Bangladesh has welcomed reports that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Dhaka by the end of 2026, saying she should face trial over the charges against her. Government adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Hasina would receive a transparent legal process and could bring the "best lawyers in the world" to defend herself. He added that while many people want her death sentence to stand, the court could also "revise the verdict" or even acquit her. Hasina, who has been living in India since August 2024, has called the charges and her conviction "politically motivated." (PC: NDTV)

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military-linked targets in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait after Washington carried out fresh strikes and reinstated its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Air defence systems intercepted several incoming projectiles, while Gulf nations activated emergency measures. The latest escalation came as US President Donald Trump warned of more military action unless Tehran returned to negotiations. The conflict has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, pushing up crude prices and raising fears of wider regional instability. Both sides have vowed to continue operations despite growing international concern.

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will target Iran's bridges and power plants next week unless Tehran returns to negotiations. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Iran must "get to the table and negotiate" or face further military action. His remarks came as US and Iranian forces exchanged attacks for a fourth straight day, with Washington striking military targets and maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US-linked targets in the Gulf. The escalating conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed global oil prices higher.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed "until the end of America's evils," warning that oil and gas export routes serving the US and its allies could be targeted if hostilities continue. The statement came after the US reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports and carried out fresh strikes on military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran had no obligation to restore normal passage through the waterway. Meanwhile, Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter. (PC: Times Now)

The United States will withdraw all troops from Iraq by September 30, ending a 23-year military presence that began with the 2003 invasion and later shifted to operations against the Islamic State group. Announcing the decision alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House, US President Donald Trump said Washington no longer considered a military presence in Iraq necessary. Al-Zaidi confirmed Iraqi security forces were capable of maintaining the country's stability, while American companies would continue operating in Iraq after the troop withdrawal. The move marks a significant milestone in US-Iraq relations, concluding one of America's longest overseas military deployments while transferring full security responsibility to Baghdad.

Iran is signalling it could expand the ongoing conflict beyond the Strait of Hormuz by using Yemen's Houthi allies to threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical global shipping route linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Analysts say the move would increase pressure on the United States by disrupting global trade and energy supplies. Houthi officials warned both chokepoints could be closed if hostilities escalate, potentially driving oil prices to $200 a barrel. Experts describe Bab el-Mandeb as Iran's last major strategic lever after Hormuz. However, analysts also caution that any attempt to block the waterway could trigger a broader US-led military response and further destabilise the region. (PC: NDTV)

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified after Washington launched fresh military strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure and reimposed a naval blockade. Iran responded with attacks on US-linked targets and reiterated its stance over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. President Donald Trump abandoned a proposed transit toll in favor of pursuing trade and investment agreements with Gulf nations while maintaining pressure on Tehran. The renewed hostilities have raised fears of wider regional instability, disrupted energy markets, and increased concerns over global oil supplies and diplomatic efforts to restore peace. (PC: X)

Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated a government reshuffle aimed at addressing "new challenges and new tasks." Parliament approved her resignation on Tuesday, ending a tenure that began in July 2025. Svyrydenko, who helped negotiate a minerals investment deal with the US after Zelenskyy's Oval Office clash with President Donald Trump, has reportedly been offered a new role overseeing relations with a key partner. The reshuffle comes as Russia intensifies ballistic missile strikes and Ukraine advances plans to domestically produce US Patriot air defence systems. Ukrainian media reports Naftogaz CEO Sergiy Koretsky is the leading candidate to succeed her. (PC: Reuters)

A viral letter circulating on social media claims Balochistan has declared independence from Pakistan, established the "Republic of Balochistan" and exercises control over 85% of its territory. The statement alleges the region has adopted a national flag, anthem, currency and independent administration, while claiming control over major mineral, gas and coal resources. It also says thousands of security personnel have joined the Baloch side and seeks international recognition. However, the authenticity of the letter remains unverified, and there has been no official confirmation or response from Pakistan. Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch claimed civilians are resisting Pakistani forces, but these assertions also remain independently unverified.

Several people were killed after a fire broke out at a construction site in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday. Around 200 workers were at the site when the fire started during a major renovation project. Rescue teams found several bodies inside an elevator shaft. At least six workers remain missing, and search operations are still underway. Firefighters said the first blaze was brought under control, but flames later spread through the elevator shafts and caused another fire underground. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Belgian authorities have launched an investigation as rescue teams continue searching for the missing workers. (PC: Reuters)