A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Honshu, the most populous island of Japan, on Thursday evening, with tremors felt across the region. Authorities are monitoring the situation, but no tsunami warning or immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged so far. The event follows recent seismic activity in Myanmar, where earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 and 3.9 were recorded earlier this week at significant depths. Experts note that deeper quakes generally cause less surface damage. Japan remains prone to frequent earthquakes due to its location along active tectonic plate boundaries, necessitating constant vigilance and rapid response mechanisms.

Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal from the United States, calling it “one-sided and unfair,” while signalling that diplomacy could still offer a path forward in the ongoing US–Iran War 2026. Officials said the plan, conveyed via Pakistan, favours US and Israeli interests and would require Tehran to weaken its defence capabilities in exchange for vague sanctions relief. While no formal talks are currently considered “realistic,” Iran indicated mediation efforts by Turkey and Pakistan continue. Meanwhile, Donald Trump warned Iran to “get serious,” claiming Tehran is urgently seeking a deal. (PC: AFP)

Donald Trump said Iran is “begging” for negotiations amid the ongoing US–Iran War 2026, describing Iranians as “lousy fighters but great negotiators.” Speaking at his first Cabinet meeting since the conflict began, Trump insisted pressure for talks is coming from Tehran, not United States, while signalling uncertainty over whether Washington will engage. He also suggested Iran may have “missed its chance” by not negotiating earlier. However, Iranian officials denied any ongoing talks, rejecting a recent US proposal as one-sided and favouring American and Israeli interests, though they indicated diplomacy could resume if Washington adopts a more “realistic” approach.

As the US–Iran War 2026 intensifies, Gulf nations have demanded inclusion in negotiations between United States and Iran, citing escalating security threats. The Gulf Cooperation Council said participation is vital to ensure regional stability after sustained Iranian drone and missile strikes on energy infrastructure and civilian areas. Tehran has accused Gulf states of aiding US operations and has targeted sites across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates. Despite asserting their right to self-defence, Gulf countries emphasised diplomacy. Meanwhile, tensions over the Strait of Hormuz persist, with reports of Iran demanding transit payments, further complicating global energy security. (PC: AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict could have consequences comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially slowing development across all regions. Speaking to business leaders, he highlighted severe disruptions to global supply chains, logistics, and production systems. The conflict is also putting pressure on key sectors such as energy, metals, and fertilizers, increasing economic uncertainty worldwide. Putin stressed that the situation remains unpredictable, with even involved nations unable to foresee outcomes. His remarks underscore growing global concern that prolonged instability in the region could trigger widespread economic slowdown similar to the pandemic’s impact. (PC: The Times of India)

Israel temporarily removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its assassination target list following a request from Pakistan conveyed through the United States, according to a Pakistani source. Islamabad warned that killing key Iranian officials would derail any chance of diplomatic engagement with Tehran. The US subsequently asked Israel to hold back, leading to a short-term pause of several days. The development comes amid ongoing mediation efforts by Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. However, Israeli officials maintain that no Iranian leaders are permanently off-limits, keeping tensions high. (PC: Reuters)

The United States’ increasing military focus on the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran conflict is raising concerns about weakened air defence coverage in other strategic regions. Experts warn that diverting key systems, including missile interceptors and defence assets, could create vulnerabilities against major rivals like Russia and China. With resources stretched, the Pentagon faces a difficult balancing act between supporting operations in the Middle East and maintaining deterrence in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Analysts caution that adversaries may exploit these gaps, especially as global tensions rise and military commitments expand simultaneously. (PC: Reuters)

Amid escalating tensions in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, Tehran has warned that it may open a new front by targeting the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait. Iranian officials stated it may be “necessary to discipline the enemy,” signaling that Yemen’s Houthi (Ansarullah) forces are prepared to intervene and potentially block the key maritime route. The warning comes if ground attacks are launched on Iranian territory, especially southern islands. The strait, linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, is crucial for global trade and oil shipments, raising fears of major economic and geopolitical disruption. (PC: X)

Amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, Iran has permitted India and four other “friendly nations” to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. This selective access comes as Iran tightens control over the waterway following military tensions with the US and its allies. The move ensures continued energy supply for India, which heavily depends on Gulf oil and gas. However, passage is conditional on coordination with Iranian authorities and compliance with security rules. The decision highlights India’s diplomatic balancing amid the crisis while raising concerns over global energy stability. (PC: Getty Images)

Alireza Tangsiri, a senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, has been killed in a reported US-Israeli strike near Bandar Abbas, Israeli media said. Israel linked him to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. There has been no official comment from Iran or the Israeli military. Tangsiri led the IRGC navy since 2018 and played a key role in restricting ship movement. Around 20% of global oil trade passes through the strait in normal times. Recent data shows crossings have dropped sharply, with only limited vessels allowed through under Iran’s control. (PC: X)