Lead News
Houthi Drone and Missile Attacks on Saudi Arabia — Pakistan Remains Silent; Mecca Defence Pact Put to the Test
A series of drone and ballistic missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces targeting southern Saudi cities and critical energy facilities has once again brought the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye into focus. Coming just a month after the agreement was signed, the attacks are raising questions about the effectiveness of the alliance’s collective defence commitments.
Iran’s Supreme National Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei has claimed that Iran launched an anti-ship missile directly against a US vessel for the first time
Iran’s Supreme National Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei has claimed that Iran launched an anti-ship missile directly against a US vessel for the first time, in what could mark a significant escalation in the ongoing military tensions between Tehran and Washington.
European Countries Are Moving Gold Out of America Amid Rising Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, economic uncertainty and an environment of sanctions around the world, several European countries are reassessing where they should store their gold reserves. The Netherlands is the latest example, having moved part of its gold reserves held in North America to London.
South Korea Reviews Deployment of Military and Civilian Assets to the Strait of Hormuz — Reuters
Amid rising tensions in West Asia, South Korea is reviewing options for both military and civilian contributions to help ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, the presidential office said no final decision has yet been made regarding a possible military deployment.
Iran and Russia Are Tested and Strategic Partners in Their National and International Interests; Both Countries Desperately Need Each Other
Signs of deepening strategic ties between Iran and Russia have emerged following a recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The two leaders highlighted mutual cooperation and support during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.
The US military is currently facing multiple Deepening Crisis, Several Senior Commanders Resign — The Washington Post
The US military is currently facing multiple pressures and internal tensions, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. Citing The Washington Post, the report said extensive changes in the senior command structure, resignations of officials, blocked promotions and concerns over declining weapons stocks have raised new questions about the stability of the US military’s command structure and overall capabilities.
SCO Leaders Call for Unlocking the UN’s Full Potential and Rejecting Double Standards and the ‘Law of the Jungle’
Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) have called for a stronger and more effective United Nations, while urging the international community to reject double standards, unilateral dominance and the so-called “law of the jungle.” The remarks came during the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek, where leaders discussed reforming global governance and advancing a more multipolar international order.
SCO has become one of the independent and influential centres of the emerging multipolar world, says Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Over the 25 years since its establishment, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has evolved into one of the independent and influential centres of the emerging multipolar world, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Why the SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan Is More Important Than Ever for Indian Diplomacy and BRICS Countries Summit
The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit is being held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, bringing together the leaders of India, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan and other member states.
The death toll from the devastating floods in Nepal has surpassed 900. Nearly 4,200 people remain missing, including 592 foreign nationals.
A devastating natural disaster continues to unfold across the Himalayan region following massive landslides and glacial collapse along the Nepal–Tibet border. According to the latest information, 633 bodies have been recovered, while more than 3,000 people remain missing across Nepal and Tibet.
China’s President Xi Jinping Expresses Condolences to Nepal Over Devastating Landslides and Floods, Pledges Humanitarian Support
Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed deep condolences over the heavy loss of life and destruction caused by devastating mudslides, landslides and floods in Nepal. He also assured Nepal of China’s readiness to provide rescue and humanitarian assistance as recovery efforts continue.
South Africa Ready to Cooperate With Iran on Legal Action Against the United States and Israel Over Alleged International Crimes
South Africa is prepared to cooperate with Iran in pursuing legal action against the United States and Israel over alleged international crimes, according to a statement made by a member of the South African legal delegation at the 11th BRICS Legal Forum 2026 in New Delhi.
China Rejects Trump Administration’s Economic Pressure on Iran; Russia Warns Washington Is on the Wrong Path
China has rejected the Trump administration’s latest initiative to increase economic pressure on Iran, while Russia has warned that Washington is pursuing the wrong approach in dealing with Tehran. The developments were reported by Iran’s Tehran Times.
Who is Natalie Harp? Is Trump’s ever-present close aide causing tensions or a power struggle with First Lady Melania Trump?
Fresh attention has emerged in the White House surrounding Natalie Harp, a close aide to US President Donald Trump. Various reports and comments from Trump biographers have claimed that First Lady Melania Trump is unhappy with Harp’s close relationship with the president. However, there is no independently confirmed evidence of a direct “power struggle” between the two women.
If Oman Interferes in Talks on Ending the War with Iran and Navigation Through the Strait of Hormuz, We’ll Bomb Them” — President Trump Threatens
US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch a bombing attack on Oman if Muscat obstructs discussions on ending the war with Iran and restoring navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump Confirms Secret Plane Switch in Türkiye Amid Fears of a Possible Iranian Attack
Amid fears of a possible Iranian attack, U.S. President Donald Trump was secretly transferred to another military aircraft after leaving a NATO summit in Türkiye last month, according to U.S. media reports. Trump himself confirmed the move on Tuesday, saying that he switched planes on the instructions of the Secret Service and the U.S. military.
President Trump Secretly Left Türkiye on Military Aircraft Hidden by Catering Truck Amid Fears of Iranian Attack —The Washington Post
U.S. President Donald Trump secretly left Türkiye on a smaller military aircraft instead of the publicly displayed Air Force One after his visit to the country last month, reportedly due to concerns over a potential Iranian attack, The Washington Post has reported. Reuters also cited the newspaper's account in a report on the incident.
100% Tariff Threat on One Side, Vance’s Call to Deepen Strategic Partnership on the Other — A Complex India-U.S. Diplomatic Equation
India-U.S. relations have entered a new and complex phase, marked by two seemingly contrasting developments: growing pressure from Washington over India’s energy imports from Russia, including the possibility of steep tariffs and sanctions, alongside high-level efforts to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
U.S. Senate Passes Bill Paving the Way for 100% Tariffs on Five Countries, Including India and China, Over Russian Energy Purchases
The U.S. Senate has passed a major sanctions bill aimed at imposing economic pressure on countries that import large quantities of energy from Russia. If enacted, the bill would give the U.S. president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Finally Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Sign Joint Defence Agreement Following Friday Prayers in Makkah
Amid ongoing security challenges and rising regional tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye have signed a historic joint defence agreement. According to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement was signed in Makkah following Friday prayers.