Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for the war with the United States to end while claiming Iran was negotiating from a position of strength. The statement followed Donald Trump’s threat of unprecedented economic sanctions against Iran and countries trading with it, which Iranian officials described as economic terrorism and vowed to resist. US officials reported 757 military personnel injured and 18 killed since the conflict began. Iranian oil offers to Chinese buyers have declined amid the US blockade, while Gulf states are exploring ports and infrastructure that could reduce their dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. The USS George Washington arrived to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln amid concerns about crew welfare and shortages, and a British teenager pleaded guilty over an arson attack on offices linked to Iran International in London.

The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of striking an ADNOC vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, though no injuries or major damage were reported. Iran says the waterway will remain closed until the United States ends military operations, withdraws regional forces, pays compensation and lifts sanctions, while negotiations with Oman over a shipping route are reportedly nearing agreement. General Dan Caine is said to be seeking an off-ramp from the conflict, as depleted US weapons stockpiles prompt the Pentagon to demand faster production. The war has worsened food insecurity in Yemen, disrupted global energy and humanitarian supplies, and damaged Donald Trump’s political standing ahead of the US midterm elections.

A Delhi court acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India chief and ex-BJP lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty charges brought by five female wrestlers. Singh said he had never considered himself a criminal, while the wrestlers, represented by Vinesh Phogat, plan to appeal. The verdict follows mass protests in 2023 led by Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, and comes after a separate case involving a minor wrestler was closed when the allegation was withdrawn. The prosecution will review the detailed judgment before deciding its next steps.

India’s Cockroach Janta Party has threatened to resume nationwide protests unless people arrested after demonstrations over entrance-exam paper leaks are released. More than 100 people were reportedly detained, while protesters alleged broken government assurances, police brutality in Bihar and selective targeting in West Bengal. Bihar and Assam authorities withdrew cases or promised no adverse action, but West Bengal filed new cases against rally participants, including several Muslims. The movement previously secured the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, its first major concession from Narendra Modi’s government, and has established a legal fund for protesters facing criminal charges.

Police in Delhi used teargas and batons to disperse a mass protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party, provoking widespread criticism from activists, opposition leaders and human rights groups. Demonstrators demanded accountability for exam paper leaks, education reforms and the resignation of the education minister. Injuries were reported on both sides, and protest leader Abhijeet Dipke ruled out further marches amid allegations of excessive police force. The movement gained momentum after hunger striker Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital, sparking larger gatherings. Opposition figures called for multiple ministerial resignations, while rights organisations urged investigations into police violence. The Delhi High Court later allowed Wangchuk’s transfer to a private hospital as the government faced intensified scrutiny over youth unemployment and failures in the education system.

Iran and the United States escalated their confrontation as Donald Trump warned Tehran it would pay heavily for recent American troop deaths. Iran’s military claimed drone strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Jordan while the Revolutionary Guard rejected assertions that its munitions were depleted, vowing prolonged attacks if necessary. The US completed a tenth night of strikes targeting Iranian command and weapons facilities. Regional tensions widened as Yemen’s Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and Israeli strikes killed several people in Gaza. Oil prices remained elevated amid fears over Red Sea shipping disruptions and ongoing mediation efforts aimed at securing a temporary US-Iran ceasefire.

An Indian sailor missing after an attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz was confirmed dead, according to his family. Iran claimed responsibility for striking the ship, alleging it was using an unauthorized route, as regional tensions escalated with multiple recent attacks on commercial vessels. India condemned the continued assaults and summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador following a separate incident that killed another Indian sailor aboard an Emirati tanker. The UAE denounced the strikes as violations of international law, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard accused the US of encouraging illegal transit routes. Several attacks in recent weeks have killed multiple Indian seafarers amid rising instability in the region.

Bangladesh’s foreign affairs minister said ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina would be jailed upon returning from exile in India, where she has lived since fleeing during deadly anti-government protests in 2024. Hasina, sentenced to death in absentia for an alleged crackdown on a student uprising, plans to return and surrender alongside other Awami League members. Bangladesh has requested her extradition, which India is still considering amid shifting regional dynamics. Hasina claims widespread repression of her party and insists she intends to return despite risks. Tarique Rahman now leads Bangladesh after the BNP’s electoral victory in February.

Thai customs officers at Phuket airport arrested Russian national Sergei Chalabari after finding more than 17 kilograms of cannabis flowers and resin hidden in his luggage. He admitted the drugs were his and intended for transport to Almaty, leading to charges for attempting to export goods without proper customs procedures. Authorities emphasized that despite relaxed domestic cannabis laws, export remains tightly controlled. The case comes amid tightened regulation of Thailand’s cannabis sector and increased airport inspections, with officials noting frequent smuggling attempts by foreign nationals and prior warnings issued by the British embassy.

Funeral processions for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei drew massive crowds in Tehran, where some mourners called for revenge against the US and Israel. Khamenei’s sons attended ceremonies while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, was absent. Regional tensions intensified as Yemen condemned Iran for transporting a Houthi delegation to the funeral and Netanyahu claimed Christian villages in Lebanon sought Israeli annexation, which local residents denied. OPEC+ announced a modest production increase, and Tehran’s airspace was shut during the ceremonies amid continued instability across the region.

Iran has paused potential peace talks with the US, insisting that all commitments in the memorandum of understanding must be fully upheld before negotiations resume. US envoys have arrived in Qatar, though Doha confirmed that no direct meetings are planned. Rising tensions continue after recent exchanges of strikes in the Gulf, placing strain on the fragile ceasefire. JD Vance said the US remained in a strong strategic position regardless of diplomatic progress. Oil prices edged higher amid uncertainty, while South Korea reported updates on a cargo ship damaged in an earlier attack. Israel’s prime minister reaffirmed the military’s continued presence in southern Lebanon, and Iraq is preparing a major funeral procession for Iran’s slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

US envoys are heading to Doha for expected talks with Iran, despite Tehran denying any meetings are scheduled. Recent days have seen renewed strikes between the US and Iran, including Iranian missile and drone attacks on US sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran warned against foreign mine‑clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting only Iranian forces conduct such activity. Israel issued strong warnings that it is prepared to strike Iran independently if attacked. Other updates include regional reactions to Israeli incursions in Syria, ECB justification of a rate hike, Asia’s response to energy instability from the conflict, and international diplomatic efforts to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.