Russia launched a large-scale overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing four people and injuring around 100, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kyiv was the main target, with residential buildings, a school, an opera house and the Chornobyl Museum damaged in the strikes. Ukraine said Russia fired 90 missiles and 600 drones during the assault. Russia’s defence ministry claimed the attack targeted Ukrainian military command centres and said the Oreshnik hypersonic missile was used. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed casualties and widespread destruction across the capital. (PC: BBC)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that American and Iranian negotiators have a “pretty solid” proposal on the table and a deal to end the conflict could be reached soon. Speaking during his India visit, Rubio said talks were continuing and discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump earlier said negotiators should not rush the agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said both sides were simultaneously “very close and very far” from a final understanding. (PC: BBC)

Talks between the United States and Iran to end tensions in West Asia remain uncertain. Iran warned that the proposed peace deal could collapse because of disagreements over important clauses. Iranian media claimed the US was blocking parts of the agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress had been made, but added that a nuclear deal could not be completed quickly. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said no final decision would be taken without approval from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump said negotiations were still continuing.

At least 20 people were killed and 70 others injured after a powerful blast hit a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Sunday. The explosion took place at Chaman Phatak station in Quetta while the train was carrying military personnel and their families home for Eid. Several coaches were derailed and badly damaged in the attack. The separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility and called it a suicide bombing. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and said terrorism would not weaken the country’s resolve. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)

Talks between the United States and Iran to end the ongoing war remain uncertain despite recent progress. Iran said disagreements over some important parts of the proposed deal could cause the agreement to fail. Iranian media claimed the US was blocking the release of Iran’s frozen assets. US President Donald Trump said negotiations were moving “constructively” but added that America would not rush into a deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said any agreement must remove Iran’s nuclear threat completely. Pakistan and Oman continue to play important roles in the ongoing peace talks between Tehran and Washington.

Russia launched one of its biggest overnight attacks on Ukraine, firing around 600 drones and 90 missiles at Kyiv and several other regions, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv was the main target, with four people killed and nearly 100 injured. Residential buildings, a school, an opera house and the Chornobyl Museum were damaged. Russia’s defence ministry claimed it used the Oreshnik hypersonic missile in response to alleged Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities denied targeting civilians and accused Moscow of deliberately attacking civilian areas across the country. (PC: BBC)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration of US President Donald Trump continues to prioritise diplomacy with Iran but warned that military options remain available if negotiations collapse. Speaking to India Today TV, Rubio said Washington’s main goal was to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons. He said the US wanted a negotiated agreement but would act if diplomacy failed. Rubio also criticised Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them illegal and dangerous. He said any future agreement must include restrictions on uranium enrichment and guarantees against nuclear weapon development. (PC: India Today)

A 21-year-old armed suspect, identified by US media as Nasire Best, was shot dead by Secret Service agents after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint in Washington DC on Saturday evening. Officials said the suspect pulled a revolver from a bag and began shooting near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Secret Service officers returned fire and later confirmed that no officers or protected individuals, including US President Donald Trump, were injured. One bystander was wounded and taken for treatment. Authorities said Best had a documented history of mental health conditions. The incident remains under investigation. (PC: BBC)

The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a framework agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in West Asia and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Reports said the proposed memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening of the strait, easing of US sanctions and partial release of Iranian funds. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in New Delhi that “good news” could emerge within hours. Iranian agencies Tasnim and Fars reported that Tehran may agree to curb uranium enrichment and clear naval mines in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade and restoring oil exports. (PC: X)

At least 20 people were killed and around 70 injured after an explosion struck a train carrying military personnel and their families in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, officials said. The blast derailed several coaches and overturned two carriages near Chaman Phatak station on Sunday morning. The separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, calling it a suicide attack, though Pakistani authorities have not confirmed this. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with victims. Emergency services remain active as authorities investigate the incident. (PC: BBC)