The 39-year-old Serb - a three-time champion at Roland Garros - lost 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 as temperatures again reached 33 degrees C (91 F).

Djokovic looked exhausted in the fifth set but soldiered on and his exit leaves the men's draw even more open following Jannik Sinner's second-round exit on Thursday.

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Facing Fonseca for the first time, Djokovic mixed trademark defense with stunning winners and delicate drop shots to win the first two sets.

But Fonseca proved resilient and the tied the match on sets. In the final game, Djokovic had a break point for 6-6 but Fonseca served out with three consecutive aces.

"I just enjoyed being on court and what a pleasure it was. It's my first stepping on court against him," Fonseca said. "I was just trying to hit the ball as fast I could. Djokovic don't miss, we still think he's 20. At the end of the match I think he was more fit than me, that's crazy."

About his flurry of aces, he joked: "I felt like (big server) John Isner. I never did this before."

Then he wished his mother in the crowd happy birthday and thanked all the Brazilians in the crowd.

Djokovic put ice packs on both sides of his face during changeovers. Still, he looked to be in command when he clinched the second set with a forehand volley at the net.

But Fonseca, who kept pushing Djokovic back with his big forehand, broke early in the third set and held on to it.

In the fifth set, Djokovic frantically tried to find ways to recover some energy against an opponent 20 years younger but he couldn't hide his fatigue: He hunched over the advertising boards, his forearms dangling; slumped back in his chair with a towel on his head; grabbed his head with his hands.

After the final point at the net, Djokovic was impressed and generous of Fonseca's fighting spirit - something he has displayed in abundance over the years.

US President Donald Trump on Friday finished a meeting during which he said would make a "final determination" on an Iran peace deal, a White House official told AFP.

The official would not say if Trump had reached a decision on the deal with Tehran during the gathering in the high security White House Situation Room.

Israel-Lebanon security talks begin at the Pentagon

The US secretary of state had a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to praise him for pursuing peace talks with Israel, as Israel and Lebanon held their first security-related meeting in Washington at the Pentagon.

Rubio "commended President Aoun's courage and vision in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel, even as Hezbollah continues its attempts to derail those talks at the expense of the Lebanese people," the State Department said in a statement Friday.

Talks between senior officials from Israel and Lebanon have been going on since last month but are complicated by the fact that Hezbollah, Israel's target, is not participating in the discussions and has refused to accept their results.

Rubio told Aoun that Hezbollah "is entirely responsible for the ongoing fighting and emphasised the need for Hezbollah to immediately cease its attacks and provocations to enable de-escalation."

Iran preparing 'grand' funeral for slain supreme leader

Iranian authorities are laying the groundwork for a "grand" funeral for slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, official media reported Friday, following a lengthy postponement due to the Islamic republic's war with the United States and Israel.

Though the timing was still uncertain, "a special headquarters has been formed to prepare for the funeral ceremony, and various agencies are currently planning and making arrangements", state TV reported, citing Mohsen Mahmoudi, head of the Tehran Coordination Council for Islamic Propaganda.

Khamenei, who led the Islamic republic for more than three decades, was killed in the first wave of US-Israeli strikes that launched the war on February 28.

His son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei was also wounded in the attacks and has not been seen in public since assuming office.

An event paying tribute to the elder Khamenei was organised in April, but a state funeral that was initially announced could not be held because of the war.

State TV, citing Mahmoudi, said "different organisations are working to provide the necessary conditions so that, once officially announced, a 'grand' ceremony can be held", adding "widespread attendance" was expected.

Though a ceasefire has largely held since coming into effect in April, a deal to definitively end the conflict has proven elusive.

Hamas calls Israeli advance in Gaza 'blatant violation' of truce

Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday of a "blatant violation" of the October 2025 ceasefire after he ordered the army to seize more territory in the Gaza Strip.

"In a blatant violation of all agreements, as is their usual practice, Netanyahu announced expanding control over 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, while the killing and starvation continue," Hamas spokesman Bassem Naim said.

Iran says 'no negotiations' taking place on nuclear issue

Iran's foreign ministry said Friday that there were "no negotiations" taking place on its nuclear programme, after US President Donald Trump suggested it would relinquish its enriched uranium under a deal to end the Middle East war.

"At this stage, we are focused on ending the war, and there are no negotiations on the nuclear issue," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state TV.

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Iran begin World Cup preparation with friendly win over Gambia

Iran began their World Cup preparations with a 3-1 friendly victory against Gambia in Turkey on Friday.

The team's players are still waiting for their visas to enter the United States, where they will play their three World Cup group stage matches.

Iran have moved their base to Mexico due to the tensions between them and the United States over the war in the Middle East.

They trailed 1-0 at half-time to Gambia in Antalya before launching a second half comeback, with three goals in 20 minutes, including one by Olympiacos forward Mehdi Taremi.

Iran will play another friendly against Mali in Antalya next Thursday and begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles.

They will play further group matches against Belgium, also in LA, and Egypt in Seattle.

UN chief hopes diplomacy on Iran will end conflict

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hopes “very much” that diplomatic efforts aimed at extending the ceasefire in the Iran war “will prevail,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Friday.

“We hope to see an end to this conflict,” he said, “and we want to see a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to free and unhindered navigation.”

Iran says still 'no final agreement' on deal with US

Iran's foreign ministry said Friday that there was still "no final agreement" with the United States to end the Middle East war, after US President Donald Trump said he was making his decision on a potential deal.

"Regarding the understanding, as I said while speaking to you, exchanges of messages are continuing, but no final agreement has been reached yet," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state media.

Rubio thanks Pakistan for ‘constructive role’ in ceasefire efforts

In a meeting on Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for his country’s efforts in trying to mediate an end to the Iran war.

In a separate statement, the foreign ministry said “Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s sincere diplomatic and mediatory efforts for peace and stability in the region and beyond.”

Iran source: US ‘political understanding’ reached, no final deal

A senior Iranian source has told Reuters that Tehran and Washington have reached a “political understanding”, but no final agreement has been finalised yet.

The comments come amid signs of cautious progress in negotiations between the two sides, though key details reportedly remain unresolved.

