An intelligence report says Iran has restored access to about 70 percent of its missile launchers, contradicting earlier claims that its military had been crushed. The White House and Defense Department strongly dispute the assessment.

Pakistan has finalized contingency plans to evacuate Hajj pilgrims if regional conflict disrupts flights. Officials are also seeking to expand the Route to Makkah initiative and increase the country’s Hajj quota.

Saudi Arabia secretly launched retaliatory airstrikes on Iran after coming under sustained missile and drone attacks during a regional conflict. The strikes were followed by diplomatic engagement that led to an informal de-escalation between the two rivals.

Asian markets traded mixed as the rally in artificial intelligence shares cooled and oil prices remained elevated. Stronger inflation data in the United States and ongoing geopolitical tensions kept investors cautious.

Israeli forces demolished about 50 Palestinian shops in al-Eizariya to clear space for a planned road project. Palestinians say the move is linked to settlement expansion in the sensitive E1 area and will harm hundreds of families.

President Donald Trump heads to Beijing for crucial talks with Xi Jinping focused on trade and Iran. The podcast also covers a major technology court battle, a breakthrough in human immunodeficiency virus treatment research, and international reactions at the Eurovision Song Contest.

An opinion writer urges anti racist activists to stand visibly with Jewish communities amid rising antisemitism in Britain. She criticises political inaction and institutional silence, calling for unconditional solidarity with Jewish women.

The United Kingdom is deploying warships, fighter jets, and advanced mine-clearing systems as part of a multinational mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The effort aims to secure global shipping routes amid ongoing Iranian control of the vital waterway.

The United States and Iran face rising tensions as President Donald Trump prioritizes stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Regional strain deepens as Lebanon and Israel prepare for talks amid pressure from Hezbollah.

Indian markets may open higher as crude oil prices retreat. However, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over global developments continue to keep investor sentiment cautious.

Israel has reached the Eurovision Song Contest final despite protests linked to the conflict in Gaza. Singer Noam Bettan received both boos and cheers during his semi-final performance.

Australia will join a France and United Kingdom led mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment includes a surveillance aircraft already operating in the region to support maritime security and regional stability.