Iranian state media said Tehran sees increasing convergence in its talks with the United States, although significant differences remain unresolved. The report added that Iran’s nuclear programme is not part of the initial framework currently under discussion between the two sides.Tensions surrounding the Iran conflict intensified dramatically as the White House signalled growing military readiness while regional powers rushed to prevent a wider war. US President Donald Trump convened a high-level national security meeting amid reports that he is increasingly considering fresh strikes on Iran if ongoing negotiations collapse. The meeting came as the White House shared a brief video of a nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bomber launch shortly after a Pentagon official reportedly stated that “Iran airspace [has been] completely cleared”, drawing comparisons to the final hours before the March conflict erupted.At the same time, frantic diplomatic efforts unfolded across the region. Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled to Tehran for late-night talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, where both sides discussed “latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives to prevent escalation of tensions” and end the ongoing US-Israel-Iran confrontation. A Qatari delegation also arrived in Tehran as part of mediation efforts aimed at securing a diplomatic breakthrough.Despite the push for negotiations, signs of progress remained limited. Iranian officials said talks were continuing but no final agreement was close, while US officials described the negotiations as “agonizing”. Reports suggested Trump had grown increasingly frustrated with the pace of diplomacy and was leaning more strongly towards military action unless a breakthrough emerges soon.The growing fears of renewed conflict also triggered political reactions within the United States. The National Iranian American Council warned against what it called a “foolish war”, saying escalating the conflict would be “wrong morally, strategically and politically”. The group argued that a diplomatic off-ramp remains available and pointed to rising public opposition in the US as fuel prices continue to surge because of the crisis.Taken together, the developments reflect a rapidly escalating geopolitical moment where military posturing, fragile diplomacy and global anxieties over energy security and nuclear escalation are converging at once.

The Twisha, Deepika and Pushpendri cases have sparked outrage, but activists say dowry never really went away. It simply took on a more invisible and just as deadly form

Punjab Kings ended a six-match losing streak with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Captain Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten century, supported by Prabhsimran Singh's quickfire 69. This win propels Punjab to fourth place, but their playoff qualification still depends on other match outcomes. Lucknow had earlier posted 196/6 thanks to Josh Inglis and Ayush Badoni.