US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has declared an “economic D-Day” against Iran, saying Washington is entering the “endgame” of its campaign and will use its economic powers to sever financial channels supporting Tehran. Bessent accused Iran of treating security guarantees as “extortion” and said President Donald Trump had created conditions for the US to deploy its full authority against Iran. He claimed Trump had dismantled Iran’s military capabilities, destroyed nearly 100% of its military factories and buried its nuclear programme. Iran responded by threatening to halt all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf if the US economic campaign continues. Tehran also warned sanctions supporters could face an “act of war.” (PC: Bloomberg)

Iran has warned it could halt all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf if the US continues what Tehran calls an “economic war.” Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei issued the warning as Washington prepared fresh sanctions targeting Iran and its trade partners. Rezaei also said Iran would consider any country supporting the US economic campaign an “act of war.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to announce tougher measures, described as a major financial offensive against Iran. China urged diplomacy, while Iranian officials criticised Washington’s sanctions strategy. The warning comes amid disrupted trade, damaged infrastructure and near-standstill shipping through Hormuz, contributing to pressure on global fuel prices.

Pakistan has extensively rebuilt the Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Markaz Subhanallah complex in Bahawalpur, which was heavily damaged in India’s Operation Sindoor last year, according to intelligence inputs and visuals accessed by NDTV. The rebuilt site reportedly includes repaired structures, new construction and renovated facilities. Intelligence sources claimed that Pakistan provided PKR 25 crore to JeM, including funds for rebuilding the central hall. The complex has long been linked to the UN- and US-designated terror group. The development has renewed concerns in India over Pakistan’s alleged support for terror infrastructure and its commitment to counter-terrorism. (PC: NDTV)

A goat herder’s discovery of a small gold nugget has sparked a major gold rush in Cheporor village in western Kenya. Manasse Lomachar, 33, sold three grams of gold for $280, drawing thousands of prospectors hoping to change their fortunes. At the peak, authorities estimated that around 10,000 people arrived, though the number has since fallen to about 2,500. More than 200 small businesses have also emerged around the mining site. However, poor sanitation, lack of clean water, safety concerns and child labour risks have raised alarms. Officials are still assessing the size and commercial potential of the gold deposit. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump said Canada wants the “benefits of being a State, without being one” after trade talks between the two countries collapsed. The breakdown triggered new 50% US tariffs on several Canadian goods. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the move a “miscalculation” and said Canada would respond with matching tariffs from September 8. Carney said the US had “asked too much and offered too little”. The new US tariffs will cover goods including dairy, wine, cement, clothing and hockey equipment. The trade dispute has raised fresh uncertainty over economic ties between the two neighbouring countries. (PC: BBC)

The four astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—will receive the Congressional Space Medal of Honor on August 28. The prestigious award has been given to only 30 astronauts, including Neil Armstrong and John Glenn. During their 10-day lunar flyby mission, the crew travelled 252,756 miles from Earth, breaking the distance record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. Their mission marked a major milestone in the United States’ plans to return humans to the Moon and eventually reach Mars. The ceremony will take place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. (PC: Reuters)

More than a dozen former international cricket captains have urged Pakistan’s government to ensure humane treatment and proper medical care for jailed former Prime Minister and 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan. The appeal highlights concerns about Khan’s health, particularly reported problems with his eyesight, and calls for treatment by doctors of his choice. The captains also stressed that Khan should be treated with dignity and basic human consideration while in prison. The appeal comes amid continuing political and legal tensions surrounding Khan’s imprisonment and growing concerns from his family and supporters about his health and prison conditions. (PC: Reuters)

A retired schoolteacher, his wife and their two children were found dead inside their locked home in Rangpur, Bangladesh, prompting a major police investigation. The bodies of Ganapati Chakraborty, 65, his wife Pritilata, 50, daughter Agami, 23, and son Priyam, 12, were recovered from different parts of the house on Saturday night. Police initially suspect strangulation, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed after autopsy reports. Relatives raised concerns after the family’s phones remained switched off for two days. Police, CID and Detective Branch teams have launched a joint investigation. (PC: India Today)

Jaish-e-Mohammed has rebuilt its Markaz Subhan Allah headquarters in Pakistan’s Bahawalpur, 15 months after the complex was heavily damaged in India’s Operation Sindoor strikes, according to visuals accessed by India Today TV. The facility has been restored with fresh construction, rebuilt domes and renovated structures. Intelligence inputs cited in the report said Pakistan provided funds for the reconstruction. The May 7, 2025, strikes targeted terror infrastructure following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. The Bahawalpur complex has long been linked to JeM’s recruitment, training and operations against India. (PC: India Today)

A 17-year-old girl was killed and two boys, aged 12 and 17, were seriously injured in a sword attack at Brinell School in Fagersta, central Sweden. Another person suffered minor injuries. Police arrested an 18-year-old man and are investigating the case as murder and attempted murder. Officers fired shots after reaching the scene, though it remains unclear whether the suspect was hit. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it a “serious incident” and said police were working intensively to establish the motive behind the attack. Authorities are continuing their investigation. (PC: BBC)