US special envoy Steve Witkoff departed for another round of negotiations amid continuing tensions over Iran. President Donald Trump asserted that the United States had “wiped out everything” in Iran and claimed Tehran no longer possessed meaningful leverage. Trump also maintained that American military actions had severely weakened Iran and insisted the US held a dominant position in the conflict. The latest diplomatic push comes as Washington seeks progress on a broader agreement despite delays and uncertainty surrounding previous peace efforts. Regional tensions remain high, with developments involving Israel and the Strait of Hormuz continuing to influence negotiations and global energy concerns. (PC: AP)

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has reportedly been sentenced to 74 lashes, a two-year travel ban and a two-year restriction on artistic activities after performing without a hijab during her livestreamed “Caravanserai Concert” on YouTube in December 2024. The performance, featuring the patriotic anthem “Az Khoon-e Javanan-e Vatan,” attracted millions of views and triggered legal action by authorities in Iran’s Qom province. Rights groups and lawyers say Ahmadi was convicted over allegations of publishing “vulgar and immoral content” online. The ruling, reportedly based on court documents, has sparked global criticism from human rights advocates, academics and activists concerned about women’s rights, artistic freedom and expression.

Despite reports of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli strikes continued across Lebanon, raising concerns over the durability of the proposed truce. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said attacks since midnight killed at least 47 people and injured 97 others, including women and children. The reported ceasefire, said to be brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Iran, was expected to ease weeks of escalating cross-border violence. However, ongoing military operations and fresh casualties have cast doubt on immediate implementation. The continued strikes come amid broader regional diplomatic efforts and fears that renewed fighting could undermine negotiations linked to wider Middle East security and stability initiatives. (PC: Moneycontrol)

US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Iran after the signing of an interim US-Iran peace memorandum in Switzerland was delayed. Trump rejected claims that Washington negotiated from weakness, declaring Iran was “finished” and would receive “not ten cents” during the proposed 60-day arrangement. The delay came after Iranian officials reportedly refused to travel for talks, insisting fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon must stop first. Fresh Israeli strikes and Hezbollah attacks raised doubts about the broader peace process. The interim agreement has reopened the Strait of Hormuz and reduced regional hostilities, but key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and Lebanon’s conflict, remain unresolved.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly rejected claims by Donald Trump that she “begged” him for a photograph at the G7 Summit, calling the remarks “completely made up” and saying Italy never begs. Meloni expressed disappointment over what she described as Trump’s treatment of allies while showing greater accommodation toward adversaries of the West. The dispute escalated after Trump told Italian media that Meloni had desperately wanted a photo with him. The comments triggered anger within the Italian government, prompting Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a planned US visit, while senior officials warned the remarks risk damaging longstanding US-Europe relations.

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire set to take effect at 4 pm local time on Friday, according to a senior US official cited by Reuters. The truce was brokered by the United States, Qatar and Iran after weeks of escalating clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border. The announcement came despite fresh exchanges of fire on Thursday, highlighting the fragility of the agreement. Lebanese officials accused Israel of undermining peace efforts through continued strikes, while Israel maintained military operations were necessary for security. The fighting has also influenced broader regional diplomacy, including discussions linked to the recently announced US-Iran agreement. Observers warn implementation remains critical ahead. (PC: Reuters)

Talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to be held in Switzerland, have been cancelled amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to reports. The diplomatic meeting was expected to focus on de-escalation efforts and broader negotiations over security and nuclear concerns. However, the situation worsened after U.S. Vice President JD Vance cancelled his planned diplomatic trip, signaling a pause in high-level engagement. The cancellation reflects growing instability in the region, with both sides reportedly reassessing their positions amid security concerns and ongoing conflict risks. Officials have not confirmed a new date for the talks, and uncertainty remains over whether diplomatic channels can be restored soon. The development raises fears of further deterioration in already strained U.S.–Iran relations as regional tensions continue to rise. (PC: X)

A teacher in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to a whole-life order after being convicted of sexually abusing and murdering his adopted baby, Jamie Varley Preston Davey. The court heard disturbing details of prolonged abuse before the child’s death, describing the case as one of extreme cruelty and betrayal of trust. The judge ruled that the severity of the crime justified a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The case has shocked the public and sparked renewed debate in the UK about child protection systems, adoption screening processes, and safeguarding failures. Authorities stated that the sentence reflects the gravity of the offences and ensures the offender will never be released. (PC: PA)

United Arab Emirates introduces stricter social media regulations banning users under 15 from accessing platforms, as part of new digital safety reforms aimed at protecting children online. The policy requires mandatory age verification using official identification or approved digital systems before account creation or continued access. Authorities stated the move is intended to reduce exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and privacy risks among minors. Social media companies operating in the country will be required to comply with the new rules or face penalties. The regulations reflect growing global concerns about children’s online safety and responsible platform governance in digital spaces worldwide today. (PC: X)

Iran has warned the United States that it will respond strongly if any part of the recently reached agreement is breached. The statement comes during a 60-day negotiation period in which both countries are working to finalize a broader deal covering nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief, missile limits, and regional security concerns. Iranian officials stressed that participation in talks does not mean accepting all U.S. demands and insisted that Tehran will not agree under pressure. The warning highlights continued mistrust between the two sides despite diplomatic engagement. While discussions continue, both nations remain divided on key conditions, making the agreement fragile and uncertain as negotiations move forward.