A joint military campaign by the United States and Israel has struck multiple sites across Iran, including damage to two schools near Tehran and a deadly airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab during class hours, killing dozens of children, according to Iranian and international reports. Iranian officials say at least 165 students and staff were killed and many wounded in the Minab attack, which has drawn global condemnation and calls for investigation by the U.N. and human rights groups. The U.S. says it is probing civilian casualty claims. (PC: Wikipedia)

A new report citing insider information from U.S. national security officials suggests the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran could continue until September. Earlier, Donald Trump had indicated the military campaign might last only four to five weeks. However, internal assessments now suggest a longer and more complex conflict. U.S. Central Command has reportedly requested additional intelligence officers to support operations for at least 100 days. Analysts say the extended timeline reflects limited early preparation, evolving battlefield conditions, and uncertainty about Iran’s response. The prolonged conflict could deepen instability across the Middle East and affect global energy markets and security. (PC: NDTV)

A tragic mass shooting in Austin, Texas, killed 21-year-old University of Texas student Savitha Shan and two others after a gunman opened fire near a busy bar district. The attacker, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, was shot dead by police after the incident. Authorities said he wore clothing displaying Iranian symbols, prompting investigators to examine possible links between the attack and rising tensions involving Iran. The shooting occurred outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and left more than a dozen people injured. The FBI and local police are treating the case as a potential act of terrorism while continuing to investigate the gunman’s motive and possible extremist influences. (PC: IANS)

Catherine, Princess of Wales, experienced Indian culture during a visit to Leicester in the United Kingdom, where she joined celebrations marking Holi, the festival of colours. She visited Shreeji Dham Haveli, a Hindu temple dedicated to the teachings of Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji, and interacted with the local Vaishnav community. The Princess also watched traditional Indian dance performances at the Aakash Odedra Company and briefly participated in a dance session. During her visit, she explored Leicester’s Golden Mile, tasted traditional chai, and met local families. The event highlighted Leicester’s vibrant Indian heritage and promoted cultural diversity and community engagement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that heavy US missile use in the escalating conflict with Iran could reduce the number of air-defence missiles available for Ukraine. He said the United States is deploying significant missile resources in the Middle East to counter Iranian threats, which may affect military aid supplies to Kyiv. Zelenskyy cautioned that Ukraine already faces shortages of key air-defence systems while defending against Russian attacks. He stressed that if US stockpiles are diverted toward the Iran conflict, Ukraine’s ability to protect its cities and infrastructure from Russian missile and drone strikes could weaken. (PC: BBC)

Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match after delivering a match-winning performance in India’s thrilling T20 World Cup semi-final victory over England at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Samson smashed a brilliant 89 runs off 42 balls, anchoring India’s powerful batting display and helping the team post a huge total. England fought hard during the chase, with Jacob Bethell scoring a century, but India’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs. The seven-run victory secured India’s place in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with Samson’s explosive knock proving decisive in the high-scoring contest. (PC: X)

Sri Lanka evacuated 208 crew members from an Iranian naval support vessel after a US submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near the island’s southern coast. The rescue operation took place a day after the warship was torpedoed in the Indian Ocean, killing dozens of sailors and leaving many missing. Sri Lankan authorities launched humanitarian operations to evacuate the crew from another Iranian vessel in nearby waters as tensions escalated. The incident marks a rare modern naval sinking and has intensified the ongoing US-Iran conflict, raising fears that the confrontation could spread beyond West Asia into the wider Indian Ocean region. (PC: X)

India defeated England by 7 runs in a thrilling ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Batting first, India posted a massive 253/7 in 20 overs, powered by a brilliant 89 off 42 balls from Sanju Samson. England mounted a strong chase, led by Jacob Bethell’s explosive 105 off 48 deliveries, finishing at 246/7 after 20 overs. Despite England’s aggressive batting, India’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs to defend the total. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya delivered a key bowling performance, helping India secure a place in the final of the tournament after a dramatic contest. (PC: BCCI)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the rapidly worsening situation in West Asia amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict. During the call, both leaders expressed concern over rising hostilities and emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions. Modi said India and France would remain in close contact and coordinate efforts to support the early restoration of peace and stability in the region. The discussion reflects growing international concern about the conflict’s potential to destabilize global security, disrupt energy supplies, and trigger a wider regional war. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has warned Gulf nations to expel Americans and remove all US military bases if they want protection from Iranian missile attacks, as the US-Israel war with Tehran entered its sixth day. An Iranian MP said leaders of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey must end American military presence to avoid further escalation. Iran continues missile strikes on Tel Aviv and Gulf military facilities following coordinated US-Israeli attacks on February 28. The death toll in Iran has reached at least 1,230. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi termed the US strike on warship Dena near Sri Lanka an “atrocity at sea.” Iran also claimed hitting a US tanker in the Gulf. (PC: AFP)