The New York City Council approved a veto-proof bill requiring police to create public safety plans for protests at houses of worship. Supporters say it promotes transparency and safety, while critics warn it could threaten free speech rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet chief ministers to review preparedness amid the West Asia conflict. The focus will be on energy supplies, fertiliser imports and coordination between the Union government and states.

Jerusalem has condemned German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier after he called the war against Iran illegal and unnecessary. Israeli officials say his remarks undermine Israel’s right to self-defense and have strained relations between the two countries.

President Donald Trump said intelligence officials told him that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is gay. He also criticized feminist and gay rights supporters of Palestinians during the same interview.

Donald Trump defended his decision to launch military action against Iran, saying it was necessary to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He also claimed Iranians are too 'petrified' of violent reprisals to rise up against their government.

The United States ambassador to the United Kingdom has said cancelling the King’s planned state visit to the United States would be a 'very big mistake'. He defended the strength of bilateral ties despite political tensions and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

President Trump postponed a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as peace talks showed signs of progress, even as regional violence continued. The Olympic committee barred transgender women from women's events starting in 2028, and United States Catholic dioceses reported a rise in new converts.

Iraq has condemned attacks against Gulf states and Jordan and pledged to address security threats from its territory. The move follows a joint call by regional countries urging Baghdad to prevent further assaults by armed groups.

South Africa has been excluded from the Group of Seven summit in France amid strained relations with the United States. Pretoria initially cited American pressure but later said there was no confirmation of such influence.

Shira Singer says Mekorot is using advanced digital systems and artificial intelligence to transform Israel's water infrastructure. The company is focusing on empowering employees while ensuring a reliable and resilient national water supply.

Yemen's Houthis say they are ready to strike the Bab Al Mandeb Strait in support of Iran. A renewed attack on the key shipping route could deepen the global energy and economic crisis linked to the Middle East conflict.

Explosions were heard across Tehran after the Israel Defense Forces launched a new wave of strikes on Iranian weapons facilities. The attacks targeted missile production sites and other military infrastructure, while separate reports said a residential area was hit earlier in the week.