Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong urged stronger cooperation between China and India, invoking “Eastern wisdom” of peaceful coexistence and mutual learning. Addressing the 4th China-India Youth Dialogue, he called for joint efforts to safeguard Global South interests and resist divisive narratives. Xu highlighted youth collaboration in AI, digital economy, and green technology, while emphasising that both nations are neighbours that cannot be separated and should support each other’s development.

US Senator Chris Murphy slammed the Middle East war as “insanity,” blaming President Donald Trump for creating a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz that was open before the conflict. Iran has begun charging some vessels a $2 million toll (approx Rs 18.8 crore) to assert sovereignty and offset war costs. Murphy highlighted the daily $2 billion expense to the US. Iran rejected negotiations and proposed its own five-point plan including reparations. The development adds pressure amid ongoing strikes and economic fallout.

Iran has threatened to block the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait if the US or Israel attacks its islands, including Kharg. The warning comes as Tehran already controls access through the Strait of Hormuz. Bab al-Mandeb, the world's fourth-largest shipping route handling 12% of global seaborne oil, connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Iran-backed Houthis are prepared to assist in taking control, potentially opening new fronts and doubling costs for adversaries amid the ongoing oil crisis.

Iran is preparing a draft bill to charge tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for providing security. The legislation aims to formally recognise Iran's sovereignty and generate revenue amid the ongoing Middle East war. The strait, which handles one-fifth of global oil, has been largely closed to tanker traffic. The move could raise shipping costs and further impact oil prices already surging past $114 per barrel for Brent crude.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US-Israel strike on a school in Minab, Hormozgan province, calling it a “war crime, not a miscalculation.” The attack reportedly killed over 160 students, mostly girls. Araghchi demanded an immediate international investigation and accountability. The statement came as the conflict with the US and Israel continues to escalate, with Iran vowing strong retaliation. The strike has drawn widespread condemnation and heightened tensions in the region.

Israel has claimed that Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, was killed in recent strikes on Iran. The Israeli military stated that Tangsiri was a key figure in Iran’s naval operations and was directly involved in attacks on international shipping. Iran has not yet confirmed the death. The claim comes as part of ongoing Israeli operations targeting senior IRGC officials amid the escalating conflict with Iran. The development has further heightened tensions in the Middle East.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in his Martyrs’ Day message on March 25, 2026, paid tribute to the 1971 liberation war martyrs and acknowledged the genocide committed by the Pakistani army. This is seen as a significant shift from the BNP’s traditional stance. The message also subtly distanced the party from the Yunus-led interim government’s approach to history and Pakistan relations. Analysts view it as an attempt to reposition BNP ahead of future elections by balancing nationalist sentiments with political pragmatism.

Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei warned the US with the phrase “a head for an eye” as the American deadline for Iran nears. Rezaei said Iran will respond forcefully if the US continues its aggression. The statement came amid ongoing missile exchanges and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Rezaei emphasized that Iran will not back down and will match any strike with equal or greater force. The remark has heightened tensions in the Middle East conflict.

US President Donald Trump revealed that Iran sent 10 boats of oil as a “gift” to demonstrate seriousness in ongoing negotiations. He said the tankers were flagged under Pakistan. The revelation came during a discussion on the Iran conflict, where Trump emphasized that talks are progressing and that he is open to a deal if Iran meets US conditions. The statement follows recent diplomatic exchanges aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

KP George, an Indian-origin Malayali from Kerala, has been convicted in a US court on multiple counts of money laundering. The case involved laundering millions of dollars through fraudulent schemes. George, who served as a county judge in Texas, was found guilty after a long trial. The conviction has shocked the Indian-American community in Texas. Sentencing is expected in the coming months. The case highlights issues of financial crimes involving high-profile community members.