Iran source: Trump comments are 'mixture of truth and lies'

Iran's Fars news agency cited informed sources on Friday as saying the latest comments by US President Donald Trump about a potential deal to end the Middle East war were a "mixture of truth and lies".

"Trump claimed that Iran was obligated to open the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, even though no such clause appears in the text of the agreement," the agency said.

On Trump's assertion that Washington and Tehran would coordinate on destroying Iran's enriched uranium, it added: "Well-informed sources emphasised that not only does this not appear in the memorandum of understanding, but this claim is fundamentally baseless."

Iran FM says deal depends on end to 'excessive' US demands

Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi told his Omani counterpart that reaching a deal with the United States to end the Middle East war depended on Washington dropping its "excessive demands", Tehran's foreign ministry said Friday.

"The Iranian minister of foreign affairs... indicated that arriving at a final agreement depended on ending the American party's attitude based on excessive demands and shifting and contradictory positions," the ministry said in a summary of a call between the ministers.

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Trump to make final call on Iran ceasefire soon

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he was now making a "final" decision on whether or not to strike a peace deal with Iran.

"I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination," Trump said in a lengthy social media post, stressing that Iran must agree never to have nuclear weapons and to open the Hormuz shipping lanes.

In the post, Trump said that Iran "will complete the immediate removal" of mines in the strait and that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports "will now be lifted," allowing oil and other tankers to start moving.

However, it was not clear if Iran had agreed to this or whether the US blockade had actually been lifted ahead of Trump making his decision.

Trump also specified that enriched uranium stockpiles in Iran "will be unearthed by the United States... in close coordination and conjunction with the Islamic Republic of Iran, plus the International Atomic Energy Agency, and DESTROYED."

Following reports that Iran has demanded financial compensation for the war and that the White House has floated the idea of investments, Trump said "no money will be exchanged, until further notice."

The US president added that only "items, of far less importance, have been agreed to."

Trump outlines Iran nuclear, maritime demands in social media post

US President Donald Trump has issued a series of demands and claims regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz in a post on social media, saying Tehran must agree never to obtain a nuclear weapon and calling for the immediate reopening of the key shipping route.

Trump said the Strait of Hormuz should be “immediately open” with no tolls and unrestricted shipping in both directions, adding that any naval mines in the area should be removed or destroyed.

He also claimed that US forces had previously cleared mines in the region using underwater capabilities, and said any remaining devices would be dealt with by Iran.

Trump added that vessels affected by what he described as a U.S. naval blockade would be allowed to return home following what he said was a lifting of restrictions.

The US president further stated that nuclear-related material buried underground would be removed and destroyed in coordination with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), claiming only the United States and China have the capability to carry out such an operation.

He also said no payments would be made until further notice and that other unspecified issues had been agreed upon, adding that he would meet officials in the Situation Room to take final decisions.

Rubio meets Pakistani FM amid talks on Iran war

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his Pakistani counterpart at the State Department in Washington on Friday, as negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran drag on.

The meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar - whose country is acting as mediator between the United States and Iran - came days after Rubio's visit to India, Pakistan's historic rival.

The two officials did not address the press.

Vice President JD Vance said late Thursday that progress had been made toward an agreement between the United States and Iran.

On Friday, Iran's Tasnim news agency, citing a source, said the text had not yet been finalized and that the wording of the potential memorandum of understanding had "undergone some changes in recent days."

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Lebanon president tells Rubio that Israel truce crucial to talks progress

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday that a ceasefire with Israel was crucial, as Israeli and Lebanese military delegations meet at the Pentagon.

A statement from Aoun's office said that during a phone call, the president "emphasised the need to exert all efforts to reach a ceasefire, considering it an essential gateway to moving on to any other step".

Iran’s Araghchi holds 'productive' talks with Oman over Hormuz

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held what he described as “productive” talks with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, Araghchi said the two sides discussed the future of Hormuz and its management in line with “sovereign responsibilities and international law”.

He said the phone conversation with the Omani foreign minister focused on regional maritime developments and was constructive in tone.

Greece man charged over alleged Iranian-linked journalist plot

A Greek national was set to appear in court Friday on charges that he helped the intelligence service of a foreign country, believed to be Iran, target a journalist working in London.

The allegations against Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, relate to attempts to target a journalist for Iran International, a media outlet that has traditionally been critical of the country's Islamic government, London's Metropolitan Police Service said in a statement.

"We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media,'' Commander Helen Flanagan said. "We continue to work closely with a number of organizations and individuals to provide them with advice and support around their safety and security, and this includes the specific individual and organisation linked to this investigation.''

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Oil falls further, stocks mixed on US-Iran truce prospects

Global markets traded mixed on Friday as oil prices slipped, driven by investor optimism over a potential US–Iran agreement to extend their fragile ceasefire and ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil markets have fluctuated this week amid shifting signals from Washington and Tehran, including brief disruption after US strikes on Iran and retaliatory moves in the region. However, hopes of a 60-day ceasefire extension helped stabilise sentiment and supported gains on Wall Street, with the S&P 500 hitting another record high.

European indices moved unevenly ahead of the weekend as traders weighed geopolitical risks against improving economic data and easing recession fears linked to lower oil prices.

Analysts said markets remain sensitive to any delay in a potential deal, warning that failure to secure an agreement could trigger renewed volatility in oil prices and global equities.

Despite uncertainty, broader sentiment has been supported by strong corporate earnings and continued momentum in artificial intelligence-driven investment, which has fuelled a global equity rally and pushed major Asian markets higher.

US judge blocks Trump $1.776b settlement fund payouts

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from issuing payments from a $1.776 billion settlement fund set up for Trump allies who claim they were targeted by a “weaponised” government.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia also halted the creation of the fund while legal challenges remain pending.

The court scheduled a hearing for June 12 to decide whether the freeze on payouts from the so-called “Anti-Weaponisation Fund” should be extended. The fund was established to settle Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns.

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Iran port blockade: US redirects 115 commercial vessels

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces have redirected 115 commercial vessels as part of an ongoing maritime blockade aimed at preventing trade to and from Iranian ports.

In a statement on social media, CENTCOM said the enforcement operation continues across key waterways to ensure “no commerce enters or leaves Iranian ports.”

