Burkina Faso severs diplomatic ties with France amid deepening rift with former colonial power
Burkina Faso's military government has announced that it is severing diplomatic relations with France, in a move that further widens the country's break with its former colonial ruler. The decision was announced on national television and said to take effect immediately on 26 June 2026. Officials said the step concerns diplomatic relations only and does not alter the historical, human, cultural and social ties between the two peoples.Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said the move followed a review of relations with Paris. He accused France of persistently acting against Burkina Faso's interests and said the conditions for relations based on mutual... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
UN rights chief calls for probe into migrant deaths in US detention centres
The United Nations human rights chief has called for an independent investigation into a sharp rise in deaths in migrant detention centres in the United States. Volker Turk said the increase in fatalities during President Donald Trump's second term raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability. He said the rights of victims' families to truth, justice and reparation must be upheld.Turk's statement on Friday cited US government statistics showing at least 19 migrant detention deaths so far this year. The reported death of a Georgian man, Mamuka Artmeladze, in a detention facility in Louisiana on 4 June brought the total... [Continue Reading]
US strikes Iranian targets after cargo ship attack in Strait of Hormuz
The United States has carried out strikes on Iranian targets after a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions around the strategic waterway. US Central Command said it hit missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites in response to what it described as an Iranian attack on commercial shipping. The incident has raised fresh questions about the durability of the interim peace deal between Washington and Tehran.According to the confirmed reports, the cargo ship was struck by a one-way attack drone on Thursday, although no casualties were reported. The US military... [Continue Reading]
UK Sends 68-Person Search Team to Venezuela After Twin Earthquakes Kill Nearly 1,000
British specialist search and rescue teams have been deployed to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country seconds apart on Wednesday. The death toll from the disaster has risen to nearly 1,000, while tens of thousands of people have been displaced. The operation comes as international aid efforts intensify in the worst-hit areas.A Royal Air Force aircraft carrying 68 personnel and equipment, including sniffer dogs and drones, departed from Brize Norton airbase on Friday evening. The deployment is coordinated by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, with support from the Royal Air Force. The British government has also announced £2m... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement in Washington as talks continue
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel and Lebanon have signed a framework agreement in Washington that is intended to serve as a basis for future negotiations and a durable peace and security arrangement. He described the text as a first step rather than a final settlement, and said the details of the deal were not being made public. The announcement came after direct talks between the two sides in Washington, which began in mid-April under US mediation.The agreement was signed by Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh, Lebanon's ambassador to the United States.... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street closes mixed as tech rout deepens, small caps and Dow resist the selloff
Executive summary: U.S. markets finished sharply mixed, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 under pressure as megacap tech, chips, crypto and several commodities sold off hard. The Dow Jones and Russell 2000 held up better, suggesting a rotation away from the most crowded growth trades and into more cyclical or value-sensitive areas. The move was broad enough to hit Nvidia, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Tesla and the SOXX chip ETF, while silver, ether, bitcoin and WTI crude also fell sharply. Natural gas was one of the few notable gainers. [Continue Reading]
Cargo ship hit in Strait of Hormuz as Trump blames Iran for ceasefire breach
United States President Donald Trump has accused Iran of carrying out a "foolish violation" of the ceasefire after a cargo vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. The British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman, while Trump said one drone hit the upper deck of a large cargo ship and that three other drones were intercepted by US forces. The ship was identified in the report as the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely, owned by Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine.The vessel had been stranded in the Gulf for more than 100 days after loading cargo in Iraq, according... [Continue Reading]
Australia's first H5 bird flu cases detected as virus reaches every continent
Australia has recorded its first H5 bird flu cases, marking the latest stage in a global outbreak that has now reached every continent. The detection comes as authorities continue to monitor suspected and confirmed cases in wild birds in Western Australia. The development has sharpened attention on biosecurity planning, wildlife surveillance and the risk of further spread.The supplied report says the virus is a high-pathogenicity strain that was first identified more than 20 years ago. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said its arrival in Australia was inevitable, while calls have been made for calm as testing continues. The report also... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Venezuela earthquake doublet leaves buildings collapsed and residents sheltering in Caracas
A rare pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves through Caracas and leaving residents sheltering outdoors as buildings collapsed and power failed in parts of the capital. The first quake measured 7.2 and hit near the town of San Felipe just after 6pm local time, followed 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor. In Caracas, people described watching buildings shake violently and, in some cases, collapse before their eyes.One resident, 17-year-old student Roberto Quintero, said he had just entered his mother's apartment block when the second quake hit. He said his mother saw a building... [Continue Reading]
Israeli prosecutors charge six settlers over West Bank mosque attack
Israeli prosecutors have filed indictments against six settlers over an attack on the village of Deir Dibwan and a mosque in the occupied West Bank. Police said the charges relate to acts committed on June 14, when masked settlers entered the village carrying flammable substances, tear gas and a knife. The case adds a formal legal response to an incident that has drawn attention because it involved both property damage and an attack on a place of worship.According to police, the six indictments cover terrorism, arson, sabotage and violent rioting carried out for what they described as a nationalist motive.... [Continue Reading]
Trump accuses Iran of ceasefire breach after Strait of Hormuz attack
US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of a "foolish violation" of its truce with Washington after a cargo ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack took place on Thursday in one of the world's most sensitive shipping lanes, where traffic is closely watched because of the risk of disruption to global trade. No casualties were reported, and the vessel was able to continue on its way after the strike.According to British maritime security agency UKMTO, the ship was hit by an unknown projectile about 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman's port of Dahit. Trump said on... [Continue Reading]
DR Congo takes Rwanda to international court over decades of conflict
The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing its neighbour of breaching multiple international treaties. The filing marks a new legal escalation in a conflict that has repeatedly drawn in regional and international actors. It also places renewed scrutiny on allegations that Rwanda has supported armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo.In a statement, DR Congo said Rwanda had dispatched forces and backed armed groups to carry out unlawful military operations on its territory following the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Congolese Justice Minister Guillaume Andali said on Friday that his country... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Day News Recap: Venezuela quake toll climbs as Iran tensions, Ukraine strikes and Asia markets slide
Venezuela was hit by two major earthquakes in quick succession, with the death toll rising from nearly 190 to at least 235 as rescuers searched for people trapped under rubble and officials warned that reconstruction costs could run into the billions. 🔗In the Middle East, Donald Trump said Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz and called it a violation of a ceasefire agreement, while the International Maritime Organization paused a planned evacuation of sailors after a cargo vessel was struck near Oman. 🔗 🔗Diplomatic tensions around Iran also deepened as IAEA chief Rafael Grossi pressed for a very... [Continue Reading]
John Bolton pleads guilty in US classified-documents case
Former US national security adviser John Bolton has pleaded guilty in a federal court case over the illegal retention of classified information. The plea was entered on Friday in Washington, where Bolton admitted a single charge linked to diary entries and notes compiled for a book. He had previously been indicted on 18 counts and had initially pleaded not guilty.According to the court account, the material Bolton kept included diary entries containing national defence information, some of it classified at the top secret level. After the judge read the allegations, Bolton said the accusations were accurate and told the court,... [Continue Reading]
Russia alleged to be preparing provocation against Poland or Baltic states amid NATO concerns
Latvian intelligence has said there are indications Russia may be preparing military provocations against the Baltic states or Poland, according to the supplied material. A senior political source from another NATO member also reportedly said intelligence was being picked up suggesting Vladimir Putin may be planning something against the Baltic states. The allegation is being framed as a possible attempt to test NATO cohesion and the level of US support for smaller alliance members.The reported warning comes as the war in Ukraine continues to put pressure on Moscow, with the source material linking the alleged move to Ukraine's long-range strikes... [Continue Reading]
Europe closes mixed as FTSE 100 outperforms while commodities and crypto slide
Executive summary: European equities ended mixed, with the FTSE 100 rising +1.5% even as the DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 fell. The session was marked by a sharp drop in Brent crude, gold, silver and Ether, alongside firmer natural gas and a softer euro. The pattern points to a market still balancing growth concerns, rate expectations and commodity repricing. [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Small aircraft crashes into Beijing's CITIC Tower as police seal off area
A small aircraft has crashed into Beijing's CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, with witnesses saying the impact damaged glass panels on a high floor of the skyscraper. The building stands in Beijing's central business district and is the headquarters of the state-owned conglomerate CITIC Group. Police quickly closed roads around the tower and prevented some bystanders from filming the scene.Witnesses said the aircraft was about the size of a car and that the crash was heard around 6pm local time. Two glass panels on a high floor were reported damaged, while dozens of police cars and several fire... [Continue Reading]
Strait of Hormuz evacuation paused after cargo vessel struck near Oman
The International Maritime Organization has paused its planned evacuation of sailors from the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile near Oman. The incident took place about 7.5 nautical miles, or 14 kilometres, southeast of Dahit, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre. No casualties were reported, but the strike has again disrupted efforts to move mariners out of the waterway.The IMO said several crews had already been evacuated before the operation was suspended, but Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the agency needed "necessary safety guarantees" before continuing. The evacuation plan had been... [Continue Reading]
Iran offers discounted crude to India after US sanctions waiver, refiners weigh return
Iranian oil sellers are approaching Indian refiners with discounted crude after the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Tehran, according to industry sources cited in the supplied report. The outreach has reopened a narrow trade window for energy flows between Iran and India, but refiners are still weighing whether to buy. The discussions involve both the National Iranian Oil Company and intermediaries claiming to have been allocated oil by the Iranian state producer.Sources said NIOC is offering crude at $3 to $4 a barrel below comparable regional grades on a landed basis. Traders based in Singapore and Dubai are also... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine: Zaporizhzhia ablaze after Russian missile and drone attack leaves at least nine hurt
Zaporizhzhia was hit by a Russian missile and drone attack that set off fires and damaged civilian property in the city, according to regional authorities. The strike took place in the late morning after air raid alerts had been active for more than two hours. Emergency crews were still working at the scene as firefighters battled the blaze and paramedics treated the injured.Officials said the attack involved at least two ballistic missiles and several attack drones. Regional authorities said the strikes hit a civilian neighbourhood in the city centre, with damage reported to warehouses, homes, commercial buildings and parked vehicles.... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Von der Leyen to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia as EU deepens South Caucasus ties
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia next week in a fresh push to deepen the European Union's engagement with the two South Caucasus neighbours. The trip is set to begin in Baku on 1 July, where she is expected to meet President Ilham Aliyev. The visit comes as Brussels seeks to strengthen cooperation on energy, infrastructure and regional stability after years of conflict between the two countries.According to sources in Yerevan and Baku with knowledge of the plans, talks in the Azerbaijani capital will focus on expanding energy supplies to Europe and... [Continue Reading]
Iran rejects US-GCC statement after Bahrain ministerial meeting
Iran has condemned a joint statement by the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council as interventionist, irresponsible and provocative, escalating a diplomatic dispute over regional security, nuclear policy and maritime access. The criticism came on Friday after a ministerial meeting in Bahrain on June 25 that brought together US and Gulf officials. Tehran said the communique distorted regional realities and repeated positions it associates with Washington and Israel.Iran's Foreign Ministry said the statement was issued in a way that sought to pressure Tehran rather than encourage diplomacy. The communique followed talks in Manama co-chaired by US Secretary of State... [Continue Reading]
Hezbollah demands full Israeli withdrawal as Lebanon-Israel talks extend amid fresh strikes
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has renewed his demand that Israel withdraw completely from Lebanese territory, as US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel were extended for another day. He said Israel must leave "unconditionally" and rejected any normalisation with Israel in a televised address delivered on Ashura. The remarks came as fighting and diplomacy continued in parallel, with Israeli forces still reported to be present in parts of southern Lebanon.The latest round of negotiations was expected to continue on Friday, with the extension aimed at reaching an agreement. According to the supplied material, Lebanese officials began direct talks with Israel in... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Lower as Tech, Crypto and Commodities Sell Off, While Small Caps and Dow Hold Up
Executive summary: U.S. markets opened with a sharp split at 9:40 a.m. New York time, led by heavy losses in technology, crypto-linked assets and several commodities, while the Dow and Russell 2000 managed modest gains. The Nasdaq Composite fell 5.2%, the S&P 500 dropped 2.4%, and the Russell 2000 rose 0.9%, underscoring a rotation away from high-beta growth and into parts of the market tied more closely to domestic cyclicals and value. [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Ukraine intensifies strikes on Russian logistics and communications in Crimea and near Moscow
Ukraine says it has stepped up attacks on Russian logistics and communications infrastructure in occupied Crimea and near Moscow, in a campaign it says is aimed at weakening supply lines and battlefield coordination. The latest reported strikes targeted oil supplies, power stations, weapons convoys and bridges, according to the supplied material. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has concentrated air-defence systems around Moscow and the Kerch Bridge, leaving other areas less protected.The supplied material says Ukraine struck two Russian military satellite communications centres on June 22, including the Vladimir Space Communications Centre, which was said to have suffered critical damage... [Continue Reading]
Nearly 300 Ebola-positive people unaccounted for in Democratic Republic of the Congo outbreak
Public health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo say the whereabouts of almost 300 people who have tested positive for Ebola are currently unknown. The warning comes as the outbreak continues to grow in conflict-affected areas where health workers have limited access to camps and communities. Officials say the situation is raising concern about wider community transmission.Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Thursday that more than 1 million people are living in camps that health workers cannot reach. He said figures on recovered patients, those in treatment and deaths... [Continue Reading]
IAEA chief presses for strict verification of Iran nuclear programme amid ceasefire talks
