Gunfire broke out in New York City’s Times Square, one of the world’s busiest tourist destinations, leaving at least one person injured and triggering panic among crowds. Police quickly responded to the scene near West 44th Street and 7th Avenue and detained a juvenile suspect following a brief pursuit. Officials recovered a firearm and cordoned off the area as investigations continued into the cause of the shooting. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots, causing tourists and pedestrians to flee for safety. Authorities have not yet released full details on the motive, and the injured victim was taken to hospital for treatment. 

At least 16 people were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, according to reports cited by Lebanese state media and international agencies. The strikes reportedly targeted areas linked to Hezbollah activity, with Israel stating its operations were aimed at militant infrastructure in response to continued cross-border tensions. Local authorities said several residential areas were hit, raising fears of civilian casualties and further escalation in the already volatile region. The latest attacks come amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has intensified in recent months despite international calls for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to stabilize the border. (PC: X)

Spanish politician Irene Montero has stirred political controversy in the European Parliament after sharply criticising the EU’s foreign policy stance on the US–Iran agreement. During a heated debate, she referred to US President Donald Trump as “Mr Genocide” and later posted a video referencing his birthday, where she sang a parody of “Happy Birthday” in a Marilyn Monroe-inspired style. Her remarks were aimed at questioning Europe’s response to conflicts in the Middle East and the US role in the Iran peace deal. The speech triggered strong reactions across political groups, highlighting divisions over EU diplomacy and global security strategy. 

A new US–Iran deal has triggered controversy after reports suggested that vessels may get a 60-day toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary arrangement. US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns, saying “you can’t cover everything in a document,” while defending the broader framework of the agreement. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, remains central to geopolitical tensions and energy security discussions. Analysts say the limited-duration exemption highlights unresolved issues in the deal and potential uncertainty for global oil markets. The debate continues over transparency and long-term enforcement of the agreement terms. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has denied reports that Washington is paying Iran $300 billion under the emerging US-Iran peace framework, calling the claims “fake news.” Trump insisted that no American taxpayer money is being handed to Tehran. The controversy stems from discussions surrounding a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and investment fund linked to the agreement. However, US officials have clarified that any such fund would be backed by private investors and Gulf nations rather than direct US government payments. The issue has sparked debate among lawmakers and critics over the terms of the developing deal with Iran. (PC: CNBC TV 18)

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles. The choice of venue drew widespread attention online because Versailles is closely linked to historic peace treaties, especially the 1919 Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. Many social media users highlighted the symbolism and irony of the location, with some interpreting it as a sign of surrender. French officials, however, described the setting as part of Macron's effort to use history and ceremony to promote diplomacy and peace.

The White House has postponed Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Switzerland, where he was expected to lead talks with Iranian negotiators aimed at advancing a broader diplomatic agreement. Officials cited logistical challenges and uncertainty over the Iranian delegation’s participation. The negotiations, scheduled to follow recent understandings between Washington and Tehran, remain in flux amid regional tensions and concerns surrounding ongoing Israeli military actions. Despite the delay, both sides have indicated that diplomacy remains a priority, and discussions could still take place once arrangements are finalized. Switzerland continues to be the proposed venue for the next phase of negotiations. (PC: Reuters)

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said that Washington has already permitted at least 12 ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after the signing of the interim peace agreement with Iran. According to Vance, more than 12.5 million barrels of oil moved through the strategic waterway, signaling the beginning of a return to normal shipping operations. The move follows the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade under the deal, which opens a 60-day period for negotiations on a final agreement. Despite the progress, concerns remain over security risks and long-term stability in the region. (PC: AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly working to influence the final US-Iran peace agreement even after telling President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by the deal. According to reports, Netanyahu remains skeptical of Tehran’s intentions and believes Iran will not fully comply with restrictions on its nuclear programme. He is said to be using allies in conservative media and supportive US senators to pressure Washington. A major sticking point is the agreement’s requirement for a permanent end to hostilities in Lebanon, which Israel has resisted despite growing international pressure. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have digitally signed the 14-point “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” a landmark agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and paving the way for a broader settlement. The deal establishes a permanent ceasefire framework, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, initiates sanctions relief for Iran, and launches negotiations for a final agreement within 60 days. Iran reaffirmed it would not acquire nuclear weapons and accepted international oversight of enriched material through agreed mechanisms. The United States pledged sanctions waivers, asset unfreezing and economic assistance, while both sides committed to avoiding escalatory actions during negotiations. (PC: Inspired Pencil)