Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the United States not to be “dragged back into the quagmire” after fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The US says Iran fired missiles and drones at military and commercial ships. Tehran denies some claims. US President Donald Trump said American forces destroyed seven Iranian fast boats, which Iran rejected. Washington has launched “Project Freedom” to escort ships out of the waterway. Around 2,000 vessels remain stuck. Shipping firm Maersk said one of its ships exited with US military support. (PC: BBC)

3 Indian nationals were injured after Iran launched fresh missile and drone strikes on the United Arab Emirates, officials said. The attack caused a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. Authorities said four cruise missiles were fired. Three were intercepted and one fell into the sea. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said it is in touch with local authorities. “We are ensuring proper medical care and welfare,” it said. UAE officials called the strikes a “serious escalation” and said they reserve the right to respond. The injured were taken to hospital with moderate injuries. (PC: India Today)

Three people have died after a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus on board the MV Hondius, the World Health Organization said. A 70-year-old Dutch passenger fell ill and died after reaching St Helena. His 69-year-old wife later died in a Johannesburg hospital. A 69-year-old British man is the only confirmed case and is in intensive care. Two crew members also need urgent medical help. Officials said the virus spreads through contact with infected rodent droppings. Dutch authorities are arranging repatriation of two patients and one body still on the ship. (PC: BBC)

A Chinese court has ruled that companies cannot terminate employees solely because artificial intelligence can perform their roles. The Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court upheld a decision in favour of an employee dismissed after his duties were partly replaced by AI systems. The court found that automation does not qualify as a “major change in circumstances” under China’s labour laws and that offering a significantly lower-paying role was unreasonable. It concluded the dismissal was unlawful, reinforcing that employers must meet legal obligations despite adopting AI. The ruling sets a precedent, emphasising that technological upgrades cannot override worker protections or justify arbitrary job cuts. (PC: X)

At least four people were hospitalised after an indiscriminate drive-by shooting in Brixton, London, with one victim in critical condition. The injured include individuals aged 21, 25, 47 and 70, including a pensioner. Around an hour later, a 33-year-old man was found nearby with multiple stab wounds, prompting police to investigate a possible link between the two incidents. Authorities received initial reports of gunfire on Coldharbour Lane, followed by a stabbing on Acre Lane. Law enforcement has launched a probe into both incidents, focusing on whether they were coordinated or connected acts of violence in the area.

Canada’s intelligence agency has flagged Khalistani extremists as a national security threat, stating that a small network uses Canadian institutions to promote a violent extremist agenda. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), in its 2025 Public Report, said such activities continue to threaten Canada and its interests abroad. The report noted some individuals spread extremist messaging and raise funds, later diverted toward violence. It emphasised only a limited group is involved, distinguishing violent extremism from legitimate peaceful political expression within the broader community. It further warned that certain actors are well connected to Canadian citizens, leveraging institutional access to mobilise support and collect funds from unsuspecting community members for extremist purposes. (PC: AFP)

Israel has approved a multi-billion dollar defence deal to acquire new squadrons of F-35 Lightning II and F-15IA aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The agreement, part of a broader 350 billion shekel military modernisation plan, aims to strengthen long-term air superiority and counter regional threats. Deliveries are expected from 2026 into the early 2030s. The plan includes expanding Israel’s F-35 fleet toward 100 aircraft and procuring up to 50 F-15IA jets while upgrading existing F-16s. Officials said lessons from the recent Iran conflict underscored the importance of advanced air power and the US-Israel strategic partnership. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan has come under scrutiny after an incorrect map was reportedly displayed during informal peace talks with Afghanistan in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting, part of a Track 1.5 diplomatic dialogue involving former officials and experts, aimed to reduce rising military tensions between the two neighbours. The controversial map allegedly omitted parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, sparking strong reactions and confusion among participants. Social media users and observers questioned the accuracy of the presentation, while some suggested it may have been a design error. The incident has added further strain to already fragile Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, where border disputes and security concerns continue to dominate discussions despite ongoing mediation efforts by regional facilitators. (PC: NDTV)

Reports say US President Donald Trump has been briefed by CENTCOM on updated military options for potential targeted strikes on Iran, though no final decision has been made. The plans reportedly include precision attacks on key infrastructure and other contingency operations amid stalled diplomatic talks. At the same time, the US has sent around 6,500 tonnes of munitions and military equipment to Israel in 24 hours, signaling heightened regional readiness. The developments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, increasing concerns over possible escalation and broader conflict in the region.

Pakistan faced criticism after a map shown at talks with Afghanistan left out parts of its own regions. The map appeared during a meeting in Istanbul aimed at easing tensions. Social media users in Pakistan flagged errors in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Some said the upper section was “clearly inaccurate”. The talks were held in a Track 1.5 format with former officials and experts. They were organised by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation. Reports said some outlets later removed images showing the incorrect map after backlash.