Iran nuclear diplomacy accelerates with US-Pakistan mediation as Ukraine escalates drone strikes on Russia; meanwhile, regional tensions simmer from Somalia to Lebanon

Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif signed the 'Islamabad MoU' as mediator between the US and Iran, with officials from Turkey, Bahrain, and Canada praising Pakistan's pivotal role in facilitating the nuclear deal and ceasefire negotiations.

Ukraine launched its largest drone strike on Moscow in years, damaging a major oil refinery and forcing evacuations at the capital's airports, escalating the conflict after weeks of intensified Russian bombing of Kyiv.

VP JD Vance warned Israel not to alienate its most important ally while defending Trump's Iran deal, telling Israeli critics 'you can't kill your way out' of security problems amid growing tensions.

US Defense Secretary Hegseth signaled plans to reduce American troop levels in Europe and cut assets available for continental crises, while also facing Senate pressure over answers regarding an apparent Iran school attack and naval incidents.

Somalia warned Israel against meddling in Somaliland while doubts persist among Southern Lebanon residents about whether the US-Iran agreement will bring lasting calm to the volatile region.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar assailed 17 Indian water projects on Indus River tributaries as 'tools for hydro-hegemony,' escalating water-sharing tensions between the neighboring nations.

A seven-year-old Somali boy injured in a US airstrike faces losing his ability to walk without a $750 operation, but the US denies civilian casualties occurred, leaving the family without compensation options.

South African courts sentenced traffickers in what prosecutors claim is the world's largest rhino horn trafficking case, with mastermind Dawie Groenewald facing a 2 million rand fine or four-year jail term nearly 16 years after arrest.

Afghanistan's Taliban government banned smartphones for civil servants and military personnel, with authorities authorized to smash confiscated devices and impose punishment on violators.

Zimbabwe's lawmakers backed a bill to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office, continuing controversial efforts to consolidate executive power in the southern African nation.