A US service member was killed and another injured while handling unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone in northern Iraq, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The incident occurred on July 18 during a controlled detonation operation. CENTCOM withheld the identities of both personnel pending family notification. The death raises the number of US service members killed in the nearly five-month conflict to 17. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump ordered another round of air strikes, with CENTCOM launching attacks against Iran for the ninth consecutive night. The US said the operation is aimed at degrading assets linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia launched a major ballistic missile attack on Ukrainian cities overnight, killing five people and injuring at least 35. Four people died in Kharkiv, while one person was killed in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it one of the biggest missile attacks on the capital since 2022. Ukraine said it shot down 18 of 41 missiles and intercepted 108 drones. Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out strikes on Russian oil facilities and three oil tankers in the Black Sea. The latest attacks come as both countries continue to target key infrastructure during the ongoing war. (PC: Reuters)

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh strikes for the eighth straight day after an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan killed two American soldiers. Another soldier is reported missing. Iran said a nuclear power plant under construction in Darkhoveyn and Qeshm Island were hit in US strikes. Jordan said it intercepted three Iranian missiles, while a fourth landed in a remote area. Kuwait reported another attack on a power and water plant. Both sides accused each other of targeting key infrastructure. Tensions remain high after a preliminary ceasefire collapsed earlier this month. (PC: Reuters,EPA/Shutterstock)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has revealed the intense pressure surrounding diplomatic talks with U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, saying he feared being "bombed at any moment" during negotiations. Despite the constant threat of military action, Iranian officials continued discussions aimed at reducing tensions and finding a diplomatic solution. Araghchi said the hostile atmosphere made meaningful negotiations extremely difficult, highlighting the fragile nature of U.S.-Iran relations. His remarks offer a rare glimpse into the risks faced by negotiators and underscore how ongoing military threats complicated efforts to resolve the long-running dispute through dialogue. (PC: AP)

Social media personalities Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate were arrested by U.S. Marshals in Florida on warrants issued by the United Kingdom. The arrests are linked to ongoing criminal investigations in Britain involving allegations including rape, human trafficking, and assault, all of which the brothers deny. The U.S. action follows legal coordination with British authorities and begins the extradition process. The Tate brothers have consistently rejected all accusations, describing them as politically motivated. The case has attracted global attention due to their massive online following and multiple legal battles across different countries. (PC: Reuters)

Russia launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv since the war began, bombarding the Ukrainian capital for nearly five hours with around 40 missiles and more than 120 drones. Ukrainian authorities reported at least one person killed and several others injured as explosions, fires, and structural damage struck multiple districts, including residential buildings and a metro station. Air defence systems intercepted many incoming missiles and drones, but significant destruction was reported. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed calls for additional Patriot missile systems, while Ukraine responded with drone strikes targeting logistics and energy facilities inside Russia. 

Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in Miami after the UK requested their extradition. British prosecutors have accused the brothers of rape, sexual assault and human trafficking between 2010 and 2017. The two were taken into custody by the US Marshals Service under a sealed warrant. They also face separate charges in Romania, which they deny. Their lawyer said the brothers would “walk out free” and called the arrest an “egregious abuse” of authority. A US court will now decide whether the UK’s extradition request meets the legal requirements under the 2003 treaty. (PC: AP)

Balochistan has drawn global attention after claims of an independence declaration from Pakistan. The province has also seen a rise in militant attacks in recent weeks. Experts say Balochistan is more important to Pakistan than Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) because of its ports, minerals, and trade routes. It is home to Gwadar Port and a key part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “Balochistan is central to Pakistan’s trade and energy plans,” the report said. While PoK remains important for security and ties with India, Balochistan plays a bigger role in Pakistan’s economy and regional connectivity. (PC: AFP)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will see defending champions Argentina face Spain in a blockbuster showdown led by Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. At 39, Messi aims to defend Argentina's title and add another chapter to his legendary career. Spain's 19-year-old Yamal enters the final as one of football's brightest young stars after an outstanding tournament. The clash is being seen as a meeting of two generations, with experience taking on youthful brilliance. While Argentina rely on Messi's leadership, Spain will look to Yamal's creativity as both teams battle for the biggest prize in world football. (PC: NDTV)

The United States launched fresh airstrikes on Iran after 2 US service members were killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack on a military base in Jordan, with another soldier still missing. US Central Command said the strikes targeted Iranian coastal surveillance, air defence systems and Revolutionary Guard facilities linked to the attack. In response, Iran said it launched drone strikes on 2 US military bases in Kuwait. The latest exchange marks the eighth straight night of hostilities, raising fears of wider regional conflict after the collapse of a preliminary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.