A public dispute between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has intensified following the recent G7 Summit in France. Trump repeated his claim that Meloni repeatedly asked for a photo with him during the summit and suggested she was seeking to improve her political standing. Meloni strongly rejected the remarks, calling them “completely fabricated” and criticizing what she described as repeated attacks against Italy. The disagreement has also highlighted tensions over Italy’s refusal to support certain US military logistics related to Iran. The row has drawn political attention in both countries and strained relations between the two leaders. (PC: HT)

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after fresh Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed at least 16 people, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Tehran said the move was a response to growing regional instability and warned of further measures if hostilities continue. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route through which a large share of the world's oil exports passes. The development has raised concerns about energy supplies and oil prices worldwide. The United States said it had not yet observed a complete disruption to maritime traffic but is closely monitoring the situation. (PC: The Indian Express)

A major Ukrainian drone attack hit an oil refinery in Moscow, sending thick black smoke over parts of the Russian capital and highlighting how the war is increasingly affecting life inside Russia. The strike also damaged residential buildings and shopping centres in the Moscow region. Local authorities said an eight-year-old girl was killed in a fire caused by one of the drones.   While many residents continued their daily routines, the attack underscored growing security concerns in Moscow. Russian officials downplayed the incident, insisting that Moscow's strikes on Ukraine remain more effective. The attack was among the largest on the region since the war began. (PC: BBC)

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, accusing Israel and the United States of violating a recent ceasefire agreement. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the move was the “first step” in response to what it called breaches of commitments and warned that further action could follow if attacks continue.   The announcement came after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least 16 people, including two children. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, and any disruption there could raise concerns about global energy supplies and regional stability. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has again criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she repeatedly asked to take photos with him during the G7 summit. Trump claimed Meloni wanted the pictures to help increase her popularity.   He also criticised Italy’s views on Iran and raised concerns about the country's role in Nato cooperation. Trump's comments have brought fresh attention to differences between the two leaders on international issues.   Meloni has not publicly replied to the remarks. The comments come as G7 countries work together on major global challenges, including security, defence and foreign policy. (PC: India Today)

At least five people were killed in Israeli air and drone strikes in southern Lebanon, despite a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. According to Lebanese media, the attacks targeted areas around Nabatieh, destroying homes and causing further casualties. The violence erupted only hours after a truce brokered with U.S. and Qatari involvement had come into effect. The latest escalation has raised concerns over the durability of the ceasefire and threatens wider diplomatic efforts, including stalled U.S.-Iran talks. Both sides have accused each other of violations, leaving the situation in southern Lebanon highly volatile. (PC: AP)

Thousands of members of Bangladesh’s Hindu community staged protests in Dhaka after an alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram during demonstrations by Islamist groups. Protesters organized torchlight marches, raised religious slogans, and demanded the immediate arrest and punishment of those responsible. The demonstrations also highlighted concerns over the suspension of an 81-foot Lord Ram statue project in northern Bangladesh following reported threats from radical groups. Hindu organizations issued an ultimatum to authorities and warned of wider nationwide protests if action is not taken. The developments have intensified concerns over minority rights and religious tensions in the country. 

US President Donald Trump publicly praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a "warrior" despite reports suggesting that American intelligence officials feared Netanyahu's actions could complicate or undermine efforts to secure a peace agreement with Iran. Trump defended the Israeli leader and reaffirmed strong US-Israel ties as negotiations aimed at ending months of regional conflict continued. The remarks came amid growing speculation about differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over strategy in the Middle East. The situation highlights the delicate balance between diplomatic efforts with Iran and continued support for Israel. (PC: X)

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been reinstated following renewed diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar and Iran. The truce aims to ease tensions in Lebanon after recent clashes threatened wider regional stability. Meanwhile, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland for negotiations with Iranian officials over a potential nuclear agreement. The talks are seen as crucial to transforming the current temporary arrangements into a lasting peace framework. Although some violence was reported shortly after the ceasefire began, officials hope the renewed truce will create conditions for successful diplomacy and broader de-escalation across the Middle East. (PC: AFP)

Planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland were abruptly cancelled after renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah heightened regional tensions. The negotiations were intended to advance a recently agreed framework aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear programme and promoting stability in the Middle East. US Vice President JD Vance withdrew from the meeting, while Iran reportedly sought assurances regarding the worsening situation in Lebanon. The setback has cast doubt over efforts to secure a lasting truce and raised fresh concerns about regional security, energy supplies and the future of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. (PC: Shutterstock)