Israel reportedly built a secret military base in Iraq before launching its air campaign against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The outpost allegedly housed Israeli special forces and search-and-rescue teams to support operations near Iran. The report claimed Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Iraqi troops after the base was nearly discovered during a military patrol in March. Iraq later condemned the strike, which reportedly killed a soldier. The base reportedly helped Israel respond quickly during rescue operations after Iran shot down a US fighter jet near Isfahan during the conflict. (PC: HT)

The United States is still waiting for Iran to respond to a peace proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. President Donald Trump said he expected a reply soon, but Tehran has not responded. Fighting also continued in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes killed at least 17 people, according to Lebanese authorities. Britain has sent warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East to support possible security operations. The Strait of Hormuz remained calm on Sunday after recent clashes. The United States has imposed new sanctions on individuals and companies accused of helping Iran build drones and support its military activities. (PC: AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the war in Ukraine may be coming to an end. He made the statement during Russia's Victory Day events in Moscow. Russia and Ukraine began a three-day ceasefire backed by US President Donald Trump. Both countries also agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, one of the biggest swaps since the war began. Putin said he is open to talks if both sides agree on a lasting peace plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted cautiously. The war has caused heavy loss of life and destruction across Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. (PC: Reuters)

Péter Magyar was officially sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, marking the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. Magyar’s pro-European Tisza Party secured a landslide parliamentary victory, promising democratic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and stronger ties with the European Union. During his inauguration speech in Budapest, Magyar pledged to restore judicial independence, reform state media, and rebuild Hungary’s economy after years of political division. Celebrations erupted across the capital as supporters welcomed a major political shift. The new administration also signaled a return to closer cooperation with Western allies and EU institutions after years of strained relations. (PC: Reuters)

Russia marked its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow with a significantly reduced military display amid ongoing security fears linked to the Ukraine war. President Vladimir Putin attended the Red Square ceremony and vowed victory in what the Kremlin calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Unlike previous years, the parade featured no tanks or heavy military hardware, reflecting both battlefield pressures and fears of Ukrainian attacks. North Korean troops who reportedly assisted Russian forces also participated. Tight security measures surrounded the event, while fighter jets flew above Moscow. The scaled-back celebration highlighted the prolonged strain of the war on Russia’s military and economy. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The temporary truce includes a suspension of military operations and a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the agreement, though both nations previously accused each other of violating earlier ceasefires. Trump described the development as a hopeful step toward broader peace negotiations in the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

Iran has accused the United States of choosing military action over diplomacy after fresh clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would not bow to pressure. The US said its forces struck Iranian vessels and blocked tankers from entering Iranian ports. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire remains in place and urged Iran to accept a deal. The tensions have raised concerns over oil supplies and fears of a wider conflict in the Gulf region. (PC: EPA)

A special tribute to David Attenborough lit up London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus as the legendary broadcaster celebrated his 100th birthday. BBC Studios displayed a two-minute video on the famous Piccadilly Lights, honouring Sir David’s decades-long contribution to wildlife storytelling and conservation. (PC: BBC)   Born on May 8, 1926, Attenborough has spent more than seven decades bringing nature closer to millions through landmark documentaries. His recent series Wild London highlighted the biodiversity thriving across the British capital. Colleagues who worked with him described him as curious, warm and deeply passionate about wildlife even at 99. Conservationists said his legacy continues to inspire generations to protect the natural world.

US President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to May 11. The pause in fighting will include a prisoner exchange, with both sides releasing 1,000 prisoners each. Trump said he spoke directly to Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders confirmed the agreement. Trump called the move a possible “beginning of the end” of the war, which started in 2022. Zelenskyy thanked the United States for helping broker the deal and said Ukraine hopes Russia follows the terms of the ceasefire. (PC: AP)

The United States government has released a large batch of previously classified UFO or UAP files following a directive from President Donald Trump. The declassified archive includes infrared military images, radar footage, Apollo 17 Moon photographs and reports of mysterious airborne objects across different regions. Among the most discussed materials are unexplained lights seen above the lunar surface during the Apollo 17 mission and a “football-shaped” object reportedly spotted near Japan by the US Indo-Pacific Command. Officials described the files as “unresolved cases” lacking sufficient explanation. More documents, videos and photographs are expected to be released in phases over the coming weeks. (PC: X)