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has called for a very strong verification system and full access to monitor Iran's nuclear programme. He said certainty would require inspectors to be able to verify matters "everywhere" as soon as practicable, rather than relying on assurances about intent. His comments come as the United States and Iran continue talks linked to a preliminary ceasefire arrangement and a wider peace process.Grossi said the key objective of the preliminary agreement is to ensure Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons, while stressing that the agency does not judge intentions. He also said... [Continue Reading]
War on Iran drives profits for energy, defence and banking sectors
Defence contractors, energy companies and investment banks have seen profits rise as the war involving Iran continues to unsettle global markets. The conflict has disrupted trade flows, pushed up energy prices and created sharp swings in commodity and financial markets. A memorandum of understanding is in place for a 60-day ceasefire and further negotiations, but the economic effects are already visible across several sectors.The supplied material says the war began after strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, and that nearly four months later talks are under way in Switzerland. Those talks are focused on Iran's nuclear programme,... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Ukraine sentences former intelligence officer to life for spying for Russia
Ukraine has sentenced a former senior intelligence officer to life in prison after finding him guilty of high treason for passing classified information to Russia's FSB security service. The case centres on Col Dmytro Kozyura, a former chief of staff in the Security Service of Ukraine's anti-terrorism centre, who prosecutors said had access to state secrets and used that position to help Russian handlers. The ruling was announced in Kyiv and follows a counterintelligence investigation that Ukrainian officials say had been running for months.The prosecutor general said Kozyura agreed to share information that constituted state secrets in return for financial... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Noontime News: Russia claims huge drone intercepts as Asia stocks slide and Heathrow warns on traffic
Russia said it intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones overnight, one of the largest cross border attacks it has reported since the full scale war began, with damage also reported in the Tula region. 🔗In the Middle East, Saudi Aramco resumed crude loading at its Ras Tanura terminal on Saudi Arabia's Gulf coast after nearly four months of disruption, a sign that exports from the key facility are back under way. 🔗 The International Atomic Energy Agency's Rafael Grossi said Iran will need a very advanced verification system once the war ends to ensure its nuclear programme is properly monitored. 🔗North Korea... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Montenegro arrests Iranian-Turkish suspect wanted by US over major hacking case
Montenegrin police have arrested an Iranian-Turkish national wanted by the United States over alleged cyberattacks that authorities say caused more than $3.4 billion in damage. The suspect, identified only as A.B., was detained in the coastal town of Kotor on Thursday. The arrest was carried out in an operation involving the FBI, according to a police statement.Police said the 39-year-old is wanted by a court in New York on charges including computer fraud, hacking, identity theft and organised crime. Authorities allege that from 2013 onwards he carried out what they described as massive hacking attacks on US infrastructure, including more... [Continue Reading]
Saudi Aramco resumes crude exports from Ras Tanura after nearly four months of disruption
Saudi Aramco has resumed crude loading at its Ras Tanura terminal on Saudi Arabia's Gulf coast after a disruption that lasted nearly four months. Shipping data showed two very large crude carriers loading at the port on Friday, with a third tanker waiting offshore. The restart marks a significant step in the return of oil flows through one of the world's most important export hubs.The terminal had been affected by the Gulf conflict that began in early March, when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz became difficult. Each of the tankers involved can carry up to 2 million barrels of... [Continue Reading]
Heathrow warns of lower passengers and profits as Middle East conflict hits traffic
Heathrow has said passenger numbers and profits are set to fall this year because the conflict in the Middle East is weighing on air travel demand. The airport, which describes itself as Europe's busiest, said the regional violence is creating notable downward pressure on traffic. It added that the impact could extend beyond the region and affect global travel demand for the rest of the year.In its latest investor report, Heathrow forecast a 1.1% decline in total passengers to 83.6 million. It also said profits are expected to fall by £147 million year on year, and by £60 million compared... [Continue Reading]
EU proposes extending temporary protection for Ukrainians while excluding new military-age men
The European Commission has proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainians already living in the European Union until March 2028, while stopping the scheme from covering newly arriving military-age men. The move would affect the bloc's response to people fleeing Russia's war in Ukraine, which has continued for a fifth year. It would still allow those excluded from temporary protection to seek asylum under existing rules.The proposal was announced in Brussels by the EU's internal affairs chief, Magnus Brunner, who said the change follows a request from Kyiv. He said the plan means temporary protection should not be granted to newly... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
North Korea conducts major weapons tests as Kim urges more destructive posture
North Korea has carried out a new round of weapons tests, with leader Kim Jong Un calling for a more aggressive military stance as tensions with South Korea remain elevated. State media said Kim observed the tests the previous day and urged the armed forces to adopt a "deadly and destructive offensive posture." The reported exercises included a special mission ballistic missile warhead, an upgraded rocket launcher with extended firing range, and a self-propelled gun-howitzer. According to the report, Kim said the country's enemies should feel "constant uneasiness and fear" and should be deterred from attacking.State media said the warhead... [Continue Reading]
Asian stock markets slide as tech shares slump and South Korea halts trading
Asian stock markets fell sharply on Friday in a technology-led sell-off, with South Korea's Kospi briefly halting trading after a steep drop. The benchmark index triggered a circuit-breaker mechanism when it fell 8%, before ending the session 5.8% lower. Japan's Nikkei 225 also closed more than 4% down, while other major regional markets were also weaker.The move came as investors reassessed the recent rally in technology shares and questioned whether valuations had risen too far. In South Korea, the 20-minute halt on the Kospi was the third time the circuit breaker had been triggered this week and the fifth such... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Breakfast News: Venezuela quake toll climbs as Gulf tensions, storms and markets jolt the day
Venezuela is reeling after two major earthquakes struck the north and west of the country, with the death toll rising from 188 to at least 235 and more than 1,500 people injured as rescuers searched for survivors in collapsed buildings. Damage estimates are already running into the billions of dollars, adding to the scale of the disaster. 🔗 🔗Officials said the quakes near Caracas left nearly 190 people dead and thousands homeless, with emergency crews still racing to pull people from the rubble. The reports point to a widening humanitarian crisis as reconstruction costs mount and the full extent of... [Continue Reading]
Europe opens mixed as FTSE 100 jumps, metals and oil slide, and crypto extends its selloff
Executive summary: European markets opened with a split tone, led by a strong FTSE 100 advance while the DAX was little changed and the Euro Stoxx 50 slipped. The biggest moves were in commodities and crypto, where gold, silver, platinum, palladium, Brent crude and Ether all fell sharply. Natural gas was the main notable riser. The price action points to a market still adjusting to lower oil, softer precious metals and a firmer dollar backdrop, even as some European equity benchmarks hold up. [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific markets slide as Nikkei, Kospi and Hang Seng lead broad risk-off move
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific equities closed sharply lower in Tokyo trading, with the Nikkei 225, Kospi and Hang Seng all posting heavy losses. Gold, silver, platinum and palladium also fell, while WTI crude weakened and natural gas rose. The move points to a broad de-risking across equities and commodities, with the yen and yuan little changed against the dollar. [Continue Reading]
Typhoon Mekkhala triggers flooding in Taiwan and evacuation orders for 2.2 million in Japan
Typhoon Mekkhala has brought torrential rain and flooding to Taiwan while prompting large-scale evacuation orders in Japan as the storm moves toward the Ryukyu Islands in the south of the country. The system was described as a tropical storm at the time of the report, but it has already caused significant disruption across both territories. In Taiwan, heavy rain has affected parts of the island, while in Japan authorities have warned of flooding, landslides and river overflows.Japanese authorities ordered the evacuation of 2.2 million people from risk areas and issued alerts for flooding and landslides on Friday. More than 200... [Continue Reading]
Italy denies US used its airbases for strikes on Iran after NATO chief's comments
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has denied claims that the United States used Italian airbases for airstrikes on Iran. She said Italy provided only technical and logistics support and did not take part in military action against Iran. The denial came after comments by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte prompted questions over Italy's role in the operation.Meloni made the remarks during a Franco-Italian summit in France, where she said Rutte had made misleading comments about Italy's involvement. According to the supplied report, Rutte had said in a Fox News interview on Tuesday that Italy played a key role by allowing 500... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela hit by back-to-back major earthquakes as death toll rises
Two major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday night, killing at least 235 people and injuring more than 1,500, according to officials cited in the supplied material. The shallow quakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and hit near the country's Caribbean coast within less than a minute of each other. They caused buildings to collapse, left structures cracked and tilted, and damaged Venezuela's main airport.Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said the death toll had risen from 188 to at least 235 as rescue work continued on Thursday. The United States Geological Survey measured the earthquakes at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5,... [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Twin earthquakes near Caracas kill nearly 190 as rescue effort continues
Venezuela is racing to rescue people trapped under rubble after two powerful earthquakes struck near Caracas, killing nearly 190 people and leaving thousands homeless. The first quake, measured at magnitude 7.2, hit about 160 kilometres west of the capital on Wednesday evening. Less than a minute later, a magnitude 7.5 tremor followed, deepening the damage across Caracas and nearby coastal areas.Officials said 188 people had been confirmed dead by Thursday afternoon, while 200 remained trapped and 1,520 had been hospitalised. Jorge Rodriguez, head of the national assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, gave the latest figures and said... [Continue Reading]
India appoints Mahesh Dixit as next Intelligence Bureau chief
India's Union Government has appointed Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service officer, as the next Director of the Intelligence Bureau. He will succeed Tapan Deka, who has led the agency for the past four years. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, according to an order from the Department of Personnel and Training.The order says Dixit, who is currently Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, will serve a two-year term from the date he assumes charge. He is an Andhra Pradesh cadre officer and has spent more than 26 years in the agency. His career... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo Opens Lower as Metals, Crypto and Hong Kong Lead a Broad Risk-Off Move Across Asia-Pacific
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific markets opened under pressure, with Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney and Hong Kong all lower in early trade. The sharpest moves were in silver, ether, gold, crude and Hong Kong equities, while the yen and yuan were slightly weaker against the dollar. The pattern points to a broad de-risking tone at the open, with commodities and higher-beta assets taking the heaviest hits. [Continue Reading]
Venezuela earthquakes drive death toll to 188 as reconstruction costs rise
The death toll from two powerful earthquakes in western Venezuela has risen to at least 188, while preliminary estimates suggest the damage could amount to as much as 7% of the country's gross domestic product. The quakes, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck on Wednesday about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Officials are now weighing the scale of reconstruction needed for homes, hospitals and other infrastructure.Preliminary assessments from the United States Geological Survey put the economic loss at between 1% and 7% of Venezuela's $111bn GDP. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said a $200m fund from the International Monetary Fund... [Continue Reading]
US Supreme Court lets Trump end protected status for Haitians and Syrians
The United States Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians living legally in the country. The 6-3 ruling clears the way for the government to strip protections from about 350,000 people from Haiti and 6,100 from Syria, after lower courts had blocked the move. It is a significant development in a long-running dispute over immigration powers and the limits of judicial review.The court said migrants arriving at the border are not entitled to apply for asylum until they have set foot on US soil, handing the administration... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street closes mixed as chip strength clashes with broad tech and crypto selling
Executive summary: US stocks finished mixed, with the Dow Jones higher while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite fell. The standout move was in semiconductors, where SOXX rose 4.247% even as Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Tesla and Bitcoin all sold off sharply. Gold, silver and crude also weakened, while the Russell 2000 outperformed, suggesting a rotation away from mega-cap growth and into smaller-cap shares. [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Kenya arrests more than 350 during anniversary protests over deadly anti-tax rallies
Kenyan police dispersed protesters in Nairobi and detained others in several parts of the country as people marked the second anniversary of deadly anti-government rallies. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said 355 people were arrested on Thursday, while officers used roadblocks and water-cannon trucks in the capital. The protests were held in memory of demonstrators killed during anti-tax unrest two years ago.Murkomen described those detained as criminals and said the security measures were intended to contain the demonstrations. He also apologised for the disruption caused by barricades and other restrictions, saying they had been effective in securing the city and other... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Day Recap News: Venezuela quake toll climbs as Middle East tensions and Europe heat intensify
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes collapsed buildings in Caracas and other cities, with the death toll rising to at least 164 as rescue teams searched through rubble and international help began to arrive. France said it would send 85 search and rescue specialists, while other European governments also moved to assist. 🔗 🔗In the Middle East, violence continued in southern Lebanon despite Washington talks, after Israeli strikes killed three people and wounded one other in an attack on a car. At the same time, Israel said it would keep troops in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah... [Continue Reading]
Zimbabwe Senate approves constitutional amendment extending Mnangagwa's term until 2030 amid backlash
Zimbabwe's Senate has approved a constitutional amendment that would keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in office until 2030. The vote took place on Wednesday and passed by 75 votes to four, according to Senate President Mabel Chinomona. The measure now needs Mnangagwa's signature before it can become law.The amendment is part of a wider package of changes that would extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven years. It would also allow the president to be elected by parliament rather than by direct popular vote. The bill had already passed the National Assembly last week, where 216 lawmakers voted... [Continue Reading]
Europe closes mixed as FTSE 100 outperforms while metals, oil and crypto sell off
Executive summary: European equities ended the session mixed, with the FTSE 100 rising +1.3% to a fresh close above 10,500, while the DAX slipped -0.1% and the Euro Stoxx 50 eased -0.5%. The broad tone was risk-off in commodities and digital assets, as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, Brent crude and Ether all fell sharply. Currency moves were modest, with the euro softer against the dollar and sterling little changed. [Continue Reading]
Zelensky skips Ukraine recovery conference in Poland amid diplomatic rift
The annual Ukraine Recovery Conference opened in the Polish port city of Gdansk under heavy security, with Poland and Ukraine trying to present a conciliatory tone despite weeks of tension. Ukraine's president did not attend, and Kyiv sent Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko instead. The gathering is intended to mobilise support for rebuilding Ukraine after Russia's invasion, but this year it has been overshadowed by a dispute over historical memory and reconciliation.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged the West to believe that a post-war Ukraine will "rise from the ruins", comparing that prospect with the wartime destruction of his native Gdansk.... [Continue Reading]
Trump, NATO and EU allies dispute support for Iran war as Rutte cites logistics role
