UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday vowed to “prove doubters wrong” as he faced growing pressure within the Labour Party following poor local election results. Addressing Labour MPs, Starmer admitted the government had made mistakes but defended its major political decisions. “Like every government, we’ve made mistakes... but we got the big political choices right,” he said. Starmer also accepted responsibility for Labour’s losses, saying the results “hurt”. The remarks came amid internal criticism, with Labour MP Catherine West hinting at a possible leadership challenge and senior leaders questioning the party’s direction. (PC: BBC)

Iran has formalised a new transit approval system for vessels crossing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with the US over the Middle East conflict. According to shipping journal Lloyd’s List, ships must now submit detailed ownership, cargo and crew information to Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority and pay tolls before transit. Iranian official Mohammad Akraminia said, “Any vessel wishing to pass through it must coordinate with us.” Tehran has also warned countries supporting US sanctions could face difficulties crossing the waterway. India and Pakistan are among nations that have reportedly negotiated with Iran to secure passage for their flagged vessels. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to deliver a major speech as pressure grows within the Labour Party following heavy election losses across Britain. Labour lost seats in Scottish and Welsh elections and nearly 1,500 councillors in England’s local polls, triggering calls for stronger leadership. Starmer is expected to promise bold reforms and closer ties with the European Union. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner warned Labour may face its “last chance” if changes are not made quickly. Labour MP Catherine West has also hinted at launching a leadership challenge if dissatisfied with Starmer’s response. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian families to avoid buying gold for weddings for one year as rising crude oil prices and heavy gold imports increase pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves and weaken the rupee. India imports most of its oil and large quantities of gold using US dollars. With crude prices surging due to the West Asia conflict and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, India’s import bill has risen sharply. The government fears that high gold demand during the crisis could further widen the current account deficit, fuel inflation, and put additional strain on the economy and rupee stability. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to Washington’s peace proposal aimed at ending the West Asia war, calling it “totally unacceptable” without disclosing specific objections. Iran’s proposal, reportedly submitted through Pakistan, demanded an end to conflict across all fronts, including Lebanon, removal of US sanctions, lifting restrictions on Iranian oil sales and an end to the naval blockade. Trump accused Tehran of “playing games” with the United States for decades and warned that Iran would soon stop “laughing” at America. Reports also suggested Iran proposed diluting part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile and transferring remaining material to a third country.

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran after Tehran formally responded to a US-backed peace proposal aimed at easing escalating Gulf tensions. Trump accused Iran of “playing games” and said the country had mocked America for decades, warning that “they will be laughing no longer.” Iran reportedly sent its response through Pakistani mediators as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal focuses on ending hostilities and reopening maritime routes while broader talks on Iran’s nuclear program continue. Despite ongoing negotiations, military tensions and threats from both sides continue to raise fears of wider regional instability. (PC: Bloomberg)

Iran issued a pointed response to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt after she announced the birth of her daughter. While congratulating her, Iranian officials referenced the deaths of 168 children in a reported U.S.- and Israel-linked strike on a school in Minab during Operation Epic Fury. The Iranian Embassy in Armenia urged Leavitt to “think of the mothers” of the victims whenever she holds her child, intensifying already high tensions between Tehran and Washington. Leavitt had earlier defended U.S. actions, insisting America does not target civilians. The exchange highlights the growing war of words amid escalating conflict and humanitarian concerns in the Middle East. (PC: X)

The United States and Iran remain far from ending their ongoing conflict despite fresh diplomatic efforts to secure peace in the Gulf region. Tensions escalated near the Strait of Hormuz after reports of clashes between Iranian forces and U.S. vessels, alongside drone and missile incidents targeting Gulf states. Iran has reportedly sent a response to a U.S.-backed peace proposal through Pakistani mediators, focusing on ending hostilities and ensuring maritime security. However, disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and control of shipping routes continue to block progress. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, increased regional instability, and raised fears of broader escalation across the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

A report citing US officials claimed Israel secretly established a military base in Iraq’s western desert to support air operations against Iran during the recent regional conflict. The covert installation allegedly housed Israeli special forces, logistics units and search-and-rescue teams for downed pilots. According to reports, Iraqi authorities were unaware of the base until local troops reportedly approached the area after suspicious activity was spotted by a shepherd. Israeli airstrikes were then allegedly launched to prevent exposure of the site, killing one Iraqi soldier and injuring others. The revelations have intensified scrutiny over covert regional military operations and escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and Iraq. (PC: AFP)

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary under US President Donald Trump, received congratulations from Iran after announcing the birth of her daughter on social media. However, Iran’s embassy in Armenia also referred to children allegedly killed in a strike on a school in Minab during the Iran-US-Israel conflict. Sharing Leavitt’s post, the embassy urged her to remember the mothers of the children killed in the attack. The remarks came as tensions continue between Tehran and Washington over ceasefire talks and regional security in West Asia.