The Iranian military issued a strong worded response to comments made by US President Donald Trump, warning that the ongoing conflict will continue until the United States faces what it described as “permanent humiliation, regret, and surrender”, according to Iranian state media, reported the ANI. In a statement attributed to the spokesperson of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran dismissed US assertions that its military infrastructure had been significantly damaged, the news agency reported. The spokesperson claimed that Washington’s intelligence regarding Iran’s defence capabilities is “incomplete” and lacks an understanding of the country’s strategic strength. "You must pay for the aggression you started against our honourable, beloved, Muslim nation. This war will continue until you face permanent humiliation, regret, and surrender. Expect more crushing and devastating strikes from us in continuation of the severe blows you have already received," he stated, as quoted by Press TV. ‘Strategic capabilities remain intact’ The Iranian official insisted that key elements of the country’s military capacity—including missile production, long-range drones, air defence systems, and electronic warfare capabilities—remain operational, according to the ANI. He further stated that the sites reportedly targeted by US forces were not critical, adding that Iran’s primary military production facilities are located in undisclosed areas beyond the reach of its adversaries. Warning of continued retaliation Accusing the United States of initiating the conflict, the spokesperson warned of sustained retaliation. He stated that Iran would continue its offensive actions and that Washington should expect “crushing and devastating strikes” in response to what Tehran described as aggression, as per the ANI. Trump claims ‘decisive’ US gains The remarks came after Trump addressed the nation, praising the US military for delivering what he described as a “decisive” blow against Iran. He claimed that the campaign’s objectives were close to being achieved. The US leader asserted that Iran’s naval and air capabilities had been severely weakened, stating that its navy was effectively destroyed and its air force significantly degraded, reported the PTI. US says Iran’s capabilities ‘dramatically curtailed’ Trump further claimed that Iran’s ability to launch missiles and drones had been “dramatically curtailed”, adding that weapons factories and launch systems had largely been destroyed. He maintained that the United States was gaining the upper hand in the conflict. (with ANI inputs)
02 April,2026 03:37 PM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentThe US Embassy in Baghdad has issued an urgent security alert warning that Iran-aligned militia groups may be planning attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours. In a post on X, the embassy cautioned that such groups could carry out attacks targeting locations associated with the United States. The advisory raised concerns over the safety of American citizens and assets in Iraq. According to the alert, Iran and Iran-aligned militias have previously carried out widespread attacks against US-linked targets across Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The embassy stated that possible targets may include US citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic premises, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other locations perceived to have links with the United States, reported the PTI. It also highlighted the risk of kidnappings, noting that such groups have previously targeted Americans for abduction. Concerns over security environment The embassy warned that the Iraqi government has not been able to fully prevent attacks originating within its territory. It added that some militia members may pose as government personnel and carry identification suggesting official status. Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq – April 2, 2026Location: IraqIraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours. Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militias have conducted widespread attacks… — U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) April 2, 2026 Despite the heightened threat, the embassy continues to operate under an ordered departure status to assist US nationals, though it has strongly advised against visiting diplomatic facilities in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil, the news agency reported. Level 4 travel advisory reiterated According to the ANI, the US Department of State has reiterated its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iraq, urging American citizens to leave the country immediately if present. The advisory stressed that those choosing to remain in Iraq do so at significant personal risk. Officials confirmed that Iraqi airspace is currently closed, with commercial flights suspended. However, overland routes to neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye remain open, though travellers should expect delays, as per the ANI. Local ground transport services are still functioning, and US citizens have been urged to depart via available land routes. Journalist kidnapping raises alarm The warning comes amid reports of the abduction of Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad. The US Department of State confirmed it is investigating the case and coordinating with the FBI, the ANI reported. Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson said the individual had previously been warned about potential security risks in the region. (with ANI inputs)
