The United States and Iran have halted military strikes against each other for a second straight day, raising hopes of renewed diplomacy after 13 days of intense escalation. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump was giving negotiations “a little bit of room,” while warning military options remain available if talks fail. Iran confirmed it had suspended retaliatory operations following the pause in US strikes. The temporary lull eased fears of disruptions to global energy supplies, sending Brent crude and WTI prices down nearly 6%. Despite the pause, both Washington and Tehran have signalled they remain prepared to resume military action if diplomatic efforts collapse. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump shared AI-generated images on Truth Social depicting a US seizure of an Iranian oil tanker and airstrikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export terminal amid ongoing tensions with Tehran. One image shows Trump standing aboard a tanker carrying a US flag, while another portrays fighter jets bombing the strategically important Kharg facility, which handles a significant share of Iran's oil exports. The posts come as maritime operations and military activity continue to heighten tensions between the two countries. By depicting attacks on critical Iranian energy infrastructure, the AI-generated images have intensified attention on the possibility of further escalation in the already volatile regional security situation and conflict.

India's Gen Z-led protests over alleged exam paper leaks have gained attention beyond the country's borders, with young people and commentators in Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka praising the movement. The protests, which eventually led to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, have been widely discussed on social media. Pakistani creators admired the protesters' unity and determination, while Nepali and Sri Lankan activists compared the demonstrations to youth-led movements in their own countries. Many highlighted the use of memes, reels and social media to mobilise support. The cross-border reactions reflect how India's student protests have resonated with young audiences across South Asia. (PC: India Today)

Karyna Shuliak, a Belarusian American dentist linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, remains in New York City, according to recent reports. She reportedly lives in a condominium on Manhattan's Upper East Side and has remained connected to members of the Epstein family. Reports say she could inherit part of Epstein's estate, though no final outcome has been confirmed. Shuliak has not been charged or identified as a victim in investigations related to Epstein's sex trafficking case. Renewed public interest in her has followed recent media reports and fresh attention on people connected to Epstein after new developments in the case. (PC: X@anthon7yandrews)

Iran has rejected proposals for a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz and set three conditions for fresh talks with the United States. Tehran said discussions must first recognise Iran's control over the strait. It also demanded the release of frozen Iranian funds before any talks on its nuclear programme. Reports said Oman-mediated talks on reopening the waterway are making progress after the US paused military strikes. Iran claimed it remains in full control of the strait and accused the US of violating an earlier agreement by directing ships through alternative routes instead of the corridor approved by Tehran. (PC: Reuters)

Massive wildfires near Bordeaux in southwest France have forced more than 220,000 people to evacuate. Around 42,000 hectares of land have burned, making it one of France's biggest forest fires since World War II. More than 2,500 firefighters are battling the flames, helped by military teams and police. Strong winds and dry weather continue to spread the fire. Flights at Bordeaux Airport have been delayed or cancelled, and roads have been closed. Spain is also facing severe wildfires, with over 90,000 people evacuated. Officials warned that high temperatures and low humidity could make the situation worse. (PC: Getty Images)

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is ready to disagree with US President Donald Trump if it is in Britain's national interest. In an interview with the BBC, Burnham said he had a good first meeting with Trump and found him warm. However, he said he would always put Britain's interests first. Burnham also said he had concerns about the conflict with Iran and would speak out when needed. He ruled out holding an early general election before 2029. On defence spending, Burnham said the government is working on a plan but did not give a timeline for reaching its target. (PC: BBC)

Pop star Katy Perry has criticised the White House for using her hit song "Firework" in a TikTok video showing US military strikes on Iran. The video, captioned “Iran has been warned,” featured footage of the attacks backed by the song. Perry said she had not given permission for its use and condemned the post. “I am deeply appalled and angry... I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it,” she wrote on X. Perry said the song was created as “an anthem of hope, healing and self-belief,” not violence. (PC: NDTV)

More than 300,000 people have been forced to flee as massive wildfires continue to spread across France and Spain. Around 250,000 residents were evacuated from France's Gironde and Landes regions, while nearly 60,000 people left their homes in Spain near Madrid and Ávila. Strong winds and high temperatures have made the fires difficult to control. Spanish authorities confirmed one death after a man was found inside his car near Valencia. France has deployed military support to assist firefighters, while both countries have received additional aircraft and emergency resources through the European Union's civil protection mechanism. (PC: BBC)

A vehicle ploughed into a crowd during a Berlin Pride event on Saturday night, killing 1 person and injuring 16 others, according to German police. The white vehicle crashed into a tree in Tiergarten before those inside fled. Police have identified the main suspect as 21-year-old Abdul B., who they describe as armed and dangerous and linked to the Islamist spectrum. Authorities also said several people suffered stab wounds after the vehicle attack. Thousands of officers, supported by helicopters and thermal imaging cameras, are searching across Berlin. Officials have not confirmed the motive or whether other suspects were involved. Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed a full investigation. (PC: BBC)