• Iran said it never refused Pakistan-mediated talks, even as a cement plant was hit in the US-Israeli strike.
• Raghav Chaddha counterattack later AAP like it was removed Rajya Sabha The deputy leader described the move as a “scripted campaign”.
• India denied reports of Iranian raw materials being sent to China over payment issues.
• PM Modi Accused Congress of making such comments on Iran conflict which could pose a threat to Indians living in Gulf countries.
• Trump is considering a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle following Pam Bondi’s ouster as pressure mounts over the fallout from the Iran war, rising fuel prices and poor polling numbers.

Here are the top stories of the day:

Iran says it never ruled out talks with Pakistan as attacks hit cement plant, gas cut in Iraq

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has never ruled out going to Pakistan for mediation talks, stressing that the main issue is to secure conditions for a “decisive and permanent” end to the “illegal war”. The comments came as a US-Israeli strike on a cement plant in southern Iran reportedly caused no casualties or disruption, while Iraq said gas supplies from Iran to its southern region had been completely cut off, escalating regional tensions. Follow live updates

Raghav Chadha uses ‘Dhurandhar’ line while refuting AAP’s allegations after demotion in Rajya Sabha

Raghav Chadha hit back at AAP after he was removed from the post of deputy leader of the party in Rajya Sabha, using a popular line from Dhurandhar to signal defiance. Concluding his video statement with “I am injured, therefore I am lethal”, Chadha called the allegations against him a “scripted campaign” and a “coordinated attack”. Read the full story

The Petroleum Ministry rejected reports that Iranian crude destined for India was diverted to China due to payment problems, calling the claims “factually incorrect”. In a post on Twitter, the ministry said Indian refiners have already secured crude oil requirements for the coming months, including from Iran, and stressed that there is “no payment barrier” for such imports. Read the full story

PM Modi says Congress’ comments on Iran crisis could put Indians in danger in the Gulf

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of making irresponsible comments on the US-Iran conflict, which could pose a threat to Indians living in Gulf countries. Addressing a rally in Thiruvalla, Kerala, PM Modi said that the opposition is trying to provoke Middle Eastern countries and spread panic for political gains. Read the full story

donald trump Possibility of large-scale changes in the cabinet as the impact of war in Iran deepens: Report

US President Donald Trump is considering a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle after firing Attorney General Pam Bondi due to growing political pressure over the Iran war, Reuters reports. Rising fuel prices, falling approval ratings and Republican nervousness ahead of the midterms have reportedly sparked discussions inside the White House over replacing more senior officials. Read the full story