An Egyptian restaurant chain, Ahmed Nada, has sparked controversy after a viral promotional video used real footage of Iranian strikes on Tel Aviv during the ongoing Middle East conflict. The video shows fiery explosions transitioning into a flaming pan where meat and vegetables are cooked. The clip spread widely on X and triggered mixed reactions online. Critics accused the restaurant of mocking a tragic situation, while others praised the creativity and humor behind the campaign. Egypt maintains a strategic partnership with the United States, a peace treaty with Israel since the Camp David Accords, and a cautious but pragmatic relationship with Iran, shaping its complex stance during the current regional crisis.

Azerbaijan has withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Iran a day after accusing Tehran of carrying out a drone strike on Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Azerbaijani officials said drones struck the terminal area of Nakhchivan International Airport and landed near a nearby school, injuring several civilians. The government in Baku strongly condemned the attack and described it as a “terrorist act.” Iran has denied involvement in the strike. The diplomatic withdrawal signals sharply rising tensions between the two neighbours as the wider Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to escalate. (PC: X)

The United States military launched a strike on an Iranian drone carrier, identified as Shahid Bagheri, as part of its ongoing operations against Iran’s naval capabilities. According to U.S. officials, the vessel—used to deploy reconnaissance and attack drones—was hit and set ablaze during the operation. The strike is aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to conduct drone warfare and project power in regional waters. The attack comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with U.S. forces targeting multiple Iranian military assets in recent days as part of broader efforts to curb Iran’s maritime and drone operations in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that his administration aims to resolve the ongoing conflict in Iran before shifting focus to political developments in Cuba. Speaking at a White House event, Trump said the United States wants to “finish” the Iran situation first but suggested changes in Cuba could follow soon, calling it “a question of time.” He also claimed Cuba is eager to strike a deal with Washington. The remarks come amid escalating U.S. military actions against Iran and growing speculation about Washington’s broader strategy of encouraging regime change in adversarial governments. Analysts warn such comments could heighten geopolitical tensions in both regions. (PC: Getty Images)

A coalition of 24 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit to block new global tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, marking the first major legal challenge to the policy. The states argue the administration illegally imposed 10–15% tariffs on imports worldwide using the Trade Act of 1974, just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down earlier tariffs enacted under emergency powers. Led by states such as New York, California and Oregon, the lawsuit claims the president exceeded his authority and bypassed Congress. Filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the case seeks to halt the tariffs and potentially force refunds for businesses already affected. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has granted India a temporary 30-day waiver allowing it to continue purchasing Russian crude oil as the escalating Iran war threatens global energy supplies. The move aims to prevent major disruptions in the oil market after tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude trade. India, one of the world’s largest refiners and exporters of petroleum products, plays a crucial role in stabilizing energy markets. Washington said the short-term waiver will ensure oil flows continue while easing supply pressures caused by the conflict, but expects India to gradually increase imports of U.S. crude after the waiver period ends. (PC: ET Now)

Ukraine’s £750 “Sting” interceptor drones are proposed as a low‑cost solution against Iranian Shahed attack drones, which have targeted U.S. and Gulf military bases. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is offering these drones, along with Ukrainian expertise, to allies in exchange for American Patriot missile systems, highlighting the economic advantage of using inexpensive interceptors against swarms of cheap UAVs rather than relying solely on costly Patriot missiles. The plan underscores Ukraine’s role in regional drone defence while maintaining its own defence readiness amid ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. (PC: X)

Verified video and reports show a suspected Iranian Shahed‑type drone striking a high‑rise building in Manama, Bahrain’s capital as part of Tehran’s retaliatory campaign after recent US‑Israel attacks on Iran. The drone collided with the Era Views Tower, causing a fiery explosion and fire on upper floors, with emergency services responding to the scene. The incident occurred close to where Bahrain hosts the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters, highlighting the widening conflict’s spillover into Gulf states. Analysts note the attack underscores rising tensions and the risk to both military and civilian infrastructure in the region.

Satellite imagery analyzed by ABC News reveals Iran’s retaliatory strikes have visibly damaged several U.S. military facilities across the Gulf since the war began after U.S.–Israel attacks on Iran. Images from Planet Labs show destruction at the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain—with large buildings and two satellite communications terminals hit—alongside projectile damage at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Other U.S. sites, including Camp Buehring and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, also show signs of impact. Satellite captures also show fires at Jebel Ali Port in the UAE amid broader regional attacks.

Pakistan’s fuel stocks have dropped to about 28 days of petrol and diesel, with crude reserves for only about 10 days as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed due to the escalating Israel‑Iran conflict, the government said. The crisis has prompted talks of reviving Covid‑era measures, including mandatory work‑from‑home and shifting schools to online classes to cut fuel use. Islamabad may also revise petrol pricing weekly and compensate oil companies for higher costs. Iran says the closure targets vessels from the U.S., Israel and Western allies. (PC: X)