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised several European allies over what he described as insufficient support for the war on Iran, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said member states did provide practical help. The dispute centres on the use of European bases and logistics during the conflict, with Rutte saying allies made facilities available to the US military. The exchange has added a new transatlantic strain to an already sensitive debate over burden-sharing inside the alliance.Trump said he was disappointed with Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, and called Spain a "horror show", according to the supplied... [Continue Reading]
Iran rejects Trump claim that unfrozen assets will buy US farm goods
Iran's parliament speaker has rejected a claim by US President Donald Trump that any unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to buy American agricultural exports. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on social media that Washington was "falsely" claiming the funds would be spent on US agriculture, escalating a public dispute over the terms of the emerging Iran-US memorandum of understanding. Ghalibaf, who also heads Iran's negotiating team in talks with the United States, said the agreement does not contain legal clauses requiring the purchase of US commodities.His comments came after Trump said the initial financial relief under the Pakistan-mediated framework would... [Continue Reading]
IRGC warns ships to use Tehran-designated routes in Strait of Hormuz dispute
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned commercial vessels to use only routes through the Strait of Hormuz approved by Tehran, after Oman announced a new transit route through the strategic waterway. The warning has reopened a dispute over control of shipping lanes at a time when maritime traffic is only slowly resuming after weeks of disruption. It also adds fresh pressure to fragile talks between the United States and Iran over the future of the strait.According to the reported sequence of events, Oman said on Wednesday that it had coordinated the new route with the International Maritime Organization. The... [Continue Reading]
New documentary revisits decades of sabotage and brinkmanship over Iran's nuclear programme
A new documentary has been published examining the long-running conflict over Iran's nuclear programme and the path that led to the 2026 US-Israeli war on Iran. The film says the confrontation was the result of more than three decades of shadow warfare, rather than a sudden escalation. It focuses on sabotage, assassinations, cyber operations and military strikes that shaped the dispute over "the bomb".According to the documentary, the United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026, saying they faced an imminent nuclear threat. It also says Israel had previously tried to slow Iran's nuclear progress... [Continue Reading]
Russia used Cellebrite tools to access Andrei Pivovarov's phone months after contract cancellation, report says
Russian authorities used forensic tools from Cellebrite to break into the phone of political prisoner Andrei Pivovarov, according to a new investigation by Citizen Lab. The report says the access took place months after Cellebrite said it had cancelled its contracts with Russia. It adds a new layer to long-running concerns about how commercial digital forensics tools can be used against dissidents and opposition figures.Pivovarov, who was the director of Open Russia, was arrested in May 2021 and later released more than three years afterwards in a high-profile exchange that also involved the US journalist Evan Gershkovich. According to the... [Continue Reading]
Trump faces GOP backlash as Senate blocks war-powers curb and White House seeks $87.6bn for Iran war costs
The White House is seeking $87.6 billion in additional funding tied largely to the war with Iran, while Congress has again signalled resistance to the administration's handling of the conflict. The request comes as Senate Republicans narrowly blocked a war powers resolution that would have limited President Donald Trump's authority to continue military operations against Iran. It also follows a tense closed-door meeting in which Trump confronted Republican lawmakers over the interim Iran agreement and the political fallout from the war.The funding request is linked to Operation Epic Fury, the administration's name for the Iran war, and is intended to... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Mixed as Chips and Small Caps Outperform While Gold, Silver, Bitcoin and Oil Slide
Executive summary: US markets opened with a split tone, as the Dow Jones rose +1.3% and the Russell 2000 gained +3.0%, while the Nasdaq Composite fell -2.4% and the S&P 500 slipped -0.6%. The sharpest moves were in commodities and crypto, with silver, gold, WTI crude, Ether and Bitcoin all lower, while AI and chip stocks advanced. The pattern points to a rotation away from defensive and inflation-sensitive assets and toward smaller-cap and semiconductor exposure, though the exact catalyst is not confirmed by the price tape alone. [Continue Reading]
Oil prices fall further as Strait of Hormuz traffic resumes after US-Iran deal
Oil prices have fallen further as vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to recover after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June. Brent crude briefly dropped below $72.48 a barrel, returning to the level seen before the conflict began, before edging back up to $73.23. The move reflects a sharp easing in market fears over disruption to one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.The latest data cited by maritime intelligence firm Kpler suggests 284 vessels have crossed the strait since 18 June, the day after the deal was signed. That is still below the... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela declares state of emergency after twin earthquakes kill at least 164
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after back-to-back earthquakes collapsed buildings in cities including the capital, Caracas. The disaster has killed at least 164 people and wounded close to 1,000, according to the supplied reports. Rescue operations continued overnight as authorities and emergency teams searched for survivors and assessed the scale of the damage.The quakes struck on Wednesday, with the immediate impact felt across Caracas and other nearby areas. Buildings were reported to have collapsed, adding to the challenge for rescue crews working in unstable conditions. The emergency declaration reflects the severity of the destruction and the pressure on... [Continue Reading]
US-backed push to unify Libya's executive gains traction as Tripoli figure endorses plan
A United States-backed initiative to unify Libya's executive authorities is gaining momentum, with a prominent Tripoli figure publicly endorsing the proposal. The plan is aimed at ending the country's long-running institutional divide and has increased pressure on the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity. It also comes as regional diplomacy and intelligence activity around Libya continue to intensify.Abdul Hakim Belhaj, a former commander of the Tripoli Military Council and current head of the al-Watan Party, said on 21 June that he supported the initiative. He urged the Government of National Unity to make its position clear on the proposal. Belhaj described... [Continue Reading]
Warnings grow that Russia may take conflict into space amid satellite jamming concerns
Officials are warning that Russia could extend its conflict into space as reports mount of satellite jamming, close approaches to European spacecraft and disruption to navigation systems. The concerns centre on activity affecting European infrastructure in orbit, with experts saying the pattern could amount to intimidation, intelligence gathering or attempts to interfere with data. The issue has drawn fresh attention because of its possible impact on satellites used for communications, navigation and military support.According to the supplied material, Russia moved satellites close to a radar satellite operated by a Finnish-Polish company earlier this year. That satellite is used by Ukrainian... [Continue Reading]
Iran threatens Israel after troop withdrawal dispute deepens in south Lebanon
Iran has threatened Israel after Israeli officials said troops would not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if the United States demanded it. The warning came on Thursday and followed a day of sharp exchanges over the future of the ceasefire that has been in place for about a week. The dispute centres on whether Israel will leave the south as part of the wider understanding linked to the truce with Hezbollah.Esmaeil Qaani, the head of the Quds Force, said in a statement carried by state media that Israel would face consequences if it continued on its current path. A day... [Continue Reading]
Kenyan protesters return to Nairobi streets on Gen Z uprising anniversary
Marchers returned to the streets of Nairobi on 25 June to mark the second anniversary of the Gen Z uprising, with demonstrators carrying Kenyan flags and calling for justice for victims of police violence. Authorities deployed large numbers of officers and set up roadblocks around the capital, including near parliament, as businesses remained closed in parts of the city. The anniversary has again become a focal point for youth activism and demands for government accountability.The protests are tied to the June 2024 anti-tax unrest, when thousands of young people stormed parliament in Nairobi amid anger over rising living costs and... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Noontime News: Venezuela quake toll climbs as Iran tensions ripple through diplomacy and shipping
Rescue teams in Venezuela are still searching collapsed buildings after twin quakes hit the west of the country, with the death toll now reported at least 164 and emergency crews working near Caracas and other affected areas. Earlier reports had put the toll far lower, but officials and local media say the scale of the destruction is becoming clearer as rubble is cleared and injured people are treated.In the Middle East, the biggest security concern remains the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned vessels against crossing without authorisation, saying ships that do not comply Strait of Hormuz rules will... [Continue Reading]
Deadly Omega heatwave grips Western Europe as Paris hits June record
A severe heatwave is continuing to affect large parts of Western Europe, with Paris recording a June temperature high of 40.9C and southern England reaching 36.1C. The hot spell has disrupted daily life across the region, with power supplies affected, schools closed and cultural landmarks shut in some areas. Authorities in France and Britain are among those responding as the early summer heat dome persists.In Paris, the mayor urged residents to slow down and take precautions as the city faced another sweltering day. Emmanuel Gregoire said the people now at risk are not only those usually considered most vulnerable, but... [Continue Reading]
Rubio warns Hormuz tolls could spread "like contagion" during Bahrain talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that any tolls on ships using the Strait of Hormuz could spread to other waterways and create what he described as global chaos. Speaking to a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Bahrain, he said international waterways do not belong to any nation state and argued that accepting charges on passage through a strategic strait would set a dangerous precedent. He said such a move would spread "throughout the world like a contagion".Rubio said the United States wants a peace deal with Iran, but not "at any price". He added that any agreement... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises as rescue teams search collapsed buildings
Two powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela on Wednesday, leaving at least 32 people dead and about 700 injured, according to the supplied reports. The tremors, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit within about a minute of each other and were followed by around 20 aftershocks. They caused building collapses, airport damage and widespread disruption, with the effects also felt in northern Brazil.Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and ordered schools and non-essential services to be suspended so rescue work could take priority. More than 500 emergency teams were reported to be working through the rubble on... [Continue Reading]
Iran warns ships over Strait of Hormuz crossings without authorisation
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned vessels against crossing the Strait of Hormuz without authorisation, saying ships that do not comply "will be dealt with". The warning centres on one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, where any disruption can quickly affect trade flows and market confidence. It also comes as a tanker was reported to have used a route close to Oman's shore while leaving the strait.The Guards said the only authorised route through the waterway is the one announced by Iran, and described any crossing without authorisation as "unacceptable and extremely dangerous". They also criticised what they... [Continue Reading]
North Korean soldier suspected of defecting crosses demilitarised zone into South Korea
South Korea says it has taken custody of a North Korean soldier who crossed the demilitarised zone into its territory, in a rare border-security incident along one of the world's most heavily fortified frontiers. The soldier is suspected of defecting, and authorities are now investigating the circumstances of the crossing. The incident took place in the central front on Tuesday night, according to the South Korean military.South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the military had "secured custody of one North Korean soldier in the central front Tuesday night and relevant authorities are currently investigating the... [Continue Reading]
Three ICC judges sue Trump administration over sanctions in Manhattan federal court
Three judges at the International Criminal Court have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan challenging sanctions imposed on them by the Trump administration. The judges say the measures were unlawful and were intended to punish and coerce the court's decisions. The case adds a new legal front to an already tense dispute between the United States and the international tribunal.The plaintiffs are Kimberly Prost of Canada, Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda and Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin. According to the filing, the sanctions were imposed last year and were aimed at exerting extrajudicial pressure on the judges... [Continue Reading]
Macron hosts Meloni in first bilateral summit on the French Riviera
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Antibes on Thursday for their first bilateral summit. The meeting is taking place at Villa Eilenroc on the French Riviera and is intended to ease often strained ties between the two leaders. It comes days after Meloni's fallout with Donald Trump, adding a wider transatlantic backdrop to the talks.The French presidency said the summit will be used to deepen cooperation in several strategic sectors, including defence, nuclear energy and space. It described France and Italy as countries that "need each other", underlining the practical importance of the meeting.... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Breakfast News: Venezuela quake toll rises as Iran tensions, UK heatwave and market swings dominate
Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela near the coastal town of Moron, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700. The quakes hit within minutes of each other and were felt in Caracas and other parts of the country, with authorities still assessing the scale of the damage.In the Middle East, tensions over Iran and the Strait of Hormuz remain high. Iran, the United States and Oman are at odds over who should control navigation through the vital shipping chokepoint, while the US Senate has withdrawn a war powers resolution aimed at limiting presidential force against Iran. The... [Continue Reading]
Europe opens mixed as metals, oil and gold slide, while FTSE 100 edges higher
Executive summary: European markets opened with a split tone, as the FTSE 100 rose while the DAX, CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 all slipped. The sharpest moves were in commodities, where silver, platinum, palladium, Brent crude and gold all fell hard, alongside weakness in ether and global autos. Currency moves were modest, with the euro and pound softer against the dollar, while natural gas was one of the few notable gainers. [Continue Reading]
UK heatwave triggers critical incident at Portsmouth hospital as temperatures near 39C
A hospital in Portsmouth has declared a critical incident after cooling units failed during the third day of a severe heatwave across the United Kingdom. Queen Alexandra Hospital said the problem affected systems supporting theatres, laboratories and other clinical services, as temperatures were expected to rise further. The incident came as red and amber weather warnings remained in place and forecasters said the mercury could reach 39C.The hospital said its chiller units failed on Wednesday evening, causing temperatures inside the building to rise. Engineers were on site repairing the cooling system, and some planned appointments and care were cancelled until... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo Leads Asia Higher as Nikkei Breaks Out, While Commodities and Hong Kong Slide
Executive summary: Tokyo outperformed across Asia-Pacific, with the Nikkei 225 rising +1.6% and the Nikkei 225 ETF up +1.5%. The broader regional tone was weaker, however, as Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea all finished lower. The sharpest cross-asset move was in commodities, where silver, gold, platinum, palladium and WTI crude all fell hard, while the U.S. dollar firmed against the yen and yuan. [Continue Reading]
Back-to-back earthquakes hit Venezuela as damage assessments continue
Venezuela is continuing to assess damage after two powerful earthquakes struck within minutes of each other, shaking Caracas and other parts of the country. The sequence has prompted emergency measures, building evacuations and transport disruption, with officials still working to establish the full scale of the impact. Reports from the scene described collapsed structures, dust rising from damaged buildings and residents moving into the streets as the tremors were felt across the capital region.The first quake was reported at magnitude 7.2, followed by a second stronger shock cited at magnitude 7.5, according to the supplied reporting. The quakes were described... [Continue Reading]
Iran, the US and Oman clash over control of Strait of Hormuz navigation
Iran, the United States and Oman are at odds over who will control navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. The dispute comes as peace talks aimed at ending the war continue to advance, adding a new layer of uncertainty to an already sensitive regional file. Conflicting statements on Wednesday raised questions over whether ships will move freely through the waterway or under a permit-based system.According to the reported statements, Iran and Oman said they intend to establish a joint mechanism to control navigation through permits. Oman also said it... [Continue Reading]
