The Middle East conflict escalated sharply after the United States launched strikes on 140 Iranian targets following Tehran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz. Iran announced the closure after intercepting a vessel it claimed was using an "unauthorised route." The US said the strikes targeted missile and drone sites, naval assets, ammunition depots and surveillance systems. Hours later, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, triggering air defence operations and missile alerts across the Gulf. The latest escalation has further weakened diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and raised concerns over regional stability.  

At least 2 people were killed and several others injured after gunfire broke out during the annual Salsa on St. Clair street festival in Toronto, Canada. Police said an exchange of gunfire between 2 individuals triggered panic among thousands of festival-goers. Officers recovered 2 firearms from the scene and launched an investigation, but no arrests had been made. Authorities are managing multiple crime scenes and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the attack, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.  

Fresh US strikes on Iranian military targets have sharply escalated tensions across the Gulf, prompting Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE to activate emergency security measures. Iran claimed it launched missile and drone attacks on several US military bases, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, though these claims remain unverified. Kuwait reported intercepting hostile aerial targets, while Bahrain and Qatar issued emergency alerts. The US said it struck around 140 Iranian military sites to weaken Tehran's capabilities. The growing conflict has also raised concerns over regional security, global energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

6 The United States carried out fresh military strikes on Iran after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly attacked a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The assault left the vessel severely damaged and one civilian crew member missing, escalating tensions in the strategically vital waterway. In response, Iran reportedly shut the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes and raising concerns over global energy supplies. The latest confrontation has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, prompting international calls for restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

Nigeria's military says it has killed more than 300 armed bandits during a two-day offensive in Zamfara State, one of the country's most violence-hit regions. Backed by local vigilantes, troops targeted around 1,000 heavily armed criminals involved in kidnappings, cattle rustling, and extortion of farmers. Officials described the operation as a major success in restoring security after an earlier failed attempt. Zamfara has faced years of deadly attacks by criminal gangs, many of which are increasingly linked to jihadist groups. Authorities vowed to continue military operations to curb insecurity across northwestern Nigeria. (PC: AFP)

Pakistan has inducted Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir into a high-level committee tasked with addressing the country's rapidly growing population, further expanding the military's role in policymaking. Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed the panel to devise strategies for population management, alongside senior ministers overseeing finance, planning and health. Kamal argued that Pakistan's current resource-sharing formula discourages provinces from reducing population growth and proposed lowering the population-based weight in the National Finance Commission allocation. The government has also removed taxes on contraceptive products to improve access to family planning. Pakistan is projected to become the world's fourth most populous country by 2030. (PC: News18)

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to avenge the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling retribution "the demand of the nation" in his first public message since assuming office. In a written statement aired on state television, Mojtaba pledged revenge against those responsible for the deaths of his father and others killed during the recent conflict. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, with Mojtaba succeeding him on March 8. Despite taking office, he has yet to appear publicly. The statement comes as tensions persist between Iran and the US, even as both sides continue diplomatic talks. (PC: India Today)

King Charles and Queen Camilla met Prince Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet at Highgrove House on Friday. It was the King's first meeting with his grandchildren since 2022. The visit was private, and no photos were shared. Harry was in Britain for charity work and after a court case. He and Meghan have lived in the United States since leaving royal duties. Harry has visited Britain only a few times in recent years. The royal family has faced tensions for several years. The meeting is seen as a small step toward improving family relations. Buckingham Palace did not share more details.

US President Donald Trump has issued one of his strongest warnings to Iran, declaring that the United States would unleash overwhelming military force if Tehran attempts to assassinate him. The statement follows renewed intelligence reports and public threats linked to Iran after the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump claimed he had instructed the US military to respond with devastating strikes, saying hundreds of missiles were ready if such an attack occurred. The remarks further heighten tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns over regional stability and the future of diplomatic efforts. (PC: Reuters)

Fresh satellite images indicate Iran has resumed reconstruction work at key nuclear facilities damaged in previous US and Israeli strikes, raising concerns over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The activity comes despite a proposed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States aimed at limiting nuclear escalation. Reports suggest Iran is restoring access roads, repairing infrastructure, and reinforcing underground sites while insisting its nuclear programme remains peaceful. US President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran expands its nuclear capabilities, adding further strain to already fragile diplomatic efforts. The developments have intensified global scrutiny over regional security and future negotiations. (PC: X)