02 April,2026 03:27 PM IST | Baghdad (Iraq) | mid-day online correspondentNASA astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission are carrying their personal iPhones into deep space for the first time, a shift in how the US space agency equips its crews for human spaceflight beyond Earth's orbit. The four-member crew Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen of the space agency lifted off aboard the Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, embarking on a historic 10-day journey to fly around the Moon and back. The decision to allow personal smartphones was announced earlier this year by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman as part of a broader push to modernise crew equipment and streamline mission documentation. The move allows astronauts to capture behind-the-scenes moments without relying on bulky, government-issued cameras. "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world," Isaacman wrote on X in February. He added that qualifying modern hardware for spaceflight on an expedited timeline would serve NASA well in future lunar and orbital missions. The devices will operate in Aeroplane mode throughout the deep space leg of the journey to prevent interference with spacecraft systems, effectively serving as high-end cameras. When the crew passes through the International Space Station, astronauts will be able to connect to the station's Wi-Fi to send photos and emails, though voice calls will not be possible. The Artemis II mission is humanity's first crewed flight to the vicinity of the Moon in more than half a decade. During the lunar flyby, the crew will capture live imagery of the Moon's surface, observe features not previously visible to human eyes, and witness a partial solar eclipse from their vantage point in deep space. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
02 April,2026 02:35 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSPresident Donald Trump on Wednesday night said US forces will 'finish the job' in Iran soon as 'core strategic objectives are nearing completion' during his prime-time address. Trump claimed significant progress had been made towards achieving his goals in the war with Iran, which are to destroy the country's missile production and Navy, ensure its proxies can no longer destabilise the region and guarantee Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. In his first address to the nation since the start of the Iran war, Trump says the military action is not for getting any of the country's vast resources, including oil, but instead to help America's allies. "We're now totally independent of the Middle East, and yet we are there to help," he said. "We don't have to be there. We don't need their oil. We don't need anything they have." But, he added, "we're there to help our allies." Trump also stressed that Americans have significant gas and oil reserves of their own, seeking to allay fears on rising gas prices in the wake of the global energy crisis sparked by the blockade of Strait of Hormuz. Arguing that the US has plenty of its own fuel stores because of his "drill baby, drill" attitude on domestic oil production, Trump said that the country produces more oil and gas than Saudi Arabia and Russia combined. Speaking in the Cross Hall at the White House, Trump that Operation Epic Fury's actions over the past month meant that Iran's "ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed, and their weapons factories and rocket launchers are being blown to pieces." Trump also said that the country's "navy is gone, their air force is in ruins," and the country's leaders, "are now dead." He also said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps "is being decimated as we speak." "In these past four weeks our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield," Trump said. Trump once again claimed "Iran has been essentially decimated" and that efforts by other nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz "should be easy," data from independent observers does not support this claim. The Republican president said Iran's various nuclear sites are under "intense satellite surveillance and control" by the US as both Israeli and American forces have targeted the areas repeatedly, first last June, and more recently in the last month. Despite saying that the joint strikes last summer had "obliterated" the Islamic Republic's nuclear program, Trump has made conflicting statements about the status of Tehran's activity in the last several months. "If we see them make a move, even a move for it, we will hit them with missiles very hard again," Trump said. The president also spoke of the decades-long history of tensions between the US and Iran, saying the dynamic should have "been handled" before his arrival at the White House. He was particularly critical of President Barack Obama's nuclear deal, reiterating his longstanding derision of that framework. "His Iran deal would have led to a colossal arsenal of massive nuclear weapons for Iran," Trump said. Iran long has insisted its nuclear program was peaceful. It had, however, been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Before the war, US intelligence agencies assessed that Iran had yet to begin a weapons program, but had "undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so." As part of his plea for patience from US voters, the president ticked through the timeline of American involvement in earlier conflicts. "World War I lasted one year, seven months and five days," he said. "World War II lasted for three years, eight months and 25 days." He added references to Korea, Vietnam and Iraq - noting Vietnam's nearly 20-year US commitment. Action in Iran has spanned 32 days by comparison, Trump said, and been "so powerful, so brilliant" that "one of the most powerful countries" is "really no longer a threat." A recent AP-NORC poll found that six out of 10 US adults said Trump's actions in Iran had gone too far. While thousands of additional US troops have been deployed to the Middle East this week, there was no mention of them - or the thousands more who have already begun arriving there. Trump also didn't talk directly about NATO, at whose members he has fumed over refusal to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier Wednesday, Trump said he was strongly considering pulling the United States out of NATO, ratcheting up his criticism of European leaders. The war has sent petroleum prices soaring as Iran has effectively shut the strait, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. On Wednesday night, Trump said Americans "don't need" the strait and that the countries who do "must grab it and cherish it." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 11:01 AM IST | Washington | APA social media post from over two years ago by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which he argued that American presidents should lack the authority to "unilaterally pull out of NATO," gained renewed attention. This resurgence followed President Trump's recent remarks suggesting he would re-evaluate the United States' role in the alliance once the ongoing hostilities with Iran conclude. In the December 2023 post on the social media platform X, Rubio, who was then serving as a senator from Florida, wrote, "No U.S. President should be able to withdraw from NATO without Senate approval." At that time, Rubio was highlighting the Senate's approval of a bill he had championed, designed to stop any commander-in-chief from exiting the historic alliance without the consent of Congress. The Florida politician presented the measure, which was integrated into the annual National Defense Authorization Act, as an essential mechanism for legislative oversight. "We must ensure we are protecting our national interests and protecting the security of our democratic allies," he stated in a separate briefing during that period. The 2023 post went viral on X this Wednesday after both the Secretary of State and Trump hinted that Washington might reconsider its NATO ties due to growing friction with European partners. By Wednesday afternoon, the message had garnered 2.3 million views. In response, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer weighed in on the platform, stating, "I can promise this: The Senate will not vote to leave NATO and abandon our allies just because Trump is upset they wouldn't go along with his reckless war of choice." Schumer further expressed his gratitude to Rubio for his 2023 legislation, which mandates a two-thirds Senate majority "to make sure clueless presidents couldn't act on a whim." During a televised appearance on Tuesday, Rubio revisited his earlier position, admitting he previously saw "great value" in the partnership as it permitted the US to "project power into different parts of the world" during threats to national security. However, he now contends that NATO is increasingly appearing as a "one-way street," citing the hesitation of several global leaders to support American military actions against Tehran. Nations such as Italy and Spain have reportedly denied the use of their facilities for US aircraft engaged in the conflict, while France and Spain have allegedly imposed airspace restrictions. Rubio questioned the utility of the alliance during an interview with Sean Hannity, asking why trillions of dollars and significant American forces are stationed in the region, "if we can only use them, we can, when in our time of need, we're not going to be allowed to use those bases?" The reluctance of European members to deploy naval vessels to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly exasperated Trump, who recently labelled NATO members as "cowards" and a "paper tiger." In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump remarked, "I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin knows that too, by the way." Despite the current tension, Rubio had previously told CBS News in 2024 that his 2023 legislation was not specifically aimed at Trump, expressing a belief that the president would not actually withdraw from the alliance. At the time, he suggested Trump would simply "demand that some NATO countries do more" in his own "unorthodox way." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 09:01 AM IST | Washington | ANIAn earthquake in Indonesian waters set off small tsunami waves Thursday morning, killing at least one person and damaging houses and buildings, officials said. The 7.4 magnitude earthquake was centred in the Molucca Sea at a depth of 35 km, the US Geological Survey said. Tsunami waves were recorded at several monitoring stations less than half-an-hour later, including in Bitung with a height of 8 inches and in West Halmahera with a height of a foot, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said waves of 2 inches were recorded in Davao in the southern Philippines, but there was no threat for more distant areas about three hours after the quake. Strong shaking lasting 10 to 20 seconds was felt in Bitung, a coastal city in North Sulawesi province, and surrounding areas, as well as in Ternate city in neighbouring North Maluku province, according to Indonesia's Disaster Management Agency. Initial assessments showed light to moderate damage in parts of Ternate, where local disaster officials reported that one church in the Batang Dua Island district was affected and two houses were damaged in South Ternate. In Bitung, damage assessments were still underway, the agency said. Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency reported a 70-year-old woman died in North Sulawesi's Minahasa district and another resident was injured. "At this stage, caution is still required, particularly for communities living along the coast," Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said in a statement. He urged residents not to return to beaches or coastal areas until authorities issue an official all-clear. At least two aftershocks were recorded following the main quake, both offshore. Officials said neither aftershock had tsunami potential, though they were felt in affected areas. "We had just woken up and suddenly the earthquake hit... we all ran out of the house," Bitung resident Marten Mandagi said. "The shaking was very strong," Mandagi said he had not seen any damage in his area. "We're still checking whether there is damage or not. But here we are safe, there are no casualties or destruction," he said. Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 280 million people, sits on major seismic faults and is frequently hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 08:59 AM IST | Jakarta | AgenciesIran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has called for a comprehensive nationwide drive to restore infrastructure and address the destruction caused by "unprovoked American-Zionist aggression," state broadcaster Press TV reported. The Leader's appeal was part of a broader message issued on Wednesday to mark Islamic Republic Day and National Nature Day. He stressed that national efforts must now focus on ensuring the country's continued prosperity in the wake of the recent conflict. According to Press TV, the Supreme Leader, who is the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noted that the recent external hostilities had not only impacted the population but had specifically "targeted its land and natural environment." He condemned the actions of the opposition, stating that at a time when the "vile and ruthless American and Zionist enemy knows no human, moral, or existential limits in its savagery," the nation must remain focused on internal growth. The Leader further observed that the enemy "has even attacked and damaged the natural and environmental spaces of our beloved homeland." Consequently, he asserted that "every effort aimed at expanding development and building Iran's bright future is both worthy and necessary." Reflecting on the resilience of the public, the Supreme Leader described the nation as having maintained a spirit of "steadfastness and dignity" throughout the recent spring commemorations. Press TV noted his remarks that the "heroic nation of Iran has intertwined this year's Nowruz with epic resolve and honour," despite the ongoing regional pressures. A significant portion of the address was dedicated to those who lost their lives during the hostilities that commenced on 28 February. As reported by Press TV, the Leader highlighted a specific strike on a girls' school in the southern city of Minab, which resulted in 186 fatalities. Referring to the young victims of the school attack, he stated that "the child-killing, monstrous American and Zionist fiends brutally martyred the young saplings of the school." In light of these events, he urged citizens in both urban and rural areas to participate in a coordinated tree-planting initiative. The Supreme Leader stated that the Iranian people are "planting the sapling of hope across its land" as a tribute to those lost in the "ongoing war." He expressed confidence that, through these efforts, "each of these saplings may, in the years ahead, grow into a blessed tree and a fruitful one," according to Press TV. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 08:53 AM IST | Tehran | ANIThe Dutch capital marked the 25th anniversary of the world’s first gay marriages with three same-sex couples tying the knot at City Hall early Wednesday. Same-sex weddings are commonplace now in the Netherlands. Since 2001, more than 36,000 same-sex couples have married, according to the country’s official statistics office. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 08:19 AM IST | Amsterdam | AgenciesIran hit an oil tanker off the coast of Qatar and Kuwait’s airport on Wednesday while airstrikes battered Tehran. US President Donald Trump has said he could walk away from the war once he felt confident Iran would not be able to build a nuclear weapon, even if Tehran does not agree to a ceasefire. That raised the possibility the US could withdraw without any guarantee from Iran that it would stop bombing its Gulf Arab neighbours or release its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the responsibility for keeping the route open should belong with countries that rely on it. “No reason for us to do this. Go get your own oil,” he said. On Wednesday, Iran responded saying, “The Strait of Hormuz will be opened; but not for you! For those who follow the new rules on Iran, hospitality is over,” head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 08:12 AM IST | Dubai | AgenciesBaidu’s robotaxi passengers were left stranded in the middle of fast-moving traffic in the Chinese city of Wuhan after their driverless vehicles stopped running on Wednesday. More than 100 robotaxis came to a halt because of a “system malfunction”. No injuries were reported. One passenger said after company staff didn’t show up, the SOS button was pushed. The car door opened, so the passengers got out. It is the first time a mass shutdown of robotaxis has been reported in China. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 08:11 AM IST | Beijing | AgenciesChina has pushed further into heavy unmanned aviation with the first flight of the Changying-8 (CY-8) — the world’s heaviest cargo drone. The CY-8 blends high payload capacity with short runway performance. The aircraft completed its first test flight on Tuesday in Zhengzhou, located in central China’s Henan province. It lifted off after a short ground run of 280 metres and stayed airborne for about 30 minutes, during which key onboard systems were tested. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 April,2026 08:09 AM IST | Beijing | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1775120186801_d.png "Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen head toward Launch Pad 39B. PIC/AP")
