A judge has barred questions about Elon Musk’s alleged ketamine use in his trial against OpenAI, calling the topic irrelevant. The case will center on Musk’s claim that he was misled about the company’s nonprofit mission and his demand for massive damages.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready for new peace talks but is waiting for the United States and Russia to agree on details. He also warned that the Middle East conflict could strain Ukraine’s air defenses and highlighted ongoing defense cooperation discussions with Washington.

Israeli forces killed a Palestinian couple and two of their children during a military operation in the occupied West Bank. Authorities say the vehicle accelerated toward troops, while Palestinian officials report the family was shot while travelling in their car.

Ministers have signalled they could halt a planned fuel duty rise if Middle East tensions continue to drive up oil prices. The Government is also working with allies to secure shipping routes and considering further support for households facing higher energy costs.

Israel said it will not hold direct talks with Lebanon and urged Beirut to curb Hezbollah attacks. The foreign minister also reaffirmed coordination with the United States in continuing the war with Iran.

Oil prices are expected to climb further as the conflict in the Gulf disrupts shipping and energy infrastructure. Millions of barrels per day are already offline, raising fears of a prolonged supply shock and economic fallout. Analysts warn recovery could take months even after hostilities ease.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have not yet joined the widening Middle East war despite Iran’s escalating confrontation with Israel and the United States. Analysts say the group is weighing strategic timing, internal pressures and the potential impact on global oil routes before deciding whether to intervene.

Shoppers crowded a major market in Rawalpindi ahead of Eid Al-Fitr despite rising fuel costs. Many sought bargains, though inconsistent pricing added to financial pressures during the festive season.

The United Kingdom is weighing the deployment of mine-hunting and interceptor drones to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes after attacks on shipping and a request from the United States for allied support in the region.

A strategic communications adviser says wartime messaging must be carefully coordinated to address international, domestic, and enemy audiences. Each audience requires a different narrative to maintain legitimacy, resilience, and deterrence.

An Ontario judge allowed Toronto's annual Al-Quds Day rally to proceed, rejecting a provincial request for a ban. About 4,500 people attended amid heavy police presence and political criticism.

Iraq will travel to Mexico for its World Cup playoff match despite regional conflict disrupting travel. The team faces either Suriname or Bolivia for a place in the group stage of this summer's tournament.