The military has not provided additional operational details, but has previously described the mission as part of broader efforts to restrict maritime traffic linked to Iran amid heightened regional tensions.

The blockade has seen a growing number of commercial ships diverted in recent weeks as part of sustained naval enforcement operations in the region.

India races to move 13 ships out of Strait of Hormuz

India has launched an emergency maritime operation to guide 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate in the Gulf region.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the coordinated effort aims to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and protect key maritime assets amid rising geopolitical risks in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs has also advised Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iran and urged those already there to leave.

The vessels include tankers, container ships, bulk carriers and a dredger currently navigating the strategic shipping corridor.

Officials confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no hostile incidents reported. More than 3,400 Indian seafarers have already been repatriated from Gulf countries as part of ongoing evacuation efforts.

Air connectivity across the region remains largely operational, with flights running from several Gulf countries, while Indian missions continue assisting citizens through evacuation routes, including from Iran where thousands have already been assisted to exit.

Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored as concerns grow over energy security and global oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

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China leaders skip Asia defence summit headlined by US

China has opted not to send senior defence officials to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s leading security summit, which opened on Friday and is being headlined by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Beijing’s Defence Minister Dong Jun is skipping the three-day forum for a second consecutive year, with China instead dispatching military academics and scholars. The absence comes despite key discussions expected on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Iran conflict.

The forum brings together officials from around 45 countries and has traditionally served as a platform for defence dialogue and behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

Analysts say China’s absence highlights its growing confidence as a regional power, while also avoiding high-pressure diplomatic exchanges. However, it also means Beijing will not be directly represented in high-level discussions on major security flashpoints.

The United States, Britain and Australia are also expected to hold talks under the AUKUS security framework during the summit, with Canberra emphasising the need to uphold a “rules-based order” amid rising regional tensions.

Iran secures gains “through missiles, not talks,” says top negotiator

Iran’s top negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said the Islamic Republic secures concessions “not through talks, but through missiles.”

In a post on X, Ghalibaf said negotiations are only a channel to communicate outcomes, adding that Iran places trust in “actions, not words or guarantees.”

He also stressed that no agreement will move forward unless the other side acts first, signalling Iran is waiting for US steps amid ongoing talks linked to a possible ceasefire framework and developments around the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports suggest the US and Iran are close to a draft understanding to extend a ceasefire arrangement and manage tensions in the strategic waterway, though final approval remains pending on both sides.

Ghalibaf further said any agreement favours the side better prepared for conflict after it is signed, underscoring Iran’s hardline stance during the negotiation.

Iran’s IRGC says 24 ships crossed Strait of Hormuz in 24 hours

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said 24 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours in coordination with Iranian authorities.

In a statement carried by Iran’s Fars News Agency, the IRGC Navy said a limited number of ships are being allowed to transit the strategic waterway each day through designated routes, in an effort to ease congestion.

The force said maritime traffic is being managed under its supervision, with vessels required to coordinate and obtain clearance before passage through the strait.

India diversifying oil imports beyond Gulf region: Top official

India is diversifying its sources of oil and gas imports to make up for the shortfall in supplies caused by the choking of the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia crisis, a senior official said on Friday.

"Energy security is very important for us. We are trying to diversify our sources from across the world, and that is our policy at present. We welcome whatever support we can receive from various markets around the world," said Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesman.

He also said that 11 Indian-flagged vessels are still stuck in the Persian Gulf region.

"As many as 14 ships that were also in the Persian Gulf have already returned; they were able to cross the Strait of Hormuz and have reached India," Jaiswal added.

Meanwhile Indian oil companies have been buying more oil from Russia and African countries such as Nigeria and Angola.

India's crude sourcing decisions were driven primarily by commercial considerations and adequate supply availability, a Petroleum Ministry official said.

German inflation slows, ECB still expected to raise rates

German inflation slowed in May as energy price pressures sparked by the Iran war eased, data showed, but analysts still expect a eurozone interest rate increase next month.

Consumer prices in Europe's biggest economy rose 2.6 percent compared with the same month a year earlier, according to preliminary data from the federal statistics agency Destatis. The figure was down from 2.9 percent in April.

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Lebanese, Israeli officers to meet in Washington

Lebanese and Israeli military delegations were to hold security talks at the Pentagon on Friday, during which Beirut will demand Israel halt its attacks, which have intensified in recent days.

The development comes as the United States and Hezbollah's backer Iran, were negotiating with Tehran, which insists the fighting in Lebanon must be included in any agreement ending the Middle East war.

Also on Friday, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for seven southern Lebanese towns, two of them around 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Israel.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported several strikes across the south, and a wave of displacement as people fled the threatened towns.

Lebanon's delegation includes six officers, headed by the army's director of operations, Georges Rizkallah.

A Lebanese military source told AFP the delegation will "emphasise the need for a ceasefire, and will present the army's plan for a state weapons monopoly and the extension of state authority across the country".

Chinese airlines cut domestic fuel surcharges from June 5

9 Air and Shandong Airlines will reduce fuel surcharges on domestic flights from June 5, marking the first cut since recent geopolitical tensions affected pricing, according to a Reuters report.

Flights of 800 km or less will see surcharges drop from 90 yuan to 80 yuan.
Routes above 800 km will fall from 170 yuan to 150 yuan.

Chinese carriers typically align surcharge revisions, suggesting other airlines may soon follow with similar reductions.

Danish intelligence says Iran poses increased terror threat

Danish intelligence said that Iran was playing a larger role when it came to the threat of terrorism against the Scandinavian country, adding that the threat assessment was mirroring global developments.

The Danish national security and intelligence service, PET, said the overall threat to Denmark remained at four on their five-point scale, but added that in recent years the threats had "changed significantly in character".

"Over the past year state actors have become increasingly important to the terror threat. We assess that this applies in particular to Iran, which poses a threat especially to Israeli and Jewish interests as well as certain Iranian dissidents in Europe, including Denmark," Finn Borch Andersen, head of PET, said in a statement.

"The threat from Iran emanates from the Iranian intelligence services, which make use of both criminal networks and the recruitment of operatives in Europe to plan and carry out attacks," he added.

