A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative has claimed that more than 30 members of the Pakistan-based terror group were killed in Pakistan over the past 3 to 4 years. In a video circulating on social media, Rizwan Hanif alleged that Indian intelligence agencies used an "unknown gunman model" to target LeT operatives in cities including Peshawar, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot. India has consistently denied Pakistan's allegations of carrying out targeted killings inside its territory. During his speech, Hanif also made hateful remarks against followers of other religions. LeT is designated as a terrorist organisation by India, the US and the United Nations.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran's leadership of sending mixed signals over possible talks. He claimed Iranian leaders privately wanted negotiations but publicly denied them. Trump also said the United States controlled the Strait of Hormuz and warned that nothing would reach Iran without US approval unless a deal was reached or Iran surrendered. He repeated that Iran would never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran denied holding direct talks with the US. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was only discussing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz with Oman and not negotiating with Washington. (PC: Reuters/ X)

Al Jazeera English has reportedly been blocked in parts of Pakistan after its coverage of protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to reports, several local, regional and international news websites have also become inaccessible. A social media post attributed to Pakistan's Information Ministry accused Al Jazeera of "selective reporting" and "yellow journalism", though its authenticity has not been independently verified. The restrictions come as protests and clashes continue in PoK ahead of Assembly elections. Rights groups have reported dozens of deaths in recent weeks. Al Jazeera earlier reported internet shutdowns and disruption to daily life in Muzaffarabad. (PC: AP)

A group calling itself the Republic of Balochistan has declared August 11 as Balochistan's Independence Day and urged worldwide observance, weeks after claiming independence from Pakistan. In a statement, it appealed for international recognition of what it described as an independent and sovereign Balochistan, asking supporters to hoist its national flag across homes, institutions and public spaces. The group argued that Pakistan's policies had fuelled decades of regional instability and cited historical events, including the 1948 military action in Balochistan and the 1971 East Pakistan conflict. It also claimed August 11, 1947, marked Balochistan's original declaration of independence, a position Pakistan does not recognise.

Iran said it is negotiating only with Oman to reach an understanding on a temporary route through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping, rejecting US President Donald Trump's claim that direct talks with Washington would resume on Monday. Trump said he had halted planned large-scale strikes after regional allies urged diplomacy and insisted a deal covering Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme was within reach. Tehran denied any negotiations with the US, prompting Trump to accuse Iran's leadership of being "unbelievably duplicitous". Brent crude and US oil prices fell after Trump's remarks. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed significantly amid continued tensions and security concerns. (PC: Middle East Monitor)

The US military has sought "creative and unconventional" ways to pressure Iran, with a US Central Command intelligence officer asking military analysts for ideas to "punish Iran" and push Tehran toward negotiations. The email came before President Donald Trump threatened fresh strikes, later calling them off after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged de-escalation. According to CNN, Washington has prepared strike options targeting deeply buried Iranian nuclear facilities, though officials believe conventional weapons may be insufficient without ground troops. Trump has also considered a limited symbolic strike while pursuing diplomacy. US intelligence agencies reportedly assess that air strikes alone are unlikely to force Iran into changing its negotiating position. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iran said it is holding talks with Oman to restore safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz but denied any direct negotiations with the United States. The statement came after US President Donald Trump said fresh talks on ending the war would begin on Monday. Trump also claimed he had cancelled planned US strikes because a deal was close. Iran rejected that claim. It said Oman was helping discuss safe passage for commercial ships. Oil prices fell after Trump's remarks. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil trade. Fighting has disrupted shipping in recent months.

Ukraine has reportedly struck a warehouse belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, in the Vladimir region, around 180 km east of Moscow. Ukrainian officials claim the company's warehouses are used to support the Russian military, an allegation the Kremlin has denied. The strike is part of Ukraine's growing campaign against Russian infrastructure, which has also targeted fuel depots, logistics hubs and military facilities in recent weeks. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine aims to increase pressure on Russia through long-range strikes, while Moscow continues to reject claims that Wildberries supplies military equipment. (PC: BBC)

Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have said the women wrestlers will appeal a Delhi court's decision acquitting former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case. The court also cleared former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar of all charges. In a joint statement, the wrestlers expressed disappointment, alleging the accused used influence to intimidate some complainants. They said the legal fight would continue and confirmed their lawyers have been instructed to challenge the verdict in a higher court. Brij Bhushan has welcomed the acquittal, calling it an honourable verdict. (PC: NDTV)

Nepal is mourning legendary mountaineer Nirmal Purja after an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak killed all 10 members of his expedition, including 6 Nepali climbers. Prime Minister Balendra Shah and members of the global climbing community paid tribute to Purja, who became famous for climbing the world's 14 highest peaks in just over 6 months. His brother Kamal wrote, "Your legacy will live forever," while students at Purja's former school held a candlelight vigil in his memory. Purja is remembered for inspiring Nepali climbers and bringing global recognition to the country's mountaineering community. (PC: BBC)