Here are the top stories of the day:

Vijay targets ‘family politics’ in first big rally, declares DMK–TVK main contest

CM C Joseph Vijay declared that the political battle in Tamil Nadu is now “only between TVK and DMK”, speaking at his first major rally after the party’s electoral win. He accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam of promoting family politics and said his government would focus on state rights, secularism and public welfare. Read full story

US-Iran strikes escalate as Kuwait reports missile interceptions

Tensions in the Middle East intensified after the United States said it carried out strikes on Iranian radar and drone facilities following Iran’s reported downing of a US drone. Iran claimed it retaliated with its own attacks, while Kuwait said it intercepted incoming missiles and drones. Follow live updates

K Annamalai hints at ‘new political course’ amid buzz over exit from BJP

K Annamalai has sparked fresh speculation over his political future after he left for Delhi and declined to rule out launching a new political outfit. “Please wait. We will sit down and talk in two days,” he said, without giving details. Read full story

India, US inch closer to interim trade deal as final talks begin in Delhi

India and the United States are moving closer to signing the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement, with most key issues already settled, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said. A US delegation led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch has arrived in New Delhi for talks scheduled between June 2 and 4. Read full story

Russia slams France after oil tanker seizure, calls action ‘illegal’

Russia condemned the detention of a Russian-linked oil tanker by France in the Atlantic, calling the move illegal and accusing Paris of escalating tensions. The tanker Tagor, suspected of belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to bypass sanctions over the Ukraine war, was intercepted in international waters with support from allies. Read full story