US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have digitally signed the 14-point “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” a landmark agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and paving the way for a broader settlement. The deal establishes a permanent ceasefire framework, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, initiates sanctions relief for Iran, and launches negotiations for a final agreement within 60 days. Iran reaffirmed it would not acquire nuclear weapons and accepted international oversight of enriched material through agreed mechanisms. The United States pledged sanctions waivers, asset unfreezing and economic assistance, while both sides committed to avoiding escalatory actions during negotiations. (PC: Inspired Pencil)

A dramatic video circulating online reportedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike hitting an oil refinery near Moscow, sending thick black smoke into the sky and blowing the lid off a storage tank. Russian authorities confirmed a fire at the facility and said emergency crews were deployed to contain the blaze. The attack is part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure to disrupt fuel supplies and military logistics. No casualties were immediately reported. The incident highlights the increasing reach of Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory as the conflict between the two countries continues to escalate.

US President Donald Trump has drawn criticism after appearing to soften his stance on Iran’s ballistic missile programme following the newly signed US-Iran peace agreement. Trump argued that it would be “unfair” to deny Tehran missiles while other countries possess similar capabilities, marking a sharp departure from his earlier hardline position. Critics in the US and among allies have accused him of making excessive concessions to secure the deal. The agreement focuses mainly on nuclear restrictions and regional stability, while leaving Iran’s missile programme largely untouched, fueling concerns over future security implications. (PC: X)

Indian stock markets extended their winning streak for a fifth consecutive session on Thursday, supported by falling crude oil prices and optimism surrounding the US-Iran peace agreement. The benchmark Sensex and Nifty closed higher as investors welcomed signs of easing tensions in the Middle East, reducing concerns over energy supply disruptions.   Lower crude prices are seen as positive for India's economy, helping ease inflation and import costs. Buying in banking, financial and auto stocks also supported the rally. Market experts said improved global sentiment and hopes of stable energy prices encouraged investors to remain positive despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. (PC: The Hindu)

Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has criticised the US-Iran peace deal, saying it fails to address key Israeli security concerns. In an interview with India Today, Azar said Iran's ballistic missile programme and support for regional groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas were left out of the agreement.   He also objected to provisions related to Lebanon, arguing that Israel's security interests had not been adequately protected. Azar said Israel would maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon and reserve the right to self-defence. Despite his concerns, he claimed Israel had significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities during the recent conflict. (PC: India Today)

A Ukrainian drone strike hit Moscow’s Kapotnya oil refinery on June 18, triggering a major explosion and a large fire. Videos shared online showed the refinery’s tank lid being blown into the air while thick black smoke rose above the Russian capital.   Russian officials said air defenses intercepted many drones during what was described as one of the largest attacks on Moscow since the war began. The refinery, a key fuel supplier for the city, was targeted for the second time this week. The strike caused disruptions, including temporary airport closures, as Ukraine continued its campaign against Russian energy infrastructure.  

The United Arab Emirates has become the first Arab country to set 15 as the minimum age for social media use. Under the new rules, children under 15 will not be allowed to create or use personal social media accounts. Teenagers aged 15 and 16 can access platforms only with safeguards such as parental controls, screen-time limits and protections against contact from strangers. Social media companies must introduce strict age-verification systems, including digital ID checks, and remove underage accounts. The UAE said the measure aims to improve online safety, protect children from harmful content and strengthen digital privacy for young users.  

The United States and Iran have signed a peace agreement aimed at ending more than 110 days of conflict in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump signed the deal during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles after the G7 summit. Iran confirmed the signing and said the focus now shifts to implementing the agreement. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding calls for an immediate end to military operations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Under the deal, the US will remove its naval blockade within 30 days, while both sides have 60 days to negotiate a final agreement. (PC: X)  

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed an initial agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries and opening the path to a broader peace deal. The 14-point memorandum includes plans for further negotiations over the next 60 days to reach a final settlement. As part of the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, easing concerns over global energy supplies. The deal also outlines a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran. Following the announcement, oil prices fell by about 2%, with Brent crude dropping to $75 a barrel. However, key questions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme remain unresolved. (PC: BBC)

Ukraine targeted a Moscow oil refinery for the second time this week, triggering a large fire and disrupting air traffic across the Russian capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strike as a "justified response" to recent Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv that killed civilians and damaged cultural sites.   Russian authorities said hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted, including many near Moscow, prompting the suspension of flights at all major city airports. The attack came just hours before President Vladimir Putin was scheduled to host ASEAN leaders in Kazan, highlighting escalating tensions despite renewed calls for diplomacy. (PC: HT)