Welcome to WION World News with Supriya Srivastava. Here are the top international and national headlines making news.

Iran's president acknowledges the growing problems faced by citizens as the United States imposes a new wave of sanctions aimed at further isolating Iran's economy.

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomes Nordic and Baltic leaders in Kyiv as the country marks National Flag Day, with important talks and announcements expected.

Iran's Foreign Ministry says Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, peace and regional security.

US President Donald Trump again shares an image depicting the Strait of Hormuz as a US territory, while Iran reiterates that the crucial maritime corridor will remain closed until Washington changes its position.

In Jammu and Kashmir, three people trapped in the Chenab River in Akhnoor are rescued by Indian Army and paramilitary forces after a sudden rise in water levels and strong currents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on India's space startups to show greater courage in the emerging sector and create an environment capable of attracting global talent.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia faces growing challenges in exporting oil through the Red Sea as Houthi threats disrupt shipping. Riyadh has shifted some crude exports north via Yanbu, while Egypt is using alternative routes to bypass the disruption and maintain exports.

Stay tuned for the latest global news, geopolitical developments and breaking headlines.

Iran Sanctions | Ukraine Flag Day | Hormuz Tensions | J&K Rescue | Saudi Oil Crisis | U.S. News 

Questions are mounting over Natalie Harp’s role inside the White House and the level of access and influence she has around President Donald Trump.

The scrutiny intensified after reports published private letters Harp allegedly wrote to Trump during or shortly after a 2023 trip to Scotland and Ireland. The letters reportedly expressed strong personal devotion to the president and a desire to maintain his approval.

Harp is described as a special assistant and executive assistant to Trump, and reports have portrayed her as an important gatekeeper within his inner circle. Questions have also been raised about her reported access to Trump’s Truth Social account and her alleged role as a conduit for people seeking to reach the president.

Who Is Natalie Harp? Trump Aide’s Close Access to President Raises National Security Questions

Welcome to WION. Here are the top global and India headlines making news.

U.S. President Donald Trump shares images of the proposed White House ballroom following a Supreme Court-related development. Germany’s foreign minister sharply criticizes Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine and pledges further support for Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Israel pushes back against U.S. criticism of its strikes on Syrian military sites, while Iran announces further upgrades to its ballistic and cruise missile programs.

In India, Rahul Gandhi’s youth event gets underway in Pune, with the Congress leader engaging with students and discussing issues facing young Indians.

Elsewhere, the IMF stalls Bangladesh funding amid concerns over delayed reforms, firefighters continue battling wildfires in Spain’s Valencia region, and a Chinese humanoid robot reportedly posts an impressive 100-metre trial time.

Watch the full bulletin for the latest world news, India news, geopolitics, Ukraine war, Iran, Israel, Bangladesh, Trump and technology updates.


Trump’s White House Ballroom | Rahul Gandhi’s Pune Youth Event |  Germany Slams Putin 

NATO allies are discussing options to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but the alliance is carefully stressing that this is not a formal NATO mission.

The discussions come as US President Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran and claims Washington has control over the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding region.

NATO’s top military commander convened a video conference with interested allies to assess what individual countries could contribute to efforts aimed at protecting shipping through the strategic waterway. The alliance says it is facilitating coordination rather than taking military ownership of the operation.

NATO Weighs Hormuz Security Role Without NATO Mission | Trump Pressures Allies | Iran Tensions

Karoline Leavitt is set to leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of August, and President Donald Trump has begun teasing possible contenders to replace her.

At a rally in South Carolina, Trump praised Leavitt’s performance while joking about her decision to leave the demanding White House role after the birth of her second child. Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history when she took the position at the age of 28.

Trump said there is no shortage of interest in the position and suggested that the role has become more attractive under Leavitt. Among the names he mentioned are Scott Jennings, a CNN commentator and Trump supporter, and Margo Martin, a longtime Trump communications aide.

Karoline Leavitt Set to Leave White House Press Secretary Post | Trump Reveals Possible Replacements

Questions are growing over Natalie Harp’s role inside the White House, her close access to President Donald Trump and the extent of her reported influence around the president.

The scrutiny follows reports about private letters Harp allegedly wrote to Trump after accompanying him during a 2023 trip to Scotland and Ireland. The reported letters described her deep personal devotion to Trump and her desire to maintain his approval.

