Trump hints at lifting Hormuz naval blockade, Iran says US President ‘misleading’ on peace deal

In a major push to materialise a peace deal in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump on Friday signalled that he may lift the naval blockade preventing vessels from reaching Iranian ports. He also released a list of conditions that Iran must meet in order to move forward with a peace agreement.

Vance says US, Iran ‘very close’ on deal, but Trump’s approval awaited

The United States (US) and Iran are “very close” on sealing a deal to end the over two-month long conflict in the Middle East, but the two sides need to work on several points before an agreement is finalised, American Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday (local time).

Iran says American aircraft shot down in Bushehr province, US rejects claim

Iran on Friday claimed that its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed a “hostile” United States aircraft in the Jam region of Bushehr province. According to Iranian state television, citing Jam County governor Masoud Tangestani, claimed that the aircraft was brought down in the area of Bushehr province.

Israeli and Russian forces added to UN blacklist for the first time: Know the reason

In a significant and controversial development, this year’s annual United Nations (UN) review on sexual violence in conflict zones has, for the first time, included the armed and security forces of Israel for their alleged treatment of Palestinian detainees. However, Israel has strongly rejected the charges. The comprehensive 35-page assessment, shared by Israel’s mission to the UN ahead of its official release, names 77 state and non-state actors across twelve countries that are suspected of committing or enabling sexual violence amid conflicts. The report further notes a major spike in such cases in 2025 compared to 2024.

Netanyahu directs Israeli military to expand control over Gaza, says IDF to take 70% territory

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said he has asked the country’s military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip, stating that the objective is to take over 70 per cent of the territory, CNN reported. As reported by CNN, Netanyahu commented during an interview at a conference in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli Prime Minister stated that Israel is “tightening” its grip on Hamas and is currently controlling around 60 per cent of Gaza.

US, Iran near deal? Tehran on board for nuclear talks, ceasefire extension; Trump’s approval awaited

The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary understanding to extend the ceasefire in their three-month conflict by another 60 days while beginning negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.  According to a US official familiar with the discussions, cited by AP, the proposed agreement still requires approval from President Donald Trump before it can be finalised. 

NSA Doval seeks global action against terrorism at Russia security forum: ‘Avoid double standard’

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has urged firm and united global action against terrorism, saying there should be no “double standards” in dealing with the threat. He made the remarks while speaking at an international security forum in Moscow, according to the Indian Embassy in Russia.

US-Iran ceasefire stands rattled as Tehran, Washington trade strikes, Middle East on edge

The United States carried out strikes in southern Iran on Thursday, prompting retaliation from Tehran against a US military base in the most serious escalation since the ceasefire reached in April.

22-year-old student from Gujarat stabbed to death in Canada, body found near US border

A 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat was allegedly stabbed to death in the Niagara region of Canada, police said. The victim, identified as Vidhi Megha, hailed from Borsad in Anand district. 

Kuwait reports missile, drone strike as US-Iran tensions push fragile ceasefire to brink

Kuwait on Thursday reported that it came under a suspected missile and drone attack, heightening tensions at a time when the fragile ceasefire in the ongoing Iran war is facing renewed pressure. The announcement came shortly after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian targets, prompting Tehran to claim that it hit back with an operation of its own. Kuwait’s military confirmed the incident but did not reveal what was hit or who was responsible.