The US-Iran conflict escalated sharply as President Trump declared the US the 'Guardian of Hormuz' and imposed a 20% toll on commercial cargo transiting the strait, framing it as reimbursement for security. Iran rejected the fee and struck US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, claiming destruction of Patriot systems. The day began with reports of US strikes on 140 Iranian targets and Iran's retaliatory attacks, followed by Trump's blockade announcement by early afternoon. Domestically, the Supreme Court intervened in the Ram temple donation theft case, seeking an SIT status report and issuing notices to the trust and UP government. The court also granted relief to 27 declared foreigners in Assam, mandating a fair citizenship process. The Bangkok pub fire that killed 27 and the repatriation of 15 Indians killed in a Vietnam boat accident received sustained coverage.