In neighbouring Sweden, the Swedish Security Service (Sapo) has also accused Iran of using criminal gangs to commit "acts of violence" against Israeli interests and Iranian opposition figures in Sweden - a claim Iran has denied.

According to PET, the escalation in animosity between Iran and Israel in recent years, and since the launch of strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran in February, has reverberations for the threat level against the Nordic nation and across Western countries.

"This war has had indirect consequences for the threat landscape in the West, including Denmark," PET said.

PET said that in the past, threats were primarily driven by "non-state actors", such as militant extremists, and that while state actors now played a larger role, the threat from other groups persisted.

"Several attacks in the West over the past year have unfortunately also demonstrated that classic threat actors such as militant Islamists and right-wing extremists remain among the most serious challenges in the threat landscape," Borch Andersen said.

UN says 15 children killed in Lebanon in last 7 days

Fifteen children have been killed in Lebanon and 62 injured over the last seven days, the United Nations said Friday, despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

UNICEF, the UN children's agency, called the figures "staggering" and stressed that under international humanitarian law, children had to be protected at all times during conflict.

"According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, 77 children have reportedly been killed or injured over the past week alone," UNICEF spokesman Ricardo Pires told a media briefing in Geneva.

"Fifteen children killed and 62 injured in seven days. That's an average of 11 children every 24 hours.

"We understand the vast majority of these children were impacted by airstrikes in south Lebanon. Only yesterday, seven children were killed and 30 injured," he said.

Possible Iran-US deal: What we know

The United States and Iran appear to have the draft text of an agreement to extend their ceasefire for 60 days and provide a framework to negotiate longer-term peace.

According to US Vice President JD Vance, the document is now awaiting Donald Trump's signature.

But there have been conflicting reports from sources in Washington and Tehran about what might be covered in the initial agreement and what is off the table.

Key nuclear issues still unresolved in Iran talks

US Vice President JD Vance said it remains unclear when or whether President Donald Trump will sign a preliminary agreement with Iran, adding that negotiations continue over key nuclear issues.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Colorado, Vance said Tehran appears keen to reach a deal, while negotiators are still going back and forth over two points related to the wording of the proposed agreement.

"There are two outstanding areas of disagreement on the nuclear issue," Vance said, citing Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the future of uranium enrichment activities.

Dubai gold prices rise amid Iran war fears

 Gold prices in Dubai moved higher on Friday as global markets reacted to ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, alongside uncertainty over inflation and interest rates in the United States.

In the UAE, 24K gold opened at Dh544 per gram, up from Dh541.25 at yesterday’s close.

Meanwhile, 22K gold climbed to Dh503.75 from Dh501.25. The gains come as investors continue to move cautiously amid uncertainty surrounding a possible extension of the US-Iran ceasefire and concerns over global economic stability.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister arrives in Washington for talks with Rubio

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar arrived in Washington for a high-level official visit, where he was received by Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and senior embassy officials. The visit centers on meetings with US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues. Dar is expected to return to Islamabad the same day following the conclusion of his engagements.

Spain inflation steady at 3.2% in May

Spanish inflation held steady in May even as the Middle East war roiled global energy markets, preliminary data showed Friday.

The annual inflation rate stood at 3.2 percent in May, unchanged from April, as a rise in transport costs was partially offset by lower clothing and footwear costs, statistics office INE said in a statement.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices were broadly stable, compared with increases a year earlier, it said.

Global energy markets have been jolted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas exports from the resource-rich Gulf region, following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

In response to rising energy uncertainty, Spain's leftist government approved a support package in March that included a temporary cut in the value-added tax on gas and fuel to 10 percent from 21 percent.

China leaders skip Asia defence summit headlined by US

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is the headline speaker at Asia's premier defence summit opening Friday, but China's top officials aren't expected despite weighty questions like Taiwan and the war in Iran.

Beijing's defence minister is to skip the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore for the second year running, which analysts viewed as a sign of China's rising power.

Yet, the forum that brings together top officials from around 45 nations has historically provided a setting for debate as well as quiet and high-profile diplomacy.

Defence Minister Dong Jun's absence means no meeting there with Hegseth as China warns the US over its involvement with Taiwan and Washington seeks an end to the Mideast war.

The Middle East was the source of 57 percent of China's direct seaborne crude imports in 2025 - 5.9 million barrels per day (mbd) - maritime tracking firm Kpler said.

Hegseth's second trip to the Shangri-La Dialogue comes after US President Donald Trump's visit to China in May, and his subsequent suggestion that US arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a bargaining chip with Beijing.

Hegseth's speech on Saturday is expected to be "quite strong against China, but mainly for internal (US) consumption", said Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

"I think under Trump anything is negotiable and even with enemies deals can be done... (even) with Taiwan as a negotiating chip," Oh told AFP.

Trump said "fantastic" trade deals were struck after his visit to China, although details were vague and no breakthrough with Beijing emerged in the war with Iran.

Asian markets hit records on Iran ceasefire hopes

Markets in Japan and South Korea hit fresh records as Asian shares advanced Friday on expectations the US and Iran will agree to extend the ceasefire in their war by 60 days.

Oil prices slipped, but remain above pre-war levels as the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. Analysts warned that the potential ceasefire extension should be viewed with caution, as it will take time for oil supplies to recover.

US futures edged higher.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 jumped 2.5% and ended at a record high of 66,329.50, as data released Friday showed that Tokyo's core inflation rate for May rose more slowly than economists expected.

South Korea's Kospi surged 3.6% to 8,476.15, also at an all-time closing high, with technology companies powering the gains thanks to the global boom in artificial intelligence. Shares in Samsung Electronics, the country's leading company, rose 5.8%.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.9% to 25,222.38, while the Shanghai Composite index fell 0.9% to 4,063.56.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was up 1.6% at 8,731.70.

Taiwan's Taiex traded 2.5% higher. India's Sensex edged down 0.2%.

US sanctions multiple entities, vessels in Iran oil trade clampdown

The United States sanctioned many companies, individuals and vessels as part of a sweeping new crackdown on Iran's oil and petrochemical trade, accusing them of helping facilitate transactions involving Iranian-origin products.

The US Department of State announced sanction on several companies linked to what it called Iran's "shadow oil economy", saying the measures are intended to cut off revenue used by Tehran to fund destabilising activities and support its military apparatus.

