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US airstrikes hit Iranian children’s cancer hospital as IRGC claims downing of American MQ-9 drone

A major military escalation in the Middle East has seen US overnight airstrikes hit several Iranian cities, damaging a children’s cancer facility in Ahvaz, while the IRGC claims it has intercepted a US military drone over Andimeshk.

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A fresh round of intense military escalation has unfolded in the Middle East as the United States launched a new wave of overnight airstrikes across Iran. The military action coincided with a renewed American blockade of Iranian ports, prompting Tehran to strike back at regional allies and reaffirm its vow to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz closed until the US halts its military campaign.

Multi-city bombardment impacts medical facility and military sites

Explosions rattled numerous locations across Iran, including major centers and coastal zones such as Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Konarak, Rask City, Khondab, and the western city of Khorramabad.

A severe consequence of the operation occurred in the city of Ahvaz, where local media reported that the Shahid Baghaei Hospital sustained damage from the American bombardment. The strike impacted the hospital’s specialized children’s cancer treatment department, forcing an emergency evacuation of the facility which provides critical chemotherapy treatments.

Beyond civilian infrastructure, Iranian officials stated that the airstrikes hit an army barracks, resulting in the deaths of at least seven troops. According to Tehran, the total casualties from the ongoing US campaign have reached at least 35 dead and more than 300 injured. In response to the aerial incursions, state media confirmed that air defence systems were activated over the capital city of Tehran. Fresh strikes were also reported in Bushehr, the location of Iran’s lone civilian nuclear power plant, following earlier blasts near southern maritime hubs.

Maritime confrontation and regional retaliation

US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its operations targeted Iranian military assets that directly threaten commercial vessels navigating the strategic waterway. Furthermore, the US military confirmed it disabled a Curacao-flagged oil tanker, the M/T Belma, by firing Hellfire missiles into its smokestack after the vessel attempted to breach the naval blockade. CENTCOM confirmed via social media that the ship is no longer moving toward Iran.

In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks targeting the US Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain, triggering air sirens as incoming threats were intercepted. Additionally, Jordan’s armed forces reported intercepting and downing three missiles launched from Iran.

The IRGC also claimed a major defensive success via media reports, stating its aerospace force utilized a newly deployed air defence system to intercept and destroy an “enemy” MQ-9 drone over the southwestern city of Andimeshk. Meanwhile, in northern Iraq, Kurdish forces reported that the US-led coalition successfully shot down eight explosive-laden drones over Erbil, near the US consulate, with no casualties reported.

Washington increases regional arms sales and signals next steps

Against the backdrop of active hostilities, the US State Department announced the provisional approval of a $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia, alongside a separate $484 million aircraft sustainment package for Kuwait. The proposed Saudi agreement includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections for both air-to-air and air-to-ground configurations, alongside launchers, warheads, and logistical support. The package for Kuwait focuses on the sustainment of C-17 aircraft. Both deals must pass congressional review before final finalization.

Following the third wave of American strikes within a 24-hour window, Donald Trump commented during a defence summit at the US Army War College that Iran appears willing to settle, though he remained ambiguous about the path forward. However, in a later media interview, he sharpened his rhetoric, threatening potential strikes on power plants and bridges if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations, warning that the situation would worsen significantly next week.

Diplomacy remains active amid the Hormuz crisis

Despite the surge in kinetic actions, mediated talks between Washington and Tehran have not officially collapsed. Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized that any memorandum of understanding requires valid implementation of its clauses to remain meaningful, warning that Iran will not adhere to the agreement if it receives no tangible benefits.

Concurrently, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the reimposed US naval blockade has effectively compromised the interim Islamabad memorandum established last month.

In what was described as a goodwill gesture, Iran released US-Iranian dual citizen Dena Karari, who had been detained since 2024 on espionage charges related to her work running a non-profit organization. her legal counsel confirmed her release following Trump’s initial announcement.

The conflict remains anchored around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical bottleneck for global energy shipping. Iran originally blockaded the strait following the outbreak of conflict via US-Israeli strikes on February 28. While briefly opened under last month’s diplomatic understanding, the waterway is once again restricted by Tehran until US operations cease. Consequently, maritime data indicates traffic has plummeted to just 21 transits on Tuesday, sparking an upward trend in global oil prices.

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India envoy Dinesh Trivedi meets PM Modi after talks with Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman 

India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met PM Modi after talks with Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman amid diplomatic tensions.

