possible negotiations, with trust still low and key conditions under discussion before any final agreement. (PC: NDTV)

Talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan slowed as Tehran held firm on key demands. Iran said it wants a ceasefire in Lebanon and safety for the Strait of Hormuz before direct talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there is “no trust” in the US. The US team, led by Vice President JD Vance, has not met Iran directly. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is holding separate meetings. Iran also wants frozen funds released and war reparations. The White House has not agreed. President Donald Trump has kept a firm stand on these issues. (PC: India Today)

Actor Amitabh Bachchan shared a blog post on anxiety and online noise days after comedian Samay Raina spoke about avoiding controversial jokes on Kaun Banega Crorepati. Bachchan wrote that “each day brings fresh thoughts” but not all can be done at once. He said the mind keeps reminding him of pending work, causing anxiety. He added, “the storm of the internet blows strong” and makes it hard to know what is real. Raina had earlier said he held back jokes, including one about Bachchan’s son, during his appearance on the show. (PC: HT)

US and Iranian officials met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in separate talks before planned peace negotiations. Iran’s delegation, led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said it has “good intentions” but does “not trust” the US. Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance met Sharif with envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. Iran warned talks may be cancelled if its conditions are not met. No official plan has been shared. Key issues include ceasefire terms and whether Lebanon is part of the deal. (PC: BBC)

U.S. officials have claimed that Iran is unable to locate some of the naval mines it allegedly deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, increasing fears of unintended maritime risks. According to intelligence assessments reported by The New York Times, the misplaced mines could pose dangers to both commercial and military vessels navigating the critical oil transit route. While Iran has not confirmed the claim, the situation has heightened concerns over potential disruptions to global shipping and energy supplies. Experts warn that unidentified mines drifting in the strait could escalate tensions and trigger accidental confrontations in the already volatile region. (PC: Reuters)

Confusion emerged during ongoing US-Iran peace negotiations in Islamabad after reports claimed Washington had agreed to release billions in frozen Iranian assets. The claim, based on Iranian sources and reported by Reuters, suggested the move was linked to securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the White House quickly denied any such agreement, calling the reports inaccurate. The disputed funds—around $6 billion from Iranian oil sales—have been frozen since 2018 under US sanctions. The conflicting narratives highlight deep mistrust between both sides as high-stakes talks continue, with Iran insisting asset release is a key precondition for broader negotiations.(PC: AP)