India on heatwave alert: Temperature near 48°C: India battling severe heatwave conditions; Alert across the country till 28th May. india news

New Delhi: Large parts of the country remained in the grip of scorching heat on Friday, with temperatures touching 48 degrees Celsius in many areas, prompting authorities to issue health advisories. He warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat has increased concerns across the country. India Meteorological Department (imd) has warned that heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to continue over parts of northwest, central, eastern and peninsular India till May 28.Rising daytime temperatures and unusually warm nights have significantly increased heat stress levels, especially in densely populated urban centers and areas dependent on outside labour. Meteorologists have warned that the lack of cool nights at night is worsening the effects of the ongoing heat wave and increasing health risks for vulnerable groups.

IMD’s advice: Heat wave alert till May 28

According to IMD, heat wave conditions are expected to persist over large parts of northwest, central and eastern India for the next six to seven days. Severe heat conditions are likely to persist over eastern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Madhya Pradesh between May 22 and May 28.The weather department has also predicted heatwave conditions in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during the same period, with a possibility of severe heatwave between May 24 and May 27. Extreme heat is likely to continue over Rajasthan, with western Rajasthan likely to face severe heatwave conditions between May 24 and May 28.Many other areas including Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of the Himalayan states are also expected to see heat wave conditions on different days during the week.IMD warned of “hot night” conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha and Telangana. Conditions where temperatures remain abnormally high even after sunset are considered particularly dangerous because they prevent the body from recovering from the heat of the day.

Delhi-NCR: Scorching days, some relief ahead

Delhi is in the grip of extreme heat and temperatures in most parts of the national capital remain well above normal. Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3 degrees Celsius, while the temperature at the Ridge Observatory reached 44.4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the capital.The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for Delhi till May 28, warning that the temperature may rise further and reach 45 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Although the change in temporary wind patterns brought some relief in some areas, weather experts said the hot desert winds are likely to intensify again.Light rain or thundershowers may occur in isolated parts, but officials said this is not likely to bring any significant drop in the day temperature.

Uttar Pradesh: Banda was hottest in India with 47.6°C.

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of the most affected states amid the scorching heat. The highest temperature in the country was recorded at 47.6 degrees Celsius in Banda, while it was 46.6 degrees Celsius in Prayagraj and 45.6 degrees Celsius in Varanasi.IMD has issued a red alert for 10 districts of the state, warning of severe to very severe heat. Authorities in Banda took unusual measures to reduce people’s exposure to the scorching heat, including closing traffic signals during afternoon peak hours to reduce waiting times for commuters under direct sunlight.

Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana: Extreme heat increases

North-west India is in the grip of extreme heat as hot and dry winds blow across Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. The temperature in Haryana’s Rohtak was recorded at 45.3 degrees Celsius, while in some parts of Faridabad the temperature crossed 45 degrees.Temperatures in Gurgaon were recorded above 42 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to issue an orange alert from May 24 to May 27. Dry conditions and strong hot winds are expected to continue, with only light rain possible, weather officials said.

Madhya Pradesh and Central India: Continued critical situation

Central India, especially Madhya Pradesh, has been experiencing severe heat for a long time. According to IMD, East Madhya Pradesh will face severe heat wave during the forecast period.High night temperatures are complicating the situation, increasing heat stress and limiting respite from extreme daytime temperatures. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Eastern India: Increasing heat and humidity

Eastern states like Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal are facing a dangerous combination of heat and high humidity levels. Heat wave conditions are expected to persist in parts of Odisha and Jharkhand throughout the week.The IMD has also warned of hot night conditions in Odisha till May 26, which will increase the suffering and health risks of the people. Meteorologists said that due to increase in humidity levels, the heat is being felt more intensely, especially in the coastal and low-lying areas.

Peninsular India: Heat spreads in the south

The heat wave has increased in some parts of South India also. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Telangana are likely to witness heat wave conditions for several days in the coming week.In Vijayawada, civic authorities installed green shade nets at major intersections to provide respite to commuters and traffic personnel facing long exposure to sunlight during afternoon rush hours.

Himalayan states: unusual heat patterns

Even the Himalayan states, which usually remain cool during this time of the year, are seeing unusual heat patterns. The IMD has predicted isolated heatwave conditions over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, underscoring the widespread nature of the current heat event.

Why is this heatwave more dangerous?

