Iran warned it could strike bridges and critical infrastructure across the region after US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iranian bridges and power plants for any attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian official told Tasnim News Agency that Tehran would target regional infrastructure and energy facilities linked to US interests if Washington attacked Iranian assets. The warning came as the US launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s “eye for an eye” policy. Iran also claimed it intercepted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring escalating tensions around the strategic global energy shipping route. (PC: Reuters)

China signalled its willingness to properly handle sensitive issues with India as Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining stable bilateral ties despite existing differences. Speaking during diplomatic engagements, Wang said both countries should strengthen communication, deepen practical cooperation and manage disputes through dialogue. He emphasised that China is ready to work with India to safeguard peace and stability along the border while expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The remarks come as Beijing and New Delhi continue efforts to stabilise relations following years of border tensions. Wang underscored that healthy China-India relations serve the interests of both nations and contribute to regional as well as global stability and development. (PC: India Today)

Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the US launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. The group said it targeted the Encelia and Layla with drones and missiles for allegedly violating its maritime embargo on Saudi shipping. Saudi authorities confirmed the Encelia was hit, causing a fire but no casualties, while UKMTO also reported a projectile strike. Meanwhile, US strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, with Iranian media reporting two deaths. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed the Strait of Hormuz was completely closed after an explosion, saying three tankers were intercepted. Escalating tensions threaten global oil supplies and key international shipping routes. (PC: BBC)

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, establishing the legal framework for a long-term, multi-billion-dollar partnership. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman also signed a bilateral safeguards deal aimed at advancing Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme while supporting nuclear nonproliferation objectives. The agreement comes amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and renewed scrutiny of nuclear programmes in the region. Reports suggest US companies could gain opportunities to help develop Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure, including a possible uranium enrichment facility. However, Washington insisted any cooperation would not create proliferation risks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming that commitment. (PC: AFP)

Iran has warned that no country in the region will be able to export oil if Tehran is prevented from selling its own, escalating tensions with the United States. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the security of regional energy exports now depends on Iran's security, declaring, “Either all or none.” His warning followed US President Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iranian bridges and power plants after any attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US carried out its 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets. With threats also emerging around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, concerns over global oil supplies and shipping costs continue to intensify significantly. (PC: Reuters)

The UK High Court has dismissed fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's lawsuit over his alleged 2021 kidnapping. The court struck out the case after Choksi failed to pay £677,000 as security for the defendants' legal costs. He must also pay the legal expenses of the four defendants, subject to court assessment. Choksi had claimed he was kidnapped from Antigua and taken to Dominica as part of a conspiracy planned in England. However, the court found no direct evidence linking the defendants to the alleged incident. Choksi continues to fight extradition in Belgium in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case.

Ukrainian drones struck warehouses of Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, for the second time in four days. The overnight attack killed one person and injured 14 others, according to Russian officials. Employees were evacuated from logistics centres in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the warehouses were "involved in providing the Russian army with drone components, navigation equipment and other gear." Wildberries said the attacks targeted its workers and operations. The strikes also affected many small businesses that rely on the retailer, with several sellers reporting heavy financial losses after their goods were destroyed.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that every attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger US strikes on an Iranian bridge or power plant, including infrastructure near Tehran. Posting on Truth Social, Trump declared that any Iranian missile, rocket, drone or other attack on commercial shipping would be met with immediate retaliation. His warning came as the United States carried out its 11th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military assets, while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remained stalled. The escalating rhetoric underscores growing tensions over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, amid the continuing US-Iran military confrontation and regional instability. (PC: NY Times)  

The United States and Saudi Arabia are expected to announce a deal allowing the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme, according to US media reports. The agreement could let Saudi Arabia enrich uranium for fuel at a US-built facility after a joint study. The deal is expected to last 30 years and could be worth billions of dollars to US companies. Some experts and Israeli officials have raised concerns that the programme could one day help Saudi Arabia develop nuclear weapons. Reports also said the deal does not require Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel. The proposal will now go to the US Congress. (PC: Getty Images)

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Indian-origin MP Kanishka Narayan as the UK's new AI minister. The British Indian leader was included in Burnham's first Cabinet after he took office. Narayan said artificial intelligence will shape the future and promised to work with speed and ambition. He said Britain must help shape AI instead of being shaped by it. Born in Bihar, India, Narayan moved to Wales with his family as a child. He later studied at Oxford and Stanford. His appointment highlights the UK's stronger focus on AI, technology, and digital governance under the new government.