The United States and India are moving closer to finalising an interim trade agreement following discussions initiated under the broader India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement framework. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will visit New Delhi to meet Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and senior officials to advance negotiations and review commitments stemming from the Modi-Trump understanding reached in February. The visit follows negotiator-level talks held in New Delhi earlier this month. Indian officials expect discussions to focus on finalising the framework agreement, while Commerce Minister Goyal has indicated that the first phase of the trade pact could be concluded by the middle of next month. (PC: USA Rice)

People in Lahore came together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, highlighting the unifying power of yoga and its growing global appeal. Participants gathered for a public yoga session, practising various postures and breathing exercises that promote physical health, mental well-being and inner balance. The event reflected the core message of International Day of Yoga, fostering harmony between mind and body while encouraging healthier lifestyles. Held in Pakistan, the gathering demonstrated how yoga continues to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing communities together through a shared commitment to wellness, mindfulness and holistic living. (PC: Sajjad/Xinhua)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received a warm public welcome from supporters amid an escalating political dispute with US President Donald Trump. Supporters greeted Meloni with cheers, kisses and affectionate gestures, highlighting visible backing as tensions between Rome and Washington continue to grow. The public display of support followed Trump's sharp criticism of Meloni and Italy over their position on Iran, transforming what began as a diplomatic disagreement into a high-profile political confrontation. Meloni responded firmly to the criticism, insisting that her popularity is rooted in defending Italy’s national interest rather than maintaining a close relationship with the US president. The clash has drawn significant international attention and intensified political debate.

A new poll conducted by the University of Jerusalem and the Agam Institute found that 92.1% of Israelis believe Iran emerged stronger or gained more from the recent conflict and subsequent US-Iran agreement. Among supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 93.1% shared that view, while 82.9% of respondents felt Israel’s long-term security had been weakened. The survey of 3,644 people also revealed strong opposition to the US-Iran deal, with 63.2% against it and only 12.1% supporting it. Netanyahu’s approval ratings declined sharply, with only 29.4% backing another term. Nearly half of respondents supported renewed military action in Lebanon despite potential tensions with Washington. (PC: AFP)

Iranian delegates walked out of the talks venue in Burgenstock, Switzerland, after a threat from US President Donald Trump, disrupting negotiations aimed at ending a conflict that has unsettled the Middle East and shaken global markets. The discussions are part of a broader diplomatic effort to stop the war and create conditions for a longer-term settlement between Washington and Tehran. The talks are intended to launch a 60-day process focused on resolving wider disputes that have complicated US-Iran relations for decades. Despite the setback, the negotiations remain significant because they seek to address longstanding political, security and diplomatic issues through a structured framework for dialogue. The developments underscore the fragile nature of the process and highlight how rhetoric can quickly influence sensitive diplomatic engagements at a critical moment.

A major explosion struck the Barzan gas facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on June 22, injuring at least 54 people and leaving 18 workers missing. According to Qatar’s Interior Ministry and QatarEnergy, the blast occurred during startup operations and was caused by a technical malfunction, with no evidence of external interference. Emergency crews quickly responded to contain the fire and continue search-and-rescue efforts. Authorities confirmed no hazardous gas or chemical leaks threatening nearby communities. The explosion was heard as far as Doha, around 80 kilometres away. Ras Laffan, one of the world’s largest LNG export hubs, briefly rattled energy markets before officials said operations had stabilised.

The first round of high-level negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding concluded at Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne Summit, with representatives from Iran, the United States, Qatar and Pakistan reporting “encouraging progress” toward a comprehensive peace settlement. The talks focused on implementing the Iran Peace Deal, preventing renewed regional escalation and advancing negotiations on nuclear issues, sanctions and security concerns. A High-Level Committee was established to oversee specialised working groups on nuclear matters, sanctions, monitoring and dispute resolution. Negotiators also approved a roadmap aimed at securing a final agreement within 60 days. Additionally, direct communication mechanisms were created for the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon to reduce risks of miscalculation and renewed conflict.

US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran as American and Iranian officials opened negotiations in Switzerland under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Trump warned Tehran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, threatening overwhelming force and claiming Iran “won’t have a country” if it blocks the vital oil route. He also suggested the US could take control of the strait and impose transit tolls on oil shipments. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance struck a more optimistic tone, citing progress on Lebanon ceasefire efforts. Trump additionally demanded Iran restrain Hezbollah amid ongoing regional instability. (PC: X)

Tensions flared as the United States and Iran opened crucial talks in Switzerland aimed at reviving diplomatic engagement. US President Donald Trump warned Tehran to curb the activities of Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, threatening harsher military action if instability continued. Iran responded sharply, urging Trump to “be careful with words” and accusing Washington of undermining negotiations through intimidation. Despite the heated rhetoric, both sides proceeded with discussions focused on regional security and broader issues. The exchange highlighted the fragile nature of the talks, with hopes for progress overshadowed by renewed warnings and mistrust. (PC: India Today)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is willing to provide written guarantees that it will not develop nuclear weapons, seeking to reassure the international community ahead of talks with the United States. However, he firmly stated that Iran will not abandon uranium enrichment, describing it as a sovereign right for peaceful purposes. The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts and ongoing disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme. While Washington seeks stricter curbs on enrichment activities, Tehran insists its nuclear ambitions are civilian in nature and rejects demands for a complete halt to enrichment operations. (PC: X)