In a prime-time address, U.S. President Donald Trump defended ongoing military actions against Iran, claiming significant damage to its military capabilities while warning of further escalation if demands are unmet. However, he offered no clear timeline for ending the conflict, creating uncertainty among allies and markets. Trump avoided firm commitments on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and urged other nations to take responsibility. Despite declaring progress, Iran’s leadership and nuclear capabilities remain partly intact. The speech also impacted global markets and domestic politics, with falling approval ratings and rising fuel prices adding to public concern. 

French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticised Donald Trump for inconsistent messaging on the Iran conflict and NATO, urging greater seriousness and stability in global leadership. Speaking during a South Korea visit, Macron warned that frequent contradictions weaken trust and alliances. He defended NATO, accusing Trump of undermining it by questioning US commitment. Macron also rejected military solutions like forcibly reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling them unrealistic and risky. Emphasising diplomacy, he said lasting peace with Iran requires negotiations, not escalation, as tensions continue to strain transatlantic relations. (PC: The Guardian)

Amit Kshatriya, one of NASA’s highest-ranking civil servants, is playing a key role in shaping humanity’s return to deep space. Inspired by the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster he witnessed as a child, he turned tragedy into motivation. Beginning his career in 2003, he contributed to the space shuttle and International Space Station programs, later becoming a NASA flight director. Now serving as Associate Administrator and COO, he oversees major missions, including the Artemis program, driving efforts toward sustainable lunar exploration and future Mars missions. (PC: X)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Raghav Chadha from the post of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and nominated Ashok Mittal as his replacement. The party informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and also requested that Chadha no longer be allotted speaking time from its quota in the House. The move signals a significant shift in AAP’s parliamentary strategy and leadership structure. While no official reason has been given, the reshuffle has sparked speculation about internal dynamics within the party. Mittal’s appointment is seen as part of a broader organisational recalibration ahead of upcoming political challenges. (PC: PTI)

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has claimed that nearly seven million volunteers are prepared to defend the country amid rising tensions with the United States. His remarks follow reports that the US is considering targeting or seizing Kharg Island, a crucial hub for Iran’s oil exports. Ghalibaf warned that any military action would provoke strong retaliation against US forces and regional interests. Iran has been bolstering its defenses in anticipation of a potential conflict. The situation underscores growing fears of escalation, with Kharg Island emerging as a key strategic and economic flashpoint in the crisis. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump has removed Attorney General Pam Bondi following mounting criticism over her handling of sensitive Jeffrey Epstein case documents. Bondi faced backlash from lawmakers and political allies for alleged mismanagement, excessive redactions, and lack of transparency in releasing key files. The controversy intensified with reports of a congressional subpoena and internal dissatisfaction within the administration. Trump’s decision reflects growing pressure to ensure accountability in high-profile investigations. Her dismissal marks a significant leadership change in the Justice Department, as scrutiny over the Epstein case and its handling continues to raise political and legal concerns. (PC: X)

Iran has intensified its military actions in the ongoing Middle East conflict by targeting key US-linked assets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for striking an Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center in Bahrain, causing reported disruption to critical cloud services. Simultaneously, Iran launched a drone attack on US fighter jets stationed at the Al-Azraq airbase in Jordan, marking a direct escalation against American forces. These coordinated strikes highlight Iran’s expanding retaliation strategy, raising fears of a broader regional conflict involving multiple countries and strategic infrastructure. (PC: Reuters)

India highlighted that it is the only country to have lost mariners in recent attacks while calling for unrestricted and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during UK-led talks. Represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, India stressed the urgent need to protect global shipping routes and ensure maritime security. The meeting, hosted by the United Kingdom, brought together multiple nations amid rising tensions in the region. India also pushed for diplomatic solutions and cooperation to stabilise the crucial oil transit corridor.

US military has drafted a high-risk plan under President Donald Trump to seize Iran’s enriched uranium from fortified nuclear sites like Isfahan and Natanz. The proposal could deploy hundreds or thousands of troops inside Iran, making it an unprecedented ground operation. The mission involves locating and extracting over 1,000 pounds of radioactive material, some buried under debris after prior strikes. Experts warn the operation would be slow, technically complex, and extremely dangerous, with high risks of escalation. Former officials say international inspectors are better suited for such tasks, but that would require a ceasefire and cooperation from Tehran amid ongoing conflict and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region today. (PC: News 18)

Emmanuel Macron strongly criticised Donald Trump over personal remarks targeting him and his wife, calling them “neither elegant nor up to standard.” Trump had mocked Macron during a private lunch, referencing a past viral video and questioning France’s support in the Iran conflict while labelling NATO a “paper tiger.” The comments triggered rare cross-party backlash in France, with leaders condemning the tone amid global tensions. Macron also warned against military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stressing diplomacy with Iran as the only viable solution to avoid prolonged conflict and risks to global shipping. (PC: India Today)