The United States military has reportedly drawn up an extraordinary wartime contingency plan at the request of Donald Trump which involves a high-risk operation to seize Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The move could mark one of the most ambitious and unprecedented military missions in modern history, according to a Washington Post report, which cited two people familiar with the matter.The proposal involves securing nearly 1,000 pounds of radioactive material from within Iran. The plan is not a conventional strike, it would require a large-scale, ground-intensive operation deep inside hostile territory, according to a report. Military planners have outlined a complex logistical sequence. US forces would need to enter Iran, transport excavation equipment, and construct a temporary runway capable of handling heavy cargo aircraft. These aircraft would then be used to extract the uranium from the site. The operation could involve hundreds or even thousands of troops and unfold over several weeks, significantly increasing exposure to Iranian defenses.The report comes as Trump in his recent Iran address said that the war would end very soon and repeated that US would continue the oparation for next two to three weeks.US officials recently offered Iran a 15-point framework aimed at ending the conflict, which reportedly included a demand that Tehran surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, material Donald Trump has referred to as “nuclear dust.”Iran declined the proposal, though in talks shortly before the war began, it had indicated a willingness to reduce the enrichment level of its uranium rather than give it up entirely.US officials recently offered Iran a 15-point framework aimed at ending the conflict, which reportedly included a demand that Tehran surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, material Donald Trump has referred to as “nuclear dust.”Iran declined the proposal, though in talks shortly before the war began, it had indicated a willingness to reduce the enrichment level of its uranium rather than give it up entirely.

Chennai: The state highways department has initiated the long-pending widening of Sardar Patel Road to a length of 2.5km from Taluk Office Road junction to Madhya Kailash. The works worth 45 crores, which began recently and is going on in full-swing, will be finished by May.The project has gathered pace over the past two weeks, with land acquisition carried out from Anna University to facilitate the expansion of the four-lane stretch into six-lane. In multiple parts next to IIT Madras, Kotturpuram junction and beyond, the highway has already claimed the land, expanded the stretch with sand and is yet to relay the road. The expansion will decongest Kotturpuram junction making it signal-free. The sixth and left-most lane will facilitate a free-left for vehicles from Guindy to Kotturpuram, beneath the IIT Madras flyover, while vehicles from Kotturpuram heading to Guindy will take a left on Sardar Patel Road, and take a U-turn beneath the Madhya Kailash L-flyover, while the vehicles from Adyar and OMR heading straight to Guindy on the Sardar Patel Road will have a thoroughfare and vehicles will have a free-right to Kotturpuram.An official said 100 workers are currently engaged at the site, and that the underground utilities, including EB cables, have already been shifted.D Balaji of Kasturba Nagar residents welfare association in Adyar said a two-way flyover at Madhya Kailash would have further eased traffic. Adyar zonal chairman R Durairaj said congestion has eased on one side, but traffic snarls persist during peak hours as the road remains narrow. “The six-lane road would solve the problem, and enhance motorist safety, reduce accidents, and benefit commuters travelling to the airport, as well as employees and residents who use the stretch regularly,” he said.

In a moment that marks the end of a quietly remarkable international career, Rassie van der Dussen has officially announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. The South African batter confirmed the news on April 2 through a heartfelt social media post, reflecting on a journey defined by resilience, consistency, and pride in representing his country.

A fine career of Rassie van der Dussen

Van der Dussen’s international career began relatively late compared to many of his contemporaries, making his debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe on October 9, 2018. Despite the delayed start, he quickly established himself as a dependable presence in South Africa’s batting lineup across formats.

Over the years, he represented the Proteas in 57 T20Is, 71 ODIs, and 18 Test matches. Known for his composure under pressure and ability to anchor innings, Van der Dussen often played the role of a stabilizer in challenging situations. His adaptability allowed him to transition smoothly between formats, making him a valuable asset to the team during his peak years.

His final international appearance came in a T20I against Australia on August 16, 2025, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly seven years at the highest level.

Contract uncertainty and the road ahead

Van der Dussen’s retirement comes after a period of uncertainty regarding his place in the national setup. Having been on a hybrid central contract with Cricket South Africa, he was not retained for the 2026–27 season. Additionally, he had not featured for the national team in the past seven months, signaling a transition phase in his career.

However, the 35-year-old has made it clear that his journey in cricket is far from over. He will continue to play domestic cricket for the Lions and remain active in franchise leagues around the world. More importantly, he has expressed a strong desire to give back to the game by mentoring and guiding the next generation of South African cricketers.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Connor Esterhuizen’s blazing innings powers South Africa to series-clinching win against New Zealand in 5th T20I

Standout moments for the Proteas star

Among his standout performances, van der Dussen’s brilliant century against New Zealand during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 remains one of the defining highlights of his career. His knock of 133 showcased not only his technical ability but also his temperament on the global stage.

That innings was a testament to his evolution as a cricketer — from a steady contributor to a player capable of delivering match-defining performances when it mattered most. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for being one of South Africa’s most reliable middle-order batters in white-ball cricket.

In his emotional farewell message, van der Dussen spoke about the pride and honor of representing South Africa on the international stage.

“It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket. To wear the Proteas jersey is a feat that demands resilience and dedication,” Van der Dussen wrote in an official statement.

