Calling for resumption of talks to resolve the ongoing conflict in West Asia, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that it would be "unrealistic" to conduct military operation to liberate the Strait of Hormuz. "There are those who advocate for the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz by force through a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States. It is unrealistic because it would take an inordinate amount of time and would expose anyone crossing the strait to coastal threats from the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards, who possess significant resources, as well as ballistic missiles, (and) a host of other risks," Euro News quoted Macron as saying during his State Visit to South Korea. "This can only be done in concert with Iran. So, first and foremost, there must be a ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations," he added. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has raised concerns over regional stability and global energy markets, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. Macron accused US President Donald Trump of creating confusion by repeatedly contradicting himself on the West Asian conflict. "You have to be serious. When you want to be serious, you don't say the opposite every day of what you said the day before. And perhaps you shouldn't talk every day." He also accused Trump of undermining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) by creating "daily doubt" about the US commitment to the alliance, Euro News reported. "If you create daily doubt about your commitment, you hollow it out," Macron said, adding that there is "too much talk ... going off in all directions." Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO, questioned its relevance in modern conflicts, and suggested the alliance may not support the United States in a major war. Speaking at a White House Easter lunch on Wednesday, Trump said recent military operations exposed deep weaknesses within the transatlantic alliance. “We’ve had some very bad allies in NATO,” he said, adding that the bloc had failed to step forward when asked. He described NATO as ineffective in real conflict situations. “They’re a paper tiger,” Trump said, asserting that the US did not need the alliance’s help during ongoing operations. Trump said he had reached out to multiple NATO members seeking support but received little commitment. “Many of them said, we’ll be there after the war is completed,” he said, criticising what he described as delayed and symbolic backing. The US President said that this response reinforced his concerns about NATO’s reliability. “NATO won’t be there if we ever have the big one,” he said, warning that the alliance may fail in a major global conflict. Trump also pointed to what he described as an imbalance in burden-sharing. He said the US had spent “trillions of dollars on NATO” while receiving little in return when support was sought. In his remarks, as per the video posted by the White House on its YouTube channel, Trump singled out key allies, including France and the UK, suggesting they were unwilling or slow to provide assistance. The video was later reportedly pulled out from YouTube by the White House. 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.
03 April,2026 10:39 AM IST | SeoulThe Chief of Staff of the US Army, General Randy George, has stepped down and retired with immediate effect after reportedly being asked to do so by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The sudden move highlights a broader leadership shake-up within the Pentagon, reported the IANS. A statement issued by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that General George would retire with immediate effect from his role as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, the news agency reported. The US Department of Defense expressed gratitude for his decades of service and wished him well in retirement. General George has been replaced on an interim basis by General Christopher LaNeve, who will serve as acting chief pending Senate confirmation of a permanent successor. George, who assumed the post in September 2023, had approximately 18 months remaining in what is typically a four-year tenure. Wider leadership changes reported The reshuffle extends beyond a single position. Reports indicate that two other Army generals, including senior officials overseeing training and chaplaincy roles, were also removed as part of the ongoing changes, according to the IANS. General George is the latest senior military leader to exit since Hegseth assumed office, signalling a broader reorganisation within the defence establishment. The development has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Eugene Vindman, who described George as a “tremendous public servant and soldier”. Vindman expressed concern over the decision, suggesting that experienced leadership was being sidelined, and criticised Pentagon leadership over the move. The leadership change comes amid wider tensions within the US military. Defence Secretary Hegseth recently drew attention after intervening in a case involving an Apache helicopter crew, lifting a suspension and stating publicly that no punishment or investigation would follow. Chief's role The position of Army Chief of Staff is one of the most senior uniformed roles in the United States, responsible for overseeing training, operational readiness, and overall functioning of the Army. Such high-level changes are typically subject to extensive consultation and Senate oversight, as per the IANS. The Pentagon has not disclosed specific reasons behind General George’s removal, and no immediate response has been issued on his behalf. (with IANS inputs)
