The United States has paused its military strikes on Iran after nearly 2 weeks of daily attacks, following President Donald Trump's decision not to approve fresh operations on Friday. Trump said Washington is holding talks with Tehran, while warning the US remains ready to resume military action if needed. Reports suggest Oman is mediating efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Israel remains on alert despite the pause, while Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, highlighting that tensions across West Asia remain high despite diplomatic efforts. (PC: HT)

After 13 consecutive nights of airstrikes on Iran, the United States is reportedly seeking a temporary ceasefire and renewed negotiations with Tehran under the previously suspended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). According to reports, Washington has asked Qatar and Pakistan to mediate the proposed truce, with discussions also expected to include Yemen and the Houthis. The diplomatic push follows weeks of escalating military exchanges, including US strikes across Iran and Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. However, reports said Iran has rejected negotiations this week, while President Donald Trump simultaneously warned of a possible “massive attack” larger than any previous US operation. (PC: News 18)

Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a large-scale missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia, targeting Aramco energy facilities in Jizan and Yanbu in retaliation for overnight Saudi airstrikes on Hodeidah city and Kamaran Island. The Houthis said they carried out two coordinated operations using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, claiming both strikes achieved their intended objectives with "precise and direct hits". The group accused Saudi Arabia of conducting "criminal and unjust" attacks that violated Yemen's sovereignty and caused material and moral damage. The latest escalation signals a widening regional confrontation, with the Houthis warning of "escalation for escalation" amid growing instability and threats to regional security. (PC: Times Now)

More than 220,000 people have been evacuated as massive wildfires continue to spread across France and Spain. Around 200,000 people were moved from south-west France, while thousands left their homes near Madrid. Spain has declared a national emergency as firefighters struggle to control the flames. “The wildfire is at its peak and is currently beyond the capacity of firefighters to contain,” Madrid emergency chief Carlos Novillo said. French President Emmanuel Macron has deployed the military to help. Strong winds, high temperatures and dry weather have worsened the fires. Authorities have urged people to follow safety instructions. (PC: EPA, Getty Images)

The US-Iran conflict entered its 13th consecutive night of fighting, with Washington continuing airstrikes across Iran and Tehran launching fresh missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Amid escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump claimed China and Russia would not sell weapons to Iran and warned that future damage to ships or cargo would be compensated using Iranian funds under US control. Trump also said he was considering a "massive attack" on Iran, claiming Tehran had "not received enough pain yet" despite remaining interested in negotiations. Separately, eight countries condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while fresh explosions were reported on Iran's Qeshm Island amid regional tensions. (PC: Times Now)

Asian stock markets fell sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from more than 80 countries, including India, China, Canada, the UK and EU nations. The move, aimed at addressing alleged forced-labour practices, sparked fears of a renewed global trade war. Japan's Nikkei, South Korea's Kospi, Hong Kong's Hang Seng and China's SSE all posted significant losses as investors worried about slowing global growth. Several countries condemned the tariffs, while economists warned of higher trade uncertainty, inflationary pressures and potential legal challenges to the U.S. policy. (PC: EPA)

US President Donald Trump has said that any future civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia would depend on the Kingdom recognising Israel. Speaking on the issue, Trump indicated that normalising ties with Israel remains a key condition for advancing the proposed nuclear cooperation. The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, where the United States has sought to expand the Abraham Accords and encourage Arab-Israeli normalisation. Saudi Arabia has maintained that recognition of Israel is linked to progress toward a Palestinian state. The statement highlights the continued intersection of regional diplomacy, security, and nuclear cooperation. (PC: AP)

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah is set to hold separate meetings with the Indian and Chinese ambassadors, ending his self-imposed policy of avoiding one-on-one meetings with foreign envoys, according to media reports and government sources. Shah is expected to meet India's Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and China's Ambassador Zhang Maoming on the same day, reflecting Nepal's effort to maintain balanced ties with both neighbours. Since taking office in March, Shah had preferred joint meetings with diplomats instead of individual engagements. The move comes after his government completed its first 100 days in office and signals a shift in diplomatic outreach. (PC: NDTV)

A Mumbai woman who blocked a police van carrying detained students during a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest has become a widely discussed figure online. Rhiya Ahir stood in front of the vehicle at Shivaji Park, claiming police had not shown an arrest memo before detaining the students. She said her actions were driven by her belief that citizens should know their legal rights. According to Ahir, the detained protesters were later released. She also criticised the government's handling of the protests and called on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign over the alleged examination irregularities. (PC: Instagram)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said he wants to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling the region his "second home". Speaking at an election rally in Muzaffarabad, Sharif said he would ask Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint him if the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wins the upcoming PoK elections. He said he wanted to personally oversee the region's development. His remarks come as PoK witnesses widespread anti-government protests over economic issues, including electricity tariffs and wheat prices. Elections are scheduled between July 27 and August 10 amid continuing unrest and demonstrations.