Al Jazeera

After nearly six months of war, the US appears to be taking a different approach to Iran. President Donald Trump said Washington will carry out what he described as a 'crushing economic operation'. Attempts to reach an agreement to end the war have stalled. Now, the US is calling on other countries to join what it calls the greatest co-ordinated economic isolation in the history of the world. For its part, Iran says that any countries joining the US campaign would be treated as enemies. What does this mean for the conflict?

An Israeli attack on a Syrian air base has been widely condemned. The US Special Envoy warns it could have caused a direct confrontation with Turkish forces. So, why did Israel attack the base? And what are the implications?

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema boasts about the economic recovery achieved under his leadership. Now, he is seeking a second term in office. The vote is drawing international attention because the southern African nation is rich in critical minerals. But most Zambians don't reap the benefits of that wealth. The World Bank says 70% of the population survives on less than $3 a day. So, how will the outcome of these elections shape Zambia's politics?

Sudan's army says it's making gains in a counter-offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces - after more than three years of conflict. The government has also begun a push to unite political groups. So, how significant are these developments?

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the U.S.-brokered 15-point peace plan for Gaza. What are the consequences for Palestinians? And what risks for Netanyahu in defying Donald Trump?

It's an election aimed at strengthening democracy in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. But the situation rapidly deteriorated as the vote got underway. Dozens of people were killed in confrontations between protesters and security forces. The violence followed weeks of protests by a now-banned group that is calling for electoral reforms. The government in Islamabad has conditioned any changes on a constitutional amendment. The chaos that accompanied the first phase of the vote is one of the biggest political challenges facing Pakistan since the beginning of the Kashmir conflict almost eight decades ago. How will it shape the future of the region?

What started as an online satire has now transformed into a major, nationwide movement that's challenging India's government. The so-called 'Cockroach Janta Party', burst onto the political scene in May after crucial exam papers were leaked, triggering a public outcry. But concerns have now broadened to include youth unemployment, and other issues affecting young people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing what's likely the biggest challenge of his third term. And he's promised to crack down on the exam leaks-- But the protest leaders insist, that's not good enough. They say they won't back down- until the Minister of Education out of office. So, will this lead to a lasting change? and can the movement maintain its momentum?

Some call it the Gate of Tears. Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea wields importance as a global shipping artery. This week, Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to use the strait as its next front in the war with the US. It says regional energy exports are 'either for everyone or for no one'. Such a move would mean relying on its Houthi allies in Yemen to block the shipping route. Iran's warning comes amid an escalation with the US, which has endangered last month's agreement. What would it mean for a volatile region -- and the global economy?

The leaders of NATO member states are meeting in Ankara, ostensibly to discuss increasing defence investment and long-term military support for Ukraine. But the war on Iran is hanging over the gathering. One of the most significant is freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz - the vital waterway that Iran effectively closed for months. Ahead of the NATO summit, the US had called on European allies to help it secure the strait. They refused, with some arguing that the war has nothing to do the bloc. So, could the divide between the US and its allies be bridged in Ankara?

Ukrainian attacks have disrupted one-third of Russia's oil refining capacity, according to independent energy analysts. The resulting fuel shortage has forced Moscow to extend petrol export bans and restrict sales in more than 40 regions and Crimea. President Vladimir Putin says the strikes are not critical and insists the war will continue until his goals are met. Russia is continuing its attacks on Ukraine, including a huge strike on Kyiv on Thursday. So, can economic pressure on Russia bring an end to the war - which has stretched into a fifth year?