Zelensky says Ukraine downed Iranian drones in multiple countries


Ukraine deployed air defense specialists to several Middle Eastern countries who helped shoot down Iranian drones following recent regional escalation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in remarks released on Friday.
“We demonstrated to some countries how to work with interceptors… Yes, they were shooting down Shaheds,” Zelensky said, adding the effort was aimed at building effective air defense systems rather than training missions.







Iran’s internet blackout has entered its 42nd day, reaching 984 hours, with most users limited to a domestic network, monitoring group NetBlocks said on Friday.
“While the general public are restricted to the local National Information Network, chosen users are whitelisted … to deliver alternative narratives,” NetBlocks said.
More than 7,500 people have been hospitalized with war-related injuries since fighting with Iran began on February 28, Israel’s Health Ministry said.
A total of 7,527 people have been admitted, with 108 still hospitalized, including two in critical condition and 13 in serious condition.
The figures include both soldiers and civilians, with some injuries occurring indirectly, such as while seeking shelter.
More than 7,500 people have been hospitalized with war-related injuries since fighting with Iran began on February 28, Israel’s Health Ministry said.
A total of 7,527 people have been admitted, with 108 still hospitalized, including two in critical condition and 13 in serious condition.
The figures include both soldiers and civilians, with some injuries occurring indirectly, such as while seeking shelter.
Pakistan will issue visas on arrival to delegates and journalists attending the Islamabad Talks 2026, with airlines asked to allow boarding without prior visas, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday.
“Pakistan welcomes all delegates including journalists from participating nations, traveling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026,” Dar wrote on X.
“To this end, all airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without Visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them Visa on Arrival,” he added.
An Iranian MP said the Islamic Republic continued negotiations even during an attack on the country and added that defense and security forces remain at the highest level of readiness, remarks he made in recent days.
Nesari, a member of parliament, said on Friday the country’s defense, security and military sectors are at “the highest level of preparedness,” adding that any threat against the Islamic Republic would be met with a response at the same level or stronger.
“The Islamic Republic has never left the negotiating table and was even negotiating when the country came under attack,” he said.