Ali Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s security and nuclear policy, was killed in an air strike near Tehran alongside his son Morteza Larijani, deputy Alireza Bayat and bodyguards, Iranian authorities confirmed. The strike, reportedly targeting his daughter’s home in Pardis, marks one of the most direct blows to Iran’s senior leadership amid escalating conflict. Israel acknowledged eliminating key figures, including Gholamreza Soleimani, and signalled continued targeting of top officials. Larijani, a former parliament speaker and nuclear negotiator, played a major role in shaping Iran’s strategic policy. His death deepens leadership uncertainty as tensions intensify across the region. (PC: India Today)

The Centre informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that it is taking all measures to prevent LPG shortages amid disruptions caused by the West Asia war. An affidavit by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated the government is monitoring the situation and ensuring smooth distribution. The court disposed of a petition against Confidence Petroleum India Ltd, accused of prioritising exports over domestic supply. Petitioners cited supply constraints due to the Iran war and sought increased domestic allocation. The Centre said strict action would be taken against violations and emphasised prioritising household LPG availability across affected regions nationwide. (PC: X)

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video alongside Mike Huckabee, dismissing viral rumours claiming he had been killed during the Iran conflict. The clip shows him walking and joking, confirming, “Yes, I’m alive,” amid speculation fueled by his absence and misleading “six fingers” footage. Donald Trump was referenced humorously, with Huckabee saying he was sent to check on Netanyahu. The Israeli leader also mentioned ongoing strikes targeting Iranian figures. Earlier, Netanyahu mocked the rumours in a café video, addressing the finger claims directly. The conspiracy theories spread widely online during escalating regional tensions following Iran’s retaliation against US-Israel actions.

The United States Central Command said US forces dropped 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. The bunker-buster weapons targeted fortified or underground launch and storage sites posing risks to international shipping. The strikes mark a shift toward directly targeting maritime threats as commercial shipping remains near standstill amid the US-Israeli war with Iran. The move may aim to degrade Iran’s ability to target ships and enable reopening of the energy corridor. President Donald Trump urged nations to help secure the strait, but several allies declined, drawing his criticism. Global oil flows are choked and prices have risen worldwide significantly now.

Israel’s military said it struck more than 10 Basij force posts in Tehran in recent hours. The attacks are part of its ongoing operations in Iran. Officials said the strikes aim to weaken Iran’s internal security control. At the same time, Hezbollah fired rockets towards northern Israel from Lebanon. Israel said most were intercepted and no immediate casualties were reported. In response, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah launch sites in Lebanon. The army said it is “deepening operations” to protect its northern areas. The conflict continues to expand across multiple fronts in the region. (PC: X)

India used talks and careful planning to help its ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The route remains tense due to the ongoing Iran conflict. Three Indian-flagged vessels crossed safely after discussions between India and Iran. Some ships also used “dark mode” to avoid detection while passing through. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for “dialogue and diplomacy” during talks with Iran’s leadership. Iran’s envoy said, “India is our friend.” Two ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, reached India carrying LPG. Officials said there is no fixed deal. “Every ship movement is an individual happening,” S Jaishankar said. (PC: HT)

Senior Israeli officials have warned the US that Iranian protesters could be “slaughtered” if they take to the streets. The warning was shared in a US State Department cable, reports said. The officials said Iran’s security forces, especially the Revolutionary Guard, “has the upper hand”. They also said the regime is “not cracking” despite ongoing strikes. At the same time, Israel has continued to support public protests in Iran. It has urged the US to be ready to help if unrest grows. US President Donald Trump also noted the risks. “They have people in the streets with machine guns,” he said. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday. They discussed rising tensions in West Asia. Modi stressed the need for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. “Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE,” Modi said. He also conveyed Eid greetings during the call. Both leaders agreed on restoring peace and stability in the region. “We will continue to work together,” Modi said. The call came as attacks on UAE continue amid the ongoing conflict. The war has entered its third week, raising concerns over regional security and trade routes. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said it was a “good thing” that counterterrorism chief Joe Kent resigned. He called Kent “very weak on security” after his exit. Kent stepped down over the US military campaign in Iran. Kent said he could not support the war. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he wrote. He also said Iran posed no “imminent threat” to the US. Trump rejected such views. “We don’t want those people,” he said. The resignation comes as the Iran conflict enters its third week and debate grows within the administration. (PC: India Today)

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street, reaffirming unwavering British support for Ukraine while warning that the Iran war must not divert global attention from Russia's ongoing invasion. Both leaders signed a new defence partnership focusing on drone manufacturing, combining Ukrainian battlefield expertise with Britain's industrial capacity. The UK additionally pledged £500,000 toward an AI centre of excellence in Kyiv. Starmer cautioned that Putin must not benefit from rising oil prices or sanctions relief triggered by Middle East tensions. Zelensky, currently touring European capitals, also met King Charles at Buckingham Palace, emphasising battlefield developments, energy security, and renewed pressure on Russia as central negotiating priorities. (PC: Reuters)