Russia unleashed a massive overnight barrage on Ukraine, firing 659 drones and 44 missiles at civilian areas across the country in its most intense strike in weeks.

At least 16 people were killed, including a 12-year-old child in Kyiv, with over 80 injured.

Odesa was the hardest hit, with nine killed in strikes on the port city.

Ukrainian air defences ...

The Israeli military says it has fully encircled the southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbail, one of Hezbollah’s most significant strongholds, killing over 100 Hezbollah fighters in the past several days according to IDF claims.

The complete takeover is expected within days. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told commanders the army is in a “state of war” in Lebanon despite ...

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, is pressing for inspectors to be granted access to Iranian nuclear facilities damaged in last year’s Israeli and US strikes, as a potential deal to end the war takes shape.

A confidential IAEA report confirms Iran has not allowed inspections of the bombed sites and that inspectors “cannot verify” wheth...

The US Senate has rejected another Democratic attempt to curtail Trump’s authority to wage war against Iran, failing 47 to 52 – the fourth such vote since the conflict began on 28 February.

Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote in favour; John Fetterman the only Democrat to vote against.

Democrats have pledged to keep forcing the vote weekly.

A crit...

Pakistani officials say they are expecting a major breakthrough on Iran’s nuclear programme, sources told Al Jazeera today, as Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran carrying a message from Washington.

Munir met with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, who thanked Pakistan for “gracious hosting of dialogue.”

The White House said it fee...