Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif mocked US war objectives, saying reopening the Strait of Hormuz now a stated goal was unnecessary as it was open before conflict. The strait, carrying about one-fifth of global oil and LNG, has seen a 95% drop in shipping after Iran restricted access following US–Israel strikes. Around 120 daily transits fell sharply, with only 155 crossings between March 1 and 25. Meanwhile, Iran rejected a US ceasefire plan, offering its own proposal demanding sovereignty over Hormuz, reparations, and security guarantees. Fighting continues, with over 1,500 deaths in Iran and widespread displacement across the region. (PC: NDTV)

A UK court has rejected fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s plea to reopen extradition proceedings, upholding earlier rulings and accepting India’s assurances that he would not be interrogated if extradited. The High Court of Justice in London, led by Jeremy Stuart-Smith and Robert Jay, ruled no “exceptional circumstances” justified reopening the case. India assured that agencies like CBI and ED would not question Modi, with any future interrogation requiring UK consent. Modi, accused in the ₹6,498 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, argued risk of torture citing the Sanjay Bhandari case. The court acknowledged concerns but found India’s assurances specific, binding, and given in good faith. (PC: HT)

Amid escalating West Asia tensions, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran signalled willingness to forgo nuclear weapons and offered a major oil and gas concession linked to the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian leaders including Masoud Pezeshkian rejected US ceasefire terms, demanding sanctions relief, closure of US bases and control over Hormuz. The waterway, critical for global energy, remains partially restricted, though Iran allows passage to countries like India. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate talks, a move India declined, stressing it will not act as a go between. With ongoing strikes and disrupted energy infrastructure, global oil prices have surged, raising fears of prolonged economic instability worldwide concerns.

Iran announced selective access through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing vessels from five “friendly” nations, including India, to pass amid ongoing conflict. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said ships from Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq are also permitted safe transit after coordination. However, vessels linked to the US, Israel, and allied Gulf states remain restricted. Iran emphasised the strait is not fully closed but controlled based on geopolitical alignment. The move highlights Tehran’s leverage over a critical global oil route while signalling preferential access, raising concerns about selective disruptions to global energy flows. (PC: India Today)

The White House said Donald Trump is ready to act strongly if Iran does not accept defeat. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “does not bluff” and could “unleash hell”.   She warned Iran must accept the “reality of the current moment” or face stronger attacks.   Iran has rejected a US peace plan and called it “excessive”. Tehran said the war will end only on its own terms. “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so,” an official said.   The US plan included sanctions relief and limits on nuclear and missile programmes. Iran has also listed conditions, including control over the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: X)

Iran has rejected a US proposal to end the war and said any ceasefire will depend on its own terms. A senior official called the US plan “excessive”.   “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so,” the official said. Tehran added it will continue its defence and deliver “heavy blows” until conditions are met.   Iran listed five demands. These include ending US and Israeli attacks, guarantees against future action, and compensation for war losses. It also wants the conflict to end across all fronts and its rights over the Strait of Hormuz recognised.   The US plan reportedly included sanctions relief and limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. (PC: NDTV)

A Los Angeles jury has found Meta and Google liable for harming a young woman through social media addiction. The woman, known as Kaley, was awarded $3 million.   Jurors said the companies built addictive platforms that hurt her mental health. Meta was held 70% responsible, while YouTube, owned by Google, was 30%.   Kaley said, “I stopped engaging with family because I was spending all my time on social media.” She began using Instagram at nine and YouTube at six.   Meta said it disagrees with the verdict and is reviewing legal options. Lawyers called the platforms “addiction machines”. More cases are expected in US courts. (PC: BBC)

The High Court in London has refused to reopen Nirav Modi’s extradition case. The decision may end his last legal option in the UK. This clears the way for his return to India after years in custody.   The court relied on assurances from the Indian government. It said Modi will not be questioned by five agencies. Judges called these assurances “specific” and given in “good faith”.   Modi had cited the Sanjay Bhandari case to argue risk of mistreatment. The court accepted concerns but said the assurances addressed them.   The CBI said its team was in London to support the case. Modi has been jailed in the UK since 2019. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it targeted a US F-18 fighter jet during the ongoing conflict. It shared a video that appears to show a midair strike. The footage shows a flash near the jet and possible damage. It also suggests the pilot may have ejected. Iran did not give details about the location or damage. The US military quickly denied the claim. Central Command said no US aircraft was shot down. There is no independent proof of the video. Similar claims were made earlier by Iran. The US had rejected those too. Tensions between both countries continue to rise in the region.

India strongly criticised Pakistan for backing Asiya Andrabi, who was sentenced to life imprisonment under UAPA. India said Islamabad’s remarks amounted to condoning terrorism and interfering in internal judicial matters. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected Pakistan’s statement, asserting it has no locus standi and accusing it of sponsoring terrorism and spreading false narratives. Pakistan had termed Andrabi a political leader and criticised the verdict as unjust. India maintained that Andrabi’s organisation was banned and linked to terror activities, reiterating its consistent stance against external commentary on Kashmir-related issues. (PC: X)