Iran is 'open' to talks on Strait of Hormuz, Iranian FM says - Middle East conflict on 15 March
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues ...
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly denied claims that the United States played any role in mediating the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, according to India's top diplomat.
During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, Modi clarified that the May ceasefire following a four-day military conflict was achieved solely through direct talks between Indian and Pakistani military officials, without any third-party involvement.
"At no point was there any discussion on U.S. mediation or India-U.S. trade during that period," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, emphasising Modi's message. Modi also reiterated India's long-standing position of rejecting external mediation in its disputes with Pakistan.
Trump had previously claimed that U.S. diplomatic efforts helped end the hostilities and encouraged both countries to focus on trade. However, Indian officials categorically refuted this, stating the ceasefire was initiated at Pakistan's request through established military communication channels.
Misri added that while a face-to-face meeting between Modi and Trump had been expected at the G7, it did not occur as Trump left the summit early due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The recent conflict, the most intense in years was triggered by an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants, a charge Islamabad denied. In response, India launched cross-border strikes on May 7 targeting what it called terrorist infrastructure, leading to four days of retaliatory military action by both sides involving jets, drones, missiles, and artillery.
Modi told Trump that India's Operation Sindoor, which includes ongoing strikes against cross-border militant infrastructure, remains active. Trump expressed support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Trump also asked if he could stop in the U.S. on Modi's return trip from Canada, but the Indian Prime Minister declined due to prior commitments. Modi instead invited Trump to visit India later this year for the Quad leaders' summit, an invitation Trump accepted.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in the latest push by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to build new global alliances.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of candidates almost exclusively fielded by the Communist Party, ensuring the party's continued overwhelming dominance.
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