Harp, who serves as a special assistant and executive assistant to President Trump, has reportedly been described as an important gatekeeper around the president. Reports have also raised questions about her access to Trump and her role in facilitating contact with him.

Former officials and political commentators have raised concerns about whether her level of access and influence is appropriate, including potential national-security implications. The White House, however, has defended Harp as one of Trump's most loyal and hardworking aides and has rejected criticism of her role.

Natalie Harp’s White House Role Under Scrutiny | Trump Ally’s Access And Influence Questioned

The West Asia conflict is approaching its sixth month with no clear diplomatic or military exit in sight as US President Donald Trump dramatically escalates pressure on Iran. Trump has announced what he described as an unprecedented economic warfare and isolation campaign against Iran, warning that countries continuing to do business with Tehran could face “tremendous punishment.”

The latest escalation comes amid a growing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Trump says the waterway remains open and that numerous vessels are passing through, while Iranian officials maintain that the strait remains closed until Washington meets Tehran’s conditions.

Iran has demanded an end to the blockade of its ports, the lifting of oil sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Meanwhile, US-Iran negotiations remain uncertain, with Trump saying talks could resume at some point but reiterating that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.


Trump Launches “Economic Warfare” Against Iran As Strait Of Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Jared Kushner is reportedly set to engage with Gaza officials as discussions continue around US President Donald Trump's proposed Board of Peace initiative The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding Gaza, with regional actors closely watching Washington's plans for the territory's future governance, reconstruction and security. Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a key figure in previous Middle East diplomacy, has remained involved in discussions surrounding the administration's regional strategy.
The reported talks come as negotiations involving Gaza, Israel, Hamas, Egypt and the United States continue to shape the wider diplomatic landscape.

Report: Kushner to Speak to Gaza Officials with Board of Peace  | WATCH 

Jared Kushner is reportedly set to engage with Gaza officials as discussions continue around US President Donald Trump's proposed Board of Peace initiative.

The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding Gaza, with regional actors closely watching Washington's plans for the territory's future governance, reconstruction and security.

Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a key figure in previous Middle East diplomacy, has remained involved in discussions surrounding the administration's regional strategy.

The reported talks come as negotiations involving Gaza, Israel, Hamas, Egypt and the United States continue to shape the wider diplomatic landscape.

Report: Kushner to Speak to Gaza Officials with Board of Peace

A secret security operation involving U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked questions over the safety and transparency of journalists travelling with the president.

According to a Washington Post report, journalists accompanying Trump from Turkey to Britain were allegedly kept unaware when the president was quietly moved from Air Force One to another aircraft.

Trump was reportedly transported using a catering truck, with the operation linked to a perceived security threat from Iran. The secret plane switch was first reported by The Washington Post and later confirmed by Trump.

Journalists travelling with the president said they noticed unusual activity around Air Force One, including a catering truck positioned unusually close to the aircraft. They also said they were instructed to keep their window blinds closed after takeoff without receiving a clear explanation.

Around a dozen journalists were reportedly travelling with Trump, with several expressing disappointment over not being informed about the security operation. Some questioned whether the White House adequately considered the safety of members of the presidential press pool.

Trump Secretly Switched Planes In Ankara | Journalists Question White House Safety Measures

Tensions between Iran and the United States have taken another sharp turn after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks about the Strait of Hormuz.

Senior Iranian parliament member Ibrahim Azizi mocked Trump over his comments, warning the U.S. president to focus on his own security and referring to Trump's reported secret plane switch in Ankara as he travelled after the NATO summit.

Trump had confirmed that he switched aircraft in Ankara in July after the U.S. Secret Service and military advised him to do so because of what officials described as an imminent threat from Iran.

The controversy intensified after Trump said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of the United States. Iran strongly rejected the claim, with its foreign ministry insisting that the strategic waterway is Iranian and will remain under Iranian control.

Iran also said that decisions over the opening or closure of the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Tehran's authority.

Trump's Strait of Hormuz Claim Sparks Iran Fury | Iranian Lawmaker Mocks Trump Over Secret Plane Switch

The prolonged Iran war is putting growing pressure on the US military’s weapons stockpile, with reports indicating significant losses of drones and the rapid use of key munitions.