Climate experts have linked the increasing intensity and duration of heat waves in India to climate change. According to studies, the duration of heatwaves in the country has increased by about 0.44 days per decade.Experts also said rising night temperatures and rising humidity levels have made recent heat waves significantly more dangerous. Unlike earlier heat events, where temperatures would drop after sunset, night temperatures are now rising steadily in many areas, reducing the time it takes for the human body to recover.The combination of extreme daytime heat, hot nights and humidity is increasing the risk for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, outdoor workers and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Authorities in several states have urged residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, stay hydrated and follow health advisories issued by local administrations.

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‘Just have to come and go viral’: Ravi Kishan breaks silence on his ‘work from home’ meme. hindi movie news

'Just come and go viral': Ravi Kishan breaks silence on his 'work from home' meme

In a recent conversation, Ravi Kishan told that he does not know why he goes viral on social media. The actor recently attended the trailer launch event of his upcoming film ‘Maa Behen’ with co-star Madhuri Dixit and Trupti Dimri in Mumbai. During this time, he also talked about his viral video in which, while advocating, he had mistakenly said ‘home from work’ instead of ‘work from home’. PM Narendra Modi‘s WFH campaign.

Ravi Kishan reacts to ‘work from home’ meme trend

Now, according to a report in IANS, when Ravi Kishan was asked about the virality of his Freudian slip, he told the media, “I swear by Mahadev; I don’t know why I go viral. I said ‘work from home’, said ‘early the late’. I was going to Parliament; had to do ‘work from home’; ‘home from work’ came out (I want to say from the bottom of my heart, I I swear to Mahadev, I don’t know why I’m going viral, recently, I said, ‘home from work’, and then a few months ago, I said, ‘early late’. I was going to Parliament. I said, ‘Home from work’; It was considered ‘work from home’).”He further said, “People look at me as if I have come from a different space. I am a man and I make mistakes just like you. Why do you guys make me viral, I don’t know. Why do people look at me as if I am not human? People look at me as if I have come from some other place. I am a man; I make mistakes just like you.” And I will continue to do so. So why do you guys make me viral)?During the same conversation at the event, he further shared, “Everyone asks me, people in my party also ask, even my seniors ask me ‘Aap karte kya hai?’ I don’t know, but this film is also going to go viral (everyone asks me; I won’t take names, even people in my party ask everywhere. All my seniors also ask me, ‘What do you do to go viral?’ I honestly don’t know. But this film is going to go viral).”The actor concluded his words by saying, “And I am too and I just have to come and go viral.”

How did Ravi Kishan go viral?

A few days ago, Ravi Kishan had gone viral after he accidentally said “work from home” instead of “work from home” while interacting with the media while discussing fuel-saving measures and public transport awareness. The slip of the tongue quickly turned into a meme fest on social media, with users comparing it to his first viral phrase, “earlier than later.”The actor-politician was explaining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for lower fuel consumption and remote working when he repeatedly used the phrase “work from home”.

More information about ‘Mother and Sister’

Directed by Suresh Triveni, the film stars Madhuri Dixit, Trupti Dimri, Ravi Kishan and Dharana Durga. The film is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on June 4, 2026.

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UK military air show Royal International Air Tattoo canceled amid Middle East conflict concerns world News

UK military air show Royal International Air Tattoo canceled amid Middle East conflict concerns

One of the world’s largest military air shows has been canceled after organizers cited uncertainty over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.The Royal International Air Tattoo, held annually at RAF Fairford, will not take place this year following discussions with the United States Air Force over access to the base.Organizers confirmed the cancellation after concerns over the situation in Iran and wider regional instability, the BBC reportsThe event, commonly known as RIAT, has been running for over 50 years and regularly attracts crowds of over 170,000 visitors.In a statement, organizers described the move as “not an easy decision” and said ticket holders would be given the option of a refund, transferring tickets to a 2027 event, or donating the cost to the RAF Charitable Trust.Gavin Gager, chief executive of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said the cancellation was a major disappointment for organizers and attendees.“It’s an unprecedented disappointment that I share with everyone who comes to RIAT because it’s an annual legacy to go there and make memories,” Ganger said, as quoted by the BBC.“Summer won’t be the same without it.”The air show was scheduled to run from 17 to 19 July.Organizers said ticket holders should allow time to set up systems regarding refunds, rollovers and donation options.RIAT operates as a not-for-profit programme, with proceeds supporting the RAF Charitable Trust.

