LIVE | Trump announces 2-week ceasefire, says Iran agreed to open Hormuz

Indian Embassy in Tehran facilitated evacuation of over 1800 Indian nationals: MEA

India has stepped up evacuation and support efforts for its citizens in West Asia as tensions continue across the region, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a briefing, Additional Secretary Aseem R Mahajan said, " Our embassy in Tehran has so far facilitated the movement of 1862 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. This includes 935 Indian students and 472 Indian fishermen." He added, "The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the developments in the Gulf and West Asia region. Our efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of the large Indian community in the region."

Officials said coordination is ongoing with states and Union Territories, alongside round-the-clock embassy helplines. "Our missions and posts are operating round-the-clock helplines..." Mahajan said, while noting continued outreach to students, workers and crew.

US strikes Iran's Kharg island: Report

The US military has carried out strikes on targets on Kharg Island, according to a report by Axios citing an unidentified senior American official.

Details about the targets and extent of the operation were not immediately released. The reported strikes come amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with military activity increasing across the region in recent weeks.

Kharg Island is Iran’s primary oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf, handling a significant share of the country’s crude shipments. Any disruption to operations there could have implications for global energy supplies.

The development follows a series of confrontations linked to security concerns around key shipping routes, including the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Gunfight near Israeli consulate in Istanbul leaves one dead

A gunfight erupted outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, leaving one attacker dead, two in custody, and a police officer injured.

The assailants, reportedly armed with long-barrelled weapons, opened fire near the consulate building, prompting police to respond. Two attackers were killed in the exchange, while a third was captured. Authorities swiftly sealed off the surrounding area as security forces moved in, reported the Associated Press.

Turkey's Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said that an investigation was underway, though officials have not disclosed the attackers’ identities or motives.

The incident coincided with escalating tensions involving Donald Trump, who issued a deadline to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. In a post, he warned, "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah."

Iran has since proposed terms through diplomatic channels, though Washington has signalled they fall short.

Iran suspends rail services in Mashhad after Israel's warning

Rail services departing from Mashhad have been suspended with immediate effect after the city’s governor ordered a halt to all trains leaving the central railway station, according to Iranian media reports.

Mehr news agency said the cancellation of all scheduled departures is being treated as a precautionary measure and will remain in place “until further notice.” No further details were provided on how long the disruption may last or whether arriving services are affected.

The move follows warnings issued by Israel advising Iranian civilians to avoid railway infrastructure. Authorities have not publicly linked the suspension to any specific incident, and no additional security measures have been formally outlined.

The sudden halt to rail departures is likely to disrupt travel plans for passengers and may affect regional connectivity, as Mashhad serves as a key transit point in northeastern Iran.

Trump faces Iran strike deadline amid internal divide

US President Donald Trump is approaching a high-stakes deadline, weighing whether to follow through on threats to strike Iran’s infrastructure or allow more time for diplomacy. The decision, expected by 8 pm ET, comes as negotiations remain uncertain and tensions continue to build.

“If the president sees a deal is coming together, he'll probably hold off. But only he and he alone makes that decision,” a senior administration official said, while another defence official expressed doubt about any delay.

Trump has warned of attacks on bridges and power plants, raising fears of civilian harm and wider regional fallout. Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are working to avert escalation or secure additional time.

“The president is the most bloodthirsty, like a mad dog,” another US official said. “Those guys sound like the doves compared to the president.”

Despite ongoing talks, Trump has signalled the scale of potential action: “The entire country could be taken out in one night,” adding, “We don't want that to happen.”

Asian shares rise cautiously as oil surges on Iran tensions

Asian markets closed mostly higher Tuesday, though trading carried a cautious tone as oil prices kept climbing ahead of a US deadline tied to Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz. Japan’s Nikkei 225 was nearly flat at 53,429.56, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 jumped 1.7 per cent and South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.8 per cent. China’s Shanghai Composite added 0.3 per cent, with Hong Kong shut for a holiday.

Wall Street extended gains, with the S&P 500 up 0.4 per cent, the Dow Jones adding 165 points, and the Nasdaq rising 0.5 per cent, following its first weekly advance in six weeks.

Oil remained elevated, with US crude at USD114.82 and Brent at USD111.23, far above pre-war levels near USD70. Prices have swung sharply amid uncertainty over the conflict and supply disruptions.

The Mizuho Daily said Trump’s moves mark “an escalation cycle that has now been extended several times since his first ultimatum in late March,” adding “hopes of a complete resolution to the conflict remain elusive.”

Iran President says 14 million ready to die as US deadline looms

With a US deadline approaching, Iran’s president said Tuesday that millions of citizens have stepped forward, offering to give their lives as the conflict intensifies.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, posting on X, claimed that 14 million Iranians — including himself — had volunteered. His remarks came just before US President Donald Trump’s ultimatum, which threatens strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges if Tehran does not ease its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The number he cited is significantly higher than earlier figures circulated by state media, which had pointed to smaller volunteer counts gathered through text campaigns and official messaging. Iran’s population stands at roughly 90 million, and public anger toward the government remains, particularly after its crackdown on widespread protests in recent years.

“More than 14 million Iranian people have declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives in the (self-sacrificing) campaign,” Pezeshkian wrote. “I too have been, am, and will remain ready to give my life for Iran.”

Israel signals rail targets, warns Iranians to avoid trains

Israel’s military has issued a warning in Farsi urging Iranians to avoid rail travel, hinting at a possible expansion of targets as the five-week conflict deepens. In its message, it said their "presence on trains and near railway tracks" can "endanger" their lives.

"For your safety, we ask you to refrain from using trains or travelling by train throughout the country from now until 9:00 pm Iran time," the military wrote.

"Your presence on trains and near railway tracks puts your life in danger."

The advisory comes despite Iran’s ongoing internet restrictions, which have limited access to such alerts, though satellite channels continue to relay them. Fresh Israeli strikes were reported early Tuesday, followed by Iranian missile launches toward Israel and parts of the Gulf.

Tensions have intensified after Tehran rejected a US ceasefire offer, instead seeking a permanent end to hostilities. US President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric, saying, "The entire country can be taken out in one night."

Israeli military issues warning in Farsi to Iranians to avoid taking trains

Iran calls for human chains around power plants