The action formed part of a broader sanctions package targeting traders, shipping companies and vessels allegedly involved in transporting Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products.

"Today's sanctions action also targets three companies trading Iranian petrochemical products and one of their principal executive officers," the State Department said. It added that such companies provide "valuable revenue for the Iranian regime".

Fibre-optic drones used by Iran-backed Hezbollah 'rewriting rules of war'

Hezbollah has dramatically expanded its use of fibre-optic-guided drones against Israeli troops and border communities, according to Wired tech magazine.

Adopting tactics refined on the battlefields of the Russia-Ukraine war, it is creating what Israeli officials now describe as one of the most difficult aerial threats they have faced in years.

Military analysts say the Iranian-backed proxy terror group based in Lebanon is increasingly relying on fibre-optic first-person-view, or FPV, drones. The reason: they can bypass Israel’s sophisticated electronic warfare systems and radar defenses.

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Trump won't accept 'bad deal' with Iran: US Treasury Secretary

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that President Donald Trump would not accept a "bad deal" with Iran, insisting that any agreement must address Tehran's nuclear programme and guarantee open shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Discussions with Iran were continuing, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent repeatedly declined to confirm reports of a tentative agreement, telling reporters at the White House that any deal would depend on President Donald Trump's approval.

"The teams have been going back and forth and President Trump has made it very clear," Bessent said. He added that Iran "has to turn over their highly enriched uranium", "cannot pursue a nuclear weapon" and that "the Strait of Hormuz has to free transit. Navigation of the seas has to be free and open as it was before".

"He's not going to take a bad deal. He's going to make a great deal for the American people," Bessent said.

US, Iran made 'a lot of progress' towards deal: Vance

The United States and Iran have made good progress towards a ceasefire extension deal but President Donald Trump is not yet ready to approve it, US Vice President JD Vance said Thursday.

"We're going back and forth on a couple of language points. We've made a lot of progress here," Vance told reporters, hours after US sources said Washington and Tehran had agreed a deal.

"Hopefully, we'll continue to make progress and the president will be in a position where he can endorse the agreement, but obviously that's still TBD (to be determined)," he added. 

US sanctions more Iranian oil sales despite tentative deal

The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday announced additional sanctions on Iran's military oil sales even as one U.S. official said that Tehran and Washington had reached a tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire and start nuclear negotiations.

The latest penalties -- first reported by The Associated Press -- are part of the Trump administration's sprawling and ever-growing economic pressure campaign to get Iran to capitulate to its demands. But both Republican and Democratic administrations have levied countless sanctions against Iran for decades to no avail.

The action puts additional sanctions on Sepehr Energy Jahan -- the oil sales arm of Iran's armed forces -- which facilitates the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil to China. In a news release, Treasury claimed that Iran's military generates revenue through these sales "via an array of front companies to help fund its reconstitution and threaten its neighbors."

"The Treasury Department will continue to increase pressure on Iranian oil sales to deprive the Iranian regime and its military of the financial resources it needs to threaten U.S. allies and partners in the Middle East," Secretary Scott Bessent said.

Iran World Cup team still waiting for US visas: ambassador says

Iran's football team still lacks US visas and is not competing in World Cup on "equal terms" because of its difficulty in training ahead of the tournament, its ambassador to Mexico said Thursday. Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh visited the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iranians have relocated their training camp. They were originally planned to be based in Tucson in the US state of Arizona.

The ambassador told a news conference that "the country to the north" -- meaning the US -- had not followed through on its responsibility of hosting the Iranian team. "We don't know whether or not they're going to give the players their visas," he added.

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'Initial framework': US, Iran edge toward 60-day deal to prevent further escalation 

US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed in principle to an initial framework that would extend a fragile ceasefire for 60 days and open formal negotiations over the future of Iran’s nuclear program, according to US officials familiar with the talks.

The proposed agreement, reported by the BBC, has not yet received final approval from President Donald Trump or Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. American officials described the arrangement as an "initial framework" aimed at preventing further escalation after weeks of military confrontation in the Gulf region.

The deal would open the Strait of Hormuz and start a 60-day negotiation period on Iran’s nuclear program, CNN reported.

But uncertainty quickly emerged from Tehran.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim cited a source close to the negotiations who denied that any final agreement had been completed or formally confirmed, highlighting continuing divisions and mistrust between the two longtime adversaries.

Both sides have accused each other of violating an already shaky ceasefire announced earlier this week following US strikes on Iranian military targets and retaliatory attacks by Tehran-aligned forces.

On Thursday, Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted a US military base in the region after fresh overnight American strikes hit southern Iran. Iranian state-linked media described the attacks as retaliation for what Tehran called “continued aggression” against its territory.

Middle East war leads to 3.4% fall in air passenger demand in April: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today released data for April 2026 global passenger demand.

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down -3.4 per cent compared to April 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2 per cent. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), decreased -2.9 per cent year-on-year. The load factor was 83.1 per cent (-0.4 ppt compared to April 2025).

International demand fell -5.3 per cent compared to April 2025. Excluding Middle East, demand grew by 1.9 per cent. Capacity was down -5.1 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9 per cent (-0.2 ppt compared to April 2025).

Domestic demand was flat compared to April 2025. Capacity increased 0.8 per cent year-on-year. The load factor was 81.9 per cent (-0.7 ppt compared to April 2025).

"The 46.6 per cent fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down -3.4 per cent. The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand." said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.

US Treasury chief threatens to sanction Oman if it joins Hormuz tolls

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday threatened to target ally Oman if it helped impose a tolling system in the key Strait of Hormuz, warning of sanctions against all parties involved in such actions.

"Oman, in particular, should know that the US Treasury will aggressively target any actors involved - directly or indirectly - in facilitating tolls for the Strait and any willing partners will be penalized," Bessent warned in a post on X.

He said the United States would "not tolerate any effort to impose a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz," a reference to Iranian proposals to do so as part of a potential agreement with Washington.

Bessent later told a White House press briefing that he spoke with the Omani ambassador earlier Thursday, and received assurances that "there were no plans for tolling" the critical waterway.

"I told him that this was a non-starter and he did not want to risk either the Oman individuals or Omani financial institutions getting sanctioned," Bessent said.

