At the United Nations, India strongly criticised Pakistan for what it called a “fabricated” Islamophobia narrative. India’s envoy Parvathaneni Harish accused Islamabad of selectively highlighting religious issues while ignoring concerns such as the treatment of Ahmadiyyas and Afghan refugees. Harish emphasised India’s commitment to multiculturalism and religious diversity, noting its historical coexistence of multiple faiths. He urged a broader approach to tackling religious discrimination globally, rather than focusing on a single faith. The remarks came amid rising regional tensions, including recent airstrikes in Kabul, further intensifying diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.

A 19-year-old dental student has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad in Moradabad for alleged links with an online module of ISIS. The accused, a resident of Saharanpur, was reportedly connected to extremist handlers through social media platforms and encrypted apps. Investigators said he was involved in creating online groups to spread ISIS propaganda, recruit members, and promote extremist ideology aimed at establishing a caliphate system. He allegedly used fake identities and VPNs to operate these networks. A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and further investigations are underway to trace wider links. (PC: NDTV)

Tensions in the US–Iran conflict escalated sharply with multiple strikes across the region. In Baghdad, an airstrike on a residential house killed four people, reportedly including Iranian-linked advisors. Meanwhile, Israel launched a large-scale wave of attacks targeting sites in Tehran and Beirut, hitting positions linked to Hezbollah. The US Embassy Baghdad also came under attack from drones and rockets. Separately, South Korea said it has not received a formal request to deploy forces to the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting global caution as the conflict widens.

Afghanistan cricketers Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi strongly condemned Pakistan following a deadly airstrike in Kabul that reportedly killed over 400 people. Both players expressed grief over civilian casualties, with Rashid calling attacks on homes, schools and hospitals a “war crime” and urging the United Nations to investigate. Nabi shared an emotional message describing the destruction of a drug treatment hospital and the loss of lives during Ramadan. The incident has intensified tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with growing international concern over civilian safety and adherence to humanitarian law.

An airstrike in Kabul has killed at least 400 people and injured around 250, according to officials from Afghanistan’s Taliban government. The strike reportedly destroyed a drug treatment hospital, with many victims said to be patients. Afghan authorities condemned the attack as a violation of sovereignty. However, Pakistan denied targeting civilians, stating its airstrikes were aimed at militant infrastructure and carried out with precision. The incident comes amid escalating cross-border clashes between the two countries, with recent exchanges of fire causing additional casualties. The situation has heightened regional tensions and raised concerns over further conflict.

US President Donald Trump said he is “not happy” with the United Kingdom after Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be drawn into a wider war with Iran. Starmer earlier said the UK would avoid deeper military involvement in the conflict. Trump repeated his call for allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. He warned it would be “very bad for the future of Nato” if partners did not assist. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also commented on the situation. He said the conflict “is not a matter for Nato”. Nato said allies have already stepped up security efforts in the Mediterranean. (PC: BBC)

The Indian government has rejected a report claiming Iran asked New Delhi to release three seized oil tankers in return for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.   A government source called the report “baseless”. The source said there has been “no discussion of this nature” between India and Iran.   Officials also denied that the vessels were owned by Iran.   Earlier reports said Iran raised the issue during talks with officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.   The three tankers were seized by Indian authorities off the Mumbai coast in February. They were suspected to be part of an illicit oil trade network.   The ships were identified as Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia. (PC: X)

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have ordered the arrest of 35 people, including 19 Indians, over social media posts linked to the ongoing Iran war. Officials said the suspects shared misleading or fabricated videos online. The posts included manipulated clips and AI-generated content about attacks and explosions. Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shams said authorities carried out “rigorous monitoring of digital platforms” to stop the spread of false information. Investigators said some posts reused real footage with edited sound and comments. Others shared AI-made videos falsely claiming attacks inside the UAE. Officials said such actions aim to “mislead the public” and threaten national stability. Under UAE law, offenders can face prison and heavy fines. (PC: NDTV)

Dubai has suspended landing permissions for foreign airlines at its two main airports due to the security situation in West Asia. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said the measure affects Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The suspension will remain in place until further notice. In a notice to airlines, authorities said the step was taken for the safety of “airlines, crew, passengers, employees and the public”. Indian airlines said the move could affect flights. SpiceJet said operations to and from Dubai “may result in changes to flight schedules”. IndiGo also confirmed the update. It said landing permissions at DXB have been suspended due to the situation in the region. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said American strikes have destroyed Iran’s air force and navy. He claimed the country’s military capability had been “obliterated”. Trump made the remarks before a lunch event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. He said the attacks mainly targeted military and commercial facilities. According to Trump, US forces also struck three missile and drone manufacturing sites earlier in the day. “Our forces have largely destroyed their air force and navy,” Trump said. He added that the strikes were part of ongoing military action against Iran as tensions in the region continue to rise. (PC: India Today)