nuclear weapons

President Trump declared the US has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz via a naval blockade, vowing to secure Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile. He warned Tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons, stating the US will prevent them from acquiring the material. Despite the blockade, Trump affirmed the US desires the strait to remain open for international navigation.

According to images examined by Reuters, China has built more than 80 launch pads along with three large octagon-shaped facilities near the Hami nuclear missile silo field in the country's north-west. The launch pads could be used by mobile missile launchers and air-defence systems, while the larger facilities may support communications, electronic warfare and military command functions, according to security analysts who reviewed the imagery.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that President Trump is pursuing a diplomatic deal with Iran but is prepared to resume military action if nuclear talks fail. Vance emphasized that the administration is negotiating in good faith, making it clear Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

US President Donald Trump declared any future Iran deal under his leadership would be "good and proper," contrasting it with the Obama-era agreement. He asserted his proposed deal would prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, unlike the previous one which he claims provided significant funds and a path to a bomb.

Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to surrender its enriched uranium stockpile to the US as part of a peace deal. This significant concession, aimed at de-escalating tensions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, comes after US military threats. While a deal is "largely negotiated," final details on the uranium transfer and broader nuclear talks are pending.

The US warned of renewed military action against Iran if necessary, with President Trump demanding a permanent end to Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high, exacerbated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and continued fighting in Lebanon.

The US expressed deep regret that states party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) failed to reach a consensus on a final document at the conclusion of the 2026 Review Conference, specifically criticising the "inability of some NPT States Parties to take Iran's threat to global nonproliferation seriously," Al Jazeera reported.

North Korea has vehemently rejected the Quad's call for its denuclearisation, vowing "never" to give up its nuclear weapons. The foreign ministry accused the grouping of being a US tool and interfering in its affairs. The Quad nations, including India, had reiterated their commitment to Pyongyang's denuclearisation and condemned its weapons programs.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has resigned, paving the way for DK Shivakumar. Meanwhile, CBI detained Twisha Sharma’s mother-in-law after her anticipatory bail was cancelled. Fresh US-Iran tensions simmer as Kuwait reports a missile attack. Japan halted Indian mango imports due to quarantine concerns, and North Korea rejected the Quad's denuclearisation call.

North Korea conducted tests of tactical ballistic missiles, artillery rockets, and AI-guided cruise missiles, aiming to enhance precision-strike capabilities below the nuclear threshold. Leader Kim Jong Un emphasised the combat readiness of these weapons for border deployment.

North Korea launched projectiles, possibly a short-range ballistic missile, into the Yellow Sea, marking its eighth weapons test this year. This move escalates regional tensions and highlights Pyongyang's focus on modernizing its short-range missile program to evade defense systems. South Korea, the US, and Japan are on high alert, sharing intelligence.

Iran's Supreme Leader has ordered the country's near-weapons-grade enriched uranium stockpile to remain within Iran, complicating peace talks. This directive hardens Tehran's stance, as the US and Israel demand its removal. The move comes amid ongoing regional conflict and deep suspicion of further US airstrikes.

In a dramatic display of military strategy, Operation Sindoor witnessed India targeting Pakistani airbases and intercepting their missiles, ultimately facilitating a quick resolution. This incident emphasizes the delicate nuclear dynamics between India and Pakistan, two nations holding nearly equivalent stockpiles. Despite their varied approaches to weapon usage, both countries utilize a nuclear triad, essential for their deterrence capabilities.

A potential 60-day ceasefire extension between the US and Iran is nearing, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow Iranian oil exports. This deal, brokered by Pakistan, includes lifting US port blockades and sanctions waivers, contingent on Iran negotiating its nuclear program and ending the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Global oil markets are closely monitoring developments.

Intense diplomatic efforts are underway to secure an agreement between the US and Iran, aiming to end the Middle East conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease energy market pressures. Despite claims of progress, significant disagreements persist over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and regional influence, leaving a final deal uncertain.

President Trump has yet to approve a proposed deal with Iran, emphasizing that any agreement must meet his conditions, including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. While discussions continue, Iran denies negotiating under US dictates. The uncertainty impacts energy markets, with regional tensions also escalating between Iran, the US, and Israel-Hezbollah.

Is an Iran deal actually close, or is Trump prepared to wait? Here’s what we know about what each side may give up on the six issues that matter most

A drone attack on the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the Arab world's sole operational nuclear facility, has sparked global concern. While authorities assure no radioactive leak, the incident highlights vulnerabilities in nuclear infrastructure. India condemned the strike as a dangerous escalation, urging restraint and dialogue amidst escalating regional tensions.

US officials express caution regarding a potential Iran deal, suggesting it could still collapse despite progress. Negotiations are ongoing, with key details like uranium disposal and frozen assets remaining points of contention. While Iran aims to reassure the world about its nuclear program, both sides emphasize safeguarding national interests, with a breakthrough potentially days away.

Oil prices saw a dip as hopes for a US-Iran deal to ease Middle East tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz emerged. Despite earlier drops, crude prices are recovering slightly. President Trump emphasized his focus on preventing Iran's nuclear ambitions and ensuring the Strait's accessibility, warning against interference.

The US and Iran are reportedly nearing a 60-day ceasefire extension, with mediators working on an interim deal. This agreement could pave the way for broader talks on Iran's nuclear program and regional security, including the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and phased sanctions relief for Tehran.

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson claims President Trump considered a nuclear strike on Iran. He alleges Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine firmly rejected the idea, preventing its execution. Johnson explained the military chain of command and the potential for Caine's resignation if overruled, adding context to Trump's subsequent public statements against nuclear use.

In a joint statement, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the revised arrangement. "The deputy prime minister and secretaries welcomed the proposed approach to streamline Australia's acquisition of Virginia-class submarines (VCS), simplifying supply chain management, operational and maintenance requirements, and maximising cost efficiencies," the statement said.