Global stock markets surged after fresh hopes of a ceasefire in the US-Iran conflict boosted investor confidence and eased fears of prolonged instability in West Asia.


US-Iran War: Stocks Rise As Ceasefire Hopes Lift Sentiment

Iran has reportedly refused to engage in negotiations led by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, citing deep mistrust over past talks.

Reports say Tehran views the two as unreliable after earlier diplomatic efforts collapsed and were followed by military escalation.

Instead, Iran has indicated a preference for US Vice President JD Vance to take the lead in any potential talks, seeing him as a more acceptable interlocutor.

Despite these developments, Iranian officials continue to publicly deny that any direct negotiations with the United States are currently underway.

US-Iran War | Report: Iran Rejects Witkoff, Kushner Talks, Wants JD Vance To Lead | WION

Officials say capped fuel prices and fears of future price hikes are also contributing to hoarding and uneven supply across the country.

The situation highlights Africa’s vulnerability to external shocks, with rising oil prices and disrupted supply chains already impacting multiple economies across the continent.

US-Iran War: Kenya Faces Fuel Shortages As West Asia War Disrupts Supply Chains | WION

The United States has proposed a peace plan to Iran that includes sanctions relief and support for a civilian nuclear energy programme, according to multiple reports.

Under the proposal pushed by US President Donald Trump, Iran would be required to dismantle key parts of its nuclear programme, halt uranium enrichment and limit missile activities.

In return, Washington is offering full sanctions relief and assistance in developing civilian nuclear energy under international monitoring.

The plan is part of a broader 15-point framework aimed at ending the conflict, though Iran has publicly denied engaging in direct negotiations with the US.

US-Iran War: Trump Peace Plan Offers Sanctions Relief To Iran, Civil Nuclear Support | Breaking

Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile strikes targeting Israel as well as US-linked military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, according to Iranian state media.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the attacks were aimed at Israeli targets and US forces in the region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Air defence systems were activated across multiple countries, with interceptions reported, including in Kuwait where drones struck infrastructure and triggered a fire at the airport.

The strikes come amid widening regional tensions, with multiple fronts now active across West Asia.

Iran-US War: Iran Fires Missiles At Israel, Kuwait, Jordan And Bahrain | WION

England batter Ben Duckett has pulled out of the Indian Premier League to focus on national duties.

Duckett, who was signed by Delhi Capitals, has opted to prioritise his commitments with England, dealing a setback to the franchise ahead of the season.

The decision comes amid a packed international calendar, with players increasingly balancing IPL commitments and national responsibilities.

IPL: Ben Duckett Pulls Out Of IPL, Delhi Capitals Hit As England Duty Priority

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released new footage it says shows American strikes on targets inside Iran, highlighting the scale of ongoing operations.

According to CENTCOM, US forces have struck more than 9,000 targets since the start of the conflict, targeting missile sites, military infrastructure and strategic assets.

The video release is part of Washington’s effort to showcase its military campaign, even as tensions with Iran continue to escalate across the region

US-Iran War: CENTCOM Releases Iran Strike Video, Claims Over 9,000 Targets Hit | WION

US President Donald Trump has endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of the upcoming election.

Trump described Orban as a “strong and powerful leader” in a post on Truth Social and urged Hungarian voters to back him in the April 12 vote.

US officials are also expected to visit Hungary during the campaign period, signalling growing political engagement around the election.

Trump Endorses Orban Ahead Of Hungary Vote, Calls Him “Strong Leader” | WION

The European Union has raised concerns over China’s expanding role in Vietnam’s 5G rollout, warning of potential security risks.

EU officials say the involvement of Chinese firms in critical telecom infrastructure could raise data protection concerns and impact investor confidence.

The warning highlights broader geopolitical tensions around 5G networks, with security, trust and supply chain risks increasingly shaping investment decisions.

China: EU Flags Security Risks in Vietnam's 5G Rollout | WION

Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and R. Madhavan are facing legal trouble linked to Dhurandhar 2, after an FIR was filed over a scene involving Gurbani.

The complaint alleges that a sequence showing a character smoking while verses from the Dasam Granth play in the background hurt Sikh religious sentiments.

Madhavan has issued a clarification, calling the controversy a “misunderstanding” and stating the scene was not intended to disrespect any community.

Separately, Ranveer Singh continues to face fallout from the earlier Kantara mimicry controversy at IFFI, with the actor agreeing to file an unconditional apology in court.


Dhurandhar 2 Row: FIR Over Gurbani Scene, R. Madhavan Apologises | WION

Pakistan has offered to host potential talks between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing conflict, positioning itself as a possible mediator.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is ready to facilitate dialogue if both sides agree.

US President Donald Trump reposted the proposal on Truth Social, fuelling speculation about backchannel diplomacy, even as Iran continues to deny any direct negotiations with Washington.

US-Iran War: Pakistan Offers To Host Iran–US Talks, Trump Reposts Proposal | WION

US President Donald Trump has claimed that regime change has effectively taken place in Iran, even as the conflict continues.

Trump also said Washington is “talking to the right people” in Iran and that Tehran wants a deal “very badly,” suggesting negotiations are underway.