Fortescue Metals Group faces national sex discrimination class action in Federal Court
A landmark class action has been filed in the Federal Court in Melbourne against mining company Fortescue Metals Group over allegations of sexual harassment and sex discrimination at its remote Pilbara camps. The case alleges a pattern of misconduct affecting women workers, including claims of rape, sexual assault, stalking and inappropriate workplace behaviour. It also says some women were threatened or pushed out of their jobs after raising complaints.The allegations set out in the case include claims that workers were warned against using the onsite laundry because of what was described as widespread underwear theft, that drinks were spiked with... [Continue Reading]
Joe Sacco says six Indian publishers have approached him after India distribution plan for Muzaffarnagar graphic novel was dropped
Penguin Random House India has withdrawn from plans to distribute Joe Sacco's graphic novel reportage on the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, according to the cartoonist-journalist. Sacco said that at least six Indian publishers have since contacted him about bringing out the book in India. The development centres on The Once and Future Riot, a 135-page illustrated account of the violence in western Uttar Pradesh.Sacco said the book had been expected to reach Indian shelves by August or September, but the distribution plan was halted after legal and editorial scrutiny. He said the publisher raised concerns about an inaccurate map of India's... [Continue Reading]
Queensland teen acquitted over alleged terror attack plan targeting Liberal Party members
A Queensland teenager has been acquitted by a Supreme Court jury of planning a terrorist act against members of the Liberal Party and the public. The verdict was delivered in Brisbane after jurors deliberated for more than one day. Family members in the public gallery were seen breaking down in tears as the decision was read out.The now 17-year-old, who cannot be legally identified under Queensland youth justice laws, had pleaded not guilty to one count of acts done in preparation for or in planning a terrorist act. The trial heard allegations that, when he was 16, he planned and... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo Opens Lower as Risk-Off Sweep Hits Asia-Pacific Markets, Gold and Oil Extend Sharp Slides
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific markets opened under heavy pressure in Tokyo, with the Nikkei 225 and Nikkei ETF both down about 2.9% as a broad risk-off move hit equities, commodities and crypto. The biggest declines were in silver, gold, WTI crude, palladium and platinum, while the yen weakened further against the dollar. The move points to a fast repricing of global risk assets, with investors also digesting a stronger dollar and softer commodity complex. [Continue Reading]
UK records hottest June day as 36.1C heatwave disrupts schools and transport
The UK has recorded its hottest June day on record after temperatures reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon. The provisional figure came as hundreds of schools closed across England and Wales and rail travel was disrupted, with passengers advised to avoid all non-essential journeys. The Met Office said the heatwave is expected to continue into Thursday and Friday, with temperatures of about 38C possible.A red extreme heat warning remains in place until 23:59 BST on Thursday across parts of south and central England and south Wales. The warning covers the East Midlands, the east of England, London and... [Continue Reading]
Trump asks Congress for urgent Iran-linked funding as Senate curbs new strikes
The Trump administration has asked Congress for about $67.15 billion in urgent funding linked to Iran, adding a new budget fight to the wider dispute over the war. The request was sent on Wednesday, a day after the Senate approved a resolution aimed at blocking any new attacks on Iran without congressional approval. Trump criticised the Senate move, sharpening the clash between the White House and lawmakers over who controls military escalation.According to the request, $21 billion would go to the Pentagon for munitions, industrial base support and other capabilities described by the administration as critical. The funding is part... [Continue Reading]
European leaders pledge stronger Ukraine support ahead of NATO summit in Ankara
Top European leaders meeting in Berlin have pledged to step up support for Ukraine ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Poland as part of the European Group of Five, or E5, and said they wanted to send a strong signal of support to Kyiv. The talks came as allies prepare for the July 7-8 summit, where leaders from 32 countries are expected to gather.Merz said the message to Russia was that Ukraine remains strong. In a joint statement, Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni and... [Continue Reading]
European leaders praise Starmer at final E5 meeting in Berlin
European leaders have praised outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a meeting in Berlin, two days after he announced his resignation. The gathering brought together the leaders of Germany, France, Italy and Poland alongside Starmer, in what was described as the final meeting of the E5 format. The talks took place as Starmer appeared in public for one of his last major international engagements as prime minister.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the joint press conference that Starmer had done a great deal to strengthen NATO and foster a united Europe. He said he regretted Starmer's departure and thanked him... [Continue Reading]
Mamdani-backed candidates score further upset wins in New York primaries
Darializa Avila Chevalier has won the Democratic nomination in New York's 13th congressional district in one of the sharpest upsets of the primary cycle. Backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, she defeated veteran Congressman Adriano Espaillat, according to the supplied report. The result adds to a night in which several candidates aligned with Mamdani also prevailed in New York races.The report says Avila Chevalier first entered the race in November and presented herself as an organiser focused on immigration and Palestinian rights. It describes her victory as a political earthquake for pro-Israel forces in Democratic circles. The same... [Continue Reading]
Netanyahu pushes Israel toward arms-production independence as exports hit record
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for Israel to pursue what he described as "armaments independence," saying the country should build its own weapons-production capacity even as it remains grateful for US military aid. The remarks add a new economic and industrial dimension to an already sensitive debate over Israel's long-term defence posture. They also come as tensions continue over the US peace agreement with Iran.Netanyahu's comments were reported on 24 June and were linked to a broader argument that Israel should be less reliant on foreign supply chains for key military systems. The article said demand... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street closes mixed as tech and commodities slide, while small caps and chips hold up
Executive summary: Wall Street ended the session with a sharp split beneath the surface, as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell on broad pressure in mega-cap tech, commodities and crypto, while the Russell 2000 and chip stocks managed gains. The biggest declines came in silver, crude, gold, Ether and several large-cap growth names, a pattern that points to a risk-off tone and a possible unwind of crowded trades. Small caps and SOXX outperformed, suggesting investors were still willing to rotate selectively rather than exit risk entirely. [Continue Reading]
France and Vanuatu begin talks over disputed Matthew and Hunter islands
France and Vanuatu have begun formal negotiations over the future of Matthew and Hunter islands, two small volcanic islands east of New Caledonia that have been at the centre of a sovereignty dispute for decades. Vanuatu is seeking to secure sovereignty over the islands, which remain under French control as part of New Caledonia. The talks mark a new phase in a long-running territorial disagreement that has been politically sensitive in both countries.The islands lie about 300 kilometres east of New Caledonia and are described as rugged, mineral-rich and volcanically active. Matthew Island and Hunter Island are separated by about... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Day Recap News: US and Iran clash over Hormuz terms as Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine tensions persist
Talks between the United States and Iran intensified over the Strait of Hormuz, inspections and the shape of any final deal. Marco Rubio said Iran would not be allowed to charge tolls or fees on vessels using the waterway, while Iranian and US officials remained divided over the framework and Donald Trump threatened to halt negotiations. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said inspections at Iranian nuclear sites would resume under the preliminary agreement, even as the dispute over access and enforcement continued.The diplomatic push was accompanied by wider regional manoeuvring. Rubio was touring Gulf allies to... [Continue Reading]
Viral clip from US-Iran talks in Switzerland sparks claims of Qatar prime minister snub of JD Vance
A video clip from the US-Iran talks in Switzerland has prompted online claims that Qatar's prime minister snubbed US Vice President JD Vance. The footage shows Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani greeting Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, as he walks past Vance without shaking his hand. The clip was filmed during the talks near Lucerne in central Switzerland, not Geneva, and has been widely shared on social media.The video was posted online on June 22 and has drawn more than two million views, according to the supplied report. It was shared with a claim that Vance had been... [Continue Reading]
Iran proposes Muslim military alliance with Pakistan in Islamabad
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has proposed the creation of a regional military alliance among Muslim countries during a press conference in Islamabad. Speaking alongside Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he said the bloc would be aimed at strengthening cooperation on development, culture and the defence of sovereignty. He also suggested that Pakistan could lead the group because it is the only nuclear power in the Islamic world.According to the report, Pezeshkian named Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey as possible members of the proposed alliance. He said Muslim countries should work together to build joint mechanisms to confront external threats... [Continue Reading]
Trump cancels housing bill signing to press Republicans on voter ID law
United States President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned signing ceremony for bipartisan affordable housing legislation, linking the move to his demand that Republicans first pass a long-stalled federal voting restrictions bill. In a post on Truth Social, he said the housing news conference and signing were cancelled until lawmakers approve what he called the SAVE America Act. The decision affects a bill that had already cleared both chambers of Congress with unusually broad support.The housing measure passed the House of Representatives by 358 votes to 32 on Tuesday, after the Senate approved it 85 to 5 on Monday. Trump... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan activist Mahrang Baloch sentenced to life in prison after anti-terrorism court verdict
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch to life in prison over a murder and terrorism case linked to protests in 2024. The ruling has triggered criticism from rights groups and public figures, and her lawyer has said an appeal will be filed. Another leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, Sibghatullah, was also reported to face life imprisonment in the same case.The court held Baloch guilty in connection with the killing of a Pakistani paramilitary soldier during the 2024 protests, according to the supplied material. She has been detained since March 2025, and the proceedings were... [Continue Reading]
US-Iran talks intensify as Rubio rejects Hormuz tolls and Senate backs war powers measure
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iran will not be allowed to charge tolls or fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz under any final agreement with Washington. His comments sharpen one of the main disputes in the negotiations, which are taking place alongside a 60-day diplomatic process launched after a preliminary agreement in Switzerland. Iran has meanwhile said planned transit fees through the waterway will be suspended for 60 days while talks continue.The latest developments come as the US Senate passed a war powers measure pressing President Donald Trump either to halt the war in Iran... [Continue Reading]
Child killed in Israeli drone strike in al-Mawasi as Gaza attacks continue despite ceasefire
A 12-year-old child was killed in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, during an Israeli drone strike on Wednesday, according to health officials at Nasser Medical Complex. Several other Palestinians were wounded in the same attack, officials said. The strike hit an area that had been described by Israel as a safe zone, according to reporting from Gaza City.Health officials said the child was killed in a tent in al-Mawasi and identified him as Ahmed. At least seven Palestinians were injured in the same strike, according to the account relayed by medical staff. The attack came as Israeli... [Continue Reading]
Europe closes lower as metals, oil and crypto slide, while dollar strength weighs on FX and equities
Executive summary: European markets ended lower, with the Euro Stoxx 50, DAX, CAC 40 and FTSE 100 all in the red. The sharpest moves came in commodities and crypto, where silver, gold, platinum, palladium, Brent crude and Ether all fell hard. The dollar also strengthened against the euro and pound, adding pressure to risk assets and exporters. [Continue Reading]
Iran and US talks strain over Hormuz and inspections as Trump threatens to halt negotiations
Iranian and US officials remain divided over the terms of their framework deal, with the latest dispute centring on the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear inspections. The disagreement has sharpened as technical talks continue under a 60-day framework, even as both sides publicly claim progress. Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the arrangement as a US defeat, while Washington has warned that the process could collapse if key assurances prove false.Ghalibaf told a parliamentary summit in Baku that the understanding was not the result of pressure, but of what he called Iranian resistance and authority. He said Washington and... [Continue Reading]
France confirms first Ebola case in doctor returning from DR Congo as contact tracing begins
The French Health Ministry has confirmed the country's first Ebola case on national territory in a doctor who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The patient was isolated immediately after landing in Paris, and officials said the person is now in a stable condition. The ministry said the risk of transmission remains low, while contact tracing is under way.According to the supplied material, the doctor flew on a commercial service from Kinshasa and was almost asymptomatic, apart from headaches. The ministry said the patient's condition slightly deteriorated during the flight, but isolation and medical care began as... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Lower as Tech, Energy and Commodities Sell Off, While Small Caps and Chips Buck the Slide
Executive summary: U.S. markets opened under pressure, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow all lower, while the Russell 2000 and SOXX managed gains. The sharpest moves were outside equities, where silver, gold, crude oil, platinum, palladium and bitcoin all fell hard, pointing to a broad risk-off tone and a possible unwind in crowded commodity and alternative-asset trades. [Continue Reading]
Iran's president visits Pakistan as US-Iran thaw advances through mediation
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Islamabad for a state visit that comes as the emerging US-Iran understanding moves through a mediated channel involving Pakistan. The visit follows the latest round of diplomacy in Switzerland and underlines Pakistan's role in helping bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiation table. It is also Pezeshkian's first foreign trip since Iran was attacked by the United States and Israel in February.According to the supplied material, Pezeshkian thanked Islamabad for its help in opening the talks and is expected to discuss the process with senior Pakistani leaders during the visit. The material says... [Continue Reading]
India's Arunachal Pradesh district cut off by landslides as five remain missing after flash floods
Flash floods and landslides have hit Keyi Panyor district in India's Arunachal Pradesh after a night of torrential rain, leaving the area almost isolated and rescue teams struggling to reach those affected. Officials said the Possa river overflowed and swept away 18 semi-permanent structures in a NEEPCO project colony. Five people remain missing, while four others have been rescued so far.According to meteorological information cited by local officials, the Yazali station in Keyi Panyor recorded about 72.8 mm of rainfall over 24 hours, with most of it falling between 6 am and 9 am on Wednesday. District Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti... [Continue Reading]
Rasmussen urges Europe-wide defence coalition including Ukraine ahead of Berlin talks
A former NATO secretary general has called for a new coalition of willing European states, including Ukraine, to help defend the continent if the United States reduces its military presence. Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the idea should be considered as Europe prepares for a meeting of leading defence powers in Berlin and a NATO summit in Ankara. He argued that the proposal would act as an insurance force if European allies are not ready to fill any gap left by a US drawdown.Rasmussen said the force should be led by France and the United Kingdom, which he described as Europe's... [Continue Reading]
Iran invites PM Modi to Khamenei funeral as July ceremonies approach
Iran has formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, adding a diplomatic dimension to the planned ceremonies in July. The invitation was sent through the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to India's Ministry of External Affairs, according to the supplied report. The funeral is now scheduled as a multi-city event, beginning in Tehran on 4 July and ending with burial in Mashhad on 9 July.The report says Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian extended the invitation to Mr Modi, and that other world leaders have also been invited. Those named include... [Continue Reading]
