The Israel-Iran conflict has sharply escalated, with both sides exchanging intense missile strikes over the past several days. The renewed fighting has raised concerns of a broader regional conflict, with casualties mounting and targets expanding. After a major Israeli offensive targeting Iran's nuclear and military facilities, Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israel, hitting the port city of Haifa and other areas. Israel responded by striking targets in Tehran and other Iranian locations. Both militaries have urged civilians on the opposing side to take precautions. The Iranian Health Ministry reported hundreds of deaths and many more wounded since the start of the Israeli attacks, while Israel has also reported casualties and significant damage. International calls for de-escalation have grown, but a new round of US-Iran nuclear talks has been canceled. Former U.S. President Trump weighed in, suggesting the two countries "fight it out" to reach a deal.

In other news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Cyprus' highest civilian award, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, during his visit to the island nation. The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Cyprus. PM Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, calling it a testament to the trusted friendship between the two countries. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred the award on PM Modi at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, followed by bilateral discussions focused on strengthening commercial ties, particularly in sectors such as innovation, energy, and technology. PM Modi's visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus. From Cyprus, PM Modi will travel to Canada to attend the G7 Summit, and then to Croatia.