India has added two LPG tankers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, to secure fuel supply during rising tensions in West Asia. Government sources said the move aims to protect shipments through the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Officials said India is in direct contact with Iranian authorities to ensure “guaranteed safe passage” for these vessels. The ships will help maintain LPG supply and avoid shortages if key routes face disruption. Sources described the step as a “crisis-mode” plan to keep reserves stable. The government is also monitoring ship movements closely to prevent risks during ongoing regional conflict. (PC: X)

Joe Kent, head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned over the ongoing war with Iran. He said he took the decision after “much reflection”. In his resignation letter to President Donald Trump, 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 United States. Kent further claimed the conflict began due to “pressure” from Israel and its US lobby. His exit comes amid rising debate in the US over the war and its justification. (PC: HT)

Several countries have reacted cautiously after US President Donald Trump asked allies to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz. The route is under near-blockade during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The UK said talks are ongoing but no decision has been taken yet. Germany rejected the idea, saying “this is not our war”. France supported a possible naval effort but only after the conflict eases. China called for de-escalation and warned against further tension. South Korea and Japan said they are reviewing options. The European Union also showed reluctance, saying no one is ready to risk lives in the area. (PC: BBC)

Israel has said it will continue strikes on Iran after the killing of Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian political and security figure. Israel’s envoy to India, Reuven Azhar, said there will be no de-escalation without “a change in Iran”. He said recent attacks have weakened Iran’s military strength. “Our penetration into Iran gets only deeper,” he said.  Azhar added that Israel aims to stop Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. He called the threat “imminent”. He also said the campaign is a joint effort with the United States. On civilian deaths, he said Israel targets military sites but “tragic incidents” can happen. (PC: India Today)

Millions of people in Cuba lost power after the national grid collapsed. Large parts of the country, including Havana, went dark. The state power operator said electricity is being restored slowly. This is the latest in a series of major blackouts. Residents said the crisis is worsening daily life. “There is no electricity, no food, no fuel,” one person said. Another resident said people are now used to such outages. Cuba is facing fuel shortages and old infrastructure problems. The situation has led to protests in some areas, with people demanding better conditions. (PC: BBC)

Israel has shared a photo of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a command setting. It said he was ordering strikes on Iran’s leadership. The post came as rumours about his death spread online. Israeli officials said the claims are false. The image was shared on the Prime Minister’s official account. It said he was directing action against senior Iranian figures. Netanyahu also released videos to dismiss the rumours. In one clip, he joked, “I am dead for coffee.” Officials and fact-checkers said viral claims of AI videos are not true. They said he remains active and in charge. (PC: India Today)

India has denied reports claiming it seized Iranian vessels and discussed an exchange deal. The government called the claims “baseless”. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “There has been no discussion of this nature.” He added the vessels mentioned are not Iranian-owned. Reports had said India seized three tankers over illegal transfers at sea. Jaiswal said India is in talks with Iran and other countries to bring back ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Several Indian vessels remain in the region with hundreds of crew onboard. The government said safe return of these ships is the priority. (PC: HT)

Emirates is flying near-empty planes to Dubai as travellers avoid the Gulf due to war fears. Flights from the US and Europe are the worst hit. Some planes are only 5% to 10% full. A few flights from New York and Paris carried very few passengers. One A380 had fewer than 35 people onboard. The airline said demand on inbound flights is “unsurprisingly light”. Flights leaving Dubai are more crowded as people try to leave. Emirates is offering refunds and flexible bookings. Despite low passengers, planes are carrying cargo. The airline said it will restore services when it is safe. (PC: NDTV)

More than 100 people were killed in an air strike on a drug rehab centre in Kabul, according to forensic sources. Some bodies were badly damaged, officials said. The UN condemned the strike and called for an investigation. It urged all sides to protect civilians and reduce tensions. Pakistan said it targeted “military installations and terrorist support infrastructure” and denied hitting civilians deliberately. Afghan officials said there were no military sites near the centre. The facility had around 2,000 people. Residents reported loud blasts across Kabul. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors. Casualty figures may rise. (PC: BBC)

A video shows a large blast after a reported Pakistani airstrike hit a hospital in Kabul. Flames and thick smoke are seen rising from the site. Another clip shows rescuers carrying bodies and firefighters battling the fire. The videos could not be verified. A Taliban spokesperson said 400 people were killed and 250 injured. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan targeted “hospitals and civilian sites.” Pakistan denied this. Minister Attaullah Tarar said only “precision airstrikes” on military targets were carried out. Tensions between the two sides remain high. (PC: NDTV)