The United States and Iran have agreed to avoid further military escalation following recent tensions, while technical-level nuclear talks are set to continue in Doha, Qatar. Officials from both sides described the discussions as constructive, with negotiators focusing on the technical details needed to revive diplomatic engagement. Although major differences remain, the decision to continue talks has raised hopes of easing tensions after weeks of conflict and military exchanges. Mediators from Qatar and Oman are facilitating the dialogue. Both Washington and Tehran said diplomacy remains the preferred path despite unresolved disagreements over sanctions, uranium enrichment and regional security. (PC: The Indian Express)

Pakistan has been accused of carrying out "double-tap" strikes on homes and mosques in Afghanistan, with rescuers reportedly killed when they rushed to help victims after the initial attacks. According to reports, the first airstrikes hit civilian areas, while follow-up strikes targeted the same locations minutes later, causing more casualties among emergency responders and residents. Afghan officials and rights groups said the attacks killed dozens, including children. Pakistan has maintained that its operations targeted militant hideouts and denied intentionally striking civilians. The allegations have sparked fresh concerns over civilian safety and the conduct of cross-border military operations. (PC: NDTV)

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 1,450, while tens of thousands of people are still feared missing. Rescue teams say many collapsed buildings have not yet been searched because of limited manpower and equipment. The powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes hit less than a minute apart during a national holiday, trapping thousands inside homes. Aid agencies say the first 48 to 72 hours are critical for saving lives, though survivors may still be found later. Concerns are also growing over the speed and coordination of the government's disaster response as rescue efforts continue. (PC: BBC)

Democratic Republic of Congo's most famous football supporter, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, missed his country's historic first FIFA World Cup victory after being denied a US visa. Known as the "90-minute standing superfan" for remaining on his feet throughout every match, Mboladinga was unable to travel for DR Congo's crucial clash against Uzbekistan. The African nation secured a memorable 3-1 win to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Mboladinga had become a global fan favourite for his unique support and colourful appearance, making his absence from one of the country's biggest football moments especially emotional. (PC: X)

Fresh military strikes between the United States and Iran have placed a fragile interim peace agreement at risk, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait after U.S. strikes on Iranian military sites, while Washington warned of severe consequences if hostilities continue. The renewed violence has intensified concerns over security in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Ongoing disputes over sanctions, Iran's nuclear programme, and maritime control have stalled negotiations, with mediators struggling to preserve the ceasefire and prevent further escalation. (PC: AFP)

A civilian aircraft carrying a group of skydivers crashed shortly after takeoff near the town of Tomblaine, close to Nancy in eastern France, on Sunday, killing all 11 people on board. The victims included the pilot, five instructors, and five first-time skydiving students. Authorities said the German-registered aircraft appeared to suffer damage before plunging to the ground near a shopping centre, though no one on the ground was injured. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, while psychological support was provided to victims' families. French investigators have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the deadly crash. (PC: X)

A helicopter belonging to Saudi Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, eastern Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, killing all 14 people on board. Saudi state media confirmed the deaths, while authorities said the cause of the crash remains unknown. An investigation has been launched involving the relevant agencies to determine what led to the accident. The crash occurred near Ras Tanura, home to one of the world's largest oil export terminals. Officials have not indicated any impact on oil production or export operations. Saudi Aramco has not released further details about the victims or the helicopter's mission. (PC: X)

The United States carried out fresh airstrikes on multiple Iranian military targets for the second consecutive day after accusing Tehran of attacking another oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US military, the strikes targeted surveillance systems, air defence sites, drone storage facilities and communication infrastructure. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran would "no longer exist" if Washington was forced to resume full-scale military action. Iran responded with a warning that US military bases in the Gulf would "experience hell" in the coming days. The renewed confrontation has raised fears of a wider conflict across the Middle East despite ongoing ceasefire efforts. (PC: NDTV)

Two photographs of Palestinian journalist Mujahid Bani Mufleh taken before and after his detention in Israel have drawn international attention. The Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) alleged that Mufleh was held without charge under Israel's administrative detention policy for six months and suffered abuse and medical neglect while in custody. The group said he experienced a severe brain haemorrhage after his release and has since undergone multiple brain surgeries. Israel has previously rejected allegations of systematic abuse in its detention facilities, saying prisoners are treated according to Israeli law and complaints of misconduct are investigated. (PC: X)

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified after Tehran launched missile and drone attacks on US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain in response to fresh American strikes on Iranian targets. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that US bases in the region would face "hell" if attacks continued and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire. The US said its strikes targeted Iranian military facilities after a drone attack on a commercial tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump warned that Iran could "cease to exist" if forced to escalate military action, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: India Today)