Oman said talks with Iran on securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz were making progress, but Tehran warned that any agreement would not immediately reopen the vital waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations were in their final stages but reopening the strait depended on other conditions, including Iran’s demands from the US. The waterway carries about 20% of global oil and gas supplies. US Vice-President JD Vance said progress had been made but stressed that the negotiations were not over. Tensions also rose after the UAE reported an Iranian missile strike on an oil tanker. (PC: BBC)

Former US President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has spread to his bones and is causing significant pain, his son Hunter Biden said in a BBC interview. Hunter described the illness as “very painful” and “debilitating”, saying it has been difficult for the family to watch. Biden, 83, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in May 2025. Despite his condition, Hunter said his father remains active and continues to speak publicly about issues important to him. The latest update highlights the seriousness of Biden’s illness as he continues treatment and remains engaged in public life. (PC: The Indian Express)

Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche has been narrowly confirmed as the US attorney general after a 50-49 Senate vote. Blanche, who had served as acting attorney general since April, secured confirmation after Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposing him. Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote, saying Blanche was the best option Trump would put forward. Blanche faced scrutiny over his handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund. Murkowski cited concerns about the politicisation of the Justice Department. Blanche said he was “deeply honoured” by Trump’s trust and confidence. (PC: BBC)

Russian drones are increasingly targeting medical workers and ambulances in Ukraine, according to the BBC. Paramedic Inna Lytvynenko said a drone chased her for around 10 minutes while she tried to help a wounded woman in Kherson. Her ambulance was hit, and two more vehicles sent to rescue the woman were also attacked. The WHO has recorded 3,118 attacks on healthcare facilities and workers since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. MSF said the attacks appear to be a sustained part of the war. Growing drone attacks have forced medical teams to move farther from front-line areas, leaving some civilians without regular healthcare. (PC: Inna Lytvynenko)

At least three people, including a child, were killed in overnight Russian missile strikes near Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks hit areas east of the capital early Saturday. Three others were injured. Falling debris damaged apartment buildings and cars. Fires also broke out at a building and a fuel tank. Emergency teams worked to control the fires and assess the damage. The strikes came days after Russian attacks across Ukraine killed 21 people. President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine faces shortages of missile interceptors. He said delays in receiving air defence systems have led to more deaths and destruction. (PC: Ukraine state emergency service DSNS)

Israeli media have reported that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been rushed to hospital in critical condition, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed the claim. Israel's Channel 14, citing sources inside Iran, said discussions within senior political circles suggest Khamenei is in an "extremely critical condition." The report follows an earlier Jerusalem Post article citing IranWire and sources allegedly close to President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration. One quoted source claimed they "would not be surprised" if news of Khamenei's martyrdom emerged soon. Previous reports had alleged Khamenei suffered serious injuries during strikes on his father's compound, forcing him to remain out of public view and communicate through intermediaries. (PC: Times Now)

A political debate has erupted in Bangladesh after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina vowed from Delhi to return to the country. Amid the fallout, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury called for his party to merge with Hasina’s now-banned Awami League, describing it as an “ally” of the ruling outfit led by Tarique Rahman, according to Prothom Alo. His remarks came despite differing views within the BNP and the Bangladesh government, both of which have publicly distanced themselves from his position. The comments have intensified political discussions in Bangladesh, highlighting divisions within the ruling party even as reactions continue to emerge following Hasina’s statement about returning to Dhaka. (PC: Facebook/File)

Iran has criticised the newly signed defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, warning that the trilateral pact will not guarantee Riyadh's security. Iranian MP Ebrahim Rezaei said Saudi Arabia should not expect a "paper agreement" to provide protection, arguing that years of close security ties with the United States also failed to ensure its safety. His remarks came after the three countries formalised a defence partnership aimed at strengthening military cooperation amid regional security concerns. The pact has drawn attention across the region, with Iran emerging as one of its first vocal critics. Tehran's response highlights growing geopolitical tensions surrounding the agreement and its potential implications for regional security dynamics.

A 14-year-old student allegedly killed five teachers and injured more than 30 people during a shooting at Debsirin School in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok, before taking his own life. Police said the teenager had earlier fatally shot his grandparents using a 9mm handgun believed to belong to his grandfather. Students described fleeing classrooms and climbing fences to escape as the gunman moved through the school. Authorities have not established a motive, though investigators are examining possible academic stress. The attack, Thailand's deadliest mass shooting in years and the country's second school shooting this year, has renewed calls for stricter gun control and stronger safeguards against illegal firearms. (PC: Reuters)

A 14-year-old student killed seven people in Thailand on August 7 after first shooting his two grandparents at home with his grandfather's legally owned firearm. He then went to Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok, where he fatally shot five teachers and staff members and injured 23 others before taking his own life. Authorities said the teenager had reportedly been under academic pressure, though the motive remains under investigation. The attack has shocked Thailand and reignited debate over gun ownership, school safety, and the need for stronger mental health support for young people. (PC: X)