US President Donald Trump said he held a “great call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with both leaders agreeing that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. Trump stated that Washington and the European Union were “completely united” on preventing Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities and linked the discussion to wider security concerns in West Asia. The leaders also discussed EU-US trade ties and implementation of the Turnberry trade framework agreed in Scotland. Trump urged the EU to honour tariff reduction commitments and warned tariffs could rise if progress stalls before America’s 250th Independence anniversary. Von der Leyen later reaffirmed commitment to trade cooperation and regional stability. (PC: Pixabay)

US President Donald Trump claimed three American Navy destroyers successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz “under fire” from Iranian forces without sustaining damage, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Trump said missiles targeting the vessels were intercepted, drones were destroyed midair, and Iranian attack boats were eliminated. In a strongly worded Truth Social post, he warned Iran of harsher retaliation if a deal was not signed quickly, calling the country “not normal” and its leaders “lunatics”. Iran accused the US of initiating the confrontation and said it retaliated against American naval assets. The latest exchange has raised fears over the fragile ceasefire established after weeks of conflict.

The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered severe fuel shortages across Asia, enabling China to expand its regional influence through strategic energy diplomacy. Leveraging vast oil reserves and dominance in renewable energy manufacturing, Beijing selectively eased restrictions on fuel and fertilizer exports to countries including Vietnam, Philippines and Bangladesh. China simultaneously accelerated exports of solar panels, electric vehicles and green technology, strengthening diplomatic ties while positioning itself as a dependable long-term energy partner. Analysts say the crisis has amplified Beijing’s geopolitical leverage and exposed Asia’s deep dependence on Middle Eastern energy routes. (PC: Times Now)

Polling stations opened across Wales on Thursday for the crucial 2026 Senedd Election, marking the first election under a major new voting structure. The number of Members of the Senedd will rise from 60 to 96, with six representatives elected from each of 16 constituencies through a proportional representation-style system. Voters now cast only one ballot for a party or independent candidate, replacing the previous two-vote format. Unlike UK general elections, voter ID is not required. The election also marks the second time 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in Wales. Counting begins Friday after polls close at 10 pm BST alongside elections elsewhere in Britain. (PC: X)

Millions of voters across England, Scotland, and Wales cast ballots in crucial local and parliamentary elections amid growing political uncertainty in the UK. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch distanced herself from possible alliances with Reform UK, calling the party “not serious” despite earlier hints at local cooperation. The elections are seen as a major test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Labour, which faces strong challenges from Reform UK, the Greens, Liberal Democrats, and nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales. Early projections suggest major shifts in Britain’s political landscape and potential heavy losses for traditional parties. (PC: PA)

Satellite imagery reviewed by The Washington Post and released by Iranian state media has revealed extensive damage to at least 15 US military bases across the Middle East following Iranian missile and drone strikes. The investigation found that 217 structures and 11 pieces of military equipment were damaged or destroyed, including radar systems, fuel depots, communication sites and Patriot missile defence units in Bahrain and Kuwait. A satellite communications site at Qatar’s al-Udeid Air Base was also hit. The report said the damage was far greater than previously acknowledged by the Donald Trump administration, raising concerns over US base protection and Iran’s strike precision. (PC: NDTV)

Israel launched an air strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time since the April ceasefire with Hezbollah, escalating tensions in the region. The strike targeted Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying a senior Radwan Force commander was the target. Local reports said Hezbollah members were meeting at the site during the attack. Despite the ceasefire announced in April, both sides have continued exchanging attacks. Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 120 people were killed in Israeli strikes across the country over the past week. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump said the conflict involving Iran could end “quickly” as Tehran reviews a US proposal linked to nuclear talks. Reports said the White House is working on a 14-point framework that could lead to wider negotiations between the two sides. The reported proposal includes limits on Iran’s nuclear enrichment, easing sanctions, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the proposal is still under consideration and that Tehran will share its response through Pakistani mediators. Pakistan’s foreign minister said efforts are being made to turn the current ceasefire into a permanent end to the conflict. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump said the ongoing US conflict with Iran was progressing “unbelievably well,” comparing it to previous US actions in Venezuela. Speaking at White House events and later in the Oval Office, Trump described the conflict as more of a “skirmish” than a full-scale war and claimed negotiations with Tehran were advancing positively. He said Iran “wants to make a deal” and indicated recent talks had gone “very smoothly.” Trump also warned that if the US withdrew now, Iran could take decades to recover. Reports suggest Washington and Tehran are exploring a preliminary framework agreement tied to sanctions relief, maritime access, and temporary limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.

Iran has said it will only accept a “fair and comprehensive agreement” in negotiations with the United States to end the ongoing Middle East conflict, signalling cautious openness to diplomacy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that any deal must protect the country’s rights and interests. This comes as reports indicate both sides are nearing a preliminary 14-point framework to halt hostilities and begin broader negotiations on contentious issues like Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions. However, key disagreements remain, and Iran has expressed skepticism about US proposals, insisting on a balanced outcome. Despite tensions, diplomatic progress has raised hopes of a ceasefire and eased global market concerns. (PC: WION)