The Economic Times

Australia is sending a military surveillance aircraft to the Middle East for four weeks. Missiles will also be sent to the United Arab Emirates. Prime Minister Albanese stated this involvement is purely defensive. The move aims to help Gulf countries protect themselves. Australia will not deploy troops on the ground in Iran.

President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call focused on Ukraine and the Middle East conflict. Trump stated Putin wants to be helpful with Iran. He also urged Putin to help end the Ukraine-Russia war. This conflict began over four years ago. Putin reportedly proposed a diplomatic end to the Iranian conflict.

Bangladesh is closing all universities early, bringing forward Eid al-Fitr holidays to conserve electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis. This decision, affecting public and private institutions, aims to reduce consumption and ease traffic congestion. The move comes as the nation faces supply uncertainties due to Middle East conflict, prompting broader austerity measures.

Israel experienced air raid sirens early Sunday due to incoming missiles from Iran. Air defenses responded to multiple waves of launches. Alerts were issued across northern and southern Israel, including Haifa and Beersheba. Most missiles were reportedly intercepted. The military confirmed no damage or casualties. This follows earlier strikes on Iran.

A Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court has handed down a 10-year jail sentence and a PKR 5,00,000 fine to 47 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders and supporters. The verdict was delivered in absentia for their involvement in vandalism and violence during the May 9, 2023 protests.

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shahs Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is heading for a major victory in Nepals first general election since last years Gen Z protests that toppled the government. According to Election Commission data, the party has won 18 seats and is leading in 99 others, challenging the dominance of traditional parties.

As tensions rise, the US is strategically countering China's expanding influence in Latin America by implementing travel restrictions and advising nations on the risks associated with Chinese investments. Meanwhile, China is not backing down, ramping up its engagement through infrastructure loans and favorable trade agreements.

Fresh blasts were reported in Iran's capital on Thursday as Tehran said it had targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq and warned separatist groups against action in the widening war. On Thursday, Tehran said it had hit Iraq-based Kurdish groups opposed to the revolution, as reports said the United States was looking to arm Kurdish guerillas to infiltrate Iran.

In Lebanon, the Israeli military told residents south of the Litani River to move north, warning that the army was compelled to take military action against Hezbollah in the area.