Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting India to repair ties and boost trade. Relations had worsened after Canada accused India of involvement in a Sikh leader’s killing in 2023. India denied the charge. Now, both sides want to move forward. Carney aims to reduce Canada’s trade dependence on the United States. Talks will focus on energy, technology and defence. A possible uranium supply deal is also expected. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the visit strengthens India’s global position. With US tariffs affecting both nations, Canada and India see new economic opportunities in rebuilding their partnership. (PC: AFP Via Getty Images)

The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday. Loud explosions were heard in Tehran. Israel called it a preemptive attack. US President Donald Trump confirmed major combat operations. Iran fired missiles at US bases and Israel in response. Tehran told the United Nations it will keep striking until the attacks stop. At least 15 people were killed in a strike in southern Iran. Air India cancelled several international flights. The US urged commercial ships to avoid the Gulf. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Israeli and Iranian leaders and called for dialogue and de-escalation.

An explosion was reported at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai on Saturday night. The blast came as Iran launched strikes across the Gulf after US and Israeli attacks. The Dubai Media Office confirmed that four people were injured. They were taken for treatment. The fire caused by the explosion is now under control. Emergency teams reached the site quickly and secured the area. Residents said they heard loud bangs and saw black smoke rising from a building. Authorities urged people to stay calm and avoid sharing videos online. Palm Jumeirah is a famous man-made island known for luxury hotels and homes.

Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes on Saturday, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour was also reported dead.   Nasirzadeh earlier served as deputy chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces. He began his career as a fighter pilot before becoming defence minister.   The United States and Israel said the strikes targeted Iran’s top leadership. US President Donald Trump said the action was meant to end a security threat and stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.   Iran responded by launching missiles at Israel and several Gulf countries hosting US bases. (PC: HT)

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was evacuated after explosions were heard across the city during Iranian missile strikes in the Gulf, media reports said. The strikes followed joint US and Israeli attacks on Tehran earlier in the day.   Iran targeted locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, as well as Doha and Riyadh. Residents in Dubai said they heard loud blasts and saw missiles moving across the sky. “It was a big explosion, and it made the windows shake,” one witness said.   The UAE said a civilian of Asian nationality was killed in Abu Dhabi after missile debris fell in a residential area. Qatar said it intercepted incoming missiles and reported no casualties. (PC: NDTV)

India on Saturday urged all sides to step back after US-Israel strikes on Iran increased tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region.” It added, “We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians.”   India said dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to reduce tensions. It also stressed that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected under international law and the UN Charter.   Indian missions in Gulf countries issued advisories asking citizens to remain alert and follow local safety guidance. (PC: India Today)

British fighter jets are operating in the Middle East as part of a defensive move, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Saturday. In a televised message, he said the aircraft are “in the sky” to protect UK personnel, bases and allies. He said security for British forces has been raised to the highest level.   The UK did not take part in the US-Israel strikes on Iran. Starmer said he wants “peace and security” in the region and protection of civilian life. He urged Iran to stop further strikes and return to talks. The government said its main focus is the safety of UK nationals. (PC: BBC)

India on Saturday reacted to the US-Israel strikes on Iran and urged all sides to remain calm. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region.” It added, “We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians.”   The statement said dialogue and diplomacy should be used to reduce tensions. It also stressed that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.   The MEA said Indian missions are in touch with nationals in the region. Advisories have been issued asking them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance. (PC: HT)

A missile strike hit a girls’ school in Minab, in southern Iran’s Hormozgan province, amid heavy US-Israel military operations on Saturday. Iranian officials said 85 people, many of them children, were killed. Authorities said the deaths were at a girls’ elementary school when the attack hit during class. The judiciary’s online news site quoted the local prosecutor saying the toll had risen to 85. The Iranian government did not provide an independent list of victims. There has been no confirmation from the United States or Israel on the specific strike. Iran has condemned the attack and vowed responses. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian national in Bahrain said he heard a siren followed by six to seven blasts after Iran targeted a US naval base in the country.   Asif, an IT worker from Haryana, said they received a government alert around 11.30 am asking people to take shelter. “Within 10–15 minutes, we heard a loud explosion,” he said. Soon after, lifts stopped and residents were told to use stairs and evacuate.   “I heard six or seven blasts. Most were intercepted,” he added.   Shops closed early and flights were suspended. He urged the Indian government to evacuate those who want to return. (PC: India Today)