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)

Wang Yi urged reopening of the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible” during talks in Beijing with Abbas Araqchi. He stressed that achieving a lasting ceasefire is an urgent priority and called for continued negotiations to prevent escalation. China also offered to help de-escalate tensions, while criticising blockades disrupting global shipping. The meeting comes ahead of a potential summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, where the conflict may be discussed. With the strait largely impassable, global energy flows remain at risk amid fragile diplomacy. (PC: Getty Images)

Donald Trump issued a fresh ultimatum to Iran, warning of intensified bombing if it refuses U.S. demands. He said military operations under “Operation Epic Fury” would end only upon compliance. Trump also highlighted U.S. naval control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it would reopen fully if Iran agrees. The warning comes despite reported progress toward a preliminary deal, including a ceasefire framework and a 30-day negotiation window. Proposed terms include Iran pausing nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief. However, a final agreement remains uncertain, keeping tensions high in the region.

US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in “Project Freedom”, the American operation launched to guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of conflict with Iran. Trump said the decision followed “great progress” in talks aimed at reaching an agreement with Tehran. The operation had begun earlier this week to restore the movement of oil shipments through the critical global trade route. Iranian state media described the pause as a US “retreat”, claiming Washington failed to reopen the waterway. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the offensive phase of the conflict had ended. (PC: BBC)

The United States has announced the phased closure of its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, citing the safety of diplomatic personnel and resource management. The US State Department said diplomatic responsibilities for Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region will shift to the embassy in Islamabad, while engagement with local officials will continue. The move comes as Pakistan pushes mediation efforts between the US and Iran following weeks of conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “Operation Epic Fury” had concluded, while US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in restrictions on ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz to allow space for negotiations with Iran. (PC: HT)