Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has expressed hope that he will live more than 130 years. During a prayer gathering in Dharamshala, India, he told followers he plans to reincarnate as Tibet’s spiritual leader after death. He emphasized that the right to recognize his successor lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust—not the Chinese government. China has long branded him a separatist. The Dalai Lama, who is already the longest-living Tibetan Buddhist leader, reiterated that his next birth will take place outside Chinese control.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem has declared that there will be no disarmament of the resistance until Israeli aggression ceases. “Before asking us to lay down arms, demand an end to the occupation,” he said. He warned that those advocating surrender would have to face the consequences. Qassem emphasized that defending the homeland requires no external approval, although dialogue could be possible if viable alternatives are presented. His statement came in response to a U.S. proposal urging Lebanon to bring all arms under state control and implement broader reforms.

Donald Trump has alleged that Iran is denying access to nuclear inspectors and has not agreed to halt uranium enrichment. Speaking on Friday, he expressed concern that Iran may be continuing its nuclear program covertly at undisclosed locations. Trump confirmed that he will raise this issue with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in their upcoming White House meeting. Iran had earlier suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached as early as next week, following positive signals from Hamas. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that Hamas has responded constructively to a U.S.-brokered proposal and has shared its stance with mediators Qatar and Egypt. Trump also mentioned that Israel has agreed in principle to the proposed 60-day ceasefire plan.

Three of the 36 Bangladeshi workers detained in Malaysia for alleged involvement with extremist networks have been deported to Bangladesh, according to advisor Asif Nazrul. The individuals are currently being interrogated. Malaysian police allege the group was involved in promoting Islamic State (IS) ideology and fundraising for militant purposes. Fifteen others are also slated for deportation, while the rest remain in police custody. The Bangladesh government is coordinating with Malaysia to ensure legal action against those involved.

A massive billboard in Shiraz, Iran, portrays ancient Persian Emperor Shapur I on horseback as a victorious ruler, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kneeling before him in surrender. Former U.S. President Donald Trump is also depicted standing beside the horse. The symbolic image reflects Iran's confidence following recent military engagements and mirrors the historical surrender of Roman Emperor Valerian in the Battle of Edessa during the 3rd century.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has condemned the aggressive policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them a serious threat to peace and stability in the Middle East. Speaking at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit, Erdoğan said silence is not an option on the Palestine issue.

He also reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting the security and development of the Afghan people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin postponed his departure from a conference on Thursday to take a scheduled call with U.S. President Donald Trump—their sixth public conversation since Trump’s second term began. Apologizing to the attendees, Putin joked, “Trump might get angry if I keep him waiting.” The call occurred amid growing geopolitical tensions, as U.S. military aid to Ukraine was paused and Russia intensified its military operations. Reports also suggest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to join the conversation.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was asked to leave the Oval Office during a high-level defense meeting led by former President Donald Trump, according to NBC News. Lacking proper security clearance, his presence reportedly raised concern among officials. However, Daily Mail reports that Zuckerberg voluntarily stepped out at the President’s request and later held a separate meeting with Trump. While Zuckerberg’s political stance has shifted over time, he was seen as supportive of Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign and attended the 2025 inauguration.

North Korea has strongly condemned the recent reaffirmation by the Quad alliance—comprising the U.S., Australia, Japan, and India—of its commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang labeled the Quad’s stance a “grave political provocation” and accused the group of attempting to unilaterally alter regional dynamics through coercive measures.

North Korea also criticized the United States for allegedly fabricating "cyber threats" against the regime, warning that such provocations could lead to serious consequences.

In a powerful open letter published by Reuters, eleven imprisoned Russian political activists have appealed to world leaders to stand with those persecuted for their beliefs. They claim over 10,000 Russians and Ukrainian civilians are currently jailed for opposing the government or supporting democracy.

The letter condemns Russia's repressive legal system, citing over 100 oppressive laws passed between 2012 and 2022. It calls for the unconditional release of ill prisoners and demands an immediate exchange of prisoners of war and civilians caught in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Although Saudi Arabia publicly condemned Israeli airstrikes during a recent 12-day conflict with Iran, a report by Israel Hayom alleges that Riyadh covertly assisted Israel. The report claims that the Saudi Air Force, with support from Jordan and Iraq, deployed helicopters to intercept Iranian drones.

While Saudi Arabia has not officially acknowledged this collaboration, the revelation has drawn criticism from Iran, which views such actions as contradictory and damaging, especially given the involvement of fellow Muslim-majority nations.

A remarkable example of interfaith unity in history is the story of Rahab Sidh Datt, a Hindu Saraswat Brahmin from India, who fought alongside Imam Hussain in the Battle of Karbala. He and his seven sons sacrificed their lives in support of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson.

Their descendants, known as Hussaini Brahmins, still participate in Ashura commemorations, honoring Shia Islamic traditions regardless of religious differences. Historians and scholars cite this as a profound example of cultural and spiritual ties between Islam and the Indian subcontinent.

Exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi is facing public outrage after expressing support for Israel's military actions and calling on Iranians to rise against their government. Speaking at a press conference in Paris just before a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Pahlavi's comments drew sharp criticism. Rather than backing his call, many Iranians responded with renewed national unity. His failure to condemn Israeli attacks that killed hundreds of civilians, along with his opulent lifestyle, past associations with dictatorship, and disregard for Islamic sites like Al-Aqsa, have severely damaged his credibility, according to analysts.

The U.S. government has resumed accepting visa applications from international students, but Deputy State Department Spokesperson Mignon Houston warned that any misuse of student visas or disorderly conduct on campuses would not be tolerated. “A visa is not just an entry permit—it carries ethical responsibility,” she said. Houston also emphasized the importance of U.S.-India strategic relations, especially within the Quad framework and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, former President Trump expressed optimism over a new fair trade agreement.