At least seven people were killed and 75 injured after strikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, according to Taliban officials and local sources. They said students and a professor at Kunar University were among the wounded. Taliban officials said 30 injured were students. Pakistan denied carrying out any strike on the university or homes nearby and called the claims false. Afghanistan’s higher education ministry said buildings suffered heavy damage. Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat called the attack a “brutal war crime”. The incident may worsen tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan again. (PC: EPA)

A man accused of attacking security at a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump has been charged with trying to assassinate the president. Officials said Cole Tomas Allen, 31, shot a Secret Service agent during the attempted breach. He also faces firearms charges. Allen appeared in federal court wearing a prison jumpsuit. He said he would answer questions truthfully and mentioned he has a master’s degree in computer science. Prosecutors asked the court to keep him in custody while the case continues.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the US asked for talks after failing to meet its goals. He said Iran is reviewing the request. Araghchi made the remarks during a visit to St Petersburg, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin promised support for Iran and said Russia would help efforts for peace. Peace talks between the US and Iran remain stalled after Donald Trump cancelled a planned envoy visit. Reports said Iran also sent written messages to the US through Pakistan. The ceasefire is holding, but tensions remain high in the region. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump said King Charles III will be “very safe” during his US state visit, following fresh security reviews after a shooting incident in Washington DC. The visit, involving the King and Queen Camilla, will proceed largely as planned, starting at the White House. UK officials, including Keir Starmer, see the trip as key to reinforcing bilateral ties despite tensions over Iran policy. Events include meetings, a state dinner, and a congressional address. While framed as strengthening cooperation, the visit faces political criticism amid concerns over diplomatic risks and evolving US-UK relations. (PC: BBC)

Vladimir Putin met Abbas Araghchi in Saint Petersburg, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with Iran amid escalating regional tensions. Putin said Moscow would act in Iran’s interests and highlighted ongoing high-level engagement, including a message from Mojtaba Khamenei. The meeting underscores deepening cooperation as geopolitical dynamics shift following the Middle East conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated Russia’s readiness to support peace efforts or mediation acceptable to all sides. The engagement reflects Moscow’s intent to play a stabilising role while reinforcing its partnership with Tehran.

Iran has brought back an old tanker named Nasha to store extra oil at sea. Storage tanks at Kharg Island, which handles most of Iran’s oil, are nearing full capacity. Exports have slowed because of the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts said only limited storage space remains and it may fill soon. Iran cannot easily stop oil production because shutting wells can cause long-term damage. The tanker move is seen as a short-term solution. If exports remain blocked, Iran may face deeper production cuts and economic pressure very soon. (PC: Reuters)

Donald Trump has backed the Secret Service after a shooting at a Washington hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. A White House official said Trump is “standing by the leadership” and believes agents “did an excellent job” securing leaders. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arrested at the scene. He is due to appear in court in Washington. Police said he opened fire near a security checkpoint. Guests took cover as shots were heard. Officials said a review of security steps will take place this week. (PC: BBC)

Iran has reportedly sent a new proposal to the United States to reduce tensions. The offer was shared through Pakistan as a mediator. It focuses on three key points. First, Iran wants the war to end through a longer ceasefire or a permanent stop to fighting. Second, it seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and remove the US naval blockade. Third, it suggests delaying nuclear talks until later. The White House has received the proposal. A spokesperson said the US will not discuss such “sensitive diplomatic” matters through the press. It is unclear if Washington will consider the deal. (PC: HT)

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has raised concerns over the US approach in the Iran war. Speaking in North Rhine-Westphalia, he said, “I don’t see what exit strategy the Americans are choosing.”   Merz warned that Iran appears stronger than expected. He said, “Iranians are clearly stronger than one thought.” He also noted that Tehran is negotiating carefully.   He highlighted risks in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is “partially mined”. He said any disruption could hit global energy supply.   Merz called for a quick end to the conflict due to economic risks. (PC: India Today)

Iran is struggling to store its crude as exports remain blocked at the Strait of Hormuz. Output from Kharg Island continues, but storage is almost full. Tehran has revived the ageing tanker Nasha to hold excess oil at sea. Analysts say only 13 million barrels of space remain, with inflows of about 1 million barrels a day. Storage could fill within two weeks. Officials warn shutting wells is risky and may cause lasting damage. The tanker move is a short-term fix as pressure grows on Iran’s oil system. (PC: India Today)