Putin also said Russia "will do everything to bring peace to the Middle East as soon as possible". Photo: Telegram@Abbas Araghchi
Live: Putin backs Iran in talks with Araghchi, vows Middle East peace push
Putin praises Iran’s resilience in talks with Abbas Araghchi and says Russia will work to bring peace to the Middle East amid rising tensions
Here is the top, trending news of Monday, April 27, 2026, including Iran war, Indian politics, states' politics, geopolitics, federal issues, economics, development issues, sports, entertainment, and so on.
Read updates below.
Live Updates
- 27 April 2026 9:43 PM IST
Issue is under discussion with both Iran, US: MEA on Chabahar port
With the US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar port ending on April 26, India on Monday said the issue is "under discussion" with both Iran and the US, while adding that the "current conflict is also a complicating factor".
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this in response to a query related to the crucial Chabahar port, at an inter-ministerial briefing here on the West Asia situation.
He was asked about the status of the project, given that the sanction waiver granted to India by the US on it expired on Sunday.
"Your question regarding Chabahar and update as to where we are, this issue is under discussion with both Iran and the United States. Obviously, the current conflict is also a complicating factor. We will keep you posted as the situation evolves," Jaiswal said.
The Chabahar Port project was conceptualised to provide much-needed connectivity to Afghanistan for its reconstruction and economic development and for boosting trade and economic linkages with Central Asia.
- 27 April 2026 9:40 PM IST
Iranian Coast Guard fires warning shots at tanker; Indian crew safe
A Togo-flagged oil and chemical tanker was involved in an incident near Oman after warning shots were fired by Iranian authorities, though all 17 Indian crew on board were safe, India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Monday.
The vessel, MT CHIRON 7, was navigating near Shinas outer port limits in Oman on April 25 when it encountered ships intercepted by the Iranian Coast Guard, said Mandeep Singh Randhawa, a director at the ministry, said while briefing media on developments in West Asia.
"All Indian sailors are safe, and no Indian-flagged vessel has been affected," he said.
The vessel was near other ships when the Iranian Coast Guard intervened and fired warning shots.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is coordinating closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure the safety of seafarers and continuity of operations, he said. - 27 April 2026 9:38 PM IST
Bahrain strips 69 people of citizenship
Bahrain has revoked the citizenship rights of 60 people for praising Iran's "hostile and criminal acts".
Bahrain's interior ministry said the move also applied to the families of the accused individuals.
The ministry said it revoked citizenship rights “of those who expressed sympathy and praise for Iran's hostile and criminal acts”.
Bahrain is among several countries in the region that tightly controlled information about Iranian strikes during the war, arresting residents and foreigners who filmed them.
The Sunni-ruled monarchy, like Iran, has a majority Shiite population and saw pro-Iran demonstrations early in the conflict. Authorities arrested protesters and those who filmed demonstrations en masse, charging dozens with misusing social media, inciting hatred or treason, an offence that can carry the death penalty.
The country is also one of several in the Gulf with laws allowing courts to strip citizenship from people convicted of certain crimes, potentially rendering them stateless.
- 27 April 2026 7:30 PM IST
Putin voices support for Iran, calls for Middle East peace
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Iranian people are courageously fighting for their sovereignty and expressed hope the country will find peace after a difficult period, according to TASS.
He made the remarks during an ongoing meeting in Russia with Abbas Araghchi. Putin also said Russia "will do everything to bring peace to the Middle East as soon as possible".
The talks come at a time of heightened tension in the region, with Moscow signalling its intent to play a role in efforts aimed at stabilising the situation.
- 27 April 2026 5:58 PM IST
Pakistan says US-Iran engagement continues despite setback in direct talks
Work to bridge gaps between the United States and Iran has not halted despite the failure of face-to-face diplomacy, Pakistani sources told Reuters news agency. While Iran foreign minister visited Pakistan's Capital Islamabad twice over the weekend, the US cancelled its envoys' trip, saying they would hold talks “by phone.”
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for the second time on Sunday after visiting Oman, where he held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on security in the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic efforts to end the Iran-US conflict. Araghchi said that the trip to Pakistan was a good opportunity to review developments related to the US-Israeli war against Iran, expressing confidence that “these consultations and coordination between the two countries will be highly significant.”
