Donald Trump said any decision to end the ongoing conflict with Iran will be taken jointly with Benjamin Netanyahu as the war enters its tenth day. Speaking to Israeli media, the US President said both leaders are in constant discussions and that he will decide “at the right time” after considering all factors. Trump also credited himself and the Israeli prime minister with preventing Iran from destroying Israel. The conflict began after joint US-Israeli airstrikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated with attacks on Israel and US bases across the Middle East, escalating tensions across the region. (PC: X)

The Iranian Red Crescent Society has warned residents of Tehran about possible toxic or “acid rain” after Israel targeted several oil storage facilities in and around the Iranian capital. Explosions at the depots reportedly released large amounts of hydrocarbon compounds, sulfur and nitrogen oxides into the air, raising fears of chemical burns and respiratory problems. Authorities advised people to remain indoors even after rainfall stops, warning that evaporation from contaminated surfaces could worsen air toxicity. Residents also reported dark skies and oil-like droplets falling with rain following the strikes. The attacks came amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has intensified across the region.

Chants opposing Mojtaba Khamenei were reportedly heard in Tehran shortly after he was appointed the new Supreme Leader of Iran. A 17-second video circulating on social media shows women shouting “Death to Mojtaba” in Persian from a residential building during the night, though the footage has not been independently verified. Mojtaba, the son of former leader Ali Khamenei, was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts after his father was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. The leadership change comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Iran launching retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and US bases, raising fears of wider instability across the Middle East.

Virat Kohli congratulated Sanju Samson with a heartfelt message after the wicketkeeper-batter was named Player of the Tournament in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Samson played a key role in India’s historic title triumph after the India national cricket team defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Kerala star finished as India’s highest run-scorer in the tournament with 321 runs in five matches, averaging 80.25 with a strike rate close to 200. Samson became only the third Indian to win the award after Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. (PC: BCCI)

OpenAI's robotics manager Caitlin Kalinowski has resigned over the company's controversial Pentagon defence contract, secured last month allowing AI technology deployment for war and domestic surveillance purposes. Kalinowski cited concerns over the haste with which OpenAI finalised the military deal. The contract came hours after rival AI company Anthropic refused to agree to unconditional military use of its technology, drawing a sharp ethical contrast between the two leading AI firms. The resignation highlights growing internal dissent within OpenAI over its shifting stance on military applications, raising serious questions about the ethical boundaries of deploying advanced artificial intelligence in warfare and government surveillance operations. (PC: Reuters)

Several Pakistan cricket greats congratulated the India national cricket team after their third title win at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Former players including Mohammad Hafeez, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shahid Afridi, Sana Mir, Umar Gul and Shoaib Akhtar praised India’s performance and credited the country’s strong domestic structure for consistently producing top cricketers. The former Pakistan stars acknowledged India’s dominance throughout the tournament and said the depth in their cricket system played a key role in the title triumph. Meanwhile, fast bowler Mohammad Amir admitted his prediction of a New Zealand victory in the final proved wrong, acknowledging that India delivered on the biggest stage.

Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has condemned missile and drone strikes launched by Iran across Gulf countries, calling them a “dangerous miscalculation” and a “betrayal.” Speaking after multiple attacks targeted the region, he said Gulf nations had made clear they would not participate in wars against their neighbours. Despite efforts to maintain good relations with Tehran, Al Thani said the strikes had shocked the region and even hit civilian facilities. He warned the escalating conflict could destabilise the Middle East and trigger global economic consequences. While criticising Iran’s actions, the Qatari leader urged restraint and emphasised the need for diplomacy and negotiations to prevent the crisis from worsening.

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad to win their third title. The win also made India the first team to defend the T20 World Cup and the first to lift the trophy on home soil.   Batting first, India scored 255 for 5, the highest total in a men’s T20 World Cup final. Sanju Samson led the innings with 89 runs, the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final. Abhishek Sharma hit the fastest fifty of the tournament from 18 balls. Ishan Kishan scored 54 and Shivam Dube added 26 not out.   New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets and Axar Patel claimed three. India became the first team to win three men’s T20 World Cup titles and the first to defend the trophy. (PC: BCCI)

Iran signalled that the family of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could remain in power as the country prepares to name a new supreme leader. Cleric Hosseinali Eshkevari said, “The name of Khamenei will continue,” suggesting support for Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son.   Eshkevari added that the vote had already been cast and the result would be announced soon. Another cleric said the Assembly of Experts’ secretary, Hosseini Bushehri, would formally declare the successor.   The announcement comes as fighting between Iran and Israel continues. Israeli strikes hit oil depots in Tehran, sending thick smoke across the city. Iran called the attacks a “dangerous new phase” of the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

India’s T20 World Cup win marked a shift in the team’s structure under head coach Gautam Gambhir. The side lifted the ICC trophy without a dominant superstar leading the group. Captain Suryakumar Yadav guided the team, but the focus remained on a balanced unit rather than individual fame.   Gambhir has often criticised cricket’s star culture. As coach, he backed players who were overlooked earlier. He also dropped senior names during poor form, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.   Gambhir trusted players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma despite criticism. Abhishek later scored a quick fifty in the final. The approach built a team where, as Gambhir believes, “none of them are bigger than the team.” (PC: BCCI)