ASIO says Iranian spy orchestrated Bondi firebombing in annual threat assessment
Australia's domestic intelligence chief has said an Australian citizen working as a senior intelligence officer for Iran orchestrated a firebombing in Bondi. Mike Burgess also said a former Australian resident in Iraq directed an attack on a Melbourne synagogue. The remarks were made in ASIO's annual threat assessment, which set out what Burgess described as a worsening security environment.Burgess said the incidents were linked to two attacks on Australia's Jewish community and to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He said the Bondi attack was part of a broader pattern of threats facing the country, including foreign regimes targeting citizens and... [Continue Reading]
Trump reportedly lashed out at Netanyahu over Gaza ceasefire talks, new book says
US President Donald Trump allegedly lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a heated phone call in September 2025, according to a new book by two New York Times reporters. The account says Trump pressed Netanyahu to accept a US-backed Gaza ceasefire framework and used unusually blunt language while the two leaders were discussing the war. The reported exchange took place as Trump was promoting a 20-point plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and rebuilding the territory.The book says Trump told Netanyahu that the war had gone on for too long and warned him not to back... [Continue Reading]
EastEnders confirms who is responsible for ending Bea's scheme, and it is not Billy
Bea Pollard's attempt to turn Honey and Billy Mitchell against each other appears to be unraveling in Wednesday's episode, after a younger family member begins to suspect she is lying. The episode, which can be streamed before its scheduled broadcast, shows Billy still trying to clear his name after Bea accused him of trying to sleep with her. The latest developments centre on Will Mitchell, who starts to question Bea's version of events after seeing behaviour that does not fit the story she has been telling.The immediate trigger comes when Billy asks Will to help prove that he has been... [Continue Reading]
Great Britain grid operator issues rare summer electricity margin warning amid heatwave
Great Britain's grid operator has issued a rare summer electricity margin warning for Wednesday evening as a heatwave intensifies across the country. The National Energy System Operator asked power plant owners to provide any extra electricity they can as the gap between expected supply and demand narrows. The notice was issued late on Tuesday and applies to the period when demand is expected to be highest.The operator said it needed an additional 1,900 megawatts of generating capacity to keep the system within normal safety margins. A spokesperson said the warning was linked to extremely high temperatures affecting Great Britain and... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine drone attacks prompt Moscow refinery air-defence relocation
A reported Ukrainian drone strike has damaged Moscow's oil refinery, prompting Russia to move a Pantsir air-defence system closer to the site. The incident is described as part of a wider wave of attacks on the Russian capital. According to the supplied material, Moscow was left covered in smoke and oil rain after the strike.The report says the Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and gun system was moved a few hundred metres from the refinery. It also says the system was placed behind a metal cage, a feature commonly seen on equipment deployed near front lines. The same material describes the refinery... [Continue Reading]
Strait of Hormuz tanker backlog grows as barnacles slow post-ceasefire reopening
The Strait of Hormuz is facing a new shipping problem after the ceasefire that ended the Iran-Israel-US war was expected to restore traffic quickly. Instead, hundreds of tankers remain anchored in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, leaving one of the world's most important oil chokepoints only partly reopened. The immediate obstacle is no longer only security, but also marine growth on ships that have been idle for months.According to Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser, more than 600 tankers were stuck inside the Persian Gulf as of mid-May 2026, with another 240 waiting outside the strait. The... [Continue Reading]
Europe Opens Lower as Commodities, Autos and Metals Lead a Broad Risk-Off Move
Executive summary: European markets opened under pressure, with the FTSE 100, DAX, CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 all lower, while commodities and cyclical assets also weakened. Brent crude, gold, silver, platinum and palladium fell sharply, alongside global autos and ether, pointing to a broad de-risking tone at the open. FX moves showed a softer euro and pound against the dollar, while the yen and yuan were weaker versus the dollar, adding to the sense of a stronger USD backdrop. [Continue Reading]
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific markets slide as Nikkei, Hang Seng and Kospi lead broad risk-off move
Executive summary: Tokyo and Asia-Pacific equities closed sharply lower, with the Nikkei 225, Hang Seng and Kospi all falling more than 2% and the ASX 200 also under pressure. The move came alongside weaker commodities, including oil, gold and silver, while the yen and yuan both weakened against the dollar. The pattern points to a broad risk-off session across the region, with tech, autos and resource-linked assets all caught in the downdraft. [Continue Reading]
UN maritime agency begins evacuation plan for more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf
The United Nations maritime agency has begun putting into effect a plan to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation is intended to allow hundreds of ships to move through the waterway in phases, after weeks of disruption to one of the world's most important shipping routes. The agency said it has started contacting vessels as part of the process.The International Maritime Organization said it had secured the safety guarantees needed for the operation and had verified conditions for safe navigation. Its secretary-general, Arsenio Dominguez, said the large-scale... [Continue Reading]
Burnham likely to replace Reeves if he becomes PM amid Labour leadership race
The BBC understands that if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, he is expected to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor and offer her a more junior cabinet role. A spokesperson for Burnham said no decisions had been made, but the reports add detail to the team he is beginning to assemble as he prepares for a possible move into Downing Street. Burnham is currently the sole candidate in the Labour leadership race, meaning he could become prime minister as early as 17 July if no challenger emerges.The choice of chancellor would be one of the first major decisions of any Burnham... [Continue Reading]
Oman opens temporary maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz
Oman has announced a temporary maritime corridor for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most sensitive shipping routes. The measure was coordinated with the International Maritime Organization, according to the state news agency. It comes amid heightened concern over disruption in the strategic waterway.The corridor is intended for ships seeking to pass through the strait and will require coordination with the International Maritime Organization, using coordinates announced by the organisation and Omani authorities. Oman said the arrangement is designed to preserve freedom of navigation in line with international law and the law of the sea. Those... [Continue Reading]
Tamil Nadu takes Karthigai Deepam hilltop lamp dispute to Supreme Court
Tamil Nadu has moved the Supreme Court in a fresh legal challenge over the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram Hill in the state's south. The dispute centres on a stone pillar known as the Deepathoon, located near the Sikandar Badusha Dargah, and has become the latest flashpoint in a long-running religious and property rights row. The state's petition follows a Madras High Court ruling that allowed the ceremonial lamp to be lit at the site during the annual festival.Court records show the state filed its appeal on 11 June through counsel B Karunakaran. The challenge is directed against... [Continue Reading]
Texas defendants sentenced to decades in prison over Prairieland Detention Center shooting
Eight defendants have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms over a shooting outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas that wounded a police officer during a July 4 demonstration last year. The case has drawn national attention because prosecutors described it as terrorism linked to antifa, while defence lawyers denied those ties. Civil liberties advocates have also raised concerns about the scale of the punishments and the possible effect on protest rights.Benjamin Song, described in court as a former United States Marine reservist, received a 100-year sentence, which prosecutors said was the maximum punishment. Seven other defendants were given terms... [Continue Reading]
Alibaba sues US government over Pentagon blacklist as business ban nears
Alibaba has filed a federal lawsuit in California challenging its inclusion on a Pentagon blacklist that the company says has no basis in fact or law. The case was lodged in San Jose and seeks to remove the e-commerce group from a list the US defence department says covers firms linked to the Chinese military. The dispute adds a fresh legal front to an already tense confrontation between Washington and one of China's best-known technology companies.The Pentagon has said Alibaba is a "military-civil fusion contributor to the Chinese defence industrial base" because of its regulatory ties to Beijing. Alibaba rejects... [Continue Reading]
UN begins phased evacuation of 11,000 stranded sailors in Strait of Hormuz
The United Nations' International Maritime Organization has begun evacuating more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz after the waterway was effectively closed during the US-Israel war on Iran. The operation is being carried out in phases and is centred on one of the world's most sensitive shipping corridors. Shipping traffic has started to resume, but officials say the process remains controlled because of the risks involved.IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the evacuation is taking place in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, other coastal states in the region, the United States and the maritime industry. He said safety... [Continue Reading]
Gilmour Space plans first hypersonic rocket launch from Bowen in July or August
Gilmour Space Technologies says it is preparing to launch its first hypersonic rocket from Bowen in North Queensland, with the flight expected in July or August pending government approvals. The company says the sub-orbital rocket will be part of its Hyperflight service and is intended to reach the edge of space before descending back to Earth. It says the service is designed for Defence and research customers rather than as weaponry.The company said the planned launch would allow clients, including government agencies and Defence organisations, to test equipment in extreme flight conditions at up to seven times the speed of... [Continue Reading]
US F-15 pilot describes unusual drone formation before ejection over Iran
A US fighter jet pilot who was shot down over Iran in April has reportedly described seeing multiple Iranian drones in the air just before he ejected from the aircraft. According to a report cited in the supplied material, the pilot told US intelligence officials during a debriefing that the drones appeared to be moving together in a formation he likened to a jellyfish. The account has drawn attention inside the US intelligence community because of what it could suggest about Iranian drone coordination.The incident took place on 3 April 2026, when US forces launched search and rescue operations after... [Continue Reading]
Peru election dispute escalates as Sanchez rejects Fujimori victory
Peru's presidential race has entered a new phase of dispute after left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez denounced the runoff as fraudulent and said he would not recognise a Fujimori presidency. He made the remarks at a news conference in Lima on Tuesday, while calling for protests over the weekend. The challenge centres on the narrow lead held by his rival, Keiko Fujimori, as the vote count continues.With more than 99.7% of ballots counted, Fujimori is ahead with 50.11% support, while Sanchez has 49.89%, according to the latest figures cited in the dispute. The margin between the two candidates is about 40,687... [Continue Reading]
UNAIDS warns South Africa could face deaths from Trump-era HIV funding cuts
UNAIDS has warned that cuts to HIV funding linked to the Trump administration could cost lives in South Africa. The warning centres on the possible impact of reduced support for HIV programmes in a country that remains heavily affected by the epidemic. It frames the issue as an immediate public-health risk rather than a distant policy debate.The warning was reported on 23 June 2026 and specifically linked the funding cuts to South Africa. UNAIDS did not, in the supplied material, give a numerical estimate of the potential impact or detail which programmes would be most affected. The row identifies the... [Continue Reading]
UN inquiry accuses Israel of deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza
A United Nations commission of inquiry has accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting and killing Palestinian children in Gaza, in findings that deepen an already severe legal dispute over the conduct of the war. The report says the alleged abuses included the use of large-yield bombs, drones and snipers, and argues that the pattern of harm was not incidental. Israel has rejected the findings, calling the report deeply flawed and politically driven.The commission said the use of large-yield bombs that killed children in high numbers indicated intentionality, and it alleged that some children were shot directly in vital organs. It... [Continue Reading]
Von der Leyen to visit Armenia next week after pro-EU political shift
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due to travel to Armenia next week for talks with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in a move aimed at deepening EU-Armenia relations after his recent re-election. The visit comes as Yerevan has signalled a more cautious but clearer pro-EU orientation, while still managing its long-standing ties with Russia. According to sources in Yerevan, the trip is intended to build on the political opening created by the June election result.The planned visit follows a series of recent EU statements and support measures for Armenia. The European Commission endorsed Pashinyan shortly before the 7... [Continue Reading]
EU hosts Taliban officials in Brussels for deportation talks as technical meeting follows Kabul contact
A Taliban delegation has held talks with European Union officials in Brussels for the first time, in a meeting focused on diplomatic services and the return of Afghans from Europe. The discussion took place on Tuesday at an undisclosed location and was described by the European Commission as a technical-level meeting. It brought together EU officials and representatives of the Taliban, which no European country recognises as Afghanistan's government.The Commission said officials from 15 EU member states attended the follow-up meeting, which came after a previous session in Kabul in January. A spokesperson said the talks were co-chaired by Commission... [Continue Reading]
US appeals court allows Trump to expand fast-track deportation policy
A US appeals court has allowed the Trump administration to move ahead with expanding expedited removal for some immigrants detained inside the country. The ruling, issued by a majority of a three-judge panel on the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, overturns a lower court order that had blocked the policy. It marks a significant legal victory for the administration's immigration agenda.The dispute centres on whether expedited removal can be used only at the border or also against non-citizens detained anywhere in the United States. Under the policy the administration sought to expand, people would need... [Continue Reading]
Israeli troops kill two in southern Lebanon as ceasefire comes under strain
Hezbollah has denounced the shooting in southern Lebanon as a blatant violation of the truce, after Israeli fire killed two people near Nabatieh al-Fawqa on Tuesday. The incident took place in the al-Deir area, where local reports said people were standing near a bulldozer clearing a road. It is the first reported fatal shooting attributed to Israeli fire in Lebanon since the latest ceasefire appeared to take hold at the weekend.The Lebanese health ministry said two men were killed, and the state-run National News Agency identified them as Mohammed Amhaz and Sajed al-Hajj Ali. It said they were with a... [Continue Reading]
India and China hold BRICS-side security talks in New Delhi
India and China have held bilateral security talks in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS national security advisers meeting, with both sides stressing the need to keep wider ties on track. Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the gathering on Monday. The meeting came as the two countries continue a cautious effort to stabilise relations after years of strain along their disputed border.According to a statement from India's foreign ministry spokesperson, the discussions were described as constructive and forward-looking. Doval said stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations help build trust and... [Continue Reading]
US Supreme Court lets ExxonMobil pursue Cuba expropriation claim
The US Supreme Court has ruled that ExxonMobil can continue its case against Cuban state entities over assets expropriated after the Cuban Revolution. The decision revives a long-running dispute that had been stalled for years and sends it back to lower courts for further proceedings. It concerns property once controlled by Standard Oil, ExxonMobil's predecessor, including refineries, terminals and more than 100 petrol stations in Cuba.The court's ruling was approved by 6-3, with the six conservative justices in the majority and the three liberal justices dissenting. The judges said Cuba does not have sovereign immunity in this case under the... [Continue Reading]
China's carrier Fujian crosses Taiwan Strait, Taipei says
Taiwan said on Tuesday that China's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, crossed the Taiwan Strait, in a move that Taipei described as closely monitored by its armed forces. The transit was the first use of that route since April, according to Taiwan's defence ministry. The announcement comes amid frequent Chinese military activity around the island, which Taiwan views as part of a sustained pressure campaign.Taiwan's defence ministry said the carrier was tracked using joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance methods, but gave no further operational details. It also released a black-and-white overhead image of the ship, although it... [Continue Reading]
