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Iran is reviewing a 15-point proposal from Donald Trump but denies direct talks. FM Abbas Araqchi said mediation isn’t negotiation. Fighting continues as Israel and the US intensify strikes.

Israel and Hezbollah are exchanging heavy strikes as the conflict in Lebanon intensifies, with both sides launching attacks across the border. Israeli forces have escalated airstrikes and ground operations, targeting what they say are Hezbollah positions, including infrastructure across southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. The escalation has triggered a major humanitarian crisis. More than one million people have been displaced across Lebanon as bombardment and evacuation orders force civilians to flee. Hezbollah has responded with rocket and drone attacks into northern Israel, further fuelling fears of a wider regional war. The ongoing strikes, including reported attacks on bridges, homes and key infrastructure, have drawn international concern over civilian impact and the risk of prolonged conflict.

Iran has rejected US claims that negotiations are underway, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating there are no talks taking place and that exchanges via intermediaries do not amount to negotiations. The White House, however, continues to insist that discussions with Tehran are ongoing and “productive,” despite Iran’s public denial. Tensions escalated further after the White House warned that President Donald Trump is prepared to “unleash hell” if Iran refuses to accept a deal to end the conflict. Iran has also rejected a US-backed proposal to end the war, saying any resolution must be on its own terms, even as indirect channels remain active through mediators.

Russia has launched a renewed spring offensive in Ukraine, stepping up military pressure along multiple fronts. Ukrainian officials say Russian strikes hit Kharkiv, leaving at least nine people injured. The attacks come as Moscow intensifies its campaign, with fighting expected to escalate in the coming weeks. Kharkiv, a key city near the Russian border, has repeatedly come under attack since the start of the war, and remains a major flashpoint as the conflict enters a new phase.

The move is the first step in a lengthy process that could see new teams in Seattle, where the SuperSonics once played, and Las Vegas, which each year hosts NBA Summer League games involving young players.

The US Navy intercepted 100+ Iranian missiles targeting the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. The USD 6.8 billion supercarrier survived using a layered defence shield of Aegis destroyers, EA-18G Growlers, and advanced SM-6 missiles.

President Trump made some unfortunate use of words when he said that bombing is fun. But now you realize that bombing is not a one-way street. Today the people of Tel Aviv, the people of Jerusalem have also for the first time begun to understand what bombing is all about.

'If they take any step…': Iran threatens retaliation over plan to 'occupy island by enemies'

'Trump to meet Xi in Beijing on May 14-15', says White House after delay due to Iran war

Amid the escalating US-Iran war, Iranian local media report that Tehran has rejected a reported 15-point peace proposal put forward by Donald Trump, calling the terms excessive and unacceptable. Iranian officials also suggested that Washington’s claims of negotiations were premature, with some statements indicating the US was “negotiating with itself.”

'Very close to meeting objectives', says White House as Tehran rejects US ceasefire plan

A U.S. judge has raised concerns over the Pentagon’s actions regarding Anthropic, the AI firm that recently refused to allow its AI technology for surveillance or autonomous weapons use. The case highlights ethical and legal questions surrounding AI in military applications, including the risks of autonomous decision-making in combat scenarios.

Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the expansion of a buffer zone inside Lebanon as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies along the northern front. The move is aimed at pushing militant positions farther from Israeli territory and strengthening border security amid continued rocket fire and cross-border strikes.

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman castigated Pakistan for carrying out a genocide of civilians in 1971. His strong stance comes after Muhammad Yunus' tenure witnessed growing bonhomie between Pakistan and Bangladesh. This is perceived to be the beginning of a strategic shift away from Pakistan.

Opposition MPs staged a protest outside the Parliament of India over reported LPG shortages affecting households across parts of India. Lawmakers accused the government of failing to ensure adequate supply of cooking gas and demanded urgent measures to address distribution delays and rising concerns among consumers.

SM Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together.

Israel carried out fresh airstrikes across Lebanon as tensions escalated along the northern front, with Hezbollah firing rockets back toward Israeli territory in retaliation. The exchange marks another intense phase of cross-border fighting amid wider regional instability linked to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

Iranian media and officials have claims that Tehran could extend its strategic focus to the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, a key maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, if Western actions are perceived as a strategic mistake. This waterway is vital for global trade and energy flows, and Iran’s remarks follow its recent intensification of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz.

WATCH | Iran claims it has shot down US F18 fighter jet, shares video