However, Iranian officials have repeatedly denied any direct talks, dismissing such claims as false amid ongoing hostilities.

The conflicting claims come as military operations continue and diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.

US-Iran War: Trump Claims Regime Change In Iran, Says US Talking To “Right People” | WION

The Philippines has declared an energy emergency as the ongoing West Asia conflict begins to impact fuel supplies.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country is facing tightening fuel availability, with supply disruptions linked to the conflict affecting imports.

Officials warned that the situation could strain energy security and drive up costs, as global supply chains remain under pressure.

US-Iran War: Philippines Declares Energy Emergency As West Asia War Hits Fuel Supply | WION

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh landed in legal trouble after mimicking a scene from Kantara Chapter 1 during a performance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

An FIR was filed by a Bengaluru-based advocate, alleging that the act hurt religious sentiments linked to the Bhoota Kola (Daiva) tradition.

Singh approached the Karnataka High Court to challenge the FIR, with the court directing authorities not to take coercive action while the investigation continues.

The actor had earlier apologised, saying the mimicry was intended as appreciation, not disrespect.

Ranveer Singh Faces FIR Over Kantara Mimicry At IFFI | WION

Fuel prices do not fall as quickly as they rise. Even if tensions in West Asia ease and supply routes reopen, consumers may not see immediate relief at the pump.

Oil markets respond to supply shocks rapidly, but retail fuel prices adjust more slowly due to refining, transport costs and pricing mechanisms. This lag means falling crude prices do not instantly translate into cheaper petrol or diesel.

The result is a familiar pattern where prices rise like rockets but fall like feathers.

US-Iran War: Why Gas Prices May Remain High After Conflict? | World Business Watch

Global markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the Iran conflict, with sentiment swinging on each new headline.

Recent hopes of a potential end to the war briefly pulled markets back from the brink, easing some extreme central bank pricing. However, expectations remain elevated amid continued uncertainty and tight liquidity conditions across markets.

Analysts say a clear and sustained update on the Iran situation will be key for stabilising market direction.

US-Iran War: Clear Iran Update Needed for Markets to Turn | World Business Watch

Global markets are swinging sharply as hopes of a ceasefire in the Iran war lift sentiment, even as uncertainty remains high.

Reports that the United States has proposed a month-long ceasefire have triggered a rally across equities and a drop in oil prices, offering temporary relief to investors.

However, analysts warn that volatility is likely to continue, with markets still heavily driven by geopolitical headlines and unclear outcomes in the conflict.

US-Iran War: Ceasefire Hopes Spark Global Market Rally | World Business Watch

The European Union has warned that growing involvement of Chinese firms in Vietnam’s 5G network could deter foreign investment.

EU officials raised concerns after Huawei and ZTE secured contracts alongside European firms, signalling a shift in Vietnam’s telecom strategy.

EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela cautioned that 5G is a “new battlefield,” warning that dependence on non-trusted vendors in strategic sectors could raise data security concerns.

He added that if investors doubt the security of their data, they may avoid investing, potentially impacting Vietnam’s growth, which relies heavily on foreign capital.

EU Warns China’s Role In Vietnam 5G May Hit Foreign Investment | WION

A US B-52 bomber issued a distress call while flying over the United Kingdom, prompting monitoring by aviation authorities.

Reports indicate the aircraft declared an emergency mid-flight, though officials have not disclosed the exact cause or extent of the issue.

The bomber was part of routine operations, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties following the incident.

US B-52 Bomber Issues Distress Call Over UK Airspace | WION

The United States is preparing a major troop deployment to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran intensifies, according to multiple reports.

Officials say between 3,000 and 4,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division could be sent to the region, adding to a broader military buildup.

The move would expand Washington’s military options, with troops capable of rapid deployment for potential operations, though no decision has been announced to send forces into Iran itself.

The deployment comes alongside additional US reinforcements, including Marines and naval assets already moving into the region.

US-Iran War | Report: US Plans Major Troop Deployment To Middle East Amid Iran War | WION

Residents across Kashmir have come together in a show of support for Iran amid the ongoing conflict, contributing cash, gold and household items.

Reports from Budgam and other districts say women donated gold jewellery and copper utensils, while children gave their savings and piggy banks.

The donation drives have seen participation across communities, with Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs contributing to the humanitarian effort, reflecting a broad grassroots response.

US-Iran War: Kashmir Rallies For Iran, Locals Donate Gold, Copper Utensils And Savings | WION

The United Arab Emirates says it foiled a fresh attack from Iran, intercepting 17 drones and five ballistic missiles on Tuesday.

Officials said the interceptions were carried out by air defence systems, preventing damage and casualties as regional tensions continue to escalate.

US-Iran War: UAE Foils Fresh Iranian Attack, Intercepts 17 Drones And 5 Missiles | WION

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that American fighter jets were downed in a “friendly fire” incident over Kuwait during the ongoing conflict.

US officials say three F-15E Strike Eagle jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences amid active combat conditions involving Iranian drones and missiles.

Reports indicate that US-made missiles were fired at the aircraft during the confusion, with all six crew members ejecting safely.


US-Iran War: Trump Admits Friendly Fire Downed US Jets In Kuwait | WION

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