Gaza ceasefire talks stall in Egypt over disarmament demands and tunnel maps
Ceasefire talks on Gaza held in Egypt are facing a serious obstacle over the future of weapons held by Palestinian factions. The immediate dispute centres on demands for Hamas to hand over tunnel maps, surrender arms and account for privately held weapons in the enclave. The negotiations are taking place as mediators try to advance a U.S.-backed ceasefire framework agreed in October 2025.According to people involved in the Cairo discussions, the most difficult issue is Clause 8 of the ceasefire plan, which sets out how disarmament would work and how military infrastructure in post-war Gaza would be managed. Nickolay Mladenov,... [Continue Reading]
Bennett says Israel tried to smuggle Starlink receivers into Iran to aid protesters
Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett has said Israel began a covert effort to smuggle tens of thousands of Starlink receivers into Iran to help anti-government protesters keep internet access. He made the remarks at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem on Tuesday, according to the supplied report. The claim points to a previously unreported attempt to support connectivity inside Iran during periods of unrest.Bennett said he had initiated a process of acquiring and smuggling into Iran "tens of thousands of Starlink receptors" so that internet and social networks could continue to function. He said the devices were intended... [Continue Reading]
Iran and US clash over interpretation of Switzerland framework deal
Iran has moved to challenge Washington's account of what was agreed in the latest round of talks in Switzerland, widening a dispute over the terms of a framework deal that both sides have presented very differently. The disagreement emerged within hours of the negotiations ending, with Tehran saying the text should be read narrowly and the US president insisting Iran had accepted major concessions. The clash now centres on nuclear inspections, sanctions relief and the future of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.Donald Trump said Iran had agreed to the "highest level" of nuclear inspections for the long term,... [Continue Reading]
Iran rejects US claim that nuclear inspectors will return amid 60-day talks roadmap
Iran has rejected a US claim that nuclear inspectors will soon be allowed back into the country, deepening a dispute over what was agreed in the first round of talks between the two sides in Switzerland. Tehran said it had made no new commitments on inspections, after Vice-President JD Vance said discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency could happen as soon as Monday. The disagreement centres on access to nuclear sites damaged in last year's war with the United States and Israel.Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said there was no plan to allow inspectors to visit the bombed... [Continue Reading]
Iran says only a limited number of ships may pass daily through the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has said that only a limited number of vessels will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz each day, adding a new restriction to the reopening of one of the world's most important energy chokepoints. The statement was reported on Tuesday by Iran's state news agency, citing a military official. It said the daily number would vary depending on conditions in the region.No figure was given for how many ships would be permitted to transit. The announcement comes after a peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran last week, which reopened the strait but did... [Continue Reading]
Kenya orders halt to US-run Ebola facility after contempt ruling
Health Minister Aden Duale has told a court that he has ordered an immediate and complete halt to preparations for a US-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia air base. The move follows a contempt finding after he was accused of ignoring an earlier stop-work order. The site is near Nanyuki, about 125 miles, or 200 kilometres, from Nairobi.Duale said the suspension covers any intended construction, site preparation or related activity at the facility until the court hearing is concluded or further orders are issued. The project was announced in May for US citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo,... [Continue Reading]
Thousands of lightning strikes bring flooding, fires and travel disruption to southern England
Thousands of lightning strikes lit up the sky across southern England overnight, bringing flash flooding, travel disruption and multiple fire responses. The storms moved in from the south west on Monday evening and spread towards the south east during the night. People across the region reported being woken in the early hours by loud thunder and repeated flashes of lightning.Met Office data suggests there were about 29,000 lightning strikes in a 24-hour period. London Fire Brigade said it responded to 400 calls overnight, including two house fires in London that were believed to have been caused by lightning strikes. A... [Continue Reading]
Strait of Hormuz traffic surges to highest level since war began
At least 35 cargo ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, marking the busiest day in the waterway since the Middle East war began in late February. The figure was reported by the data platform Kpler and comes a week after an announcement of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States. The rebound is notable because the strait is a strategic passage for global trade in hydrocarbons and other goods.The reported traffic level was still well below peacetime volumes, when about 120 ships passed through the strait each day. During the war, from 1 March to... [Continue Reading]
Iran says technical talks with US in Switzerland conclude successfully
Iran says technical talks with the United States and mediators in Switzerland have concluded successfully, opening the way for the next phase of negotiations linked to ending the more than 100-day war. The discussions were described by Iranian officials as focused on how a framework agreement would be carried out in practice. The talks were held after a high-level committee meeting on Sunday to monitor implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who led Iran's technical team, said the four-party talks ended with agreement on arrangements for future negotiations, including working groups and implementation mechanisms. He... [Continue Reading]
US eases Iran oil sanctions for 60 days after nuclear inspection deal
The United States has temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil for 60 days after Iran agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country. The latest development was reported as talks continued in Switzerland, where the two sides were also said to have reached agreement on the release of $12bn in frozen Iranian funds. The move comes amid negotiations linked to the wider conflict, which the supplied material says is now on day 116.Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said an agreement had been reached with the United States on the frozen funds after the Swiss talks. The reported... [Continue Reading]
Primary Elections Under Way in Maryland, Utah and New York as South Carolina Holds Runoff Races
Voters are heading to the polls in Maryland, Utah and New York for primary elections, while South Carolina is holding runoff contests to settle several races that were left without a clear winner on June 9. The voting comes with less than five months remaining before the United States midterm elections, which will help determine control of Congress. Redistricting has emerged as a central issue in several of the contests, adding to the stakes in races that could shape the balance of power in November.In Utah, Maryland and New York, the primaries are selecting party nominees for the final round... [Continue Reading]
India Welcomes US-Iran Memorandum With Cautious Optimism at BRICS Meeting in New Delhi
India's national security adviser Ajit Doval said on Tuesday that New Delhi welcomes the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran with "cautious optimism". He said the deal could help energy security and described the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as a welcome development. The remarks were made at the 16th BRICS national security advisers' meeting in New Delhi, where representatives from China, Russia and Iran were also present.Doval said India hoped the memorandum would work, adding that it could support energy security at a time of wider geopolitical uncertainty. He referred to BRICS as a "very... [Continue Reading]
Israel expands control in Hebron amid reported quiet annexation in Gaza
Israeli officials have described a new phase of territorial control in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, while Israeli television has also reported what it called a policy of "creeping" or "quiet" annexation in Gaza. The developments were reported on 23 June and centre on moves that appear to extend Israeli authority without a formal declaration of annexation. In Hebron, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he had cancelled the 1997 Hebron Agreement and stripped the Palestinian municipality of planning authority over the Old City and the Ibrahimi Mosque.The row says Smotrich made the claim at the inauguration of the... [Continue Reading]
US judge blocks Trump administration use of SAVE database for voter-roll checks
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from using a revamped federal database to check citizenship status before voting, in a ruling that could affect how voter rolls are reviewed across the United States. US District Court Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan said the updated Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, known as SAVE, could not be used in its current form.The decision is a setback for a central part of the administration's effort to tighten election administration through federal agencies. The judge sided with advocacy groups that argued the upgraded system aggregated sensitive personal data in a way that could... [Continue Reading]
Kim Jong-un says North Korea will act as a nuclear state amid rising tensions
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said the country must exercise its position as a nuclear state, according to state media, in remarks delivered during a plenary session of the Workers' Party Central Committee in Pyongyang. The statement comes as Pyongyang continues to frame its nuclear programme as central to national security. Kim also blamed the United States and South Korea for worsening the security environment on the Korean peninsula.According to the report, Kim said an unpredictable and complex global security situation meant that acting as a nuclear state was the only way for North Korea to respond. He accused... [Continue Reading]
India's NEET medical exam resit takes place under heavy security after leak allegations and protests
India has held a nationwide resit of its medical entrance exam after the cancellation of earlier results over allegations that question papers were leaked. More than 2 million students took the National Eligibility Entrance Test, known as NEET, on Sunday in a move that has drawn protests and renewed scrutiny of the country's exam system. The retest was conducted across India under unprecedented security measures, with authorities deploying thousands of personnel and using military aircraft to transport exam papers.Officials ordered the exam to be repeated after last month's results were scrapped amid claims that the questions had been leaked before... [Continue Reading]
Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham coronation
At least two senior Labour MPs are considering leadership bids as the party prepares to choose a successor to Keir Starmer, in an effort to prevent Andy Burnham becoming prime minister without a full contest. Former defence minister Al Carns has said he is weighing whether to run, while Darren Jones, Sir Keir Starmer's chief secretary, has not ruled out a challenge, according to the supplied material. Labour MPs are increasingly discussing the possibility that Burnham could take office as early as 17 July, the day after nominations close.The timetable set out in the rows gives potential candidates from 9... [Continue Reading]
Trump says military action against Iran remains on the table over nuclear issue
US President Donald Trump has said military action against Iran remains possible if Tehran does not honour its commitments, while arguing that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is more important than the risk of a global economic downturn. He made the remarks at the Oval Office on Monday, directly addressing questions about whether renewed strikes could trigger wider economic damage. Trump said a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a greater threat than any fallout from conflict.Asked whether he was willing to risk a worldwide recession by striking Iran again if a deal collapses, Trump said: "Nuclear weapon supersedes depression."... [Continue Reading]
Qatar gas plant blast leaves 13 dead, including 12 Indians, as investigation continues at Ras Laffan
Qatar has confirmed that 13 people were killed and 66 injured in an explosion at a gas processing facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City on Sunday night. The Indian Embassy in Doha said 12 of the dead were Indian nationals, while Qatari officials said the incident was caused by a technical malfunction during operations. Authorities said the injured are stable and receiving medical treatment.Energy Minister Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi said the blast was an accident and not sabotage or hostile in nature. He said none of the injured were in life-threatening condition, and the fire caused by the explosion... [Continue Reading]
Peter Murrell to be sentenced in Edinburgh over SNP embezzlement
Former Scottish National Party chief executive Peter Murrell is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh after admitting that he embezzled more than £400,000 from the party. The 61-year-old, who was once one of the most powerful figures in Scottish politics, pleaded guilty last month and has been remanded in custody since then. The case centres on money taken from the party over a 12-year period and used for personal purchases.At a hearing on 25 May, Murrell admitted embezzling £400,310.65 from the party between 2010 and 2022. The court was told the funds were used to buy... [Continue Reading]
Hungary PM launches sweeping reform drive to dismantle Orban-era power network
Hungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced a wide-ranging reform drive aimed at dismantling what he described as the political and economic network built under former leader Viktor Orban. In a speech to parliament on Monday, Magyar unveiled a package he called Operation Cleansing Fire, with plans that include a new constitution, a new anti-corruption office, institutional purges and the removal of the president. The announcement marks one of the most ambitious political resets in Hungary since Magyar took office in April.The proposed measures are tied to a broader effort to unlock 16.4 billion euros in frozen European Union funds,... [Continue Reading]
UN warns Palestinian children are left increasingly unprotected as NGOs are pushed out of Gaza and the West Bank
The United Nations has warned that Palestinian children are becoming increasingly unprotected as humanitarian and rights groups are forced to scale back operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The warning comes amid what the UN describes as growing pressure on civil society organisations working in the Palestinian territories. The committee said the absence of these groups leaves children more vulnerable at a time of continuing conflict and restrictions.In a statement issued through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child said many organisations have been labelled as... [Continue Reading]
Honduras plans Ukrainian drone purchase for border security and anti-drug operations
Honduras says it plans to buy drones from Ukraine to help monitor remote areas, protect its borders and fight drug trafficking and organised crime. President Nasry Asfura said the technology could give authorities better coverage in hard-to-reach parts of the country. The announcement comes after his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv last week.Asfura made the comments in Panama City during the General Assembly of the Organization of American States. He said the drones would be used to "protect our borders" and to "fight against organized crime with high-tech equipment". He also said Ukraine "can help us a... [Continue Reading]
DR Congo Ebola outbreak passes 1,000 cases as deaths rise to 254
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported that its Ebola outbreak has now passed 1,000 confirmed cases, with the total rising to 1,003 and deaths increasing to 254. The latest figures were confirmed by the National Institute of Public Health and show that transmission is still continuing in the country's east. Health teams remain focused on Ituri province, where almost all cases have been recorded, while North Kivu and South Kivu have also been affected.The outbreak was declared on 15 May and is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a form of the virus for which there is... [Continue Reading]
Three dead in shooting in Montreal Jewish neighbourhood, including police officer and suspect
A shooting in a Jewish neighbourhood of Montreal on Monday left three people dead, including a police officer, a resident and the suspected shooter. Local police said the incident took place in an area known for kosher restaurants and supermarkets used by the city's Jewish community. Officers urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation continued.Montreal police said in a statement that one of their officers had died in the line of duty. They also separately confirmed the deaths of a suspect and a resident. The identity of the resident was not immediately known, and police said they were... [Continue Reading]
Lewis Hawkes named in Edinburgh court over alleged terror-linked knife attacks
A 36-year-old Scottish man has been named after appearing in court in Edinburgh over a series of alleged knife attacks linked to a terrorist connection. Lewis Hawkes appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with five counts of attempted murder, according to the Crown Office. The case centres on incidents in the Scottish capital that were captured on CCTV and have prompted a criminal investigation.The footage reportedly showed a topless man driving erratically before abandoning his car and lunging at a black man and a delivery rider while holding two large knives. He is also alleged to have thrown an axe... [Continue Reading]
Canada inflation jumps to 29-month high as oil prices rise
