Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will intensify military strikes against Hezbollah after the Israeli military launched fresh attacks across Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley. The Israeli army said the strikes targeted Hezbollah positions, while the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group claimed it carried out 22 drone and rocket attacks on Israeli targets in retaliation. Hezbollah accused Israel of violating the ceasefire extended earlier this month. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The renewed escalation has raised concerns over the stability of the fragile ceasefire agreement. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected United States President Donald Trump’s reported proposal for Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords as part of efforts linked to a peace deal with Iran. Speaking to Pakistani channel Samaa TV, Asif said recognising Israel would go against Pakistan’s “fundamental ideologies”. He also questioned engagement with Israel, saying Pakistan could not trust it. Asif added that Pakistani passports do not recognise Israel. Trump had urged Pakistan and several West Asian countries to join the Abraham Accords, which seek to normalise ties with Israel. Pakistan has maintained that recognition depends on a Palestinian state solution. (PC: HT)

The United States carried out fresh strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, targeting vessels allegedly attempting to place naval mines, US Central Command said. Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the action was taken in “self-defence” to protect American forces during the ongoing ceasefire. Iranian officials confirmed explosions near Bandar Abbas but did not immediately respond to the strikes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran were continuing despite tensions. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai said progress had been made in talks, but denied that a peace agreement was close. (PC: BBC)

The U.S. military has launched fresh strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to deploy mines near Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command described the operation as a self-defence measure aimed at protecting American forces while maintaining restraint during the ongoing ceasefire. Despite the strikes, diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism about ongoing talks involving Iran and Qatar. Iranian officials acknowledged progress in negotiations but said an agreement remains distant. Key issues include extending the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz “has to be open, one way or the other” after fresh U.S. strikes on Iranian boats near Bandar Abbas. Speaking aboard his plane in Jaipur, Rubio maintained that diplomacy with Iran remains possible despite the latest military action. He said discussions were underway in Qatar and that negotiators were working through specific language for a potential agreement, a process that could take several days. The U.S. strikes targeted boats allegedly laying mines and missile-related threats, while Washington continues efforts to secure maritime access through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (PC: AP)

Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted global shipping under a proposed agreement being discussed with the United States to end hostilities in West Asia, according to a Nikkei report citing regional diplomatic sources. The proposal reportedly includes Iran clearing mines from the strategic waterway within 30 days of a deal and suspending transit charges for vessels. The plan also suggests extending the current ceasefire by 60 days and temporarily pausing Iran’s nuclear programme for two months. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would continue pursuing diplomacy with Tehran before considering other options. (PC: HT)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access after nearly 87 days of severe restrictions across the country, according to Iranian state media. Officials from Iran’s Communications Ministry confirmed the decision after a high-level cybersecurity meeting. Internet access had been heavily restricted since January following anti-government protests and was tightened further after US-Israel strikes on Iran in February. Monitoring group NetBlocks said connectivity had dropped to as low as 1-2 per cent of normal levels. The blackout disrupted businesses, freelancers and communication services, while many users relied on VPNs and illegal Starlink connections. (PC: India Today)

Indian-origin American tennis player Nishesh Basavareddy produced one of the biggest upsets of the French Open by defeating seventh seed Taylor Fritz in the first round at Roland Garros. The 21-year-old wildcard won 7-6(5), 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 6-1 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen to register his first career victory over a top-10 player. Basavareddy, ranked 148 in the world, remained composed throughout the four-set contest against world number nine Fritz, who recently returned from a knee injury layoff. The win marked Basavareddy’s first main-draw victory at the French Open and a major breakthrough in his young professional career.

The Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad mocked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after his visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra during his India tour. In a post on X, the consulate said the monument was built for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s Iranian wife Mumtaz Mahal and praised the “genius of Iranian architects”. The remark also criticised the US administration over its stance on Iran during ongoing regional tensions. Rubio had described the Taj Mahal as “one of the love treasures of the world”. His visit comes ahead of the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi involving India, the US, Australia and Japan.

Global oil prices dropped sharply on Monday after signs of progress in talks between the United States and Iran. Brent crude fell 5.5% to around $97 a barrel after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a possible agreement could be reached soon. President Donald Trump said negotiations were “proceeding nicely” but warned there could still be “no deal.” Iran also said progress had been made, though a final agreement was not close yet. Markets hope the deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil supplies. Experts, however, warned that supply chains may take months to recover fully. (PC: Hindustan Times via Getty Images)