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Centre, Ladakh representatives agree to form elected UT body. india news

Centre, Ladakh representatives agree to form elected UT body

New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough, representatives of the Center and Ladakh on Friday agreed to the creation of an elected body “with full legislative, executive and financial powers” at the UT level, besides having similar bodies in each of the seven districts.The two sides – who resumed talks after a gap of more than three months, also joined by environmentalist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was released in March after six months of detention under the NSA – reached an understanding on providing constitutional protection to Ladakh in matters like land, jobs and culture etc. under Article 371, which is applicable to states like Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram.A government official said, although this arrangement does not meet the central demands of Ladakh bodies like statehood, Sixth Schedule status and UT with legislature, it accommodates their essence and spirit. The proposed elected body at the UT level will have all UT bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary, reporting to its executive head. Additionally, constitutional safeguards are being provided to Ladakh, though not under the Sixth Schedule but under Articles 371 A, F and G – relating to protecting territorial customs, indigenous cultures and land rights and ensuring equitable economic development.A press note issued by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance after talks with Home Ministry representatives here said the Home Ministry has clarified that Ladakh cannot be granted statehood “for the time being” as it “currently lacks adequate revenue generation to meet the revenue expenditure such as salaries of employees.” However, it added that “this setup will lead Ladakh towards full statehood once it meets the revenue criteria”.

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The Ladakh civic bodies said the executive head of the UT-level elected body, who is “proposed to be made the Chief Minister”, will have control over all bureaucrats in the UT. Two autonomous councils in Ladakh will also give way to elected bodies “with full legislative powers” in all seven districts, a source said.Home Ministry to consult experts on Ladakh Union Territory body Government sources said there was a broad agreement on the creation of UT- and district-level bodies with full legislative powers, adding that their operational details, including structure, composition and legislative framework, would be decided by the MHA and Ladakh bodies in consultation with legal and constitutional experts. LAB and KDA have been agitating for a long time demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule status, constitutional protection and increased parliamentary representation for Ladakh.

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IPL 2026 | ‘It was fun’: 21-year-old Saqib Hussain reacts to Virat Kohli’s dismissal after SRH vs RCB match cricket news

IPL 2026 | 'It was fun': 21-year-old Saqib Hussain reacts to Virat Kohli's dismissal after SRH vs RCB match
Shakib Hussain vs RCB (ANI Photo)

New Delhi: Sunrisers Hyderabad had a memorable night after dismissing young fast bowler Saqib Hussain. Virat Kohli During SRH’s big IPL 2026 win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in Hyderabad. The 21-year-old Bihar player described Kohli’s wicket as a dream moment. He told the broadcasters after the game, “Maza toh aaya (It was a pleasure for me). Virat Kohli’s wicket was a dream wicket for me.”Shakib continued his impressive form by taking another wicket in his first IPL season, taking his tally of wickets to 15 in 10 matches. He has now managed to take at least one wicket in every game this season, becoming one of SRH’s biggest youth success stories.Sunrisers Hyderabad displayed another explosive batting display and scored a mammoth score of 255/4. Abhishek Sharma gave a great start to SRH by playing a quickfire inning of 56 runs in 22 balls and attacked Bhuvneshwar Kumar from the very beginning. Ishan Kishan added 79 runs in 44 balls with smart strokeplay, while Heinrich Klaasen scored 51 runs in just 24 balls and completely dominated Josh Hazlewood in one over.A late cameo from Nitish Reddy helped SRH cross the 250-run mark as the team hit a total of 20 fours and 16 sixes.RCB never looked capable of chasing such a big target. Virat Kohli could score only 15 runs, while Devdutt Padikkal also failed to make a big impact. Venkatesh Iyer provided some momentum early on, but chasing soon became unrealistic.Once RCB realized that victory was out of reach, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya focused on reaching the crucial figure of 166 runs required to finish in the top two. Patidar scored 56 while Krunal remained unbeaten on 41 as RCB finished on 200/4 despite the 55-run defeat.Despite the loss, RCB remained on top of the league standings, while SRH finished third with the same number of points.

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‘Patriot’ OTT release: Streaming date of Mammootty, Mohanlal’s film fixed; When and where to watch. malayalam movie news

'Patriot' OTT release: Streaming date of Mammootty, Mohanlal's film fixed; when and where to watch

Malayalam spy thriller ‘Patriot’ starring Mammootty and Mohanlal is finally gearing up for its OTT release after completing its theatrical run. The film had generated massive anticipation before its release, primarily because it reunited two of the biggest superstars of Malayalam cinema.After releasing in theatres, the political action thriller is now preparing for its digital premiere.

