US President Donald Trump said there are currently no talks or negotiations with Iran, contradicting earlier reports of back-channel communications between Washington and Tehran. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US naval blockade of Iran remained “in full force and effect” while asserting that the Strait of Hormuz was “open and operating.” He also claimed that all mines in the strategic waterway had either been removed or detonated. Trump’s statement appears to conflict with recent reports of indirect diplomatic contacts between the two countries. His remarks come amid continued tensions over Iran, the naval blockade and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which remains central to the wider US-Iran standoff.

The UAE issued an emergency missile warning for Dubai after its air defence systems detected a missile threat targeting the country, amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) advised residents to move to safe locations and take necessary precautions. Authorities also reported sirens and loud explosions in Dubai shortly after the alert. Initial reports suggested Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and/or Yemen’s Houthi group could be behind the reported missile launch, though the article does not establish responsibility. The warning came after a June 2026 interim US-Iran agreement expired on August 17 without a permanent settlement, while military and maritime tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: News18)

#   US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to surrender as a 60-day US-Iran memorandum of understanding expired without a permanent agreement. Trump has maintained pressure on Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. He has also warned Oman against obstructing US efforts related to the waterway. Trump said the US has cleared mines from the strait and that it is open and operating, while Iran has disputed Washington’s position and demanded conditions for reopening the route. The collapse of the agreement has raised fears of renewed tensions and further disruption to shipping and global oil markets. (PC: The Indian Express)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Union Minister Kiren Rijiju over his remarks on the July student protests in Delhi. Gandhi alleged that police used nail-studded lathis and pellet guns against protesters, leaving some seriously injured. He said he had personally met injured students and accused the government of denying what happened. Rijiju, however, said no protester died or suffered a serious injury and praised the Delhi Police for handling the demonstration. He also alleged that people from several political groups joined the protest and provoked violence. Gandhi said thousands of videos showed what happened, adding that students “have eyes and memories too.” (PC: NDTV)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be shifted from jail to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours following an order by the Pakistan Supreme Court, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said on Tuesday. The 73-year-old politician has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces several criminal cases. Concerns over his health have increased, particularly after his lawyers said he had lost 85% of the vision in his right eye, leaving him with only 15% vision. The court has ordered him to remain in hospital until September 16. Khan and his party have repeatedly claimed that several cases against him are politically motivated. (PC: X)

The UK has reaffirmed its full support for Ukraine after Russia warned Britain of “consequences” over reports that British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain was “not fair-weather friends” and would remain with Ukraine during its “hour of need.” Moscow accused London of escalating the conflict and warned that greater British involvement would come at a higher price. The UK has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters since Russia’s invasion in 2022 and continues to provide military equipment. The latest exchange comes as both Russia and Ukraine intensify long-range drone and missile attacks. (PC: BBC)

A Kolkata event of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was cancelled after the organisation’s co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka alleged that hall owners faced threats and pressure from BJP leaders. Ranka said the planned meet-up at Bharat Sabha Hall in North Kolkata was cancelled and claimed 6 other venues also refused to host the event. The allegations have not been independently verified. Ranka said the CJP would organise a larger event and continue its “School Theek Karo” campaign in West Bengal. The group has also threatened protests over the death of Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, whose son was involved in the campaign, and demanded arrests and a court-monitored probe. (PC: India Today)

A hand grenade attack near a school in Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi area injured around 50 children, according to Afghan media reports. Kabul police confirmed that several children were wounded in Monday’s blast and said an investigation was underway. The area is mainly populated by the Hazara community, which has faced repeated attacks and discrimination in Afghanistan. UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett condemned the attack and called for an independent investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Dasht-e-Barchi has previously witnessed deadly attacks targeting Hazaras, including a 2021 school bombing that killed dozens, mostly young girls. (PC: HT)

Amit Malviya has been replaced as head of the BJP’s IT and social media department after 11 years, as party president Nitin Nabin announced his new national organisational team. Deepak Mhaskey from Chhattisgarh will take over the role. BJP sources have rejected speculation that Malviya’s removal was linked to recent social media challenges or the ‘Gen Z’ movement. Sources said Malviya had discussed stepping down with the leadership after the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and had also discussed possible successors. His future role remains undecided. Malviya also served as the BJP’s West Bengal co-in-charge, where the party recently came to power. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party have featured New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside Iranian and Hezbollah leaders in a campaign poster ahead of Israel’s elections. The poster shows Mamdani with Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem. The message says, “They want Netanyahu to lose, don’t let them win.” Netanyahu also reposted the image with the words, “Don’t let them win.” The move follows a public clash between Netanyahu and Mamdani, who has said the Israeli prime minister should face justice at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. (PC: The Independent)