US-Iran Relations: Conflicting Claims on Talks Amid Escalating Conflict
Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s assertion that productive talks had taken place, stating there have been no negotiations since the United States began bombing the country 24 days ago. Trump claimed that over the past day, the two sides had reached “major points of agreement,” a statement Tehran firmly denied.
On Saturday, Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s power stations and energy infrastructure within 48 hours unless Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with threats of retaliation against infrastructure across the Middle East. However, on Monday, Trump extended his deadline by five days, signaling a potential shift in approach as tensions remained high.
Shortly after Trump’s extension, Israel launched a new series of strikes on Tehran. The Israel Defense Forces informed that energy infrastructure would be spared, suggesting Israel may be aligning with Washington’s apparent pause on targeting these sites. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported launching fresh attacks on targets within Israel.
The question remains whether direct talks are occurring. A European official indicated that while no direct negotiations between the US and Iran have taken place, countries including Egypt, Pakistan, and Gulf states have been relaying messages between the parties. A Pakistani official and a second source told that meetings involving Trump, JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner with Iranian officials were anticipated.
Regarding casualties, at least 1,500 people have been killed in Iran during the conflict, with some rights groups reporting figures as high as 3,230 as of 21 March.
Global Impact: Fuel Price Surges from India to Wales
Fuel prices continue to surge worldwide, affecting countries from India to Wales and impacting economies and daily life.
Senate Confirms Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary
The US Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the head of the Department of Homeland Security on Monday, replacing Kristi Noem. Mullin is expected to lead the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
The Republican-controlled Senate approved Mullin largely along party lines, with a 54-45 vote. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only Republican to oppose the nomination, while Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico were the only Democrats to support him.
Public opinion on the Trump administration’s immigration policies remains divided, with some groups advocating for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
TSA Lines Extend as ICE Agents Deployed to US Airports
On Monday, ICE agents were deployed to multiple US airports amid chaotic scenes and long Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines. Many TSA screening agents have refused to report to work due to the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
ICE agents were reportedly present in a dozen cities. President Trump stated that these agents could assist in managing the lines, although a reporter at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta observed little immediate effect from their presence.
ICE operates under DHS but has separate funding streams established by last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which has allowed its operations to continue despite the partial shutdown.
Other News Highlights
A safety watchdog reported a dramatic increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material online in 2025, noting offenders are manipulating technology to create realistic content.
A Canadian flight attendant survived being ejected more than 100 metres from a plane that crashed at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night. Her family described her survival as miraculous.
Bill Cosby was found guilty of sexual assault and ordered to pay $59.25 million in damages to Donna Motsinger, who had accused him of assault.
Health Study: Extra 11 Minutes of Sleep Lowers Heart Attack Risk
A recent study found that small behavioral changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks. These include getting an additional 11 minutes of sleep each night, briskly walking an extra 4.5 minutes daily, and consuming an additional quarter cup of vegetables each day.
Researchers identified eight to nine hours of sleep per night as optimal for heart health.
Culture Feature: Colm Tóibín’s The News from Dublin Explores Displacement
Colm Tóibín’s new story collection, The News from Dublin, despite its title suggesting familiarity, instead explores themes of displacement. The stories traverse locations such as Spain, San Francisco, and Argentina, connected by experiences of separation and loss.
The collection “takes devastating raw materials,” including death and indefinite separation,
“and presents them lightly, obliquely, allowing his readers to absorb the breadth of their implications before becoming overwhelmed.”
Investigation: Illegal Kidney Trade Exploits Pakistan’s Brick Kiln Workers
Up to 5 million people work in Pakistan’s brick kilns, with the vast majority believed to be trapped in debt bondage. Workers often resort to selling kidneys in desperate attempts to repay debts and free their children, a practice described as widespread.
One worker stated,
“The whole country is doing it.”
Climate Update: US West Heatwave Threatens Wildfire Season and Water Supplies
A record-breaking heatwave in the US West has raised concerns about an intensified wildfire season and strained water resources in the coming months. Some areas have experienced temperatures up to 40°F above normal, posing significant risks to ecosystems and infrastructure unprepared for such extremes.
Last Thing: Australians Gather to Share 1,600 Cakes at Cake Picnic
Hundreds of Australians gathered to sample as many cakes as possible at the Cake Picnic, an event created in San Francisco in 2024 by baking enthusiast Elisa Sunga to unite people through a shared love of dessert. The event’s sole rule is simple: no cake, no entry.
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