- 27 April 2026 5:50 PM IST
Iran speaker Ghalibaf steps down as chief negotiator amid stalled US talks: Reports
As the peace talks between Iran and the United States remain stalled, several media reports have claimed that Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stepped down as chief negotiator from Tehran's side.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Iran International and Israel's Channel N12 have reported that Ghalibaf has stepped down from the role, and that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is now expected to take it on.
As per the report by Iran International, the former IRGC commander was allegedly reprimanded for including the nuclear dispute during the peace talks. Meanwhile, Israel's N12 reported that growing interference from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps triggered Ghalibaf to resign from the role.
Despite media reports, there is no confirmation from Iran's government or state media, which usually gets first access to any regime statements.
The speculation increased after the parliament speaker was not seen in Pakistan with the Iranian delegation during a meeting with Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
- 27 April 2026 5:47 PM IST
Ceasefire must precede Israel talks, says Lebanese President
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s office issued a statement on X, stating that a ceasefire with Israel was the “necessary first step” for negotiations on ending the conflict.
“We informed the American side conducting the efforts—appreciated—and from the very first moment, that a ceasefire is a necessary first step for any subsequent negotiations…” he said.
- 27 April 2026 5:24 PM IST
German Chancellor questions US strategy as Iran conflict deepens
Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has voiced growing unease about the trajectory of the conflict involving Iran, openly questioning the approach taken by the US and warning that Tehran may be proving more resilient than expected.
Speaking in western Germany on Monday, Merz said the situation lacks clarity and appears to be drifting. “At the moment, I don’t see what exit strategy the Americans are choosing,” he said, underscoring uncertainty in Berlin about how the conflict might conclude.
He paired that concern with a blunt assessment of Iran’s leadership. “An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards,” referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported India Today.
Merz suggested earlier assumptions about Iran’s position may have missed the mark. “Iranians are clearly stronger than one thought,” he said, adding they are “obviously negotiating very skillfully.”
He also highlighted risks around the Strait of Hormuz, warning it is “partially mined,” a development with immediate implications for oil flows and global trade.
Calling for de-escalation, Merz urged a rapid end to the conflict, noting the strain prolonged instability places on Europe’s economy, including Germany’s.
- 27 April 2026 3:28 PM IST
Karnataka BJP seeks ban on event backing Umar Khalid
The BJP in Karnataka on Monday urged Seemant Kumar Singh to withdraw permission for an event in Bengaluru linked to activist Umar Khalid. A delegation led by MP P C Mohan submitted a memorandum opposing the programme, which is expected to feature readings from Umar Khalid and His World on April 28, followed by a panel discussion.
Khalid remains in custody over allegations tied to the 2020 Delhi riots. In its petition, the BJP argued that hosting an event in his support could disturb public order, describing it as an endorsement of an individual facing serious charges under anti-terror laws. The party also pointed to reports of slogans and graffiti backing Khalid appearing in parts of the city.
Last week, the Supreme Court of India declined to review an earlier decision denying him bail, citing grounds to proceed with the case.
- 27 April 2026 3:26 PM IST
Body parts found in Nedumkandam during search for missing pair
Police on Monday uncovered human remains buried within the grounds of a house in Nedumkandam in Kerala while searching for an elderly woman and her son who had been reported missing, officials said.
The search began after a complaint was filed regarding the disappearance of Marykutty, 70, and her 48-year-old son Reji, residents of Thootuvakada in Kalkoonthal village. The report was lodged on Sunday by Marykutty’s daughter, Sini, prompting the police to open a missing-persons case.
Investigators said the two had not been seen since April 2. According to the First Information Report, another family member, Saji—who lived in the same house—had told relatives that Marykutty and Reji had left that day and never returned. Saji himself has been untraceable since Sunday.
As suspicions grew, officers searched the property on Monday morning and discovered body parts buried in what appeared to be a freshly dug pit within the compound.
K. M. Sabu Mathew, who visited the site, said there had been reports of disputes within the family. “We were alerted to ongoing conflicts. When we examined the premises, certain signs raised concern. We believe this may be a case of murder,” he told reporters.
Police plan to exhume the remains in full and proceed with forensic examination. Efforts are also underway to locate Saji, with his photograph circulated as part of the search.
