Donald Trump said China may have helped bring Iran to ceasefire talks, alongside mediation led by Shehbaz Sharif. A two-week truce was reached just before the US deadline, with Washington calling it a “total victory.” Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and enter formal negotiations in Islamabad. Tehran also presented a 10-point plan demanding recognition of its uranium enrichment programme, lifting of sanctions, US troop withdrawal, and control over Hormuz. The agreement includes Israel’s participation and sets the stage for further diplomatic engagement aimed at a long-term settlement. (PC: X)

With just 90 minutes left before Donald Trump’s deadline for a massive strike on Iran, a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough paused the war. A 10-point proposal from Iran, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, became the basis for a two-week ceasefire. The deal followed mediation efforts led by Shehbaz Sharif. Trump announced suspension of attacks at 6:32 pm ET, framing it as a “double-sided ceasefire.” Iran agreed to halt defensive operations if attacks stopped. Despite initial violations, the truce held. Markets reacted sharply, with oil prices dropping and equities rising, as global tensions briefly eased. (PC: India Today)

People across Iran formed human chains near bridges and power plants amid rising tensions with the US and Israel. Videos shared by Iranian authorities showed crowds holding hands and chanting in support of the power sector. The move follows strong warnings from Donald Trump, who said, “A whole civilisation will die tonight,” while threatening strikes on key infrastructure. Iran said it wants an end to the conflict but rejected pressure over the Strait of Hormuz. Israel said it carried out fresh strikes, while Iran warned of a “major retaliatory strike” after a senior intelligence official was killed.

The White House said only Donald Trump knows what action the US may take as the Iran deadline approaches. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do,” when asked about a possible nuclear option.   Trump has warned of major strikes if Iran does not meet US demands. He said a “whole civilisation will die” if no deal is reached. Attacks have already hit bridges, railways and power sites. Iran said it will not back down and warned of retaliation.   Officials said talks remain stalled as tensions rise across the region. (PC: X)

India has asked its citizens in Iran to remain indoors as tensions rise. The Embassy of India in Iran said, “Stay where you are” for the next 48 hours.   The advisory said people should avoid electric and military sites. It also asked them to stay away from upper floors of tall buildings. “Those in Embassy-hired hotels should stay put indoors,” it added.   The warning comes as conflict in the region continues. Donald Trump has issued fresh threats to Iran. Officials said the situation remains tense and unpredictable. (PC: X)

Donald Trump has warned Iran of major attacks if no deal is reached by his deadline. He said the US could destroy key infrastructure in hours. Experts say this is not fully possible. Iran is large, and targets are spread out. One analyst called it a “herculean task.”   Officials say the US could instead hit power plants and oil sites. Many of these are in coastal areas linked to exports. JD Vance said the US has “tools… we haven’t decided to use.” Experts also doubt such strikes will force quick talks. Iran has shown it can withstand pressure during the conflict. (PC: BBC)

Fears of a potential nuclear escalation surged after Donald Trump warned that an entire civilisation could be wiped out if Iran fails to meet a looming deadline. Speculation intensified when JD Vance said Washington could deploy “tools” not yet used, prompting social media claims about possible nuclear options. The White House swiftly rejected such interpretations, stating no remarks implied nuclear intent. The rhetoric follows US strikes on Kharg Island and ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. While concerns persist within political circles, officials emphasised that nuclear use remains speculative, even as the US President retains sole authority to order such action.

Amid escalating tensions before a US deadline, Masoud Pezeshkian claimed 14 million Iranians have volunteered to sacrifice their lives, signalling defiance against threats from Donald Trump over the Strait of Hormuz. The statement comes as Washington warns of strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges. Tehran has also mobilised civilians, urging human chains around critical infrastructure. Violence has intensified, with fresh airstrikes and regional missile exchanges. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps signalled escalation, while global concern grows over legality of targeting civilian infrastructure. Oil prices surged past $111 per barrel as fears of supply disruption mount and casualties continue rising across the region. (PC: AP)

London’s Wireless Festival has been cancelled after Kanye West was denied entry into the UK, with the Home Office withdrawing his Electronic Travel Authorisation over concerns his presence was not conducive to public good. The decision followed backlash over the rapper’s past antisemitic and pro-Nazi remarks, prompting sponsor withdrawals and mounting criticism. Organisers said consultations had raised no prior objections, but acknowledged the impact of antisemitism. Despite West expressing willingness to engage with Jewish groups, community organisations and political leaders backed the ban. With no headline act and escalating controversy, the festival was scrapped, and ticket refunds announced, marking a major disruption to the UK’s summer music calendar. (PC: Getty Images)

With less than 12 hours before a deadline set by Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, tensions escalated sharply as both sides exchanged stark warnings. Trump warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Tehran failed to comply, while leaving room for last-minute diplomacy. Iran rejected the ultimatum, with its embassy warning of an “unforgettable hit” and signalling defiance. US strikes targeted Kharg Island, a key oil export hub handling most of Iran’s crude shipments. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed a decisive response, declaring self-restraint over as ceasefire efforts stalled over demands for a permanent end to the conflict.