Trump extends pause on attacking Iran energy hubs; Govt cuts fuel tax amid Iran war; more

Amid escalating West Asia tensions, Donald Trump has extended a pause on attacks against Iran's energy infrastructure until April 6, claiming diplomatic talks are progressing. However, Tehran has dismissed Washington's 15-point proposal as unrealistic, though it remains open to diplomacy. Contradicting the pause, the White House and Pentagon are considering the deployment of at least 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East, where 50,000 are already stationed. Iran accuses the U.S. of using negotiations to mask a military buildup. The conflict intensified with the reported elimination of IRGC Navy commander Ali Reza Tansiri in Bandar Abbas. The war has triggered significant economic repercussions in India, prompting the government to slash excise duty on petrol and diesel to shield consumers from rising fuel prices. Prime Minister Modi is chairing meetings to assess national readiness as the Sensex stock index plunged, wiping out substantial investor wealth.