He also left a message for fans and aspiring cricketers, encouraging them to dream big and give their all in pursuit of success. He wrote: “People of South Africa and the fans, dream big and give absolutely everything you have to achieve your dreams. I love South Africa, and I love cricket.”

💚🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/htGZnfLqPR

— Rassie van der Dussen (@Rassie72) April 2, 2026

Also READ: Amelia Kerr’s 179 powers New Zealand to series-leveling win over South Africa in 2nd Women’s ODI

Lucknow Super Giants’ Mohsin Khan celebrates the wicket of Delhi Capitals’ Nitish Rana during their Indian Premier League 2026 match at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, in Lucknow on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: For Badruddin Siddiqui, Wednesday evening was special. Two of his wards, whom he has trained since their early teens, were bowling in tandem for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.Shami struck with his first ball, removing KL Rahul. Mohsin bowled a wicket maiden, dismissing Nitish Rana, and had player of the match Sameer Rizvi, his Uttar Pradesh teammate, searching for runs. In his first three overs, Mohsin gave away six runs, and Rizvi managed only two off the ten balls he faced. Tristan Stubbs managed four runs off six balls against the left-arm quick.

Mohsin was all over Rizvi and Stubbs, but for Badruddin, it was not his bowling that impressed him the most. On the fifth ball of the 12th over, the 27-year-old made a full-stretched dive to save two runs at third man. Mohsin’s effort forced Badruddin to jump out of his couch.“Ab dar khatam ho chuka hai (He is not afraid anymore),” Badruddin tells TimesofIndia.com.“If a fast bowler whose career has been marred by injuries is diving in the field, it means just one thing. He is supremely fit,” he explains.

It is his fault. He is a gifted athlete. But nowadays youngsters have this fascination with the gym and posting videos on social media.

Badruddin Siddiqui | Coach

After bursting onto the scene in IPL 2022, where he picked up 14 wickets in 10 matches with an impressive economy rate of 5.96, he was close to an India call-up but suffered a serious shoulder injury and did not play any competitive cricket for a whole year. He was not fit for the first half of IPL 2023, but made an excellent comeback, defending 11 runs in the last over against Mumbai Indians.In the last four years, he has had a career-threatening shoulder injury, a groin injury, and the worst phase came when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee on December 31 while playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Lucknow Super Giants’ Mohsin Khan bowls during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 cricket match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)(

“Injuries become part and parcel of any fast bowler. But Mohsin has been a bit unfortunate,” says Badruddin.Luckily, in all these frustrating years, he has had Mohammad Shami on his side. Mohsin stays at Shami’s farmhouse in Alinagar.“Shami has helped him a lot, right from the start. It was during the lockdown that he started living and training with Shami at his farmhouse. The results were there for everyone to see in IPL 2022,” says Badruddin.

A fast bowler should train on the ground. If you want to bowl at 140 kph, you have to grind on the field. Gym se bowling improve nahi hoti (Your bowling will not improve in the gym)

Badruddin Siddiqui | Coach

Badruddin blames Mohsin’s lifestyle for his downfall and his injuries.“It is his fault. He is a gifted athlete. But nowadays youngsters have this fascination with the gym and posting videos on social media,” he says.Badruddin shares a conversation that took place after the IPL last year between Shami and Mohsin.

Lucknow: Lucknow Super Giants player Mohsin Khan injured during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 T20 cricket match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, in Lucknow. (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan)(

“We were having tea at Shami’s farmhouse, and Mohsin was just coming out of the gym. I remember Shami’s words, ‘Mohsin miyaan, gym se body ban jayegi, bowling nahi‘ (Gym can shape your body, not your bowling),” laughs Badruddin.The stern remark from Shami left Mohsin shocked. “His jaw dropped,” recollects Badruddin.“A fast bowler should train on the ground. If you want to bowl at 140 kph, you have to grind on the field. Gym se bowling improve nahi hoti (Your bowling will not improve in the gym),” he says.Mohsin stands six feet three inches tall, and Badruddin feels his hard lengths hurry batters more than Shami.

Mohsin miyaan, gym se body ban jayegi, bowling nahi (Gym can shape your body, not your bowling).

Mohammd Shami to Mohsin Khan

“Mohsin is tall and his ball climbs onto a batter quicker than Shami. You tell me how many left-arm quicks can swing the ball both ways at 140 kmph and generate such a steep bounce. No one in India at present,” he praises his ward.What Mohsin has done in the past twelve months is go back to the basics. He runs, he bowls, and trains tirelessly, with Shami shouting from behind, “India khelna hai ya nahi (Do you want to play for India or not).”“In these months, he has also realised the importance of fitness. He is 27 and at best he can play five to six more years, but if he improves his fitness, he can extend that by two more years,” he says.

Chennai: Lucknow Super Giants’ Mohsin Khan during a practice session ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 T20 cricket match against Chennai Super Kings’, at MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar)(

Mohsin has not only changed his lifestyle under Shami in these months, but he has also worked on his bowling.“He has worked on his wrist position. He has added a few more steps to his run-up. It has helped him gain more rhythm,” he says.

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But for Badruddin, in Mohsin’s return to competitive cricket in almost two years, the most satisfying part remained his fielding.“Aaj tak usne dive nahi maari life mein (He had never dived in his life). The good thing is he is not afraid anymore,” he says.