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)

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned it may target facilities linked to United States companies across Gulf countries, urging employees to evacuate immediately. In a statement published on its official Sepah News website, the group said areas hosting American companies would soon be targeted. While specific firms were not officially confirmed, Tasnim News Agency earlier circulated a list of potential targets that reportedly included offices of major technology companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nvidia in Gulf nations. The warning comes amid escalating regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States. (PC: X)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met top leaders of the European Union in Brussels to discuss global security issues and strengthen **India–EU relations. Invited by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting with ministers from all 27 member states. He also held bilateral meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several European foreign ministers. The talks covered the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, the Indo-Pacific situation, and cooperation in trade, technology, defence and mobility. The visit follows the recent India-EU summit that concluded a major free trade agreement and a security and defence partnership.

The India government has clarified that it has not held bilateral discussions with the United States regarding deploying naval vessels to secure merchant shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement followed an appeal by Donald Trump, who urged several countries to send warships to keep the strategic waterway open amid rising tensions with Iran. India’s External Affairs Ministry said the issue is being discussed internationally but no bilateral talks with Washington have taken place so far. Meanwhile, European nations have also sought greater clarity from the US on its military strategy in the ongoing conflict before committing support. (PC: India Today)