Iran rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran is seeking negotiations with Washington, insisting it currently has “no plans for negotiations” and remains focused on defence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran no longer considers itself bound by the June 17 memorandum of understanding, accusing the US of violating the agreement through continued strikes on Iranian military facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran warned it would respond proportionately to any further violations. The remarks came as US Central Command confirmed a fresh wave of strikes targeting Iranian military assets allegedly threatening commercial shipping. Despite renewed hostilities, mediated talks between Washington and Tehran have not been formally cancelled.

Iran has threatened to block more key trade and energy routes in the Gulf after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington ends what it called its "acts of aggression" and warned that other oil and gas export routes could also be targeted. The US military said its latest strikes hit Iran's coastal defence systems and cruise missile sites to reduce threats to commercial shipping. The renewed conflict has disrupted tanker traffic and pushed global oil prices higher as regional tensions continue to escalate.

The United States launched a new wave of precision airstrikes on Iranian military targets after President Donald Trump warned that Iran's power plants and bridges would be targeted unless Tehran agreed to a new deal. The strikes focused on military sites, including coastal defence systems and missile facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar, while reporting dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries from recent U.S. operations. The escalating conflict has heightened fears of a wider regional war and raised concerns over global energy supplies. 

Iran has threatened to block additional oil and gas trade routes after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington ends what it called "acts of aggression" and warned that other regional export routes could also be targeted. The US military said its latest drone, air and naval strikes hit Iran's coastal defences and missile sites to reduce threats to commercial shipping. Meanwhile, Iran claimed it carried out attacks on US-linked targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, with regional allies reporting interceptions of drones and missiles. (PC: BBC)

Tensions remain high in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after 9 people were killed during recent protests, with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) pressing ahead with its planned march to Muzaffarabad. Pakistani authorities have deployed around 4,000 Rangers and tightened security across the region to prevent demonstrators from reaching the capital. Checkpoints have been set up and movement has been restricted in several areas. JAAC has accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests, while officials say the security measures are aimed at maintaining law and order. The planned march is expected to further test the volatile situation. (PC: India Today)

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect on July 15, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a "significant milestone" that will deepen economic ties between the 2 countries. Modi said the agreement will create new opportunities for businesses, farmers, MSMEs, workers and professionals while strengthening bilateral trade. The deal provides duty-free access for nearly all Indian exports to the UK and lowers tariffs on several British products entering India in phases. It also expands cooperation in services, investment and government procurement, with both nations expecting stronger trade, economic growth and job creation. (PC: The Indian Express)

The UK government has proposed a midnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube set to be unavailable by default from 12:00 am to 6:00 am. Teenagers will be able to switch the setting off if they choose. The plan also includes disabling addictive features such as auto-play and infinite scrolling by default. Ministers say the measures will improve sleep, focus and family time. However, campaigners and child safety experts argue the opt-out option weakens the proposal, while others warn it could limit access to support during emergencies. (PC: BBC)

Writer E. Jean Carroll has received $5.63 million from U.S. President Donald Trump after a federal judge ordered the release of the money following the end of his appeals in a civil case. A New York jury in 2023 found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, awarding her $5 million in damages, with interest increasing the total payout. Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations and described the case as politically motivated. The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear his appeal. A separate $83.3 million defamation judgment against Trump remains under appeal.

Bangladesh has welcomed reports that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Dhaka by the end of 2026, saying she should face trial over the charges against her. Government adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Hasina would receive a transparent legal process and could bring the "best lawyers in the world" to defend herself. He added that while many people want her death sentence to stand, the court could also "revise the verdict" or even acquit her. Hasina, who has been living in India since August 2024, has called the charges and her conviction "politically motivated." (PC: NDTV)

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military-linked targets in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait after Washington carried out fresh strikes and reinstated its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Air defence systems intercepted several incoming projectiles, while Gulf nations activated emergency measures. The latest escalation came as US President Donald Trump warned of more military action unless Tehran returned to negotiations. The conflict has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, pushing up crude prices and raising fears of wider regional instability. Both sides have vowed to continue operations despite growing international concern.