US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that negotiations on a deal with Iran have stalled due to disagreements over specific wording. Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, India, on Tuesday, he said that the issue revolves around a single word or sentence and that resolving it could take several more days. Rubio added that discussions were ongoing in Qatar and that both sides were working through details of the preliminary document.

Addressing recent US strikes near Iran’s naval and missile launch sites close to the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio emphasized that the waterway must remain open under any circumstances. Iranian officials have not yet commented on the strikes, but Iranian state media described them as a violation of the current ceasefire agreement. Previous exchanges of fire between US and Iranian forces have also occurred during the ceasefire.

The stalled negotiations and renewed tensions highlight the fragility of the ongoing diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran, with both sides seeking to maintain influence in the region.

Russia has warned of continued attacks on Ukraine’s defense facilities and urged foreign nationals to leave Kyiv. According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, upcoming strikes will target drone production centers and command sites in the Ukrainian capital. The warning follows a series of large-scale assaults that have intensified the conflict.

Ukraine condemned Moscow’s threat as “shameless blackmail” and called on its allies to increase pressure on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a major Russian attack on Saturday night killed four people and injured nearly 100 others in Kyiv and surrounding areas. Moscow claimed the strikes were in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on a student dormitory in Starobilsk on Friday, which reportedly killed 21 people.

In recent months, Ukraine has expanded its drone warfare capabilities, achieving notable success against Russian targets, particularly energy infrastructure. Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion four years ago, continues to claim control over four eastern Ukrainian regions.

An Israeli drone strike on the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza killed five people on May 26, 2026, according to doctors and residents. The attack occurred when a group of Israel-backed Palestinian militiamen attempted to launch an assault in an area east of the camp. As local residents came out of their homes, a missile was fired from an Israeli drone, resulting in multiple casualties.

Witnesses reported that several others were injured in the strike. The incident follows a rise in infiltration attempts by Israel-supported armed groups in recent weeks. Hamas has labeled these groups as 'Israeli collaborators,' while the militia leaders claim their goal is to bring down Hamas’s rule in Gaza.

The ongoing Israeli war, now lasting more than two years, has left the besieged Gaza Strip devastated, with over 72,500 Palestinians reported killed, according to the source.

The United States military carried out a series of strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats allegedly attempting to lay mines. The US Central Command described the action as “self-defence strikes” to protect American forces from Iranian threats but did not disclose specific details or locations. Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, about 70km from the strait. The attacks occurred as a high-level Iranian delegation arrived in Doha, Qatar, for negotiations aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran, despite a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire in place since April 8.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that while a large portion of issues with Washington had been resolved, a final deal was not imminent. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from India, confirmed the targets and emphasized the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. President Donald Trump said talks were progressing “nicely” but warned of further attacks if negotiations failed.

Analysts noted that the strikes could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts, with limited information available about the scale of the operation or its impact on the ceasefire.

Foreign ministers from India, Japan, and Australia met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi on Tuesday, seeking to revive the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) amid growing doubts about its relevance. Analysts said the meeting, marked by stiff body language, aimed to agree on a long-delayed leaders’ summit as the alliance struggles to maintain unity under U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term. Washington’s military redeployment from the Asia Pacific to the Middle East and Trump’s rapprochement with Chinese President Xi Jinping have raised concerns among Quad members about America’s long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific.

Analysts from Japan and China told Al Jazeera that the Quad’s cohesion has eroded due to shifting U.S. priorities and a lack of leadership. The alliance, which has no formal treaty or mutual defense commitments, has focused on limited initiatives such as vaccines and supply chains but lacks strategic direction. Beijing now views the Quad as an uneven alignment rather than a unified anti-China coalition.

Japan has responded by increasing its defense budget and strengthening partnerships with other allies, while India and Australia are reassessing their positions amid uncertainty over Washington’s reliability.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has arrived in New York for a two-day official visit. His trip comes as Islamabad continues its mediation efforts to end the ongoing war involving Iran. During the visit, Dar is scheduled to participate in a United Nations Security Council debate focused on maintaining international peace and security.

The visit coincides with heightened diplomatic activity surrounding the Iran conflict. While Dar will attend the UN debate, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will not be present, as he was denied a visa to enter the United States. The situation underscores the complex diplomatic environment in which Pakistan is pursuing its mediation role.

The outcome of Dar’s participation in the UN debate and its potential impact on Pakistan’s mediation efforts remain to be seen.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for shooting down a US drone and firing at another aircraft that allegedly entered its airspace. According to a statement published on the IRGC’s Sepah News website, the incident occurred when a US military aircraft entered Iranian airspace over the Persian Gulf region. The IRGC said its air defense units detected and downed an MQ-9 drone.

The statement further mentioned that the Guard forces also fired at an RQ-4 drone and an intruding F-35 fighter jet. However, the IRGC did not specify when these incidents took place. The report was originally cited by Gulf News and republished by the outlet Amar Desh.

The lack of a confirmed timeline or independent verification leaves uncertainty about the exact circumstances and timing of the reported engagements.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has alleged that the United States tested a new weapon system during a missile strike on February 28, the first day of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. The attack reportedly targeted a sports hall and killed 24 people, including a two-year-old girl.

In a post on social media platform X, Baghaei stated that the strike involved an “airburst missile” that exploded midair, releasing high-speed tungsten pellets that caused widespread destruction. He described the incident as a deliberate act aimed at testing the destructive capacity of the new weapon on Iranian civilians.

