Iran is reportedly planning a coordinated, multi-front attack on Israel resembling the October 7, 2023 assault, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing intelligence sources. Tehran is allegedly seeking to coordinate Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq in one campaign. Reports cited by the publication suggest Iran is rebuilding its “Axis of Resistance” and renewing coordination. Hamas’ new leader Khalil al-Hayya is reportedly considered close to Iran, while Hamas and Hezbollah have increased coordination with Iran’s assistance. Purported Hamas documents seized after October 7 allegedly showed Yahya Sinwar sought to expand the confrontation, though Iran and Hezbollah were reportedly not informed of the attack’s details beforehand. (PC: AFP)

Indonesia suspended operations at five airports, including Jakarta’s main Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau spread across the region. The eruption produced ash plumes reaching up to 15,000 metres, creating serious risks for aircraft engines and aviation safety. Around 301 flights, including 58 international services, were disrupted, while airlines cancelled or delayed several Jakarta-bound flights. The eruption also affected fishing and school activities as ash caused irritation and reduced visibility. Authorities established a 3-kilometre exclusion zone around the volcano and are monitoring conditions. Officials said there was no immediate tsunami threat, while measures including cloud seeding were being considered. (PC: EPA)

Tucker Budzyn, the golden retriever who became an internet sensation with millions of followers, has died unexpectedly at age 8. His owner, Courtney Budzyn, said Tucker was diagnosed with lymphoma on August 30 and began CHOP chemotherapy under a veterinary oncologist’s care. After a week, he was reportedly in partial remission and continued swimming, walking, visiting parks and spending time with family. However, his family later learned the lymphoma had affected his intestines. As chemotherapy worked against the cancer, it left a hole in his intestine, causing an infection that rapidly worsened. Despite antibiotics and fluids, Tucker’s condition deteriorated, and his family ultimately decided to let him go. (PC: X/@gmanews)

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for talks on ending the Ukraine war. Their visit came a day after they met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.   The White House said the envoys discussed plans for the next steps with Putin. Details of the talks have not been made public.   Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the envoys and said Ukraine was ready for talks. Russia and Ukraine have also agreed to pause strikes on Moscow and Kyiv for three days as peace efforts continue. (PC: Reuters)  

US President Donald Trump is reportedly working on a broader strategy for the Middle East after the Iran war ends. The plan is still being developed, according to an Axios report.   The strategy may bring US allies closer together to contain Iran. Washington could also act as a security guarantor in the region.   The plan may include efforts to move forward on Gaza, improve ties between Israel and Syria, and strengthen the Israel-Lebanon agreement.   Another major goal is to expand the Abraham Accords and secure a normalisation deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.  

The death toll from flash floods along the China-Nepal border has risen to 43 in Tibet, Chinese state media reported. At least 519 people are still missing.   The disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse and a mountain landslide. A huge surge of water, rocks and debris hit areas downstream, causing widespread damage.   Nepal has also suffered heavy losses. Combined figures from both countries show that nearly 1,400 people have died and more than 5,500 remain missing.   Rescue and recovery teams are continuing their search in difficult Himalayan terrain.  

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for talks with Ukrainian officials after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow over efforts to end the Ukraine war. The White House said the envoys discussed “substantive plans for next steps” with Putin during Saturday’s three-hour meeting. Details of the plans remain unclear, but an announcement is expected in the coming weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his team was ready for talks and focused on peace and security guarantees. The meetings come as Russia and Ukraine continue intensified missile, drone and infrastructure strikes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a 72-hour halt to strikes on Kyiv beginning September 6, coinciding with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visiting Russia and Ukraine for renewed peace efforts. The temporary pause follows intensified Russian and Ukrainian aerial attacks and is intended to facilitate the envoys’ diplomatic mission. Witkoff and Kushner met Putin in Moscow for more than three hours, with Russian officials describing the discussions as useful and constructive, but no breakthrough was announced. They are expected to travel to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Major disagreements over territory and security guarantees remain unresolved. (PC: AFP)

Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated in the Strait of Hormuz after the US military struck three Iranian oil tankers. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy subsequently claimed it targeted three oil tankers and three US-affiliated vessels, warning ships against using routes it considers unauthorised. The US said its strikes followed Iranian missile attacks on American naval vessels. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Washington could destroy and sink Iranian oil tankers if Iran attacks US Navy ships again. The confrontation threatens a vital global energy corridor and raises concerns over further regional escalation. 

Julia Molchanova, a Russian design student who met Jeffrey Epstein at 22, has spoken publicly for the first time about her years inside his network. She says Epstein initially promised to support her fashion career but gradually subjected her to psychological control, sexual abuse and strict rules. He presented young women as “assistants,” which Molchanova says concealed the abuse taking place in his homes. In 2019, she discovered unexplained credit cards and financial activity linked to her name, prompting her to challenge Epstein and seek help. Her account highlights the coercive tactics and financial manipulation she says enabled his exploitation. (PC: X)