united arab emirates

Pakistan has firmly rejected joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stating it contradicts fundamental ideologies. Islamabad's long-standing stance is clear: no recognition of Israel without a Palestinian state. This comes as former US President Donald Trump urged several Muslim-majority nations to normalize ties with Israel, linking it to Iran negotiations.

Israel sent Iron Dome air defence batteries and personnel to operate them in the united arab emirates during the war with Iran, the US ambassador told Israel on Tuesday. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.

The UAE's involvement in the Middle East conflict was deeper than previously known, with coordinated strikes on Iran, including energy facilities, even after an April ceasefire. These actions exposed divisions within the Gulf, as Saudi Arabia expressed concerns about escalating risks to regional energy supplies and global markets.

US President Donald Trump is pushing several Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel as part of a potential Iran deal. Experts, however, deem the plan unrealistic, citing the Gaza war's impact on Arab public opinion and the persistent demand for Palestinian statehood. Pakistan has already publicly rejected the proposal.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni used the Hindi phrase 'parishram hi safalta ki kunji hai' to describe the growing India-Italy ties, emphasizing hard work as key to success. The two nations upgraded their bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, unveiling a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029, aiming for a 20 billion euro trade target.

India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are currently negotiating a limited, temporary trade arrangement for specific goods as part of broader free trade agreement talks. Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov described the discussions as complex, with India's requests being ambitious.

Donald Trump's Board of Peace, established to aid Gaza's reconstruction, has received zero dollars in its official fund despite billions pledged by member nations. Donations are reportedly being directed to a JPMorgan account lacking independent transparency requirements, impacting plans for a US-backed Palestinian administration.

Israel has deployed Iron Dome missile defence systems and operators to the UAE, bolstering regional security amid ongoing tensions with Iran. This move highlights a deepening defence partnership between the two nations. The deployment remains as a fragile ceasefire holds, but concerns persist over the Strait of Hormuz and stalled US-Iran negotiations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a significant five-nation tour. He will visit the united arab emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visits aim to boost India's engagement with Europe and the Gulf region. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, energy, and technology. This tour underscores India's growing global partnerships.

The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team marks its 30th anniversary this week, celebrating three decades of breathtaking precision flying and daring aerial displays. Originally formed in 1996, the elite squadron, known as the "Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force," will commemorate this milestone at Air Force Station Bidar.

Iran accused the UAE of direct military involvement in attacks against Tehran during a BRICS meeting, escalating tensions. Tehran claims Abu Dhabi facilitated aggression and warned of retaliation against facilities aiding US or Israeli operations. This dispute complicates efforts to finalize a joint BRICS communique.

Israel has reportedly deployed its Iron Dome air defence system to protect the UAE, a significant development following recent Iranian drone and missile attacks on the Gulf nation. This cooperation, confirmed by US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, highlights deepening ties between the two Abraham Accord signatories. The UAE has faced extensive aerial assaults, prompting this strategic military assistance.

Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on the Iran war's disruption of the Strait of Hormuz to advance its goals as a regional energy and logistics hub. The kingdom's existing infrastructure and strategic Red Sea ports are facilitating continued oil exports and absorbing increased trade, boosting its revenue and accelerating development plans for a crucial East-West trade nexus.

The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee has entered its final stage, with 247 students from across the United States and other countries competing in one of the world’s biggest English language contests. Indian-origin students continue to dominate the competition, with 30 of the last 36 winners belonging to the community. This year’s finalists will compete for more than $50,000 in cash and prizes