The Economic Times

U.S. and Iran's efforts to end their conflict stall amid renewed clashes in the Gulf. A U.S. intelligence assessment suggests Iran can withstand a naval blockade for months, while Tehran accuses Washington of breaching a ceasefire. The U.S. also imposed new sanctions on individuals and companies aiding Iran's military.

President Donald Trump will meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing next week. The leaders aim to ease tensions over trade, Taiwan, and the Iran war. Discussions will cover trade deals, technology, and rare earths. The Iran conflict and Taiwan's status are also key agenda items. Minor trade agreements are anticipated.

The United States and Gulf Arab nations are preparing a United Nations Security Council resolution. This resolution aims to condemn Iran for obstructing the Strait of Hormuz. It follows a previous resolution blocked by Russia and China. The new draft focuses on Iran's mining of waterways and attempts to impose tolls.

Japan forest fire: After a grueling 11-day fight, firefighters and military forces in Japan's Iwate region have finally brought wildfires under control. The flames ravaged 1,600 hectares, leading to the evacuation of thousands and causing damage to eight structures, with two individuals sustaining injuries.

President Trump faces an indefinite standoff with Iran, failing to achieve key war objectives like regime change or preventing a nuclear weapon. The prolonged conflict risks persistent global economic fallout, including high gas prices, impacting Trump's approval and Republican midterm prospects.

A Sri Lankan court has ordered the resumption of excavation at a mass grave in Chemmani, halted for seven months due to funding issues. LKR 2.1 million has been allocated, allowing work to restart. Diplomatic representatives will observe the site where 240 skeletal remains and children's items were previously found.

During a White House state dinner, President Trump stated that King Charles agrees with him that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed military success against an unnamed opponent in the Middle East. The King's remarks did not address Iran or the conflict, and the British Embassy referred inquiries to Buckingham Palace.

Bangladesh will begin loading uranium fuel into its first nuclear power station on Tuesday, a key step towards bringing the 2,400 megawatt plant online to ease pressure on the overstretched power grid. Construction began on the $11 billion Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in 2017, with initial power generation of around 300 MW hoped to come online by August, before full production in late 2027.