The Taliban has vowed retaliation against Pakistan, accusing it of deliberately targeting civilians in recent airstrikes in Kabul. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed hospitals, schools and residential areas were hit, calling the attacks a violation of Afghan sovereignty and humanitarian norms. The Taliban alleged around 400 people were killed, including patients at a drug rehabilitation centre, and declared an end to diplomatic engagement with Pakistan. However, Islamabad denied the allegations, stating the strikes were part of a precision operation targeting militant infrastructure. With both sides presenting conflicting accounts, tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have sharply escalated.

Tensions in the US–Iran conflict escalated sharply with multiple strikes across the region. In Baghdad, an airstrike on a residential house killed four people, reportedly including Iranian-linked advisors. Meanwhile, Israel launched a large-scale wave of attacks targeting sites in Tehran and Beirut, hitting positions linked to Hezbollah. The US Embassy Baghdad also came under attack from drones and rockets. Separately, South Korea said it has not received a formal request to deploy forces to the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting global caution as the conflict widens.

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)

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)

Donald Trump is reportedly considering sending US troops to seize Kharg Island, a vital oil export hub of Iran, as tensions escalate in the Middle East. The island handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude exports, making it a strategic economic target. According to US officials cited by Axios, capturing the island could deliver an “economic knockout” to Tehran by cutting off a major source of revenue. However, such a move could trigger retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure across Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia. The development comes amid rising oil prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route. (PC: NDTV)

India has rejected a recommendation by a US government commission that called for sanctions on the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urged the US government to label India a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations. Responding to the report, the Ministry of External Affairs said the claims were biased. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “categorically reject[s] its motivated and biased characterisation”. He added the commission presents a “distorted and selective picture of India”. The report also suggested targeted sanctions and asked the US to link security cooperation and trade policy with religious freedom conditions in India. (PC: NDTV)