US forces reportedly boarded an oil tanker carrying Iranian crude in the Indian Ocean as part of an ongoing maritime enforcement operation targeting sanctions violations. The vessel was intercepted after intelligence indicated it was involved in transporting restricted oil linked to Iran’s sanctioned energy exports. Video footage circulating online shows armed personnel securing the ship during the boarding action. The operation highlights continued US efforts to enforce sanctions on Iranian oil trade and disrupt illicit shipping networks. Authorities have not yet disclosed the tanker’s flag state or destination. The incident is likely to heighten geopolitical tensions in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for face-to-face negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an open letter aimed at ending the more than four-year-long war. Zelenskyy proposed holding talks in a neutral country such as Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab state and suggested a full ceasefire during negotiations. He also advocated an “all-for-all” prisoner exchange and the return of civilians and children taken during the conflict. Former U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the proposal, saying both sides would need to make compromises. The initiative marks a renewed diplomatic push amid ongoing fighting and mounting war fatigue. (PC: The Guardian)

French-Iranian author, filmmaker, and activist Marjane Satrapi has died in Paris at the age of 56. Best known for her acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel Persepolis, she chronicled life during and after Iran’s 1979 Revolution, earning global recognition for her powerful storytelling. Her family said she died “of sadness,” reportedly following the death of her husband, Swedish producer Mattias Ripa, in 2025. Satrapi’s work explored themes of identity, exile, freedom, and women’s rights. Tributes poured in worldwide, including from French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised her lasting cultural and humanitarian legacy.

The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war, marking a political setback for President Donald Trump. The measure was approved by a 215-208 vote, with four Republican lawmakers joining Democrats in support.   The resolution, which now moves to the Senate, is largely symbolic as Trump can veto it if it reaches his desk. Democrats argue that the president launched military action against Iran without congressional approval, violating constitutional war powers. The Trump administration rejects the claim and insists the conflict is effectively over. The vote reflects growing debate in Washington over the US role in the conflict and presidential war powers.  

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew their fragile ceasefire under a US-brokered deal aimed at reducing tensions along the border. The agreement is conditional on Hezbollah completely stopping attacks against Israel and withdrawing its operatives from areas near the Israeli border.   The deal also proposes the creation of pilot security zones inside Lebanon, where only the Lebanese Armed Forces would operate. Representatives from Israel and Lebanon are expected to meet again on June 22 to continue negotiations toward a broader agreement.   The announcement came despite fresh violence, with Israeli strikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks reported on Wednesday. The United States said the agreement is intended to support Lebanon's stability and prevent further escalation. (PC: BBC)

More than 700 whales and dolphins were killed during the annual grindadrap hunt in the Faroe Islands, drawing sharp criticism from animal rights groups. According to conservation organisations, 706 marine mammals, including pilot whales, white-sided dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, were killed across three separate hunts.   Activists alleged that some animals were killed without mandatory equipment, prolonging their suffering. The hunt, a centuries-old tradition in the Faroe Islands, is defended by local authorities as an important cultural practice and source of food for residents.   Animal welfare groups have renewed calls for the practice to be banned, arguing it is outdated and cruel. The killings have sparked international debate over tradition, conservation and animal welfare.  

The US House of Representatives voted 215-208 to pass a resolution seeking to limit further military action by the administration of Donald Trump against Iran. Four Republicans joined Democrats in backing the measure, marking the fourth House attempt to curb presidential war powers amid the conflict that began in February. The resolution now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. Supporters argued that Congress alone has the authority to declare war, while critics of the administration said the conflict has increased fuel prices and complicated diplomacy. Trump maintained that negotiations with Iran were progressing and a deal could be reached soon.

A Pakistani court has upheld the death sentences of Abid Ali and Shafqat Ali, convicted of gang-raping a French tourist in front of her three children after her vehicle ran out of fuel on the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway in September 2020. The Lahore High Court dismissed their appeals against a 2021 anti-terrorism court verdict that found them guilty of rape, kidnapping, robbery and terrorism-related offences. Investigators linked the accused to the crime through mobile phone data, DNA evidence and victim identification, while one convict reportedly confessed before a magistrate. The case sparked nationwide outrage, and the court ruled that the convictions and punishments would remain in force under existing judicial orders unchanged. (PC: Reuters)

At least 9 people were killed in southern Lebanon on Wednesday as Israeli air strikes continued despite a partial ceasefire agreement. Lebanese authorities said the victims included two paramedics whose ambulance was hit in the Chehour area, while several other strikes targeted locations near Tyre and Nabatieh.   Hezbollah said it launched rockets into northern Israel in response to what it called Israeli violations of the ceasefire. The Israeli military said it intercepted a drone and two projectiles crossing the border.   The violence has raised concerns over the fragile truce announced earlier this week. Meanwhile, Israeli and Lebanese officials continued talks in Washington aimed at strengthening the ceasefire and preventing a wider regional escalation involving Iran and the United States.  

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "f***ing crazy" during a heated phone conversation over Israel's military operations in Lebanon.   Speaking on a podcast, Trump said he was "perturbed" by the continued fighting and urged Netanyahu to stop military actions that were complicating US diplomatic efforts with Iran. The exchange reportedly came as Washington sought to keep fragile nuclear talks with Tehran on track.   According to reports, Trump warned that Israel's attacks risked increasing the country's international isolation. Despite discussions on de-escalation, Israel and Hezbollah later exchanged fresh attacks, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.   Trump also defended recent US military action against Iran, saying Tehran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. (PC: India Today)