Baghaei condemned the attack as a clear and heinous war crime, asserting that it was not a mistake but a planned decision. The report was sourced from Al Jazeera, though no response from the United States was mentioned.

More than 1.6 million pilgrims gathered at the plains of Arafat on May 26, 2026, to perform the most significant and spiritual phase of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. From dawn on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims entered Arafat to spend the day in prayer, Quran recitation, and remembrance of God until sunset. The event marks the observance of Wuquf-e-Arafah, considered the central pillar of Hajj.

According to Islamic tradition, the Day of Arafah symbolizes forgiveness, mercy, and spiritual purification. The site holds deep historical and religious importance, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon there in 632 CE, emphasizing justice, equality, and the sanctity of life and property. Pilgrims also listened to the Arafah sermon at noon and performed the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers.

Saudi authorities implemented extensive arrangements for safety, transportation, and healthcare amid extreme heat exceeding 45°C. After sunset, pilgrims departed for Muzdalifah to continue the next stages of Hajj, including the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina.

Iran is presenting a possible preliminary agreement with the United States to end the ongoing war as a diplomatic and strategic victory, despite facing severe military and economic pressure. According to a New York Times report, Iranian officials claim Tehran made no major concessions and that Washington was ultimately compelled to negotiate. A senior US official said both sides have agreed in principle to a deal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and disposing of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, pending approval from Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Analysts note that Tehran’s leadership has framed the outcome as proof of resilience against two nuclear powers. The deal reportedly excludes conditions on Iran’s ballistic missile program or its regional militias. Experts suggest Iran’s new leadership adopted a more aggressive strategy than its predecessor, closing the Strait of Hormuz and attacking Gulf Arab states allied with Washington.

Observers caution that Iran’s economic crisis remains severe, and it is unclear whether the agreement will evolve into a lasting peace or remain a temporary truce.

Iran is considering reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz 30 days after a potential peace agreement to end hostilities, according to a report by Japan’s Nikkei citing a Middle Eastern diplomatic source. The discussions between the United States and Iran reportedly include plans for mine clearance operations in the strait within the first 30 days after the agreement.

Nikkei reported that once the mines are removed, ships from all countries would be able to pass freely and safely, and Iran would stop collecting transit fees. The talks come amid renewed US airstrikes in Iran, which the US military said targeted missile bases and boats allegedly laying mines in self-defense. Iran, however, stated that although some progress has been made in the negotiations, a final agreement is not imminent.

The developments highlight ongoing tensions and cautious diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, with the future of the Strait of Hormuz remaining central to regional stability and global trade routes.

Two Bangladeshi youths from Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur district were killed in a road accident in Iraq’s Kurdistan province early Monday, Bangladesh time. The victims were identified as Bazlur Rashid, 38, and Monohar Ali, 36. Both were working at a confectionery shop in Iraq and were hit by a speeding private car while crossing the road on their way home. Police recovered their bodies and sent them to a local hospital morgue.

Family sources said Monohar Ali had gone to Iraq four years ago after taking a loan, while Bazlur Rashid had been there for one and a half years. Neither had valid documents or work permits. Their families in Jamalpur have been devastated by the news. Both men left behind wives and two children each.

Local administration officials said they learned about the incident through social media and advised the families to contact the Bangladesh Embassy in Iraq for repatriation of the bodies. Authorities also plan to inform higher officials to facilitate the process.

On Monday, the United States and Israel jointly carried out an airstrike on an Iranian naval vessel south of Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian state media, at least four people were killed in the attack. Iranian state television reported that the nearby port city of Bandar Abbas remained calm following the incident.

Citing Fox News, a senior US official stated that American forces targeted a surface-to-air missile site near Bandar Abbas after allegations that missiles had been fired at US warplanes. Sources quoted by Fox News described the military action as defensive and clarified that it did not signal the end of the current ceasefire.

The report, sourced from Middle East Eye, did not indicate any immediate escalation beyond the strike, and the overall situation in the region was described as stable.

The core rituals of this year’s Hajj take place today, Tuesday, the 9th of Zulhijjah, at the historic Arafat plain in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims from around the world are spending the day in prayer and reflection, marking the central phase of the pilgrimage known as the Day of Arafah. The Hajj sermon will be delivered by Sheikh Ali bin Abdur Rahman Al-Huzaifi from Masjid al-Nabawi and broadcast in 50 languages, including Bangla. After sunset, pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah for prayers and overnight stay under the open sky before continuing the remaining rites in Mina.

According to the Saudi authorities, over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived despite regional conflicts, surpassing last year’s international attendance. Bangladesh has sent about 78,500 pilgrims, with 28 reported deaths before the main rituals. The Bangladeshi delegation, led by the religious affairs minister, is monitoring services on-site.

Saudi health officials have urged pilgrims to use umbrellas, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sunlight amid extreme heat. Cooling systems, mist sprays, and water distribution have been arranged in Mina and Arafat to reduce heat-related risks.

Former US diplomat and Pentagon official Adam Clements stated that the recent US strike in Iran’s port city of Bandar Abbas will not cause the existing peace agreement to collapse. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he said the United States is likely gathering intelligence and assessing Iran’s maritime assets near the Strait of Hormuz.

Clements referred to reports that US forces targeted Iranian vessels allegedly involved in missile launch preparations and sea mine deployment. He suggested that the US acted based on such intelligence. Addressing US Central Command’s accusation that Iran was laying mines in the sea, he warned that such actions by Iranian forces could provoke a deadly response.

Clements added that Iran should not be surprised by the US decision to take this kind of military action, implying that the move was consistent with prior warnings and intelligence assessments.