Pakistan has reportedly deployed 8,000 troops, fighter jets, drones and an HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a confidential mutual defence pact amid the ongoing Iran conflict. According to Reuters, the deployment includes around 16 Chinese-made JF-17 fighter aircraft, two drone squadrons and Pakistani-operated defence systems financed by Riyadh. Sources described the force as combat-capable and intended to support Saudi Arabia if the kingdom faces further attacks. The pact reportedly allows deployment of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops if required. The move comes as Islamabad simultaneously acts as the principal mediator in US-Iran peace talks. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have not officially commented on the deployment, while reports also suggest Saudi retaliatory strikes inside Iran remained undisclosed publicly. (PC: X)

Pakistan has shared a revised peace proposal from Iran with the United States as efforts continue to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia. According to reports, Pakistan has emerged as the main mediator between Washington and Tehran during the temporary ceasefire.   A Pakistani source said both sides continue to change their demands, warning that “there is not much time” left for negotiations. Iran confirmed exchanges were taking place through Pakistan and signalled willingness to end the war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that “the clock is ticking” for Iran to reach a deal. (PC: HT)

Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will neither provoke conflict nor surrender its sovereignty after US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan during their Beijing summit. Lai said Taiwan is already a sovereign and democratic country and rejected Beijing’s claims over the island. He stressed that Taiwan’s future must be decided by its people and reaffirmed support for maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Lai also welcomed continued US arms sales and security cooperation, calling them essential for regional peace as China increases military pressure around Taiwan. (PC: BBC)

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies air show in Idaho on Sunday. All four crew members safely ejected before the aircraft crashed near Mountain Home Air Force Base, officials said. Videos from spectators showed the jets appearing to touch before spiralling downward and exploding on impact. The injured crew members were reported to be in stable condition. The air show was immediately cancelled after the crash. The US Navy has launched an investigation into the incident, while aviation experts said formation flying leaves little room for error during such performances.

Amid stalled peace talks and a fragile ceasefire, Iranian media reports claimed the United States has demanded that Iran keep only one nuclear facility operational and transfer 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to the US as part of a possible agreement. According to Fars news agency, Washington also refused to pay war reparations or release a portion of Iran’s frozen assets. The developments come as US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that the “clock is ticking” for reaching a deal. Iran has demanded sanctions relief, reparations and an end to hostilities before restarting negotiations. (PC: HT)

A US Senate ruling has jeopardised federal funding linked to President Donald Trump’s planned $400 million White House ballroom project. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough removed proposed security funding tied to the ballroom from a major spending package, saying it did not meet Senate procedural rules. Republicans had sought $1 billion for Secret Service security upgrades, including the ballroom, while Trump maintained construction would be funded by private donors. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats “blew up” the first funding attempt, calling the project costly and unnecessary amid rising living expenses in the US. (PC: The Guardian)

Meta Platforms employees are facing growing anxiety as the company prepares for another round of layoffs. Reports say nearly 10% of Meta’s workforce, or around 8,000 employees, could lose their jobs next week. The cuts are part of the company’s efforts to improve efficiency and invest more in artificial intelligence. Workers say morale has dropped sharply and many feel emotionally exhausted. Some fear the AI systems they are helping build could eventually replace them. The uncertainty is also affecting personal lives, with employees delaying major decisions such as moving, buying homes, and starting families while they wait to learn whether they will keep their jobs.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly planning to announce a timeline for stepping down, according to media reports. The move comes after growing pressure from senior members of the Labour Party. Sources said Starmer believes the current situation is no longer sustainable and wants to leave on his own terms. Some allies have advised him to wait until the Makerfield by-election results are clearer. Internal tensions increased after several resignations and criticism from within the government. Reports also suggest Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is preparing to return to Westminster, adding to pressure for a leadership change in Labour.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that “the clock is ticking” and urged Tehran to reach a peace deal quickly. His statement came after a drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates. UAE officials said there was no radiation risk and no injuries were reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed concern over the incident. Talks between the US and Iran remain stalled over the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional tensions.

The United Arab Emirates is investigating a drone strike near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi. Officials said three drones entered the country from the western border on Sunday. Two were intercepted. One hit an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter and caused a fire. No injuries were reported. Authorities said there was no impact on radiation levels and all reactors are operating normally. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it is monitoring the situation closely. Director General Rafael Grossi called for maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities. (PC: AFP)