‘Patriot’ OTT release date

Streaming platform ZEE5 officially confirmed the OTT release through its Instagram handle. Sharing the announcement online, the platform wrote, “The much-awaited Malayalam espionage political thriller Patriot. Starring the legendary Big M in an intense battle of power, politics and secrets. Malayalam premiering on 5th June on ZEE5.”

Mammootty and Mohanlal’s reunion excites fans

The biggest highlight of ‘Patriot’ is the reunion of Mammootty and Mohanlal on the big screen.The two actors last appeared together in a full-length feature film in the 2008 blockbuster ‘Twenty 20’.Despite initial promotion and strong anticipation, ‘Patriot’ received a mixed response from audiences and critics following its theatrical release. While many viewers appreciated the performances, scale, and political backdrop, others felt the film could have been more engaging in certain parts.

Mammootty addresses mixed reactions

During promotional events held in Dubai, Mammootty responded to the mixed reactions to the film. The actor said that the audience is free to form their own opinion after watching the film.“The film has been released. There are different opinions on the film. Some liked it while some did not. Some said the first part was good, others were happy with the climax, but did not appreciate the beginning. We produced the film to entertain people. It’s good that everyone has an opinion on the film. According to Kerala Kaumudi report, Mammootty said, “The film addresses a serious issue that needs to be talked about.”

etimes review

The ETimes review of the film praised several aspects of the screenplay and character writing. Special mention was also given to the female characters and the way they were written with importance and individuality within the story.“When giants unite, expectations skyrocket. Although the film falters at a few places, it may satisfy a cinephile, but whether it will work as a whole for a fan remains a question.”

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YouTuber Danny Go’s son Isaac Coleman’s cause of death: 14-year-old’s battle with rare disease world News

Cause of death for YouTuber Danny Go's son Isaac Coleman: Inside the 14-year-old's battle with rare disease
YouTuber Danny Go, whose real name is Daniel Coleman, announced the death of his 14-year-old son Isaac Coleman on May 21, 2026. Isaac had Fanconi anemia, a rare genetic disorder, and was later diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2025. In an emotional tribute, Danny praised his son’s strength, joy and resilience during years of health struggles. Fans and fellow creators flooded social media with condolences and support for the bereaved family.

YouTube creator Daniel Coleman, better known by his channel name “Danny Go”, has been receiving many messages of love from his followers after sharing the tragic loss of his son, Isaac Coleman, who was only 14 years old. Danny Go has gained popularity among children around the world due to his lively songs and educational videos.This sad news sparked a very personal comment among Danny Go’s parent-followers youtube Channel. While their content has always focused on happiness, movement, and positivity, this week has brought an unimaginable loss behind the scenes.

Danny Go shares emotional tribute after Isaac Coleman’s death

Danny Go reveals that Isaac died on May 21, 2026. Along with childhood photos and memories, the YouTuber posted a heartfelt message reflecting on his son’s difficult but inspiring life.He wrote:“Oh, my sweet boy. There is so much I want to say, but I don’t yet know how. I miss you so much already, and the pain in my heart is greater than I can understand. But looking back at thousands of photos and videos this past week, I am also filled with tremendous pride. Your 14 years were filled with so many challenges, but you completed them all with such fortitude… and through it all you somehow retained your trademark happiness. You truly shine like no one else Was, Isaac!”The emotional tribute continued as Coleman expressed his gratitude for the years he spent with his son.“Remembering how loved you were and how full of life your time here was gives me great comfort. Being your father was the honor of a lifetime. I am so proud of you and I will always love you. Rest in peace, son.”Soon after the post went live, thousands of supporters flooded the comments section with messages of consolation and prayers for the bereaved family.

What was the condition of Danny Go’s son Isaac?

Isaac Coleman had Fanconi anemia, a rare hereditary disorder that affects the bone marrow and significantly increases the risk of developing serious diseases, including cancer. Danny Go has previously spoken publicly about his son’s health struggles, often with honesty and hope.In December 2025, the YouTuber shared that Isaac was diagnosed with oral cancer. At the time, he acknowledged that the news was painful, even though the family had long understood the risks associated with Fanconi anemia.Fans and fellow creators have praised Isaac’s strength and spirit. Many supporters described him as a bright light who kept smiling during years of medical battles. As online tributes continue to flow, Danny Go’s emotional message is a reminder of both a father’s grief and a son’s lasting impact.

