The United States has clarified its position on a recent directive that sparked concerns among immigrants seeking permanent residency. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the policy does not require all green card applicants to return to their home countries during the application process. Instead, immigration officers will continue to decide such cases individually, as permitted under existing rules. The clarification comes after an earlier statement suggested applicants would generally need to leave the US to apply. The move had raised concerns among F-1 students, tourists and H-1B visa holders, including many Indian professionals seeking permanent residency. (PC: HT)

China is rapidly expanding military infrastructure around its nuclear missile fields in the remote deserts of Xinjiang and Gansu, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters. The construction includes more than 80 launch pads, fortified military facilities, communications networks and large octagonal installations near strategic missile silos. Security analysts say the project is aimed at improving China's ability to survive a potential nuclear first strike and launch a retaliatory attack. Experts described the scale of the buildup as unprecedented. The development comes amid rising tensions between China and the United States, particularly over Taiwan, and growing concerns about Beijing's expanding nuclear capabilities. (PC: India Today)

A Kenyan court has suspended plans by the United States to open an Ebola quarantine facility in the country. The High Court ordered that no such centre linked to any foreign government can operate until the case is heard. Rights groups and medical unions raised concerns about public health risks and lack of transparency. The facility was meant to treat US citizens exposed to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases so far. The government has not directly commented on the plan. The court will review the matter in the coming weeks. (PC: EPA)

US President Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran could be reached soon and announced that the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would be lifted. He said Iran must never develop nuclear weapons and must allow free shipping through the strait. Trump claimed a final decision on the deal would be made soon after a White House meeting. However, Iran rejected his statements, saying negotiations are still ongoing and no final agreement has been reached. Iranian officials said they do not accept US demands and will make decisions based on national interests. Talks between both sides continue. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump claimed he is close to approving a major peace agreement with Iran after months of conflict and tense negotiations. The proposed deal reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing sanctions, extending a ceasefire, and limiting Iran’s nuclear activities. However, Iranian leaders denied that a final agreement has been reached and rejected claims about surrendering enriched uranium or giving up nuclear rights. The draft deal has also triggered criticism from Republican hardliners in the US, who fear it resembles earlier nuclear agreements. Diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and Gulf nations continue as both sides negotiate final terms. (PC: X)

Iran has rejected key demands outlined by U.S. President Donald Trump during ongoing negotiations over a proposed peace deal aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Tehran reportedly refused to destroy or surrender its enriched nuclear material and remains opposed to conditions linked to unrestricted, toll-free access through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he would make a “final determination” soon on the proposed agreement, which includes extending the current ceasefire and reopening critical shipping routes. Iranian officials accused Washington of exaggerating progress, insisting sanctions relief and concrete U.S. actions must come before any major commitments are made.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to formally announce a landmark peace agreement with Iran within 72 hours, following intense negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Gulf nations. The proposed deal aims to extend the current ceasefire, reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, and begin fresh talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Reports suggest the agreement could include limited sanctions relief and mechanisms to reduce regional tensions after months of conflict. However, Iranian officials have cautioned that several key issues remain unresolved, particularly around uranium enrichment and control of the Strait, making the final outcome uncertain despite growing diplomatic optimism.

Lebanese and Israeli military officials are set to meet in Washington for another round of U.S.-mediated talks aimed at preserving the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The negotiations come as Israel intensifies airstrikes across southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs, targeting alleged Hezbollah-linked sites. Recent attacks reportedly killed civilians, including women and children, worsening tensions before the talks. Lebanese leaders have demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal and respect for sovereignty, while Israel insists operations will continue against Hezbollah threats. The United States is pushing both sides toward a longer-term security arrangement, though repeated ceasefire violations have raised fears of a broader regional conflict. (PC: Reuters)

The United Nations has warned that children in Lebanon are paying a devastating price as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalates despite a ceasefire agreement. UNICEF said an average of 11 children were killed or injured every 24 hours during the past week amid intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon and Beirut suburbs. The agency reported 77 child casualties in seven days, while attacks on hospitals and healthcare centres have worsened the humanitarian crisis. Lebanese authorities say thousands have been killed or displaced since March. UN officials urged all sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, especially children. (PC: Reuters)

A Russian drone struck a 10-storey apartment building in Galați, eastern Romania, near the Ukraine border, injuring two people and sparking a fire. Romanian authorities said the drone was part of a wider overnight Russian attack on Ukraine and remained in Romanian airspace for several minutes before impact. Around 70 residents were evacuated as emergency teams controlled the blaze. Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets and summoned the Russian ambassador after the incident. NATO condemned the strike as a dangerous escalation and reaffirmed its commitment to defend alliance territory. Romanian officials called it the country’s most serious security incident since the Ukraine war began. (PC: Reuters)