The White House has denied reports that the US asked to extend the Iran ceasefire. Karoline Leavitt said the claim was “not true at this moment.” She called earlier reports incorrect. However, she confirmed that talks with Iran are still ongoing. Donald Trump and senior officials remain involved in discussions. The ceasefire is set to end soon, but both sides continue to talk. The US said it is open to a deal if its conditions are met. Pakistan will continue to act as a mediator in the next round of talks. (PC: AP)

The United States has confirmed the loss of a costly surveillance drone in the Iran conflict. The MQ-4C Triton crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. It costs about $240 million, more than two F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The US Navy said the drone sent an emergency signal before the crash. Earlier reports claimed Iran shot it down, but officials did not confirm this. No injuries were reported. The drone was used for long missions and sea monitoring. The US has also lost several other drones in recent weeks, raising the total losses to hundreds of millions of dollars. (PC: Reuters/AI Colour Correction)

Hezbollah has hinted at a ceasefire in Lebanon, linking it to wider talks with the US and Israel. Hezbollah said Iran may use control of the Strait of Hormuz as pressure. However, Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire. Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir approved plans to continue attacks. Fighting has intensified after recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Over 2,000 people have died in Lebanon, officials said. Lebanon has called for talks and wants Israeli forces to withdraw. Key issues include disarming Hezbollah and ending hostilities. (PC: Reuters)

A Pakistani delegation is heading to Iran with a message from the United States. This comes after recent talks in Islamabad failed to reach an agreement. Donald Trump said new talks could happen soon. Iran confirmed it is ready to receive the team. Pakistan is trying to bring both sides back to the table. However, tensions remain high. The US has started a naval blockade, but some ships are still moving. Key issues include Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides say they want a deal, but major differences continue.

Fatou, a female Western lowland gorilla, celebrated her 69th birthday at Zoologischer Garten Berlin, reaffirming her status as the world’s oldest known gorilla. Born in the wild in West Africa and brought to Berlin in 1959 at an estimated age of two, Fatou has become a symbol of longevity and conservation. The zoo marked the occasion with special treats suited to her age and health. Her remarkable lifespan, far exceeding typical gorilla life expectancy, highlights advances in animal care while drawing attention to the conservation challenges faced by her species in the wild. (PC: X)

Donald Trump claimed he is “permanently” reopening the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Xi Jinping would welcome the move and even “give him a big, fat hug.” Trump said China supports the decision and has agreed not to send weapons to Iran, following direct communication between the leaders. However, Beijing recently criticised the US naval blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible,” highlighting contradictions. The development comes amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, disrupted global energy routes, and fragile ceasefire efforts. Trump’s remarks signal a mix of diplomatic messaging and strategic posturing, even as geopolitical risks and uncertainty remain elevated. (PC: X)

Donald Trump has claimed the Iran war is “very close to over,” even as the Pentagon moves to deploy nearly 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East. The parallel signals underscore a dual-track strategy—public optimism alongside military preparedness. With a fragile ceasefire nearing its April 22 deadline and no breakthrough in negotiations, tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. The buildup suggests Washington is hedging against escalation, preparing for prolonged conflict despite diplomatic messaging. The contradiction reflects uncertainty on the ground, where de-escalation efforts continue but risks of renewed confrontation remain significant. (PC: X)

A Pakistani delegation is travelling to Iran to deliver a message from the United States, state media reported. The visit may also prepare for a second round of talks between both sides.   Pakistan has been trying to mediate between the US and Iran. Earlier talks were held in Islamabad but ended without a clear result.   Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran is “very likely” to receive the delegation. He added, “Several messages have been exchanged through Pakistan.”   He also said some US demands were “unreasonable and unrealistic.” (PC: HT)

A satirical post by Iran’s embassy in Ghana has gone viral after it “applied” to become Italy’s new ally. The message came during tensions between Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni.   The embassy wrote, “We’d like to apply for the vacancy,” mocking Trump as the “Commander in Grief.” It also joked about Iran and Italy only arguing over who invented ice cream.   The post followed reports that Meloni criticised Trump’s remarks on the Pope, calling them “unacceptable.”   Iranian diplomatic accounts have recently used humour online to target Washington, in what analysts call a growing “meme diplomacy” strategy.

Four people were killed and 20 injured after a student opened fire at a high school in Turkey’s Kahramanmaras province. Governor Mukerrem Unluer said the attacker later died. The victims include one teacher and three students. Officials said the student used weapons belonging to his retired police officer father. The motive is still not known. Police and emergency teams reached the school in the Onikiubat district soon after reports of gunfire. This is the second school shooting in two days. A day earlier, 16 people were injured in a similar attack in Sanliurfa. (PC: India Today)