Arab Parliament strongly condemns Iranian terrorist attacks targeting Kuwait

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, strongly condemned the Iranian terrorist attacks targeting the State of Kuwait with missiles and drones, stressing that they constitute a blatant assault on Kuwait's sovereignty, a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, and a serious breach of international law.

In a statement issued today, Al Yamahi affirmed the Arab Parliament's full solidarity with the State of Kuwait in all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty and ensure the security of its citizens and residents.

He also reiterated that the security of the State of Kuwait is an integral part of Arab national security.

Bigger proportion of non-Iran ships crossing Hormuz strait: data

The proportion of vessels not linked to Iranian ownership that are transiting the key Strait of Hormuz has risen, according to data from maritime firm Lloyd's List Intelligence shared Thursday.

This despite Iran blockading the waterway since the start of the Middle East war on February 28, preventing a large share of Gulf countries' hydrocarbon exports, in turn harming the global economy.

"The last week we saw ships flagged with Singapore, UAE, South Korea, and also a Norway flagged-vessel going through the Gulf, specifically exiting," said Bridget Diakun, an analyst at Lloyd's List Intelligence.

Crossings by very large crude carriers not tied to Iran appear in particular to be picking up again.

Of the 27 recorded by analytics firm Kpler since the start of the conflict, more than half took place in May.

Five of these huge oil tankers meanwhile left the Gulf through the strait between May 20 and May 26.

Three of them - the Eagle Veracruz sailing under the Singaporean flag, as well as the Eagle Verona and the Yuan Gui Yang each flying the Chinese flag - have declared China as their destination.

Israel slams 'shameful and absurd' inclusion on UN sexual violence list

Israel denounced on Thursday a UN decision to blacklist the country over alleged sexual violence in conflict zones, calling the move "shameful and absurd".

"The shameful and absurd UN decision to include Israeli entities in the annex to the CRSV (conflict-related sexual violence) report is further proof of the UN's true nature: a politicised and corrupt organisation that has abandoned its founding principles and systematically targets Israel as its primary mission," Oren Marmorstein, a spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry, said on X.

Israel PM says orders army to take control of 70 per cent of Gaza Strip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he had ordered the country's military to take control of 70 per cent of the Gaza Strip, in defiance of the terms of a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October.

"We are currently squeezing Hamas. We now control 60 percent of the territory in the strip. You know, we were at 50, we moved to 60. My directive is to move to... 70 per cent," he said at a conference in an occupied West Bank settlement, according to a video aired by Israel's Channel 12 network.

US Treasury chief threatens to sanction Oman if it facilitates Hormuz tolls

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened Thursday to target Oman if it helped impose a tolling system in the key Strait of Hormuz, warning of sanctions against parties involved.

"Oman, in particular, should know that the US Treasury will aggressively target any actors involved - directly or indirectly - in facilitating tolls for the Strait and any willing partners will be penalized," Bessent warned in a post on X.

Israel breaks all contact with UN secretary-general: ambassador

Israel is breaking all contact with United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, the country's ambassador announced Thursday, saying it was "outrageous" Israel is being blacklisted over alleged sexual violence in conflict zones.

"We are done with this secretary-general," Ambassador Danny Danon said in a video posted on X.

"The decision to blacklist Israel and accuse us of using sexual violence as a weapon of war is an outrageous decision," he said, referring to an upcoming report from Guterres' office.

"The secretary-general and his team continue to spread lies against Israel. To put us and Hamas terrorists on the same list, that's unacceptable."

The Israeli mission to the UN said in a statement it will have no contact with the secretary-general's office as long as Guterres serves as head of the organisation.

Guterres's spokesman said they were aware of Danon's remarks.

US, Iran reach deal but need Trump's final approval: Axios

US and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire and launch negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, but President Donald Trump has yet to give it his final approval, two US officials and a regional source involved in the mediation efforts have been quoted as saying by Axios.

US‑Israel war on Iran: Recent developments

Day 90: US, Iran reach deal pending Trump's final approval

Day 89: Trump says 'not satisfied' yet on Iran deal

Day 88: Iran condemns US attacks as violation of ceasefire

Day 87: 'Proceeding nicely': US-Iran talks intensify, oil drops

Day 86: US-Iran talks: Trump says 'I don’t make bad deals'

Day 85: Trump: Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’, Hormuz to open

Day 84: UAE backs WHO move against Iran's attacks on civilians

Day 83: Trump rejects tolls in Hormuz: 'We want it free'

Day 82: Trump says US-Iran talks are ‘right on the borderline’

Day 81: Iran’s position 'unclear', deal 'uncertain': VP Vance

Day 80: Trump says 'holding off on attack on Iran tomorrow'

Day 79: Trump says 'clock is ticking' for Iran

Day 78: Iran plans new Strait of Hormuz toll system

Day 77: Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire by 45 days: US

Day 76: World leaders call for security in Strait of Hormuz

Day 75: Trump arrives in Beijing for summit with Xi

Day 74: Iran signals potential 90% Uranium enrichment

Day 73: Trump calls Iranian response 'totally unacceptable'

Day 72: 'As of today, Tehran’s restraint is over': Iran official

Day 71: Iran keeps US waiting on response to peace plan

Day 70: US fires on Iran tankers as talks hang in balance

A Reuters report said Parekh received a fixed salary of ₹79.7 million along with bonuses worth ₹233.5 million. His current five-year term is set to end in March next year, and the report did not indicate whether it will be extended. He is Infosys’ longest-serving non-founder CEO.

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Stock incentives drive majority of earnings

A significant portion of Parekh’s remuneration came from exercised restricted stock units (RSUs), which remained the largest component of his overall compensation package.

The Bengaluru-based IT services company said he earned ₹507.5 million through stock option-related perquisites in FY26, compared with ₹495 million in the previous year.

His fixed salary stood at ₹85 million, while variable pay and incentives amounted to ₹233.5 million.

During the year, Parekh exercised 2,72,400 RSUs under the 2015 plan and 64,690 RSUs under the 2019 scheme, according to the annual report.