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Supreme Court asked, why quota for children of affluent parents? india news

Supreme Court asked, why quota for children of affluent parents?

New Delhi: Supreme Court On Friday, questions were raised as to why children from economically and educationally advanced families of backward classes should be allowed to avail the benefits of reservation under the OBC category.“If both the parents are IAS officers, why should they get reservation? Along with education and economic empowerment, there is also social mobility. So demanding reservation for children, we will never be able to get out of it. This is a matter we have to be concerned about. Besides, then what is the point? You are giving reservation. The parents have studied, they are in good jobs, they are getting good income, and the children again want reservation. The Supreme Court said, look, they should come out of the reservation. Petition in SC: Citing no quota certificate creamy layer A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan indicated that children from affluent families should be kept out of the ambit of the OBC quota. It was hearing the plea of ​​a person who was selected for appointment as Assistant Engineer (Electrical) in the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation in the reserved category. The District Caste and Income Verification Committee refused to grant him a caste validity certificate after concluding that he fell in the creamy layer.

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Drishyam 3 Full Movie Collection: Second day box office collection of ‘Drishyam 3’: Mohanlal’s film slows down; Worldwide earnings reached Rs 76.18 crore. malayalam movie news

Second day box office collection of 'Drishyam 3': Mohanlal's film slows down; Worldwide earnings reach Rs 76.18 crore

Starring in the much awaited Malayalam thriller ‘Drishyam 3’ Mohanlal and directed by jeetu joseph There was a decline in the collection at the box office on the second day. Despite the decline, the film continues to perform strongly worldwide.

There is an expected decline in the second day’s collection.

According to Saknilak, ‘Drishyam 3’ made a net collection of Rs 11.05 crore in India on the second day. The film had earned a nett of Rs 15.85 crore on its opening day. This represents a 30.3 percent decline in collections on Friday.The film was shown in 4,886 shows on the second day compared to 5,506 shows on the first day. Total occupancy also declined from 51.3 percent on the opening day to 44.5 percent on the second day.With this, the total Bharat net collection of the film has now reached Rs 26.90 crore. In just two days, India’s gross collection has reached Rs 31.18 crore.

‘Drishyam 3’ continues to perform strongly in the overseas market

While the domestic figures saw a decline, the overseas market remained solid for the Mohanlal-starrer. ‘Drishyam 3’ reportedly earned Rs 20 crore overseas on its second day alone.With this the total foreign earning has reached Rs 45 crore. The worldwide gross collection of the film now stands at Rs 76.18 crore after just two days in theatres.

Kerala leads in occupancy numbers

The Malayalam version continued to dominate the box office across all editions. The film earned Rs 9.85 crore from the Malayalam version alone on the second day.Overall Malayalam occupancy remained strong at 61 percent. The night show recorded the highest occupancy of 68.33 percent, while the evening show recorded 64.92 percent.Tamil occupancy overall stood at 38.05 percent, while Telugu occupancy was recorded at 18.42 percent. Kannada occupancy remained low at 17.58 percent.Kerala also emerged as the top performing state with gross collections of Rs 8.85 crore on the second day. Karnataka stood second with Rs 1.50 crore, while Tamil Nadu contributed Rs 1 crore.

Mohanlal’s emotional theater journey wins hearts

The excitement about ‘Drishyam 3’ increased further after fans attended the screening of Mohanlal’s first show on the first day. Many videos from the theater quickly went viral on social media.An exclusive clip shows the actor getting emotional seeing the audience’s reaction inside a packed theatre.Following the overwhelming response, Mohanlal also shared an emotional note on Facebook thanking the audience for their support.“Drishyam 3 was made with immense love, passion and gratitude, and to see that love returned through your feedback is very moving. Your reviews, your words and the emotions you shared mean more to me than any number. Thank you for watching, for connecting, for feeling every moment and for treating Georgekutty and the family as your own. #Drishyam3.”Disclaimer: The box office numbers and data in this article are compiled from public and industry sources. Unless explicitly noted, all figures are approximate, representing a fair representation of the film’s box office performance. These totals may change as official studio data is updated or additional international market reports are finalized. This data is provided by us for informational and entertainment purposes only.

