US President Donald Trump is looking to use the upcoming Artemis II mission as a key moment for national unity and global competition. The mission will send four astronauts towards the Moon, marking the first deep space crewed flight since 1972. Officials say it is a step towards a permanent lunar base and future Mars missions. Trump has linked the effort to US strength and leadership. NASA chief Jared Isaacman said the goal is not just to visit but to stay. The mission also comes amid rising rivalry with China over space resources and influence. (PC: BBC)

Italy has refused to allow the United States to use its air base in Sicily for operations linked to Iran, according to Reuters. The move comes days after Spain denied similar access to US aircraft. Italy’s decision reflects growing reluctance among European allies to join the conflict. Reports said European Union nations do not want direct military involvement in the Iran war. The refusal is seen as a setback for the US as it seeks support from NATO partners. It may also add to tensions within the administration of US President Donald Trump over the handling of the conflict. (PC: India Today)

The United States struck Iran’s Isfahan using 900-kg bunker buster bombs, targeting a large ammunition depot near military sites. Officials said the strike aimed to destroy missiles and stored explosives. Isfahan is a key defence hub and houses a major nuclear facility. Reports suggest highly enriched uranium may be stored there. A US official told The Wall Street Journal that a “high volume of bunker busters” was used. These bombs are designed to hit deep underground targets. Satellite data showed fires and secondary blasts after the strike. The attack followed warnings from US President Donald Trump of wider action if no deal is reached. Iran has not confirmed the strike. 

Authorities in Dubai said no oil leaked after a Kuwaiti tanker caught fire in a drone strike. The Al Salmi tanker was carrying about two million barrels of oil and was docked at the port. It was on its way to China when the attack took place. A fire broke out after the strike. Emergency teams responded and brought the situation under control. “Response teams have successfully contained the incident, with no oil leakage and no injuries reported,” the Dubai media office said. Officials confirmed the vessel was secured and there was no environmental damage reported. (PC: X)

Donald Trump is willing to end the military operation against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing officials.   The report said reopening the key shipping route could extend the conflict beyond the planned four to six weeks. The White House said, “We’re on day 30 today.”   Officials said the US wants to weaken Iran’s navy and missile stocks before winding down fighting. The focus is on meeting core goals first.   If the strait remains shut, Washington may push allies in Europe and the Gulf to reopen it later. The closure has slowed global oil and cargo movement. (PC: The hindu)

Satellite images show large fires at Russian oil facilities after recent Ukrainian strikes. The attacks hit sites in the Leningrad region near St Petersburg. Reports confirm strikes on ports at Primorsk and Ust-Luga, and the Kirishi refinery. Several oil storage tanks were damaged or destroyed. Thick smoke was seen rising for days. Ukraine’s drone commander said the aim was to hit Russia’s “oil arteries” and reduce its export capacity. Data showed no oil shipments from key Baltic ports for two days. Officials said some fires were contained and no casualties were reported. Analysts say the strikes may affect Russia’s oil exports and revenues. (PC: BBC)

Mohammad Tahir Anwar, brother of Masood Azhar, has died in Pakistan, according to reports. The cause of death has not been confirmed. The announcement was made through Jaish-e-Mohammed channels. It said his funeral will take place in Bahawalpur. Anwar was linked to the group for several years. No details were shared on illness or any incident. Jaish-e-Mohammed has been involved in multiple attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Officials have not issued any statement on his death so far. (PC: News18)

Gulf countries are seeking help from Ukraine to counter Iran’s low-cost Shahed drones. The US and its allies have been using expensive missiles, raising costs sharply.   Ukraine has developed cheaper “Sting” and “Bullet” interceptors after years of fighting similar drones. These systems cost far less and have shown high success rates.   Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “We are ready to help,” highlighting Ukraine’s experience.   Deals have been signed with Gulf nations for supply and training. Experts say the move is driven by rising war costs and limited missile supplies. (PC: India Today)

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s military goals in the Iran war are “definitely beyond the halfway point,” clarifying it refers to missions, not time.   At the same time, a Kuwaiti oil tanker caught fire after being hit while docked in Dubai. Officials blamed Iran. All 24 crew members are safe and the fire is under control.   Fresh strikes were reported in both Israel and Iran, with parts of Tehran facing power cuts.   Donald Trump warned of stronger action, saying the US could “obliterate” Iran’s key facilities if no deal is reached soon. Iran denied any ongoing talks.

The United States is spending about Rs 9.8 lakh every second on its war with Iran, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The conflict has entered its 31st day and cost around $27.68 billion so far.   Under Donald Trump, daily spending is estimated at $890 million, or about Rs 8,455 crore.   Munitions and missiles form the largest share at $320 million per day. Air operations and naval deployments also add major costs.   The White House said Trump may ask Arab nations to share expenses. “It’s something the president would be quite interested in,” a spokesperson said. (PC: NDTV)