Veteran Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his powerful performances in blockbuster films like Top Gun, Batman Forever, The Doors, and Heat, passed away at the age of 65 in Los Angeles. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed he died of pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, and had undergone a tracheotomy that affected his voice and limited his screen appearances.

Remembering a multifaceted performer

Born Val Edward Kilmer on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, he was the youngest student ever admitted to the prestigious Juilliard School at age 17. Kilmer’s early work in comedies like Top Secret! and Real Genius quickly brought him into the limelight. His career skyrocketed with the role of Iceman in Top Gun (1986), starring opposite Tom Cruise.

Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) earned acclaim for its intensity and authenticity. His role as Doc Holliday in Tombstone and as part of the ensemble cast in Michael Mann’s Heat further solidified his standing in Hollywood. In 1995, Kilmer stepped into the iconic cape and cowl as Batman in Batman Forever, following Michael Keaton.

Tributes pour in

Filmmaker Michael Mann paid homage, calling Kilmer’s talent “brilliant and variable” and said the news was “tremendously sad.” Actor Josh Brolin remembered him as “smart, brave and uber-creative,” while British actor David Thewlis called him “extraordinary” and a “friend.” Actor Will Kemp and others remembered Kilmer for his generosity and unique presence on set.

US actor Josh Gad credited Kilmer for shaping the films of his childhood, while James Woods lauded his unforgettable performance as Doc Holliday.

A legacy beyond the screen

Kilmer, who married actress Joanne Whalley in 1988 and had two children with her, was also a visual artist, drawing inspiration from his film characters. In 2021, he released Val, a deeply personal documentary composed of decades of personal video footage, showcasing the ups and downs of his career and life post-cancer.

Despite health setbacks, Kilmer made a memorable return to the screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), once again portraying Iceman. His brief but emotional appearance was praised by fans and co-star Tom Cruise alike.

Film critics and industry insiders agree: Kilmer was never just another leading man. With an unpredictable, often edgy screen persona, he brought depth and complexity to every role he played.

Iran’s armed forces have positioned missiles capable of hitting US-affiliated sites globally, the Tehran Times reported hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to “bomb” the country in response to nuclear negotiations with Tehran.

The report noted many of these missiles are housed in underground silos across Iran, engineered to withstand airstrikes.

On Sunday, Trump had told journalists that if Iran failed to meet US demands it would face unprecedented bombing. The bombing, Trump, said will be of a scale Iran has never seen before.

He also pointed towards reinstating secondary tariffs on Iran and its trade partners, suggesting that a decision would be made in the following weeks based on Tehran’s response.

The Tehran Times reported that Iran’s military is poised with missiles capable of striking US-related targets amid Trump’s ongoing threats of military intervention if an agreement on the nuclear programme isn’t reached. During his presidency, Trump withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which had placed strict restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump reaffirmed that his administration remains open to talks, but emphasized that Iran must show its commitment to curtailing its nuclear endeavors.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the issue through state media. He rejected the idea of direct negotiations with the US but acknowledged the possibility of continuing indirect discussions, facilitated by Oman.

“The supreme leader has also indicated that indirect negotiations can proceed. We do not shy away from negotiations; rather, their unreliability has caused issues for us. They must demonstrate their ability to create trust regarding their decisions, and I hope this will happen,” Pezeshkian was quoted as saying. In summary, tensions are escalating as Iran prepares its military capabilities in response to Trump’s threats, while diplomatic efforts continue on a potentially indirect basis.

Satellite imagery has captured the devastating impact of the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, leading to cataclysmic destruction and resulting in the loss of over 1,600 lives. As international aid efforts mobilize, the country’s death toll has reached 1,644. In Mandalay, residents are desperately searching through the rubble for survivors, while aftershocks continue to shake the already ravaged city.

In Thailand, the situation is similarly grim. Reports indicate a rise in the death toll to 17 as of Sunday, with city officials confirming 32 injuries and 83 individuals still unaccounted for, primarily linked to a 30-story construction tower that collapsed.

In response to the disaster, India has launched its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. A specialized rescue contingent from the 50 (I) Para Brigade was deployed to Myanmar under Operation Brahma. This team, consisting of 118 members with medical and communication capabilities, arrived at Naypyitaw International Airport yesterday, led by the brigade’s commander.

After unloading crucial supplies and equipment, the team has moved to a nearby harbor area, located approximately 45 minutes from the airport. Today marks the beginning of the mission’s expansion, with a reconnaissance unit that includes an officer and a Junior Commissioned Officer heading into Mandalay, situated 160 miles north of their current base.

Mandalay has been designated as the primary operational center, and plans are in place for the full team to arrive later this morning. While aerial deployment is the primary strategy, road access is also being considered to facilitate the establishment of the operational theater.

In light of the earthquake, neighboring countries have dispatched warships and aircraft filled with relief supplies and rescue teams. India, China, and Thailand, alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia, are among those providing support.

Indian military planes have conducted multiple flights into Myanmar, delivering essential supplies and search-and-rescue teams to Naypyitaw, where significant destruction has occurred. The Indian Army is also working to set up a field hospital in Mandalay, with two navy vessels on their way to Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial center, carrying additional supplies.

Chinese rescue teams have also arrived, including a group that entered via land from Yunnan province, as reported by China’s embassy in Myanmar. Additionally, a 78-member team from Singapore, equipped with rescue dogs, has been active in Mandalay today, according to media reports.