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UAE scared? Fearing chaos in the Gulf, Abu Dhabi joins Saudi, Qatar in urging Trump against new Iran war

UAE scared? Fearing chaos in the Gulf, Abu Dhabi joins Saudi, Qatar in urging Trump against new Iran war

The United Arab Emirates has joined Saudi Arabia and Qatar in urging US President Donald Trump to avoid resuming military action against Iran and instead give diplomacy a chance, according to people familiar with the matter.The outreach reflects growing concerns among Gulf states that renewed hostilities could spark new retaliation from Tehran and throw regional economies into turmoil. In separate conversations with Trump, the leaders of the three U.S. allies argued that military action would not achieve Washington’s long-term objectives with Iran, the people said.The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.The UAE’s position marks a notable change for a country that had taken a more hard-line stance toward Tehran after suffering extensive damage during the recent conflict. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar differ on what type of diplomatic arrangement the US should pursue with Iran and how much pressure Washington should place on Tehran, the sources said. However, all three Gulf countries are wary of a repeat of the conflict that began in late February and lasted until a ceasefire in early April.During the war, Iran and Tehran-backed militias in Iraq fired thousands of drones and missiles across the Gulf, killing scores of people and causing billions of dollars in damage to ports and energy infrastructure.“Gulf Arab states have seen their worst fears come true,” said Bloomberg Economics analyst Dina Esfandiari. “They were caught in the middle of the US-Iran war and have suffered significant losses. If the ceasefire cannot be translated into a permanent agreement, they now face the prospect of renewed conflict, threatening their image as stable regional havens.”Bloomberg News previously reported that the UAE had been frustrated by the reluctance of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to respond with collective force against Iran. Abu Dhabi reportedly launched limited strikes on Iran in coordination with the US and Israel, while Saudi Arabia took separate action.Iran and the US agreed to a ceasefire on April 8 and are currently exchanging messages through Pakistan on a possible peace deal. However, both sides have warned that they are prepared to resume hostilities if talks fail.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that “little progress” has been made in talks, while Iranian media also hinted at progress toward a possible deal. Pakistani army chief Asim Munir was expected to visit Iran the same day, which analysts saw as another sign that talks were moving forward.The UAE’s tensions with fellow Gulf countries escalated earlier this year when Abu Dhabi decided to leave the Saudi Arabia-led oil cartel OPEC. Relations within the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council have improved.“The UAE continues its close coordination and consultation with regional and international partners, as well as Gulf Cooperation Council member states,” the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement to Bloomberg.The same day, all GCC members except Oman reportedly sent a letter to a global shipping watchdog rejecting Iran’s efforts to permanently control maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran effectively closed the strategic waterway at the start of the conflict, disrupting exports of oil and natural gas from the Gulf countries.Despite military setbacks and the assassination of several senior commanders, Iran and its allies retain substantial offensive capabilities, analysts say. Concerns deepened after a drone attack on a UAE nuclear power plant on Sunday, which Abu Dhabi blamed on Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq.A day later, Trump said he had spoken to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and said he had persuaded them not to attack Iran again.Some Gulf leaders are unsure whether their appeals will ultimately sway Washington and fear Israel could still convince Trump to resume attacks on Iran, one source said.Israel, which has deepened defense cooperation with the UAE since the conflict began, continues to view Iran as an existential threat. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly indicated that further military strikes may be necessary to weaken Tehran’s capabilities.“There is a 50-50 chance that we will reach an agreement with Iran,” Anwar Gargash, a senior adviser to the UAE president, said on Friday. “My concern is that the Iranians have always over-negotiated. I hope they won’t do that this time because the region needs a political solution.” “A second round of military confrontation will only complicate things.”Trump now faces increasing pressure as the conflict continues to weigh on the US economy and global energy prices rise following the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Although he initially vowed to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile program and hinted at regime change, the war has reportedly cost Washington billions of dollars and is becoming increasingly unpopular domestically.Saudi Arabia is supporting Pakistan-led mediation efforts and believes any solution to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs should come through negotiations, according to people familiar with the discussions.Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are said to be in favor of maintaining pressure on Tehran through naval sanctions and ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial traffic.Qatar continues to support Pakistan-led mediation efforts, with the Qatari diplomat saying Doha consistently advocates de-escalation “for the sake of the region and its people”.In its statement to Bloomberg, the UAE Foreign Ministry reiterated that any future agreement must address Iran’s “full range of threats”, including its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, drones and “associated proxies and terrorist groups”.A Saudi Foreign Ministry official referred Bloomberg to comments by Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud earlier this week, in which he said the kingdom “highly appreciates” Trump’s decision to “give diplomacy a chance to reach an acceptable agreement to end the war.”

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