Iran has warned it is fully prepared for war if diplomacy with the United States fails, while maintaining that negotiations remain its preferred path ahead of high-stakes talks in Doha on implementing their memorandum of understanding (MoU). Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran’s nuclear rights, including uranium enrichment, are non-negotiable and stressed Tehran would not advance to the next phase of the agreement until all key provisions, including commitments related to Lebanon, oil exports and the Strait of Hormuz, are fully implemented. Despite the warning, Ghalibaf reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to dialogue, saying negotiations would continue while the country remains ready to defend its interests.

The Indian Army has rescued a 79-year-old woman from the rubble in earthquake-hit Venezuela under Operation Amistad, India’s humanitarian relief mission. The woman, trapped beneath a collapsed building, suffered a fractured leg and peripheral arterial disease, with delayed treatment causing a severe arterial ulcer and intense pain. Army doctors stabilised her fracture, initiated advanced wound care and began daily specialised treatment. The Army’s Field Hospital continues providing critical medical assistance to survivors. Venezuela was struck by twin earthquakes on June 24, leaving 1,719 people dead, 5,034 injured and 22,619 affected, according to the National Assembly. Authorities reported 855 damaged buildings, including 189 collapses, while hundreds of aftershocks continue.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Iran’s resilient FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after the team exited in the group stage despite remaining unbeaten. Iran drew all three Group G matches, finishing behind Belgium and Egypt while missing qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. In an Instagram post, Infantino lauded Iran’s “exceptional quality, teamwork, passion and desire,” saying the players gave supporters plenty to be proud of despite falling short of the knockout rounds. Fans welcomed his recognition, especially after concerns surrounding Iran’s participation following US and Israeli airstrikes earlier this year. Iran’s final match ended 1-1 against Egypt, with a stoppage-time winner disallowed after a VAR offside review. (PC: Fox7 Austin)

State-run oil marketing companies have retained the prices of domestic 14.2-kg LPG cylinders across major Indian cities from July 1, with no change for household consumers despite the monthly revision. However, commercial users received significant relief as the price of 19-kg LPG cylinders was reduced by ₹183.50, marking the first cut in 2026 following easing tensions in West Asia and softer global energy prices. The revised commercial rates benefit restaurants, hotels and other businesses, while domestic cooking gas prices remain stable. Consumers can check city-wise LPG rates through official oil company websites, as prices vary depending on local taxes and transportation costs. The new rates took effect immediately. (PC: Money Control)

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has asserted that the Indus Waters Treaty remains “valid, binding and operative,” rejecting India's decision to suspend the agreement following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Speaking on Tuesday, Dar maintained that the 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, continues to govern the distribution and use of the Indus River system between the two countries. He warned that any attempt to deprive Pakistan of waters “rightfully allocated” under the treaty would have “profound consequences” for regional peace and security. India had suspended the pact as part of punitive measures against Pakistan after the attack.

Nayara Energy, India’s largest private fuel retailer, has reduced petrol prices by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹3 per litre across its network of over 7,000 fuel stations, following a decline in global crude oil prices as tensions in West Asia eased. The revised rates came into effect on Wednesday, marking the first retail fuel price cut by any company in more than two years. Nayara had earlier raised petrol by ₹5.30 and diesel by ₹3 during the US-Iran conflict amid supply concerns. State-run Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL have not revised prices. Pump rates may vary by state due to VAT. Nayara operates a 20-million-tonne refinery at Vadinar, Gujarat. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel could launch a third military operation against Iran if required, insisting Tehran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons while he remains in office. Speaking to Channel 14, Netanyahu said Israel had entered Iran twice to eliminate what he described as an “existential threat” and would act again if necessary. He also stressed that Israel’s campaign against Iran and its regional allies is not over. “We entered Iran twice to save ourselves from destruction. There will be a third time if necessary,” Netanyahu said, reaffirming his government's determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons under any circumstances during his tenure.

Kylian Mbappe etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in France’s 3-0 Round of 32 victory over Sweden. The Real Madrid forward took his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose, while becoming the tournament’s all-time leading knockout-stage scorer with 10 goals. Mbappe overtook Brazilian legends Ronaldo Nazario and Leonidas, who had eight knockout goals each, with Just Fontaine and Pele on seven. Lionel Messi, despite leading World Cup history with 19 overall goals, has scored five knockout goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has none. Mbappe’s sixth goal of the tournament also drew him level with Messi in the Golden Boot race ahead. (PC: Sky Sports)

Eight people were killed and 22 others injured after a passenger bus rammed into a truck and caught fire on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Dausa district early Wednesday. The bus, carrying around 37 passengers, was travelling from Rishikesh to Indore when the accident occurred at around 3:30 am. The impact triggered a massive blaze, trapping several passengers inside the vehicle. Police, fire brigade personnel and rescue teams rushed to the scene, launched relief operations and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash while rescue and recovery operations were completed at the accident site.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed claims of Chinese intrusion into Arunachal Pradesh, stating there has been “no intrusion” and that transgressions occur because the India-China border remains undemarcated. His remarks followed allegations by a tribal organisation that the PLA had occupied ancestral grazing, hunting and farming land in Upper Subansiri district over six years. The Indian Army also rejected reports of recent PLA encroachment and camp construction, calling them “incorrect and without any basis.” Rijiju highlighted the Modi government's focus on strengthening border infrastructure. India and China recently held the 35th WMCC meeting in Beijing, reviewing border management while reaffirming dialogue, peace, stability and continued military-level coordination. (PC: PTI)