US soldiers who survived a deadly Iranian strike on a base in Kuwait have described the attack as “movie-like” and chaotic, contradicting the Pentagon’s official account. Survivors said their unit was “unprepared” and lacked proper defenses, disputing claims that the base was fortified and protected. The March 1 strike killed at least six US personnel and injured over 20, making it one of the deadliest attacks on American forces in recent years. Soldiers alleged there was no effective drone defense and questioned why they were stationed in a known high-risk zone. The Pentagon has not commented, citing an ongoing investigation. (PC: NDTV)

Crucial talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, with Pakistan facilitating the meeting amid heightened West Asia tensions. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is likely to represent Tehran, though Iranian officials have issued mixed signals about participation. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is hosting the dialogue aimed at easing tensions, discussing nuclear concerns, and reinforcing a fragile ceasefire. The meeting comes as conflict-linked instability continues across the region, making the outcome diplomatically significant. (PC: Reuters)

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding a nearly 10-day mission around the Moon—the first crewed lunar journey in over 50 years. The Orion spacecraft re-entered Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speeds before deploying parachutes for a safe landing off the California coast. The four-member crew travelled over 694,000 miles, setting new deep-space records and testing critical systems like the heat shield and life support. The mission marks a major milestone in NASA’s Artemis programme, paving the way for future lunar landings and long-term human exploration, including planned missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. 

Donald Trump has issued a stark warning ahead of crucial US-Iran talks in Islamabad, signalling potential military escalation if diplomacy fails. In a recent statement, Trump said American warships are being rearmed with the “best weapons ever made,” indicating readiness for a major operation. He emphasised that while negotiations represent a “reset” opportunity, failure to reach a deal would trigger decisive military action. The remarks come amid a fragile ceasefire and rising tensions in the region, underscoring the high stakes of the upcoming talks, where diplomacy and conflict stand at a critical crossroads.

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has led to high-stakes peace talks in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan. JD Vance is leading the US delegation, warning Iran against bad-faith negotiations, while Donald Trump has issued a stark “deal or strikes” ultimatum. Iran, represented by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, insists on preconditions: a ceasefire in Lebanon and release of blocked assets. Ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon threaten the truce. Meanwhile, tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and global oil flows add urgency, as diplomacy teeters between breakthrough and renewed conflict. (PC: X)

Islamabad has been turned into a high-security fortress ahead of the “Islamabad Talks 2026” between the United States and Iran. JD Vance, leading the US delegation, expressed optimism while warning Tehran against insincerity. Pakistan has enforced tight security, sealed the Red Zone, and introduced visa-on-arrival for delegates and journalists to facilitate talks. Led by Shehbaz Sharif’s government, the negotiations are expected to be indirect, with mediators shuttling between sides. Key participants include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The high-stakes engagement aims to stabilise a fragile ceasefire amid ongoing regional tensions. (PC: AP)

India has cleared nearly 90% of cargo backlog at major ports amid disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Swift government intervention, continuous monitoring, and coordinated efforts with port authorities helped stabilise operations despite reduced global vessel traffic. The disruptions, linked to ongoing tensions in West Asia, had initially slowed cargo movement and trade flows. Sonowal emphasised that proactive measures ensured minimal impact on India’s trade resilience, restoring operational normalcy across ports. The situation remains sensitive as limited shipping through Hormuz continues to pose risks to global supply chains. (PC: Times Now)

Donald Trump has issued a stark “deal or strikes” warning to Iran ahead of crucial talks in Islamabad, stating United States warships are rearmed and ready for action if negotiations fail within 24 hours. While JD Vance expressed cautious optimism, Iran, through Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, insists on preconditions including a ceasefire in Lebanon and release of frozen assets. Ongoing tensions involving Israel and restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz further complicate diplomacy, leaving the fragile ceasefire hanging in balance. (PC: NDTV)

India has strongly condemned the escalating violence in Lebanon, where Israel’s strikes have killed 1,800 people, including 303 in a single day, threatening a fragile United States–Iran truce. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the situation “very disturbing,” urging protection of civilians and adherence to international law. India highlighted its role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and confirmed steps to safeguard Indian nationals. With over 1.1 million displaced and rising regional instability, New Delhi is intensifying diplomatic outreach and energy partnerships to manage broader geopolitical and economic risks. (PC: HT)

Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Iran, claiming it has “no cards” and survives only to negotiate, while accusing Tehran of leveraging global waterways for pressure. He said United States warships are being rearmed and ready to strike if talks in Islamabad fail. As JD Vance leads negotiations, Trump stressed a narrow diplomatic window. Meanwhile, Iran, through Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, insists on preconditions including a ceasefire in Lebanon and release of frozen assets. Deep mistrust and conflicting demands continue to threaten already fragile ceasefire negotiations. (PC: Reuters)