Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened through US pressure or military action. Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said Iran's armed forces would continue to defend the strategic waterway. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump declared that the temporary ceasefire was over. Tensions in the Gulf have increased following recent missile and drone attacks. Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advised airlines to avoid flying over parts of the Gulf, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and the Gulf of Oman, because of growing security risks and military activity. (PC: Reuters)

The FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina has been declared a high-risk match by the FBI and local police. Officials met with FIFA to discuss security because of the long rivalry between the two countries. Separate entry gates will be used for England and Argentina supporters, although fans will not be separated inside the stadium. Police have increased security around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and team hotels in Atlanta. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to see the match as only football. Authorities said extra officers and resources will help keep players, fans, and visitors safe during the semi-final.

Large protests have broken out across Nepal after the death of ride-share driver Ganesh Nepali. He set himself on fire after a dispute with municipal police over parking and later died in hospital. Many young people have taken to the streets, demanding justice and calling for Prime Minister Balen Shah to resign. Opposition lawmakers also criticised the government and blamed it for failing to protect citizens. Protesters want an independent investigation and action against those involved. The government has formed a probe committee and detained three municipal police officers. Balen Shah has not yet responded to the protests publicly. (PC: India Today)

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport after air strikes hit Sanaa Airport. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack, while Yemen's government said it targeted the runway to stop an Iranian plane from landing. Saudi officials said their air defences intercepted the missiles and no one was hurt. The incident is the biggest rise in tensions since an informal truce began four years ago. The United Nations urged all sides to avoid more violence and return to talks. Iran condemned the strike on Sanaa Airport, calling it a violation of international law. (PC: Reuters)

Thai authorities are investigating a deadly fire at a bar in Bangkok that killed at least 30 people and injured more than 70. Early findings suggest a short circuit in an air conditioner started the fire. Police said locked doors, blocked exits, and flammable decorations made it harder for people to escape. Many victims were found near the restrooms after trying to flee. Experts believe toxic smoke also caused many deaths. The bar was registered as a restaurant, so it did not have to use fire-resistant materials. Officials are now reviewing safety rules to prevent similar tragedies in the future. (PC: AFP via Getty Images, Getty Images)

India on Tuesday summoned senior Iranian diplomats, including the Deputy Ambassador, to protest the death of an Indian sailor killed in a strike on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the attack and urged Iran to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and merchant vessels operating in the region. The diplomatic move comes as tensions in the Gulf continue to rise, threatening one of the world's busiest shipping routes. India also called for restraint and stressed the need to protect civilian lives and maintain the security of international maritime navigation. (PC: India Today)

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah’s government is facing mounting public anger after 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali died following self-immolation triggered by a confrontation with Kathmandu Metropolitan security guards. The incident has united anti-Balen groups and intensified criticism of the government’s handling of policing and displacement. Protesters, including former Gen Z supporters, accused authorities of mistreating vulnerable citizens after nearly 1,000 families displaced during an anti-encroachment drive were allegedly left without promised rehabilitation. Law student Majjid Ansari was among those detained during demonstrations. Two more self-immolation attempts followed. After the government promised an inquiry, compensation, employment for Nepali’s wife and educational support for his children, his family agreed to perform his funeral. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran’s military had been devastated by recent US-Israeli strikes, asserting its navy, air force, air defences and senior leadership had been eliminated. Trump also said Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was “90% gone”, referring to reports that he is recovering from injuries sustained in an airstrike. Trump announced the reinstatement of an “Iranian blockade”, declared the US the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait”, and proposed a 20% reimbursement on cargo transiting the waterway. Iran rejected the claims, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisting Tehran has always safeguarded the Strait and dismissing Washington’s proposal. (PC: CNN)

Ukraine and nine European countries have agreed to build a shared ballistic missile defence system to improve regional security. The announcement was made at a meeting in Paris attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. The coalition aims to protect Europe from growing missile threats and will use Ukraine's experience from the war with Russia. Other countries can join the initiative in the future. Zelenskyy also called for stronger air defences for Ukraine before winter. Russia criticised the plan, calling it a hostile move. The new alliance shows Europe's continued support for Ukraine during the war.

US judge has cancelled a legal settlement between President Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. The agreement had protected Trump from future tax audits and included plans for a $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund. Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the lawsuit was filed for an improper purpose. She also referred one of Trump's lawyers for a possible ethics investigation. The ruling prevents those involved from using the settlement in future legal cases. It also allows the IRS to carry out future tax audits if needed. Trump's legal team said the case was about protecting private tax information. (PC: Getty Images)