In Brief

‘US wrecked Iran’s sole metal conversion unit’

Washington: CIA Director John Ratcliffe told US lawmakers that American military strikes destroyed Iran’s lone metal conversion facility, a monumental setback to Tehran’s nuclear programme that would take years to overcome. Meanwhile, Iran raised the official death toll for its war with Israel to 935 people.

Israel steps up Gaza ops ahead of US talks

Tel Aviv: Israeli forces killed at least 67 people in Gaza on Monday with airstrikes that left 30 dead at a seaside cafe, while Israel’s strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer was travelling to the US for talks on Iran and a possible truce in Gaza. Besides, Israel acknowledged that Palestinian civilians were harmed at aid centres.

Berlin vows support to outgunned Kyiv

Kyiv: Germany aims to help Ukraine manufacture more weapons more quickly as Kyiv looks to strengthen its negotiating position in peace talks with Russia. US-led international efforts have failed to make progress on halting the fighting. Russia’s invasion shows no sign of letting up and Ukraine stands outgunned.

Sardaar Ji 3 sets box office record in Pak

Karachi: Controversial Indian Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has achieved a record-breaking opening in Pakistan, surpassing previous box office records held by Bollywood movies. The film garnered approximately approx $5,00,000 in Pakistan over its opening weekend.