US F-15 fighter jet that crashed in southwest Iran in April may have been shot down by a Chinese-made shoulder-fired missile, according to a new report. US officials are investigating the incident, which could be the first time in decades that a US fighter jet was downed by enemy fire.   The two crew members safely ejected before the crash. One was rescued within hours, while the other was found after hiding in the mountains for nearly two days.   The report also claims China may have provided Iran with military equipment. China has denied sending weapons, and investigations are ongoing. (PC: Getty Images)

Google has asked US regulators for permission to release up to 32 million specially treated mosquitoes in parts of California and Florida. The project aims to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.   The mosquitoes are designed to interfere with breeding and lower the number of insects that can carry harmful diseases. The releases would take place over two years in selected areas.   Before the project begins, federal authorities will review safety and environmental data. If approved, Google will monitor the results and study the impact on public health. The findings could help shape future mosquito control efforts in the United States.

Iran’s chief negotiator has stated that Tehran will not finalize any agreement with the United States unless its national rights, sovereignty, and key interests are fully protected. The remarks come amid ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials insist that any deal must include recognition of their conditions, while Washington continues to push for restrictions on uranium enrichment and assurances against nuclear weapons development. Despite reports of progress and draft proposals, both sides acknowledge that major disagreements remain unresolved, keeping the prospects of a final agreement uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue. (PC: Reuters)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said a “true friendship” is developing between the United States and Pakistan's leadership, praising the roles of Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in regional peace efforts.   Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth described improving US-Pakistan ties as an important and unexpected development. He also said Washington does not currently view either India or Pakistan as a missile threat to the United States.   At the same time, Hegseth reaffirmed America's strategic partnership with India, calling it a critical anchor in South Asia and highlighting expanding defence cooperation between the two countries. (PC: India Today)  

US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, describing ongoing negotiations as being “close to a very good deal.” Trump stated that any final agreement must guarantee Tehran never acquires nuclear weapons and must also help reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian officials have denied that a final agreement has been reached and disputed several US claims regarding nuclear commitments and regional conditions. Despite continued diplomatic talks, major disagreements remain over sanctions relief, uranium stockpiles, and maritime security, keeping the future of the proposed deal uncertain. (PC: Reuters)

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become a major public health concern, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and at least 246 deaths reported within two weeks of its declaration. Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) described the situation as “deeply alarming”, warning that the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts.   The World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited the eastern province of Ituri, the epicentre of the outbreak, to assess containment measures. Neighbouring Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death. Health officials are also investigating a suspected case in Brazil linked to recent travel from DR Congo. The Bundibugyo strain involved in the outbreak has no proven vaccine. (PC: BBC)

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is prepared to restart military strikes on Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a deal preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth stated that the US military has sufficient resources and munitions to resume operations if necessary. The warning comes as the administration of Donald Trump continues diplomatic efforts to secure a broader agreement involving Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Talks remain ongoing amid high regional tensions and fears of renewed conflict. 

Rescue teams in Laos successfully freed four more miners trapped for 10 days inside a flooded cave, bringing the total number of rescued survivors to five. The men had entered the cave in search of gold ore before heavy rains triggered flash floods, blocking their escape routes. International rescue teams, including experienced cave divers from several countries, navigated narrow, mud-filled tunnels with almost no visibility to reach them. Two people remain missing as search operations continue deeper into the flooded cave system. Rescuers described the mission as extremely dangerous due to unstable walls, strong currents, and confined underwater passages.

China is building a large network of military facilities near its nuclear missile bases in the Xinjiang region, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters. The project includes launch pads, bunkers, communication centres, airfields and rail links. Experts say more than 80 sites could support mobile missile launchers and air-defence systems. Two large octagon-shaped complexes have been developed over the past six years. Analysts believe the facilities may help protect and strengthen China's nuclear forces. China maintains a "no first use" nuclear policy, but concerns remain over rising tensions involving Taiwan and China's growing military capabilities.

US President Donald Trump remains in excellent health, according to a report released by his physician after a routine medical examination. The evaluation included laboratory tests, diagnostic studies and consultations with specialists. White House physician Sean Barbabella said Trump's cognitive and physical performance were excellent and that he is fully fit to carry out his duties. The report noted no major health concerns. Trump, who turns 80 in June, was advised to continue weight loss efforts, increase physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. He currently takes medications for cholesterol management and cardiovascular prevention. (PC: AFP)