A fragile diplomatic breakthrough in the West Asia is facing its biggest test yet as the United States and Iran exchange fresh military strikes following an attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, American forces carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets after the attack on the commercial ship. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced strikes on US military positions across the region, describing them as retaliation for Washington's military action. US Vice President JD Vance defended the American response, saying the United States had honoured the preliminary agreement reached with Iran but made it clear that any further aggression would be met with force. "Violence will be met with violence," Vance warned, while urging Tehran to resolve outstanding disputes through dialogue instead of military escalation. WATCH

Venezuela is grappling with the devastating aftermath of two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that struck within seconds of each other. Officials have confirmed at least 164 deaths and 971 injuries, while more than 10,000 people remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams are working around the clock to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings across Caracas and other affected regions. La Guaira has emerged as one of the worst-hit areas, with authorities describing it as a disaster zone. Aftershocks continue to hamper rescue efforts as emergency crews search through mountains of debris.