03 April,2026 10:16 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentAt least eight civilians were reportedly been killed and 95 others were injured following US-Israeli strikes in Iran, according to state media, reported the ANI. The attack is said to have targeted the B1 bridge in Karaj, causing significant casualties in the surrounding area. Reports indicated that those affected included travellers, local villagers, and families who were outdoors observing Nature Day. The presence of civilians near the site at the time of the strike contributed to the high number of casualties. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran remains resolute in defending itself against what he described as American and Israeli aggression. He reiterated that the country would utilise all available capacities to respond to the ongoing conflict, the news agency reported. Talks with Azerbaijan During a telephone conversation with Ilham Aliyev, Pezeshkian said that Iran had been engaged in indirect negotiations with the United States when the strikes began. He also outlined the impact of the conflict, including damage to vital infrastructure, as well as reported strikes on schools and hospitals, according to the ANI. Aliyev expressed concern over the implications for regional security and stability, and voiced hope for a swift restoration of peace. The two leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation. Beyond the security situation, the two leaders also explored avenues to "boost Tehran-Baku cooperation in various fields." Diplomatic engagements continue Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held discussions with Maria Teresa Lazaro. Araghchi stated that Iran’s actions to restrict vessels linked to adversaries from passing through the Strait of Hormuz were in line with international law, as per the ANI. He added that such measures were intended to safeguard security in the strategic waterway and prevent further military escalation, while allowing safe passage for non-hostile vessels. Calls for peace amid rising death toll Lazaro conveyed condolences over the deaths of Iranian citizens and officials, including former leader Ali Khamenei, and called for an immediate end to the conflict. According to Iranian health officials cited by state media, more than 2,000 people, including women and children, have been killed since the conflict began over a month ago, the news agency reported. (with ANI inputs)
03 April,2026 09:53 AM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentKeralam’s ruling LDF has unveiled its Assembly election manifesto, promising a mix of welfare and development measures aimed at improving people’s lives across the state. The document was released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Its highlights include a commitment to eliminate absolute poverty in the state, a hike in welfare pensions to Rs 3000 per month, and efforts to boost healthcare and support systems at the local level. 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
03 April,2026 08:29 AM IST | Kozhikode | AgenciesA machine uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sort used clothes by composition at high speed, showing how AI could reduce the impact of synthetic textile waste. The Fastsort-Textile machine was one of Time magazine’s ‘Best Inventions of 2025’. “We can make use of textile waste and reduce the amount incinerated, which will be a great help to recycling resources,” DataBeyond CEO Mo Zhuoya 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
03 April,2026 08:25 AM IST | Beijing | AgenciesIran’s Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami has said that any ground offensive against the country would be met with decisive and lethal force, particularly referring to the possible ground invasion by the US and Israeli forces. Iran responded to US President Donald Trump’s remarks on Wednesday, warning that the conflict will persist till the US faces “permanent humiliation, regret, and surrender”. It said Washington was unaware of the its “vast strategic capabilities”. Iran fired more missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states on Thursday, with the US Embassy in Baghdad warning that Iran-aligned militia groups may be planning attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours. Trump on Wednesday said US forces will keep hitting Iran “very hard” in the next two or three weeks and bring the country “back to the Stone Ages”. He did not mention the possibility of sending US ground troops into Iran. Meanwhile, almost three dozen countries hosted by the UK were set to meet on Thursday in an effort to exert diplomatic and political pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. 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
03 April,2026 08:18 AM IST | Tehran | AgenciesPadma Viswanathan, a Canadian-American writer of Indian-origin, has made it to the 2026 International Booker Prize shortlist as the English translator of a Portuguese language novella. ‘On Earth As It Is Beneath’ by Brazilian author Ana Paula Maia, set in a remote Brazilian penal colony where the boundaries between justice and cruelty collapse, is among the six worldwide contenders for the coveted literary honour. 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
03 April,2026 08:12 AM IST | London | AgenciesThe 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 | APADVERTISEMENT
-1775192891306_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "French President Emmanuel Macron. File Pic")
-1775120186801_d.png "Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen head toward Launch Pad 39B. PIC/AP")
