Despite an active ceasefire, the United States and Iran exchanged new military strikes over the weekend, highlighting the fragility of ongoing peace negotiations.

Iranian authorities are laying the groundwork for a "grand" funeral for slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, official media reported Friday, following a lengthy postponement due to the Islamic republic's war with the United States and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to occupy 70% of Gaza, in violation of the US-brokered ceasefire deal between West Jerusalem and Hamas, which allows Israel to control no more than 53% of the enclave.

While toning down previous strong language on China, he still warned against any single power dominating the region and reaffirmed Washington’s position on maintaining stability and supporting allies, including Taiwan. The remarks came amid shifting diplomatic tones following recent high-level US-China engagements.

While officials describe progress toward a temporary extension, Tehran and Washington remain divided on sanctions relief, shipping rights, and Iran’s nuclear program. The talks come amid rising political pressure in the US and global concern over energy markets.

Discussions are expected to cover ceasefire negotiations, regional stability, and the reopening of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies.

Ryan Grim and Moeed Pirzada discuss the Pakistan cipher, Imran Khan’s removal, U.S. influence, and military politics.

At least 14 people, including three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, were martyred and several others injured in a blast which occurred near the railway track close to Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday, the Balochistan government spokesperson said.

Islamabad's key negotiator between the United States and Iran, army chief Asim Munir, is in Beijing alongside the country's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for talks with Chinese leaders, Pakistan television showed on Monday.

A parody political party called the Cockroach Janta Party, with the insect as its symbol, has exploded across India’s social media by turning absurdist humor into protest.

More than a million Muslims are gathering in Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage overshadowed by the Middle East war, as animosity smoulders across the region despite a fragile ceasefire.

With ceasefire talks stalled, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global energy markets while regional security fears intensify.