At least 13 people, including a child, were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia’s Tatarstan region, officials said. The attack took place in Nizhnekamsk, a major industrial city known for its oil refinery. Russian authorities said the drones targeted the refinery area. Several people were also injured in the attack. The strike is being described as one of the deadliest Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory since the war began more than four years ago. Emergency teams were sent to the site. Officials are assessing the damage. Russia and Ukraine have carried out repeated drone attacks during the ongoing war.

At least 13 people, including a child, were killed and dozens injured after Ukrainian drones struck Nizhnekamsk in Russia’s Tatarstan region. The attack targeted the industrial city’s major oil-refining facilities, including the TANECO refinery, marking one of Ukraine’s deadliest strikes inside Russia since the war began. A fire was reported at the refinery, which processed about 17 million tonnes of crude oil in 2024. Russian authorities condemned the attack as terrorism and launched an investigation. The strike highlights Ukraine’s continuing campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, while civilian casualties have intensified tensions amid ongoing hostilities. (PC: Reuters)

Iran says a new agreement with Oman on shipping routes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is nearing completion, but the waterway will not reopen unless the United States meets Tehran’s demands. Iran is seeking compensation for damage from US attacks, an end to military threats, removal of the US naval blockade, sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Direct US-Iran talks remain suspended, with messages exchanged through intermediaries. The strait, which previously carried around one-fifth of global oil and LNG flows, has remained effectively blocked, keeping energy markets under pressure. (PC: Reuters)

A gunman opened fire at a local government office in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok, on August 10, injuring the president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, Thongchai Yenprasert, and his driver. Police said the suspected shooter, a former lawmaker, was arrested after the incident. Both injured men were taken to hospital for treatment. The shooting occurred just days after a 14-year-old’s rampage at a school in the same province killed nine people, including the shooter, and wounded more than 20. The latest incident has intensified concerns over gun violence. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered stricter firearm enforcement and police checkpoints. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has deployed additional warships to the Middle East as Washington intensifies enforcement of its blockade against Iran amid continuing regional tensions. US naval forces are positioned to monitor and intercept vessels linked to Iranian ports, increasing pressure on Tehran and raising concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway is vital to global oil and energy shipments. Iran has warned that military vessels approaching the area could face a response, heightening the risk of confrontation. The deployment comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and uncertainty over the future of the US-Iran conflict and regional ceasefire. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-backed 15-point peace proposal for Gaza, creating a rare public disagreement with US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Israel’s military would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, including its heavy and light weapons. The plan, developed by Trump’s Board of Peace, seeks to advance a political settlement and eventually transfer authority in Gaza to an independent Palestinian National Committee. Netanyahu argued that Israel must retain the ability to protect its citizens and forces. His rejection threatens to complicate Washington’s efforts to end the Gaza conflict and deepen tensions within the US-Israel alliance. (PC: Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump may abandon efforts to secure a formal nuclear agreement with Iran if Tehran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials. The report says Trump has privately told senior aides he could walk away without a new nuclear deal, potentially accepting restored shipping through the strategic oil chokepoint as the basis for ending the US military campaign and extending the ceasefire. Iran has demanded billions in payments, an end to the US naval blockade, withdrawal of American forces, sanctions relief and release of frozen assets. With petrol prices elevated and US midterms approaching, Trump faces pressure to show the campaign achieved its objectives. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point Gaza peace plan. Netanyahu said Israel would not withdraw its forces until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed.” Hamas has said it is ready to discuss the plan but wants Israel to end its military actions and withdraw from Gaza. The plan calls for Hamas to disarm, Israeli troops to leave Gaza and reconstruction to begin. Netanyahu said some parts of the plan were acceptable, while others were not. He said Israel was discussing the next steps with US officials. The rejection has created another challenge for Trump’s Gaza peace efforts.  

US President Donald Trump was reportedly willing to end the West Asia conflict without a nuclear deal with Iran if Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Wall Street Journal. Trump had reportedly discussed declaring victory if the key waterway reopened. However, Iran later made new demands. Tehran wants billions of dollars in compensation, the withdrawal of US troops from the region and an end to the US naval blockade. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the strait would remain closed until the demands are accepted. The situation has narrowed Trump’s options as tensions continue and global trade faces risks.  

British Columbia has declared a provincial state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire rapidly expanded near Okanagan Lake, forcing more than 20,000 people to evacuate. The Bald Range wildfire nearly doubled in size overnight to around 9,500 hectares, destroying homes and threatening communities including Summerland and Peachland. Officials described the fire’s behaviour as extremely intense, with changing conditions complicating firefighting and rescue operations. Some residents were trapped and had to be rescued by aircraft. More than 100 wildfires are burning across the province, while firefighters are receiving international assistance. Authorities continue to issue evacuation orders and alerts as dangerous conditions persist.