A Russian drone attack hit a market in Nikopol, southern Ukraine, killing five people. At least 21 others were injured, including a 14-year-old girl. Officials said the strike happened in a “busy spot” on Saturday morning. Images showed damaged kiosks and debris across the market. Ukraine said the attack is being treated as a war crime. The town has faced frequent shelling since the war began. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched strikes on Russia, killing one person in Taganrog. Both sides reported heavy drone attacks overnight. Efforts to reach a ceasefire have stalled, with fighting continuing across multiple regions. (PC: Reuters)

A strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant killed one person on Saturday. Iranian media said the victim was a security staff member. This is the fourth strike near the site since the conflict began. A building was also damaged, but officials said there was no radiation leak. The IAEA chief warned that nuclear sites “must never be targeted.” He said even nearby buildings may hold critical safety systems. Iran’s foreign minister criticised the US and Israel over repeated attacks. He warned of serious regional risks. Russia has called for a temporary ceasefire to safely evacuate its workers from the plant next week.

Iran said it is open to mediation talks with the United States in Islamabad. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “We have never refused to go to Islamabad.” He thanked Pakistan for its efforts. He added that Iran wants “a conclusive and lasting end” to the war. Reports earlier claimed Iran delayed the process. Pakistan rejected those claims, calling them “baseless” and a “figment of imagination.” Officials said there was a misunderstanding. Pakistan is trying to broker peace between the US, Israel, and Iran. Talks have not succeeded yet. Fighting continues, with attacks on key sites and rising tensions in the region. (PC: AP)

A major escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict saw Iran launch a ballistic missile carrying cluster munitions toward central Israel, striking areas near Tel Aviv. The attack caused a building collapse in Ramat Gan and widespread infrastructure damage, including power outages in nearby regions. Submunitions scattered across multiple locations, damaging roads, industrial zones, and civilian areas. Emergency teams rushed to defuse unexploded bomblets as fires broke out and residents took shelter in bunkers. Israeli defense systems were activated amid continued strikes, highlighting growing concerns over the use of cluster weapons and the intensifying scale of the conflict.

Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, Iran has raised concerns about a potential second global trade disruption by signalling risks around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, after tensions already choked the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is vital for oil and cargo flows between Asia and Europe. Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have warned of possible naval blockades, indicating a coordinated escalation strategy. Experts warn that simultaneous disruption of both chokepoints could severely impact global energy supplies, trade routes, and inflation, particularly for import-dependent nations like India, raising fears of a wider economic shock. (PC: MSN)

Iran has firmly rejected Pakistan’s attempt to mediate peace talks with the United States, calling Washington’s demands “unacceptable” and refusing to engage in negotiations in Islamabad. The move highlights a deep trust deficit and effectively stalls diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Iran has intensified military actions, reportedly launching its 83rd wave of counter-strikes, signaling further escalation. Tensions have worsened following reports of a downed US aircraft and a missing American airman. While Qatar may emerge as a potential mediator, the situation remains volatile with no immediate resolution in sight. (PC: MSN)

U.S. President Donald Trump’s frustration over European allies refusing to support the U.S.-led Iran war has pushed NATO into a deep crisis. Several NATO countries declined to deploy naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Trump to question the alliance’s value and even consider withdrawing the United States. The tensions have shaken transatlantic relations, with analysts warning NATO faces one of its most serious challenges in decades. European nations are now reassessing their security independence, while U.S. actions—alongside disagreements over global conflicts—have further strained unity within the alliance. (PC: Reuters)

Amid the ongoing Iran conflict, several vessels—including a French-owned container ship and a Japanese LNG tanker—successfully passed through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant shift after weeks of disruption. The French ship CMA CGM Kribi became the first Western-linked vessel to transit the strait since hostilities began in late February 2026, when Iran effectively restricted maritime movement. A Japanese-linked tanker and Oman-associated vessels also made similar crossings, often signaling neutrality to secure safe passage. The strait, which handles about 20% of global oil trade, remains critical, with global powers pushing for its reopening to stabilize energy and supply chains. (PC: AFP)

Iran has publicly ridiculed the United States following the reported downing of an American fighter jet over its territory, intensifying the ongoing conflict. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf mocked Washington, sarcastically asking if anyone could find the missing U.S. pilot. The remarks come as U.S. forces continue search-and-rescue operations after one crew member was recovered while another remains unaccounted for. The incident has heightened tensions, with both sides escalating rhetoric alongside military actions. Iran’s response reflects a broader propaganda push, using the jet loss to challenge U.S. military credibility during the rapidly worsening regional crisis. (PC: X)

Iranian military officials have claimed that their air defence systems shot down a U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz, with the jet reportedly crashing into the Persian Gulf. The incident comes amid rapidly escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, following the earlier downing of a U.S. F-15 fighter jet. While Iranian sources assert responsibility, U.S. officials indicate the pilot of the A-10 was safely rescued after ejecting. The near-simultaneous incidents highlight increasing risks for U.S. air operations and raise concerns over security in the strategically vital oil transit corridor.