A fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is showing signs of collapse ahead of crucial talks in Pakistan. Washington has accused Tehran of failing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, causing severe disruptions to global oil supplies. Iran, however, blames ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, insisting the truce must include that conflict. Meanwhile, Israel continues attacks, further complicating the agreement. US President Donald Trump criticised Iran’s compliance, while tensions remain high across the region. With both sides divided on key terms, upcoming negotiations face significant challenges and uncertainty. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has firmly denied reports that senior officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have left the country for talks with the United States. Iranian authorities clarified that no direct negotiations are currently taking place, dismissing circulating claims as inaccurate. Officials stated that while messages may be exchanged through intermediaries, this does not constitute formal dialogue. Tehran reiterated that any potential engagement depends on national interests and conditions being met. The denial highlights ongoing confusion and mistrust surrounding diplomatic efforts amid rising regional tensions. (PC: MSN)

Kuwait’s air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple drones targeting critical infrastructure, including oil and power facilities, amid ongoing regional tensions. Authorities reported that several hostile drones were neutralised before causing major damage, though minor disruptions were noted. The incident highlights the continued security risks in the Gulf despite a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Meanwhile, high-stakes peace talks between United States and Iran are set to take place in Pakistan, with Islamabad playing a key mediating role. Analysts warn that repeated drone incidents could undermine diplomatic efforts and destabilise the region further. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran is doing a “very poor job” of allowing oil shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, highlighting continued disruptions despite a fragile ceasefire. The waterway, which carries a significant share of global oil supply, remains tightly controlled by Iran, with only limited ships permitted passage. Trump warned that restrictions and reported transit fees are hurting global energy markets and could trigger further escalation if not resolved. Hundreds of vessels remain stalled, and oil prices have surged amid uncertainty. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with fears that prolonged disruption could deepen the global energy crisis. (PC: AP)

Air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel after rockets were launched from Lebanon by Hezbollah, triggering panic and emergency responses. The Israeli military said missiles targeted northern regions and major cities, though some were intercepted by defence systems. The escalation comes amid intensifying cross-border attacks following Israel’s heavy strikes on Lebanon. Despite the violence, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated willingness to begin direct talks with Lebanon, focusing on disarming Hezbollah and easing tensions. However, continued military operations alongside diplomatic signals highlight a fragile situation, raising concerns of further regional escalation despite ongoing ceasefire efforts. (PC: X)

Melania Trump denied ever being friends with Jeffrey Epstein, dismissing the claims as false and misleading. Her statement quickly went viral, prompting social media users to resurface old photographs and a 2002 email exchange allegedly linked to Ghislaine Maxwell. Critics pointed to these materials to question her claims, while supporters argued the interactions appeared casual and not evidence of a close relationship. The controversy has reignited global attention on Epstein’s network and associations with prominent figures, fueling ongoing debates and scrutiny across political and public spheres. (PC: India Today)

A sharp diplomatic clash erupted after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif labeled Israel “cancerous” and told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “burn in hell,” amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Israel condemned the remarks as provocative and inappropriate, escalating tensions between the two nations. The exchange comes during heightened conflict in the Middle East, with Israel targeting Hezbollah positions despite a fragile US-Iran ceasefire. Pakistan criticized Israel’s actions as harmful to regional peace efforts. Meanwhile, global powers expressed concern that both rising violence and hostile rhetoric could further destabilize the region and undermine ongoing diplomatic negotiations. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the US-Iran ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon, confirming continued military operations against Hezbollah. Israeli forces launched fresh airstrikes targeting what they described as Hezbollah “launch sites,” even as diplomatic efforts continue elsewhere. Lebanon has demanded a ceasefire before entering negotiations, but Israel insists talks can proceed “under fire.” The ongoing attacks have caused heavy casualties and intensified international concern, with global leaders warning that escalating violence in Lebanon could undermine the fragile regional truce and derail broader peace efforts in the Middle East. (PC: X)

Amid the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, only a limited number of vessels are transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, including two India-bound ships. Despite the truce aimed at reopening the route, maritime movement remains highly restricted, with Iran tightly controlling passage. Reports indicate that only a handful of ships are being allowed through each day, far below normal levels, raising concerns over global energy supply and trade disruptions. Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for oil shipments, and continued uncertainty highlights the ceasefire’s limited impact on restoring normal shipping operations. (PC: The Hindu)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly vowed revenge for those killed in the ongoing conflict, calling them “martyrs” and promising strong retaliation. His statement comes after the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, during US-Israel strikes that triggered a wider regional war. Iran’s leadership has framed the casualties as a national sacrifice, intensifying public anger and calls for justice. The remarks highlight Tehran’s hardline stance despite a fragile ceasefire, raising fears of renewed escalation and prolonged instability across the Middle East. (PC: India Today)