Iran has fired over 3,000 missiles and drones at Gulf Cooperation Council countries during the ongoing war. The strikes, especially on the UAE, have raised tensions between Shia Iran and Sunni Gulf states. Iran also disrupted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil flows. Saudi Arabia has flagged loss of trust, while other Gulf nations are angered by damage to energy assets. Iran said it has no plans to stop attacks. The US and allies are now working to restore shipping routes. The conflict has widened regional divisions and added pressure on the global economy. (PC: HT)

A huge fire broke out at a US diplomatic facility in Baghdad after a reported strike, according to BBC. The complex is believed to house US military personnel. No official casualty figures have been released yet.   Several US facilities in the Gulf have been targeted during the conflict. Embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have suspended operations. The US consulate in Dubai was also hit earlier. So far, 13 US personnel have been killed in the war.   Meanwhile, Israel said it carried out fresh strikes in Tehran. Explosions were also reported in Isfahan and Karaj, as fighting continued across the region. (PC: X)

Israeli forces said more than 20 Hezbollah fighters were killed in the past 24 hours during operations in southern Lebanon. The military said it also struck dozens of sites linked to the group. Troops seized weapons, including RPGs, anti-tank missiles and ammunition.   The army said it will continue targeting Hezbollah positions. It accused the group of acting with support from Iran and posing a threat to Israeli civilians.   In separate incidents, Israeli troops identified armed cells. One group was preparing to fire an anti-tank missile, the military said. At least seven fighters were killed in quick strikes and an air attack. (PC: India Today)

Iran fired two ballistic missiles at a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, marking a possible expansion of the war into the Indian Ocean. US officials told The Wall Street Journal that neither missile hit the target. One failed mid-air. The other was intercepted by a US warship. The base is about 4,000 km from Iran, showing extended strike range. Congress MP Manish Tewari said, “Iran has just widened the war.” The Pentagon has not confirmed the report. The base is a key hub for US-UK operations. (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump said the US may “wind down” its military action against Iran as key goals are nearing completion. His remarks follow rising tensions after a strike on the South Pars gas field. Israel hit the site earlier this week, and Iran responded by targeting a major LNG plant in Qatar linked to the same field. Trump said, “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives.” The White House said the mission may take four to six weeks. Officials added progress is steady. The fallout has pushed oil and gas prices higher and raised concerns over global supply. (PC: HT)

Two Indian LPG tankers are preparing to move through the Strait of Hormuz after a pause in tanker traffic. The vessels, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, are near Sharjah and may depart soon, according to ship-tracking data. This comes as crude shipments through the route have stalled for over 24 hours. The strait remains tense after Iran warned it could target vessels leaving the Gulf. A trade source said the ships could sail on Saturday, though there is no official confirmation. India has called for safe passage of its vessels as several Indian tankers remain stranded in the region. (PC: India Today)

United Kingdom has authorised the United States to use British bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision, confirmed after ministerial discussions, allows US “defensive operations” to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities. Key bases include Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who earlier resisted involvement citing international law, shifted stance following Iranian strikes on allies. Despite authorisation, London urged urgent de-escalation. The move comes amid tensions with Donald Trump, who criticised Britain’s limited support in the escalating Iran conflict. (PC: X)

Russia reportedly offered to halt intelligence sharing with Iran on US military positions if United States stopped supplying intelligence to Ukraine, according to reports. The proposal was conveyed by Kirill Dmitriev during talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Miami, but was rejected by Washington. The offer suggests Moscow may have been sharing targeting intelligence with Tehran, potentially aiding strikes on US assets. Reports also cite expanded Russia-Iran cooperation, including satellite imagery and drone support, though denied by the Kremlin. The talks come amid tensions following Russia’s Ukraine invasion and ongoing geopolitical conflict. (PC: X)

Mojtaba Khamenei denied Iran’s role in recent attacks in Turkey and Oman, calling them “false flag” operations designed to damage regional ties. In a message marking the Iranian year 1405 and Eid al-Fitr, he accused the “Zionist enemy” of orchestrating such incidents to create discord. He claimed Iran’s armed forces achieved “resounding triumphs” in the ongoing “third imposed war,” asserting national unity defeated attempts to spread fear. Reflecting on past confrontations, he said challenges strengthened cohesion. Khamenei outlined a 2026 “resistance economy” strategy focused on national unity, welfare, and resilience, while warning media against amplifying weaknesses. He also stressed stronger regional cooperation with neighbouring Muslim nations. (PC: India Today)

Dozens of animal rights activists broke into Ridglan Farms, a beagle breeding facility in Wisconsin, and removed several dogs, according to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the incident involved unauthorised entry and the taking of animals, prompting an ongoing investigation. Details on the number of dogs taken and the identities of those involved remain unclear. The case highlights tensions between breeding operations and animal rights groups, with officials assessing potential legal violations while ensuring the safety and recovery of the animals involved in the incident.