US President Donald Trump said it was a “good thing” that counterterrorism chief Joe Kent resigned. He called Kent “very weak on security” after his exit. Kent stepped down over the US military campaign in Iran. Kent said he could not support the war. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he wrote. He also said Iran posed no “imminent threat” to the US. Trump rejected such views. “We don’t want those people,” he said. The resignation comes as the Iran conflict enters its third week and debate grows within the administration. (PC: India Today)

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street, reaffirming unwavering British support for Ukraine while warning that the Iran war must not divert global attention from Russia's ongoing invasion. Both leaders signed a new defence partnership focusing on drone manufacturing, combining Ukrainian battlefield expertise with Britain's industrial capacity. The UK additionally pledged £500,000 toward an AI centre of excellence in Kyiv. Starmer cautioned that Putin must not benefit from rising oil prices or sanctions relief triggered by Middle East tensions. Zelensky, currently touring European capitals, also met King Charles at Buckingham Palace, emphasising battlefield developments, energy security, and renewed pressure on Russia as central negotiating priorities. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held telephonic talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing the escalating West Asia crisis and critical Strait of Hormuz navigation. Modi strongly condemned all attacks on the UAE resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, reaffirming India's commitment to regional peace and stability. Both leaders agreed on ensuring safe, unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it is in constant contact with several countries, including Iran, to secure smooth passage for Indian vessels. Approximately 70 flights are expected to operate from UAE to India today, as India manages its large diaspora amid the ongoing regional conflict. (PC: X)

Mexico has offered to host Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches after the Iranian team expressed reluctance to play in the United States amid escalating US-Israel military conflict. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the country would have "no problem" hosting Iran's fixtures, pending FIFA approval. Iran's football federation has formally approached FIFA requesting venue relocation, citing player safety concerns, potential visa complications, and the hostile political climate. Iran is currently scheduled to play group-stage matches across multiple American cities under the tri-nation hosting model shared by the US, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA has yet to respond officially. Iran's participation in the tournament remains uncertain if concerns go unaddressed. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump lashed out at NATO allies after most declined involvement in America's military operation against Iran. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated NATO members informed Washington they didn't want to participate, despite broadly agreeing Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. Trump declared the US had achieved significant "military success," claiming America never needed NATO's support nor that of Japan, Australia, or South Korea. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump called NATO a "one-way street," expressing disappointment while terming their refusal a "foolish mistake." He further claimed the US-Israel coalition had decimated Iran's military destroying its navy, air force, radar systems and eliminated virtually all Iranian leadership. (PC: AP)

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested seven foreign nationals one American, Matthew VanDyke, and six Ukrainians under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). They allegedly entered Myanmar illegally via Mizoram on tourist visas, training ethnic armed organisations linked to India-banned insurgent groups, supplying weapons, and assisting drone operations. A Delhi court remanded them to 11-day judicial custody. The US Embassy acknowledged awareness while declining comment; Ukraine's Foreign Ministry confirmed contact with detainees' families. Intelligence sources reveal 14 Ukrainians entered India on tourist visas, with large drone consignments reportedly routed from Europe through India to Myanmar. Mizoram had earlier flagged its misuse as a covert transit corridor. (PC: IANS)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested one US citizen and six Ukrainians in Mizoram. Officials said the group entered restricted areas and later crossed into Myanmar. The agency alleged they were in touch with insurgent-linked groups. “They had plans to train militants and supply weapons, including drones,” sources said.   The NIA is probing a possible cross-border terror network. The accused are being questioned about their movement and contacts in the region. Security agencies are also checking links with groups operating along the India-Myanmar border. Further investigation is underway to trace the full extent of the network. (PC: India Today)

India has added two LPG tankers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, to secure fuel supply during rising tensions in West Asia. Government sources said the move aims to protect shipments through the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Officials said India is in direct contact with Iranian authorities to ensure “guaranteed safe passage” for these vessels. The ships will help maintain LPG supply and avoid shortages if key routes face disruption. Sources described the step as a “crisis-mode” plan to keep reserves stable. The government is also monitoring ship movements closely to prevent risks during ongoing regional conflict. (PC: X)

Joe Kent, head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned over the ongoing war with Iran. He said he took the decision after “much reflection”. In his resignation letter to President Donald Trump, Kent said he could not support the war. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he wrote. He also said Iran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States. Kent further claimed the conflict began due to “pressure” from Israel and its US lobby. His exit comes amid rising debate in the US over the war and its justification. (PC: HT)

Several countries have reacted cautiously after US President Donald Trump asked allies to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz. The route is under near-blockade during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The UK said talks are ongoing but no decision has been taken yet. Germany rejected the idea, saying “this is not our war”. France supported a possible naval effort but only after the conflict eases. China called for de-escalation and warned against further tension. South Korea and Japan said they are reviewing options. The European Union also showed reluctance, saying no one is ready to risk lives in the area. (PC: BBC)