Canada's annual inflation rate rose to 3.2% in May, reaching a 29-month high and moving outside the Bank of Canada's 1% to 3% target range for the first time in nearly two and a half years. The increase was driven in large part by petrol prices, which climbed 33.2% year on year, according to Statistics Canada. The data were released on Monday and point to a sharp rise in living costs at a time when energy markets have been unsettled by tensions involving Iran.The monthly inflation rate also increased by 1% in May, the strongest monthly gain in 15 months.... [Continue Reading]
God of War Laufey was planned years ago, actress says
The next instalment in the God of War series was reportedly planned years before its recent announcement, according to actress Deborah Ann Woll. Woll said the idea for a game centred on Laufey, Kratos' late wife, was pitched to her in 2018 by Santa Monica Studio creative director Cory Barlog. The comments suggest the project had been in development conceptually for a long time, even if the announcement only became public during a recent State of Play presentation.Woll said she had kept the project secret for nearly 10 years and was relieved that it had finally been revealed. She said... [Continue Reading]
Clive Davis dies aged 94 in Manhattan after recent respiratory problems
Clive Davis, the Grammy-winning record producer and music executive, has died aged 94. His family confirmed that he died at home in Manhattan on Monday. The death follows a recent hospital stay for upper respiratory problems.Davis was admitted to a New York City hospital on 29 May for upper respiratory issues and was sent home days later to recuperate. A representative said at the time that he was in good spirits and happy to be recovering at home. The family confirmation was reported to The New York Times, according to the supplied material.Davis spent more than 50 years in the... [Continue Reading]
UK issues rare red extreme-heat warning as temperatures near 40C
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat across parts of England and Wales, with temperatures forecast to reach 40C in some places. The warning covers London, parts of the Midlands, south-east Wales and southern England, and will run from 09:00 BST on Wednesday until 21:00 BST on Thursday. Forecasters say the heat will be intensified by high humidity, with significant disruption to daily life expected.The agency said the conditions could lead to serious illness and a danger to life, alongside travel disruption and wider pressure on public services. Amber weather warnings are also in... [Continue Reading]
India hosts BRICS security talks as Doval meets Iranian and Ethiopian officials
India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has held separate meetings in New Delhi with senior security officials from Iran and Ethiopia ahead of the BRICS national security advisers' gathering. The talks come as India prepares to host the bloc's leaders later this year and as BRICS members exchange views on shared security concerns. The meetings also took place against the backdrop of ongoing US-Iran talks in Switzerland over the conflict in West Asia.Doval met Ghadir Nezamipour, Iran's deputy national security adviser and deputy secretary for defence affairs at the Supreme National Security Council. According to an official statement, both sides... [Continue Reading]
UN says Myanmar military killed over 700 civilians during election period
A new United Nations human rights report says Myanmar's military killed at least 702 civilians during the six-month period when it was preparing an election last year. The report covers August to January and says the election process was widely derided as a sham because main opposition parties were excluded. It also says air strikes were the single largest cause of destruction and suffering during that period.The report, issued by the UN Human Rights Office, says credible sources verified the deaths of 702 people, including 224 women and 153 children. It says the military's campaign came as it pressed to... [Continue Reading]
Two men plead guilty over TfL cyber attack that caused months of disruption
Two men have pleaded guilty in connection with a cyber attack on Transport for London that caused months of disruption and an estimated £39m in damage. The pleas were entered at Woolwich Crown Court on what had been expected to be the first day of a six-week trial. The case centres on an attack that TfL says began on 31 August 2024.Thalha Jubair, 20, from east London, and Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall in the West Midlands, changed their pleas to guilty. Both admitted conspiring to commit unauthorised acts against TfL under the Computer Misuse Act. The court heard that... [Continue Reading]
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi expected to visit India and Guwahati from July 1 to 3
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to visit India from July 1 to 3, with Guwahati likely to host the bilateral summit, according to sources. If confirmed, it would be her first bilateral visit to India since taking office in October last year. The trip would also mark an early test of the relationship between the two governments under Takaichi's leadership.Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Takaichi in France on the sidelines of the G7 leaders' summit last week, where he said he had a "great interaction" with her. Modi added that India and Japan would continue to deepen ties... [Continue Reading]
Guinea bans raw gold exports to push domestic refining
Guinea has imposed an immediate ban on exports of unrefined gold, in a move designed to force more of the country's precious metal to be processed at home. President Mamadi Doumbouya announced the policy after meeting industrial and artisanal gold producers and buyers, saying raw gold would no longer leave the country. The decision is intended to increase local value addition and capture more of the economic benefit from one of Guinea's main exports.The authorities said the rule takes effect at once and requires all gold to be processed within Guinea before export. They also warned foreign companies operating in... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan issues nationwide alert over heavy rain, flooding and glacial lake outburst risk
Pakistan's disaster authority has issued a nationwide alert warning of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, urban flooding and the risk of glacial lake outburst floods over the next 12 to 24 hours. The warning covers vulnerable northern areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Officials said provincial and district administrations have been placed on high alert and told to keep drainage systems clear.The National Disaster Management Authority said the weather window is critical as the country prepares for what could be a fourth consecutive year of severe monsoon conditions, expected later this month. The alert specifically identified... [Continue Reading]
US strike on alleged drug boat in eastern Pacific kills two as survivors reported
The United States military says it has carried out another strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least two people. US Southern Command said the vessel was operating along a known drug-smuggling route when it was hit. The command also said there were six male survivors and that it had notified the US Coast Guard.The attack took place on Sunday and was disclosed in a post on Monday. SOUTHCOM did not provide details on how the survivors were rescued or what condition they were in. It also did not present evidence that the... [Continue Reading]
Uganda blocks Martha Karua from entering to join Besigye defence team
Ugandan authorities have blocked Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua from entering the country, preventing her from joining the defence team for detained opposition figure Kizza Besigye. The Uganda Law Society said Karua was turned back after arriving at Entebbe airport on Monday. The move comes amid an already tense treason case involving Besigye and a separate treason-related charge against his lawyer, Erias Lukwago.According to the Uganda Law Society, Karua had travelled to Uganda to work on the same case as Lukwago and Kenya Law Society president Charles Kanjama. Kanjama was allowed entry, while Karua was ordered to... [Continue Reading]
UK Parliament to debate petition on alleged Israeli influence in British politics
The UK Parliament is expected to debate a petition calling for an inquiry into alleged Israeli influence on British politics on Monday. The petition has passed the threshold needed to trigger a parliamentary debate after gathering 118,306 signatures. The debate is due to be broadcast on the parliament's YouTube channel.The petition was launched on 28 January by a member of the public, Andy Kalil. It says there are concerns about reported Israeli state-linked and pro-Israel lobbying activity in UK politics, and argues that the scope and impact of any such influence campaigns should be examined. It also links the issue... [Continue Reading]
Sev.en Global Investments sues CS Energy over Callide power station failures
A joint venture partner in Queensland's Callide power station has launched a Federal Court lawsuit against the state-owned operator, CS Energy, seeking more than $1 billion. Czech-based Sev.en Global Investments says repeated failures at the plant have caused major losses in generation capacity over the past five years. The legal action was filed on Friday in Australia and centres on three separate incidents at the power station.Sev.en Global Investments said the failures led to the loss of more than 1,700 days of generation capacity. It said it is seeking to recover losses linked to those outages and the cost of... [Continue Reading]
Heavy monsoon rains trigger landslides and cut Shillong-Dawki road in Meghalaya
Heavy monsoon rain has triggered landslides across parts of Northeast India, with Meghalaya among the worst affected areas. In the state, a major landslide has completely cut the Shillong-Dawki road, a key route linking the capital Shillong with Dawki near the Bangladesh border. Authorities have closed the road from the landslide site onwards until further notice.Officials said the closure follows severe rainfall recorded on Sunday at several stations in East Khasi Hills. The IMD station at Mawsynram registered 526.5 mm, while RKM Sohra recorded 470.4 mm and Mawkywrat 385 mm. The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills said repair and... [Continue Reading]
China expands retaliation against 10 U.S. firms as finance ministry bars purchases from 46 companies
China has widened its retaliation against U.S. companies by imposing export controls on 10 American firms and separately barring government agencies from buying products from 46 others. The measures were announced on Monday by China's Commerce Ministry and Finance Ministry, and were presented as a response to recent U.S. restrictions on Chinese companies. Beijing said the export controls cover dual-use items, meaning goods that can be used in both civilian and military settings.The Commerce Ministry said Chinese exporters would be prohibited from supplying dual-use items to the listed entities, and that the restrictions also apply to organisations or individuals in... [Continue Reading]
Japan announces fivefold increase in visa and residency charges from July 1
Japan has announced a sharp rise in visa and residency-related charges for foreign nationals, with the new fees due to take effect on July 1. The move will raise the cost of single-entry and multi-entry visas, as well as several residency-related applications, in what officials describe as the first revision of this kind since 1978. The policy change is expected to affect travellers, long-term residents and applicants for permanent residence.Under the new schedule, the fee for a single-entry visa will increase from 1,755.27 rupees to 8,776.36 rupees. Multi-entry visa fees will rise from 3,509.50 rupees to 17,547.49 rupees. The statutory... [Continue Reading]
Australia signs $2.5bn over-the-horizon radar export deal with Canada
Australia has signed a $2.5 billion deal to sell Canada an over-the-horizon radar system, in what is being described as the country's most valuable defence export ever. The system will be used to help Canada monitor the Arctic, extending a technology modelled on Australia's Jindalee Operational Radar Network, or JORN. The agreement marks the first time Australia has sold the technology abroad.The deal was announced on 22 June and follows a March commitment by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to spend billions on the project. Canada's secretary for defence procurement, Stephen Fuhr, said the agreement represented a significant shift in... [Continue Reading]
US and Iran talks in Switzerland move forward after brief walkout
The United States and Iran have made further progress in high-level talks in Switzerland, after a tense start that included a brief walkout by Iranian negotiators. According to the latest confirmed details, the two sides reached several key understandings during their first high-level session in the country. Those understandings include a 60-day timeline to finalise a deal, the creation of a High Level Committee to oversee the negotiations, and communication mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz.The talks were described as continuing after the initial disruption, with a US official saying discussions were expected to run into the early hours of... [Continue Reading]
Trump attacks Starmer and Meloni on social media over Iran, migration and energy
Donald Trump has used social media to launch fresh attacks on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sharpening tensions with two of Washington's closest European partners. In posts published on Sunday, June 21, the US president said Starmer would leave office and urged Meloni to support action against Iran. The comments were posted on Truth Social and focused on migration, energy and Iran policy.Trump said Starmer had "failed badly" to deal with migration and energy issues in the United Kingdom, and predicted that the British leader would soon be out of office. He then turned... [Continue Reading]
Mourners gather in Beirut after Lebanese conservationist dies from Israeli strike wounds
Mourners have gathered in Beirut to remember Lebanese conservationist Mona Khalil, who died from wounds sustained in an Israeli strike on her home in southern Lebanon. Khalil, 77, was critically injured in the attack in the village of al-Mansouri in Tyre province on June 4 and died more than two weeks later, on Friday. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief among environmentalists and volunteers who worked with her over many years.According to the supplied report, Khalil had spent more than two decades protecting sea turtles along Lebanon's coastline. She was born in Lagos in 1949 and held both... [Continue Reading]
Cuba announces death of revolutionary veteran Ramiro Valdes at 94
Cuba has announced the death of Ramiro Valdes, a veteran revolutionary commander and former interior minister, at the age of 94. President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on X that Valdes had died, describing him as a figure of "exemplary dedication to the service of the homeland." The announcement places one of the last surviving members of Cuba's revolutionary leadership back at the centre of public attention. Valdes was closely associated with the Castro brothers and was among the commanders involved in the Cuban revolution.According to the supplied report, he took part in the 1953 attack on the Moncada Barracks alongside Fidel... [Continue Reading]
France on red alert as Europe heatwave pushes temperatures above 40C
France has placed half the country under red alert as a severe heatwave drives temperatures above 40C across mainland Europe. The warning comes as authorities across several countries respond to rising risks linked to extreme heat, including reports of drownings in France, Germany and Italy. In France, emergency services and military forces have been put on bushfire alert, while officials have also restricted public alcohol consumption and cancelled some outdoor sports events.Temperatures in parts of France topped 40C on Sunday, and forecasters expect the heat to intensify further on Monday. The national rail authority has cancelled some trains and sent... [Continue Reading]
India's Cockroach movement camps out in New Delhi demanding education minister resignation
Supporters of India's Cockroach Janta Party have staged an overnight protest in New Delhi, camping on roads and pavements to demand the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration has continued despite police orders, with more people joining on the second day and a heavy police presence in the area. The protest is taking place in the capital's summer heat and has shifted the movement from online mobilisation to a visible street campaign.The group's leader, Abhijeet Dipke, returned to India earlier this month after graduating from Boston University in the United States and has been pushing the campaign beyond... [Continue Reading]
Syria frees activist Hassan Akkad after four days in Damascus detention
British Syrian activist Hassan Akkad has been released from a prison in Damascus after four days in detention linked to complaints over his online criticism and public comments. His release came after journalist and presenter Mousa al-Omar withdrew a complaint that had been filed in relation to Akkad's social media activity. The case has drawn attention because it involved a prominent activist, allegations of defamation, and the use of cybercrime procedures in a politically sensitive setting.Akkad was taken into custody from a cafe in the al-Maliki neighbourhood of Damascus on Wednesday at about 9:45pm local time, according to a statement... [Continue Reading]
Abiy Ahmed retains majority in Ethiopia election amid conflict fears
Ethiopia's general election has returned Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party to a large parliamentary majority, in a vote overshadowed by conflict, accusations of repression and limited participation by opposition parties. The party has won 438 of the 501 seats declared, according to the confirmed results available so far. Abiy is now set to be sworn in for another term at the beginning of October.The result strengthens the position of the 49-year-old leader, who first came to power in 2018 after anti-government protests. He was initially praised for efforts to reduce political divisions and later won the Nobel Peace Prize... [Continue Reading]
Israeli drone strike kills Al Jazeera cameraman in central Gaza
An Israeli drone strike on a house in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah, according to the broadcaster. A correspondent at the scene said the strike also wounded several people. The incident adds to the toll on media workers reporting from the Gaza Strip during the war that began on 7 October 2023.Al Jazeera said Wishah was killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a house in the camp. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed the strike and alleged that Wishah was a Hamas operative, but did not provide evidence to support the claim.... [Continue Reading]
