At least 13 people, including women and a child, were killed in Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry said. Eight people died in Haboush after evacuation warnings were issued by the Israel Defense Forces. Four others were killed in Zrarieh and one in Ain Baal. At least 32 people were injured. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued despite a ceasefire extension. Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli soldiers, while Israel reported one soldier killed earlier this week. The military said it carried out “around 50 strikes in the last day” in southern Lebanon. (PC: BBC)

Iran’s armed forces said a conflict with the United States could resume and claimed Washington is not honouring agreements. Mohammad Jafar Asadi said “evidence shows the US is not committed to any agreements or treaties.” He added that US actions are “media-driven” and aimed at managing oil prices. Iran said its forces remain on high alert and are ready to respond. The remarks come amid a fragile ceasefire between the two sides. Donald Trump recently said he was “not satisfied” with Iran’s proposal for talks. The ceasefire has been in place for about three weeks. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump told Congress that a ceasefire with Iran means he does not need their approval to continue military action. In a letter, he said hostilities had “terminated” and there had been no fighting since April 7, 2026. US law requires presidents to seek Congress approval within 60 days of starting military action. Trump said the ceasefire paused that deadline. Some lawmakers and experts disagreed. Senator Tim Kaine said the law does not support this claim. Talks with Iran are ongoing, with reports of a new proposal sent through Pakistan. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump said the United States is in a war with Iran to stop it from getting nuclear weapons. “We cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon,” he said at a public event. Iran sent a new proposal for talks through mediators in Pakistan. Trump said he was “not satisfied” and claimed Iran wanted concessions he could not accept. He said hostilities had been “terminated” after a ceasefire, but warned the threat remains. Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran is open to talks if US actions and rhetoric change. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by suggesting that the United States could take control of Cuba “almost immediately,” amid escalating tensions between the two nations. His remarks come during a broader strategy of increased pressure on Havana, including sanctions and an economic blockade that has worsened Cuba’s crisis. Trump has repeatedly hinted at regime change, describing Cuba as a potential next target after other geopolitical moves. The statements have raised international concerns over sovereignty and possible military intervention, while Cuba continues to reject US pressure and defend its independence.

Iran has submitted a new peace proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators in an effort to end the ongoing conflict. However, US President Donald Trump said he is “not satisfied” with the offer, calling its terms unacceptable. Key disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, uranium enrichment, and broader security conditions. While Pakistan continues to act as a diplomatic backchannel and push for negotiations, both sides have hardened positions after earlier progress. Despite the setback, diplomatic engagement is still ongoing, with hopes for a negotiated settlement alive but uncertain amid rising regional and global concerns.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has left the Persian Gulf after a record deployment of over 300 days, amid stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran. The carrier is now moving to the European Command zone, reducing direct US naval presence in the Gulf. Despite its departure, two other carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush remain in the region. The move follows prolonged operations, including missions linked to the Iran conflict and earlier deployments in the Caribbean. Analysts see the shift as a recalibration rather than a withdrawal, with tensions still unresolved. (PC: Reuters)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that billions of dollars owed by the United States to the UN are “non-negotiable,” rejecting reports that Washington is linking payments to reform conditions. The US has proposed cost-cutting measures, pension reforms, and steps to limit China’s influence as prerequisites for releasing funds. Guterres emphasized that assessed contributions are mandatory obligations, separate from reform discussions. The US has reportedly paid only about $160 million of over $4 billion owed, raising concerns about the UN’s financial stability and risk of a funding crisis. (PC: Reuters)

Thousands of people across the United States participated in “May Day Strong” protests on May 1, marking International Workers’ Day with a nationwide economic blackout. Organisers coordinated over 3,500 events, urging people to skip work, school, and shopping to demonstrate collective power. The movement, backed by labour unions, immigrant rights groups, and activists, called for taxing the wealthy, ending immigration enforcement actions, and reducing military spending. The protests build on earlier demonstrations and aim to test large-scale mobilisation, with some leaders viewing it as a step toward a potential nationwide general strike in 2028. Educators, students, and communities actively joined the actions across multiple cities. (PC: AFP)

Iran has sent a new diplomatic proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators, aiming to de-escalate tensions and revive negotiations. The plan reportedly focuses on reopening the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities, while postponing contentious nuclear discussions to a later stage. Pakistan is acting as a backchannel facilitator, carrying messages between Washington and Tehran amid stalled direct talks. The proposal comes despite ongoing mistrust and disagreements, particularly over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. While a ceasefire has held since April, both sides remain cautious, and the US is yet to formally respond to the latest offer. (PC: HT)