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At least five people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon, according to state media reports, just hours before scheduled diplomatic talks. The escalation raises fresh concerns over the fragile security situation along the Israel-Lebanon border, with fears that ongoing violence could derail efforts aimed at de-escalation. Officials from both sides are expected to engage in urgent discussions as regional tensions continue to rise.

Israel and Lebanon hold US-mediated talks in Washington as Beirut seeks a one-month ceasefire extension. Despite ongoing Israeli strikes and Hezbollah tensions, both sides signal limited disagreements while aiming to stabilize the fragile truce and explore longer-term peace negotiations.

Diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed fighting are intensifying as officials from Israel and Lebanon prepare for high-level talks in Washington, D.C. ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline. Envoys are expected to discuss border tensions, security guarantees, and mechanisms to prevent escalation between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalate further as Iran states it will not reopen the vital shipping route as long as the U.S. naval blockade remains in place. The statement comes amid a deepening US-Iran standoff, with maritime security, global oil flows, and regional stability under serious pressure. Diplomatic efforts continue to stall while both sides maintain hardline positions, raising fears of prolonged disruption in one of the world’s most critical trade chokepoints.

Trump’s ‘naughty and nice list’ may rank NATO allies based on Iran war support, defence spending, and cooperation, raising tensions with Europe

RFK Jr.’s congressional hearings explained: vaccines controversy, Medicaid cuts debate, HHS budget reductions, and key takeaways from Capitol Hill testimony

West Bengal, Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Voting is underway in TN and WB, for 234 and 152 seats respectively. Will Mamata Banerjee secure a 4th term? Can M K Stalin make a comeback? What’s happening on the ground? Scroll down for live updates.

Is Tamil Nadu heading for a three-way political shake-up? Voters across 234 seats will today decide if M K Stalin retains power, Edappadi K Palaniswami returns, or actor Vijay disrupts the race. Who has the edge? Scroll down to read more.

Is West Bengal heading for a political shake-up or continuity? Voting begins across 152 seats as Mamata Banerjee faces a strong challenge from Amit Shah’s BJP. Will it be a fourth term or a breakthrough moment? Scroll down to read more.

Iran says it seized two cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz after firing incidents. Third vessel also targeted as tensions rise in key shipping route

Iran’s AI video mocking Donald Trump waiting for Iran officials goes viral, offering a satirical take on how the US-Iran ceasefire was extended

US Navy Secretary John Phelan steps down immediately without explanation. Pentagon names Hung Cao as acting replacement in sudden leadership change

Is Trump reclassifying marijuana? US administration may move cannabis to Schedule III, easing research restrictions but not legalizing it

A tank was being cleaned ahead of decommissioning when a violent chemical reaction occurred between highly corrosive nitric acid and what is known as M2000A, which led to the off-gassing of hydrogen sulfide, said local authorities at a press conference.

DHS counterterrorism official Julia Varvaro denies misconduct after ex-boyfriend alleges luxury spending, financial demands, and security concerns

White House says Donald Trump has not set a deadline for Iran peace proposal, dismisses ceasefire reports, and highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions

World’s largest condom maker Karex announces a 30% price hike as the Iran war disrupts global petrochemical supplies and doubles shipping times to the US and Europe.

US Congressman David Scott dies at 80. Georgia Democrat and first Black House Agriculture Committee chair leaves behind a historic legacy

Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also reacted to the US continuing the naval blockade despite the ceasefire extension, and said that reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be impossible if the ceasefire continues to be breached.