Masoud Pezeshkian

Iranian President masoud pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access in Iran, which had been suspended since the United States and Israel launched attacks against the country, local media reported Monday. "The decree aimed at restoring internet access to its pre-January state was communicated to the Ministry of Communications by the president," Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars reported.

Iranian authorities held mass public weddings in Tehran for couples who signed up to a state-sponsored scheme declaring their readiness to sacrifice their lives in the war against the US and Israel. Those involved had signed up, according to Iranian media, for the so-called "self-sacrifice" scheme (janfada in Persian) where people pledged to put their lives on the line in the war by, for example, forming human chains outside power stations.

As tensions with Iran escalated and nuclear talks stalled, Donald Trump flooded Truth Social with AI-generated images featuring aliens, missile strikes and space warfare. The US President shared around 25 posts, including maps targeting Iran and military-themed memes, while warning Tehran that “time is of the essence”. Iran rejected Washington’s conditions and demanded sanctions relief before negotiations could resume.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday said a return to war with the United States was unlikely, while warning that the Islamic republic stood ready against any attack. "The possibility of war is low because of the enemy's weakness, the armed forces are lying in wait with full magazines," said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying.

Iran's parliament is considering hefty financial rewards for assassinating US President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu, escalating tensions after recent strikes. Lawmakers aim to formalize bounties, viewing these leaders as responsible for the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. This move shifts threats from rhetoric to official parliamentary action, with warnings of wider retaliation.

US President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu clashed over Iran diplomacy, with Trump favoring a deal and Netanyahu pushing for military action. Mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and others are working on a revised proposal, but Trump warns the window for talks is closing, while Israel remains on high alert.

US officials express caution regarding a potential Iran deal, suggesting it could still collapse despite progress. Negotiations are ongoing, with key details like uranium disposal and frozen assets remaining points of contention. While Iran aims to reassure the world about its nuclear program, both sides emphasize safeguarding national interests, with a breakthrough potentially days away.

US President Donald Trump branded Iran's terms for ending the Middle East war "totally unacceptable", raising the possibility of fresh conflict and sending oil prices sharply higher in early Asia trade on Monday. The impasse unnerved global energy markets, with international benchmark Brent crude prices rising 4.65 percent to $99.95 a barrel during Monday morning trade in Asia.

But another Iran-US flare-up could hit plan

Intense diplomatic efforts are underway to secure an agreement between the US and Iran, aiming to end the Middle East conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease energy market pressures. Despite claims of progress, significant disagreements persist over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and regional influence, leaving a final deal uncertain.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay convened his inaugural Secretariat meeting, focusing on law and order ahead of the Assembly session. Bengaluru experienced a security scare with gelatine sticks found near PM Modi's event venue. Iran responded to a US proposal via Pakistan amidst Strait of Hormuz tensions. Vijay's swearing-in, beginning with Vande Mataram, sparked political debate.

Iran has presented a list of demands for a ceasefire with the US. These include lifting sanctions, compensation for damages, and the withdrawal of American troops. President Trump has rejected these terms as unacceptable. The standoff has impacted global oil markets and heightened regional tensions. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst ongoing clashes.

For the first time in 23 years, the U.S. has three aircraft carriers in the Middle East, accompanied by 12 ships and 15,000 soldiers. This significant military presence signals readiness for renewed conflict should the fragile ceasefire with Iran collapse. The deployment occurs amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and Iran's reblocking of the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump described US naval actions enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports as "like pirates," highlighting the profitable seizure of ships and cargo. He also cited military action against Iran's nuclear program to protect the region and noted internal divisions within Iran's leadership complicating negotiations.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly leading the country through a secret "human chain" of handwritten letters to evade US and Israeli detection. This comes amid unprecedented security measures, with senior officials avoiding visits due to assassination fears following a reported US-Israel strike that gravely injured him.

A secret letter from senior Iranian officials warning of economic collapse and urging nuclear negotiations with the US has reportedly exposed deep divisions within Tehran's leadership. Despite public displays of unity and denials of internal strife, the leak has sparked a political firestorm, with legal threats issued against those who disclosed the classified document.

US President Donald Trump declared American officials won't travel for Iran truce talks, insisting discussions must be remote. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi returned to Islamabad, relaying Tehran's positions on nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz via Pakistani intermediaries. Iran maintains it won't negotiate under coercion amid ongoing US pressure.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei faces significant medical challenges post-bomb attack, impacting his direct engagement. This has amplified the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' influence, with analysts suggesting a shift towards a 'board-style' leadership where military commanders hold sway. The situation casts uncertainty over ongoing ceasefire talks and diplomatic pathways.

Iran released footage showing its forces seizing two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with the IRGC claiming the vessels were diverted to Iranian waters over alleged security violations. Meanwhile, Panama condemned the seizure of the MSC Francesca as “illegal,” warning it poses a serious threat to maritime security. Tehran said the IRGC captured the MSC Francesca and EPAMINODES in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging navigational interference and unauthorised movement.

Iran's President Pezeshkian rejected a second round of US peace talks, citing "bullying" and "unreasonable behaviour" during negotiations. He warned of increased suspicion and potential "betrayal of diplomacy" due to US actions and rhetoric. Tehran blamed Washington for excessive demands and "constant contradictions," highlighting ongoing naval incidents as obstacles to fruitful discussions.