The United States Central Command said US forces dropped 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. The bunker-buster weapons targeted fortified or underground launch and storage sites posing risks to international shipping. The strikes mark a shift toward directly targeting maritime threats as commercial shipping remains near standstill amid the US-Israeli war with Iran. The move may aim to degrade Iran’s ability to target ships and enable reopening of the energy corridor. President Donald Trump urged nations to help secure the strait, but several allies declined, drawing his criticism. Global oil flows are choked and prices have risen worldwide significantly now.

Israel’s military said it struck more than 10 Basij force posts in Tehran in recent hours. The attacks are part of its ongoing operations in Iran. Officials said the strikes aim to weaken Iran’s internal security control. At the same time, Hezbollah fired rockets towards northern Israel from Lebanon. Israel said most were intercepted and no immediate casualties were reported. In response, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah launch sites in Lebanon. The army said it is “deepening operations” to protect its northern areas. The conflict continues to expand across multiple fronts in the region. (PC: X)

India used talks and careful planning to help its ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The route remains tense due to the ongoing Iran conflict. Three Indian-flagged vessels crossed safely after discussions between India and Iran. Some ships also used “dark mode” to avoid detection while passing through. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for “dialogue and diplomacy” during talks with Iran’s leadership. Iran’s envoy said, “India is our friend.” Two ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, reached India carrying LPG. Officials said there is no fixed deal. “Every ship movement is an individual happening,” S Jaishankar said. (PC: HT)

Senior Israeli officials have warned the US that Iranian protesters could be “slaughtered” if they take to the streets. The warning was shared in a US State Department cable, reports said. The officials said Iran’s security forces, especially the Revolutionary Guard, “has the upper hand”. They also said the regime is “not cracking” despite ongoing strikes. At the same time, Israel has continued to support public protests in Iran. It has urged the US to be ready to help if unrest grows. US President Donald Trump also noted the risks. “They have people in the streets with machine guns,” he said. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday. They discussed rising tensions in West Asia. Modi stressed the need for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. “Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE,” Modi said. He also conveyed Eid greetings during the call. Both leaders agreed on restoring peace and stability in the region. “We will continue to work together,” Modi said. The call came as attacks on UAE continue amid the ongoing conflict. The war has entered its third week, raising concerns over regional security and trade routes. (PC: India Today)

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)