China has officially confirmed that it provided support to Pakistan during last year’s military confrontation with India, marking a rare public acknowledgment of Beijing’s involvement. The statement, reported by Chinese and Indian media, has intensified concerns in New Delhi over the growing China-Pakistan strategic alliance. The conflict followed India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, which triggered days of military escalation between India and Pakistan. Analysts say China’s admission could reshape regional security calculations and deepen tensions across South Asia. India has not issued a detailed response yet, but the development is expected to influence future defence and diplomatic strategies. (PC: The Hindu)

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the UAE said it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the country, leaving three people injured. The attacks came amid renewed clashes between Iran and the United States near the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing ceasefire claim by Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of launching a “reckless military adventure” and warned that Iran would not bow to pressure. The US said its forces retaliated after Iranian attacks on American destroyers in the region. Rising conflict fears also pushed global oil prices higher and unsettled international markets. (PC: HT)

A US trade court has struck down former US President Donald Trump’s temporary 10% global tariffs, calling them “invalid” and “unauthorised by law”. A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 that Trump exceeded the powers given to the president by Congress. The tariffs were imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after earlier tariffs were blocked by the Supreme Court. Small businesses had challenged the tariffs in court. The ruling stopped tariff collection from three plaintiffs, including two companies and the state of Washington. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision. (PC: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly spending weeks in underground bunkers due to fears of assassination attempts, drone attacks and a possible coup, according to the Financial Times. Security around Putin has been tightened by Russia’s Federal Protective Service. Reports said he has reduced public appearances and now spends long periods in bunkers, including one in southern Russia’s Krasnodar region. The Kremlin is also using pre-recorded videos to show normal activity, the report claimed. Security checks for people meeting Putin have become stricter. Concerns reportedly grew after Ukrainian drone attacks and rising tensions during the Ukraine war. (PC: AFP)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could cause far greater consequences than anticipated by Donald Trump. Speaking after a meeting with Trump in Washington, DC, Lula said the “invasion of Iran” would create “more damage” than the US president realises. He suggested Trump believes the conflict is effectively over, but cautioned against underestimating the long-term geopolitical and humanitarian fallout. Lula’s remarks highlighted growing international concern over escalating tensions in West Asia and reflected Brazil’s more cautious diplomatic position amid the evolving crisis. The comments came during continuing global scrutiny of US military operations and regional instability involving Iran. (PC: Conectas)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday, marking the leader’s first publicly acknowledged interaction since assuming the country’s top position in early March. Speaking after the meeting in Tehran, Pezeshkian praised Khamenei’s “vision” and described his conduct as “humble and sincere.” The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and growing international scrutiny over Iran’s political and military posture. Khamenei has largely remained out of public view since his appointment, fuelling speculation about internal political dynamics and decision-making within the Islamic Republic’s leadership structure. The meeting is likely to be closely watched for signals on Iran’s domestic governance and broader regional strategy.

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)