Donald Trump said he will not use nuclear weapons in the conflict with Iran but warned Tehran to act fast on a deal. “The clock is ticking,” he said. Trump claimed Iran was already “decimated” through conventional attacks. He also ordered the US Navy to destroy any Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the USS George H W Bush reached the region, taking the number of US carriers there to three. Reports of blasts over Tehran have raised concerns about the fragile ceasefire. (PC: NDTV)

The United States boarded a vessel carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean as part of its naval blockade, the US Department of Defense said. The ship, M/T Majestic X, was intercepted during a “maritime interdiction.” President Donald Trump warned that US forces would “shoot and kill” boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said 33 vessels have been ordered back under the blockade. Iran called earlier actions “piracy.” Trump said the blockade is “100% effective” and added, “the clock is ticking” for a deal. Iran said it cannot reopen the strait under current conditions. (PC: BBC)

The United States will allow Iran’s players to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but will restrict some accompanying members, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Standing with President Donald Trump, Rubio said, “The problem with Iran would be not their athletes.” He added that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may not be allowed entry. “They can't bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists… and pretend that they are journalists,” he said. Trump said the US does not want to affect athletes. The tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11. (PC: HT)

The war ordered by Donald Trump has sharply reduced US stocks of high-end weapons, raising concerns about future readiness. Around 1,100 JASSM-ER missiles and over 1,000 Tomahawks were used, far above yearly production. More than 1,200 Patriot interceptors were also fired. Officials said rebuilding supplies may take years. The Pentagon diverted weapons from Europe and Asia, affecting NATO’s eastern flank and Indo-Pacific deployments. Admiral Samuel Paparo said there are “finite limits to the magazine.” Estimates place total war costs between $28 billion and $35 billion, with nearly $1 billion spent daily. (PC: India Today)

Pope Leo XIV strongly condemned the killing of protesters in Iran, criticizing any regime that unjustly takes human life. Speaking after his Africa tour, he reaffirmed his consistent opposition to war and expressed concern over civilian deaths in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The Pope also lamented the collapse of US-Iran peace talks and urged a return to dialogue. His remarks came after criticism from US President Donald Trump over his earlier silence on the protests. Emphasizing moral responsibility, the Pope highlighted the suffering of innocent people and reiterated the need for peace over violence. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump claimed America has “total control” over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran seizing two container ships and intensifying the crisis. Iranian forces captured vessels for alleged safety violations, while the US responded by intercepting a tanker linked to Iranian oil exports. Both nations are enforcing rival naval blockades, raising fears of prolonged conflict. The situation has disrupted global shipping and pushed oil prices near $100 per barrel. Iran has rejected renewed peace talks, citing ceasefire breaches, while the Pentagon warns mine-clearing operations could take months, prolonging instability. 

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Navy to “shoot and kill” any small boats attempting to lay mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in tensions with Iran. The directive, issued via social media, emphasized there should be no hesitation in using lethal force against such vessels. The move follows reports of Iranian-linked boats disrupting shipping and recent seizures of oil tankers, despite an ongoing but fragile ceasefire. The U.S. has also intensified mine-clearing operations in the vital waterway, which carries a significant share of global oil supplies, raising concerns over energy security and potential conflict escalation. (PC: The Hindu)

Iran has defended India and China as “cradles of civilisation” after Donald Trump referred to them as “hellholes” while quoting a letter on immigration policy. Tehran’s response comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing disagreements between the United States and Iran. The remark has sparked diplomatic reactions, with Iran emphasising the historical and cultural significance of both nations. The exchange reflects broader strains in global politics, particularly around migration debates and rhetoric from Washington. Analysts view the episode as part of a wider narrative battle, where countries seek to shape international perception and assert their standing amid escalating diplomatic friction and strategic rivalry. (PC: X)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released footage showing its forces intercepting two cargo vessels, including the India-bound Epaminondas, in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran claims the ships violated maritime rules and tampered with navigation systems, prompting their detention and escort to Iranian waters. The video shows armed boats approaching the vessels, but analysis by BBC Verify suggests it may have been filmed hours after the reported attack. Some visuals also raised doubts about staging, including pre-opened access points on one ship. Greek authorities denied seizure claims, while tracking data indicated the vessel continued moving before going dark, adding uncertainty.

US President Donald Trump described India as a “great country” led by a “very good friend,” shortly after facing backlash for reposting a controversial rant that referred to India and other nations as “hell holes.” The remark originated from a podcast by commentator Michael Savage, which also included offensive claims about immigrants. Trump’s contrasting statements triggered criticism and diplomatic sensitivity, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs acknowledging the issue cautiously. The episode highlights tensions between political rhetoric and international relations, even as Trump publicly emphasized friendly ties with India’s leadership. (PC: NDTV)