Nawaf Salam accused Israel Defense Forces of war crimes after an air strike killed journalist Amal Khalil in southern Lebanon. Photographer Zeinab Faraj was injured. Lebanese officials said the journalists were hit while taking shelter after an earlier strike. They also alleged an ambulance was targeted. Salam said, “Targeting journalists… constitutes described war crimes.” The IDF denied targeting journalists and said it struck vehicles linked to Hezbollah posing a threat. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was “outraged” and raised concerns over repeated strikes. (PC: BBC)

Iran has released video showing masked commandos seizing two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including one bound for India. The vessels, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, were intercepted by forces linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The footage shows armed troops approaching in speedboats and boarding using ladders. The India-bound ship suffered damage after gunfire and grenades, though no crew were injured. Iran said the ships lacked “required authorisation” and had “manipulated navigation systems”. The seizures came after recent US action against Iranian vessels, raising tensions in the region.

The United States said there is no fixed timeline to end the conflict with Iran. The White House said President Donald Trump has not set any new deadline for a ceasefire. Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening the Strait of Hormuz is “not possible” due to repeated ceasefire breaches by the US and Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US blockade and “breach of commitments” are blocking talks. Iran also said it attacked three cargo ships and seized two. With both sides firm, the situation remains at a stalemate. (PC: BBC)

An AI-generated video mocking Donald Trump has gone viral in Iran, highlighting tensions over delayed US-Iran talks. Shared by an Iranian consulate, the clip shows a caricature of Trump waiting for Iranian negotiators who never arrive, growing increasingly frustrated. It culminates with a message telling him to “shut up” before he extends the ceasefire again. The satire reflects Tehran’s scepticism about Washington’s intentions, especially after Trump prolonged the ceasefire citing Pakistan’s request. Meanwhile, Iran has not confirmed participation in fresh negotiations, accusing the US of inconsistency. The episode underscores how digital propaganda and humour are increasingly shaping narratives around high-stakes geopolitical standoffs.

Nepal’s new government led by Balen Shah is facing early instability, with two ministers resigning within 26 days, raising concerns over governance credibility. Home Minister Sudan Gurung stepped down citing accountability issues, while Labour Minister Dipak Kumar Sah resigned earlier over alleged misuse of office. The developments have dented the reformist image of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Meanwhile, strict enforcement of customs duties on goods from India has triggered anger in border regions, impacting daily livelihoods. Rising fuel prices following global tensions have worsened inflation, intensifying public dissatisfaction. Together, political instability, economic strain, and policy backlash are mounting pressure on Nepal’s new leadership.  (PC: Reuters)    

The Donald Trump administration has reportedly drawn up a “naughty and nice” list assessing NATO allies based on their support for the Iran war and defence contributions. The list, prepared ahead of Mark Rutte’s Washington visit, aims to reward compliant nations and penalise others, potentially through troop redeployments or restricting defence technology access. Countries like Poland and Romania may receive favourable ratings, while most allies declined involvement in the conflict, angering Washington. Though unconfirmed officially, the move signals escalating tensions, reinforcing Trump’s long-standing criticism of NATO and raising concerns about alliance cohesion and US strategic reliability. (PC: India Today)

Iran said it cannot reopen the Strait of Hormuz due to ceasefire violations by the United States and Israel. Senior leader Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening is “not possible” amid a US naval blockade and Israeli actions.   President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is open to talks but cited “breach of commitments” as a barrier. The US has extended the ceasefire, with Donald Trump backing the blockade. Iran also seized two ships, saying they violated rules. The US said the seizures did not break the ceasefire. (PC: BBC)

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has shifted conflict into a “war of blockades” in the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides intercept commercial vessels, raising risks of escalation. Pakistan is pushing for talks in Islamabad, but delegations have yet to arrive, dimming diplomatic momentum. Donald Trump insists a deal is near, while Tehran cites US “contradictions” and past attacks as reasons for hesitation. Internal uncertainty within Iran’s leadership may further complicate negotiations, leaving mediation efforts stalled amid rising maritime tensions. (PC: BBC)

United Nations experts have raised alarm over widespread forced religious conversions through marriage affecting minority girls in Pakistan. In 2025, about 75% of victims were Hindu and 25% Christian, with nearly 80% of cases reported in Sindh. Most victims were aged 14–18, though younger cases were also noted. Experts cited impunity, weak law enforcement, and dismissal of complaints as key concerns. They urged raising the legal marriage age to 18 nationwide, criminalising forced conversions, and strengthening victim support systems, warning that coercion, abuse, and discrimination continue to endanger vulnerable girls. (PC: News18)

Donald Trump signalled that fresh talks between the United States and Iran could resume within 36 to 72 hours, potentially as early as Friday, amid ongoing ceasefire conditions. The renewed diplomatic push is being facilitated by Pakistan through backchannel mediation, with Islamabad emerging as a possible venue. However, Tehran has not confirmed participation, maintaining ambiguity over its next move. The development follows Trump’s recent ceasefire extension aimed at giving Iran time to present a unified proposal, highlighting a fragile yet active diplomatic window. (PC: India Today)