US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, describing ongoing negotiations as being “close to a very good deal.” Trump stated that any final agreement must guarantee Tehran never acquires nuclear weapons and must also help reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian officials have denied that a final agreement has been reached and disputed several US claims regarding nuclear commitments and regional conditions. Despite continued diplomatic talks, major disagreements remain over sanctions relief, uranium stockpiles, and maritime security, keeping the future of the proposed deal uncertain. (PC: Reuters)

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become a major public health concern, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and at least 246 deaths reported within two weeks of its declaration. Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) described the situation as “deeply alarming”, warning that the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts.   The World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited the eastern province of Ituri, the epicentre of the outbreak, to assess containment measures. Neighbouring Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death. Health officials are also investigating a suspected case in Brazil linked to recent travel from DR Congo. The Bundibugyo strain involved in the outbreak has no proven vaccine. (PC: BBC)

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is prepared to restart military strikes on Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a deal preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth stated that the US military has sufficient resources and munitions to resume operations if necessary. The warning comes as the administration of Donald Trump continues diplomatic efforts to secure a broader agreement involving Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Talks remain ongoing amid high regional tensions and fears of renewed conflict. 

Rescue teams in Laos successfully freed four more miners trapped for 10 days inside a flooded cave, bringing the total number of rescued survivors to five. The men had entered the cave in search of gold ore before heavy rains triggered flash floods, blocking their escape routes. International rescue teams, including experienced cave divers from several countries, navigated narrow, mud-filled tunnels with almost no visibility to reach them. Two people remain missing as search operations continue deeper into the flooded cave system. Rescuers described the mission as extremely dangerous due to unstable walls, strong currents, and confined underwater passages.

China is building a large network of military facilities near its nuclear missile bases in the Xinjiang region, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters. The project includes launch pads, bunkers, communication centres, airfields and rail links. Experts say more than 80 sites could support mobile missile launchers and air-defence systems. Two large octagon-shaped complexes have been developed over the past six years. Analysts believe the facilities may help protect and strengthen China's nuclear forces. China maintains a "no first use" nuclear policy, but concerns remain over rising tensions involving Taiwan and China's growing military capabilities.

US President Donald Trump remains in excellent health, according to a report released by his physician after a routine medical examination. The evaluation included laboratory tests, diagnostic studies and consultations with specialists. White House physician Sean Barbabella said Trump's cognitive and physical performance were excellent and that he is fully fit to carry out his duties. The report noted no major health concerns. Trump, who turns 80 in June, was advised to continue weight loss efforts, increase physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. He currently takes medications for cholesterol management and cardiovascular prevention. (PC: AFP)

The United States has clarified its position on a recent directive that sparked concerns among immigrants seeking permanent residency. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the policy does not require all green card applicants to return to their home countries during the application process. Instead, immigration officers will continue to decide such cases individually, as permitted under existing rules. The clarification comes after an earlier statement suggested applicants would generally need to leave the US to apply. The move had raised concerns among F-1 students, tourists and H-1B visa holders, including many Indian professionals seeking permanent residency. (PC: HT)

China is rapidly expanding military infrastructure around its nuclear missile fields in the remote deserts of Xinjiang and Gansu, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters. The construction includes more than 80 launch pads, fortified military facilities, communications networks and large octagonal installations near strategic missile silos. Security analysts say the project is aimed at improving China's ability to survive a potential nuclear first strike and launch a retaliatory attack. Experts described the scale of the buildup as unprecedented. The development comes amid rising tensions between China and the United States, particularly over Taiwan, and growing concerns about Beijing's expanding nuclear capabilities. (PC: India Today)

A Kenyan court has suspended plans by the United States to open an Ebola quarantine facility in the country. The High Court ordered that no such centre linked to any foreign government can operate until the case is heard. Rights groups and medical unions raised concerns about public health risks and lack of transparency. The facility was meant to treat US citizens exposed to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases so far. The government has not directly commented on the plan. The court will review the matter in the coming weeks. (PC: EPA)

US President Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran could be reached soon and announced that the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would be lifted. He said Iran must never develop nuclear weapons and must allow free shipping through the strait. Trump claimed a final decision on the deal would be made soon after a White House meeting. However, Iran rejected his statements, saying negotiations are still ongoing and no final agreement has been reached. Iranian officials said they do not accept US demands and will make decisions based on national interests. Talks between both sides continue. (PC: Reuters)