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India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, a day after his meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka.

According to the High Commission of India in Bangladesh, Trivedi sought PM Modi’s guidance on further strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh through a constructive and people-centric approach.

The meeting came a day after Trivedi held discussions with Tarique Rahman on matters of mutual interest and ways to advance ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Dinesh Trivedi Meets Bangladesh PM

During his meeting with Tarique Rahman on Monday, Trivedi conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Modi and reiterated India’s commitment to working with the Bangladeshi administration and its people in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner.

The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and explored avenues for strengthening India-Bangladesh relations with a people-centric approach.

The engagement took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Trivedi also shared his experience of serving in Dhaka over the previous two months.

Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request

The meeting assumed significance as Bangladesh has expressed hope that India will expedite the extradition process involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted following a student-led uprising in 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Office, Dhaka also reiterated its request for India to return individuals it alleges were involved in the killing of Shahid Osman Hadi, a prominent figure associated with the July uprising who was shot on December 12, 2025.

Tarique Rahman stressed the need to create a suitable environment to take forward relations between Bangladesh and India.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and other officials attended the meeting.

India-Bangladesh Ties Amid Diplomatic Friction

The latest high-level engagements come amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries following a virtual press interaction by Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on August 5.

The event, organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia to mark the second anniversary of her ouster, prompted strong objections from Dhaka.

During the interaction, Hasina said she remained determined to return to Bangladesh in December and restore democracy, while acknowledging the possibility of imprisonment or a death sentence upon her return.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently registered a strong protest and said the development had affected public sentiment and complicated efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

India has said the government had no involvement in the event. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was organised by a private media entity and clarified that New Delhi did not endorse views expressed at the forum.

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Trump, PM Modi will resolve tariff issue over Russian oil trade, says US official

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro said Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will resolve the issue over US tariff threats linked to India’s Russian oil trade.

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US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will resolve the issue surrounding the threat of US tariffs linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro said on Tuesday.

Navarro’s remarks came days after the US Senate passed a bill authorising the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the top five purchasers of Russian oil. The measure argues that such purchases directly contribute to financing Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Navarro comments on India’s Russian oil trade

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Navarro said India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia before the Ukraine war began in 2022.

He alleged that India became heavily involved in the trade after Russia’s invasion and sold refined products on behalf of Russia, which he said helped support the Russian war effort.

“Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia, but afterwards it got heavily involved,” Navarro said.

The White House adviser also claimed that the issue had since been resolved and attributed some of the shift in India’s Russian oil trade to an opinion article he recently wrote in the Financial Times.

Trump and Modi will resolve issue, Navarro says

Navarro said the relationship between Trump and Modi would help address the tariff-related issue.

“The president and your prime minister have a very good working relationship. They are going to work that out amongst themselves,” he said, adding that it was not his place to intervene.

His comments come amid US concerns over countries purchasing Russian oil and proposed measures aimed at imposing additional tariffs on major buyers.

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US Senate passes Russia sanctions bill, India-China face 100% tariff risk

The US Senate has passed a Russia sanctions bill that could allow 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China.

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The US Senate has approved a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil or natural gas, including India and China.

The legislation was passed by an 86-11 vote and will now move to the US House of Representatives, which is scheduled to reconvene on August 31.

The bill is named in honour of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine who died on July 11. Graham had pushed for tougher sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine.

India and China among major Russian energy buyers

The legislation gives the US president the power to impose tariffs on the world’s top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas.

India and China are among those countries, along with Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia.

The bill also contains an exception for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and taking steps to reduce their dependence on Russian supplies.

What does the Russia sanctions bill contain?

Apart from the proposed tariffs, the legislation includes sanctions targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior Russian political and military officials, financial institutions and energy projects.

The bill would also expand US sanctions to older and reflagged oil tankers allegedly used by Moscow to bypass existing restrictions on Russian oil and energy revenues.

At the same time, the White House would have the option to waive sanctions or restrictions if the president certifies to Congress that doing so is in the national interest.

Bill also extends Iran sanctions law

The legislation also contains a provision related to Iran. It would extend the expiration date of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2031.

The law penalises companies that invest in Iran’s energy sector.

The bill’s passage in the Senate marks the next step in the US legislative process, but it still needs approval from the House of Representatives before it can move forward.

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