Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Iran's military has escalated diplomatic pressure on Qatar and Kuwait, demanding access to investigate the fate of pilots allegedly captured by Qatari forces and four Iranians detained in Kuwait, while both Gulf states deny the claims.
Qatar's Foreign Minister has urged Gulf neighbours to coordinate implementation of a US-Iran peace accord, signalling concern over a collapsed ceasefire and escalating Middle East tensions.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iran's Abbas Araghchi have reaffirmed their nations' commitment to regional stability during talks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan.
Air raid sirens sounded across Bahrain on Sunday as Iran intensified military operations targeting Gulf installations, escalating a dangerous cycle of US-Iranian retaliation that threatens regional stability.
Israeli military forces comprising six vehicles crossed into Syria's Quneitra province on Saturday, advancing toward the Kudna Dam while drones surveyed the area, marking another breach of Syrian sovereignty.
Iran's Health Ministry says US military operations on July 8-9, 2026 killed at least 14 people and injured 78 across five provinces, despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has declared that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will only operate under Iranian conditions, rejecting US pressure following fresh American military strikes on Iranian targets.