According to the report cited in the segment, the US military has lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, roughly a quarter of its fleet. The losses come alongside heavy expenditure of Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot interceptors and other long-range weapons.

The depletion is raising questions over US military readiness, future operations and Washington’s ability to sustain a prolonged conflict. Analysts are also warning that replenishing some advanced weapons could take considerable time.

Meanwhile, reports surrounding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have added another layer of pressure, although US military officials have disputed claims of deaths aboard the carrier.

As weapons stocks decline and public concerns grow, the Iran war is becoming an increasingly difficult test for the Trump administration.

 Gorkhas Rise Up in Nepal, Demand Return to Indian Army

Gorkhas Rise in Nepal, Demand Return to Indian Army  | GRAVITAS 

The prolonged Iran war is putting growing pressure on the US military’s weapons stockpile, with reports indicating significant losses of drones and the rapid use of key munitions.

According to the report cited in the segment, the US military has lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, roughly a quarter of its fleet. The losses come alongside heavy expenditure of Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot interceptors and other long-range weapons.

The depletion is raising questions over US military readiness, future operations and Washington’s ability to sustain a prolonged conflict. Analysts are also warning that replenishing some advanced weapons could take considerable time.

Meanwhile, reports surrounding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have added another layer of pressure, although US military officials have disputed claims of deaths aboard the carrier.

Iran War Drains US Weapons Stockpile | Trump Faces Growing Military Pressure | GRAVITAS

A fiery exchange unfolded during a White House press briefing involving Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and reporters, with questions focusing on the Trump administration’s claims and media coverage. Leavitt has repeatedly engaged in heated exchanges with journalists during White House briefings, including confrontations over coverage of the Iran conflict.

The latest moments have renewed debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the White House press corps, with reporters challenging official statements while Leavitt strongly defending the administration’s position.

Watch the full report for the key exchanges, fact-check moments and the latest developments from the White House.


 War of Words, Fact Check Moments on White House Press Secy Leavitt

Donald Trump’s foreign policy and economic agenda are facing growing challenges as tariffs, the Iran conflict and stalled Russia-Ukraine peace efforts reshape the global political landscape.

From sweeping tariff policies and their impact on global trade to the escalating Iran conflict, Trump’s approach to international affairs is facing intense scrutiny. At the same time, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war have struggled to produce a lasting breakthrough, raising questions over Washington’s ability to deliver a negotiated settlement.

The developments come as allies, rivals and financial markets closely watch the Trump administration’s next moves. Tariffs have created uncertainty for businesses and economies, while conflicts in the Middle East and Europe continue to test US diplomatic influence.

Is Trump losing momentum on some of his biggest foreign-policy promises? Or could his administration still turn these challenges into political and diplomatic victories?

Watch the full analysis for a closer look at Trump, tariffs, Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, peace talks and the wider geopolitical fallout.

Trump's Fall: Tariffs, Iran War, Failed Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks & More...

US President Donald Trump has suffered a major legal setback after a federal appeals court upheld an order halting work on his planned White House ballroom.

The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ruled 2–1 against the Trump administration, agreeing that such a major overhaul of the White House requires explicit approval from Congress. The court said the decision over whether to construct a massive ballroom belongs to Congress rather than the executive branch.

The ruling puts Trump's estimated $400 million project on hold. The appeals court has paused its decision for two weeks, giving the Trump administration time to ask the US Supreme Court to intervene.

US Appeals Court Blocks Trump’s $400 Million White House Ballroom Project

US President Donald Trump has renewed his effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, reigniting a major legal and political battle over presidential power and the independence of America's central bank.

The Trump administration is seeking Cook's removal over allegations involving mortgage documents from 2021, before she joined the Federal Reserve in 2022. Trump has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, while Cook denies wrongdoing and her lawyers have called the allegations baseless and politically motivated.

The Supreme Court previously ruled 5–4 that Cook could remain in her position while she challenges her removal, finding that she had not been given the required procedural protections. However, the ruling did not permanently prevent Trump from attempting to remove her again.

Chief Justice John Roberts indicated that the president could pursue removal if Cook received proper notice and an opportunity to respond. Cook's deadline to respond is August 26.

