Iran hosted a high-level Pakistani delegation in Tehran amid urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed U.S. military strikes and stabilize the fragile ceasefire in West Asia. Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met Iranian leaders to discuss a proposed 14-point peace framework aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and reducing regional tensions. Iranian officials warned they were prepared to defend national interests if negotiations failed, while U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly weighed possible fresh strikes against Iranian infrastructure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled cautious optimism, saying progress had been made toward a potential agreement despite continuing disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States against restarting military conflict, claiming its armed forces have significantly rebuilt capabilities during the ongoing ceasefire. Iranian Parliament Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of a “crushing and bitter” response if President Donald Trump resumes attacks. The remarks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and Qatar to secure a broader peace agreement between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged limited progress in talks but said key disagreements remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: Reuters)

At least 90 miners were killed after a massive gas explosion ripped through the Liushenyu coal mine in China’s northern Shanxi province, marking the country’s deadliest mining disaster since 2009. Around 247 workers were underground when the blast occurred, with rescue teams managing to evacuate over 200 miners. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to “spare no effort” in rescue operations and demanded a full investigation into the tragedy. Several mine executives were reportedly detained as investigators examined possible safety violations. The disaster has reignited concerns over industrial safety standards in China’s coal mining sector. (PC: Reuters )

Iran praised former US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard after she announced her resignation from the Trump administration. In a post on X, Iran’s embassy in Armenia said Gabbard had spoken “truths” about Iran that US President Donald Trump “hated”. Gabbard resigned after her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Trump confirmed her resignation and said Aaron Lukas would serve as acting intelligence director. Several US leaders reacted to her departure, with Vice President JD Vance calling her a patriot and loyal friend.

Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation as the US Director of National Intelligence. She said she is stepping down to support her husband, Abraham, who was recently diagnosed with bone cancer. Her resignation will take effect on June 30. US President Donald Trump praised Gabbard and said she had done an “incredible job”. Aaron Lukas will serve as acting director after her departure. Gabbard joined Trump’s administration in 2025 and led the US intelligence community during major international tensions, including conflicts involving Iran and Cuba. (PC: Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation after Russia accused Ukraine of attacking a student dormitory in the occupied town of Starobilsk in eastern Ukraine. Russian officials said 10 people were killed and 38 injured in the overnight drone strike, while 11 people are still missing. Ukraine’s military said it targeted the headquarters of Russia’s Rubicon drone unit in the same area. Putin claimed there were no military facilities near the building and rejected suggestions that Russian air defence caused the damage. He ordered the military to prepare proposals for a response as tensions between both countries continue to rise. (PC: Reuters)

At least 90 people died after a gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi province on Friday night. The blast happened at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county while 247 workers were underground. More than 200 workers were rescued safely, while rescue teams continued search operations. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to carry out full rescue efforts and provide treatment to the injured. He also asked officials to investigate the cause of the accident and take strict action against those responsible. Company executives connected to the mine have reportedly been detained as investigations continue. (PC: Xinhua)

A man linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been arrested for allegedly plotting to kill Ivanka Trump, the daughter of US President Donald Trump and his former adviser. The suspect, Mohammad Baqer Al-Saadi, was arrested in Turkey and later extradited to the US. Officials said he wanted revenge for the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. Investigators found a blueprint of Ivanka’s Florida home during his arrest. Al-Saadi is also accused of involvement in attacks on US and Jewish targets in Europe and Canada. Authorities are continuing the investigation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed retaliation after accusing Ukraine of carrying out a deadly drone strike on a student dormitory in Starobilsk, an occupied town in Ukraine’s Luhansk region. Russia said six people were killed, 39 injured and 15 remained missing after the overnight attack. Ukraine’s military said it targeted the headquarters of Russia’s elite Rubicon drone unit in Starobilsk but did not confirm whether the dormitory was hit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of targeting civilians throughout the war, allegations Moscow continues to deny. (PC: BBC)

Tulsi Gabbard has resigned as Director of National Intelligence in President Donald Trump’s administration amid growing tensions over U.S. policy toward Iran. While Gabbard officially cited her husband Abraham Williams’ rare bone cancer diagnosis as the reason for stepping down, reports suggest disagreements with the White House over Iran’s nuclear threat assessment and military strategy also contributed to her exit. Her resignation follows increasing internal conflicts within the administration during the ongoing Iran crisis. Trump praised Gabbard’s service and announced that Deputy DNI Aaron Lukas would serve as acting intelligence chief until a replacement is appointed. (PC: Wikipedia)