At least 20 people were killed and 70 others injured after a powerful blast hit a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Sunday. The explosion took place at Chaman Phatak station in Quetta while the train was carrying military personnel and their families home for Eid. Several coaches were derailed and badly damaged in the attack. The separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility and called it a suicide bombing. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and said terrorism would not weaken the country’s resolve. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)

Talks between the United States and Iran to end the ongoing war remain uncertain despite recent progress. Iran said disagreements over some important parts of the proposed deal could cause the agreement to fail. Iranian media claimed the US was blocking the release of Iran’s frozen assets. US President Donald Trump said negotiations were moving “constructively” but added that America would not rush into a deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said any agreement must remove Iran’s nuclear threat completely. Pakistan and Oman continue to play important roles in the ongoing peace talks between Tehran and Washington.

Russia launched one of its biggest overnight attacks on Ukraine, firing around 600 drones and 90 missiles at Kyiv and several other regions, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv was the main target, with four people killed and nearly 100 injured. Residential buildings, a school, an opera house and the Chornobyl Museum were damaged. Russia’s defence ministry claimed it used the Oreshnik hypersonic missile in response to alleged Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities denied targeting civilians and accused Moscow of deliberately attacking civilian areas across the country. (PC: BBC)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration of US President Donald Trump continues to prioritise diplomacy with Iran but warned that military options remain available if negotiations collapse. Speaking to India Today TV, Rubio said Washington’s main goal was to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons. He said the US wanted a negotiated agreement but would act if diplomacy failed. Rubio also criticised Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them illegal and dangerous. He said any future agreement must include restrictions on uranium enrichment and guarantees against nuclear weapon development. (PC: India Today)

A 21-year-old armed suspect, identified by US media as Nasire Best, was shot dead by Secret Service agents after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint in Washington DC on Saturday evening. Officials said the suspect pulled a revolver from a bag and began shooting near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Secret Service officers returned fire and later confirmed that no officers or protected individuals, including US President Donald Trump, were injured. One bystander was wounded and taken for treatment. Authorities said Best had a documented history of mental health conditions. The incident remains under investigation. (PC: BBC)

The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a framework agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in West Asia and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Reports said the proposed memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening of the strait, easing of US sanctions and partial release of Iranian funds. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in New Delhi that “good news” could emerge within hours. Iranian agencies Tasnim and Fars reported that Tehran may agree to curb uranium enrichment and clear naval mines in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade and restoring oil exports. (PC: X)

At least 20 people were killed and around 70 injured after an explosion struck a train carrying military personnel and their families in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, officials said. The blast derailed several coaches and overturned two carriages near Chaman Phatak station on Sunday morning. The separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, calling it a suicide attack, though Pakistani authorities have not confirmed this. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with victims. Emergency services remain active as authorities investigate the incident. (PC: BBC)

Russia launched one of its largest air attacks on Ukraine overnight, firing around 600 drones and 90 missiles, including the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile, Ukrainian officials said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said civilian infrastructure, markets, schools and businesses were hit in Kyiv and several regions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of targeting civilians rather than military sites. At least four people were killed and dozens injured. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military command centres, air bases and defence industries in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian-controlled territories. 

Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival for his film Fjord, marking his second victory at Cannes after 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days in 2007. The drama follows a Christian Romanian family that relocates to Norway and faces a child welfare investigation after disciplining their children. The film stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve. Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev won the Grand Prix for Minotaur, a war drama linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo won the Camera d’Or for Ben’Imana. (PC: Al Jazeera)

In a major development in ongoing US-Iran peace negotiations, Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of a broader agreement aimed at ending the West Asia conflict. The deal, according to US officials cited by reports, is part of a wider diplomatic push that also covers easing hostilities, lifting sanctions, and restoring regional stability. However, key details on how the uranium will be transferred remain unresolved. While some sources call it a breakthrough, others note Iran has not fully confirmed implementation, making the agreement preliminary and subject to further negotiation in upcoming rounds of talks. (PC: India Today)