The United States has reportedly laid down five major conditions during ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran, focusing on strict uranium controls, long-term limits on enrichment, international monitoring, and transfer of highly enriched uranium outside Iran. The talks remain tense after Iran proposed sending part of its uranium stockpile to a third country while demanding guarantees for its return if negotiations collapse. Former US President Donald Trump earlier rejected Tehran’s 14-point peace proposal, calling it unacceptable. Iran has resisted dismantling nuclear facilities and warned of retaliation if pressured militarily, keeping West Asia tensions high amid stalled diplomatic progress.

A drone strike caused a fire at an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE’s Al Dhafra region on Sunday, authorities said. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported and radiation safety levels remained normal. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said the plant’s key systems continued to function safely. Authorities did not identify who was behind the suspected drone attack. The incident comes amid rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing Iran-US conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. (PC: HT)

Three people were killed and several others injured after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russia’s Moscow region overnight, according to Russian officials. Regional governor Andrei Vorobiev said a woman died in Khimki while two others were killed in Pogorelki village. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 12 people were injured after drones struck an oil refinery in the capital. Russia claimed it intercepted 556 drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the strikes as retaliation for recent deadly Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. (PC: BBC)

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least six people, including three paramedics, only hours after Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days during talks in Washington. Lebanese officials said the strikes targeted a Hezbollah-linked civil defense center, while Israel claimed it was attacking militant infrastructure preparing rocket launches. The renewed violence has raised concerns over the fragile truce and growing regional instability. Hezbollah condemned the attacks and accused Israel of violating the agreement. The escalation comes amid continued fighting in Gaza and rising tensions involving Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States. (PC: Xinhua)

Palestinian families in Jerusalem’s al-Bustan neighborhood are being forced to demolish their own homes to avoid heavy municipal demolition fees as Israeli authorities push ahead with plans for the biblical-themed “King’s Garden” park near the Old City. More than 57 homes have already been destroyed in the Silwan area, with several more facing demolition soon. Residents and rights groups accuse Israel of erasing Palestinian identity and expanding settler-backed tourism projects under a religious narrative linked to King Solomon. Israeli authorities claim the homes were illegally built, while Palestinians argue building permits are nearly impossible to obtain in East Jerusalem. (PC: The Guardian)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that Iran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route blocked during the ongoing Iran conflict. Trump made the remarks after high-level talks in Beijing, while warning Tehran to reach a nuclear deal soon. However, China avoided confirming any direct pressure on Iran and instead stated the war “should never have started.” The closure of the strait has disrupted global oil supplies, pushed crude prices above $100 per barrel, and intensified fears of a wider economic crisis. Diplomatic mediation efforts involving Pakistan are continuing. (PC: Reuters)

A Reuters analysis says US President Donald Trump is struggling to force Iran into concessions despite weeks of military pressure, threats, and aggressive diplomacy. Analysts believe Trump’s brinkmanship strategy has stalled as Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear program or fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The continuing standoff has disrupted global oil supplies, increased fuel prices, and intensified fears of wider regional conflict. Critics argue Trump’s harsh rhetoric and shifting positions may be strengthening hardline factions inside Iran instead of encouraging negotiations. The prolonged crisis is also creating political pressure ahead of upcoming US midterm elections. (PC: Reuters)

London witnessed huge rival demonstrations as tens of thousands joined the far-right “Unite the Kingdom” rally led by Tommy Robinson supporters and separate pro-Palestine Nakba Day marches across central areas of the city. The Metropolitan Police deployed nearly 4,000 officers, drones, horses, and facial recognition technology to prevent clashes and maintain order. Authorities confirmed multiple arrests during the protests, which unfolded alongside the FA Cup final, creating one of London’s largest security operations in recent years. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned extremism and warned against hate speech, while activists on both sides continued demonstrations under heavy police monitoring. 

Israel confirmed that a recent airstrike in Gaza killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the chief of Hamas’ armed wing and one of the last senior commanders linked to the October 7 attacks. Israeli officials described the operation as a major blow to Hamas’ military leadership. Reports said the strike hit Gaza City’s Rimal area, killing Haddad along with members of his family and several others. Hamas sources acknowledged his death, though the group has not issued a formal statement. The development comes amid continuing violence in Gaza despite fragile ceasefire efforts and stalled negotiations for a long-term truce. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second-in-command of Islamic State, “will no longer terrorise the people of Africa” after American and Nigerian forces killed him in Nigeria. Trump said the operation was carried out under his direction and thanked the Nigerian government for its support. US officials identified al-Minuki as a senior ISIS leader active in the Sahel region who helped direct attacks and funding. The United States Department of State designated him a global terrorist in 2023.