Israel and Iran traded fire early Monday in retaliatory strikes that threatened to drag the wider Middle East back into a regional war.

Elon Musk praised Pakistan's judicial system after the Lahore High Court (LHC) upheld the death sentences of two men convicted in the motorway gang-rape case and rejected their appeals.

Israel has announced it will keep troops in southern Lebanon and continue military operations despite a newly brokered ceasefire. The decision has sparked criticism at home and raised fresh doubts about whether the truce can hold.

The growing voter backlash is complicating ceasefire efforts and increasing political pressure ahead of national elections.

President Donald Trump acknowledged a heated phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing frustration over the continued fighting in Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities, the Trump administration said on Wednesday, in a boost to hopes for a broader deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal and naval base in St Petersburg just hours before Vladimir Putin’s high-profile economic forum began. The attack highlights Kyiv’s expanding reach deep inside Russia as the war continues with no end in sight.

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector recorded its strongest growth in three months during May, supported by rising domestic demand and smoother supply chains. However, businesses remain cautious as geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns continue to weigh on confidence.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says the country is more prepared than ever for a renewed conflict with the United States and Israel. The warning comes after attacks in Kuwait and fresh clashes around the Strait of Hormuz intensified regional tensions.

Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile assault across Ukraine, striking major cities including Kyiv and Dnipro. The attacks killed at least 18 people and caused widespread destruction as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

India and the United States are close to finalizing the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement, with officials saying 99% of the deal is complete. Only minor legal and technical adjustments remain as negotiations continue.

Lebanon has announced a limited ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel aimed at reducing violence around Beirut and its suburbs. However, clashes continue in southern Lebanon, leaving broader regional peace efforts hanging in the balance.