Iran Declares Halt to Military Operations Against Israel

Following the first direct combat between the two sides in two months, Iran’s military command announced it has suspended its military operations against Israel, stating it has delivered what it described as a “painful response.” Iran warned it would launch a far stronger counterattack if Israel targets southern Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump, posting on social media, stated that both Israel and Iran were moving toward an immediate ceasefire. Trump had called on both nations to stop hostilities, noting that ongoing peace negotiations could be derailed by what he called “ignorance and foolishness.”

BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet reported that Iran claimed it targeted a petrochemical plant in Haifa and other Israeli facilities, while Israel struck locations in central and western Iran. Yemen’s Houthis also launched missile attacks on Israeli territory during the same period. Israel’s Channel 1 reported that Israel halted its attacks on Iran at Trump’s request, though strikes in southern Lebanon may continue if Hezbollah provokes further action. Israeli and US media confirmed a phone call between Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu, though the details of their discussion remain undisclosed.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X that Iran had not left either the battlefield or the negotiating table, reaffirming national security as the country’s top priority and vowing not to back down from any threat.

Nepal Parliament Remains Blocked Over PM’s Border Remarks

Nepal’s Parliament has remained obstructed for over a week following Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial statement about the Nepal-India border, in which he appeared to suggest Nepal had encroached on Indian land. Opposition parties have demanded a direct clarification from the Prime Minister himself on the floor of Parliament.

Today, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane convened an all-party meeting in an effort to break the deadlock. Though no resolution was reached, both ruling and opposition parties described the meeting as a positive step toward restoring dialogue.

The ruling side maintains that any minister can represent the government’s position in Parliament and that this is sufficient. RSP leader Bipin Acharya said the meeting had at least broken the “communication drought” between the two sides and that further dialogue would be needed to find a final solution.

NCP’s Chief Whip Ain Bahadur Mahar confirmed that opposition members held firm at the meeting, insisting the PM must appear in Parliament and answer directly. The House session following the all-party meeting was again disrupted, with the regular agenda unable to proceed. The Shram Sanskriti Party of Harka Raj Rai boycotted the all-party meeting entirely.

Philippines Earthquake Kills at Least 32 in Mindanao

Authorities in the southern Philippines confirmed at least 32 people were killed and over 100 injured after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao island. Several countries in the region issued tsunami warnings following the powerful tremor. Civil defense officials are continuing to assess the full extent of damage.

Armenia’s PM Pashinyan Wins Sunday Parliamentary Elections

European leaders congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan after his EU-aligned Civil Contract party secured a clear victory in Sunday’s parliamentary elections with just under 50% of the vote. European Council President António Costa said Armenian citizens had voted in favor of peace, stability, and cooperation with their neighbors. Ukrainian President Zelensky described the result as a victory for Armenian sovereignty. Russia criticized the vote, alleging Western interference.

UK Gives Apple & Google 3 Months to Block Nude Images for Minors

The British government has given tech giants including Apple and Google three months to prevent children under 18 from accessing, sending, or receiving nude content via smartphones and devices. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said companies must either introduce new features or update operating systems to enforce this restriction. Failure to comply will result in mandatory legislation. A broader announcement on regulating children’s access to social media is also expected within days.

Everest Guide Survives Nearly a Week Lost on the Mountain

Dawa Sherpa, a mountain guide from Okhaldhunga, was found alive on Everest almost a week after going missing — a survival his own family had not dared hope for. He is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu.

Speaking to BBC Nepali from his hospital bed, Dawa described surviving by eating ice and a few chocolates he found in his pockets, chipping away at frozen surfaces with bare hands, and navigating treacherous snowfields through the night until he reached a crew from a waste-removal company operating on the mountain who rescued him.