The United States has advised its citizens across the Middle East to stay alert and be ready to leave if tensions with Iran worsen. The State Department warned of possible travel disruptions, flight cancellations and security risks, saying US diplomatic missions and American interests could be targeted. The advisory comes amid reports that President Donald Trump may approve fresh strikes on Iran in the coming days. Iran has warned that countries supporting US military action could face consequences. The latest alert follows weeks of escalating attacks and counterattacks between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump said the United States will cancel planned military strikes on Iran if a deal is reached "rapidly." In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked Washington to delay any attack as the framework of an agreement had been outlined. He said the proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear programme. The announcement came after reports that the US was preparing major strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Iran has not responded, while the US has advised Americans in the Middle East to remain alert amid rising regional tensions. (PC: BBC)

Spain has installed a 500-metre sea barrier along the border of its North African enclave of Ceuta after 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco, triggering a major humanitarian crisis. The Spanish government said at least 67 migrants died, including people who drowned and others killed in a stampede. Thousands have since returned to Morocco, while Spain deployed troops and additional police to secure the border. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for a coordinated European Union response and rejected criticism of Spain's migration policy. Several EU countries have urged urgent talks on strengthening border security. (PC: NDTV)

At least four Palestinians were killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, according to local health officials, despite US President Donald Trump announcing a diplomatic breakthrough aimed at advancing a ceasefire. The strikes hit multiple locations, including areas sheltering displaced civilians, while military operations continued across the enclave. Humanitarian conditions remain dire, with shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies worsening the crisis. Although renewed diplomatic efforts have raised hopes for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner agreement, no final deal has been reached. Fighting continues on the ground as mediators work to secure a lasting truce between Israel and Hamas. (PC: Reuters)

At least 13 people were killed when a tourist aircraft crashed during a sightseeing flight over Peru's world-famous Nazca Lines. The small plane went down shortly after takeoff near the city of Nazca, with all passengers and crew on board losing their lives. The aircraft was carrying tourists eager to view the UNESCO World Heritage geoglyphs from the air. Emergency teams rushed to the crash site, but there were no survivors. Peruvian authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy, examining weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, and possible mechanical or operational failures. (PC: X)

At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after a powerful bomb exploded outside the upscale Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow on August 1. The victims included the woman carrying the homemade explosive device, a security guard who stopped her from entering, and a restaurant patron. Authorities believe the blast may have been remotely triggered and are investigating whether the woman knowingly transported the bomb. The restaurant was hosting a private event at the time. Russian investigators have launched a terrorism probe, while the motive and those responsible remain unknown amid heightened security concerns. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced that he has cancelled planned military strikes against Iran after receiving requests from Iran and several Middle Eastern countries to allow diplomacy a chance. Trump said the decision is conditional on the rapid finalization of a peace agreement. The proposed framework reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, addressing concerns over Iran's nuclear programme, and reducing regional tensions. Israel is said to support continued negotiations, while Saudi Arabia has also encouraged restraint to prevent further escalation. Although optimism has increased, no final agreement has yet been confirmed, leaving the fragile diplomatic process under close international scrutiny. (PC: Reuters)

US officials are investigating a wave of cyberattacks targeting water systems across multiple states, with Iran emerging as the leading suspect amid heightened tensions following the recent US-Israel-Iran conflict. While authorities stressed there is no evidence that drinking water has been contaminated or rendered unsafe, the incidents have raised concerns over the security of critical infrastructure managing water treatment, pressure and chemical levels. The attacks were first reported in Minnesota, with similar suspicious activity later confirmed in Michigan, and investigators believe more than seven states could be affected. Federal officials said the probe remains at an early stage, with no definitive forensic evidence yet establishing Iran's responsibility. (PC: Times Now)

Renowned Nepali-British mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja’s final Instagram post has gained attention after he was killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The 43-year-old revealed he had changed his plans at the last moment to climb Broad Peak after realising it would leave only Cho Oyu to become the first person to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres twice without supplemental oxygen. Calling his mission bigger than personal achievement, Purja wrote that he sought only “safe passage” and never took mountains for granted. His expedition ended in tragedy after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, killing Purja and all 10 members of his team. (PC: AP)

US embassies across West Asia have urged American citizens to consider leaving the region or prepare for departure amid fears of escalating conflict with Iran. The advisory follows renewed exchanges of fire, Donald Trump's warning of further US strikes, and Iran's accusation that Washington is fuelling regional tensions. Kuwait said Iranian drone attacks struck several vital facilities without causing casualties. Maritime security concerns have also intensified after two tanker incidents near the Strait of Hormuz, while Yemen's Houthi rebels forced Saudi vessels to reroute from the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The developments underscore growing instability across key energy and shipping corridors, raising concerns over regional security, global trade and oil supplies.