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Former Pentagon adviser Douglas MacGregor has warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be dragging the United States deeper into the ongoing conflict in West Asia. MacGregor said the war is likely to continue for weeks as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate and regional actors become increasingly involved. He also warned that any move to close the Strait of Hormuz would be a “disaster” for global trade and energy markets. The strategic waterway is one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, carrying a significant portion of global crude exports.

Democrats have begun pushing back against President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in military strikes on Iran, challenging his authority to wage war without United States Congress approval. Democrats are calling for votes on war powers resolutions to require congressional authorization and rein in unilateral executive action — though the Senate vote is expected to face steep odds.

On Wednesday, hero of the hour was New Zealand batter Finn Allen as he smashed 100 off 33 and set a new record for fastest T20I hundred by a Kiwi. After the match, the Kiwi opener opened up on the game plan as they now sit a step away from winning the T20 World Cup 2026.

Israel has warned that whoever becomes Iran’s next Supreme Leader could become a “target for elimination” if they continue hostile policies against Israel. The warning comes as Iran prepares to choose a successor after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

As tensions escalate across West Asia, former Pentagon adviser Douglas MacGregor has said that India could play a crucial role in helping bring the conflict to an end. MacGregor, who previously served as an adviser to the US Secretary of Defence, said India’s diplomatic influence may be key in efforts to de-escalate the widening crisis in the region.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the United States is “winning decisively” in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Hegseth also said that the United States and Israel are moving towards achieving complete control of Iranian airspace. The remarks come amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East and continued operations involving US and Israeli forces.

Several U.S. government departments, including the State Department, Treasury and Health and Human Services, have reportedly shifted away from AI systems developed by Anthropic following a dispute over access, safeguards, and potential military applications. Anthropic has publicly rejected involvement in mass surveillance programs and the development of autonomous weapons, saying its policies restrict such use cases.

Ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal against England, the Indian cricket team postponed their training session at Wankhede Stadium due to a lunar eclipse. Originally scheduled for 6 PM, practice started an hour later, following Hindu rituals that consider eclipse periods inauspicious. Team management wanted to ensure players began preparations on a positive note before the high-stakes match.

Iranian missiles and Lebanese rockets have simultaneously targeted central Israel, marking a significant escalation in the widening Middle East conflict. Sirens blared across major cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as air defenses intercepted incoming barrages. The joint barrage — involving missiles from Iran and rockets from Hezbollah — has caused injuries and heightened tensions on multiple fronts.

The United States and Israel have carried out strikes targeting parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including facilities linked to the Natanz Nuclear Facility and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology and Research Center. According to the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there has been no spike in radiation levels following the attacks. The agency said facilities containing nuclear material were not damaged and there is currently no risk of a radiological release.

Explosions have been reported across Iraq amid a widespread blackout, according to initial reports. Security sources say drones were intercepted near Baghdad International Airport in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

Iran’s armed forces have warned they may target Israeli missions around the world amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a statement, Iran’s military said it could be “forced to target Israeli embassies” globally as the conflict with Israel intensifies. The warning signals the possibility of attacks on Israeli diplomatic facilities overseas.

Iran warned that Israeli embassies would become legitimate targets if Israel attacks Iran’s embassy in Beirut. Meanwhile, the IDF announced a large-scale strike on a major Iranian military compound.

'President Trump had a good feeling that Iranian regime was going to strike first': White House

#Gravitas U.S. intelligence is reportedly preparing to arm Kurdish militias in a bid to spark a popular uprising inside Iran’s western provinces. Washington is believed to see this as a strategy to weaken Tehran from within as the wider conflict escalates. But could this move destabilize the region further? Palki Sharma tells you more.

With oil prices soaring due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Russia is positioned to benefit from the ongoing West Asia war. As one of the world’s largest oil and heavy crude producers, Moscow can divert shipments to countries amid the crisis, potentially gaining financially and strategically while the conflict continues to escalate across Iran, Israel, and the Gulf.

The US-Israeli operation, which managed to kill Ayatollah Khamenei, failed to create a domestic resistance. It was built on three compounding strategic failures: mistaking diaspora as a nation, manufacturing an economic crisis to stir up a revolt, and secular culture underestimating theology

From Karan Johar to Nagarjuna, Kriti Sanon to Mrunal Thakur, Allu Arjun to Ram Charan- the wedding reception of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda in Hyderabad on Wednesday night was a star studded one.

Following border closures amid the escalating West Asia war, fuel and food supplies in the Gaza Strip are critically low, threatening hospitals, water systems, and daily life. Humanitarian agencies warn shortages could lead to a severe crisis, compounding years of war, displacement, and skyrocketing prices for essential goods, leaving civilians in Gaza particularly vulnerable.