US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, saying the conflict has caused excessive civilian casualties and prolonged instability. Speaking during a meeting with Qatar’s Emir on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Trump said Syria could do a better job of dealing with Hezbollah if Israel “cannot do the job without killing everyone else.” He also revealed that he had objected to Israel’s recent strike on Beirut, warning that such actions risk undermining broader regional diplomacy, including efforts to revive peace talks with Iran. Trump stressed that civilian lives must be protected during military operations.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said Israel does not trust Pakistan, citing what he described as “terrible anti-Semitic statements” against Israel. Speaking at the Greater West Asia Forum in New Delhi, Azar said countries seeking to join the Abraham Accords must first recognize Israel’s legitimacy and historical connection to the region. He also raised concerns over Hezbollah and Iran, calling for continued international pressure on Tehran. Highlighting India’s growing influence in West Asia, Azar said stronger regional stability could unlock significant economic opportunities and deepen cooperation across the region. (Photo: X)

A nine-year-old Australian girl was killed and her father and brother seriously injured after Pakistani police mistakenly opened fire on their vehicle in Punjab's Chakwal district. Authorities said officers from the Punjab Police Elite Force wrongly believed the family’s rental car was being used by armed robbery suspects and opened fire during a chaotic pursuit. The victim, Hania Ahmed from Perth, died at the scene, while her father and 11-year-old brother were hospitalised with severe injuries. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a transparent investigation. The officer involved has been detained as authorities continue their inquiry into the tragedy.  

H-1B visa applicants are increasingly facing a challenging question during US visa interviews: “Why can’t an American do this job?” Immigration attorneys say the trend reflects renewed scrutiny of foreign worker visas and a stronger focus on protecting American jobs. The questioning echoes policies introduced under President Donald Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American” initiative. Lawyers advise applicants to clearly explain their specialised skills, experience, and the unique value they bring to their roles. The heightened scrutiny is particularly affecting professionals in technology, IT consulting, and engineering sectors, where H-1B visas remain a key source of skilled talent. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has announced that a preliminary framework agreement between the United States and Iran has been signed, aiming to end recent hostilities and pave the way for broader negotiations. Vice President JD Vance said the memorandum outlines commitments to regional stability and preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while detailed technical talks will follow. The agreement is expected to extend the ceasefire for 60 days and could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. However, major issues, including sanctions relief and nuclear oversight, remain subject to future negotiations. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to never possess nuclear weapons under the emerging US-Iran peace framework. He also rejected reports claiming Washington would provide Iran with a $300 million payment, calling them “fake news.” While the memorandum of understanding between the two countries outlines possible sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets, key details regarding verification of Iran’s nuclear commitments remain unclear. Vice President JD Vance said any economic benefits for Tehran would depend on compliance with the agreement, with further negotiations expected in the coming weeks. (PC: X)

Eight people were killed when a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert. The aircraft, which was conducting a routine test flight as part of a radar modernization program, burst into flames after going down around 11:20 a.m. local time. The victims included military personnel, government civilians and contractors, with Boeing confirming that two of its employees were among those killed. Base operations were temporarily suspended, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the deadly crash.

The emerging US-Iran peace agreement is expected to benefit India by easing tensions in West Asia and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for energy supplies. Since India depends heavily on the region for crude oil and LPG imports, smoother shipping could help lower fuel prices, reduce inflation and improve economic stability. Falling oil costs may strengthen the rupee, support stock markets and enhance investor confidence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the deal, expressing hope that it would restore regional peace and ensure freedom of navigation. However, experts caution that unresolved issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme could still pose risks.

A proposed US-Iran peace agreement is facing fresh scrutiny over reports that Tehran wants at least $300 billion in reconstruction-linked economic guarantees, sanctions relief and access to frozen assets. Iranian media have presented the package as compensation for war damage, while US officials have described it as an investment and rebuilding programme. The preliminary memorandum, expected to be signed in Switzerland, has not been made public and key details remain unverified. Analysts warn that disagreements over the economic package and regional tensions could threaten the fragile ceasefire and derail long-term peace efforts. (PC: India Today)

A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California on Monday, triggering a massive fire and a thick plume of black smoke visible from miles away. The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. local time, according to the base. Emergency crews rushed to the crash site and rescue operations were ongoing. Officials have not yet confirmed whether there were any injuries or casualties. The B-52, one of the US military's longest-serving bombers, has been in service since the 1950s and remains a key strategic aircraft.