**US Strikes Iran for Second Day Amid Stalled Peace Talks; Pakistan Mediates**
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran escalated on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as the U.S. military launched a second consecutive day of airstrikes targeting multiple locations within Iran. These actions were prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusation that Iran is deliberately prolonging peace negotiations. US Central Command stated these were “additional self-defense strikes,” occurring after strikes on Tuesday that retaliated for the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter. The renewed hostilities have severely tested a two-month ceasefire, with Iran insisting on maintaining its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies, which has led to increased oil prices.
Iran has responded to the latest U.S. assaults by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, all of which host U.S. forces. Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace as a precautionary measure, though the U.S. Central Command has denied Iran’s claims of closing the Strait of Hormuz and stated that commercial traffic continues unimpeded. The U.S. is seeking Iran’s agreement to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a stance Iran has rejected, demanding sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign ministry has indicated that its leaders remain engaged in mediation efforts to de-escalate the U.S.-Iran conflict, calling for a “negotiated settlement.” Foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi expressed a desire to keep Pakistan’s mediation approach open, despite the surge in hostilities.
**Air India Crash Investigation Nears One-Year Mark with Delayed Final Report**
The investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, is facing a delay in the release of its final report, with the one-year anniversary deadline approaching. Investigators are expected to miss the June 12 deadline due to the ongoing examination of the Boeing 787 aircraft’s engines in the United States. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) anticipates issuing a status report detailing the reasons for the delay. A final report is now projected within the next three months, pending the conclusion of studies on the GE Aerospace engines.
A preliminary report released in July 2025 indicated that the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF,’ starving both engines of fuel shortly after takeoff. The cockpit recording reportedly supports the view that the captain cut the fuel flow. The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested additional technical data and is seeking a rebuttal to the “pilot suicide theory” being explored by the AAIB. The crash, which killed 260 people, was the deadliest air disaster in a decade and the second deadliest in Air India’s history.
**Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Tensions Simmer Following Deadly Strikes**
Recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, marking the deadliest attacks in weeks and escalating existing border tensions. Afghan officials reported that Pakistani forces violated their airspace and struck civilian homes in Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces, with casualties including children, a woman, and an elderly man. Pakistan’s military has not yet responded to requests for comment but has previously stated that its strikes target militants responsible for attacks within Pakistan.
The conflict between the two nations has been tense since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. Escalation occurred in late February, leading to significant clashes along the border and Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar. The United Nations reported that hundreds of Afghan civilians were killed and injured during the initial three months of this year’s conflict. Despite a pause in fighting mediated in March, both sides continue to target each other, with Pakistan accusing Kabul of supporting armed opposition groups operating against it, an accusation Afghanistan denies.
