Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified as Washington prepares new sanctions targeting Tehran and potentially its trading partners, including China. Iran’s newly appointed Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned that countries supporting US economic measures could face retaliation, saying Tehran would regard them as enemies. He also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless Washington changes its policies and meets Iran’s conditions. The strategic waterway remains central to the standoff because of its importance to global oil shipments. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain stalled, raising concerns over further military and economic escalation. (PC: X)

Rescuers are searching for survivors after Russian drones struck a busy shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. At least 16 people were killed and 130 were injured. Four people remain missing. Two drones hit the centre within a short time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack “cynical and despicable”. He said the second drone targeted emergency workers at the scene. The fire covered about 9,000 square metres but has now been put out. Rescue teams from seven regions joined the search. Officials said the operation could continue for two more days because of the damage and ongoing threats.

14 people were killed in military air strikes on a monastery in Myanmar’s Sagaing region on Friday. The victims were elderly people attending a meditation retreat during Buddhist Lent. A local rescue worker said the site was hit twice. Several monks were also injured. The attack took place around 9:00 local time in Myaung township, about 70km west of Mandalay. An opposition fighter said rescuers were searching for survivors when a second strike took place. The victims included 11 men and three women, aged between 50 and 70. Myanmar’s military has not commented on the attack.

One person has died after an 18-year-old man allegedly attacked people with a sword at Brinell High School in Fagersta, Sweden. The incident occurred on Friday while around 400–500 students were attending classes. Two boys, reportedly aged between 12 and 17, suffered serious injuries. Police responded shortly after 2pm, and the suspect was shot, arrested and taken into custody. Several schools and public buildings in Fagersta were temporarily placed under lockdown. Authorities later said there was no continuing threat to the public. The suspect was reportedly a former student, while police investigations into the attack and its motive are ongoing. 

Iran has granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, responding to a key request from Baghdad, Reuters reported. The decision followed diplomatic discussions during Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s visit to Iraq. Iraqi President Nizar Amedi confirmed that tanker passage was being facilitated, while talks on maintaining oil exports through the strategic waterway continue. Shipping through Hormuz has fallen sharply amid the Iran conflict and security threats, disrupting regional energy trade. Iraq, which produces around four million barrels of oil daily, is also exploring alternative export routes through Turkey, Syria and Jordan to reduce dependence on the strait. (PC: Reuters)

Canada has vowed to respond to US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs “dollar for dollar” after Washington and Ottawa failed to reach a trade agreement by the midnight deadline. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused the US of making unfair last-minute changes during negotiations. The talks had been extended by three days in an effort to reach a deal and avoid the higher tariffs. With no agreement secured, Canada is preparing measures to match the US duties, escalating tensions between the two major trading partners. The dispute could affect cross-border trade and increase economic uncertainty for businesses in both countries. (PC: AFP)

More than 70 British MPs have reportedly raised concerns over the deteriorating situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling for urgent international attention. The lawmakers have highlighted allegations of violence, arrests, communications restrictions and suppression of civic protests in the region. They have urged the United Nations to take note of the situation and press for greater accountability and protection of rights. The development follows growing unrest linked to demands for better governance, basic services and economic relief. Earlier, British parliamentarians had also urged the UK government to intervene diplomatically over reported crackdowns and communication blackouts in PoK. (PC: X)

Turkey has issued an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of an investigation into Israel’s interception of an activist flotilla bound for Gaza, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced Friday. Gurlek said Turkey’s Justice Ministry had requested that the Interior Ministry issue Interpol red notices for Netanyahu and other officials so they could be sought internationally. Turkey had previously issued warrants against Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials over allegations of “genocide” related to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel firmly denies the genocide allegations. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel had sent Turkey a “clear message” over its alleged plans to establish a military foothold in Syria, warning Israel would not tolerate such a presence moving south.

Prince Harry and six other high-profile claimants have been ordered to pay an initial £9.54 million in legal costs to Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers Limited after losing their High Court privacy case. The group, including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, had accused the publisher of unlawful information-gathering, allegations it denied. Judge Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed the claims in July, saying they failed to prove their case. The claimants must make the initial payment by August 28 and could face further costs. They have until October 2 to seek permission to appeal. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination and returned to Adiala Jail within hours. The Supreme Court had ordered his transfer to Shifa International Hospital, but authorities cited security concerns for changing the facility. Khan’s sister Uzma said he appeared stable but alleged that he told her he was being repeatedly tortured in prison. Authorities did not immediately respond to the allegation. PTI said the hospital change and denial of access to Khan’s personal physician violated the court order and announced plans to file a contempt petition. (PC: The Indian Express)