Dollar earnings decline due to rupee weakness

Although his earnings rose in rupee terms, Parekh’s compensation fell in dollar terms due to currency depreciation. He earned $9.44 million in FY25 and $7.9 million in FY24, with the FY26 figure impacted by a nearly 10% fall in the rupee against the US dollar.

IT sector faces slower growth outlook

The disclosure comes as India’s $315-billion IT industry continues to face pressure from slowing global demand and rising artificial intelligence-led disruption.

Indian IT stocks recently hit a three-year low after OpenAI announced a new services-focused venture.

Infosys has forecast revenue growth of 1.5% to 3.5% for FY27, below analyst expectations of 2% to 4%. The company reported 3.1% growth for FY26, broadly in line with estimates.

Peer comparison

At rival Tata Consultancy Services, CEO K Krithivasan earned $2.96 million in FY26. Other major IT firms, including HCLTech and Wipro, are yet to publish their annual results.

The Gunners have never won the trophy and were beaten in their only other final appearance, against Barcelona 20 years ago.

Arteta said he was convinced his team could make history by beating Luis Enrique's side in Budapest.

"It's the opportunity to own the moment, it's the second time in our history we are here," the Spanish coach told reporters on Friday.

"We have the opportunity tomorrow to write a new chapter in the history of this football club.

"We have to play tomorrow with such a clarity, a lot of courage and a relentless desire to win. If we have those three aspects, I'm sure we are going to be close to winning."

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Arteta's side ended a 22-year wait to lift the Premier League by beating out Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

The coach said he was not worried his team would allow that success to be enough in itself, and instead it had to be a springboard for more silverware, starting at the Puskas Arena.

"(Our) ambition is bigger. We have one (trophy) and we want the second one," explained Arteta.

"That's all we have been talking about - that has to be a platform to reach bigger destinations and to aim for more, and the team is capable... I want the players to be so confident that we're gonna go and do it."

Arsenal's defensive strength helped them reach the final unbeaten, conceding just six goals en route.

Arteta said he had no doubts about his team deserving their place on the biggest stage, but had to prove on Saturday they deserve to be crowned champions.

"We are here because we've earned the right to be here, in the manner that we have performed in this competition - tomorrow on that field we have to earn the right to win the trophy," said the coach.

'Enough fire'

Arteta said Jurrien Timber was fit to start the final after a groin problem which has sidelined the right-back since mid-March, and Ben White was the only unavailable member of his squad.

England international Bukayo Saka returned from injury a few weeks ago and has returned at his best level after a tricky season individually.

The winger, who came through Arsenal's youth academy, said he and his team-mates were raring to go and did not need extra motivation of avenging last season's semi-final defeat by PSG.

"We have enough fire going into the game tomorrow, we know the history of the club and we know that tomorrow we can write history as players and winning it for the first time," said Saka.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said winning the Premier League showed the squad just how satisfying it is to succeed.

"It was 22 years since we last won the Premier League and now finally we did it," said the Norwegian.

"So we want to make even more history and, you know, when you get the taste of winning and lifting a trophy, you know how nice it feels."

Bessent told reporters at a White House news conference that recent developments marked a significant shift in Iran's position and suggested that Washington's strategy was producing results.

"President Trump has done something that no other administration is able to do," Bessent told reporters.

"We have gotten the Iranians to talk about their nuclear program and to perhaps commit to not having one."

"That has never happened before. It had been off the table."

The comments came as the administration continued to signal optimism about ongoing contacts with Tehran while declining to confirm reports of a tentative agreement.

Focus on enriched uranium

Bessent repeatedly stressed that any future deal would depend on Iran meeting key US demands, including surrendering its highly enriched uranium, abandoning any pursuit of a nuclear weapon and restoring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

At the same time, he argued that the combination of military action and economic sanctions had altered Iran's calculations.

"I think when you look at the results of the kinetic action, of our economic pressure, it has worked to bring them to the table and have a discussion on this," he said.

The Treasury Secretary suggested that sanctions relief would remain contingent on concrete Iranian concessions and indicated that negotiations were still ongoing.

"Nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open and the Iranians agree that they have to turn over the highly enriched uranium and that they can't have a nuclear program," he said.

Bessent also portrayed the Iranian leadership as weakened and struggling to coordinate its response following recent developments.

"The Iranian government, such as it is, is three pillars. It is the elected government, it is the IRGC, and it is the clerics, and they are having trouble communicating," he said.

While emphasising that President Donald Trump preferred diplomacy, Bessent also warned that the administration was prepared to increase pressure if talks failed.

"President Trump always prefers a peace deal," he said.

"We do not have unlimited patience."

"If President Trump doesn't think he can get a peace deal, then kinetic is back."

The administration's comments reflect a broader effort to portray its Iran policy as a combination of pressure and diplomacy, with officials arguing that sanctions and military actions have strengthened Washington's negotiating position rather than undermined it.

In a post on X, Gargash prayed for Hadi’s forgiveness and mercy, describing a meeting with the former Yemeni leader in Riyadh during the early stages of the Yemen conflict.

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Gargash said he remembered his first visit to Hadi in the Saudi capital, where he had been tasked by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with conveying plans related to the liberation of Aden.

“I still remember the optimism in his eyes as he listened to the details explained by the Emirati military officers,” Gargash wrote.

He concluded by praying for Hadi’s soul and expressing hope that Yemen would achieve security, stability and peace after years of conflict and hardship.

The Former Yemeni President died on Thursday in Riyadh at the age of 81. Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia after the Houthi militia seized the capital Sanaa

Hadi had been living in the Saudi capital since the Iran aligned Houthis overran Sanaa and ousted the internationally recognised government during Yemen’s conflict.

He served as president of Yemen for several years before announcing in 2022 the transfer of his powers to the Presidential Leadership Council as part of efforts to restructure the anti-Houthi camp and revive peace efforts.

After he lost to French 17-year-old Moise Kouame in a fifth-set tiebreak on Thursday, Vallejo told tennis website Clay that Brazilian umpire Ana Carvalho had not been strong enough in the face of fan support for the local player.

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"This sort of match needs to be umpired by a man. It's very difficult for a woman to do it," the 22-year-old said.

"It has to be refereed by a man, because it's a very demanding crowd and you need a lot of strength to go against the crowd."

