Russia and Ukraine both claim front-line progress with US-brokered talks on hold

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia and Ukraine have made competing claims about who is gaining ground, as Russian strikes keep hitting Ukrainian cities and U.S.-backed talks in Turkey were postponed. A Ukrainian general said Kyiv’s forces push Russians back in parts of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Another Ukrainian officer tells the AP that troops have advanced more than 6 miles, while Russia’s leader said his army expanded gains in the Donbas. There was no independent verification of either side’s claims. Meanwhile, Russian glide bombs hit Sloviansk and killed four people and drone attacks wounded more civilians, a Ukrainian official said Tuesday.

US and Iran dig in and ramp up threats as war rages with no end in sight

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s attacks on regional oil infrastructure and pledges to choke off maritime traffic left markets on edge as the United States promised blistering new strikes. The war entered its 11th day on Tuesday with no end in sight as its effects were felt across the region and beyond. Both sides sharpened their rhetoric as they dug in. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth again promised the most intense strikes yet. Iran’s leaders ruled out talks and directly threatened U.S. President Donald Trump. Iran launched new attacks Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Israel — America’s key ally in the fight — launched more airstrikes on Tehran and in Lebanon, where it is battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government rejects US allegation that it engages in ‘hostage diplomacy’

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Tuesday rejected U.S. allegations that it detains foreigners to obtain leverage over other countries, saying Afghan authorities arrest people for violating laws not to make a deal. The U.S. State Department on Monday announced the designation of Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention, accusing it of engaging in “hostage diplomacy.” Afghanistan joined Iran as countries singled out by the U.S. in the past two weeks for detaining Americans in hopes of extracting policy concessions. On Tuesday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul called that designation “regrettable.”

Canadian police investigate gunfire at US consulate in Toronto

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian police are investigating gunfire that hit the U.S. consulate in downtown Toronto early on Tuesday. No injuries were reported. Toronto police say they responded after reports that someone was shooting at the building. Police say they found evidence of a firearm discharge. They released no information about possible suspects. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the shooting unacceptable intimidation. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is linking it to recent gunfire at two synagogues. Chow says police have increased patrols at the U.S. and Israeli consulates. She also warns that antisemitic incidents often rise during international crises.