Israel says it eliminated two Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives linked to attack financing
Israel said on Sunday that it had eliminated two operatives it described as being linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in an operation it said targeted people involved in financing attacks. The claim was presented as part of Israel's continuing security campaign against militant networks. No further operational details were included in the supplied material.According to the information provided, the two men were accused of helping fund terrorist attacks. The report did not specify where the operation took place, how the men were identified, or whether the action was carried out by the military, intelligence services, or another security... [Continue Reading]
Russian strikes kill three and injure 22 in eastern Ukraine
Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine have killed three people and injured 22, according to the latest confirmed report from the region. The attacks were reported on 21 June 2026 and are the latest civilian toll in the ongoing war. The incident adds to the continuing pressure on eastern areas that have repeatedly been hit during the conflict.The report gives a clear casualty update but does not provide further detail on the exact locations, the timing of the individual strikes, or the weapons used. It confirms that the strikes were carried out by Russia and that the impact was concentrated in... [Continue Reading]
Australia timber industry says Russian wood is entering via sanctions loopholes
Australia's forest products industry says Russian-grown timber is still reaching the country through third countries, despite tariffs imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Australian Forest Products Association says the material is being rerouted and processed abroad before entering Australia as products that do not attract the Russian-origin tariff. The group says the issue is affecting local producers in a market it describes as already depressed.Acting chief executive Richard Hyett said timber can be manufactured in another country or substantially transformed and then avoid the tariff. He said Russian timber can be sent to China, turned into laminated veneer lumber,... [Continue Reading]
Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah killed in central Gaza strike as death toll rises
Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least six people, including Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah and at least one child, according to health officials and rescuers. The latest deaths were reported on Saturday local time, with one strike hitting a home in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. Another strike in Gaza City's Sabra neighbourhood killed four members of the same family, including two children, according to civil defence officials and a nearby hospital.Al Jazeera said Wishah was killed in what it described as an Israeli bombardment that targeted a house in Bureij camp. The network condemned the... [Continue Reading]
Russia strikes Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv as Zelenskyy warns of a possible massive attack
Russian glide bombs and aerial strikes hit the Ukrainian cities of Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv on Saturday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 20, according to local officials. The attacks added to a day of renewed violence across Ukraine as warnings grew that Russia could be preparing a larger assault. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address that people should pay close attention to air raid alerts.In Zaporizhzhia, Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said Russian forces used glide bombs in an attack that killed five people and injured 11 others. He said the strikes destroyed and damaged... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strike in Gaza kills Al Jazeera cameraman and members of family in Gaza City
An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza has killed Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah, according to the broadcaster and Gaza health officials. The strike hit a house in the Bureij refugee camp, while separate overnight strikes in Gaza City killed four members of the al-Safadi family. The latest deaths come despite a ceasefire and amid continuing accusations between Israel and Hamas that the truce is being violated.Al Jazeera said Wishah was killed in an Israeli strike on a house in Bureij refugee camp. The Israeli military said it had struck Wishah and described him as a Hamas terrorist, but did not... [Continue Reading]
Zelensky returns Poland's top honour amid UPA row
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he has returned Poland's highest honour after Polish President Karol Nawrocki said he was stripping him of the award. The move deepens a diplomatic dispute between Warsaw and Kyiv over Ukraine's decision to rename a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, or UPA. It also keeps attention on a long-running argument over wartime history that has again spilled into present-day relations.The Order of the White Eagle was awarded to Zelensky in 2023 by then-President Andrzej Duda. Nawrocki said last month that the Ukrainian naming decision was "outrageous", "incomprehensible" and "deeply disappointing", and argued... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine expands drone strikes on Russian logistics and supply lines
Ukraine has stepped up a drone campaign aimed at Russian logistics networks deep behind the front line, with strikes reported on fuel convoys, military trucks, trains, bridges and supply depots. The effort is concentrated across southern Ukraine and occupied Crimea, according to the supplied material. Ukrainian officials describe the campaign as a form of logistical pressure intended to weaken Russia's offensive capacity.The supporting report says a CNN analysis identified around 150 geolocated strikes against Russian fuel tankers, trucks and other vehicles. It adds that the campaign has intensified significantly since early May, while many more attacks are believed to have... [Continue Reading]
Three India-flagged oil tankers transit Strait of Hormuz safely
Three India-flagged crude oil tankers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now en route to India, according to well-placed sources in the Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways. The vessels are the Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald. Together, they are carrying more than 8.6 lakh metric tons of cargo and have 94 Indian crew members on board.The ministry sources said the Desh Vaibhav is expected to arrive in Vadinar on June 24 with 37 Indian seafarers and 2,86,572 metric tons of crude oil. The Desh Vibhor, carrying 2,88,893 metric tons and 27 Indian crew members,... [Continue Reading]
Bolivia declares state of emergency amid nationwide protest blockades
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency after weeks of protests and road blockades that have paralysed large parts of the country. The measure is intended to give the government broader powers to clear blocked roads and restore normal movement of goods and people. Paz said the step was needed to "free the country's roads" and return the country to normalcy.The declaration comes after demonstrations that began at the end of April and have been led by miners, farmers and Indigenous groups. Protesters are demanding the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, a rollback of austerity measures and the... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon kill at least seven as ceasefire frays
Israeli strikes hit southern and eastern Lebanon on Saturday, killing at least seven people, including two children, shortly after a ceasefire renewal was announced. The attacks were reported in and around the city of Nabatiyeh, with nearby villages also affected. Rescue teams were still searching through rubble as the scale of the damage became clearer.The supplied material says the strikes came only hours after the ceasefire announcement and followed a heavy exchange of fire on Friday between Israel and Hezbollah. That earlier fighting left at least 47 people dead in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers killed, according to the rows.... [Continue Reading]
Iran factions split over US peace memorandum as hardliners push back
Iran's political factions are publicly clashing over a memorandum of understanding with the United States, with the dispute centring on how far Tehran should go in any deal with Washington. The row has sharpened after a written statement attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he had held a different view on the agreement but allowed it to proceed after President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted responsibility. The agreement was signed by Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump through mediation by Pakistan, Qatar and others.The statement attributed to Khamenei said he granted permission after Pezeshkian's "explicit acceptance of responsibility" as head of... [Continue Reading]
Zelenskyy gives Belarus one-week ultimatum over alleged drone-guidance equipment
Ukraine's president has given Belarus one week to shut down relay equipment on the border that Kyiv says is helping guide Russian drone attacks. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the equipment should be removed immediately and warned that Ukraine would act if Minsk does not comply. He made the remarks during a media briefing in Kyiv on Friday.Zelenskyy said there are relay stations on towers along the border and questioned why Belarusian leader Aliaksandr Lukashenka had not taken them down. He said a week would be enough time to deal with the issue and linked the demand to civilian harm in Ukraine.... [Continue Reading]
Top Ukrainian officials return Polish awards amid World War Two memory dispute
Top Ukrainian officials have said they will return Polish awards after Poland stripped President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of its highest honour in a dispute over World War Two massacres and the legacy of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. The move marks a fresh diplomatic rift between two countries that have remained close allies since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It also brings a long-running historical argument back into the centre of bilateral relations.Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's ambassador to Warsaw, Vasyl Bodnar, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Saturday that they would relinquish awards bestowed by Poland. Budanov said... [Continue Reading]
German journalist released after months held in Syria, family says
A German freelance journalist detained in Syria has been released and has returned home, according to her family. Eva Maria Michelmann had been held in the city of Raqqa since January 18, after being arrested during a military operation, her brother said. The family said she arrived from Jordan on Friday and is doing well given the circumstances.Her brother told the dpa news agency that she had spent an extended period in solitary confinement. He said there was still no trace of a Kurdish-Turkish journalist, Ahmed Polad, who was arrested at the same time and is a Turkish citizen. The... [Continue Reading]
Deaths in Kigonze displaced camp raise fears of hidden Ebola spread in eastern DR Congo
At least 30 people have died since early May in the Kigonze displaced persons camp in Bunia, in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising concern that Ebola may be spreading unnoticed in a crowded humanitarian setting. Some of the victims had confirmed Ebola diagnoses, according to the supplied report, while local actors said the overall cause of all deaths has not yet been established. The camp is in Ituri province, an area already affected by conflict and by the current Ebola outbreak.The report says Kigonze normally records between one and three deaths a month, making the... [Continue Reading]
Italian tourist dies as fire heavily damages Dominican Republic resort in Bayahibe
A major fire has heavily damaged the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe, on the south-eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Authorities said the blaze forced the evacuation of about 1,690 guests from the property. One Italian tourist died after the fire, according to local authorities and the Italian embassy.The fire broke out on Friday and spread quickly through parts of the resort, which is a popular destination for international visitors. Initial accounts said the woman suffered a respiratory crisis after rushing from the resort to the beach as smoke engulfed the area. She later lost consciousness, and... [Continue Reading]
Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline restarts in Algeria after years of delays
Construction work on the Algerian section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline has restarted, bringing a long-delayed energy project back into focus after more than two decades of setbacks. The pipeline is intended to carry Nigerian gas through Niger and Algeria before reaching European markets across the Mediterranean. The latest work began in early June in Algeria's Adrar region, following an initial construction phase there in early April.The project was officially restarted amid a recent thaw in relations between Niger and Algeria, according to the supplied material. It is more than 4,000 kilometres long and is designed to move gas from... [Continue Reading]
Ajit Doval to chair BRICS security advisers' meeting in India on June 22
India will host the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting on 22 and 23 June, with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval set to chair the talks. The meeting will take place as India holds the rotating presidency of the bloc this year. According to an official statement, the agenda will focus on non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today.The meeting is expected to bring together national security advisers and delegation heads from BRICS member countries. Among those named in the supporting material are Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian National Security Adviser Sergei Shoigu and Iranian Supreme National Security Council Deputy... [Continue Reading]
United States and Iran sign 14-point truce memorandum as nuclear terms remain unresolved
The United States and Iran have signed an initial 14-point memorandum of understanding that sets out a ceasefire window and leaves the nuclear question as the main unresolved issue. The document was signed this week and is described as an initial peace agreement rather than a final settlement. It gives both sides 60 days to negotiate the remaining details, with the possibility of extending that period by another 60 days if no deal is reached.According to the row, the memorandum includes guarantees that Tehran will never obtain nuclear weapons, the suspension of US sanctions against Iran, and financial compensation for... [Continue Reading]
Oil prices ease after Middle East peace deal as Strait of Hormuz disruption lingers
Oil prices have fallen after a shaky peace deal was announced in the Middle East, easing some of the immediate pressure on consumers and markets. The move comes after months of disruption linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Shipping is expected to resume only gradually, and the effects of the disruption are still being felt across fuel and utility costs.At the start of this year, oil was priced at about $60 per barrel, before the outbreak of war pushed it to $118 on 31 March. Since mid-May, repeated... [Continue Reading]
Pentagon seeks $80 billion funding package tied to Iran war costs
The Pentagon is preparing an $80 billion supplemental funding request that would cover costs linked to the Iran war and other non-war items, according to people familiar with the matter. The package is expected to be sent to lawmakers soon, as Congress continues to press the administration for a fuller accounting of the conflict's price tag. The reported request would add to an already contentious debate over how much the war is costing the United States and what should be included in the bill.Deputy Defence Secretary Stephen Feinberg told lawmakers in phone calls this week that the Department of Defense... [Continue Reading]
Israel hosts Somaliland president for first state visit and signs strategic cooperation deal
Israel has given Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi a formal state welcome in Jerusalem, in what officials described as the first state visit by a Somaliland leader. The visit took place six months after Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland's independence from Somalia. It also included a strategic cooperation agreement, signalling an effort by both sides to move beyond symbolism.Abdullahi, also known as Cirro, said during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he was in Israel for the first state visit ever by a Somaliland president. He said Somaliland had spent 35 years asking the world... [Continue Reading]
UAE extends visa grace period for residents affected by Iran war disruption
The United Arab Emirates has extended a visa grace period for residents and visa holders affected by disruption linked to the Iran war, giving them until 9 July 2026 to regularise their status. The move applies to people who had already been exempted from overstay fines after being unable to leave the country because of the conflict. It comes as Indian consular services in the UAE prepare for a separate transition in how appointments are handled.The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security said the 30-day window had been extended from 10 June to 9 July 2026. According... [Continue Reading]
Australia confirms first H5 bird flu detection in wild bird as response expands
Australia has confirmed its first detection of the H5 bird flu strain in a wild bird in remote Western Australia, marking a significant biosecurity development for the country. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the virus was found in a migratory seabird, a brown skua, and that the result had been confirmed by the national science agency. Samples from another sick bird, a giant petrel, have also shown a suspected positive result, while officials continue to assess how far the infection may have spread in wildlife.Ms Collins said there was still no evidence of mass mortalities and no evidence of... [Continue Reading]
Bedford train collision: driver killed and 89 injured as investigation continues
The collision involved two southbound East Midlands Railway services travelling towards London St Pancras, and police declared a major incident after the crash near Bedford on Friday afternoon. The British Transport Police said the collision happened at about 17:15 BST, just south of Elstow near the A421 and A6 road interchange. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were sent to the scene as the scale of the injuries became clear.The East of England Ambulance Service said 89 people were injured in total. Of those, 11 suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured and 56 had minor injuries. The driver... [Continue Reading]






