Evening news wrap: Trump declares 5-day halt on Iran infra strikes, Tehran mocks him; Sensex slumps 1,800 points and more

• Donald Trump paused planned strikes on Iran for five days after “productive” talks.
• Iran claimed Trump “backed down,” while Brent crude fell sharply below $100.
• PM Modi said the Middle East war has created unprecedented challenges for India.
• A second suspected “zombie ship” was reported crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
• Indian markets crashed as oil surged and war fears deepened, with Rs 14 lakh crore wiped out.

Here are the top news of the day:

Trump says US-Iran talks ‘productive’, pauses strikes for five days

US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran held “very good and productive” talks over the past two days and announced a five-day pause on planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, signalling possible de-escalation. The move came after his 48-hour ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz. Read full story

Iran says Trump ‘backed down’ as brent crude slides on strike pause

Iran reacted sharply after US President Donald Trump paused planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, with Tehran’s mission in Kabul claiming he had “backed down” following Iran’s firm warning. The de-escalation signal hit oil markets hard, with Brent crude plunging below $100 and briefly touching around $96 a barrel. Follow live updates

PM Modi says Middle East war has created ‘unprecedented challenges’ for India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the ongoing Middle East war has created “unprecedented challenges” for India, citing its impact on the global economy, energy supplies and the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf. Addressing Parliament, PM Modi said nearly 1 crore Indians live in the region and over 3.75 lakh have returned home safely since the conflict began, including around 1,000 from Iran. Read full story

‘Zombie tanker’ mystery deepens as second suspected ghost ship crosses Hormuz

A second suspected “zombie ship” has reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz, with a vessel using the identity of Nabiin appeared to transit the chokepoint despite records showing the real tanker was scrapped in Bangladesh five years ago. The case follows a similar Jamal incident days earlier, pointing to unusual tactics by operators trying to move cargo through the war-hit strait. Read full story

Sensex slumps 1,800 points as oil shock triggers Rs 14 lakh crore market wipeout

Indian markets crashed as the escalating US-Iran war and surging crude prices sparked a broad selloff, with the Sensex plunging 1,837 points and the Nifty closing down 602 points. Investor sentiment was hit by Brent crude rising above $110, a record low rupee, persistent FII outflows and global risk aversion. Read full story
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