The French Tennis Federation said in a statement that they and the Roland Garros tournament organisers "have taken note of Adolfo Daniel Vallejo's comments".

"The competence of an umpire is not determined by their gender, but by their professionalism and ability to officiate at the highest level," the statement continued.

"The outcome of a sporting event, whether positive or negative, can never justify or excuse such remarks."

They said they "will impose a significant sanction... in the form of a fine."

"The Roland Garros tournament strongly condemns all sexist remarks, regardless of who makes them, and offers its support to the match umpire and, more broadly, to all the tournament's umpiring officials."

Vallejo said Carvalho had allowed Kouame too much recovery time.

"I think he took up a lot of time on many occasions, lying on the floor or stalling," said Vallejo.

"And it's not normal for the crowd to be shouting for a full minute without any play. In a match where the physical aspect matters so much, if you give a player a lot of time, he's obviously going to take advantage of it."

The plea came up before Justice Jyoti Singh, where Senior Advocate Vaibhav Gaggar, appearing for the actor, argued that several websites were exploiting Chaitanya’s name through explicit search tags and misleading content to drive online traffic. The petition also raised alarm over manipulated videos, morphed visuals and defamatory claims tied to the actor’s personal life.

Among the concerns highlighted in court were videos and posts allegedly showing Chaitanya in obscene or fabricated situations created using artificial intelligence and digital manipulation tools. Gaggar also referred to content involving the actor’s former wife, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, which accused him of infidelity and blamed him for damaging her career. “This is trolling, this is not fair criticism,” the counsel told the court, as quoted by ANI.

The lawsuit further alleges that deepfake technology, voice-cloning software and AI-based editing tools were being used to circulate false audiovisual material for monetary benefit, severely impacting the actor’s reputation, privacy and public standing.

Chaitanya’s legal team also pointed to online stores and listings selling merchandise featuring his likeness without permission. During the hearing, his counsel stressed that the actor is one of Telugu cinema’s leading stars and noted that similar personality rights protections had earlier been granted to his father, actor Nagarjuna.

The court was additionally informed about several defamatory YouTube uploads targeting Chaitanya. While some links had reportedly been taken down, others connected to media coverage were still accessible online.

Justice Singh observed during the proceedings that although celebrities are subject to greater public scrutiny, there are boundaries that cannot be crossed. “You are in public life, you are certainly more vulnerable than the rest of the people, but it has its limitations,” the judge remarked. The court also reportedly described one of the disputed links as “borderline”.

Arguing that such material appears online almost every day, Chaitanya’s lawyer requested a dynamic injunction to tackle future uploads and mirror links.

The High Court has now issued summons in the matter and indicated that an interim order will follow. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 30.

Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu were married in 2017 after dating for several years, before separating in 2021. The actor is now married to actor Sobhita Dhulipala, while Samantha is married to filmmaker Raj Nidimoru.

In a lengthy social media post, Trump said he would meet advisers in the White House Situation Room to decide on the next steps regarding a deal aimed at extending the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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Key demands outlined

Trump said any agreement must include Iran committing never to develop a nuclear weapon and the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted international shipping.

He also called for the removal of all sea mines from the strategic waterway, claiming that US forces had already cleared a number of mines and that Iran would be responsible for eliminating any remaining devices.

Hormuz blockade could be lifted

The US president indicated that the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports could be lifted as part of the agreement, allowing commercial vessels and oil tankers to resume normal operations.

However, it remained unclear whether Iran had formally agreed to the conditions or whether any blockade measures had already been eased.

Nuclear material to be destroyed

Trump also outlined plans for Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, saying the material would be recovered and destroyed under a process involving the United States, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He claimed the operation would target enriched material buried deep underground at nuclear facilities damaged by previous US military strikes.

No financial compensation

Addressing reports that Iran had sought financial compensation linked to the conflict, Trump said no money would change hands under the current framework.

“No money will be exchanged, until further notice,” he wrote, adding that only less significant issues had been agreed upon so far.

Uncertainty remains

While Trump's comments offered the clearest indication yet that a deal could be nearing completion, major questions remain over Iran's acceptance of the proposed terms and the timeline for implementation.

The president said he would make a final decision following consultations with his national security team at the White House.iran

The Rajasthan Royals teenager has now become the leading run-scorer in powerplay overs (1–6) in a single IPL season, amassing a staggering 521 runs in 2026, the highest ever recorded.

He sits well ahead of some of the game’s biggest names, underlining the dominance of his breakthrough season.

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Most runs in overs 1–6 in an IPL edition

• 521 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR, 2026) | SR: 233.63

• 467 – David Warner (SRH, 2016) | SR: 150.16

• 402 – Travis Head (SRH, 2024) | SR: 208.29

• 402 – Sai Sudharsan (GT, 2025) | SR: 155.81

• 382 – Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers, 2009) | SR: 165.36

The teenager reached the landmark during the Qualifier 2 clash against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur, adding yet another chapter to a season defined by relentless scoring and record-breaking consistency.

His rise has also been highlighted by other milestones this year, making IPL 2026 one of the most dominant debut-type campaigns in recent memory.

Fastest to 1,000 IPL runs in balls faced

Sooryavanshi also became the fastest batter to reach 1,000 IPL runs in terms of balls faced, getting there in just 440 deliveries.

He shattered Andre Russell’s previous record of 545 balls, underlining his rapid rise as one of the most explosive young batters in the game.

Falls short of century after blazing 96

The youngster narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 96 off 47 balls after being caught at third man off Kagiso Rabada.

His innings featured 8 fours and 7 sixes before he was dismissed while attempting another attacking stroke.

Record season continues

Sooryavanshi’s latest feat adds to a remarkable IPL 2026 season in which he has repeatedly rewritten batting records and redefined powerplay scoring standards.

RR innings and match situation

Ravindra Jadeja provided support at the other end as Rajasthan Royals battled through regular wickets against a disciplined Gujarat Titans attack.

Jason Holder led the bowling effort with two wickets, while Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna picked up one each.

Playing XIs

Gujarat Titans: B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
Impact subs: Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Arshad Khan.

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja.
Impact subs: Shubham Dubey, Sushant Mishra, Aman Rao Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande.

What’s at stake

The winner of this Qualifier 2 will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.