US President Donald Trump said he would decide “very soon” whether to “blow up” Iran or pursue a deal, as Tehran confirmed receiving Washington’s formal response to an Iranian proposal to end the seven-month war. Trump said the choice was between attacking Iran and making a deal, while Iran’s proposal offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week and resume nuclear negotiations. Tehran sought an end to the US naval blockade, sanctions relief on Iranian oil sales, release of frozen assets and a ceasefire across all fronts. Trump had rejected the proposal publicly, saying Iran was “losing so badly.” Qatar and Pakistan have continued mediation efforts, but Washington and Tehran have yet to reach an agreement.

The US administration has urged Germany and France to release emergency diesel reserves amid concerns over tight global fuel supplies and elevated prices. According to a Reuters report cited by Times Now, Washington warned the two countries could face a potential ban on US diesel exports if they do not increase fuel availability. The move comes as the Trump administration explores measures to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of November’s midterm elections. Washington is seeking additional refined-product supplies as disruptions to traditional sources have tightened diesel availability. The issue was expected to be discussed by European governments on Thursday. The European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain were holding a call on whether emergency diesel stocks should be released. (PC: X)

A Flydubai pilot described the co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar as a “religious extremist,” alleging that he displayed extreme religious behaviour, prayed excessively and refused to shake hands with women. The co-pilot reportedly joined Flydubai eight months ago and was an Omani national. Israel has called the incident a terror attack, while the UAE and Flydubai have so far avoided that characterization. The UAE said it would investigate whether terrorism motivated the attack, while Flydubai cancelled flights to Israel pending its investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination” and that possible links to Iran could be determined within days. The co-pilot remains under arrest, with his motive unknown. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot accused of attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight shouted “kill me, kill me” after being subdued. The detail emerged in Netanyahu’s interview with Fox News, a day after the mid-air attack. The incident placed 180 passengers, mostly Israelis, at risk and triggered a probe into a possible hijacking or terrorist incident. Netanyahu claimed the co-pilot had undergone radical indoctrination and was “suicidal,” appearing intent on bringing down the aircraft. The report said investigators were also examining a possible Iran link. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the incident, which involved an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. (PC: Reuters) 

Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv faced a severe emergency after the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. Despite suffering serious stab wounds, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Plumber Yaniv Hayun helped overpower the attacker and briefly assisted in stabilising the aircraft, while passengers Assaf Rajuan and Zvika Manes helped restrain the suspect. Dentist Shota Musaev treated Machchhar’s bleeding injuries. Two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers later took control and helped land the Boeing 737 safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. (PC: X)

Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel while an international investigation examines a cockpit attack aboard Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other, triggering a rapid descent of around 14,000 feet. Passengers and crew helped regain control, while the injured Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, was taken for medical treatment and reported stable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine who was behind the incident or whether it was terrorism. UAE authorities are investigating the motive and circumstances. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump said Iran would eventually “give up” amid continuing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming the United States had moved more oil through the strategic waterway in recent days than ever before. Trump made the remarks at the White House as Washington and Tehran remained engaged in indirect negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and the strait’s security. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that regional infrastructure could face risks if Iran’s security was threatened. Meanwhile, US officials indicated that sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds could be considered if Tehran makes concrete nuclear progress. (PC: Reuters)

Russia has warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempts to isolate or cut off Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania. In a diplomatic note seen by Reuters, Moscow accused NATO of pursuing a dangerous course that could trigger direct conflict and warned of possible strikes against alliance decision-making centres. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte rejected the threats, saying the alliance is defensive and that there is no imminent Russian threat to NATO territory. The warning comes amid increasing military activity, heightened tensions and accusations of hybrid warfare in the Baltic region. (PC: Reuters)

Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during a cockpit confrontation on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, has been airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Dubai for further medical treatment. The flight was diverted to Tabuk after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, with all passengers accounted for. Machchhar had been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia and was reported stable. Investigations into the incident and its motive remain ongoing. 

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said fighter jets were immediately scrambled after a Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight transmitted emergency signals during an alleged cockpit attack. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. Azar praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for opening the cockpit door despite being attacked, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the alleged attacker and regain control. Three Israeli passengers also helped restrain the attacker. Machchhar was stabilised and remained under Saudi medical care. Authorities are investigating the incident, while the motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear. (PC: PTI)