Global diplomacy has reached a critical impasse: at the UN Security Council, Russia and China have vetoed a resolution aimed at reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The vote took place just hours before the expiration of Donald Trump’s ultimatum, pushing the region closer to a large-scale energy and military catastrophe.

Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of prolonged torrential rains. Since late March, the region has been at the epicenter of a natural disaster that is turning homes into ruins and claiming dozens of lives. Authorities warn that the worst may still be to come.

On the Greek island of Crete and in Antalya, Turkey, the sky suddenly took on an unusual red-orange hue. The cause was a Saharan dust cloud carried by the powerful cyclone “Erminio” and lifted by strong North African winds.

Heavy strikes on Beirut, rising casualties, and Israel’s statements about occupying southern Lebanon signal a sharp escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah.

Today marks 97 years since the tragic events of March 30 – April 2, 1918, when tens of thousands of Azerbaijanis were brutally killed in Baku and other regions. In memory of the victims, the Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis is observed annually, accompanied by events and ceremonies around the world.

Astronomers have recorded a powerful X1.4-class solar flare — the first in two months. Part of the plasma cloud is directed toward Earth, which could have effects on technology and the environment.

Iran says it has mobilized more than one million people in preparation for a possible U.S. ground invasion, as tensions rise following Western media reports of a potential military operation and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.

US First Lady Melania Trump attended the “Shaping the Future Together” global coalition summit accompanied by the humanoid robot Figure Three, highlighting the United States’ focus on artificial intelligence technologies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concern that the United States might finalize a deal with Iran without considering Israel’s interests. Sources indicate that the agreement could include significant US concessions limiting Israel’s ability to strike Iranian territory.

The “America First” doctrine is facing a serious test as U.S. military actions in the Middle East spark divisions even among Donald Trump’s supporters. The conflict with Iran could become a turning point in his second term.

The Iranian Defense Council announced new security protocols for international shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. According to the document, the right to safely pass through this crucial oil artery now directly depends on coordination with Iranian authorities.

The administration of Donald Trump is considering deploying additional troops to the Middle East as part of a potential escalation against Iran, according to Reuters.

U.S. President Donald Trump made a series of striking statements on the Middle East, Iran’s nuclear threat, and global security, expressing confidence that the ongoing conflict will end soon.

The Israeli army has launched a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon to strengthen the forward defense line and neutralize threats from Hezbollah, said the Arabic-speaking military spokesperson Avihai Adrai.

The US administration has depleted critical ammunition stocks, intended to last years, in just the first 100 hours of military operations in Iran. A total of 168 Tomahawk missiles were used, according to the Financial Times.

Thousands of people across Iran took part in annual marches marking International Al-Quds Day, expressing solidarity with Palestinians. The demonstrations took place amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

US President Donald Trump declared that his country has achieved victory over Iran, but the military operation will continue to “finish what we started,” Reuters reports.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Tuesday could become the most extensive day of military strikes on Iran, noting that the operation will involve an increased number of combat aircraft and bombing missions.

A proposal to seize a strategic Iranian oil island has been voiced in the United States. According to a U.S. political figure, such a move could effectively paralyze Iran’s economy and drastically reduce its oil revenues.

A drone launched from Iranian territory struck the terminal of Nakhchivan Airport in Azerbaijan, injuring two people and prompting Baku to demand explanations from Tehran.