Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, said Israeli attacks on Lebanon broke the US-Iran ceasefire. The Iran official told the BBC the strikes were a “grave violation” and called them a “massacre”. Lebanon’s health ministry said 182 people were killed on Wednesday. The Iran official also said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen if the US stops its “aggression”. Donald Trump, the US President, said US forces will stay until Iran follows the “real” agreement. The ceasefire between the United States and Iran was announced on Tuesday, but details remain unclear.  (PC: BBC)

Iran plans to charge a $1-per-barrel toll on oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly payable in cryptocurrency, as it tightens control despite a two-week ceasefire with the United States. Spokesperson Hamid Hosseini said vessels must declare cargo and undergo assessment before clearance. The move follows Iran’s renewed closure of the strait after Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Around 300–400 ships remain stranded, with only 10–15 daily transits possible versus 135 pre-conflict. Empty vessels may pass free. Shipping firms, including Maersk, are awaiting clarity, warning that limited access and procedural delays mean the backlog cannot be cleared within the ceasefire window. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan’s mediation in the US-Iran conflict has drawn attention after a two-week ceasefire averted potential escalation. Sections of Pakistani media argue the effort by Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir merits a Nobel Peace Prize, citing their role as key intermediaries between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad is set to host negotiations aimed at a long-term agreement following the truce announced just before a US deadline for military action. The conflict, triggered by strikes beginning February 28, expanded across the region, impacting energy routes and markets. Multiple countries, including China, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, also contributed to diplomatic efforts. (PC: PTI)

Donald Trump said US forces will remain in and around Iran until a final deal is fully followed. He wrote on Truth Social that ships, aircraft, and troops will stay ready. He warned that if the agreement fails, the US may launch a bigger attack. Trump also said Iran had promised to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and avoid nuclear weapons.   Tensions remain high despite the ceasefire. Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah was not part of the deal. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed over 250 people since Wednesday. (PC: India Today)

Israel has rejected Pakistan’s role as a credible mediator in the US-Iran ceasefire, with Reuven Azar stating that Tel Aviv does not view Islamabad as a reliable player. The two-week truce between the United States and Iran, supported by Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran, remains fragile as tensions persist. Iran briefly closed the Strait of Hormuz again following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, raising concerns about the deal’s stability. While the US continues to engage Pakistan as a facilitator, Israel emphasised alignment with Washington on outcomes rather than intermediaries. Talks between US and Iranian officials are expected to begin soon to pursue a longer-term agreement. (PC: AP)

India has reportedly withdrawn its bid to host COP33, the 2028 edition of the UN climate summit, though no official confirmation has been issued. Narendra Modi had earlier announced India’s interest during COP28 in Dubai in 2023. The decision, first reported by Climate Home News, comes as host countries for COP summits are typically finalised two years in advance. The reasons behind India’s reported withdrawal remain unclear. COP meetings are among the most significant global platforms for climate negotiations, bringing together nations to address emissions, sustainability, and climate action commitments. The development raises questions about future hosting plans and India’s evolving climate diplomacy strategy. (PC: AFP)

Amid a fragile ceasefire, Donald Trump said US military assets will remain deployed in and around Iran until a “real agreement” is finalised and fully implemented. In a Truth Social post, he warned that any violation especially regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or nuclear commitments could trigger a larger, unprecedented attack. Tensions persist as Israel continues strikes in Lebanon, which is not covered under the ceasefire, complicating regional stability. Iran has raised concerns over these developments, fuelling uncertainty about the truce. Questions also remain over whether the Strait of Hormuz is fully operational, keeping global energy markets and shipping routes on edge.

A viral video from Nepal shows a local man confronting Indian tourists for spitting gutka on a public road, forcing them to clean it immediately. The incident occurred after the tourists spat from a moving vehicle, prompting the man to stop them, scold them, and demand they wash the area. The visibly embarrassed tourists apologised and complied. The video has sparked widespread debate online, highlighting concerns about civic sense and responsible tourism. While many praised the Nepali man for holding the tourists accountable, others criticised his tone and warned against generalising Indians. The episode has reignited conversations about public behaviour and the global image of travellers.

JD Vance said the US-Iran ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, calling Tehran’s assumption a “legitimate misunderstanding” during negotiations. Speaking in Budapest, he clarified the truce applies only to Iran, the United States and allies including Israel and Gulf states. Vance warned Iran against risking the deal over Lebanon, stressing no formal commitment covered Israeli operations there. He noted Israel had shown some restraint but made no binding pledge. The disagreement has emerged as an early challenge to a longer-term agreement, putting Washington at odds with Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators. Despite tensions, Vance confirmed US officials will travel to Pakistan for continued negotiations.

A Los Angeles court sentenced Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” to 15 years in prison for supplying ketamine that led to the death of Matthew Perry in October 2023. Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty to five charges, including distribution resulting in death. Prosecutors described her home as a large-scale drug hub serving wealthy clients. Authorities seized ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine and Xanax. Perry, who struggled with addiction, died from acute ketamine effects despite undergoing supervised therapy. Four others, including doctors and associates, also pleaded guilty. The court cited lack of remorse, while Perry’s family called the harm irreversible and sought maximum punishment. (PC: BBC)