Trump Renews Effort to Fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook | Battle Over Federal Reserve Independence

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States as he met President Donald Trump at the White House. Protesters called for an end to the Gaza conflict and criticized Israel's military operations, while the two leaders discussed regional security, Iran, and broader Middle East developments. Watch the latest updates, key moments from the protests, and highlights from the Trump-Netanyahu meeting.

Protests Against Benjamin Netanyahu During His Visit to the United States | Trump-Netanyahu Meet

US President Donald Trump returned to the White House Correspondents' Dinner, three months after the original event was cancelled following an assassination attempt. Speaking before journalists, lawmakers, and senior officials, Trump reflected on the attack, joked about running for another term, and once again criticized the media and his political opponents.

During his speech, Trump held up a "Trump 2028" cap, joked about seeking a third and even fourth term despite constitutional limits, and mocked what he described as "Trump Derangement Syndrome." The event was held under heightened security with Secret Service, National Guard, and police presence around the venue.

Trump returns to White House Correspondents' Dinner | Jokes about 2028, mocks media & third term

The US Justice Department has withdrawn subpoenas issued to The New York Times over reports concerning the security features of Air Force One. The newspaper had challenged the government’s requests for phone records and grand jury testimony, arguing that the move could intimidate journalists and violate First Amendment protections for press freedom. During a court hearing, federal prosecutors agreed to withdraw the subpoenas. The dispute began after a New York Times report raised questions about security features on a donated aircraft linked to Air Force One, including concerns over missile defense systems. President Donald Trump dismissed the concerns, saying the aircraft was being sent to a British air base for viewing by US troops and would undergo modifications.

US Justice Department withdraws subpoenas against New York Times over Air Force one Security report

Trump Media and Technology Group has launched Truth API, a paid data service offering Wall Street trading firms millisecond-fast access to posts from some of the most influential accounts on Truth Social, including President Donald Trump’s account. The service, reportedly priced at around $100,000 per month for premium access, has sparked debate over whether early access to presidential posts could provide an advantage to investors before market reactions occur.

Trump Media Faces Backlash As Truth API Turns Presidential Posts Into A Business Model | US News 

The United States has designated Mexico’s Juarez Cartel and Los Alegres group as foreign terrorist organizations, marking a major escalation in Washington’s fight against drug cartels. The US State Department said the groups were involved in attacks affecting American citizens and interests, including a 2019 attack that killed nine members of the Mormon community in Mexico.

US designates Mexican cartels as terror groups in major drug war escalation

US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of major American media networks after ABC and NBC declined to air his prime-time election security address live. Trump accused the broadcasters of political bias and claimed they were part of a conspiracy against him, even calling for possible revocation of their licenses. The networks defended their decisions, citing editorial judgment, while the controversy has reignited the long-running battle between Trump and mainstream US media.

Trump vs. US media: President Donald Trump escalates fight over election speech coverage 

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a dangerous new phase as both sides exchange large-scale military strikes across West Asia. According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched Operation Nasr 2, firing advanced ballistic missiles, including Fateh, Fateh-110, and Zolfaghar missiles, targeting US military bases across the Gulf. Iran claims to have struck the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, along with facilities in Jordan and Kuwait. Meanwhile, the United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting military infrastructure in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, and Abu Musa, reportedly using one-way attack sea drones for the first time.

US-Iran conflict  | Iran fires ballistic missiles at US bases across gulf after fresh strikes

Trump is not popular at the United Nations and his speech this year comes at a time when U.N. members are pushing back against Washington.

'America will always be a leader in human rights', says Donald Trump while addressing UNGA

The president has in recent months assailed the voting process without evidence, saying it could result in widespread fraud

US Election 2020: Twitter places warning label on Trump tweet about voting by mail

US President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns over climate change on a visit to fire-ravaged California

President Trump dismisses concerns over climate change; Blames forest management for crisis

Hundreds of people gathered Monday afternoon in a small town south of Portland for a vehicle rally for President Trump where they clashed with the 'Black Lives Matter' protestors.

Trump supporters and counter-protesters clashed at Oregon's Capital

Trump supporters organised a motorcade with flags reading "Trump 2020" and "Vote for Trump" attached to the numerous cars, trumps and vans.

US Elections 2020: Pro-Trump rallies taken out in United States