More than 200 Iranian sailors stranded in Sri Lanka after a US submarine attack have now returned home. Sri Lanka’s Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara said 32 sailors from Iris Dena and 206 from Irins Bushehr flew out on Tuesday night. The Iris Dena sank on 4 March near Sri Lanka after a torpedo strike, killing 104 sailors. Survivors were given 30-day visas and stayed in military camps. Sri Lanka said it acted on humanitarian grounds. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the country would “never hesitate to protect humanity” while maintaining neutrality. (PC: BBC)

A US-sanctioned Chinese-linked tanker, Rich Starry, failed to breach the American naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and was forced to turn back, highlighting strict enforcement of the new restrictions. The blockade, ordered by Donald Trump after failed Iran-US talks, targets vessels linked to Iranian ports. Within the first 24 hours, no ship successfully crossed the blockade, with multiple vessels complying with US orders to reverse course. The US Navy has deployed warships and is intercepting tankers attempting to exit Iranian ports. The move has disrupted global shipping, sharply reducing traffic through the strategic oil route and escalating regional tensions. (PC: NDTV)

New satellite images from Isfahan, Iran, have exposed the aftermath of a high-risk US rescue mission to recover personnel from a downed F-15E fighter jet. The images show multiple aircraft wreckage at a makeshift airstrip near a key nuclear complex, highlighting the scale of the operation. The mission followed Iran’s shootdown of the jet, triggering a complex search-and-rescue effort involving special forces and multiple aircraft. Reports indicate several US aircraft were destroyed—some possibly by Iranian forces, while others were intentionally blown up by US troops to prevent capture. The incident underscores escalating tensions and operational risks in the ongoing Iran conflict. (PC: India Today)

The United States has effectively shut down Iran’s maritime trade through a sweeping naval blockade, crippling nearly 90% of Tehran’s economy and escalating pressure amid the ongoing war. U.S. forces have intercepted or turned back multiple vessels, including foreign-linked tankers, tightening control over key shipping routes. Despite this aggressive move, President Donald Trump signaled optimism about resuming peace talks with Iran in Pakistan within days. However, deep disagreements persist over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and duration of restrictions, while continued regional fighting and mistrust threaten to derail diplomatic efforts. (PC: Reuters)

A controversial social media episode involving Donald Trump has gone viral after Iranian embassy accounts mocked his deleted Truth Social post depicting him in a Jesus-like avatar. The original AI-generated image showed Trump healing a man, triggering backlash and eventual deletion. Iranian diplomatic accounts responded with sarcastic and critical posts, turning the incident into a global online spectacle. A viral video amplifying these reactions further intensified the exchange. The episode highlights how digital propaganda and meme culture are shaping narratives during the ongoing Iran conflict, with official channels increasingly engaging in public online trolling. (PC: News 18)

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that stalled Iran peace talks could resume in Pakistan within days, raising hopes for diplomacy amid ongoing conflict. The proposed talks follow a fragile ceasefire and earlier failed negotiations in Islamabad over Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Trump intensified public disputes with Pope Leo and NATO allies, criticizing their opposition to U.S. actions in the Iran war. The tensions highlight widening global divisions, as Washington continues its naval blockade of Iran and pushes for stricter nuclear limits, while regional and international actors attempt to revive negotiations and prevent further escalation. (PC: The Guardian)

China has firmly denied allegations of providing military support to Iran, calling the claims “fabricated” and “baseless.” Beijing stated it maintains strict controls over military exports and follows international obligations. The denial comes after reports citing US intelligence suggested possible Chinese arms assistance to Tehran. In response, the United States warned of steep tariff hikes on countries supporting Iran militarily. China has pushed back strongly, warning it will take “countermeasures” if such tariffs are imposed. The development highlights rising tensions between the two global powers, adding a new economic dimension to the ongoing geopolitical crisis. (PC: AP)

After over 40 days of intense conflict, the United States and Iran are preparing to step back from war as mounting economic costs, military strain, and domestic pressures reduce appetite for prolonged fighting. Fresh peace talks are expected in Islamabad, highlighting Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in mediating the crisis. While earlier negotiations failed due to disagreements over Iran’s nuclear commitments, both sides now signal willingness to re-engage. The US aims to secure free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran faces economic hardship. A successful de-escalation could give Pakistan a strategic “peace bonus” in regional influence. (PC: X)

Amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States is reportedly shifting strategic focus toward the Strait of Malacca, a crucial global trade corridor. A new US-Indonesia defence pact could enhance surveillance and military reach over the strait. Unlike Hormuz, Malacca carries a vast volume of global trade, including energy and industrial goods, and is vital for East Asian economies, especially China. For India, this shift is significant due to its proximity via the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offering strategic leverage over maritime traffic and regional security dynamics.

A viral diplomatic spat erupted after Donald Trump deleted an AI-generated image portraying himself in imagery resembling Jesus Christ, claiming it depicted him as a doctor. The Iranian Embassy in Tajikistan responded with a satirical “Jesus climax” video, showing Jesus knocking Trump into hell, amplifying online backlash. Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the post as offensive, while Iranian diplomatic channels escalated the narrative through memes. The episode highlights the growing role of AI-driven propaganda and “digital diplomacy” in geopolitical conflicts, particularly amid the ongoing US-Iran tensions, where narrative warfare increasingly complements traditional military and diplomatic strategies.