The US-Iran ceasefire expired with no diplomatic progress, as Iran refused talks and maritime attacks escalated in the Strait of Hormuz. Hezbollah and Israel exchanged fire along the Lebanon border, while the US pressured Iraq to curb Iran-backed militias. A drone strike hit Iranian opposition targets in Erbil, and the IDF continued operations in Gaza.

Intense reciprocal long-range strikes defined the period, with Ukraine targeting Russian refineries and civilian areas in Syzran, and Russia launching a massive drone attack on Odesa and other regions. Ground fighting continued with Russian claims of capturing Veterinarnoye and Grishino, and the battle for Rai-Oleksandrivka began. Civilian casualties mounted in Ukraine's Kharkiv region from drone attacks.

President Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran following a diplomatic impasse, as the US recalled its ambassador from Israel for consultations. The US military faces a critical depletion of missile stockpiles from the Iran war, prompting a massive budget request for drone modernization. Internal security concerns were highlighted by the escorting of the nuclear chief from the Pentagon and an FBI probe into missing scientists.

Pakistan faces diplomatic uncertainty as Iran denies sending a delegation for US-Iran talks in Islamabad, while PM Sharif meets ministers to salvage negotiations. Japan ends its post-WWII ban on lethal weapons exports, signaling a major defense policy shift. India advances defense indigenization with Pinaka rocket replacement and Rafale ICD demands, while securing multiple terrorism convictions. Myanmar's peace plan faces immediate rejection by rebel factions, and concerns grow over Aung San Suu Kyi's wellbeing. China continues naval activity near Japan, sets record silver imports, and tests undersea cable-cutting technology.

A UN panel has found Italy in violation of the Libya arms embargo for providing military training. Meanwhile, Sudan's leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is visiting Saudi Arabia and Oman to bolster regional diplomatic ties.