Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for a fresh round of diplomatic engagements linked to stalled US-Iran negotiations. Leading a senior delegation, he is expected to meet Pakistan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military officials, as Islamabad plays a mediating role. However, Tehran has clarified that no direct talks with the United States are planned during this visit, with messages instead conveyed through Pakistan. Meanwhile, the US is dispatching envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, signaling continued diplomatic efforts despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding a breakthrough.

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that 10 Indian nationals have died while serving in the Russian Army during the ongoing Ukraine war. These individuals were among 26 Indians whose families had approached the court seeking their safe return. According to the Centre, most had voluntarily joined the Russian military, though concerns persist over alleged recruitment through agents and misleading job offers. The deaths have intensified distress among families and raised serious questions about overseas recruitment practices. The government said efforts are ongoing to ensure the return of remaining Indians and to address the issue diplomatically.

U.S. President Donald Trump has dispatched senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for high-level talks with Iranian officials, aiming to revive stalled diplomatic engagement. The discussions are expected to address regional security concerns, especially tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Middle East conflicts. Pakistan is acting as a key intermediary in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran. Vice President JD Vance is not part of the current delegation but may join later if negotiations show progress. The move highlights renewed U.S. efforts to pursue diplomacy and reduce escalating tensions. (PC: News 18)

European leaders are accelerating plans to strengthen regional defence amid growing uncertainty over U.S. commitment to NATO under Donald Trump. At an EU summit, officials proposed activating a mutual assistance clause to ensure collective security, reflecting fears of reduced American support. Trump’s criticism of NATO and threats of withdrawal—driven by disputes over the Iran conflict—have deepened divisions within the alliance. European leaders worry about reliability, with Poland questioning U.S. loyalty in a potential Russian attack. The tensions have prompted Europe to explore independent defence strategies, though leaders remain cautious about weakening NATO unity. (PC: AP)

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said Washington is not rushing into a deal with Iran, even as tensions escalate in West Asia. He emphasized that Tehran still has a chance to negotiate but must abandon its nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, the U.S.-led naval blockade targeting Iran is expanding globally, with ships linked to Iranian ports being intercepted across international waters. The blockade, enforced since mid-April, has already turned away multiple vessels and could intensify further with additional military deployments. Hegseth also warned Iran against provocative actions like laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them ceasefire violations. (PC: AFP)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to reach Islamabad today to advance efforts aimed at reviving stalled peace talks with the United States. The visit comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, and a fragile ceasefire situation. Pakistan is playing a key mediating role by hosting crucial diplomatic discussions. Araghchi’s trip is likely to focus on initiating a second round of negotiations after earlier talks failed to yield a breakthrough, highlighting urgent international attempts to prevent further escalation and restore regional stability. (PC: X)

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire by three weeks following U.S.-brokered talks at the White House led by President Donald Trump. The extension is part of broader efforts to de-escalate an expanding Middle East conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, and control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he is willing to wait for the “best deal” with Iran, signalling a preference for a long-term agreement over a quick resolution. Despite the truce, sporadic clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah persist, raising doubts about stability. Meanwhile, tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence continue to complicate peace efforts. (PC: Reuters)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will shift focus to Delhi after the state elections. Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, she said she aims to unite opposition parties to “dismantle” the BJP at the Centre. “I will take over Delhi once I have secured victory in Bengal,” she said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the remark. “There is nothing left here. How will she come to Delhi?” he said. The comments come as voting continues in West Bengal, which recorded high turnout in the first phase. (PC: HT)

Global oil prices rose above $106 as tensions grew in the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran-US standoff. Donald Trump said the “clock is ticking” for Iran to agree to a deal. He also ordered action against Iranian boats in the key shipping route. The US said it seized an oil tanker, while Iran earlier targeted three ships and captured two. At the same time, talks led to a three-week ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon. However, strikes and casualties in southern Lebanon continue.

Donald Trump said the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks after talks in Washington. He said a longer peace effort will take time and support. On Iran, Trump said he will not rush a deal. “I don’t want to rush myself,” he told reporters. He also claimed US control over the Strait of Hormuz. US forces recently boarded a ship carrying Iranian oil. Meanwhile, Iran leaders spoke of unity, while Israel warned it is ready to act if needed. (PC: BBC)