According to Iran`s state broadcaster IRIB, the vessels were allegedly travelling with the support of U.S. fighter jets and without coordination with Iran when they hit the mines. Efforts to extinguish the resulting fires reportedly proved unsuccessful.

The incident raises fresh questions about maritime security, U.S. military involvement and the growing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Another operation near Angoor Adda in South Waziristan reportedly disrupted attempts by militants to establish fortified positions near civilian areas, forcing them to retreat.

Meanwhile, Pakistani security forces have recovered approximately 700 kilograms of explosives, an Al-Farooq missile and other equipment during clearance operations in North Waziristan. Suspected TTP hideouts near Mir Ali have also come under scrutiny following weapons and explosives recoveries.

Reports of internal confrontations between TTP members and Taliban forces in Kabul have added another layer to the already complicated regional security situation.

Initial reports described four explosions within minutes, with some eyewitnesses questioning whether the sounds were different from previous unexploded ordnance disposal operations.

However, Iranian state media later reported that the explosions were part of scheduled controlled detonations to dispose of unexploded ammunition left behind from past conflicts.

Iranian authorities stated that the operations were being conducted under controlled conditions, with no security threat involved.

What caused the explosions near Isfahan? Why did the initial reports spark concern? And what is the official explanation behind the blasts?

Trump linked the market losses to his administration’s hardline stance on Iran, declaring that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon must remain the top priority.

But that’s not all.

In an explosive statement, Trump also launched a fierce attack on the US Senate, accusing lawmakers from both parties of blocking legislation and bringing the country to a standstill.

“The Senate is getting nothing passed and it`s just killing our country,” Trump said.

Is Trump facing a political crisis? Could the election results reshape Washington’s power struggle? And what does his Iran nuclear warning mean for America’s future?

Democratic leaders have pledged to prioritise "affordability and accountability", with an initial agenda targeting several major Trump administration policies.

Among their key priorities are reversing cuts to Medicaid, extending tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), passing a war powers resolution concerning the US military campaign against Iran, and rolling back President Donald Trump`s tariffs.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said lawmakers would develop more detailed proposals in the coming weeks through working groups established earlier this year.

Jeffries could also make history when the new Congress convenes in January 2027, potentially becoming the first Black Speaker of the House.

However, he offered few details on how Democrats would work with President Trump, setting the stage for potentially contentious negotiations between the White House and the newly empowered Democratic Congress.

Meanwhile, Trump has reaffirmed his support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth despite growing calls for his resignation.

With healthcare, trade policy, military powers and government accountability on the agenda, Washington is preparing for a politically consequential change in congressional control.